In search of Non Denominal church for multiracial, LGBT+ family
BPN Community,
We're an East Bay, multiracial, LGBT+ family looking for a church for our 10 year old son (and family) to attend and grow our son's sense of spirituality, community & music.
Below are our priorities for the church we're in search of:
- A diverse congregation including black, white, asian, gay and straight + (similar to Glide Memorial in San Francisco)
- A social connection to the black community for our black son (whose dads are white and asian)
- A church that has a developed music program to help foster our son's love of the piano playing
- A spiritually minded congregation that is social minded and promotes volunteerism in the community
- A church led by a black man or woman (to mirror leadership for our son)
- A church located in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito or Alameda
Thank you in advance for any suggestions. Cheers!
Jan 2, 2025
Parent Replies
I'd check out Allen Temple in Oakland. It's the big, activist church of the East Bay like First AME in LA. Bernie Sanders made a stop there a few years back and I know they partner with progressive religious leaders of any religion, Jewish, Muslim, etc. They've got strong community and social justice and music ministries. I have friends who go there. Can't speak to how LGBTQ friendly the community is but it's progressive and cosmopolitan.
You might want to check out St. Augustine's episcopal church at 521 29th Street in Oakland. While it isn't non-denominational, it is a truly incredible community that meets all of your other criteria. And I would say that the explicitly Episcopalian aspects function as a supportive foundation rather than a set of oppressive restrictions. Good luck in your search!
The Plymouth Jazz and Justice Church in Oakland meets all your criteria! Check it out!
I have just the church! Plymouth United Church of Christ and Plymouth calls themselves the jazz and justice church. Led by a Black woman; the congregation is very diverse organically. (Many churchs “try” to be and Plymouth is naturally! Music is phenomenal with many jazz arttidys coming and playing… Lady Bianca, ec. Its in Oakland and they do alot with sa lical elementary school.
The UCC is far left on spectrum. First to ordain a black woman (1800’s) first to ordain a gay person (1970) very cool denominatiion! Try them