Mission Moment from the Reconciling Ministries Committee

Back in March the St. Paul’s Reconciling Ministries Committee was scheduled to share our committee’s progress in a Mission Moment at one of our Sunday services. That Mission Moment never happened because that service never happened because so much of everything in our world was put on hold for the COVID-19 pandemic. But we are here today to give that report now.

You may remember that earlier this year a small group of us at St. Paul’s formed an informal committee, to begin a journey toward understanding what commitments we might want to make, collectively, toward becoming a more inclusive congregation in terms of welcoming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals. The committee members – Steve B., Scott G., Rebecca G., Abby L., Claudia M., and Judy W. – spent much of February and March making an effort to talk to as many of you as we could, one on one, to find out what inclusivity means to YOU as followers of Christ.

Here is a brief summary of what we found.

Overwhelmingly, every St. Paul’s member who spoke with us supported the goal of making persons of all sexual identities and orientations fully welcome at our church. People did have logistical questions about what kind of statement we might craft to convey this message and what kind of procedure would be employed to vote on it. Many people also wanted us to know that they are deeply committed to our remaining in loving fellowship with those who might find themselves in the minority on this issue – or indeed, on any issue. Just as individuals shared with us their support for the full inclusion of LBGTQ individuals in the life of our church, they also expressed an unwillingness to make any current members feel unwelcome for having divergent views on faith and sexuality. That is to say, the discussions were thoroughly animated by love for all current members – whatever their theological or political views – as well as enthusiastic support for the welcome of newcomers – whatever their sexual identities or orientations. We heard nothing but support for “open minds, open hearts, and open doors” in ALL forms.

If you or anyone you know has not yet talked with one of our committee members, please contact us. We want to hear from you! We also plan to organize some small group meetings – via ZOOM and/or safely distanced in-person gatherings – so that we can discuss this mission together within our St. Paul’s family, address any concerns, and begin talking about what we might say in St. Paul’s welcoming statement.

As before, we ask for your prayers as we continue on this journey together in a spirit of love, in the name of Jesus our Christ.