Historic Religious Changes Spark Mixed Emotions Among Iowa City Religious Individuals

Katie Imborek sat on the patio outside Deluxe Cakes and Pastries in Iowa City, her hands wrapped around a steaming teacup. A rainbow flag hung in the bakery’s window, signaling its queer-friendly status. Imborek, a mother and queer woman of faith, has long questioned the inclusivity of religious spaces that claim to be welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. After leaving her religious denomination over a decade ago, she has remained cautious about nondenominational churches that present themselves as inclusive.

Imborek’s concerns are rooted in her experience with a nondenominational church, where she sought a space for her children to explore their faith-based interests. She emphasized the importance of understanding a church’s governing beliefs to ensure its teachings align with inclusive values. “One of the first questions that I probably asked, or what most of my questions were based upon, was, ‘What are my kids going to hear?’” she said.

Imborek’s worries reflect broader concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals about the safety and respect they may encounter in religious spaces. Throughout history, many denominations have persecuted queer individuals based on foundational teachings. She represents millions of people today who are navigating the challenge of practicing their faith in environments that may not fully embrace their identities.

The shift in religious affiliation is evident in national statistics. According to the Pew Research Center, 28 percent of U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated, a figure that has grown since 2020. Denominational churches, particularly Protestant and Catholic denominations, have experienced significant declines in membership. Over the past 25 years, 40 million individuals have left denominational churches, with average church attendance dropping by 42 percent since two decades ago.

The United Methodist Church (UMC) exemplifies this trend. The denomination has faced internal divisions over LGBTQ+ rights, leading to the disaffiliation of 7,673 congregations and a 40 percent loss of its four-year budget in February. Some denominations have reaffirmed traditional policies, while others have moved toward more inclusive approaches in response to these challenges.

The changing landscape of religious affiliation highlights the complex interplay between faith, identity, and community. As individuals navigate these shifts, the call to seek truth, justice, and compassion remains central to the Christian life, as Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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