University Park UMC’s Reconciling Statement
We know that Christians have a bad reputation. Christianity has hurt a lot of people, and if you’re one of them, we’re deeply sorry. We’re committed to being a place where everyone is truly welcome just as they are, and we decided to put that commitment in writing. On February 14, 2021, our church adopted this statement:
The University Park Methodist faith community celebrates and welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, races, ethnicities, skin colors, citizenship statuses, socioeconomic classes, ages, nations, abilities, faiths, all intersections of these, and any other descriptions of God’s people into full participation in the body of the church.
We affirm that the Divine spoke goodness into all creation and that all people are worthy of Love and Grace. We recognize that the work of creating a fully inclusive church will not be complete until the Kingdom of Heaven is fully realized. No amount of statements or actions can rid the church completely of the communal disease that is the exclusion and marginalization of God’s people, nor that disease’s lasting effects. Therefore, in keeping with our baptismal vows to resist injustice and oppression in all their forms, and as part of our life as the Body of Christ, we commit to the lifelong work of humbly seeking reconciliation with all of God’s people.
That’s our commitment. Hold us to it. And if you have questions or comments, let us know.
