The growth of LGBT-affirming churches

Around Nashville, more and more churches are becoming LGBTQ-affirming. According to the website Gay Church, affirming congregations — also known as reconciling or welcoming — have increased by more than 50 percent in Nashville over the past decade. That reflects a national trend. For some Nashville churches, the mission goes well beyond welcoming, centering LGBTQ people in worship and leadership. What does LGBTQ-affirming church look like in Nashville? We explore what it means for the religious culture of our city. But first, we respond to listener feedback in our weekly @Us segment. Guests: Rev. Dawn Bennett, pastor at Table Nashville Steven Adair, worship and communications at Glendale United Methodist Church Eric Patton, minister specializing in LGBTQ weddings Kashif Andrew Graham, outreach librarian for religion and theology for Vanderbilt Divinity Library Lóre Stevens, MDiv, intern pastor at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis