Parity celebrates the spirituality, faith
and religious expression of LGBTQia people.

Our Mission:

Parity is a faith-based organization headquartered in NYC that heals LGBTQ+ and faith divides.
We partner with a broad diversity of faith communities and work to foster understanding between traditionally rejecting faiths and LGBTQ+ people and their families. We create connections between the sacred and the secular by partnering with non-religious community-based organizations, businesses, colleges and universities.

Parity is comprised of preachers, healers, activists, nurturers, teachers and advocates representing a wide diversity of belief and non-belief - both LGBTQ+ and allies - through Parity programs, projects, and the witness of our lives.


Our history:

Parity (formerly Presbyterian Welcome) was formed in New York City in 1997. Started by Rutgers and Jan Hus Presbyterian Churches, we advocated for more inclusive policies in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which excluded otherwise qualified candidates from ordained ministry because of their sexuality or gender identity.

For over two decades we have supported LGBTQ+ people of faith while creating a more equal and inclusive Church. We wrote language considered and passed by our General Assembly to remove restrictions for LGBTQ+ candidates, provided extensive educational and pastoral resources, and supported more than 100 LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing ordination. We worked tirelessly for years to change the definition of marriage in the Presbyterian Church’s constitution, which now includes same-sex marriage. 

In 2014 we changed our name to Parity, expanded our vision and mission to include denominations beyond our roots, and deepened our programs to ensure healing and resolution continues.