Unity Fellowship Church’s Role in Promoting Diversity

As a proud black lesbian and an equally proud member of Unity Fellowship Church, I am writing this short letter to commend you on Mark Sachs’ interview with our Bishop Carl Bean (“Putting AIDS Compassion on the MAP,” March 26).

The article was not only well done, inspirational and uplifting, but portrayed a member of our community in a prominent and positive light!

Please allow me to give a small testimony to what Bishop Bean and Unity Fellowship have meant in my life. I have lived in Los Angeles for 20 years, and in those years, searched diligently for a “church home.” One Sunday in 1994, after a deep spiritual experience at 2 a.m., I decided to get up and go to this church I had seen advertised in the Lesbian News.

The moment I set foot inside Unity Fellowship Church at the old address at 5148 W. Jefferson (now the home of the affiliated Minority AIDS Project), I knew I had come home! Feelings of peace, family and a sense of a “safe haven” swept over me. I belonged here.

When it came time for visitors to stand, I did so and received my application for membership. I filled it out during the service and gave it to the nearest deacon.

The first Sunday of the next month, I was among those presented as Members of United Fellowship. I have been one ever since. I am also a member of the Voices of Unity, our choir.

For those who are sincerely seeking a place where they are not preached down to; where what they wear is unimportant, but who they have come to worship, is; where the past and sexuality do not matter, but spiritual progress does, come join us on Sundays.

Call (213) 936-4949; office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The address is 5149 W. Jefferson Blvd. (across the street from MAP) in Los Angeles. Those of you who love to sing the old-time gospel--the Voices of Unity need you!

Yours in infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

JATONA P. WALKER

Los Angeles