As LGBT History Month comes to a close, we celebrate the progress of the LGBT advocacy movement, knowing that without the courageous, persistent and faithful people who preceded us (many of whom are still among us), we would not have reached the point where, in an increasing number of settings, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are visible and welcome. The Coalition lists 758 ONA churches, has a presence at UCC national and regional youth events, and develops and nurtures leaders in all settings of the church.

We celebrate history, and we have the opportunity to make history. No matter where you are in the country, you can take action in the California campaign to preserve marriage equality. In May, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in California. Those rights are threatened by Proposition 8, which would change the California constitution to eliminate that freedom to marry.

The No on Prop 8 Campaign needs your support, in financial contributions, in telephoning voters to educate them, and in encouraging your California friends, family, and colleagues to Vote No.

To find out how to participate, go to www.noonProp8.com

Please take action to make a difference.

The 2008 UCC National Youth Event needs to be remembered as unique to the Coalition for several reasons. It was a wonderful event for us!

We have built our capacity to the point where nine volunteers and two
staff were present at the NYE.  Volunteers & Staff: Erik Koepnik, Betzi Yungclas, Beau Heyen & youth group from Cathedral of Hope, Lucy Brady, Roma Paganiban (youth), Kait Cox (youth), Jennifer Spears, Sarah Lohrbach, Noah Gillespie, Bill Walsh, Ruth Garwood, Timothy Brown

Over 475 people (of approximately 2,800 attendees - 16%) took our
workshops. In addition, Health & Wholeness Advocacy offered 3 workshops. A first among the workshop listings at NYE was a transgender workshop for youth. Workshops: Biblical Self-Defense, suicideTALK, Ho-Ho-Homophobia, How to Be a Straight Ally, My Dad's Gay and I'm Not, Gender and Beyond, ONA-Spirited Youth, The ONA Process at Your Church, Mentoring Queer Youth, Our Stories, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

We are assessing the safety of our youth groups for lgbt youth. We again distributed the safe-climate survey. Approximately 175 were completed and returned.

We were visible in several ways at the NYE:

• YYAs carried the Coalition banner in the opening parade.
• Safe Space was listed in the NYE Program book.
• Our workshops were listed in the workshop book.
• Our numerous volunteers & staff networked with innumerable people.
• We had display tables in the exhibit hall.

I am glad to be in a denomination in which we can participate so fully and openly!

We sold resources and gave out materials. We sold quite a number of buttons and shirts. We put our materials on CDs to distribute. About 190 CDs were distributed.

We offered a safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, same-gender-loving youth.  A drop-in space was available for seven time slots throughout the NYE, during each recreation and optional activities time.

We are developing new listservs. Sign-up sheets were available for our two new listservs: a Youth Ministers Listserv and a Youth Allies Listserv.

Tim Brown
The Coalition's Youth and Young Adult Coordinator

Pennsylvania Central Conference area conference minister, the Rev. Allen Fluent, recently proposed the development of a blog for their ONA and "inclusive" congregations.

http://souljourneysincpa.blogspot.com

"This is my first effort ever to attempt a blog. I'm absolutely the least technologically inclined member of our Conference staff," says Fluent.  He didn't let the technology get in the way of his goal and now he's reaching out to learn more about networking through the internet.  Check out his blog and spread the word!

You can read the full article online at www.ucccoalition.org/programs/ona/who/list/ona_celebrations/200810/

The UCC Children’s Staff Table has created a new web page, "Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It."  Bullying is a form of abuse of power, when one young person or a peer group abuses a vulnerable young person over a period of time.  Bullying happens at school, at church, and in all kinds of communities—in fact in every community—but there is hopeful evidence that a community or a school or a church can take steps to create a culture of respect that reduces bullying.  Staff will continue to develop the resources on this webpage, which now contains information and definitions, important links, reflection pieces, and worship resources.

http://www.ucc.org/justice/children-and-youth/what-can-we-do-to-stop.html

The Coalition expresses its condolences to board member, Carri Hoagland, on the sudden loss of her daughter Erica on September 7, 2008.  Please hold Carri and her  whole family are in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve thistragic loss.  You can review an obituary online at http://www.legacy.com/DuluthSuperior/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=117257804

This October, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) denomination has been celebrating its 40th anniversary. MCC began with just 12 worshipers gathered in a Huntington Park (Los Angeles area) living room in 1968.  That gathering has grown into the world's first Christian denomination with a primary, affirming ministry to the LGBT community. Today, MCC worldwide includes 300 churches, church plants, and organizing groups located in 28 countries. 

While so many LGBT-affirming religious groups focus on work within U.S., MCC continues to take a pioneering role in supporting LGBT Christians around the world.  They serve as a lifeline for people around the world who are in harm's way because of their sexual identity. 

More personally, so many LGBT folks of all denominations have found sanctuary in MCC churches on our own journeys.  "If there are any out, LGBT pastors of any denomination that have never set foot inside an MCC church, then I sure haven't met them," says Chris Paige.

Thank you to Troy Perry, Nancy Wilson, Cindi Love, and all of the MCCers around the globe who are continuing to change the world.