How Welcoming Are We? -- Creating Safe and Inclusive Sacred Spaces

Many churches would proudly welcome a sign that says “All Are Welcome.” But how do people who have been hurt by the Church before, especially LGBTQIA+ people, know they can believe it? This workshop from Covenant Conversation: East Iowa/Great Rivers offered creative ways of thinking about welcome that is authentic and effective, including in a church’s worship, publicity/marketing, practices of hospitality, building facilities, community outreach and more.

The Rev. Carol McDonald (she/her) retired from, and was named Executive Emerita by, the Synod of Lincoln Trails in August, 2014. Currently, she serves as a Parish Associate at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. She has held many leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is a longtime member of the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

The Rev. TJ Remaley (he/him) is the pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho, and has previously served congregations in South Carolina and Florida. A lifelong Presbyterian born and raised in central Pennsylvania, he holds M.Div and M.A.C.E. degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to the Covenant Network board, TJ also sits on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Council of the Association of Partners in Christian Education. TJ lives in Boise with his spouse Megan, son Layton, and their two rascally cats.