With Arms Wide Open

Sarasota Churches Offer Sanctuary and Hope to LGBTQ Christians

We spoke to leaders of five local LGBTQ-affirming churches to learn about their histories, congregations and the ways they’re maintaining hope amid anti-LGBTQ bigotry and political assaults.

03/01/2023 By Hannah Wallace

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Larry Green Sr. on the Church's Role in the Black Community and the Hope in Helping Others

"Allowing people to express their anger, frustration and/or sadness can help them find comfort and strength."

12/19/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Education

Renowned Rabbi in Sarasota for Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

Salkin, who is known for his writing, teaching and activism, will focus on the theme of healing at Temple Sinai.

03/01/2022 By Staff

Unity Awards

Harvest House CEO Erin Minor Helps People in Crisis

Harvest House now has eight campuses with emergency shelters, transitional housing and 25 affordable rentals in Sarasota-Manatee.

01/04/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby Is Making Church a Place of Diversity and Inclusion

“The church and Christianity haven’t been and still aren’t always a safe place for folks. We know it takes a tremendous amount of courage to cross the threshold."

01/04/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Liz Walker on Civil Rights, Faith and Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers

Walker talks about growing up with a front seat to the civil rights movement and her work as a news anchor and pastor.

07/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

The courts

Local Lawsuit Tests Sex Discrimination Rules for Religious Institutions

Christie Leonard says a Bradenton church fired her because of suspicions that she was a lesbian. Was that against the law?

05/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Listening to Black Voices

Conductor and Minister Jamal Sarikoki on Music and Keeping Faith in the Face of Racism

Sarikoki, who moved to Sarasota in 2018, is a minister at Venice Presbyterian Church and associate conductor for Key Chorale.

04/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Rallies

Jewish Federation, American Jewish Committee to Host 'No Hate. No Fear' Solidarity Rally

Sarasota-Manatee residents of every background and religion are invited to stand with the organizations in solidarity against anti-Semitic hate crimes.

01/07/2020 By Staff