Rev. Lacette Cross, affectionately called Rev. L or Pastor Lacette, is the pastor of New Beginnings Christian Church, an open and affirming, multicultural congregation that worships at Diversity Richmond in the Event Hall on Sundays at 3:00pm. She relocated to the Richmond area in 2010. Since moving here, she has become actively involved in various ways. Rev. L is a member of RASN (the Richmond Area Sexuality Network), a former volunteer and board member of ROSMY as well as an active supporter of the community by participating in events, presenting at conferences and offering support wherever she can. She is the founder of Will You Be Whole Ministries that brings together sexuality and faith/spirituality for wholeness with Black women (and those who love them).

Rev. L was interviewed on WRIR for a Diversity Richmond highlight in February on the intersection of race, faith/spirituality and sexuality within RVA. She also offered words of hope and healing at the Orlando vigil hosted by Diversity, and with her church organized a Vigil Against Violence as a way to address ways to end violence in all of its forms. The vigil brought together both the LGBTQ community and the greater Richmond community as a witness to how we are more alike and connected than we are separate and different. Her work as a pastor, teacher, writer, theologian, ethicist and community leader is grounded in a love for people and a belief that we can be our authentic self as we strive to love God, self and others to bring about a Beloved community grounded in justice, equality and love.

Rev. L has a Bachelor of Social Work from Catholic University, a Master of Divinity from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University and a Master of Theology from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She enjoys exploring the RVA food scene, spending time with close friends and reading a good book.