About
BUILDING AN
INCLUSIVE CHURCHThis organization received its initial impetus from funding by the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Foundation, Minneapolis, for a conference by the same name in April 1999. It was planned by an interdenominational committee of individuals — people of faith, both clergy and laity, straight and gay, chaired by the Rev. Howard Johnson, a retired UMC clergyman. People on the committee are from:
American Baptist ChurchThis committee is concerned about continuing misinformation regarding those in the community of faith who are GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender). It arises from condemnation and exclusion of GLBT persons of faith and the pain and sense of alienation this causes, not only to them, but to their parents, families and friends. The exclusion of any group of persons on the basis of stereotypes and flawed assumptions is contrary to the spirit and mind of Christ, and a destructive source of alienation within the entire community of faith.
Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Society of Friends (Quakers)
United Church of Christ
United Methodist ChurchWe believe that when we are not inclusive and loving to one another within the church, we, as the Body of Christ, have no clear witness of healing and reconciliation for a troubled world.
The conference was planned with the deep conviction that we must be an inclusive church in order to be a faithful witness to the God whose love embraces us all.
About 230 attended the conference. Feedback has been very positive.