Rural Black Church Equality Fellowship

The Rural Black Church Equality Fellowship (RBCEF) is a leadership program supporting Black faith leaders in rural and small-town communities to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion within their congregations.

Moving Faith Toward Pride

Building on years of impact as Pride in the Pews, Toward Pride launched RBCEF to extend this work into underfunded and often overlooked regions. In partnership with the Black Church Studies Program at Louisville Seminary, the fellowship provides funding, tools, and community to help leaders drive meaningful change.

Through a confidential, cohort-based model, fellows receive financial and curricular support to strengthen their advocacy and implement initiatives that foster care, belonging, and equity, while building bridges across diverse faith communities.

Program Timeline

RBCEF is an annual fellowship running from March through December. Applications open once per year in late fall through winter, with the cohort selected at the start of the new year. If you’re interested in applying, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when applications open.

Program Details

01

Grant funding to support program implementation.

02

Confidential cohort of rural Black faith leaders

03

Partnership with Louisville Seminary’s Black Church Studies Program.

04

Virtual learning sessions and peer convenings.

05

Mandatory in-person gathering (August).

Impact

“[Toward Pride was] really beneficial for having a better understanding of the ways that faith can impact LGBTQ+ folks and the reasons why we shouldn't ignore it.”

Workshop Participant

“This was the first actual grant that [our organization] had received to do this kind of work… That in and of itself was huge.”

Toward Pride Fellow

“This is something that I didn't think could be possible… now I'm living it out. It's so beautiful.”

Toward Pride Fellow

“[Toward Pride] has shaped my understanding of the LGBTQ+ community… I used to look at them negatively, and now I look at them as my brothers and sisters.”

Toward Pride Fellow

FAQs

  • Yes. If your congregation is located in a rural or small-town context and Black leadership is central to your church, we encourage you to apply.

  • Yes. We welcome both LGBTQ+ leaders and allies who are committed to advancing inclusion and care within their congregations.

  • Absolutely. This fellowship is designed to support leaders navigating complexity and building bridges. If your church leadership supports your participation, we invite you to apply.

  • Yes. RBCEF is a private and confidential fellowship designed to create a safe space for honest dialogue, learning, and growth.

  • Fellows must participate in all virtual sessions and attend the in-person gathering. Consistent participation is required to remain in the program.

  • No. Grants are awarded to congregations, not individuals.

Stay Connected

Applications for RBCEF open once per year. Be the first to know when they launch, along with updates, resources, and opportunities from Toward Pride.