Some ideas from The Reconciling Ministries Network
Friday, December 10, 2004
quote:
The phrase 'no room in the inn' takes on new poignancy in the wake of the trial of the Rev. Beth Stroud in Eastern Pennsylvania. I know that there are many United Methodists who feel, increasingly, as if there is no room for them - people who struggle between love for this church and grief over our closed-door policies. I am in prayer for all who are waiting in the cold, seeking room, watching for the light of God's grace.
- Bishop Susan M. Morrison
Following the trial, reaching out to Beth Stroud, Bishop Joseph Yeakel said, "the day will come when the church will apologize to you for this decision."
Much must happen between the time of closed-door policies and a church apology to Beth Stroud, and the time to act is now! In the many email responses to the RMN office, one of the largest themes shown was a desire to move forward -- to take compassionate action. Compassion encompasses both mercy (responding to hurts) and justice (changing a system that hharms).
A simple start is to send notes to Beth Stroud and Chris Paige, to Rev. Fred Day (Senior Pastor at FUMCOG), and to the community of FUMCOG where Beth continues to be affirmed and to serve -- now as a layperson.
First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG)
6023 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Don't avoid the pain of this verdict. Address the emotional responses and needs in your community. Offer time to gather together and share. Use a litany of lament, anger or exile. Foster healing in preparation for action!
Resource: http://www.rmnetwork.org/flashnet/fn041123.php
Within your UMC setting, speak out. Many of our congregations still do not even know there was a trial! Bring it up. Share how you are affected. Personal encounters have transformative power. Be a broken record - repeat your message often.
Resources on Beth's story: www.BethStroud.Info or http://thecongregationmovie.com/
Within your local community, write letters to the editor in response to articles that express our reconciling hope for the UMC. Counter any monolithic thinking that assumes no disagreement on this issue. Ground your comments in your faith.
Write to your District Superintendent and Bishop. Ask for an appointment to meet with them. Gather several reconciling persons to go with you and share your concerns/hopes for your annual conference. Be clear about who you are and what you expect from UM leaders.
Resource: Active Bishops
Resource: Retired Bishops
If you attend a church with a welcoming statement, but are not affiliated with RMN, take the public step to strengthen your witness and the national movement.
If you are unsure if your congregation is affiliated visit: http://www.rmnetwork.org/findus.php
Begin, reinvigorate, or expand a Reconciling Process in your area whether at a Sunday School class, congregational, or network level. Take the next step for your particular situation! Contact the RMN office if you need help assessing your next best step (773-736-5526). Resources are available all along the continuum.
Resource: Why Become a Reconciling Congregation?
Resource: How to Become a Reconciling Congregation
Sign up and encourage others to sign up as Reconciling United Methodists. Help to broaden the national movement's base. We must organize locally, regionally, and nationally!
To enroll: http://www.rmnetwork.org/join.php
Set aside Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5, 2005 for the Eighth National Reconciling Convocation: Hearts On Fire . Participate in workshops designed to renew and inspire as well as to equip us to both deepen and widen the movement from the grassroots to the national level.
Take the next step. Wherever you are, whatever your situation, you have a next step to take. If you are a layperson, clergy, district superintendent or bishop; if you are the parent of an LGBT person, an LGBT person, or an ally; you have a next step. If you are in the closet as an LGBT person, a family member of an LGBT person, or a supporter of an LGBT person; work subversively for change! If you are out, keep speaking up. If you are not in a congregation that is supportive, reach out and foster new networks of support! Take the next step. You have one to take! |
