In 1983 the congregation was the first in the area and one of less than 15 churches nationally to form the More Light Church Network. This was a network of Presbyterian congregations who opposed the denomination's policy of banning the ordination of GLBT persons to church office as pastors, elders and deacons. Members of the congregation, both gay and straight, provided leadership in another organization called Presbyterians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns (PLGC). Members often went to other churches trying to spread the message of inclusion, often facing much hostility. Westminster has hosted many national Presbyterian worship services in conjunction with the varied GLBT marches in Washington as well as exhibitions of the Names Project Quilt. The More Light Network and PLGC have since merged to form More Light Presbyterians*. Westminster is represented on the board of Open Doors, the local chapter of More Light Presbyterians.

In the late 80s a letter of protest was received by the National Capital Presbytery about one of our Parish Associates, the Rev. Carla Gorrell (who was also Executive Director of Food & Friends), who had officiated in a holy union in our building. No action resulted because Presbyterian clergy can participate in a holy union as long as it is understood to not be a marriage, and a congregation's session alone decides the use of its building. Affirmed in our interpretation of the Presbyterian Constitution and willing to face any other ecclesiastical consequences, Westminster has, since 1983 ordained many qualified Christians as elders and deacons who would not have been able to be open about their sexuality and serve in church office in most congregations. Though not popular with everyone in the broader church or in the surrounding community, the congregation has never wavered in its position.

*The term "More Light" refers to a statement made by Pilgrim John Robinson who, in preparing to depart for the New World and religious freedom, stated that "there is yet more light and truth to break forth from God's holy Word." The term "More Light" therefore reminds us that in all aspects of our faith we cannot rely on tradition or custom alone to decide what is true but must remain open to the new things God, through the Holy Spirit, is revealing in and through the Word.

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