In response to recent news regarding ministry standards of City Impact, OutNebraska would like to lift up the following information and statements. We believe that the ministry standards, specifically regarding members of the LGBTQ+ community, are extremely concerning.
As many community members have expressed, these standards only serve to further marginalize people who may benefit from, or even contribute to, the overall mission of City Impact. Every youth-serving organization has to understand that they are serving young people who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community or who have LGBTQ+ parents.
“Children need positive role models from all communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, to see a positive future modeled for them where adults of different backgrounds can work together for the greater good,†says Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director of OutNebraska.
In the last several years, support for the LGBTQ+ community from people of faith has been on the rise: 72% of white mainline Protestants, 51% of Black Protestants, and 56% of other Protestants of color support same-sex marriage (Gallup). Nearly half of LGBTQ+ adults identify themselves as religious, according to a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.Â
These facts and figures reveal the demand for religious spaces that are affirming and inclusive. As a fellow community organization, we call on City Impact to reconsider their ministry standards to better reflect the needs of the community they aim to serve.
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OutNebraska is a statewide organization working to advocate, celebrate and educate on LGBTQ+ issues in Nebraska. For more information visit outnebraska.org