The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse's foundational principle is that LGBTQIA+ people are a part of God’s good, beloved, and diverse creation, wholly worthy of full access to everything that the church has to offer. These gatherings offer friendship and connection in an affirming environment.

The Lighthouse Youth Community is an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth in middle and high school, led by Catherine Montgomery.

Lighthouse participants have the opportunity to share experiences of identity and connect with others in friendship. Our gatherings are open to everyone in Jacksonville and the Beaches area, including people of all faiths and no faith. The Lighthouse does not provide therapy or counseling, but we are able to recommend resources for those who may need additional support. The Lighthouse meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

The Lighthouse for Families is open to parents and families of LGBTQIA+ children (of any age), led by a parent and featuring special guests who provide supportive services in the community. Like the youth gatherings, family gatherings provide an important opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. The parent community also provides education, support, and encouragement with the goal of supporting parents as they seek to fully affirm their child’s identity. Parents at all stages in this journey are welcome. The Lighthouse for Families meets on the first Thursday of every month (at the same time as the youth, in a different space).

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The Lighthouse Youth Community participant information form (for communication and safety purposes only)

For more information about The Lighthouse, contact Catherine Montgomery at [email protected]

The Lighthouse was originally made possible by Christ Church’s participation in The Missing Voices Project, an ambitious effort led by Flagler College Youth Ministry, with funding from the Lilly Endowment. This project has engaged 12 churches throughout the state of Florida to develop new expressions of ministry to youth on the margins – those who are not reached by traditional youth ministry programs, and who we are called to serve in the example of Jesus.

At Christ Church, our work is focused on LGBTQ youth. We know that LGBTQ young people are often fearful of expressing themselves in their families, schools, and social circles, and that the dangers of emotional and spiritual trauma inflicted by those communities are very real. At The Lighthouse they find love and acceptance, community, spiritual care, and support for the unique challenges they face. Our approach is wholeheartedly affirming, rooted in our belief that a person’s orientation and identity are not in conflict with their identity as a beloved child of God.

This work requires the church to live into our baptismal covenant – especially our promises to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. 

Through relationships built on unconditional love and a desire to understand the experiences of God’s people in all their wonderful diversity, we are drawing nearer to the abundant life that God intends for us all.

To make a donation to the Lighthouse at Christ Episcopal Church please use the form below: