People of the UCC invited to ‘show up boldly, visibly, together’ at WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C.

In a couple weeks, the United Church of Christ will gather in solidarity with queer and trans siblings at WorldPride 2025.

Several events, taking place June 6-8 in Washington, D.C., invite people to gather with others in the UCC to worship, take action, and witness to God’s inclusive love.

“Pride matters now more than ever,” said the Rev Derek A. Terry, acting executive director of the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition. “Pride has always been a protest — a declaration of joy, resistance, and survival. And this year, with World Pride happening in Washington, D.C. — the very seat of the bigotry and policies causing so much pain — it’s even more critical that we show up boldly, visibly, and together. The church must not be silent. Our presence is a witness that God’s love is intersectional, liberating, and radically inclusive.”

The UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy in D.C. has been organizing to host a coordinated UCC presence in the WorldPride parade and street festival, as well as taking part in a trans empowerment service and an international march for freedom. More details on each event are below.

Rachael Ward, UCC minister of Gender and Sexuality Justice, particularly encourages those who can to join the UCC for the rally and march on June 8 in support of trans siblings around the world.

 “As siblings in Christ, I believe we have a moral obligation to ensure the body of Christ is visible to all,” they said. “I’m proud to be a trans, nonbinary person of faith every day of my life. And I know all too well the deep divide we face from institutions attempting to disembody our personhood. By marching together, worshiping together, and offering resources and care to those most along the margins within our LGBTQ+ community, we are committing to the gospel of love OUT LOUD. We are being the people of faith God invites us to be through justice, love, mercy and humility in real time.”

The Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the UCC Washington Office, added that marching together creates a powerful opportunity to stand together, while also being fun.  

“Marching with thousands of other people from around the world on behalf of love and for Pride is going to be a blast,” he said. “This march and rally will be a critical moment to affirm the values we stand for – the values of love and inclusion we will advocate and fight for – with our government and all nations.”  

The following events offer opportunities to get involved, and all are encouraged to register if planning to attend any of these events by May 23.

Events include:

• Friday, June 6 – Trans Empowerment Service & Mutual Aid Health & Wellness Fair 
  Hosted by the National Trans Visibility March and the UCC Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries, this event takes place 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at National City Christian Church and includes activities such as yoga, a trans empowerment service, workshops, and a provided lunch. People who cannot attend in-person are invited to join the livestream.
• Saturday, June 7 – Pride Parade
  The Central Atlantic Conference and Potomac Association are organizing a float in the Pride Parade, with the opportunities to march along, or to join with staff of the Washington Office and others to watch along the parade route at National City Christian Church. A few volunteers will be needed for decorating that morning.
• Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8 – Street Festival: The Potomac Association and ONA Coalition will run a shared table at the Street Festival. Volunteers are needed to help set up and manage the table, which will be among other vendors, exhibitions, food and drinks, and free concerts.
• Sunday, June 8 – March & Rally
  The UCC will participate in the International Rally and March for Freedom. UCC members are invited to meet up at The United Church starting at 8:30 a.m. to join “church on the move,” walking together in song and prayer. The rally begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Memorial and will transition into a march toward the Capitol at noon, culminating at the street festival and closing concert. Attendees can register with the Capital Pride Alliance organizers here and register with the UCC here. Registration is required, and bags and weapons are not allowed, but clear bags are permitted. 

Leaders of the UCC Central Atlantic Conference and Potomac Association, which encompass the D.C. area, have also been instrumental in coordinating the UCC’s engagement at WorldPride.

“Community can create sanctuary against the marginalization and oppression permeated throughout Washington, D.C., and our nation,” said the Rev. Jason Carson Wilson, Potomac Association associate moderator. “Gathering to bask in pride is the perfect moment to congregate in the face of adversity as well as celebrate love, pride, and diversity.”

The Rev. Freeman Palmer, CAC Conference Minister, emphasized hopes that people will recognize in the UCC’s presence how there are churches that love, accept, and affirm everyone.   

“Pride Month has always been important. But this year, with WorldPride being in Washington, D.C., it makes celebrating who we are as God’s beloved not only a statement of affirmation, but one of liberating defiance to those who would keep us chained and bound by heterosexism and bigotry,” said Palmer. “Pride to me has always been less of a parade than a march for justice long denied for my LGBTQ+ siblings since Stonewall and the AIDs epidemic. Yet this year, the clarion call to love loudly and march proudly is both important and urgent.  We need all willing hearts, minds, and feet to join us on the streets of Washington.”

Register here to join the UCC for any of these events by Friday, May 23.

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