It takes a village

 

The African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Individuals and groups outside the family can have a huge impact, for better or worse, on a child's well-being.  

As important as families are for nurturing, often family is not enough. Families need a larger supportive community. 

As people of God, we recognize the value of working together to create a caring community where people look out for and encourage each other, where they share joys and sorrows, good times and bad times—where all people can be who they are, without hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Families and congregations together can create places of safety, support, and celebration—places free of ridicule, shame, or rejection—places where every person is valued, accepted, nurtured and loved as a child of God.