The Best Gay Friendly Churches in the USA

Being gay and also a Christian can be tricky. Whatever the bible does or doesn’t say about homosexuality (it says very little), Christians have historically taken a dim view of gay sex. In general, it might be said that Christians have taken a dim view of sex. It’s seen as a problematic endeavor to endured for procreation, and little else.

For gay Christians who were raised by conservative, flag-waving, gaaad fearin’ parents, the church might be associated with all manner of unpleasant memories. Of pastors denouncing the wickedness of gay sex, only for you to realise you’d very much like to engage in such activities with several members of NSYNC.

That being said, there are some very LGBTQ+ churches in the USA, including churches that are led by and gay people and geared towards an LGBTQ+ congregation. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most progressive places of worship. You don’t even have to be a Christian to attend a service at these churches.

The gay scene doesn’t have to be limited to circuit parties, bathhouses and thirst trapping on Instagram. It can be a spiritual experience too. Before we get too high and mighty, you’re welcome to post lots of church pics on your stories to show how wholesome you are. 

Naturally, these churches are worth considering if you’re planning a gay wedding.

Cathedral of Hope (Dallas, Texas)

The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas, is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ led church. In the heart of the Lone Star State, the most progressive Christian congregation provides a safe space for the spiritually curious. It was founded in 1970 as the Metropolitan Community Church of Dallas, part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), a denomination created to serve LGBTQ+ Christians when most religious institutions rejected them. Throughout the years, the Cathedral of Hope has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, providing spiritual refuge, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, and advocating for marriage equality long before it became legal in the U.S.

Visiting the Cathedral of Hope makes for a memorable experience, whether attending a Sunday service, a midweek prayer gathering, or a community event.

Metropolitan Community Church of New York (New York, New York)

New York City is home to a lot of gay people, some of whom might be in need of atoning for a lifetime of sins. Or at the very least saying a quick prayer in between botox appointments and gym sessions. If that sounds like you or someone you know, the Metropolitan Community Church of New York is the place to go.

The Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) has been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ faith and activism since its founding in 1972. As part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), it was established to provide a safe for LGBTQ+ Christians at a time when many mainstream institutions were not welcoming. Led by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, the church continues to be deeply involved in social justice, fighting for marriage equality, transgender rights, and the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Beyond worship, MCCNY runs The Sylvia Rivera Food Pantry & Homeless Youth Services, addressing food insecurity and housing instability among LGBTQ+ people in New York City.

Glide Memorial Church (San Francisco, California)

The Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco is one of the most influential progressive churches in the United States, known for its deep-rooted commitment to social justice and LGBTQ+. Originally founded in 1929 as a traditional Methodist church, it underwent a radical transformation in the 1960s under the leadership of Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani, who reshaped Glide into a more inclusive congregation. During the gay rights movement and the AIDS crisis, Glide became a vital refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, offering support when many religious institutions turned their backs. Today, Glide operates one of the largest social service programs in the city, providing free meals, harm reduction programs, housing support, and healthcare services to thousands of people in need.

Attending a Sunday Celebration at Glide is unlike a traditional church service—it’s a high-octane experience with gospel music and spoken word. The church does not follow a strict liturgical structure but instead fosters an inclusive environment where people come together and leave judgment at the door. Historically, the Methodist church is rooted in Puritanism so Glide’s progressive ethos makes for a welcome respite from tradition.

Foundry United Methodist Church (Washington, D.C.)

This church is a progressive Christian institution in the heart of Washington. Like Glide, it’s rooted in the Methodist tradition. In the 1990s, Foundry became one of the first United Methodist churches to openly affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, taking a bold stance against the denomination’s restrictions on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy. The church has officiated same-sex weddings for years, long before the Methodist denomination officially recognized them, and continues to push for greater LGBTQ+ acceptance within the global church.

All Saints Church (Pasadena, California)

The All Saints Church in Pasadena, California, is a historic Episcopal congregation known for its progressive theology, and it's very welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. Founded in 1883, the church has a charming exterior: it looks like one of the ancient (or at the very least, old) churches you might see in a British village. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, All Saints became one of the first Episcopal churches to bless same-sex unions and openly advocate for LGBTQ+ clergy, despite resistance from the broader Episcopal Church at the time. They even advocate "liberating ourselves from the Bible as a weapon of exclusion", so you can enjoy Christianity with all the bad bits taken out.