LGBTQIA+ Affirming Church in Nashville
Affirmation Statement
Edgehill UMC is a historically LGBTQIA+ affirming church where queer people are fully welcomed in membership, leadership, and marriage. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and are worthy of love, dignity, and belonging. We affirm and celebrate the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in the life of our church—without exception.
We proclaim that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are not barriers to God’s love or to participation in Christ’s church. LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed as full members of our community, called to leadership, and invited to share in every aspect of worship, ministry, and service.
Grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice, reconciliation, and radical hospitality. We acknowledge the harm the Church has caused and continue to seek a more faithful, inclusive way forward. At this table, there is a place for everyone. We are a community still becoming—growing together in grace, courage, and love.
Everyone has a place at this Table
Is your church fully inclusive?
Yes! Edgehill UMC is fully inclusive! We affirm, celebrate, and welcome LGBTQ+ people as beloved children of God—created in God’s image and deserving of dignity, joy, and belonging. You are welcome here, just as you are.
Can LGBTQIA+ people become members of your church?
Absolutely. LGBTQIA+ people are full members of Edgehill. Your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is not a barrier to membership, participation, or leadership.
Yes! LGBTQIA+ people are fully welcome to receive both of our sacraments at Edgehill— Baptism and Holy Communion. God's grace is for everyone, without condition. We do not withhold the means of grace from anyone.
Can LGBTQIA+ people receive the sacraments in your church?
Can same-gender couples be married at Edgehill?
Yes! Edgehill UMC joyfully officiates and celebrates same-gender weddings. We believe marriage is a sacred covenant and a means of grace available to all loving couples.
Yes! LGBTQIA+ people can and do serve in leadership roles at Edgehill, including in staff positions and lay leadership. We believe gifts for ministry are not limited by gender identity or sexual orientation (or anything else!)
Can LGBTQIA+ people serve in leadership or pastoral roles in your church?
We understand that the Bible has been used to harm LGBTQIA+ people, and we reject interpretations that dehumanize or exclude. At Edgehill, we read scripture through the lens of love, justice, and liberation. We believe God affirms queer people and calls the church to do the same.
What is your church’s position on the Bible and LGBTQIA+ people?
Yes! Edgehill UMC was the first reconciling church in the southeast. In fact, our reconciliation work in the 70s was used as the blueprint for RMN. Our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion is not new—it is rooted in decades of prayer, study, activism, and community.
Is Edgehill part of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)?
We hear that. Many of us have also experienced spiritual trauma at the hands of the church. At Edgehill, we honor those wounds and do our best to offer a safe, loving, and healing spiritual home. You are not alone.
I’ve been hurt by the church before. Is it safe for me to try again?