Statement of Reconciliation

We acknowledge that throughout history the Christian Church has often
condemned and excluded people because of race, culture, age, gender, economic
status, disability or sexual orientation. While the church has made progress in
being open and affirming to many groups, there continues to be condemnation of
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons from the community of faith, or at
least, a tolerance of such condemnation and exclusion through silence. We
believe such actions are inconsistent with Christ’s teachings.
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.