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.

What is the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)?

Organized in 1984, the organization was founded to encourage and support justice-seeking local congregations that attempt to heal the gulf between the UMC and its lesbian and gay members and to minister to and with gay men and lesbian women. Being a reconciling congregation indicates to gay men and lesbian women that they are welcome. The reconciling label does not connote acceptance or rejection of the homosexual lifestyle. It invites a non-judgmental attitude when evidence can be found to support a variety of viewpoints on homosexuality. According to its Mission Statement, the Reconciling Ministries Network (previously known as the Reconciling Congregation Program) "provides a supportive network, educational and worship resources, and strategies that enable and empower individuals and church organizations for Christian ministries with lesbian and gay persons." For further information, see the Reconciling Ministry Network's website at www.rmnetwork.org.

How does a church become part of the reconciling network?

After a period of study, prayer and reflection about concerns of lesbian and gay persons and their relationship to the church, a local church makes a public statement welcoming all persons to participate fully in its congregational life. The statement is adopted at an all church conference.

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.

Does the reconciling program put us in violation of the Book of Discipline?

Absolutely not! Making a statement of inclusion, in fact, supports the Book of Discipline which calls for the inclusion of all persons who are viewed as individuals of sacred worth. Official United Methodist policy bars the ordination and appointment of "self-avowed practicing homosexuals". The Board of Ordained Ministry and bishop of each annual conference must decide how to handle this mandate. The Book of Discipline also "prohibits ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions". Each local church must decide for itself how it will handle this matter.

Didn't the Judicial Council rule that local churches may no longer name themselves with the label of unofficial organizations?

Yes. In November 1999, the Judicial Council announced that local congregations cannot adopt labels which identify them with unofficial organizations. The Council expressed its concern that labels are "divisive". In response to this ruling, the RMN made it clear that the effort to include gay and lesbian Christians in the local church would not be weakened. The salient concern is not one of terminology. Congregations can describe themselves as engaged in the "ministry of reconciliation" or "in support of the Reconciling Congregation Program" or as participants in "this reconciling congregation". The RMN reminds those involved in this prophetic ministry that wherever there is injustice and discrimination, any stand for justice and inclusiveness will potentially be divisive.

If we become reconciling, will we become an all-gay church?

No.  There are now over 1,000 Affirming (United Church of Canada), More Light (Presbyterian), Oasis (Episcopalian), Open and Affirming (Disciples of Christ or United Church of Christ), Reconciling (United Methodist), Reconciling in Christ (Lutheran), Supportive (Brethren/Mennonite), Welcoming (Unitarian Universalist), and Welcoming and Affirming (Baptist) churches and ministries in the US and Canada. The experience of these congregations has been that they have received some new lesbian and gay members. In addition, they have also been graced with many more new members who are attracted to the open, inclusive, and hospitable environment a reconciling congragation can provide.