![\"After](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-12-43-26-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>On Sunday morning, Seattle\u2019s First United Methodist Church<\/a> dedicated significant effort toward offering support and hospitality to those celebrating Pride. Interim Pastor Rev. Ron Hines preached a sermon which touched on both the changing public attitudes and upon those within the church. While carefully noting the existing position<\/a> of the United Methodist Book of Discipline<\/b>, Hines suggested that people see actions like those of the Western Jurisdiction, Bishop Melvin Talbert, and Rev. Frank Schaeffer getting his credentials back<\/a>, as signs that the church is evolving in its position.<\/p>\n A number of guests attended the worship service including members of other area United Methodist churches who were marching in the parade. To them, Rev. Hines offered these words of commendation, “Your spiritual practice of marching in the Pride Parade, of giving cookies out, is a significant practice.\u201d After a second service that morning, Hines could be found among a number of other church goers on the street outside First Church handing out cookies and beverages to tired parade walkers who were finishing their route to Seattle Center.<\/p>\n The acts of hospitality Rev. Hines encouraged were a counterbalance to the angry words of judgment that were among the first things heard by crowds gathered for the parade. A small group of \u201cChristian\u201d protesters shouted into a megaphone while carried signs demanding repentance and promising judgement. As a denomination, United Methodists remains divided on many questions pertaining to human sexuality but typically in agreement that judgment outside the context of relationship is rarely helpful.<\/p>\n Members of more than a dozen United Methodist Churches marched behind a rainbow-colored balloon arch and a banner reading \u201cAll Are Welcome – Reconciling Congregations of The United Methodist Church\u201d, making a significant visual impact as they made their way down the parade route handing out bookmark-sized cards which included a list of Reconciling congregations. While several of the churches had participated in Pride during past years, this was the first year they walked together in the parade.<\/p>\n The Rev. Kathleen Weber, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ballard, WA<\/a> was willing to answer a few questions and and put us in touch with several others whose churches were involved in the planning of this year\u2019s effort. The following responses are in their words and represent their opinions and experiences, with light editing for the reader. They should not be taken as representative of all United Methodists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rev. Kathleen Weber, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard, WA: <\/b>There can never be too much sharing of God’s love and grace in this world. \u00a0It is right that faith communities be present to share that message of unconditional love with the LGBTQIA community. \u00a0For far too long faith communities, churches, and United Methodist Churches have shared messages of exclusion and conditional love. \u00a0There can never be enough people and voices extending signs and words of peace, love and grace. \u00a0And especially in this time, when the United Methodists are still clearly divided and put clergy on trial, it is important, even essential, to have a strong presence at the Pride Parade.<\/p>\n Before the parade started, a small contingent of protestors marched along the parade route with signs about repentance and judgment on the queer community. \u00a0That presence continues to harm LGBTQIA people. \u00a0So it is even more important for churches to be present caring signs saying “All are welcome” and Christians shouting, “God loves all.”<\/p>\n I was struck today how many people saw our United Methodist banner and signs and shouted out, smiled, and clapped; or how many people pointed at me, since I wore my clergy collar, and said, “Look, that’s a minister.” \u00a0People will always respond to the message we have to share. We just have to show up and start sharing.<\/p>\n Jeff Staley, Lay Member, Annual Conference, Bothell United Methodist Church<\/a>:\u00a0<\/b>There was a demonstration by a group of Christians before the parade started, protesting the event. The parade needs groups like ours as a positive witness to what means for many of us to be Christian (and\/or Methodist): That all are welcome in our churches, regardless of sexual orientation; that all are in God’s image; that God’s grace and compassion are for all.<\/p>\n We live in the Religious “None Zone” of the Pacific Northwest, where the greatest preponderance of news about Christians and LGBTQIA issues comes from the fundamentalist nondenominational churches (two of those are in Bothell – Eastlake and Cedar Park). We can’t let those folks be the primary spokespeople for what it means to be Christian.<\/p>\n Nancy Speer, Lay Member Wallingford United Methodist Church<\/a>: <\/b>Churches in general, and United Methodists in particular, have a shameful history in terms of their treatment of LGBTQIA persons. I think it\u2019s very important for those church communities that reject the notion of exclusion to be visible. If you believe in inclusivity, then it follows that you must seek to mend the harm that has been done in the name of the church and reclaim a Gospel of love. Seattle\u2019s Pride events provide a huge forum in which this can be done.<\/p>\n Rev. Joanne Carlson Brown, Pastor of Tibbetts United Methodist Church<\/a>, Seattle, WA:\u00a0<\/b>In light of the General Church’s published and visible stand against LGBTQ rights and people, it is crucial that we publicly, and in all ways we can, show that there are United Methodists who don’t agree with this bigoted, hate-filled position and action and who stand for justice and full participation of LGBTQ folks in all aspects of the church and its life together.<\/p>\n We are responding to our call from God to be a place of radical welcome and hospitality that preaches and lives the central message of the Gospel of radical love and liberation.\u00a0 Joining with other United Methodist churches in this visible presence and message is important so people see that there are many of us who feel this way; that no matter where you live in the King County area there is a safe and welcoming church to which you can go and find a home.\u00a0 We also support one another in our witness and strengthen each other in the dispiriting times in which we live in the General Church shadow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Speer: <\/b>Our legacy of support can only be seen as positive. It has been a core social value at Wallingford United Methodist Church\u00a0for 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.<\/p>\n Rev. Jim Clarke, Cedar Cross United Methodist Church<\/a>:\u00a0<\/b>We became a Reconciling Congregation this spring.\u00a0 The process took about 10 months, which people at the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) say was relatively quickly.\u00a0 We concentrated on sharing stories, rather than talking about it as an issue.\u00a0 Our finally vote was 184-4.\u00a0 Because of this we have a real mandate and with that comes permission to speak openly and publicly about this.<\/p>\n But more deeply, this has become a part of our identity and purpose.\u00a0 It has united us rather than divided us.\u00a0 It has given us a sense of purpose and mission.\u00a0 Before we became reconciling there was always the fear than someone would be offended.\u00a0 Now we simply say, this is who we are \u2013 and we are ready to share it with the world.\u00a0 It is always a risk to take on something like this, but the transformation from fear to feeling real excitement for ministry is transformational.<\/p>\n Brown: <\/b>Our two main outreach emphases are LGBTQ and homelessness.\u00a0 This is one way that we live into that first outreach commitment.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n It has strengthened our own local church and hence our mission in the neighborhood, the city, and the world.\u00a0We are proud and touched to visibly live the way of Jesus in West Seattle and beyond.\u00a0Those 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.<\/p>\n Staley:<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n Weber: <\/b>There are many people who come to Trinity (and other reconciling churches) because I and we support the LGBTQIA. \u00a0Over 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. \u00a0I 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brown:<\/strong> We have been part of Pride for 6 years – starting the summer after we became a Reconciling Congregation.\u00a0 We shared a booth for 5 of those years with Bear Creek UMC but didn’t participate in the parade.\u00a0 This year we are delighted that there is a coalition of King County Reconciling Congregations and individuals who have joined together for a mass witness on behalf, not of our individual churches, but for United Methodists for full inclusion.\u00a0 I’m excited for the large presence in the parade and the partnership in staffing our booth.\u00a0 We will have people walking in the parade and staffing the booth.<\/p>\n Speer: <\/b>My family joined Wallingford United Methodist Church in 1986, and I believe the church had an existing presence at Pride through its relationship with the group Affirmation. That momentum led to our evolving and increasing level of participation. For at least the last ten years we\u2019ve had an organized presence by marching as a church under our own banner and hosting a booth at PrideFest.<\/p>\n Staley: <\/b>This is Bothell’s first year of involvement. A few months ago we approved a “Welcome Statement” as part of our move towards affiliation with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). Since all Seattle District Methodists were invited to march under one Untied Methodist banner, it seemed an appropriate time for Bothell United Methodist Church folks to show our allegiance with our United Methodist brothers and sisters in Christ who have already affiliated with RMN.<\/p>\n Weber:<\/b> I know Trinity participated for the past 3 years but I don’t know about before that. \u00a0And two women in my church marched as a part of an ecumenical group well over a decade ago.) \u00a0This is the first year we are doing a joint United Methodist Pride presence. \u00a0Trinity and Wallingford have been the only ones marching in the parade for a few years and this was the first year that we were able to connect around having a joint venture. \u00a0And the timing was right. \u00a0After an invitational email, a few churches joined in and before we knew it, over twelve churches became involved in worship, marching, providing hospitality and staffing an informational booth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Weber:<\/strong> The number of reconciling congregations in our conference is growing and this event is a great way for churches to act upon their values. \u00a0The joint pride presence allows churches of all sizes to participate and even for Reconciling United Methodists whose congregation might not be reconciling to participate.<\/p>\n Speer:<\/strong>\u00a0Last year we made some small, initial attempts to include other local reconciling communities in both the parade and staffing of our booth. Through the outreach efforts of Rev. Kathleen Weber, the level of involvement by other churches has increased tremendously this year. We\u2019re working with about 13 other communities (spanning from Bothell to Buckley) with various levels of involvement. All this brings along the benefits of more energy, more financial resources, and larger numbers of participants. We\u2019re already planning a follow-up meeting after Pride when we\u2019ll take stock of this years\u2019 experience and look ahead to next year. We\u2019ll also explore the goal of cultivating ongoing relationships enabling us to support one another in our reconciling ministries.<\/p>\n Speer:\u00a0<\/b>Admittedly my participation in Pride comes primarily from a very personal level. My life has been greatly enriched by my friendships with LGBTQIA people. These are individuals who have been teachers and sources of inspiration; they\u2019ve shared stories and visions, and at all times have made real to me their unshaking faith in a loving God. When I participate in Pride it is because I want to celebrate side-by-side with these people whom I love and admire.<\/p>\n Staley:<\/b> I loved the opportunity to march under one United Methodist banner. And I hope that will continue in the future. It gives many of us a sense of belonging, regardless of whether our specific congregation is an Reconciling Ministries Network affiliated church.<\/p>\n Weber: <\/b>I was overwhelmed many times today (during the Pride Event) – holding hands with people from First Church, Foothills, and Bellevue First as we received a blessing before marching; witnessing the growing numbers of United Methodists walking together, talking together, joined in a common mission; and experiencing the connection in a powerful and important way.<\/p>\n It was a great day to be a United Methodist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Overview\u00a0& Photos by\u00a0Patrick Scriven, Director of Communications & Young People’s Ministry Over the last weekend of June, Seattle Pride, a non-profit organization which \u201ccoordinates and promotes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender pride events in the Seattle area\u201d held its annual Pride Parade as part of its 40th year celebration. The weekend has become increasingly popular […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[37,32,295],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7807","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-laity","8":"category-news","9":"category-seattle-district"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-11-59-06.jpg?fit=1280%2C853&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2l75j-21V","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7807"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7841,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7807\/revisions\/7841"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-12-02-01-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>Why is it important for churches and United Methodists to participate in an event like the Pride Parade?<\/h4>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-10-46-10-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>Question: How has your support of the LGBTQIA community impacted the ministry of your church (in positive or negative ways)?<\/h4>\n
![\"Nancy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-12-00-29-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>![\"Rev.](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-12-01-55-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>How long has your church (or you) participated in the Pride weekend? What triggered that participation?<\/h4>\n
Are you seeing increased attention and support from other United Methodists and, if so, how has that impacted the way you’ve approached the event this year?<\/h4>\n
Anything else you’d like to share?<\/h4>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/2014-06-29-at-11-57-53-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199\")
<\/a>