The Fairness Campaign

"Douglass Boulevard Christian Church has been on the forefront of our movement for LGBT civil rights in Kentucky for many years. DBCC leaders have served in leadership roles on our coordinating committee, have helped organize the statewide Faith Leaders for Fairness network, and have stepped up to help host and support Fairness Campaign events in Louisville, Frankfort, and beyond. DBCC's contributions have been invaluable to our Fairness movement!"

Chris Hartman/ Executive Director/ Fairness Campaign

The ACLU of Kentucky

"As a gay man raised by a Southern Baptist minister, I have experienced first hand how church teachings can move away from what I see as the principled core of taking care of our fellow man. The Golden Rule truly is golden.

"I’ve always believed that working for social justice in the South means working with faith communities, because our churches are so often the hub of the broader community. I’ve been fortunate over the years to come in contact with faith leaders who see justice as part of their ministry. Douglass Boulevard Christian Church certainly fits that mold.

"DBCC has never shied away from standing up for the disempowered - whether it be the LGBT community or refugees - and has expanded the definition of ministry by hosting weekly farmer’s markets and partnering with Highland Community Ministries for daycare, which only broadens the circle of those who feel welcomed into the church community.

"I’ve been proud to partner with DBCC in the past and I know that I can rely upon the church to support justice now and in the future."

Michael Aldridge/ Executive Director/ ACLU of Kentucky

Volunteers of America Mid-States

"Volunteers of America Mid-States is honored to count among our closest partners and allies Douglass Boulevard Christian Church. Our mission to create positive change in the lives of individuals and communities through a ministry of service aligns perfectly with the active, social justice-oriented congregation of Douglass Boulevard Christian Church. Douglass Boulevard Christian Church has been very passionate about supporting homeless families as well as pregnant women in addiction recovery along with their children by meeting their basic needs, spiritual needs, and their needs for healthy, positive relationships. Douglass Boulevard Christian Church is a great model of a faith community “doing the Word” and we are so pleased with this vital partnership that has long-lasting impact on the lives of so many in our community.”

Jennifer Hancock, President & CEO/ Donna Trabue, Chaplain/ Volunteers of America/

Kentucky Refugee Ministries

“DBCC has been right there with KRM. Behind the scenes, they continue to welcome and support refugees resettled through our agency. And I remember well the nasty political and popular backlash against the resettlement of Syrian refugees. Derek Penwell and Clare Rutz took a leading role in uniting Louisville faith leaders to publicly affirm the moral imperative to embrace the Syrian refugees who were being brought to Louisville to build new lives for themselves. That emphatic statement of support, when our program was under threat, meant a great deal to KRM staff and clients.

“A spirit of inclusion, a yearning for social justice for the victimized, an encompassing open-heartedness toward people of diverse backgrounds—these shared attributes have brought KRM and DBCC into a close and natural partnership. KRM is most grateful to have the compassionate support of this unique and free-thinking faith community.”

~John A. Koehlinger/ Executive Director/ Kentucky Refugee Ministries

GLAD Alliance

"DBCC has been at the forefront on issues of social justice. Whether it be welcoming refugees to a place of safety for a new start in life, deep community partnerships that help empower the congregation to be the hands and feet of Christ in the wider Louisville community, or, through their work on marriage equality at the state & local level and in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), DBCC epitomizes what it means to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. DBCC is a church that truly lives out extravagant welcome in a time that sorely needs it."

~Rev. Dan Adolphson/Former Moderator/ Disciples Alliance Q

Interfaith Paths to Peace

“I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Derek Penwell through numerous events over the past year and a half. His words speaking on behalf of DBCC stand firm on promoting a community of peace with solid interfaith understanding. In a world that seems to be divided, we are blessed to have to partners such as DBCC to help us maintain our unity and strength in the community.”

~Haleh Karimi/ Executive Director/ Interfaith Paths to Peace

Louisville Gay Men's Chorus

“The Louisville Gay Men's Chorus has been using rehearsal space at DBCC since the group's inception in 2013. The opportunity to use the space free of charge was particularly important for the group, as it allowed us to use our limited budget to better carry out our mission to provide the opportunity for gay and gay-supportive men to sing together. In fact, LGMC's first public performance was as a guest during DBCC's holiday concert. While some of our singers attend church or have church jobs, many in our group have been hurt by people of faith because of their sexuality. DBCC's support of LGMC provides us, our community, and the community at large with evidence of its open and affirming commitment.”

Travis Myles Board Member/Baritone Louisville Gay Men's Chorus