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Kansas City recently marked the 50th anniversary of its Pride celebrations, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled from July 11-15. The city has a significant history in LGBTQ+ activism, having hosted the first national gathering of gay and lesbian civil rights organizations in 1966.
Colonial Church in Prairie Village UCC participated in this year's three-day Pride festival, offering glitter tattoos and messages promoting love and inclusion. Rev. Michael Vollbrecht, a Kansas resident and soon-to-be senior minister at Colonial Church, was among the volunteers painting glitter tattoos representing various LGBTQ flags. Donations collected were directed to local community organizations.
Vollbrecht highlighted Kansas City's central location as a reason for its diverse attendance at Pride events, drawing participants from both Kansas and Missouri. He emphasized that despite perceptions of the region as rural or conservative, there is strong support for social justice and allyship within the community.
The church's involvement in Pride is part of its long-standing commitment to being visibly supportive within a region where churches have historically not been inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. Vollbrecht noted that many churches are now open and welcoming, providing important visibility for inclusivity.
Feedback from the community about Colonial Church's rainbow banner has been positive, with some expressing gratitude for finding an accepting environment for their families. Vollbrecht looks forward to welcoming attendees to General Synod in Kansas City.
“It’s going to be phenomenal to welcome everybody, and especially our queer family," he said. "It will be good to extend that hospitality to folks as they visit.”
