Southminster Presbyterian Church Boise - A Beacon of Inclusivity and Acceptance
- Meda Thompson
- Feb 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise is a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance, proudly serving as an LGBTQ affirming congregation. Our doors are open wide, welcoming individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities to worship and participate fully in our faith community. With a commitment to love, understanding, and equality, we strive to create a safe and supportive space where everyone can explore their spirituality without fear of judgment or discrimination. Come join us as we celebrate diversity and embrace the beautiful tapestry of humanity.
Check out our Community Spotlight and see what Reverend TJ Remaley says along with a few members of the congregation.
Community Spotlight on Southminster Presbyterian Church Boise
Rev. TJ Remaley (he/him)
"On a personal note: as an out bisexual/queer pastor, it has been deeply healing and fulfilling to be called by God to serve alongside many other folks whose identity is in the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including staff, elders, deacons, members, and community partners."
Expand Arrow to Read More from pastor TJ It is a true joy and blessing to serve as pastor alongside the members and friends of
Southminster Presbyterian Church, where our mission is to be “an open and affirming community, seeking a caring and just society.”
At Southminster, we affirm and celebrate the worth and dignity of all people, recognizing that
every person is a beloved child of God. This commitment is lived out as “faith in action,” made visible through our worship, our faith formation, our fellowship, and our service to the
community.
We are committed to fostering a community where love wins, justice prevails, and true
belonging is realized for all people. Our congregation is a longstanding partner of the Interfaith Equality Coalition of Boise, advocating for issues of Climate Care, Religious Respect, Economic Justice, and Human Rights & Equality. We’ve been an active presence at Boise PRIDE Fest and community events such as Transgender Day of Visibility for well over a decade. And within our own denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are an enthusiastic member of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a non-profit organization in which I’m proud to serve on the Board of Directors. We stand with the Covenant Network in its mission to achieve an equity still not fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society.
On a personal note: as an out bisexual/queer pastor, it has been deeply healing and fulfilling to be called by God to serve alongside many other folks whose identity is in the LGBTQIA+
umbrella, including staff, elders, deacons, members, and community partners. Together, we are attempting to live out our fervent belief every person has a unique and valuable role to play in the body of Christ and in bringing about God’s kin-dom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Until that happens, the work of justice will continue. What a privilege to be a part of it.
God’s Peace,
Rev. TJ Remaley (he/him)
Pastor, Southminster Presbyterian Church
Member, Covenant Network of Presbyterians Board of Directors
Drew Harenberg (they/them)
"Southminster is one of the first places I came out publicly as a nonbinary trans person. From the moment my coming out statement was read during the service I was surrounded by welcoming, supportive people who immediately began using my pronouns and my chosen name."
Expand Arrow to Read Full Review from Drew Harenberg (they/them)
"I joined Southminster in the 1980s, long before coming out. I was drawn to Southminster by the involvement the church had with the world outside of its building. I stayed because of the loving, welcoming, supportive people in the congregation.
Southminster is one of the first places I came out publicly as a nonbinary trans person. From the moment my coming out statement was read during the service I was surrounded by welcoming, supportive people who immediately began using my pronouns and my chosen name.
The people of Southminster believe in, preach, and live out the concept of God being the God of love. They are welcoming, caring, and supportive. LGBT people are welcomed and fully included in the church, including in leadership. Southminster is a refuge in a world of hatred towards LGBT people, or any marginalized people." - Drew Harenberg (they/them)
Katie Fuze (she/her) of Boise's Southminster Presbyterian Church
"We would like to acknowledge Southminster Presbyterian Church for being an open and affirming community."
My wife Theresa and I were both baptized in a Southern Baptist Church. Our church family at Southminster has loved us authentically and supported us in becoming members, as well as getting married in the church. It is an honor to be serving as Deacons first of all as women, and secondly as members of the LGBTQIA community. We feel at home and accepted and loved for our true selves here."
- Katie Fuze (she/her)
View an article TJ Shares as a coming-out post from a couple of years ago.
"I didn’t set out to be a bisexual advocate / pastor. At least, not consciously. Yet by God’s many Graces, here I am — (re)claiming my voice."
(taken from article.)
Here is another article shared for Bisexual Visibility Day 2023
Southminster Presbyterian Church
Southminster affirms and celebrates the worth and dignity of all people.
6500 W Overland Rd. Boise, ID, 83709
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