🌈 The Roots of Pride – A Sacred Timeline

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

—Galatians 3:28

From the ordination of Rev. William R. Johnson in 1972 to Holy Covenant’s march in the 2024 Charlotte Pride Parade, the United Church of Christ has boldly proclaimed that love is love and sacredness belongs to all. This vibrant Pride History Reel honors the faithful steps and bold leaps that brought us here—and points forward to the justice still unfolding.

📅 Milestones in UCC + HC LGBTQ+ Advocacy

• 1972 – First openly gay ordination (Rev. William R. Johnson)
• 1985 – UCC’s Open and Affirming (ONA) Movement begins
• 2005 – Marriage Equality endorsed by General Synod
• 2015 – HC celebrates marriage equality in NC with “I Do” outreach
• 2024 – Holy Covenant marches in Charlotte Pride
• 2025 – HC continues the sacred work of radical welcome

📚 Pride Reads, Listens, & Views

Explore these bold voices of faith and liberation:

• Queer Clergy by R.W. Holmen
• Body Becoming by Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
• Our Lives Matter by Pamela R. Lightsey
• UnClobber by Colby Martin

✨ Visit our LinkTree collection for more sacred storytelling.

🌟 Forward Together

This reel isn’t just a look back. It’s a mirror, a banner, a blessing. May it move us toward a future where every body is beloved, every orientation is honored, and every identity is held in the light of divine love.

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