Reconciling Ministry
We are part of the Reconciling Congregations movement within our larger connection of United Methodist Churches reflecting our acceptance of all persons without regard to sexual orientation or other characteristics that may define cultural status.
Reconciling Congregation
What is a Reconciling Congregation?
A
reconciling congregation is a United Methodist local church that makes
a public statement welcoming all persons, regardless of sexual
orientation, to participate fully in its congregational life.
We are part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, organized in 1984, a
growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus
ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all
people in the United Methodist Church.
FUMC Boulder officially became a reconciling congregation in 1997.
One
of our most important core values is the belief that God loves all persons
regardless of how they may be different from mainstream
society. We Follow Jesus’ teachings to include the
marginalized as respected Children of God. As a sign of that belief, we
became the only United Methodist church in Boulder County to publicly
welcome gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons into full
participation in our church family.
Why do we have
to make this statement? We already welcome everyone.
Studies
have shown that the overwhelming perception within the lesbian/gay
community today is that they are not welcome in churches. Because they
have faced blatant discrimination within the church, their welcome has
become the crucible for the inclusive Body of Christ. Like letting your
light shine rather than hiding it under a bushel (Matt.5:15), this
decision is an event to celebrate rather than a decision to be kept
quiet.
More information: