www.mnrcumc.org
Minnesota Reconciling Congregations
All are Welcome Here, No Exceptions
Reconciling United Methodist Congregations are:
A NATIONAL NETWORK of churches, groups and individuals which support each other in carrying out their Christian ministry of witness and outreach.
PROCLAIMING AND LIVING OUT the simple, powerful message of hospitality and love revealed by Jesus Christ.
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES which are large and small; urban, suburban, rural; young and old; many races and cultures.
This growing, grass roots movement is transforming the lives of countless individuals and communities.
Since 1984, the Reconciling Congregation movement has grown to more than 861 Reconciling Congregations, Campus Ministries and Annual Conferences. It also encompasses over 34,000 Reconciling United Methodists who publicly witness to “open the doors” of the church to the participation of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
JOIN US in this vital Christian movement that seeks to fulfill the Biblical teaching that we are to LOVE God and our neighbor as ourselves and to do JUSTICE.
The Commission on a Way Forward
After more than 40 years of ongoing debate at each of the General Conference meetings of the UMC, in 2016, once again the denomination failed to remove the harmful language and restrictions with respect to LGBTQ persons. Instead the Commission on a Way Forward was proposed by the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church and was approved by the 2016 General Conference to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.
The 32 members of the Commission were named in 2016 and it began its work in January of 2017. In November of 2017, they presented an interim report to the Bishops and expect to present a final report to the Council in May, 2018
The Council of Bishops announced the call to a special General Conference on Feb. 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri. The special meeting of The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly will be limited to acting on a report by Council of Bishops, based on the proposals from the Commission on the Way Forward.
So now we must wait for this process to play out and to see what recommendations are made by the Commission in May of 2018. Until that is known, we will continue to encourage every United Methodist congregration to become informed as to the work of the Commission and to be respectfully engaged in conversations and to advocate for full inclusion. We stand ready to assist local churches to determine if they want to join us as advocates for change within the institution and become Reconciling Congregations. We will reach out in mission to members of the LGBTQ community to welcome them to our churches and to affirm them as children of God.
Minnesota Reconciling Congregations
Caring,
Inclusive and
Spirit Filled!
There is a church home ready to help
with your faith journey.
Directory of the Minnesota Reconciling Churches
See the list
Remembering Reverend Jeanne Audrey Powers
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the Minnesota Reconciling Congregations recently lost one of its long time advocates for change and inclusion. The Reverend Jeanne Audrey Powers, a queer saint, is now part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on to finish the race for LGBTQ justice.
She passed away in her sleep in Switzerland while with her family and friends. One of the first women ordained in the Methodist Church in 1958, she came out as a lesbian in 1995 in her famous sermon “The Journey” (shown in this video) at the Fourth National Convocation at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
Read more about the legacy of this courageous woman at http://bit.ly/1RYBedt #TBT.
Outreach Activities
Pride Parade
Twin Cities Pride is one of the largest Pride Celebrations in the United States. It represents a phenomenal outreach opportunity by our Minnesota Reconciling Congregations to show their support for the LGBTQ community.
With a festival booth in Loring Park and our parade unit, we share God’s love for all.
Learn More
Festival Booth
