Rev. Joanna is in Baltimore this week at the UUA General Assembly. Last week, she delivered these words to the Cedar Park City Council.

I am the Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, minister of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park. We have been a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community since our opening 34 years ago,  proud host to the organization PFlag, and the Cedar Park/Leander Pride festivals, and a safe space for those seeking an affirming, inclusive spiritual home. And it’s not enough that we provide that space. Live Oak and other affirming churches should never have to be a bunker in a larger community that makes individuals feel unwelcome because of who they are or who they love. That’s why this proclamation is so important. It sends the message that queer folks belong in our city, their families matter.  To live an authentic life is something worth celebrating, and I’m so appreciative to have city leaders who understand that.