FCM is saddened by the vote within the United Methodist Church to maintain and strengthen the restrictive and punitive doctrine of the church against LGBTQI+ people. The consequences of this vote is the future expression of the church that will be a much stricter enforcement of church laws on LGBTQI+ ordination and same-gender marriage.
We bore witness to the United Methodist Church special General Conference to address the ongoing struggle of being a denomination of inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQI+ community. Our FCM hearts are heavy as we witnessed a global denomination bare their irreconcilable differences to the world. Those that participated and those that watched felt like the Church was unraveling before them. As individuals make their own decisions about their future connection with and to the church, FCM grieves with you and stands with those that feel they may no longer have a church home.
The Federation of Christian Ministries attempts to respond to these challenges of inclusivity and diversity with integrity and love. We welcome the members of the LGBTQI+ community as members, ministers, chaplains and examples of a lived faith. We pray for and with the United Methodist Church that all would hear the challenge of Jesus to love each other and welcome everyone to the table with respect and equality. May we all respond to the Divine Call of unity and welcome. With the help of the Holy Spirit may we nurture, empower and minister to all people. This is our challenge and our path, we do not turn away.
By the Executive Committee of FCM:
Tom Stricker, Chairperson;
Tom Cusack, President;
Heidi Tierney, Treasurer;
Kathy Bean, Secretary