8/8/23 Newsletter Article from Pastor Vance

During my time in campus ministry at FSU (2003-2014), a large number of LGBTQ+ students were involved in our ministry. For many years, most of those students were “in the closet,” by their own choice. I knew who they were, because many had spoken to me privately. In many cases, I was one of the first people my LGBTQ+ students “came out” with. I was also privileged to say to each of them, “God loves you and I love you, just as you are. Thank you for trusting me with your truth.”  In fact, as those students discovered each other, I arranged for an area church to offer a private meeting room for weekly gatherings, as many had not yet made their sexuality public, but were seeking a place of private support and fellowship.

But, it was only a matter of time before my heterosexual/cisgender students became aware of the large number of LGBTQ+ students among us. News spread quickly, as did rumors, as did questions and concerns about whether or not LGBTQ+ students were (or should be) welcome and wanted. They were, and I needed to say so, publicly.

I was ready. I knew the day would come. I prepared a rather lengthy lecture on human sexuality and the Bible, and about my own journey from stereotypical homophobic to affirming ally. Following my sharing, which lasted over an hour, we had a long group conversation. Hundreds attended and participated.

Though I can’t possibly share the entirety of that lecture and conversation here, I do want to share the way I began and ended my talk. I said something like, “I don’t expect all of you to agree with me. I don’t expect we will all agree with each other. But, I do expect this: in this ministry, everyone will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, no matter who you are or what you believe. In this ministry, everyone who walks through our doors will be welcome – no exceptions. We can disagree, but we will do so lovingly and respectfully.”

That was our guiding principle, long before anyone realized LGBTQ+ students were among us, and it was our guiding principle as we became known as a safe place on campus for the LGBTQ+ community. Though no one was told to leave because of their views, some of my conservative students did – unfortunately – and found more conservative ministries to attend. Though I sincerely grieved their departure, I knew they had other options. There were plenty of conservative churches and ministries around campus, just as there are today in Downtown Orlando. Whereas, there were NOT other safe, nurturing, spiritual environments available to LGBTQ+ students. We were that safe spiritual home. It was our privilege and calling.

First Church Orlando is currently gathering responses to a straw poll, seeking input from the congregation regarding possibly affiliating with the United Methodist Reconciling Ministry Network, an advocacy organization for the LGBTQ+ community. Truly, though RMN advocates specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, RMN also advocates for the full inclusion of all people groups in the UMC. Many of our members, ministries, groups, and Sunday School classes have already affiliated with RMN. For more information on the Reconciling Ministries Network, visit their website. I hope you will take time to learn about RMN, and participate in the straw poll, between now and Sunday, August 13.
 

Thus far, 80% of straw poll responses support affiliating with RMN and First Church becoming a “Reconciling” church. 80%! The other 20% include 15% who are against joining RMN, for various reasons, and 5% undecided.
 
Assuming First Church moves toward an official vote to join RMN, we obviously won’t all agree. To become a “Reconciling Church” requires a 75% majority vote of the whole congregation; the highest level of agreement required on anything I can think of in the United Methodist Church! But, even a super majority like 75% (or even 80%!) is still short of unanimous agreement. So, to those at First Church who object to RMN, who disagree with First Church becoming “Reconciling,” I say to you something like I said to my students, “I don’t expect all of you to agree with me. I don’t expect we will all agree with each other. But, I do expect this. At First Church Orlando, all are welcome. Everyone will be treated with utmost respect and dignity, no matter who you are or what you believe. At First Church Orlando, everyone who walks through our doors will be welcome – no exceptions. We can disagree, but we will do so lovingly and respectfully.”
 
As you respond to the straw poll and the upcoming official vote, however your personal convictions lead you, I hope you will join me in the same commitment to welcome and respect everyone – including everyone on both sides of the vote and its outcome.