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Reconciling Ministry StudyThe Reconciling Process
Reconciling ministry seeks to build authentic welcome and full inclusion for LGBT people in our United Methodist Church. Over 250 United Methodist congregations have gone through a process toward declaring a Reconciling welcome in their churches. These congregations have approved a statement that specifically names a welcome of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in their local church. This is necessary because our United Methodist Church holds official policies that exclude Gay and Lesbian people from the full life of the Church. The journey toward Reconciling affiliation is led by lay folks in the congregation. It is certainly helpful to have the support and teaching of the pastor, but the motivation must come from the lay folks. This will enable the resulting hospitality to the LGBT community and families to be authentic and to carry forward even when there is a change of pastors. The journey will include fresh opportunities even after the congregation affiliates with Reconciling Ministries. By offering a special Reconciling Sunday each year and additional educational programs, members will continue to grow in their understanding of true inclusion. People who are new to the congregation will have the chance to worship with the words of inclusion spoken out loud and the small group settings to ask the history and meaning of the path toward Reconciling.
For more information, log onto the Reconciling Ministry Network: www.rmnetwork.org |
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