"Convocation Update and Transgender Day of Visibility" The Reconciliation Ministry of the United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 14 March 2018

"Convocation Update and Transgender Day of Visibility" The Reconciliation Ministry of the United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 14 March 2018

For Everyone Born - An Update on The 2018 Convocation

After much anticipation, it is with joy that we are able to share that we have a new location for For Everyone Born - 2018 Convocation!
Join us and hundreds of other United Methodists at the St. Louis Airport Hilton in St. Louis, MO on July 26-29.
It will be a powerful experience to gather so close to the site of the 2019 General Conference as we work for justice and dream about what it means to be a church that is "For Everyone Born."
We look forward to being able to share the agenda and registration with you soon, but until then, plan to see us in St. Louis!

Participate in the Transgender Day of Visibility

Each year on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility encourages folks all around the world to celebrate the beautiful lives of transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) people. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the work we have yet to do in the way of justice for trans and GNC people.
In a denomination that often dismisses or disregards the lives of trans and GNC folks, it's especially important that we celebrate those lives in our midst.
If you're a trans or GNC United Methodist, we want you to participate in this holiday with us! Send our communications associate, Brett Roes, your photo, name, and pronouns, and we'll share it with the movement on our social media channels on March 31!
Send Brett your picture

Appeals hearing for Rev. David Meredith

After two charges against Rev. David Meredith were dismissed, he was forced to appear before an appeals committee on March 9. Rev. Meredith was supported by hundreds of United Methodists who traveled from all across the region to be at the hearing with him. Despite it being an "open" hearing, only 50 people were allowed in, and the doors were locked on the remainder of folks there in support of Rev. Meredith. You can find video of the witness on the Affirm Inclusion Facebook page.

Students at Duke Divinity demand equality for LGBTQ students 

A movement led largely by femme LGBTQ students of color, many of whom are United Methodist, interrupted Dean Elaine Heath's State of the School address to demand justice for LGBTQ students at the school. The students are concerned about the inhospitable treatment that LGBTQ students receive at Duke Divinity - from peers, professors, and administrators alike. They have released 15 immediate, short-term, and long-term demands that they are asking the school to meet, which you can find here. Since these events, Dean Heath has created a task force to attempt to address the concerns.

Licensed local pastor fired for performing wedding of two women

Anna Golladay, formerly the associate pastor of Reconciling Congregations St. Marks and St. Elmo United Methodist Churches in Chattanooga, TN, has been fired for performing a wedding between two women. The decision to fire Golladay came at the hands of Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, District Superintendent Rev. Randy Martin, and the District Committee on Ministry. Neither church was consulted, and they were both shocked to receive the news that they'd be losing a pastor. Golladay has stated that the churches have been "irreparably harmed" by this decision. Be on the lookout for more information about how to support Golladay, St. Elmo, and St. Marks.

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Convocation and Trans Day of Visibility

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