An announcement about RMN's National Convocation and other vital Reconciling updates for Tuesday, 14 February 2017 from The Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States "Save the date to gather in 2018"

 An announcement about RMN's National Convocation and other vital Reconciling updates for Tuesday, 14 February 2017 from The Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States "Save the date to gather in 2018"

On this Valentine's Day, we're asking what it really means to show the people we care about how much we love them. Chocolates are great. Flowers are nice. But is there anything more convincing than working for a church and world where they and everyone else can flourish?
John 15:12-13 says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." In what ways are you "laying down your life" for others? In what ways have others done the same for you? Especially in times like this, as we watch immigrants, trans people, Muslims, and other vulnerable communities be targeted by harmful policies, Christ calls us to love one another - in word and in concrete, bold action.
Love is risky. But God is with us. Take hope and take action.
Looking forward to 2018

Reconciling Ministries Network is thrilled to share that we are in process of planning our national convocation for 2018. With an expected special called session of General Conference in 2019, we decided to follow through on our tradition of meeting the year before a General Conference so that we can rally together for this critical moment in the life of the movement. We know this means skipping out on meeting in 2017, but we feel confident the wait will be well worth it. We'll be announcing the date and location very shortly.
Stay tuned the next few weeks for the big reveal!
No to discrimination in the name of Christ

Last weekend, Bishop Talbert and Matt Berryman co-preached on the intersections of race and sexuality at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, Savannah, GA. They also joined RMN's Georgia Field Organizer, Rev. Kim Sorrells, for trainings on intersectionality and religious freedom restoration acts used as a veil for discrimination. As people of faith, we must say #NotInJesusName to discrimination in all its forms! Watch the entire sermon provided by Asbury Memorial by clicking the button below.
Listen to the sermon here
A Model Service of Repentance

On Sunday, February 6th, 1017, First United Methodist Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin held a service of repentance for harm done to LGBTQ persons, and in particular, Rev. Kevin Johnson. 35 years ago, he was removed from his pastoral position. Last weekend, he and his husband gathered with the church in worship. Watch the video above and make sure to read The Kenosha Declaration by clicking the button below. First UMC of Kenosha has offered a phenomenal model of repentance and reconciliation. Will your church follow suite?
Read the Kenosha Declaration
The Kenosha Declaration by Reconciling Ministries Network
Kenosha Declaration on Reconciling Churches with Rejected LGBTQI Clergy and Ordination Candidates
February 5, 2017
Whereas First United Methodist Church of Kenosha, Wisconsin has declared itself a Reconciling Ministries Congregation, and
Whereas we have experienced for ourselves the harm of discrimination against clergy and candidates for ordination based on sexual orientation, and
Whereas we have experienced the joy of reconciliation with a clergy person whom we rejected based on sexual orientation, namely the Rev. Kevin A. Johnson;
Therefore, be it resolved that the people gathered on this day at the First United Methodist Church of Kenosha, Wisconsin, declare that discrimination against any person, especially clergy and ordination candidates, based on sexual orientation, is wrong. Discrimination separates people from God’s ministry from one another, and from the benevolence of Christian ministry and healthy relationships in faith.
We further declare that reconciliation between the church and LGBTQI clergy and candidates for ordination is a good way to build the Beloved Community, and
We call upon churches who have rejected clergy and ordination candidates based on sexual orientation to reconcile themselves with one another and with God.
Written and declared by First United Methodist Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday, February 5th, 2017 during a service of Reconciliation for the harm done against LGBTQ persons in The United Methodist Church
Watch a recap video of their service of repentance
How will you support LGBTQ people in the ordination process this month?
Faith Leaders: Sign in Support of Trans Students

In a few months, the Supreme Court will hear what could be a landmark case on transgender rights. If you are a faith leader, add your name today to this historic amicus brief in support of Gavin and transgender students across the country.
Learn about the Sanctuary Movement

Becoming a sanctuary church is an act of Biblical Obedience and an extension of what it means to be Reconciling. Is your church in conversation about how it can be in solidarity with immigrants being targeted by harmful new policies? Check out this toolkit for churches considering joining the sanctuary movement.
Join the celebration

Reconciling clergy from QUEEN New England took a trip to Bogotá, Colombia to meet with a congregation in the Methodist Church of Colombia who pledged to fully embrace all LGBTQ persons into their congregation. Read about their incredible journey and connection on their Facebook page here.
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