First United Methodist Church of Whitewater recently announced that it had become a reconciling congregation, meaning it is inclusive and welcoming, not judging persons based upon their sexual orientation, gender identity or any other personal or social characteristic.
In February 2019, a special worldwide conference of the United Methodist Church was called to consider possible changes to the denomination’s position on human sexuality and to explore options to strengthen church unity on the issue.
According to a news release, delegates to that conference, many from non-US churches, voted by a narrow margin to not only retain denomination-wide prohibitions against same-sex marriages and practicing LGBTQ clergy, but to increase enforcement of those policies.
In response, the Prime Time high school youth of FUMC almost immediately adopted a statement in opposition to the denomination’s decision, affirming that “God made us who we are and all of us are children of God.”
After that bold statement by the youth and supportive comments from many adult members, FUMC formed a task force to consider becoming a reconciling congregation. That task force recommended adoption of the following statement, and all members and friends of the congregation were encouraged to vote on its acceptance:
“You are welcome to come just as you are and be met by God who knows you by name, who loves you and wants to have an ever-closer relationship with you. God made us who we are, and all of us are children of God.”
That includes to people of all:
- Sexual orientations and gender identities
- Racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Ages and physical or mental abilities
- Economic and family status
“We welcome and affirm you. We are all on a spiritual journey and want all to feel included here.”
Nearly 200 children, youth and adults voted, with overwhelming support for the measure.
Some reactions from those who voted yes included, “I am totally in favor,” “It’s about time and “I still have questions.”
A young girl who has two mothers said, “Because I want to keep coming here.”
“Being a reconciling congregation does not refer to a single issue, but to our faithful commitment to be reconciled to one another in all matters, without demanding that there be unanimity,” task force Chairman Lynn Binnie said in the news release. “We’ve always known that we are a welcoming congregation, but there are people in the Whitewater area who have heard about the stance of our denomination and who, as a result, believe that they would not be truly welcome here. As a reconciling congregation, we are making a public statement that God welcomes all and so do we.”
For more information, contact Binnie at 262-473-2997, 920-650-3650 or lynnbinnie@yahoo.com or the Rev. Susan Bresser at 262-473-2131, 608-333-4249 or susanbresser@gmail.com.
