I read these posts and have a ? - how do you find a liberal church?

[williesgirl]

[Stardust]

1. Unitarian (Universalist?) is about as liberal as something considered "church" could get.

[supernova]

2. Literally, you have to visit a few

in your community to find a congregation you might be compatible with. Start by looking up denoms that are known for their more liberal theology: UU, UCC, Liberal Quakers. IF you're looking for something more mainstream, you can try the Episcopalians, some Presby and Methodist congregations fit this category too, though be aware these denoms are in a deep argument between liberals and conservatives. One church might be more conservative, the other down the road, more liberal.

edit: And I think that you have to visit a place several times to get a feel for it. Visit during a big celebration (What do they do for xmas for example?) Visit when it's slow. Who's always hanging around? How do they incorporate new members? What is the minister or officiant like? Are these people you are interested in? Do they seem genuinely interested in you?

One of my things, I've decided to look for is whether or not a church has opportunities to volunteer in the community. I would really like to find a place where I can volunteer in a soup kitchen or shelter, or maybe help kids with their homework. Something that I can do, one individual to another. None of that was available at my previous church.

To be honest, I'm at that stage myself. Though it's challenging for me to walk into a new place where I don't know anyone, because I'm very shy. :blush:

[MrsBrady]

3. well...

depends on if you mean the people or the faith, I guess.

The other poster is correct, you will just have to visit a few to see what you like.
Ask some democrats in your area where they go to church.

For instance, I'm in DFW..and I have a friend who is a minister and an outspoken Liberal Democrat like some of the Christian Right are...and his wife is a Democrat and a local Judge. They are Methodists, it think.

I grew up in Unity, not Unitarianism, but Unity. http://www.unityonline.org/ You can find a local church most places.
I still go sometimes.
I'm in Christian Science now. Depends on who to talk to there, but I've had nothing but loving experiences.
I'm into Christian Metaphysics, so I tend to gravitate to those type churches.

Also, you might check to see if there is a "gay" church group or congregations that really do welcome ALL. There are several in Dallas/Fort Worth. I like those congregations because they really do a lot of good for people in general. The man who married me and my husband is gay (we don't have ministers in Christian Science), and I picked him because is is such a great guy, and right on track every time I hear him speak. He has such a sweet, loving spirit. He used to have his own church, but now he's in Unity.

so just look around...I bet you can find something.

[Critters2]

4. Try UUs, UCCs, or Religious Society of Friends.

If I knew where you were, I might be able to help you. You might also want to visit the DU Liberal Christian/Progressive People of Faith group.