Who We Are

We are a group of faith communities in Lincoln, Nebraska, who believe that everyone should have a safe place to explore and nurture their spirituality.

We know that faith communities, historically, and even recently, have not been safe places for the LGBTQIA+ family.  They have, and some still do, reject explicity or implicitly by their language and behavior anyone who does not fit a narrow definition of sexuality. While in some ways things have been getting better, we are still surrounded by a culture of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. 

The faith communities of FaithAllyance reject that. We reject the fears and actions that “other” our LGBTQIA+ family, which includes many in our own faith communities. We affirm the fullness of your personhood, however that is realized and expressed for you.  We say that unequivocally.  You are beautiful, you are loved, and you belong. 

If you need an opportunity to talk about your own experience, or if you want to find out if we really mean what we say, we are here to listen, and we are here to help you find a safe place that meets your needs.

Below are the faith communities that make up FaithAllyance, and below that, a little more about each one from our faith community leaders.

Our Faith Communities

More About our Faith Communities

Sue Coller First Presbyterian Church

In 2015 First Presbyterian Church (FPC) called me to be their pastor, and my wife and I moved here from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The debate over same sex marriage was ripe, and credit to FPC who had never called a woman as a head of staff before, nevermind one married to another woman, they never blinked! 

We work hard to live out our values – where faith is nurtured, curiosity encouraged, diversity welcomed, and all are loved.  Living that, we celebrate the rich diversity of persons, cultures and economic status around us, and the fullness of who they - and we - are.

A couple years ago I officiated at a funeral for a member of our LGBTQIA+ family, and someone said, “how did we not know you existed?” That was a wake up call for us, and for me specifically, to be more visible for the sake of those who are seeking a safe place to live out and be supported in their faith and spirituality. Our goal is that everyone is seen and celebrated for the uniqueness of who they are – in the church and in our society.

scoller @fpclincoln.org

Tobi White Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

I have been a pastor and have served Our Saviour's Lutheran Church since August, 2009. Our Saviour's is a member of the ELCA and has developed a tradition of welcome over the years.

Our first big shift began in 2004, extending a prison ministry (called FEAST) that brings folks from the Community Correctional Center to worship and lunch each week. We work alongside our FEAST partners as they navigate the re-entry process.

Our second big event happened in November, 2023 as we voted to be a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. Thanks to these ministries and the people who support them, we have had the honor of being a safe and welcoming place to people from a variety of backgrounds.

I, myself, am a Mama Bear--a parent of a transgender teenager. I am grateful for the community of Our Saviour's and the supportive congregations in Lincoln as we continue to navigate the challenging systems and seek justice for all of our friends and family.

lincolnpastor.oslc @gmail.com

Trever Rook Neighbors Church

I’ve held a variety of jobs including comedian, actor, morning show host, and television news producer before becoming a pastor. I’ve also spent a great deal of time trying to avoid God. Like the apostle Paul, my past is not clean, and I was called by Jesus during a time of struggle.

While in a dark time, I suddenly found myself reading the bible and watching reruns of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Through the loving messages of Jesus and Fred, I was forever changed. I felt loved for who I was and knew that God loves us all, as we are.

For the past 13 years, this message of love has not only been the driving force in my life, but it has also been my mission. It’ also our mission at Neighbors Church. I pray we can all live in a world of kindness, where everyone feels loved, included, appreciated, and celebrated. The greatest gift we can share with others is the gift of ourselves. Our truly honest selves.

I believe loving God, loving ourselves and loving our neighbors is what we are called to do as Christians. It’s also a very beautiful gift.

trever @neighborscommunity.org