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Dear Folks:
During General Synod this week, I was invited to the Faithful and Welcoming luncheon, where I was asked to facilitate a table discussion about LGBT and Conservatives in the church. Our question for discussion was, “What are some suggestions for UCC members with traditional views of sexuality and marriage if they hold strongly to their beliefs but do not want to inflict pain on or create distance from LGBT members of their church, family, or community?”
Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) represent UCC members who consider themselves evangelical, conservative, orthodox, or traditional (ECOT). More than 1/3 of our members across the UCC count themselves as conservative. Another 1/3 are moderates, and less than 1/3 call themselves progressives. Across that spectrum what we share is the love of Jesus Christ and the desire to bring Jesus’ ministry of justice and care to those who are poor, marginalized, or outcast.
Our table discussion was rich with scripture and stories about loving one another. We shared stories of conviction and collaboration. We talked about church harm and the healing that can be found in many of our churches. We named our commitment to covenant, honoring each other’s humanity and faith within this big-tent denomination.
ECOTs are considered a Historically Underrepresented Group (HUG) in the UCC. Their lamentation is similar to that of the Small Town and Rural (STAR) Church Coalition, in that the national ministries are focused more on progressive and urban issues than on providing resources for STAR or ECOT churches. Obviously, not every STAR church is ECOT, nor is every ECOT church in a rural setting.
When Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, the current UCC General Minister and President, spoke to the FWC luncheon, she asked a reversal of the common question of why conservatives stay in the UCC. Her question was, “If we are concerned with conservatives in the UCC, why don’t the progressives leave?” I think my answer is that there are many places in our lives where we navigate political differences—and many of us have family whom we disagree with. So, too, with the church. However, as church, we share the desire to serve Christ’s poor and hungry beloved ones. We minister together across the political divide because we are driven by the conviction that Jesus loves each one of us. We stay at the table because we share a common history and theology. We stay at the table because we love each other.
I entered the lunch with some wonder whether I might be welcomed. I needn’t have worried. The conversation was respectful and loving. Faithful and Welcoming Churches are just that: faithful to the gospel and welcoming of anyone, and one pastor reminded us of the UCC tagline, “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
I wish blessings on your faithfulness, and I pray that you and your congregation offer a wide welcome.
Peace,
Pastor Tony
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