Program Profile: The Faith Alliance

OutFront Kalamazoo has been actively engaged with a gathering of local faith community leaders who are working to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ affirming communities of faith who are seeking full inclusion of, and justice for, the LGBTQ+ community.

The Faith Alliance, currently consisting of 14 individual faith organizations in and around Kalamazoo, meets on a monthly basis to discuss the state of religious groups in regards to their relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and how they can help further the acceptance and welcoming of LGBTQ+ individuals in faith communities all over Michigan.

In recent years, the Faith Alliance has held various events and activities, including holiday dinners, programs and panels, and a Pride Month Interfaith Service which allows individuals of all different faiths to come together for a shared ceremony.

The coalition of faith leaders also has a supporting role in addressing the problem of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in Kalamazoo through a collaboration with the Host Homes program by helping to prepare future Host families to house homeless youth as well as supporting the Host families during the youth’s stay. The Faith Alliance also offers reconciliation services for youth wishing to reconnect with their families.

To learn more about the Faith Alliance, click here or contact Michael Cleggs at michael@outfrontkzoo.org.