Reconciling Ministries Network

The South Carolina Christian Action Council is holding a webinar tomorrow, 8/28 @ 12pm ET, and RMN organizer Helen Ryde will be a speaker. Helen and other faith leaders will talk about family estrangement, healing, and reconciliation for Gen Z LGBTQ+ people of color. Register here: https://lnkd.in/extg7F96

August is National Estate Planning Month! It's a myth that making a will is expensive or difficult. At freewill.com, you can start your estate planning today – for free. And it only takes about 30 min. Spend some time this weekend planning for how you want to take care of the people you love and the causes you care about for years to come.

"Back in my day, an irascible, authoritarian bishop made it clear that the easiest way for a church to receive a female pastor would be to ask not to have one. Today, bishops have gone on speaking tours throughout their Conferences to assure skittish churches that they simply have to say the word, and they will never receive an LGBT+ pastor. Ever." Rev. Dr. Sally Haynes writes for RMN about the difficulties ahead for LGBTQ+ clergy – unless we take a loud and firm part in the co-creation of the Church. https://lnkd.in/eeiSWG79

Reconciling people, you're all invited to Glenn Memorial's 10th Reconciling Anniversary celebration in Atlanta, GA! This Sunday at 11am ET, Jay Horton is preaching. Join Glenn Memorial for special music as well, and a big lunch on the lawn afterward! For more about Glenn Memorial's Reconciling witness, watch here: https://lnkd.in/eqmuh865 #faithfullylgbt #lgbtq

Please give a warm welcome to the newest Reconciling Ministry of the movement: Trinity UMC of DeLand, FL! You can visit their website here: https://lnkd.in/gnsqf9cM #faithfullylgbt #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch

** Save the date! ** Whom Shall I Send? November 7 @ 7pm ET | 4pm PT The Church’s doors are opening to LGBTQ+ clergy candidates. Are you ready to offer the broad welcome of Jesus? This 1.5-hour training is designed for those serving on or supporting: - Boards of Ordained Ministries - District Committees - Cabinets Registration details are forthcoming. We look forward to seeing you there! #faithfullylgbt #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch

This is an opportunity to become a home for people who previously felt disenchanted by The UMC, not just queer folx, but also those who have witnessed and experienced the systems of violence entrenched in harmful theology. [Rev. Andi] Woodworth cautions that churches must be mindful not to cause more harm by being unprepared or inauthentic in their welcome." Is your church prepared to embody and offer welcome? What would it take for that welcome to be substantiated by your church's commitment and actions? https://lnkd.in/eVdvZVGV

As church committees get restarted and congregants come back to town, it's time to start thinking about whether your church is ready for the Reconciling process. It's an intentional, prayerful journey undertaken by a whole congregation – at your own pace and with all the assistance you need from RMN's organizers. https://lnkd.in/eKTnGSEf

Episcopal priest Rev. Kit Wang is one of six people talking in this piece about undergoing gender-confirming surgery as an older adult. Their message is clear: when it comes to transitioning, whenever you're ready is the right time. https://lnkd.in/g9BC5vCv

August is National Estate Planning Month! It's a myth that estate planning is only for the wealthy. It's a way for all of us to express our values and how we'd like to support the people and organizations that matter most to us even after our lifetimes. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ folks, for whom chosen family may not be recognized by the law. At freewill.com, you can start your estate planning today – for free.