Creating a Welcoming Statement of Inclusivity

We hope this document will be a resource for congregations who are considering adopting a Welcome Statement or Statement of Inclusivity. From conversations with church leaders, laity and clergy, we have compiled several examples of statements, some brief and to the point, others are more extensive. We also share some stories of how the statements came into being. We hope you find this helpful.

 First – Some things to think about and questions to consider

A few general thoughts to get you started:

  • The decision to be welcoming / affirming / advocating is something on which the community or congregation must reach consensus.

  • Clergy may lead, but laity ownership is recommended. Listening to and involving multiple voices - LGBTQ+, multi-cultural, traditionalist, etc. is important.

  • Adopting a statement is a major step. It is a process of prayerful discernment, considering information from multiple sources, listening to God, and all God's people.

  • Beyond adopting a statement, consider what’s next: How will we live this out? How do we spread the word? What changes do we make to our worship language? Our daily language?

Questions for pastors and Church Councils to consider:

  • What is your church’s history of talking / preaching about controversial issues in worship?

  • What small groups already exist, and how might they be helpful in the discernment process?

  • Does the leadership of the church reflect the make-up of the congregation?

  • What stories from your church’s history need to be told with respect to inclusion? (History of working with issues of race, ethnicity, disability). Even if these are painful, they need to be told.

  • How can you invite church members to share stories of their own interaction with diversity concerns? These are powerful stories that can be told directly or anonymously, in print or verbally.

  • How does your congregation traditionally handle issues on which there is disagreement? Do you listen to one another, or is it simply majority wins?

  • Who are the power brokers in your congregation, the people everyone listens to (even if they aren’t in official leadership roles)?

 Fairlington UMC, Alexandria VA

A Reconciling Congregation is one that adopts a public statement, which can be inclusive of many people, but specifically welcomes individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  Fairlington UMC crafted and adopted a reconciling statement on February 10, 2013 that recognizes and is reflective of the vast diversity of our congregation, and extends a wide welcome that includes many individuals and groups that may not always feel welcome at church.

Fairlington’s Statement
Fairlington United Methodist Church proclaims without reservation God’s unconditional love and grace, and affirms the dignity and worth of every person as created in the image of God.  We commit to extend Christ’s gospel hospitality, creating a place of safety and spiritual sanctuary for all people.  Therefore, this community of faith welcomes into membership, participation and leadership all persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, family structure, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic background, political affiliation, physical or mental ability, faith history, or life experience.  We recognize among us differences in theology and biblical interpretation, and covenant to accept, respect, and love one another along our faith journeys.  As God loves us, so let us love one another.

Fairlington’s Story
Fairlington’s path to becoming a Reconciling Congregation was inspired and led by laity. In 2011 the congregation reflected a diverse community, from which this effort arose, supported by the clergy staff. A Reconciling Committee was formed to guide a discernment process; anyone who wanted could be a participant. The committee organized a series of workshops and speakers from varied perspectives and disciplines: theological, biblical, psychological, and personal experience. Reconciling Ministries Network sent a representative to explain the process of associating with RMN.

It was important then, and remains so today at Fairlington UMC, that “all means all,” that to be inclusive it is essential to listen, love and respect all sides, opinions, and theologies; and, that this is not exclusively an LGBTQIA+ issue. This is reflected in their statement.

In early 2013, the Reconciling Committee brought a statement to Church Council. A congregational vote was taken by various means over a multi-week period. Some 95% of respondents endorsed the statement and the designation of Reconciling Congregation. Fairlington UMC lost less than 10 members as a result. There were some folks who did not think it was necessary to take this step as the church was already inclusive. The committee responded that it was important to be explicit in identifying who Fairlington UMC was as a congregation.

In the end, theirs was a theological decision. It was critically important to their process, and highly recommended for others, to engage speakers and presenters from different perspectives who can speak authoritatively. Again, being inclusive means all – even disagreeing people. Six years later, the congregation remains of different opinions and theologies, a community where listening to diverse voices is emphasized, standing on the common ground of welcoming all into the body of Christ.

Learn more on their website: http://fairlingtonumc.org/serve/reconciling-ministry

Welborne United Methodist Church, Richmond VA

Welborne’s Statement
In response to the actions of the 2019 special session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the resulting pain of the LGBTQI community, their friends, family and allies, Welborne adopts the following statement of inclusivity.

Welborne United Methodist Church believes that everyone is a child of God. We welcome and affirm all persons without regard to gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, national origin, faith tradition, age, diverse ability, marital status, economic condition, or anything else which threatens to divide God’s family. We recognize that there are differences among us but believe that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. In our quest to follow the example of Christ, we will employ no circles of exclusion and we commit ourselves to loving acts of invitation, hospitality, and reconciliation, providing ministry to, for, and with all persons without exception. We welcome all people to worship, leadership and full ministry in the life of the church.

The Welborne UMC Church Council
Adopted on May 13, 2019

Welborne’s Story
In the wake of General Conference 2019, Welborne UMC leadership felt a response was called for, but that it had to be based on the consensus of the Welborne congregation, not just of staff or leadership. Senior Pastor Beth Givens drafted a statement inspired in part from various online sources and an advertisement placed in the Richmond Times Dispatch by several area United Methodist Churches. This statement was distributed to Church Council, and feedback was incorporated.

A congregational information meeting was held, attended by 25-30 people. The draft statement was presented, and comments received. The statement was mailed to all membership along with a survey; there was very little response. Three congregational input sessions were scheduled at varied days and times to review the statement and survey the congregation. A portion of Adam Hamilton’s March 4, 2019 Family Meeting was played.

The results showed that Welborne UMC overwhelmingly did not support the Traditional Plan. Members were concerned that the statement of inclusivity meant that Welborne UMC would start performing LGBTQ+ weddings. The most contentious component was in the preamble, pertaining to the clause “the resulting pain of the LGBTQI community, their friends, family and allies,” as some people struggled with being complicit in the injury.

From initial response to adoption, Welborne UMC’s was a two-month process.

 Learn more at http://welbornechurch.org/

Other Examples and Resources

Mt. Olivet UMC, Arlington VA voted in 2019 to become a Reconciling Congregation, after a deliberate multi-year process of discernment. Learn more at https://mountolivetumc.com/wayforward

A copy of the final report on Holy Conversations (2014): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LRwtj5zyf1T2YvB0iR8fcBSaa8000pR5/view

Open Table UMC, Raleigh NC is a new church re-start, that describes itself as “a progressive, inclusive, affirming, and diverse church that hopes to bridge the divides of our culture in order to love and include everyone. We believe that God is love and the church should reflect this unconditional love to all people - just as Jesus did. Our dream is to be a church that stands with and among the marginalized and oppressed in our community to stand for justice and reconciliation. We are not perfect but we want to do good.” Learn more at https://opentableumc.org/home.

Wesley Memorial UMC, Charlottesville VA is a safe sanctuary provider for a Guatemalan refugee; and, in light of General Conference 2019, adopted local church policies supporting the equal treatment of all persons in matters of marriage and ordination. Wesley Memorial’s welcome statement reads:

“In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave nor free.” All means all. All God’s people, of every age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or questioning, means, ability and spiritual tradition are welcome here in the name and love of God, to worship, learn and serve. Wesley Memorial Church is an affirming, welcoming and reconciling congregation.

Learn more at https://wesleymumc.org/.

We at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond VA celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. In light of God’s unconditional grace and Jesus’ hospitality, we welcome into our fellowship all who desire to be part of this community of faith. We affirm all people equally, regardless of social, economic or marital status, race, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or previous religious affiliation. As we are freely loved and accepted by God, we will offer love and acceptance in this congregation.

 Therefore, all the sacraments, celebrations, privileges, and responsibilities of membership shall be open to every member of this congregation. These include participation in all services of worship, the availability of pastoral care, attendance at congregational meetings, the right to vote, eligibility for church leadership, as well as opportunities for fellowship, education, and service.

As a congregation, we are committed to living together in such a way that we give witness to Christ’s sacrificial life, saving death, and glorious resurrection. Loved and accepted by God, we will offer love and acceptance in this congregation.

Learn more at https://www.ginterparkpc.org/.

Reconciling Ministries Network provides a number of resources for churches, small groups and campus ministries to move towards affiliation. Included on this website are links to additional welcome statements. Learn more at https://rmnetwork.org/.

Rev. Donna Holder & Rev. Alan Layman