The Illusion of Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Exclusion at the UU Congregation of the Shoals

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Shoals publicly presents itself as a welcoming, LGBTQ+ affirming space. It has participated in Pride events, hosted inclusive programming, and adopted UU principles that affirm the worth and dignity of all people, including queer individuals.


However, there is a clear contradiction between public messaging and interpersonal behavior within the congregation:

  • After a returning congregant shared about a gay Satanist friend who was disowned by his Christian family, the response was not affirming. It included:

    • Being told the concern was “just an opinion.”
    • Being interrupted and talked over while trying to explain the emotional and spiritual harm.
    • Being told multiple times to “maybe find another church.”
    • The prior agreement to allow speech on queer and Satanic identity (outside a Christian lens) was denied.

  • The individual’s raised voice—a trauma response to repeated gaslighting—was treated as a threat, rather than grief in need of care.
  • Though some members (e.g. Dr. Carl Gabhart) offered symbolic apologies, the congregation’s broader reaction functioned as emotional invalidation and queer spiritual marginalization.

⚠️ In Practice:

The congregation promotes inclusion in theory, but has not been able or willing to handle emotionally honest expressions of queer grief or religious otherness, especially when Christianity is implicated in that harm.

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