(originally published in the March 2012 issue of Wayves)
By Daniel MacKay
A recent discussion on the Fredericton LGBT FaceBook page, is "Queer Theory Collective", initially addressed the issue of a lack of worship communities. As the discussion progressed, however, it became obvious that there is more of a lack of knowledge of the various options available.
Members of the QTC have contributed the following comments.
"E" writes: I know that Hinduism itself doesn't discriminate against LGBTQ persons and in fact includes them. I have never been to the temple here so I don't know if it is specifically LGBTQ friendly. However, I know the Hare Krishnas that are often in town are LGBTQ friendly! Heck I hung out with them for 3 days straight and I'm pretty darn obvious!
"J" writes: The Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton (www.uff.ca) is a formally Welcoming Congregation. For those looking for a more traditional (i.e. Christian) religion, I believe that the Wilmot United Church is the United Church equivalent. This means that members of the GLBTQ communities are treated as much as possible as equals. The institutions are, however, religious institutions and all respect the community. As a cross dresser, I am accepted in drag or in drab, however, I take care to make sure that regardless I dress appropriately for a church service, i.e. modest garb, clean and neat, for whichever gender.
At any rate, you will not find disapproval from the pulpit of a Welcoming Congregation for being GLBTQ. When I am service leader, I explicitly mention the welcoming status in some way. Long before same sex marriages were legalized, the United Church ministers and lay chaplains would perform ceremonies of union for same sex partners. The church considered these the same as marriages and we were among those lobbying for the right to perform these unions as legal marriages and we are now proud to be able to do so. Again, many United Church ministers will also perform same sex marriages.
"D" writes: The Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton is a fabulous option for some folks, with a very long history of advocating for queers. And Wilmot is available too. There's also the Shambhala meditation 
centre, and the Quakers are also very queer-welcoming.
"T" adds: In 2011, Wilmot United Church hosted several Rainbow Brunches which were all very well attended. Late in the year it was decided as a group that we would set the dates for our gatherings for this year for the second Saturday of every other month beginning in February. The next one will be on April 14. We gather in the kitchen/church parlour of the church about 10:30 am to enjoy a potluck meal and a time of fellowship and sharing. Each person is asked to bring along their favourite breakfast/lunch dish to contribute to the shared meal. All are welcome. Although Wilmot is not officially recognized as an Affirming (the term used in the United Church context) congregation, it has come to be known as a very open and welcoming presence to the GLBT community in downtown Fredericton. This hasn't necessarily been widely advertised to the community at large. One of our best kept secrets, so to speak. There may be some developing news on this front in the coming months.
My husband and I count ourselves among the growing number of same-sex couples who have exchanged our wedding vows at Wilmot. For us it was a very affirming and supportive experience as the congregation shared in our celebration in the fall of 2009.
"L" writes: There is also Integrity for those who want an Anglican mass. It is a small group, but its mandate is to provide a worship environment for those who feel alienated within the church. I found it especially helpful when I was first coming out because for me it wasn't enough to worship in a LGBTQ friendly environment, I needed it to be explicitly queer affirming. Integrity gave me back my own sense of spiritual integrity.
"S" writes: I go to Shambhala Centre in Fredericton, and I've never been treated in any of those ways, never marginalized or patronized.
"D" writes: My samesex partner and I were married at the Unitarian Fellowship and I have to say that it was a wonderful experience for us. We had never been there before but we were treated with respect and I only felt positive vibes.
"K" writes: My experience at the Shambhala meditation center has always been good and I've been going there for about 4 years.
"D" writes: Sexual orientation and gender are both specifically mentioned in the Principles of Unity in the Pagan community. The one in Fredericton ebbs and flows when it comes to public rituals and events, and right now it's on an ebb, but anyone can join the Yahoo group for more information.
About The Places Mentioned In The Article
Hare Krishna: visit Fredericton from time to time. For more information, visit www.everytownandvillage.net
Hindu Temple: 259 Doak Road, 457-4550.
Integrity: meets at the Unitarian Fellowship Building, 874 York St, the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4:00 PM.
Pagan Group: Yahoo group "paganrituals"
Quakers: meet Wednesdays at noon, Chapel of St. Thomas University, call 454-7479 for details, and Sundays at 10 AM. Call for location. 454-5882 or 472-9086 or fredericton-contact@quaker.ca
Shambhala Centre: 20 Serenity Lane (off Hanwell) 449-3051 fredericton.shambhala.org
Unitarian Fellowship 874 York St, 451-0919, services are held at 11:00 am Sundays, www.uff.ca
Wilmot United Church, 473 King St (King & Carleton.) The web page wilmotuc.nb.ca lists the Rainbow Brunch events and contact information for the LGBT group. "The Board of Session of Wilmot United Church will consider all marriage requests from members and adherents. This may also include couples who have expressed the desire and demonstrate a willingness to become part of the life and work of this faith community. "
