Spirituality & Religion
Buddhist
Soka Gakkai International USA – New Orleans
(a lay Buddhist organization)
1331 Prytania Street, New Orleans
504-310-2011
All Meetings are being held virtually until further notice. Email [email protected] for more information.
Soka Gakkai International USA – New Orleans
(a lay Buddhist organization)
1331 Prytania Street, New Orleans
504-310-2011
All Meetings are being held virtually until further notice. Email [email protected] for more information.
Catholic
St. Joan of Arc, Reformed Catholic Church
5126 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans
504-943-1436
www.stjoanrcc.com
[email protected]
(Fr. James West, Pastor) Sunday Mass: Saturday, 5:30PM (held at St. Paul’s UCC, 600 Eleonore St, NOLA)
St. Joan of Arc, Reformed Catholic Church
5126 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans
504-943-1436
www.stjoanrcc.com
[email protected]
(Fr. James West, Pastor) Sunday Mass: Saturday, 5:30PM (held at St. Paul’s UCC, 600 Eleonore St, NOLA)
St. Augustine Catholic Church
1210 Governor Nichols Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
https://staugchurch.org/
New Ways Ministries
https://www.newwaysministry.org/
New Ways Ministry educates and advocates for justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger church and civil communities.
Dignity USA
https://www.dignityusa.org/ DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.
1210 Governor Nichols Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
https://staugchurch.org/
New Ways Ministries
https://www.newwaysministry.org/
New Ways Ministry educates and advocates for justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger church and civil communities.
Dignity USA
https://www.dignityusa.org/ DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.
Tau House
The Tau House was founded by the a Franciscan community and offers a space for prayer and Sunday Mass that welcomes all peoples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This small community celebrates Sunday Eucharist with occasional Wednesday evening reflections throughout the year.
1029 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans
504-529-3569
tauhouseneworleans.blogspot.com
[email protected]
Sunday Mass: 4:15PM
The Tau House was founded by the a Franciscan community and offers a space for prayer and Sunday Mass that welcomes all peoples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This small community celebrates Sunday Eucharist with occasional Wednesday evening reflections throughout the year.
1029 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans
504-529-3569
tauhouseneworleans.blogspot.com
[email protected]
Sunday Mass: 4:15PM
Episcopal
Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral
2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Services: Sundays at 7:30 AM, 10 AM and 6 PM; Monday through Friday services at 12:15 PM; and Saturday at 9:30 AM.
www.cccnola.org
504-895-6602
The Rev. Mary Koppel
[email protected]
Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral
2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Services: Sundays at 7:30 AM, 10 AM and 6 PM; Monday through Friday services at 12:15 PM; and Saturday at 9:30 AM.
www.cccnola.org
504-895-6602
The Rev. Mary Koppel
[email protected]
St. Anna’s Episcopal Church
St. Anna’s is a reconciling Anglo-Catholic Church
1313 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans
504-947-2121
www.stannanola.org
Sunday Rosary at 10:15 AM
Sunday Rite II Solemn High Eucharist Mass at 10:30 AM
Wednesday evening Rite II Healing Mass at 6:30 PM
St. Anna’s is a reconciling Anglo-Catholic Church
1313 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans
504-947-2121
www.stannanola.org
Sunday Rosary at 10:15 AM
Sunday Rite II Solemn High Eucharist Mass at 10:30 AM
Wednesday evening Rite II Healing Mass at 6:30 PM
Trinity Episcopal Church
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
504-522-0276
www.stannanola.org
Worship: Sunday: 7:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer in the chapel; 8:00 a.m.: Eucharist in the chapel (Rite I)
10:30 a.m.: Eucharist (choral) in the church (Rite II);
5:00 p.m.: Trinity Artist Series in the church
6:00 p.m.: Eucharist in the chapel (Rite II) Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer in the chapel Monday, 6:00 p.m.: Taize’ in the chapel Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.: Eucharist in the chapel; 6:00 p.m.: Organ and Labyrinth in the church Wednesday, 5:30 pm.: Eucharist in the church; 6:00 p.m.: dinner ($6) and program follows Thursday, 10:30 a.m.: Eucharist and healing service in the chapel; 6:30 p.m.: Choral Evensong
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
504-522-0276
www.stannanola.org
Worship: Sunday: 7:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer in the chapel; 8:00 a.m.: Eucharist in the chapel (Rite I)
10:30 a.m.: Eucharist (choral) in the church (Rite II);
5:00 p.m.: Trinity Artist Series in the church
6:00 p.m.: Eucharist in the chapel (Rite II) Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer in the chapel Monday, 6:00 p.m.: Taize’ in the chapel Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.: Eucharist in the chapel; 6:00 p.m.: Organ and Labyrinth in the church Wednesday, 5:30 pm.: Eucharist in the church; 6:00 p.m.: dinner ($6) and program follows Thursday, 10:30 a.m.: Eucharist and healing service in the chapel; 6:30 p.m.: Choral Evensong
Jewish
Gates of Prayer Congregation
Conservative Jewish Temple
400 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie
504-885-2600
www.gatesofprayer.org
[email protected]
Worship: Shabbat (Friday) 6PM, Sabbath (Saturday) 10:30AM
Gates of Prayer Congregation
Conservative Jewish Temple
400 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie
504-885-2600
www.gatesofprayer.org
[email protected]
Worship: Shabbat (Friday) 6PM, Sabbath (Saturday) 10:30AM
Temple Sinai
Reform Jewish Temple
6227 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 861-3693
www.templesinaino.org
[email protected]
Worship: Shabbat (Friday) 6:15PM, Sabbath (Saturday) 10:15AM
Reform Jewish Temple
6227 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 861-3693
www.templesinaino.org
[email protected]
Worship: Shabbat (Friday) 6:15PM, Sabbath (Saturday) 10:15AM
Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue stands proudly with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference for American Rabbis in advocating for justice, equality and acceptance. Our LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group acts as an extension of the mission of Touro Synagogue: transformative prayer, expansive thought, fearless engagement, and love. We are open and accessible to all, here for all of us as we open our minds to challenging thought and new possibilities. We seek out legislators to make our case, engage partners in the city and the region, worship together, envision the future together, march together in the Pride Parade, and have just plain fun together too.
4238 St. Charles Ave
New Orleans LA 70115
Services: 6:00pm Friday and 10:30am Saturday
http://www.tourosynagogue.com/social-action/lgbtq/
Touro Synagogue stands proudly with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference for American Rabbis in advocating for justice, equality and acceptance. Our LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group acts as an extension of the mission of Touro Synagogue: transformative prayer, expansive thought, fearless engagement, and love. We are open and accessible to all, here for all of us as we open our minds to challenging thought and new possibilities. We seek out legislators to make our case, engage partners in the city and the region, worship together, envision the future together, march together in the Pride Parade, and have just plain fun together too.
4238 St. Charles Ave
New Orleans LA 70115
Services: 6:00pm Friday and 10:30am Saturday
http://www.tourosynagogue.com/social-action/lgbtq/
Methodist
First Grace United Methodist Church
http://firstgraceumc.org/
3401 Canal Street, New Orleans
504-488-0856
Sunday Worship: 11:15AM, Pastor Shawn Anglim
First Grace United Methodist Church
http://firstgraceumc.org/
3401 Canal Street, New Orleans
504-488-0856
Sunday Worship: 11:15AM, Pastor Shawn Anglim
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
1130 North Rampart Street, New Orleans
504-523-0450
www.frenchquarterumc.org
(Rev. Anita Dinwiddie) Sunday Worship: 10AM (Adult Sunday School, 9:15AM/Bible Study, Wednesday 6PM)
1130 North Rampart Street, New Orleans
504-523-0450
www.frenchquarterumc.org
(Rev. Anita Dinwiddie) Sunday Worship: 10AM (Adult Sunday School, 9:15AM/Bible Study, Wednesday 6PM)
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a More Light community of the Presbyterian Church USA, welcoming and affirming persons regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. First Presbyterian offers a traditional Presbyterian worship service each week, consisting of song, prayer, praise, meditation and sermon, followed by fellowship over coffee and light refreshments.
5401 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans
504-866-7409
fpcno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
10AM (Adult Bible Study)
11AM (Worship)
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a More Light community of the Presbyterian Church USA, welcoming and affirming persons regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. First Presbyterian offers a traditional Presbyterian worship service each week, consisting of song, prayer, praise, meditation and sermon, followed by fellowship over coffee and light refreshments.
5401 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans
504-866-7409
fpcno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
10AM (Adult Bible Study)
11AM (Worship)
Lakeview Presbyterian Church
5914 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans
504-482-7892
www.lpcno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 10:30AM (Sunday School begins at 9:15)
5914 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans
504-482-7892
www.lpcno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 10:30AM (Sunday School begins at 9:15)
St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church
St. Charles/State Street, New Orleans
504-897-0101
www.scapc.org
[email protected]
(Senior Pastor Donald Frampton) Sunday Worship: 10:30AM
St. Charles/State Street, New Orleans
504-897-0101
www.scapc.org
[email protected]
(Senior Pastor Donald Frampton) Sunday Worship: 10:30AM
Unitarian Universalist
Community Church Unitarian Universalist
316 38th Street, New Orleans
504-483-2918
www.communitychurchuu.org
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 11AM (Rev. Jim VanderWeele)
Community Church Unitarian Universalist
316 38th Street, New Orleans
504-483-2918
www.communitychurchuu.org
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 11AM (Rev. Jim VanderWeele)
First Unitarian Universalist Church
The First Unitarian Universalist Church has been officially recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation, due to their efforts of action, education and awareness of their acceptance of members regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Worship services offer hymns, silent reflection and sermons.
5212 Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans (Church)
2903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans (Office) 504-866-9010
www.firstuuno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
10:30AM
The First Unitarian Universalist Church has been officially recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation, due to their efforts of action, education and awareness of their acceptance of members regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Worship services offer hymns, silent reflection and sermons.
5212 Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans (Church)
2903 Jefferson Avenue, New Orleans (Office) 504-866-9010
www.firstuuno.org
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
10:30AM
United Church of Christ
Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ
Central St. Matthew is an open and inclusive congregation that welcomes all persons into full membership, holding discrimination to be incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Committing to work to end all oppression and discrimination, Central St. Matthew affirms that all relationships are founded upon the principles of God’s love and justice.
1333 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans
504-861-8196
www.centralstmatthewucc.com
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
9AM Choir Rehearsal
10AM Worship
11AM Coffee Hour Fellowship
Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ
Central St. Matthew is an open and inclusive congregation that welcomes all persons into full membership, holding discrimination to be incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Committing to work to end all oppression and discrimination, Central St. Matthew affirms that all relationships are founded upon the principles of God’s love and justice.
1333 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans
504-861-8196
www.centralstmatthewucc.com
[email protected]
Sunday Services:
9AM Choir Rehearsal
10AM Worship
11AM Coffee Hour Fellowship
Non Denominational
Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church – New Orleans
St. Matthew UCC, 1333 South Carrollton, New Orleans 504-214-4340
www.bigeasymcc.com
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 1PM (traditional); 5PM (contemporary)
Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church – New Orleans
St. Matthew UCC, 1333 South Carrollton, New Orleans 504-214-4340
www.bigeasymcc.com
[email protected]
Sunday Worship: 1PM (traditional); 5PM (contemporary)
The Gathering Place Worship Center
Where Hope gathers and Grace restores
Pastor Lisa “Lee” Thompson
Meets at The DAYS Hotel-Roma Banquet Room
3400 S, I-10 Service RD. W. Metairie, LA
[email protected]
Www.gpwcnola.blogspot.com
Where Hope gathers and Grace restores
Pastor Lisa “Lee” Thompson
Meets at The DAYS Hotel-Roma Banquet Room
3400 S, I-10 Service RD. W. Metairie, LA
[email protected]
Www.gpwcnola.blogspot.com
Baptist
St Charles Ave Baptist Church
7100 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
504-861-9514
Stcharlesave.church
Worship: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.
Welcoming Statement
St Charles Ave Baptist Church
At St. Charles you can find a place at the table alongside persons from various faith traditions, ethnicities, viewpoints, and orientations. We delight in gathering with guests passing through town and those who want to grow with us in this community of faith. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your life’s journey, we greet you with open minds, open hearts, and open arms. In the name of Christ, welcome!
The statement above appears with occasional editorial modifications, in our Sunday bulletins and is fleshed out on our website (see extract below). There were many years, and some tears, required for the creation and adoption of this statement; “Why do we need a statement? People know who we are,” and, “It’s in our DNA.”
With regard to the LGBTQIA community, many of whom have been among our most active members, the church essentially operated as a “don’t ask, don’t tell” organization and, typically New Orleanian, with a “live and let live” attitude. Its behavior, however, belied that reticence to shout out our inclusion.
There were sound reasons for this reluctance to go public: we were a refuge for seminary professors and students who were “progressive” but being cautious about it, and we were a safe place for professional Baptists, a number of whom were gay. Still employed by the Southern Baptist Convention or auxiliary Baptists groups, these beloved congregants would have had to make a choice between their jobs and the church, as membership in a Southern Baptist congregation was required for their continued employment. We remained SBC, and closeted, until they all retired.
Thus, in much the same way that the church quietly welcomed our Black brothers and sisters into fellowship in the early 1960s, it ordained women to the diaconate from 1971, and to the gospel ministry from 1980. The church ordained its first openly gay deacon, a graduate of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to the diaconate in 1972. In 1988 it ordained its first LGBT+ person to the Gospel ministry, a lesbian and also a graduate of the New Orleans Seminary. We called a woman to be pastor in 2013, and a lesbian as executive director of the St Charles Center for Faith + Action in 2021. She also served for two years as associate pastor, before the Center’s work demanded her full attention.
The most important work that St Charles Ave Baptist Church did for gay people in the 1980s and into the ‘90s was our response to the AIDS crisis that raged through New Orleans and, indeed, through our church. Along with other like-minded congregations, we provided the most basic kinds of ministries to people with AIDS, visiting them in their homes, providing meals and housekeeping and even personal services, when many people were terrified of “catching” AIDS. We were devasted by our own losses of beloved friends in our congregation, making this work incredibly personal for many of us.
After all … What would Jesus do?
You can see one of our welcoming pages on the website here: https://stcharlesave.church/lgbtq
St Charles Ave Baptist Church
7100 St Charles Ave, New Orleans
504-861-9514
Stcharlesave.church
Worship: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.
Welcoming Statement
St Charles Ave Baptist Church
At St. Charles you can find a place at the table alongside persons from various faith traditions, ethnicities, viewpoints, and orientations. We delight in gathering with guests passing through town and those who want to grow with us in this community of faith. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your life’s journey, we greet you with open minds, open hearts, and open arms. In the name of Christ, welcome!
The statement above appears with occasional editorial modifications, in our Sunday bulletins and is fleshed out on our website (see extract below). There were many years, and some tears, required for the creation and adoption of this statement; “Why do we need a statement? People know who we are,” and, “It’s in our DNA.”
With regard to the LGBTQIA community, many of whom have been among our most active members, the church essentially operated as a “don’t ask, don’t tell” organization and, typically New Orleanian, with a “live and let live” attitude. Its behavior, however, belied that reticence to shout out our inclusion.
There were sound reasons for this reluctance to go public: we were a refuge for seminary professors and students who were “progressive” but being cautious about it, and we were a safe place for professional Baptists, a number of whom were gay. Still employed by the Southern Baptist Convention or auxiliary Baptists groups, these beloved congregants would have had to make a choice between their jobs and the church, as membership in a Southern Baptist congregation was required for their continued employment. We remained SBC, and closeted, until they all retired.
Thus, in much the same way that the church quietly welcomed our Black brothers and sisters into fellowship in the early 1960s, it ordained women to the diaconate from 1971, and to the gospel ministry from 1980. The church ordained its first openly gay deacon, a graduate of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to the diaconate in 1972. In 1988 it ordained its first LGBT+ person to the Gospel ministry, a lesbian and also a graduate of the New Orleans Seminary. We called a woman to be pastor in 2013, and a lesbian as executive director of the St Charles Center for Faith + Action in 2021. She also served for two years as associate pastor, before the Center’s work demanded her full attention.
The most important work that St Charles Ave Baptist Church did for gay people in the 1980s and into the ‘90s was our response to the AIDS crisis that raged through New Orleans and, indeed, through our church. Along with other like-minded congregations, we provided the most basic kinds of ministries to people with AIDS, visiting them in their homes, providing meals and housekeeping and even personal services, when many people were terrified of “catching” AIDS. We were devasted by our own losses of beloved friends in our congregation, making this work incredibly personal for many of us.
After all … What would Jesus do?
You can see one of our welcoming pages on the website here: https://stcharlesave.church/lgbtq