Reconciling Ministry Process

Since August of 2008, Highlands UMC has undergone a process of deciding whether to become a Reconciling Congregation. We have long been a church with a warm and welcoming spirit of hospitality, and we continue to discern how God is leading us forward to live that out in our community.

Reconciling Congregations are churches that have approved an official and public statement of welcome that affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons to full participation in the life and leadership of the congregation. You can learn more at the Reconciling Ministries Network.

In the fall of 2008, we held a Town Hall/luncheon to discuss our experiences of being welcome or not being welcome, followed by workshops on Conflict Resolution, and how to communicate with Christian love even in the midst of disagreement.

This spring nearly 50 people completed a Bible study called Claiming the Promise, an ecumenical, welcoming Bible Study resource on homosexuality. This seven-week study gave our congregation an opportunity to study the Bible together and discuss the issue of full inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual persons at Highlands UMC. Claiming the Promise:

Examines biblical references to same-sex conduct in light of the broader biblical message which affirms we are children or heirs of the Promise.
Explores biblical authority and biblical interpretation.
Discusses "gracious hospitality," "gift-ed sexuality," and "inclusive holiness."
Tackles hard questions of "right relationship," lust/love, and sexual responsibility.
Calls us to live out the Promise as reconciling disciples.

On April 26, we had an additional opportunity for conversation and hearing people's personal stories after worship.

After approximately 9 months of intentional prayer, conversation, education, and discernment, the congregation voted on May 17, 2009 to become a Reconciling Congregation. The vote passed by an overwhelming majority, affirming the following statement of welcome to be true for our church:

Highlands United Methodist Church embraces Jesus' message that God loves and accepts every person, and so our welcome knows no boundaries. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we welcome people of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental ability, and economic condition into full participation in the life and leadership of our congregation.

Thank you to all who have taken part in the process, for the humility, love, and grace you have shown to each other in this matter and in all things. We continue to pray for God's guidance as our church moves forward into the future.

Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry are happy to answer any questions; please contact the church office if you wish to discuss questions, concerns, hopes, or comments with either of them.