Will Joining RMN Change Us?

            In response to our straw pole, asking the congregation to indicate their support, opposition, or questions/concerns regarding First Church Orlando affiliating with the Reconciling Ministries Network, some questions have asked how this affiliation might require us to change our current values and practices. I think this is an excellent question, and we certainly ought to be aware of the implications before making such an important decision.

           Bottom-line, the Reconciling Ministry Network asks us to affirm the following statement, and minister accordingly…

“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”           

            Please notice the breadth of inclusion in this statement, beyond the LGBTQ+ community! I think it would be very hard to argue that First Church isn’t already fully committed to the principles of this statement, and our commitment to do so faithfully! Joining RMN is simply a public affirmation that we will strive to live by these principles as faithfully as we possibly can. I would argue, we already are!

           But, let me take a step back and address what is happening more broadly in the United Methodist Church. The UMC is currently splitting over different beliefs and practices regarding the inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ persons.  Those with more traditional views of sexuality and marriage, opposing same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ persons, are leaving to start a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church. In the near future (possibly, as soon as next summer), all prohibitions against the full participation of LGBTQ+ persons in the UMC will be removed. Though these changes will likely happen next year, the likelihood of disciplinary action in the meantime, against a pastor who performs a same-gender wedding, are highly unlikely. For instance, earlier this summer, the Florida Annual Conference of the UMC affirmed, commissioned and appointed several new LGBTQ+ pastors. These changes are happening whether we join RMN, or not.

           I should note: the coming changes to our Book of Discipline will NOT automatically require churches to accept the appointment of an LGBTQ+ pastor or for churches to allow same-gender wedding ceremonies. The prohibitions and condemnations will simply be erased. Each UMC congregation will then decide for themselves. But, I anticipate First Church’s leadership fully supporting both the appointment of LGBTQ+ pastors and same-gender weddings.

           So, whether First Church affiliates with the Reconciling Ministries Network, or not, there’s no longer any prohibition against hosting same-gender weddings. Likewise, in consultation with our Bishop and District Superintendent, there’s no longer any reason an LGBTQ+ pastor couldn’t be appointed to serve First Church. Again, this is already true, regardless of our decision to join RMN. The changes in the UMC will change our values and practices, by allowing what was previously banned. But, affiliating with RMN does not.

           So, why become a Reconciling church, if the United Methodist Church is changing the rules anyway?

           Rules – obeyed or not - are not the same as attitudes.

           Compliance or non-compliance is not the same as how (or if) we treat people with kindness, care and compassion.

           Accepting is not the same as affirming.

           Joining RMN is a public statement to all people – conservative or progressive, cisgender or transgender, gay or straight, male or female, young or old, white or brown or black, white collar or blue collar, rich or poor, citizen or immigrant, employed or unemployed, English-speaking or non-English-speaking – at First Church Orlando, all people have sacred worth and will be treated with equal dignity and respect. Joining RMN is a way to help the community know that all people are welcome at First Church, in every way. Joining RMN removes obstacles to the LGBTQ+ community and their families /allies – obstacles we may be blind to – to feel safe and affirmed at First Church, when they might otherwise anticipate hostility, condemnation, disrespect, and even rejection.

           And, if we don’t join RMN, what will we be communicating to our own LGBTQ+ members, and their families – including LGBTQ+ persons born, baptized, confirmed, reared and raised, serving and leading among us - who are already beloved, contributing members of our church family?

           Changes at First Church, I do anticipate, should we decide to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network, include the privilege of welcoming individuals and families who have not felt safe, or experienced love and grace, at other churches. We get to do that! I do anticipate being blessed by the God-given talents and abilities those individuals will bring to our church. I do anticipate new, enriching friendships. I do anticipate increased public recognition that we are a loving, affirming, welcoming church. I do anticipate changes to our signage and promotional materials, indicating our RMN affiliation. I do anticipate receiving far more persons who appreciate our publicly affirming stance, than we will possibly lose. I do anticipate moving past this painful divide happening in the UMC, and a new beginning for First Church and the denomination. I do anticipate more people, beyond the LGBTQ+ community feeling welcome at First Church, as we continue to say and practice, “All means all!” I do anticipate being a leading progressive Christian voice in Downtown Orlando – and, likely, the only one.

           Will becoming a Reconciling church change us. Yes! Absolutely! But, change is coming whether we affiliate with RMN, or not. Will we be a church that affirms and welcomes the changes, or merely tolerates them?

           First Church: let’s embrace the moment! Let’s embrace the opportunity! And, most importantly, let’s embrace the LGBTQ+ persons who are seeking God and a church family, and want to make Fist Church their home!

           In my next post, I will address comments/questions/concerns against the full affirmation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons at First Church.

           I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Email me (vance@firstchurchorlado.org) or comment below.

Pastor Vance