Liberation United Church of Christ (Liberation UCC), an open and affirming congregation, was founded in 1993. Liberation UCC was established to provide LGBT+ Clevelanders with a religious organization “where they [could] feel comfortable expressing their spirituality without having to conceal their sexuality.” Between 1993-1998, Liberation UCC held weekly worship services in a space rented from the Hillel Foundation at Case Western Reserve University (11303 Euclid Avenue). In 1998, the Parkwood Congregational Church of Christ gifted its former church building to Liberation UCC. Liberation UCC moved into its new permanent location, 13714 Madison Avenue, in February 1999. In addition to hosting weekly worship services, Liberation UCC used its new permanent church building to host community events and to provide meeting and organizational space for a variety of LGBT+ and local community groups and organizations. Liberation United Church of Christ closed in December 2012.
Colin McEwen. Patch. November 26, 2012. 
Colin McEwen. Patch. November 26, 2012. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. September 17, 1993. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. November 26, 1993. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. February 11, 1994. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. May 27, 1994. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. August 5, 1994. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. September 12, 1997. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. June 11, 1999. 
Gay People’s Chronicle. April 28, 2000.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- Barnum, George. “Gay Community.” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.
- Benson, Judy. “UCC Mission Work Challenges Stereotypes.” Gay People’s Chronicle. April 18, 2008. Page 6.
- Cudnik, Doreen. “Liberation Church Has First Services in Donated Building.” Gay People’s Chronicle. February 12, 1999. Pages 1, 5.
- Ebbenga, Jim. “Liberation UCC to Celebrate 15 Years.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 12, 2008. Page 6.
- Ebbenga, Jim. “Liberation United Church of Christ to Close After 19 Years of Ministry.” Patch. November 23, 2012.
- “Edgewater Picnickers Hear of Creation and the Contract.” Gay People’s Chronicle. June 9, 1994. Page 10.
- Geslin, Dan. “Responding to the Right and to Racism.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 12, 1993. Pages 12, 14.
- Holland, Darrell. “Creating Their Own Religious Homes: Gays Find Comfort in Congregations.” Plain Dealer. November 6, 1994.
- Lang, Andy. “Oppressed People Are Root of New Liberation Church.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 3, 1993. Page 3.
- Leach, Dawn E. “LGBT Church is Given its Own Building.” Gay People’s Chronicle. December 4, 1998. Pages 1, 8.
- McEwen, Colin. “Liberation United Church of Christ Closing its Doors.” Patch. November 26, 2012.
- O’Malley, David. “Liberation UCC Celebrates Ten Years of Doing A New Thing.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 5, 2003. Page 7.
- Weiser, H. Kurt. “Liberation Events Raise AIDS Awareness.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 19, 2010. Page 4.