ELPC Receives Equality Award

The Dignity & Respect Champion is… East Liberty Presbyterian Church!
(July 2014 award from the Dignity & Respect Campaign of Vibrant Pittsburgh)

East Liberty Presbyterian Church (ELPC) has long been called the “Cathedral of Hope” and its pastors strive to be a beacon of compassion and hospitality to all people. The Reverend Dr. Randy Bush, along with his fellow pastors – Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, and Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan – endeavors to create an environment where everyone is welcomed and valued regardless of race, culture, ability, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

East Liberty is a vibrant neighborhood in the midst of redevelopment and change, adding to its mix of people from all backgrounds. This change is not new to the neighborhood, as it’s been happening for decades. During the late 1960’s moving forward into the 1970’s, urban renewal pushed East Liberty into transition and decay leaving the community divided and searching for hope. However, throughout these chaotic years, East Liberty Presbyterian Church remained as a force for good in the community. The church became an anchor of support by providing the community with soup kitchens, homeless shelters, educational programs, and services open to people from all faiths and backgrounds.

As the years progressed into the new millennium, the church began to take an even more proactive stance in the community, as the pastors do not shy away from advocating for issues of equity, equality, social justice, and peace. In the midst of the current redevelopment in the neighborhood, the pastors have taken on leadership roles in the community to be sure the community plan was implemented and to stave off gentrification.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church has opened their arms for all to worship including, the LGBTQ community. Pastor Randy and his colleagues have been supporters of the community and advocates for full marriage equality. Additionally the church has also done a lot of outreach into the small, but growing Latino community, even conducting portions of the services in Spanish. The pastors take their mission of welcoming all people and celebrating their differences very seriously. This mission is lived out loud, not just spoken.

When asked what we can do better as a society to assure all people are included and differences are valued, Pastor Randy states, “Every church billboard may say ‘all are welcome’ but that isn’t always apparent in the actions of the congregation. We rejoice in welcoming all people here at ELPC.”

Nicole Molinaro Karaczun, who nominated the pastors for this honor said, “The pastors at East Liberty Presbyterian Church don’t just say the words inclusion and diversity; they breathe life into them with behavior and action. The church consistently works to advance issues around social and economic justice, making sure all people are included and cared for. I love attending a church that welcomes everybody and advocates for all people to live with equality, justice, and love.”