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. While the enforcement of the policies is often diminished by “don’t ask, don’t tell” behavior, the spiritual harm is done.

Bisexual and Transgender people have not been denied as a matter of policy, but there is much that can be done to provide warmth and welcome.

Reconciling Journeys

In this video, people across the Reconciling Movement
discuss the reconciling journey.

Reconciling Journeys from Reconciling Ministries Network on Vimeo.

The journey toward Reconciling affiliation has been undertaken by individuals, small groups, congregations, various levels of United Methodist groups and committees, Annual Conferences, and ecumenical collaborations.

The process toward affiliation with Reconciling Ministries Network will take intentional planning, educating, organizing and living into the vision. This process will take time ~ how much time will depend on the starting point of the discussion and the diligence in pursuing the goal. If the topic of homosexuality has never been addressed in any way, it will probably take two or three years of planning and ministering. If your congregation already has some degree of welcome, then it can take less time. In either case, the people of the congregation need to become aware of the people, the issues, the language and the stories of a community that has been treated harshly ~ then the open hand of welcome can be extended with hopefulness that it will be received.

The journey 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.

Resources for the Journey:

How to get started in your congregation

Reconciling team survey - to assess your congregation

Sample Reconciling statements

Actual requirements to affiliate with RMN

Reconciling Communities – Sunday school class, annual conference group or other ministry

Saddlebags – some of our best resources bundled for a discount price.

Resources available through RMN