At 15 years old, Shanea Leonard heard the name Judah, which means praiseworthy, through her prayers. From that point on she knew she would someday form a congregation for the most praiseworthy-the disenfranchised-and name the church Judah.
The Rev. Leonard grew up in Philadelphia where her beliefs and values were formed by her family and her faith. Along the way she developed a strong sense of herself and her purpose: to be a voice when others are silent.
After attending the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in religious studies and political science, the Rev. Leonard stayed in Pittsburgh. That was 15 years ago.
“I don’t feel like our time on this earth is worth anything unless we are helping to make it better, said the Rev. Leonard.
One of the ways the Rev. Leonard helps to make the world a better place is through her support for LGBT issues. She is the W. PA regional organizer for Equality PA, which is a statewide LGBT advocacy organization. She is also active in the New Pride Alliance in Erie.
The Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh’s Christine Bryan, a former Champion herself, nominated the Rev. Leonard because of all the work she does for the LGBT community, “Shanea Leonard has been a vital part in breaking down walls of bigotry, intolerance and hatred in the Pittsburgh area. ”
After several years as an ordained clergy, the Rev. Leonard started the Judah Fellowship Christian Church in October 2011. She welcomes all to her church on the North Side, regardless of their circumstances.
Judah Fellowship Christian Church and the Rev. Leonard, along with other community sponsors including, Chatham University, Pittsburgh Presbytery, First Methodist Church, East Liberty Pres. Church, and New Voices Pittsburgh, are hosting the second “Healing the Hurt Conference: Dancing with Broken Bones” on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Chatham University. The goal of the conference is to create a forum to facilitate dialogue and bridge-building reconciliation among the LGBT population and the faith community.
The Rev. Leonard explains, “As the acceptance of homosexuality is a defining status of our generation and a point of contention within many denominations, it is important for the faith community to speak to an issue that is directly impacting its congregants.”
In addition to her other work, the Rev. Leonard is the board chair for New Voices Pittsburgh, a nonprofit dedicated to affirming women and girls of color; founded the Pittsburgh Faith Consortium; and is active in We Change Pittsburgh.
When asked how she felt about being nominated as a Champion of Dignity and Respect, the Rev. Leonard said, “I have devoted my life to serving and advocating for those who feel broken and lost. I am honored and humbled to be recognized as a Champion.”
Nominate a champion
Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award! This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion.
The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness campaign designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect. What started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a local community effort, has now become a national initiative dedicated to driving inclusion and promoting campaign launch efforts in every major city in the U.S.
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