Love is Love. God is Love.
Posted on Feb 28, 2019 by
If you haven’t heard about the recent United Methodist Church meeting and decision, here’s some info: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/us/united-methodists-vote.html.
Many I know who are part of the UMC are reeling based on the decisions made by their denomination. Most Methodists I’ve talked to do not agree and oppose the decision vehemently. I am so sad for my LGBTQIA+ siblings who continue to be hurt by the church. We need this incredible group of people in our churches. They make us better. I feel God is calling us to include the marginalized, and the news from this week feels like a real setback.
But what helps me not to despair is our church. Our denomination. And other mainline denominations like ours. Inclusion is happening. And that’s why churches like ours have to shout from the rooftops that inclusion in our churches is mandatory and a no-brainer.
I encourage you to bring friends to our 12:15 p.m. Glitter+Ash Wednesday service and talk about why we are doing what we are doing to be intentionally inclusive at Salem Lutheran Church. Talk about what it means to be an RIC church, talk about why that’s so important. If you’re not sure, I’d love to have coffee and share some of my thoughts with you anytime.
We have so much work to make up for these beautiful souls to trust the church again. Let’s continue that work together. Pray for your Methodist friends; they are sad. Pray for the LGBTQIA+ community as they continue to hurt. Pray for Salem, so that we know how to be the welcoming and inclusive community that we strive to be. I will be praying for all of those things.
Emily Nelson Dixon
Director of Teen Ministries and Outreach