Earlier this year, the Reconciling Ministry Team at Cavalry UMC circulated a survey and gathered responses on two matters related to our ministry with LGBTQI persons. One of the matters had to do with the possible creation of a policy regarding the use of the church buildings for same sex marriages.
In 2024, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church removed denomination-wide bans against officiating at same-sex marriages. At the end of April this year, the United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that it is up to the pastor appointed in each church to decide on matters related to religious services, including marriages, funerals, and weekly worship. The Church Council and the Board of Trustees cannot bar a pastor from using the church facilities for a marriage service, nor make their use a requirement. With this decision, it is no longer necessary or appropriate for the local church Board of Trustees to create a policy about marriage services. Pastors already make decisions about who they will marry and the readiness of any couple seeking marriage. Now they will continue to do so with regard to same sex marriages as well.
The other matter that was included in the congregational survey had to do with a foundational statement provided by the Reconciling Ministry Network, a nationwide advocacy organization in the United Methodist Church working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.
If Calvary UMC were to join with other congregations in the Reconciling Ministry Network, the congregation would be required to approve the foundational statement provided by that organization. As a church continuing to learn about what it means to be a fully welcoming and affirming congregation, the Reconciling Ministry Team at Calvary UMC will be bringing the foundational statement to a congregation-wide vote at some point in the future. The team here hopes to continue to provide opportunities for conversation, reflection, and learning about how we might be faithful to God and work to build a church that shows love and care for all persons, especially those who have experienced rejection and harm from others in the past.
You can learn more about the Reconciling Ministries Network at https://rmnetwork.org/
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve