The United Methodist Church's internal struggle over the Protestant denomination's stance on homosexuality has become increasingly public over the past few years.
Although the UMC's official position is that of declaring homosexuality sinful and barring practicing homosexuals from the ministry, a number of clergy, groups, and congregations want the church to change. One group, known as the Reconciling Ministries Network, seeks to unite churches under their banner, creating a more inclusive atmosphere for the LGBT community.
Back in the 1980s, RMN created a program in which UMC congregations could become "Reconciling Congregations."
"A Reconciling church, community or campus ministry is a community that has gone through a period of discernment and adopted a statement that includes a welcome to people of all 'sexual orientations and gender identities'," reads a description on the RMN's website.
Found in every state and the District of Columbia, these "Reconciling Congregations" and "Reconciling Communities" represent a small but vocal presence in the North American wing of the global UMC. Keep reading
Photo: UMNS/Paul Jeffrey
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