CAMDEN — “Queer People of Faith” is a photojournalism exhibit that was commissioned by First Congregational Church UCC of Camden in 2023. The show has traveled around the state over the past year, and it is now on display in public spaces of the First Congregational Church of Camden for the months of December 2024, and January and February 2025.

“We hope many of those who come to the Christmas By the Sea events at First Congregational Church, December 6-8, and to the services and other public events offered throughout the winter, will take time to view the portraits and read the stories of LGBTQ+ people in our community and from elsewhere in Maine who are also people of faith,” said Sarah Reynolds and the Rev. Ben Perry, co-chairs of the church’s Queer Advocacy working group, in a news release.

The portraits will be available to view any time the church is open. If no public event is going on, please stop by the church office for information.

To date the portraits have been displayed at churches in Brunswick and Waldoboro, and at the University of Maine in Orono. The opening show was held at Rock City Coffee in Rockland, in June 2023.

Most recently on display during the First Congregational Church’s annual Pride service in June 2024, the portraits and stories will now be on view December 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025 at 55 Elm Street in Camden. The church hopes that this photojournalism exhibit will continue to raise awareness and spark conversation.

The First Congregational Church, founded on September 11, 1805, is the oldest church in Camden. The Church is an open and affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. For more information, visit www.camdenucc.org or call 207-236-4821.