The Iliff School of Theology actively welcomes and includes all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family makeup, social status, income, ability, or physical or mental health. We are aware that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have suffered prejudice, discrimination, and have been excluded from membership in some congregations. Iliff provides training for our students to lead in their denominations and work for equality and justice where LGBTQIA+ persons are excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

A core of our curriculum is our required, year long course, “Identity, Power, and Vocation in Community.” In the course, students engage in theological analysis about social structures, ideologies, and embodied practices that lead to the domination or oppression of others. It facilitates critical thinking about social locations, power and privilege, and what effect these have on students’ vocational paths. The course takes the perspective that this sort of analysis, engaged in community and supported with spiritual practices, is crucial to serving effectively in today’s complex social environment. It encourages students to deepen their commitment to dismantling privilege and oppression at individual, institutional, and societal levels.

Since we began tracking the metrics in 2015, 35% of our student body has consistently identified as LGBTQIA+. Iliff has supportive faculty and staff who serve as advisors, allies, and advocates, as many of our employees also identify as LGBTQIA+.

Finally, Iliff visibly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, which includes our presence at the Denver PrideFest for over 15 years, annual participation at the Creating Change’s National Conference on LGBT Equality, and a large variety of other events, as they are available. Our library also houses the Colorado PFLAG archives, which are available to researchers.

Support of the LGBTQIA+ community is a core value at Iliff and we are committed to remaining an open and welcoming organization and to continue to fight for justice and equality.