An invitation to #BeCounted as a Reconciling United Methodist from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Tuesday, 25 August 2015

 An invitation to #BeCounted as a Reconciling United Methodist from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Tuesday, 25 August 2015
#BeCounted and help us send a message of full inclusion in The UMC

Seeking 2,016 new Reconciling United Methodists for GC2016

Last week, Reconciling Ministries Network staff gathered together for a staff retreat in Chicago, IL. Not only did we have a wonderful time simply being together, but we were also able to accomplish a great deal of planning as we look ahead to General Conference 2016 in Portland, OR!
One of many goals we need your help in accomplishing before General Conference is to get 2,016 new Reconciling United Methodists (RUMs) to join the movement. We know there are many United Methodists for LGBTQ inclusion who may attend a Reconciling church or community but who don't yet know we need them to #BeCounted by joining the Network as individuals.
We're asking all congregations to consider hosting a RUM drive to encourage everyone who supports the work for full inclusion in The United Methodist Church to sign up as a Reconciling United Methodist. Not only will this ensure they receive all communications about the movement and opportunities to create positive change, but each individual that signs-up sends a message that United Methodists are ready to see the church we love affirm all God's beloved children.
Will you help us encourage everyone to #BeCounted as a Reconciling United Methodist? Click below to learn more about how to host a RUM drive or email your regional organizer for more detailed information.
Host a RUM Drive in your community

Invite others to #BeCounted as a RUM at www.rmnetwork.org/join
Is your church hosting an inclusive Boy Scout troop?

As of July 27, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America ended its national ban on gay and bi leaders, which had been in place since 1978. However, individual troops sponsored by faith-based organizations are still allowed to discriminate against gay and bi adults. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have not begun identifying which troops will be inclusive, so we're working with Scouts for Equality to accomplish this task!
We know that many of our Reconciling congregations sponsor Scout troops and we're hoping they will sign up as an inclusive unit - so that families in the community will know their Scout troop is a safe space!
The United Methodist Church is the third-largest sponsor of Scout troops in the country, so your congregation's involvement in this program will be a big help in paving the way towards an even more inclusive BSA in the future.
Sign up as an inclusive unit
In case you missed it...
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Gather at the River such a wonderful event! Our hosts at Travis Park UMC were the epitome of hospitality - we couldn't have asked for better support, volunteers, and partners! In case you missed it, here are just a few reflections from some of our participants.

No More Holy a Place for Me to Be: We sensed the joy and openness that comes with being surrounded by friends and allies, most notably in worship. We sensed the frustration, energy, anger, and hope that were present...

Where the leaves of the trees can heal the nations:Where all of God’s LGBTIQ children are welcomed and affirmed. Where Black Lives Matter, the differently abled are included, where trans and non-binary persons are safe from violence, and where bishops don’t have to choose between following Christ and following the laws of their denomination.

Thankful for the journey – connecting with Jennifer Knapp: God either was not fixing me because God was incapable of doing so (a conclusion that I could not make work within my personal theology) or God was not fixing me because I was not broken.
Spread the Word about the 2015 US Trans Survey

As the follow-up to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey will be the new go-to source for information about the lives and experiences of trans people. Read why this survey is critical for the work of justice for trans people here.
Please help us spread the word to people who are trans, genderqueer, or nonbinary—or people who know or work with our community that the 2015 US Trans Survey is available to complete!
Complete the survey
Find resources to help spread the word
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Reconciling Ministries Network
123 West Madison Street, Suite 2150

Chicago, Illinois 60602 United States
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