Missionary Renegade: Reconciliation Ministry Network Western Jurisdiction

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Reconciliation Ministry Network Western Jurisdiction - February 2015 Update

Izzy Alvaran izzy@rmnetwork.org

Black Lives Matter!

Reflections of a Brown Gay Ally on Black History Month

On this Black History Month, I have much to learn as an immigrant from the Philippines, especially given I come from a culture that has ingrained self-hate of our brown skin and indigenous traditions into our public and personal consciousness. After over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and half a century of American occupation, my people have lost what it means to be Filipino. It doesn’t help that our country is named after the Spanish king Philip. As if rubbing salt on a festering wound, a chocolate-covered biscuit bar is being sold in Spain, called “Filipinos” - Google it for images.
How do I learn to be an ally of my black sisters and brothers as a brown gay man also trying to learn how to appreciate my brown-ness and fully embrace my gay identity? (Read the rest of my reflection here)

Black History Month: Reflections of a Brown Gay Ally by Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran

On this Black History Month, I have much to learn as an immigrant from the Philippines, especially that I come from a culture that has ingrained self-hate of our brown skin and indigenous traditions into our public and personal consciousness. After over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and half a century of American occupation, my people have lost what it means to be Filipino. It doesn’t help that our country is named after the Spanish king Philip. As if rubbing salt on a festering wound, a chocolate-covered biscuit bar is being sold in Spain, called “Filipinos” - Google it for images.

How do I learn to be an ally of my black sisters and brothers as a brown gay man also trying to learn how to appreciate my brown-ness and fully embrace my gay identity?

By process of elimination, I narrow down the common sources of our discrimination as people of color, call it out – name it, fight it, defeat it. It is being an ally in solidarity, and also acknowledging my own state of being marginalized. I cannot appropriate the struggle of one people as my own. I can only strive to see the intersections and act in solidarity at these junctures of justice.

I see patriarchy as an overarching evil whose strangling tentacles are evidenced in male privilege, white privilege, hetero-sexism, racism, colonialism, transphobia and homophobia. The normalized notion of male superiority has been transposed, not just as superiority over the bodies and lives of women and men of lower classes, but over sexual orientations and gender identities that do not conform to established patriarchal binaries, over economies, nations, cultures, and races that are to be subjugated and colonized on the pretext of white, paternal benevolence.

It is important for me personally to always be conscious of this, like pinching myself every time I catch myself drifting towards normalized behavior and language.

I thank God that my queer identity provides me indispensable tools to combat this evil. The notion of fluidity in sexual orientations and gender identities allow me to see patriarchy’s influence in different spheres of life and its oppressive power exhibited in each sphere – beginning with my own experience of being “othered” in terms of my race, culture, immigration status, and my being queer. The intersections are so much clearer when I am conscious of my queerness – it highlights my Filipino-ness, calls out my male privilege, and helps me to appreciate and embrace my cultural heritage and that of others around me.

As I strive to do this, I lift up and celebrate ways we are common in our dignity and worth as God’s children.

I watched Selma, the movie, and learned a lot. There is so much history in the struggle of black people in this country that I need to know, but it is clear to me that the faith I hold binds me in covenant with all of God’s creation. Many forget that Martin Luther King, Jr. is first and foremost a Christian minister. He joined the struggle against the roots of racism as a person of faith: acknowledging the image of God – the spark of divinity – in every human life and nature.

In my baptism I hold the church accountable to stand against oppression in any form it takes.

I anchor my being as an ally to the black community – and all oppressed peoples – in my faith, always being conscious that even the most ruthless and vile of beings are invited to the same table of grace that I cling on. Our perceived enemies are also victims of existing systems of oppression. We are, after all, going on to perfection in love. Our call is not to judge but to love. I believe that our common survival as oppressed people rests on our ability to love, for love conquers all, even deep-seated hate.

Amen.

...

Israel I. Alvaran is an ordained Elder in the Philippines Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He has served in various ministry settings as pastor, youth minister and faculty at a UMC university and seminary in the Philippines. A long-time activist, Israel worked as Person-in-Mission of the UMC General Board of Global Ministries for the Manila Episcopal Area, focusing on advocacy for low-wage workers. For a number of years, he was a community outreach organizer for UNITE HERE Local 2 (the hotel workers union) and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice of California. Prior to joining RMN, he served as national organizer for economic justice with The UMC General Board of Church and Society. Israel lives in San Francisco, CA and is immersed in the life of his community. Until recently, he was an officer and board member of San Francisco Pride at Work, an organization committed to LGBTQI rights in the workplace. He is currently on the executive board of the Jobs with Justice chapter in the SF Bay Area. Israel has a Masters of Divinity degree and a Masters of Theology degree from Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines. With a dissertation focused on faith-rooted organizing, he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA in 2010 as a recipient of the UMC Crusade Scholarship. When not in the thick of rallies and picket lines, Israel loves to cook and bake for friends, and spends quality time with his adorable dog Waui Kush.

Reconciling ministries is intersectional in approach, strategy, and advocacy. We cannot separate our struggle for full inclusion of all people in the life of the faith community from matters of racial and economic inequality. The task of reconciliation stands the intersections of injustice, always seeking to connect the dots to reconcile all oppressed people with the liberation that comes from grace and love.
I covet your prayers as I travel to Mozambique this month to participate in The UMC Connectional Table's third and final "Panel on Human Sexuality" which will focus on perspectives from our Central Conferences. I have come out officially to my bishop in the Philippines and will do so at the panel. A video recording will be made available online on February 15, 2015. (Read the press release here)
We have exciting news and ministry opportunities in this monthly update. I invite you to read on and share this email with others.
In solidarity,

Rev. Dr. Israel I. Alvaran
Western Jurisdiction Organizer
Phone: 510-717-4894
izzy@rmnetwork.org
Learning Opportunities
Register Now! "Building an Inclusive Church" Trainings

Do you want to help increase the number of Reconciling churches, communities and campus ministries? Please join us at one of our upcoming trainings to make a difference locally. In the past year we trained over 250 United Methodists on how to be Reconciling Process Coaches. RMN has identified over 500 prospective Reconciling congregations – we need your help to engage them in widening their welcome to our LGBTQ sisters and brothers. Each process coach training will include skills building around topics common in the Reconciling process including: complex identities, framing, steps of the Reconciling Process, graceful engagement, and conflict management.
We have confirmed trainings in California, Arizona, and Colorado. These events are free, and donations are welcome. Please register online or contact your jurisdictional organizer, izzy@rmnetwork.org.
March 7, 2015 (Saturday, 10am – 4pm)
Wesley UMC – San Jose, CA
Register here
March 28, 2015 (Saturday, 9am – 3pm)
Iliff School of Theology – Denver, CO
Register here
April 18, 2015 (Saturday, 10am - 3pm)
Redding First UMC - Redding, CA
Register here
April 25, 2015 (Saturday, 10am - 4pm)
Desert Southwest Conference Center - Phoenix, AZ
Register here
We are also looking forward to confirm training dates in Alaska, Honolulu HI, and Salt Lake City UT. We will have more information in the coming months. Check here for training events across the country.
Email Izzy to host a training in your area
Bishop Melvin Talbert @ PNW-RMN's Annual "Gathering"

THE GATHERING

"Biblical Obedience and Inclusion: Learning, Engaging, Taking Action"
Bellevue First UMC, 1934 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue WA 98004
March 21, 2015 / 9:00am - 6:00pm
The Pacific Northwest - Reconciling Ministries Network's (PNW-RMN) "The Gathering", is an annual event for learning and fellowship.
Keynote speakers:
- Bishop Melvin Talbert, retired UMC Bishop and member of the RMN Board.
- Jennifer Bird, author of a forthcoming book "Permission Granted: take the Bible Into Your Own Hands."
Workshop offerings include:
Helping Families with Coming Out Issues
Beyond Marriage: Queer Issues in the 21st Century
Sexuality: What we Don't Discuss - Looking at the Rest of the Spectrum
Living Your Welcome
Transgender 101
Stepping Up as an AllyClick here to register online, or download the registration form here. If you have inquiries, please contact Jane Brazell, m.jane.brazell@gmail.com.
Email Izzy with conference or local church updates and news
The State of our Movement in Numbers
The reconciling movement in our denomination is an ever-growing body of believers in the full inclusion of all people in the life and ministry of The United Methodist Church. The charts below show the current state of our movement in the number of reconciling communities (RCs) and reconciling United Methodists (RUMs) in the Western Jurisdiction.
Reconciling Churches/Communities and RUMs by Annual Conference

What YOU can do to help grow our movement:
1,000 new Reconciling United Methodists in 2015!
RMN encourages reconciling leaders to do a RUM sign-up drive in your church. Online sign-ups can be done here, or you can download and print RUM sign-up cards here and mail them to RMN at 123 W. Madison Street, Suite 2150, Chicago IL 60602.
Together, we are building power as we head to General Conference 2016 in Portland, OR!
Our Witness @ Intersections of Ministry
Inspiring us and challenging us to remain faithful to our witness are prophets crying out in the wilderness of injustice. Opportunities to be in intersectional ministry offer fresh ways we can be in solidarity with the LGBTQIA community.
What affects one, affects us all: an MLK Day reflectionBy Gheeta Smith, Salt Lake City UT

On the eve of our nation's observance of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am saddened by so much of the news I hear. We try so hard and yet so much seems to remain the same. We are still fighting against racism. We continue to struggle toward equality for the marginalized and justice for the oppressed.
The list goes on and on and often I find myself asking how it will end. Why do I stay in the movement particularly on days when the news is so grim? Click here to read more

What affects one, affects us all: Preparing for MLK Day by Gheeta Smith

The list goes on and on and often I find myself asking how it will end. Why do I stay in the movement particularly on days when the news is so grim?
A few years ago I had the privilege to go to Memphis, Tennessee, and lead a training for the "Love Your Neighbor" campaign in preparation for the General Conference. What a sobering and eye-opening experience. I am so grateful to everyone who helped to make that event possible.

In addition to meeting so many wonderful people and facilitating an opportunity for the sharing of stories, I had the chance to spend an afternoon at the Lorraine Hotel and Civil Rights Museum.
My hair stood on end the entire time I was at the Museum.

I knew I was on hallowed ground. I never thought I would be in the same place as one of my heroes, let alone this place where he was murdered.

I am still moved to tears as I ponder the unimaginable sacrifices made by the Rev. Dr. King and so many others for a future of hope and equality and justice for all peoples including those yet to be born--even for someone like me.

The fight for justice is long and tiring and yet there are bright spots, too. Progress is made--however slowly--particularly when we remember that we live in connection with each other.

We United Methodists must remember we share an imperfect past.

We Reconciling United Methodists must remember our shared responsibility to continue seeking new and creative ways of connecting in intentional relationship and ministry with the entire body of Christ. As members of the Reconciling Ministries Network we are empowered to live in the present while we work for a future full of opportunity for all when we might truly see each other face-to-face and where the Kin-dom of God is made manifest on earth.

In the words of the man whom we celebrate and remember,

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. "--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

...

Gheeta Smith was adopted from India as a baby and raised United Methodist in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has a BS in Geography with a Minor in Arabic Literature from the University of Utah. Gheeta is passionate about social justice issues, particularly issues of equality, equity, poverty and education. Over the years she has held many leadership roles in the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference. She was a delegate at the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2006 and was a reserve delegate to General Conference 2008. Gheeta was the Utah Sub-district Lay Leader from 2011-2014. She has been actively involved in RMN since 2002. She was the Annual Conference Team leader for Utah/Rocky Mountain from 2010-2014, and recently spent time as a Jurisdictional Organizer for the Believe Out Loud and Love Your Neighbor campaigns. She is the newly-elected Co-Chair of United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church (UMOC).

A Wall of Love by Colleen McClain, Portland OR - originally posted by Portland First UMC

Friday the email arrived: the Westboro Baptists from Topeka, Kansas, would be in Portland ready to target theGay Christian Network Conference Saturday morning. I shuddered. Our new friend, Helen, would be one of those walking into the front door of the Portland Convention Center. She’d be one of those greeted by a wall of noise from the Westboro loudspeakers shouting “shame to fags!” and “God hates gays! She’d have to face their angry looks, see their hate-filled signs. Click here to read more

A wall of love by Colleen McClain, Originally posted by First UMC of Portland

Friday the email arrived: the Westboro Baptists from Topeka, Kansas, would be in Portland ready to target the Gay Christian Network Conference Saturday morning. I shuddered. Our new friend, Helen, would be one of those walking into the front door of the Portland Convention Center. She’d be one of those greeted by a wall of noise from the Westboro loudspeakers shouting “shame to fags!” and “God hates gays! She’d have to face their angry looks, see their hate-filled signs.

Helen had arrived in Portland in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday after flying all night from her home on the east coast to welcome those attending the Gay Christian Network Conference – over 1,300 who’d come to our city for a word of assurance and support.

Most were coming from conservative Christian communities where an LGBTQ could feel pretty alone and unwelcome.

Helen is with the Reconciling Ministries Network whose goal is, “mobilizing United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.” She’d brought pamphlets and brochures so we United Methodists would have a booth, and a welcoming smile to greet anyone attending the four day Conference.

My husband Don and I had offered our guest room while Helen was in town, a little apprehensively at first … until we’d met her. A big grin, charming British accent, and a way of quietly letting you know you must be a truly grand person indeed, had quickly put us entirely at ease. In no time at all we knew we’d found a treasured friend.

So, Saturday morning I walked through the gray drizzle toward the Convention Center. Hundreds of people were already milling around by the front entry. I pulled the stole, hand-sewn in all the colors of the rainbow by Alyson Inouye, a little closer, took a deep breath and trudged on with a fair amount of trepidation.

What I was getting myself into?

As I crossed the TriMet tracks checking to make sure a light rail train wasn’t coming, I glanced up and saw it – a full rainbow had found a break in the rain. It spread in a graceful arc across the suddenly blue sky.

And it was a rainbow-fun kind of morning as it turned out. Yes, the Westboro Baptists were there, screaming angrily – they were God’s wall of hate, for God despises gays. Or so they said, loudly and often. One sad, somber-faced little boy carried one of their placards declaring God’s outraged hatred. I couldn’t help wondering what it must be like for him, for any of them, to carry such a heavy weight? I never saw them smile, not once.

But the others there that morning seemed to only smile, and laugh, and hug each other. No one was a stranger, everyone belonged, no one was left out. We formed a gaggle of well-wishers in two disorganized, joy-filled lines to wave welcome, smile our ‘glad you’re here” to everyone walking through our corridor of love into the Conference. Most grinned a big grin and waved back.

Some had tears in their eyes as they felt themselves welcomed inside a wall of love.

Behind us, the wall of hate blasted loud raucous music through a loudspeaker. We joined hands and sang, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.” We ignored their screaming, their words, their signs, and their hate. And why wouldn’t we?

Christ’s inclusive love is so much stronger, and so, so much more joyous, than hate.

...

Colleen McClain is a retired Marriage and Family therapist, wife of Don, mother of Bridget and Garth, grandmother of Mercedes. She is a member of First United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon, where she serves as the Advocacy Chair of Reconciling Ministries.

Got Rainbow Stoles?

You've seen these colorful stoles at many RMN events and during annual and general conference witness actions, and are probably wondering how you could order them for your congregation. Well, look no further. The Parents' Reconciling Network (PRN), an RMN extension ministry, has a Stole Project which you could support and get your stoles in time for annual conference. PRN is also looking for volunteer sewers for this project. To volunteer and/or to order your stoles, please contact Anne Lewis of Woodland Park UMC, WA at woodlandparkumc@gmail.com.
Connect with Your Local Team