At Southminster, we believe that God unconditionally loves all people and intends for them to feel included and celebrated.  To that end, we welcome all people into our church and into full participation in our church life, celebrating a rich diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. 

The Rainbow Ministry seeks to create a safe and affirming space for all God’s people; to educate and equip members and friends on how to expand our welcome to the LGBTQ+ community; and to bear witness to justice through our faith, words and actions.

Southminster belongs to the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and More Light Presbyterians, two national organizations of open, affirming Presbyterian churches. 

Recent Events

Southminster was recently featured in an article on the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade in the Lake county Sun-News on the front page! Please click here to read the article.

• What are the Risks and Rewards of Coming Out as LGBTQ+ ?- Click Here for Video
• What is a Welcoming Church? – Click Here for Video
• What Does it Mean to Be a Welcoming and Affirming Church and How Do We Get There?  Click Here for Video
• “Why does the LGBTQ+ community need a special parade?”  Click Here for Video
• Through My Eyes video and discussion on LGTBQ+ youth of faith Click Here for Video
• Ben Greene video interview and discussion on being transgender Click Here for Video Week 1 & Week 2
• The Village video on transgender acceptance within families Click Here for Video
• Transgender Day of Remembrance video
• Discussions of the book Torn by Justin Lee. Click Here for Video

Resources

• Pinta Pride Project – Card-writing initiative & Buffalo Grove Pride Parade
• HRC – Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the U.S.
• PFLAG – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a national support and information organization
• GLSEN – Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network is the leading national organization working to create safe and inclusive schools for all.
• Ben Greene’s Good Queer News (his Instagram here)—Ben is a public speaker, LGBTQ+ inclusion consultant and openly transgender man
• LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Church (PCUSA 2022)

Books

• God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
• Torn by Justin Lee
• God vs. Gay – the Religious Case for Equality by Jay Michaelson
• My Child is Trans. Now What?  by Ben Greene