The first-of-its-kind fellowship is committed to advancing congregation-based programmatic initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion
CHICAGO — Pride in the Pews, a grassroots nationwide nonprofit that creates solutions and build bridges to empower the Black LGBTQ+ community, in partnership with Trinity Church Wall Street, today announced a first-of-its-kind fellowship, the 2023 Black Church Equality Fellowship (BCEF).
“The Black Church Equality Fellowship is a premier leadership development program for Black faith leaders advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in their local congregational context,” said Rev. Don Abram, Pride in the Pews Founder and Executive Director.
The BCEF is a distinguished nationwide leadership development program for Black faith leaders committed to advancing congregation-based programmatic initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Selected Black faith leaders will receive a $4,000 grant, one-on-one consulting support, ongoing learning opportunities, and two all-expenses-paid trips to Chicago for mandatory cohort convenings. At the end of the fellowship, participants will be equipped to act as bridge-builders and faith-based social justice advocates in their churches and their communities.
Proposed projects will leverage the local congregational setting, such as Sunday services, bible studies, growth groups, church staff retreats, faith-based conferences, congregation-based podcasts and web series, and church ministries, with the goal to launch programming that destigmatizes LGBTQ+ related conversations, programming, and ministry offerings.
Two-person teams will lead the project that consists of congregation-based leaders, including pastors, ministers, lay leaders, congregants, and church staff. Through relationship-building, resource-sharing, and community-building, the cohort will develop and refine tools, strategies, and skills to bridge the gap between the Black Church and the LGBTQ+ community.
Black congregations of all sizes, denominations and governing structures in any U.S. state can apply in addition to congregations across the theological spectrum. Applicants do not have to identify as LGBTQ+ and can be allies and co-conspirators.
Grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis through March 24, 2023. The grant implementation period will commence in March 2023 and conclude in December 2023.
For more information on how to apply, visit prideinthepews.com/blackchurchequalityfellowship.
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About Pride in the Pews: Pride in the Pews is a grassroots nationwide nonprofit that creates solutions and build bridges to empower the Black LGBTQ+ community. To learn more, visit prideinthepews.com.
Contact:
Don Abram
Pride in the Pews
773.629.5612
[email protected]
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