LANCASTER — On June 16, the First Church of Lancaster will host the Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Richardson-Moylan of Ashby, an ordained Assemblies of God pastor, author and theater artist, for a keynote and interactive gathering in Hawkins Hall at the historic Bulfinch Meetinghouse, 725 Main St.

Richardson-Moylan’s presence at a Pride Month event is notable not simply because she is an evangelical pastor — but because she has chosen to remain within that tradition while openly affirming LGBTQ+ people, a stance that challenges long-standing norms within her denomination.

Through her book, “All the World’s a Stage: Developing and Implementing an Inclusive Theatre-Based Faith Community,” and her ongoing ministry, Richardson-Moylan explores how church can be reimagined as a space of shared voice, storytelling and dignity — particularly for artists and LGBTQ+ individuals who have often found themselves at the edges of religious life.

Her monthly “Dinner Theatre Church” model — which, in the tradition of “house church” fellowship models, gathers in people‘s homes rather than church buildings — invites participants into structured conversation, where no one dominates and no one disappears. It is not a debate. It is not a performance. It is, instead, a practice of listening — something many say has been missing from both religious and cultural conversations.

“This isn’t about resolving disagreement in a single evening,” said Rev. Wil Darcangelo, minister of First Church of Lancaster and a longtime Sentinel & Enterprise columnist. “It’s about creating a space where people can show up honestly — and not be reduced to an argument. Perhaps more importantly, it is an invitation for the gay community to see examples of religious Christian life that welcomes them as they are.”

The event will include a keynote address followed by a guided, participatory reflection, offering attendees the chance not only to hear a different perspective, but to engage it.

The event — on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m., at Bulfinch Meetinghouse, 725 Main St. — is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Debbie Moylan, 978-906-5081, dlmoylan@comcast.net, or Wil Darcangelo, 978-602-2684, minister@firstchurchlancasterma.org

-First Church of Lancaster