Question: How has your support of the LGBTQIA community impacted the ministry of your church (in positive or negative ways)?
Speer: Our legacy of support can only be seen as positive. It has been a core social value at Wallingford United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years. When our church voted to become a Reconciling Congregation it opened our eyes to not only the issue of inclusion in general, but also to the stories and lives of particular LGBTQIA persons. We have been graced by the gifts and talents of remarkable people who are drawn to a community that values them as beloved children of God.
Rev. Jim Clarke, Cedar Cross United Methodist Church: We became a Reconciling Congregation this spring. The process took about 10 months, which people at the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) say was relatively quickly. We concentrated on sharing stories, rather than talking about it as an issue. Our finally vote was 184-4. Because of this we have a real mandate and with that comes permission to speak openly and publicly about this.
But more deeply, this has become a part of our identity and purpose. It has united us rather than divided us. It has given us a sense of purpose and mission. Before we became reconciling there was always the fear than someone would be offended. Now we simply say, this is who we are – and we are ready to share it with the world. It is always a risk to take on something like this, but the transformation from fear to feeling real excitement for ministry is transformational.
Brown: Our two main outreach emphases are LGBTQ and homelessness. This is one way that we live into that first outreach commitment. The number of LGBTQ folks visiting and joining our church has increased over the years, especially those folks with children, as word spreads that there is a church where they are welcome and safe and where their kids won’t be the only kids with two Moms or two Dads, or a lesbian mom or a gay dad.
It has strengthened our own local church and hence our mission in the neighborhood, the city, and the world. We are proud and touched to visibly live the way of Jesus in West Seattle and beyond. Those of us unable to participate physically in Sunday’s events will be holding those who do in prayer during worship and celebrating Pride in ways we can during church while honoring and living the Gospel message.
Staley: For many of us at Bothell United Methodist Church involved in the reconciling process, the experience has been truly transformative, as we have met together monthly for over two years, to pray, share stories, plan, and dream of what full inclusion of LGBTQIA might mean for Bothell United Methodist. It has also strengthened our ties to the Conference, as a number of us have attended local Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) events.
Weber: There are many people who come to Trinity (and other reconciling churches) because I and we support the LGBTQIA. Over the last couple of years, I have built relationships with individuals who grew up in the fundamentalist Christian tradition, deeply love God and even the church that rejected them, and thought there was no other way. I have talked with them individually and even in support group settings so they could have a safe place to share their story, their experience and to even come back around to loving God and the church.
What an uplifting story. Thanks for sharing it.
Hooray, maybe we can stop discriminating against people. I pray we don’t find anyone else to discriminate against in the name of religion or anything else. I believe any judgement, pentenance or conversion if appropriate for anyone, should be between God and the individual, not legislated by church or government. We are called to love people, that’s all! Not say how they should live, leave that up to God and enjoy the diversity all people offer us. Talk about saving lives, true acceptance without agreeing or disagreeing about life style, will save lives. Whatever you do to these you do unto me, said Jesus. Stop crucifying Him.
As one who is perfectly satisfied with the current position of the United Methodist Church regarding the worth of homosexual people AND the statement that the practice of homosexuality is contrary to Christian teaching, I think it is GREAT that members of The United Methodist Church were present to extend hospitality to parade participants. The “Christians” who were shouting at the beginning of the parade were doing a disservice to Christ and His church.
During the last year, I have been repeatedly called “hateful” and “unloving” by other United Methodist Christians (members of the reconciling movement) on social media because of my vocal support for our current United Methodist position. I have ACTUALLY been blocked on Twitter by @RMNetwork. I wish those in the reconciling movement would demonstrate as much respect and kindness toward those who adhere to the traditional interpretation of Christian scripture as they do toward those who flaunt their sinful behavior. .
Holly, thanks for the comment. I certainly can’t comment on a situation (re: RMN) without first hand information but I think there is a great point to be made about generosity and hospitality towards those who hold differing opinions. We are all too easily tempted to put others is boxes and paint those boxes in unflattering colors.
[…] Pride Parade June 28, downtown Seattle Bake and pass out cookies to parade viewers and marchers, or Come for exercise and fellowship while marching under the UMC banner! There are many ways you can help out, check them out at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fQk5ArCLDo-PyQail4Ukx5dY5-0yilN5J5_kgH4ZW-E/viewform […]
[…] Pride Parade June 28, downtown Seattle Bake and pass out cookies to parade viewers and marchers, or Come for exercise and fellowship while marching under the UMC banner! There are many ways you can help out, check them out at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fQk5ArCLDo-PyQail4Ukx5dY5-0yilN5J5_kgH4ZW-E/viewform […]