The Queer LEADERSHIP COALITION of Mennonite Church USA

 The Queer Leadership Coalition (QLC, formerly the Queer Constituency Council) is comprised of LGBTQIA+ persons and committed accomplices across Mennonite Church USA (MC USA). 

The QLC is a representative body in formation, emerging out of nearly five decades of organized LGBTQIA+ presence and engagement within the Mennonite tradition.  The QLC is rooted in the rich history and current work of Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests (BMC), Pink Menno, and Inclusive Mennonite Pastors (IMP).  QLC represents our broad, multi-faceted LGBTQIA Mennonite history and movement, including but not limited to existing organizations like BMC and IMP.

The QLC is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ representation on the denominational level. As part of delegates’ affirmation of the Resolution for Repentance and Transformation (May 2022), MC USA committed to the creation of “an LGBTQIA constituency group with representation on the Constituency Leaders Council (CLC) and/or other denomination-wide leadership groups.”  

QLC representatives participate in the CLC meetings, twice a year (October and March).  CLC meetings bring together denominational leaders (conference ministers and reps, executive board members, other constituency and Racial Ethnic groups, etc.).  At CLC meetings, we worship and pray together, share ideas and resources, process concerns and discern direction on issues of faith and life.  The QLC serves as a voice for LGBTQIA+ people at CLC meetings.

While QLC may be a new part of the CLC, our presence as an LGBTQIA+ Mennonite constituency has existed for a long, long time – a rich foundation on which to build!

 QLC representation is coordinated at this time by LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies with the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, the Inclusive Mennonite Pastors, and Pink Menno.

QLC is in its early phases. This includes dreaming and discernment around a model for representation and accountability, and how best to support LGBTQIA+ Mennonites across MC USA.

Are you curious about shaping this process? About representation that honors the fullness and complexity of our LGBTQIA+ Mennonite people and movements?  We need your voice!  We want to hear from you!

Help us build LGBTQIA+ representation that continues the work of justice, inclusion, healing and repair within Mennonite Church USA.

Sign up at the MC USA National Convention (find us at the Big Booth for Intersectional Justice), or contact Randy Spaulding (randy@queermennonite.org; 941-228-6825) to receive updates on how QLC is forming and how you may be involved. 

Donate to support travel costs to send QLC representatives to CLC gatherings where your voice and concerns can be heard on the denominational level. 

BMC 50th Anniversary! Save the date: May 29-31, 2026.  Celebrate 50 years of queer representation and advocacy in the Mennonite and Brethren Communities!