Proud Peacemakers
You are seen. You are valued. You belong.
Launching October 6th
A Dedicated Space for Connecting, Processing and Healing with Other LGBTQIA+ People and Families
What is Proud Peacemakers?
PROUD Peacemakers is a group opportunity aimed at creating an intimate space where queer community members and allies can have time to connect before, during, and after the Sunday service here at Crossroads. The intention of the program is to acknowledge the deep wounds caused by exclusion, discrimination, and a distorted representation of God’s love many have experienced within Christian spaces, and create a trauma aware space for spiritual exploration and healing for the queer community.
Why a dedicated space to process your faith experiences?
Creating a safe and affirming space for the queer community within the church is not just about inclusion; it’s about acknowledging the deep wounds caused by exclusion, discrimination, and rejection that many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced within Christian spaces. For too long, the church has been a place where queer people have encountered judgment, condemnation, and a distorted representation of God’s love. This has left many feeling alienated from their faith and disconnected from a spiritual community. By offering a designated space before and after service, and an alternative viewing option for those not ready to enter the main auditorium, we are saying to our queer siblings: “You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.” This space, guided by a trauma care specialist, recognizes that the journey toward healing and spiritual exploration is deeply personal and often requires the safety of community, where individuals can process their experiences without fear. This initiative is crucial because it intentionally addresses the spiritual and emotional needs of a community that has often been marginalized and hurt by the very institution claiming to embody love. By creating a space where the queer community can gather, share, and worship together in ways that feel safe, we are living out our commitment to radical inclusivity and healing. It’s a way for us to reclaim what church should be—a sanctuary where everyone can experience the fullness of God’s love, regardless of who they are or who they love. This is not just a welcome; it’s a reparation and a declaration that the church is a place of love, growth, and belonging for all.
Where and when is this space available? Do I need to sign up?
Every Sunday morning at 9:30am you, your family and friends are invited to connect with other queer community members in our Living Room. The living room is in our main office upstairs. You are also welcome to stop in after the 10am service to process with others who might be walking the same journey. No need to sign up, this is a drop in time where everyone is welcome.
Who leads Proud Peacemakers?
Mary Lidmilla, a trauma informed care professional and member of the queer community, leads our team that makes the Proud Peacemakers space available. Along with Mary we have a team of hosts whose faith journeys involve the intersection of queerness and christianity. Some of our hosts are family members of the queer people who feel passionately about demonstrating unconditional love, welcome and affirmation.
What do Crossroads leaders teach the Bible says about the LGBTQIA+ community?
Crossroads loves everyone by including and affirming all people regardless of race, gender identity and expression, sexuality, class, disability or immigration status. We understand that scripture offers an inspired and beautiful picture that all people are created in the image of God. We believe that using scriptural passages to speak against and justify the exclusion, condemnation and inevitable violence against queer people is a product of Christian homophobia, a misuse of scripture, and a spiritually abusive act that must be clearly condemned as such.
Can members of the LGBTQIA+ community serve and get married at Crossroads church?
Members of the queer community can work at Crossroads Church, volunteer on or lead any of our ministry teams, get married at Crossroads, and thrive in our fully affirming environment. One of our 5 Unacceptable Truths we work to rewrite is the “fear of the other” which manifests as racism, sexism and homophobia in our world. Together, we are focused on replacing “fear of the other” with inclusion and affirmation.
