LGBTQIA+ Affirming Church in Nashville 

Edgehill UMC 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.

Two women in white lace dresses holding colorful bouquets, surrounded by smiling people with bubbles floating in the air, celebrating a wedding.
A red pickup truck decorated for a parade with people celebrating and holding signs, displaying patriotic decorations like ribbons and flags.
Black and white photograph of two young boys sitting outside in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera. The boy on the left has shoulder-length hair, glasses, and is wearing a striped sports jacket. The boy on the right has short hair, glasses,
A banner with the words 'EUMC' at the top, a cross with flames and leaves on the left, a pink triangle on the right, and the words 'Reconciliation, Con...'
A group of musicians with guitars and a banjo performing on stage, with a banner in the background that reads 'Love One Another' and a floral arrangement on the stage.
Black and white photograph of a woman standing at a podium in front of a stepped arrangement of handbags, with more handbags displayed on each step, in an indoor setting.
A smiling woman standing on a vintage tram with a sign that reads 'Powell and Market, Bay to Taylor, Fishermans Wharf.' The tram is on a city street with buildings and streetcars in the background.
Three men conversing indoors, with a colorful abstract painting in the background.
Five hands of different ages and genders resting on open Bible, with a floral arrangement at the base of the book.
Close-up of two people holding hands, one wearing a smartwatch. The focus is on their hands and wrists, with a blurred background.
Two women from Nashville's Edgehill United Methodist Church holding a sign that says "EUMC A Reconciling Congregation" during a parade protest.

LGBTQIA+  FAQ

  • Yes! 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.

  • 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— Baptism and Holy Communion. God's grace is for everyone, without condition. We do not withhold the means of grace from anyone.

  • 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!)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes! We are a community of LGBTQIA+ believers, nonbelievers, allies, friends and family, activists and seekers. If you long for a community that practices justice, mercy, and radical welcome—you’ll fit right in.

Edgehill's Queer History