Public Policy Statement

ORGANIZATIONAL INDEPENDENCE FROM FAITH COMMUNITIES

PFLAG, and its affiliates, regardless of location, are non-sectarian, non-denominational, and not affiliated with any religious institution.  In order that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their parents, families and friends understand PFLAG's independence from organizational ties to any faith community, PFLAG affirms:

• The importance of personal expressions of spiritual beliefs, and organized religion, as well as individual decisions for freedom from religion;

• The complete independence of any PFLAG affiliate from organizational ties to any religious institution, church, synagogue, temple or other place of worship or community of faith;

• The need for a clear understanding by PFLAG affiliates that a choice to meet in a place of worship must not in any way reflect, or imply, the promotion of any particular religion, for example, in programs and newsletters;

• That the location of PFLAG meeting space in no way implies membership in any religious institution, or exclusion of any individuals;

• The seeking of affirmation, support, and full participation at all levels within religions for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered civil rights;

• That if, at any time, an affiliate is found to be in violation of this PFLAG policy, affiliate status may be withdrawn or denied.

Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 6, 1993 under the title "Religious Affiliation," with revisions approved on January 15, 2001.