As of July, 2007, First Parish Chelmsford became officially recognized by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation.

After 20 months of education, reflection, and open discussions, the final act taken at First Parish Chelmsford was a unanimous vote to declare our intent to be a UUA Welcoming Congregation at our annual meeting in June, 2007. Click here to read the article that was approved. After the UUA received our paperwork, we received notification in July that we have been designated a Welcoming Congregation.

We are grateful for the support and advice of our minister, Rev. Ellen Spero, our mentors at First Parish Groton, Betty Keddy and Karen Johnson, guest speakers Lindsey Straus, J.D. and Carolyn Hotchkiss, J.D., and the members and friends of First Parish Chelmsford who were trusting enough to step forward and share their personal journeys.

We now have an ongoing Welcoming Congregation Ministry to offer programs, alert the congregation to legislative initiatives that provide the opportunity to express our support of GBLT persons to legislators, and communicate with the appropriate church committees. If you are interested in joining this ministry please contact one of our co-chairs.

In Fellowship,

The Welcoming Congregation Committee