Sacred Place United Church
Gay Friendly Church Rancho Cucamonga
LGBTQIA+ Affirming · Open & Affirming · UCC
You Are Welcome. You Are Whole. You Already Belong.
Sacred Place seeks to create a just world where all are included in the family of God. We talk openly and intentionally about welcoming LGBTQIA+ people because the Church has historically caused deep harm to queer and trans communities. Trust cannot be assumed; it must be demonstrated.
We believe you are created by God exactly as you are.
We will not try to change you, fix you, or make you fit a mold.
Your gender identity, your sexual orientation, your family structure, and your story are all honored here.
We do not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, or any other identity that society uses to call us “other.” We work intentionally to break down the barriers the world places between us.
(A gentle note: we also honor the sacred identities of Two-Spirit people within Indigenous communities, even though our primary context is Southern California.)
What It Means That We Are Open & Affirming
As an Open & Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ, Sacred Place is not simply gay-friendly.
We are explicitly:
- LGBTQIA+ affirming
- Trans and nonbinary affirming
- Queer family affirming
- Inclusive at every level of leadership and community life
This means:
- LGBTQIA+ people can lead, preach, serve, and shape our community. For real, our pastor is gay.
- Trans and nonbinary people are celebrated and supported in their identities.
- Same-gender couples are welcomed and married.
- Queer youth and LGBTQIA+ kids are protected, loved, and uplifted.
The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ supports our ongoing commitment to grow deeper in welcome, advocacy, and justice.
Sacred Place was created for those who have been told by other churches that they do not belong.
Here, your presence is a blessing.
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this journey called life, this is your Sacred Place.
Why Inclusive Churches Matter in Rancho Cucamonga
LGBTQIA+-affirming churches are rare in Rancho Cucamonga and the Inland Empire.
Many of our families travel from Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Claremont, and beyond because inclusive, progressive faith communities are difficult to find in suburban Southern California.
Our city is politically mixed, and many queer families keep a low profile for safety. Because of that, people often discover us quietly—through online search, social media, or a friend—and take time to observe before visiting.
Sacred Place exists to offer a spiritual home where people can show up without fear.
A place where families with LGBTQIA+ children feel safe.
A place where adults healing from church trauma can breathe again.
A place where authenticity is welcomed, not managed.
A Trauma-Informed, Neurodivergent-Affirming Church
Many of our households include neurodivergent children and adults, LGBTQIA+ teens, and people carrying religious trauma. Our worship and community life are intentionally designed with care:
- sensory-friendly space and flexible seating
- movement, stimming, and wiggles welcome
- clear boundaries and gentle structure
- no pressure to perform or pretend
- online participation valued equally to in-person
- compassion-centered preaching, not fear or shame
Whether you arrive regulated, dysregulated, exhausted, hopeful, or unsure, you are welcome exactly as you are.
What You Can Expect on a Sunday
You’ll find:
- a casual, friendly atmosphere
- time to chat at 10:30 AM (Pacific)
- reflective worship beginning at 11 AM
- progressive, Jesus- and justice-centered Christian teaching
- music that invites grounding and peace
- kids making noise, adults laughing, and a community that understands real life
No one will quiz you, judge you, or pressure you.
You get to explore at your own pace.
Join Us for a Gathering
We meet every Sunday in person and most Sundays online. See what’s coming up.
If you’ve been hurt by church—or if you’re simply looking for a community where your whole self is welcome—come and rest for a while. Come and see if this might be home.
10289 25th Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Sunday Gathering at 11:00 AM
All are welcome—come as you are.