The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce that it has once again received its annual renewal from the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation. In 1993, FUSF voted to become a Welcoming Congregation and has maintained their status ever since. This means FUSF works hard to make sure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are accepted as full members of our faith community. Being welcoming also means striving for radical inclusion, and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

To receive designation as a Welcoming Congregation, FUSF has to complete the “5 Practices of Welcome Renewal” every year. This past year, FUSF completed these requirements by conducting two LGBTQIA+ worship services, recognizing LGBTQIA+ Days of Observance, hosting two Out MetroWest LGBTQIA+ workshops, donating to OUT MetroWest, and supporting the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance with donations and volunteers for Franklin’s Celebrate with Pride Day.     

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team is responsible for leading the annual certification process. Some of their members are pictured below with Reverend Beverly Waring, FUSF’s Interim Minister.   

FUSF will hold its annual Pride Service on June 4, 2023.  All are welcome and invited to attend. Details of this, or any service, can be found at fusf.org.