By Gina Whitaker

An interfaith worship service titled “God Loves Gays” will be held at the San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza in the amphitheatre, July 12 from 12:30 to 1:00 PM to kick-off the Gay Pride festivities. The service, led by clergy and lay leaders from several denominations, will emphasize the importance of faith among members of the gay community and their allies.

This is the first interfaith worship service sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast (GALA) and held at Mission Plaza immediately prior to the opening of the annual Pride in the Plaza event. The short service will include songs, including a solo by Steven Espinosa and performances by members of Cuesta College Music Department, a short homily and readings and prayers from various spiritual traditions. Representatives from participating congregations will be available after the service to meet with those who are interested. Everyone is welcome.

Carmen Fojo, the organizer of the event, says, “It’s time for GLBT folks to be especially proud at Gay Pride of their spiritual gifts—their faith in God, their trust in a Higher Power and their belief in love.”

The Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, founded in 2005, is sponsoring the service. Their mission is to provide a bridge between faith communities and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, and promote spiritual healing, reconciliation and unfolding within a framework of theological and religious diversity. For more information about the Coalition, contact Gina Whitaker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it