The Evangelical Network
The Evangelical Network (TEN) is an association of Christian and Evangelical ministries that are a part of and are affirming to the LGBTQ community and their relationships. The TEN website describes its focus in a mission statement including the following goals: To provide a safe place for LGBTQ Christians. To bring people of a shared faith experience to worship together in an annual conference. To be a voice in media and public discussion supporting LGBTQ struggles for equality. The Evangelical Network is not a denomination (as explained on their FAQ page), and includes in its statement of beliefs that "a person can be Christian and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight." History of TEN The Evangelical Network (TEN) was founded in 1988 by Rev. Fred L. Pattison, pastor of Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church in Phoenix, Arizona. At that time, Casa de Cristo was a Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC). Pattison's original vision was to network within MCC to find other Evangelical Christians in the denomination. However, when Casa de Cristo's board and congregation voted to leave MCC in 1988, the focus of TEN changed to reaching out to and helping start independent Evangelical churches with predominantly gay and lesbian congregations.