AllianceQ

These values guide our work:

justice + liberation

“The value set I think is key for us is justice and liberation. I chose this because it is the heart of our work. We are a justice ministry that needs to be doing the work of liberation in a way that ensures that all means all in every DOC church.”
–Steven Blinder
(he/him)

belonging + affirmation

“Belonging and affirmation are significant to the work of the organization because LGBTQ+ people are everywhere, and we do belong in all aspects of life including church. Yet more than that, we want to be affirmed as our whole selves whenever we are involved. AllianceQ works to make that a consistent reality for LGBTQ+ folx in the DOC. Whether lay leaders, members, pastors, or more, AllQ aims to show that ALL people belong at the table, in the work, and in the life of the church AND all people are affirmed in their wholeness within the body of Christ.”
–Elijah Burton
(he/him)

love + grace

“I believe that every aspect of our work must be wrapped up in the value of grace. Graceful engagement offers us the space to make mistakes, to learn from one another, and to strive towards the betterment of all and the spiritual wholeness of the body of Christ.”
–August Laperche
(they/them)

accountability + transparency

“I am always wondering who is missing from our conversations, events, and initiatives. In order for us to realize our vision, we must develop meaningful relationships with our members and partners. I believe that if people feel connected to AllianceQ and to other members (this goes along with belonging and affirmation), they are more likely to help drive the organization forward. Accountability and transparency are paramount to building trust between the Alliance, our members, and our supporters — and that trust is the foundation upon which our work rests.”
–Luther Young
(he/him)

connectedness + relationship

“The Alliance’s commitment to belonging and affirmation is most important for me. I have been a member of many churches and a leader in several churches. I firmly believe that there is a true difference between being the recipient of a generalized ‘welcome’ and actually being able to say, ‘I belong here.’ Being truly affirmed for all of one’s self is one of the best and warmest feelings a person can have. I am committed to and enthusiastic about creating more spaces of genuine belonging and heartfelt affirmation. This act of making space is in line with the work of Christ, as he constantly worked to connect with those who had been marginalized. God affirms our differences and rejoices at the sight of our great diversity. AllianceQ rejoices alongside the creator, and AllianceQ will continue to work to ensure that a sense of belonging and affirmation are a part of the lived experience of all persons.”
–Laura Jean Allen
(she/her)

Our Priorities:

ensuring organizational sustainability,

dismantling and divesting from white supremacist structures and practices, and

addressing the pastoral needs of LGBTQ+ people.