We understand that being a progressive Asian American Christian can be lonely sometimes. So we’ve crowdsourced a list of progressive churches throughout the country in case you are looking for a faith community. We look at 3 major criteria when including a church in this list:
- Affirmation of the complete humanity and human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals
- Affirmation of women in leadership roles within the church (does not always mean that lead pastor is female)
- Involvement in social justice issues such as anti-racism and pro-immigrant activism, LGBTQ+ advocacy, creation care, etc. (All the things included in our Statement on God’s Justice!)
Please note that this crowdsourced list is subject to change. Inclusion on this list does not represent endorsement by the organization Progressive Asian American Christians. We encourage you to visit these church websites and/or contact church staff as you search for a faith community aligned with your progressive beliefs.
You can also submit a listing for consideration. All suggestions are subject to PAAC moderator approval.
Street Address 2504 Broadway
10025
Notes Multi-ethnic congregation. Services in English and Spanish. Operates groups for college students, 20s/30s, and those who identify as LGBTQ+, among others. Reconciling in Christ (RIC); fully LGBTQ+ affirming and welcoming.
Languages English, Spanish
Street Address 132 N Euclid Ave
91101
Street Address 634 W Peachtree St NW
30308
Notes The 11:15 am service on Sunday mornings is informally known as the "grays and Gays"--that is, the old people and LGBTQ+ crowd. Formal, high church worship experience, with progressive values.
Street Address 7170 Beaver Run Road
31820
Notes Explicitly theologically progressive church. Worship services are relatively traditional. Sermons are often social justice oriented.
Street Address 55 N Broad St
19107
Street Address 2309 Packard
48104
Notes Co-founded by an LGBTQ+ pastor and an ally pastor; both were fired from the Vineyard when the LGBTQ+ pastor came out and the ally pastor wouldn't fire her. Has roots in the evangelical movement. Contemporary worship, with casual dress. Attendance of about 150-200 on Sunday mornings. Supports the Ozone House, a local nonprofit that houses and supports homeless teens, 40% of whom are LGBTQ+. Works with an organization that resettles refugees in the county.
Street Address 755 8th Street NW
20001
Notes Racially and socioeconomically diverse church in the center of Chinatown. Worship is mainly in English blended with elements of the Spanish language. Fairly large Burmese congregation meets separately. Involved with immigration reform, sanctuary church movements, overseas missions, interfaith relations, homeless ministry, DC Pride, and local community issues such as affordable housing and sanctuary city policies. Established over 150 years ago by abolitionists hosting runaway slaves.
Street Address 15303 S Gilbert Road
Notes Large church with four congregations in Philly and South Jersey; more people are involved in cell groups (small groups) than attend Sunday services. Services include non-mainstream music, a message, and a time for community response. Very social justice oriented, not very racially diverse.
Street Address 2460 Sutter St
94115
Notes Multi-ethnic congregation; about 30% are Asian. LGBTQ+ affirming.