Community of Christ West Des Moines, IA Congregation has been granted Welcoming & Affirming status by the Harmony Board of Directors.

This action recognizes the congregation’s intentional and prayerful process of education, discernment, and commitment to fully include LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of congregational life. Welcoming & Affirming status affirms that this commitment is publicly stated, actively practiced, and ongoing.

We commend the West Des Moines Congregation for the care, integrity, and accountability demonstrated throughout this journey. Their work strengthens the wider church by creating clearer pathways of belonging, safety, and dignity for all.
We offer our congratulations and gratitude as they continue this important ministry.

We are thrilled to share that there is another affirming congregation in the world.

The Harmony Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Provo (Utah) Community of Christ as our newest Welcoming and Affirming congregation, affirmed in their business meeting today.

This decision reflects Provo’s commitment to creating a congregation where 2SLGBTQIA+ people and families are fully included, supported, and valued. It also strengthens the network of affirming spaces across Utah, offering more options for those seeking a community grounded in dignity, equality, and genuine belonging.

We’re grateful for the thoughtful work Provo has done to reach this point, and we look forward to partnering together in the ongoing work of justice and inclusion.

​Welcome, Provo. We’re glad you’re here.

— Harmony Board of Directors

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To our members and supporters -
 
It’s time to think about future leadership for Harmony’s Board of Directors. The next election will take place via email ballot between December 12 - 14, 2025.
 
The following board positions are up for election:

• Presidente
• Secretario

​Only active members are eligible to participate in the governance of the organization. If you are not a member but would like to participate in this election, please click the button below to renew or to become a new member of Harmony.
 
In accordance with Harmony’s bylaws, we are providing advanced notice to membership. Here is the basic timeline for the election process:

• Nominations will open today, September 23 and will close on October 14.
• Next, the Nominations Committee and Board of Directors will work together to properly vet all candidates. A slate of candidates will be distributed to membership for review.
• Finally, the election will take place via email between December 12 - 14, 2025, following the 45-day period mandated by the bylaws.

We are actively seeking nominations and volunteers for these roles. Please review the bylaws and/or read over the application form to learn more about each role and submit your name if you feel so led! Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee. See more information about all volunteer opportunities below.
 
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
 
In service,

Your Harmony Board of Directors

APPLY TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

You must be a current dues-paying member of Harmony in order to run for office. If you are not a member and would like to submit your name, please ensure you have officially joined by clicking the button below before sharing your interest. Please view our bylaws to learn more about these roles and their responsibilities. As this is a working board, candidates can expect to work ~10 hours/week on official Harmony business.

Note: Molly Wilkins is willing to let her name stand for another term as President. "It has been an honor to serve as Harmony's Board President for these last two years. I look forward to the opportunity to continue advocating for the Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ community." 

Submissions will be accepted until October 14 at 5:00 p.m. Central.

We had a phenomenal week at the 2025 World Conference in Independence, MO. We showed up BIG this year with lanyards, pens, and free memberships. That, plus we designed stickers to hand out each day that had people SEEKING US OUT to get the sticker of the day. Additionally, we coordinated with folks who had their shirts to get some photos together. So many great conversations, opportunities to connect, tears and laughter shared, moments of healing, and a deeply meaningful worship gathering on Wednesday. 

More than 160 people attended Harmony's "Hope Rising!" worship at Walnut Gardens and many stayed for a reception afterwards. Members of the World Church Leadership Council (WCLC) served communion and newly confirmed Presiding Evangelist Mareva M. Arnaud Tchong offered a beautiful community blessing during the service. We also had an opportunity to share our deep gratitude to Robin Linkhart for her work as Harmony Liaison during her time in the Council of Twelve. 

Thank you to our incredible partners at Walnut Gardens. Your hospitality and support over the years as a reliable (and comfortable) host for our worship experience is deeply appreciated.

This year, we also hosted an informal drop-in gathering at a home near the Temple (provided by Harmony supporters Steve and Mendy Sites of the Seminole, OK, USA Congregation) that drew nearly 40 people. The house was bursting at the seams with laughter, stories, meaningful sharing, and new friendships. Thank you to Steve and Mendy for your generous hospitality!

Thank you to all who helped make this year a success! From volunteers greeting people at the Harmony worship to brand ambassadors handing out merch to speakers at the worship service...thank you! We couldn't have done it without you.

Browse photos from our time together below. Special thanks to Danny LaBrecque​ for capturing so many great pictures!

Have some photos to share with us? Send them to [email protected].

Pride is a time for joy, visibility, and resistance—and it’s also a time to recommit ourselves to the long journey of justice and inclusion.

At Harmony, Pride isn’t just a season. It’s the heartbeat of our work year-round: advocating for full participation of queer and transgender folks in Community of Christ, supporting affirming policies, and walking alongside individuals and congregations on the path of becoming truly inclusive spiritual homes.

This Pride Month, we’re inviting you to help us Thrive Anyway—through your voice, your action, and your support. Here’s how:

🌈 Become a Monthly Donor
Our work is only possible because of consistent, grassroots generosity. Monthly giving sustains our advocacy, programming, and pastoral support year-round. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your recurring gift helps build a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ people are fully seen and celebrated in church and community.
Become a monthly donor →

🛍 Wear Your Support with Pride
Check out our Thrive Anyway Pride Collection! Every purchase helps fund our mission and spreads a message of radical joy and resilience. T-shirts, stickers, and other gear are available now—perfect for Pride marches, worship services, and everyday witness.
Shop the Pride Collection →

💜 Become a Member of Harmony
Membership is more than a title—it’s a statement of shared values. As a member, you’ll have a voice in our direction, access to resources, and connection to a vibrant community of changemakers. Whether you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ or a committed ally, your membership strengthens our collective voice.
Join Harmony today →

In response to concerns raised by Queer/2SLGBTQIA+ (Queer) members and friends of Community of Christ, the USA Team of Apostles shared a letter with Harmony for distribution to those interested. This letter reaffirms the USA Field's support for Queer individuals in the face of uncertainty and possible rollbacks of protections and rights. 

The Harmony Board of Directors drafted a preamble to accompany the letter from the USA Team of Apostles that provides important context and background. You can read both the preamble and the letter by clicking the button below.

​More good news from Harmony! There is another affirming congregation in the world!

The Indianapolis Community of Christ Congregation, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA, is the newest Welcoming and Affirming member congregation in Comunidad de Cristo! The congregation successfully completed Harmony's Welcoming & Affirming Program in late December with a formal business meeting vote.
​On behalf of the Harmony Board of Directors, we wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated members of the Indianapolis Congregation for prioritizing this holy work. May your ministry be blessed!

Please join us in congratulating the Indianapolis Congregation for their commitment to inclusion in our beloved denomination. Consider connecting with them via email ([email protected]) to share any words of encouragement and gratitude. You may also consider making a donation directly to their congregation for their dedication to this holy work. 

We are encouraged by the growing number of congregations participating in our Welcoming & Affirming Program, and we look forward to sharing more good news like this! Indianapolis joins a growing list of Welcoming & Affirming Congregations - click here to view the Affirming Ministries Map on our website.

With excitement and hope,
 
Your Harmony Board of Directors