The Guide to Welcoming Congregations is a resource listing LGBTQQ/SGL affirming congregations in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. 

Our primary emphasis is on the Delaware Valley/Philadelphia Metro Area.  However, we encourage listings from widely in the region, since Philadelphia LGBTQQ/SGL resources are utilized broadly. Our outreach often meets people who are visiting Philadelphia from outlying areas and we are eager to highlight resources that may be local to their home.

Our criteria for listing a faith community is loose.  Participating congregations may range from mainstream congregations with a passive welcome to hotbeds of staunch activism. Some congregations will have made a formal statement of welcome, affiliating with national welcoming programs.  Others have simply asked to be listed. 

A listing in the Guide to Welcoming Congregations is free. We are eager to support the LGBTQQ/SGL community by listing communities representing many different religious traditions. We ask only that a representative of your community affirm that the community welcomes LGBTQQ/SGL people and that you would like to be listed. Please contact us by phone (215-840-2858), email (info (at) yescoalitionphilly (dot) org), or through our website (www.yescoalitionphilly.org/guide/new) to initiate or update your listing. 

As a Partner or Sponsor, your faith community will gain valuable visibility among LGBTQQ/SGL folks who are seeking a spiritual community. In addition, your annual contribution of $100 (partner level) or $500 (sponsor level) will fuel our outreach efforts. Partner and sponsor congregations are highlighted in the Guide to Welcoming Congregations. Please send your donation to the YES! Coalition, P.O. Box 24005, Philadelphia, PA 19139.

It will enable the YES! Coalition to:

• Expand the Guide to Welcoming Congregations to a greater number of congregations and enlarge each congregation’s entry in the Guide.

• Enhance the visibility of the YES! Coalition and the Guide to Welcoming Congregations through expanded development of our website, email list, and other promotional materials.

• Coordinate a physical YES! Coalition presence at local events, including LGBTQQ/SGL gatherings, community fairs, college campus festivals, and other venues.

• Develop a Speakers Bureau that will actively offer services to congregations, schools, and other venues.

• Plan a variety of networking events that will enable people and congregations affiliated with the YES! Coalition to know,support, and share resources with one another.