Inclusiveness Committee: Process to Become a Reconciling Church

In the spring Church Council affirmed the Inclusiveness Committee's request to move forward with becoming a Reconciling Church. This path was proposed in light of the UMC General Conference ruling that puts restriction on our LGBTQ siblings, and penalizes Clergy that support them.

Our Inclusiveness Committee then held Café Conversations to educate our congregation on what it means to be a Reconciling Church, and how CUMC can best support and welcome ALL God's children. One way to do this is by adopting a Reconciling Statement of Inclusion, which was discussed during Café Conversations. Based on the feedback at the gathering we are test driving the following statement:

All persons are individuals of sacred worth. Community United Methodist Church affirms Jesus’ example of love without reservation, and we commit to being compassionate and just with one another. Community United Methodist Church openly welcomes all people of any age, gender identity, race, ethnic origin, economic reality, family status, sexual orientation, diverse ability or social standing as full participants in the life and work of this church. We recognize that there are differences among us, but believe that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. We invite all people to join us in our faith journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.

Recently a small group from the Inclusiveness Committee met by phone with our regional organizer of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), Rev. Israel (Izzy) Alvaran, and discussed the process to become a Reconciling Church.

The first step is to organize our lay team to learn about the overall process and utilize the toolkit provided by RMN (read it here: rmnetwork.org). The last step is a vote which needs to be passed by at least 75% of our congregation. There are many steps in between and a formal vote is at least 6 months away (if not longer).

This process is one of many steps, and we want to keep and open dialogue throughout the journey. Please attend the meeting on 9/22 and join us on the road of discovery towards becoming a Reconciling Ministry. It is a path we walk together with God's love in our hearts and acts of justice in our minds.