Our congregation proudly displays the rainbow flag of an official Welcoming Congregation, where people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can feel at home.

We were first recognized as a Welcoming Congregation in 1997. In 2015, we applied to have this status renewed, and this was approved by the LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Here are some excerpts from the recognition letter (PDF):

Your application was among the most thorough and powerful that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I was able to get a strong sense of not only the tasks you accomplished, but also the spirit and energy which you brought to it.

It’s clear that First UU understands that becoming recognized as a Welcoming Congregation is a commitment rather than an end point.

I’m especially impressed with your fundraising and advocacy efforts to support marriage equality in Michigan and with your partnerships with community groups.

We believe and practice the first Principle of Unitarian Universalism: the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We invite you to share your leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, responsibilities, blessings and joys of congregational life.