INCLUSIVE FAITH

& ACTIVE LOVE.

We are so glad you are here! We hope you'll join us as we journey through the process of becoming a Reconciling Church. We desire to be a body of Christ that is inclusive of all people and hope to create a space that invites all to the table.

Our discernment process will begin on September 15.

Learn more about being a Reconciling Church and how you can be involved:

  • Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is an organization within the United Methodist Church that advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the life and ministry of the church. RMN works to transform church policies and practices to be more inclusive, affirming, and just. Through education, advocacy, and community-building, RMN seeks to create a church that welcomes and values all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

  • Partnering with Reconciling Ministries Network is crucial because it embodies the core Christian values of love, acceptance, and justice for all people. By becoming a Reconciling Church, we openly affirm our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels welcomed and valued. This partnership not only enriches our faith community but also demonstrates our dedication to creating a more just and loving world.

  • The process of becoming a Reconciling Church involves several key steps, and we invite everyone to be an active participant. We will meet monthly (beginning September 15) to discuss, reflect, and plan our journey toward inclusivity. Additionally, we will hold "town-hall" style sessions to educate our congregation on the importance of this step, address any questions, and gather input. Your involvement is vital; whether through attending meetings, participating in discussions, or simply offering your support, every contribution helps us move closer to becoming a truly welcoming and affirming community.

  • Absolutely! No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here. This will be a safe space where all questions asked out of curiosity and a desire for deeper understanding are not only welcomed but essential. Your questions and insights are vital for us to move forward together and create a more inclusive and understanding community.

  • Great question! At the conclusion of our Town Hall meetings we will vote on the statement below. If we pass to adopt this statement as a core value of our church, we will officially be a Reconciling Church. We will be listed on the RMN website as a place where all people are seen, valued, and welcomed for who they are!

    Statement we will be voting on:

    “We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed. This is consistent with our values at Light of Christ UMC which are, Enthusiastic Discipleship, Being Good Neighbors, Risking to Reach People, Building Bridges, and Empower Equity."

We aim to offer a comprehensive resource tool to support you on your journey. Whether you’ve been on this path for a while or are just starting, we hope you'll find something here that broadens your understanding of inclusivity and love. If you have any additional suggestions, please email us at taylor@locumc.org.

Books to Read:

  • Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church by Bridget Eileen Rivera

  • Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans

  • God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines

  • Why Churches Need to Talk about Sexuality by Mark Wingfield

Podcasts to Listen to:

  • Affirming Methodism

  • Evolving Faith Podcast

  • Queer Theology

  • Crackers and Grape Juice

  • A Tiny Revolution

  • Lord Have Mercy

Ways you can be more involved:

  • Seek out stories, testimonies, and teachings from LGBTQIA+ individuals within the church. Listening directly to their experiences fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys they face in faith communities.

  • Create or participate in spaces where open, respectful conversations about LGBTQIA+ inclusion can happen. These dialogues can break down prejudices and build a more welcoming community.

  • Support and advocate for changes in church policies, liturgies, and leadership structures to ensure they are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people. Inclusion work is vital because it reflects the core Christian values of love, justice, and the inherent dignity of all people, making the church a true sanctuary for everyone.

  • Study theologies that affirm LGBTQIA+ identities, such as queer theology. Understanding the biblical and theological foundations for inclusion helps challenge traditional interpretations that have excluded LGBTQIA+ people.

Documentaries & Films to Watch:

1946

Out of Order

Pray Away

List of LGBTQ+ Films & Documentaries with ratings, trigger warnings, and descriptions.

Check out our LOC Podcast, Affirming Methodism

In May ‘24, we talked with RMN’s Ophelia Hu Kinney. We invite you to listen as we delve into the rich tapestry of intersecting identities. Ophelia, shares her insights on navigating faith, embracing queerness, and honoring her Asian American heritage. Together, we explore the challenges and triumphs of living authentically at the crossroads of these powerful identities.

CONTACT  US

If you’d like to ask a question anonymously, please visit our Resource Table in the Lobby of the Phase 2 Building. We will also have opportunities to ask questions during each of our meetings in September, October, November & December. We welcome questions born from curiosity and a desire to deepen one's understanding, even when the topics are challenging or uncomfortable.