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The San Diego
congregation has
adopted a policy of inclusion as follows: "The
First Church of the Brethren is an open and affirming Christian community.
Called by Christ to be inclusive, caring, and peace-minded, we affirm that
people of any race, ethnic identity, gender, sexual orientation, ability,
age, economic status, faith tradition, or life situation are welcome in
our congregation." As a
further extension of our welcoming spirit, we have joined Supportive
Communities Network (SCN), an organization of Anabaptists who are trying
to bring understanding between people of differing sexual orientations.
Explaining why congregations like ours have chosen to join SCN, Chuck Boyer, former pastor of the La Verne Church of the Brethren,
has outlined the background of the organization and the advantages of
membership:
In the 1980's a few
Brethren and Mennonite congregations began to declare that they would
welcome gay, lesbian and bisexual members into full fellowship within
their faith communities. Those congregations felt that, if they
FOLLOWED Jesus' teachings regarding love and justice, the doors should
be opened to persons of various sexual orientations. Gradually a
network for sharing information and building support was developed among
these welcoming and open churches. That network has come to be known as
the Supportive Communities Network (SCN).
Why is such an organization
needed? Obviously, the crucial element is for the Body of Christ to
live out Jesus' teachings regarding the availability of love and
forgiveness for all people. Networks should not be needed to do that!
However, when over ninety-five percent of all Brethren and Mennonite
congregations will not publicly state that homosexual people are welcome
in their midst, churches who are welcoming need to band together for
encouragement and discernment. And for this reason, SCN has been
formed.
To become a member
congregation within SCN a congregation must take an official action. In
nearly all cases, this means that a congregational business meeting or
church board must vote to participate in SCN.
Member congregations agree
to declare publicly that they are an open and welcoming congregation to
individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Upon notifying the SCN
office of this decision a plaque, which may be displayed publicly, is
sent to the congregation. The congregation is added to the list of
groups receiving publicity about inclusivity issues and is informed of
opportunities for training and fellowship with similarly minded groups.
The Christian Movement has
at times excluded women, various racial groups, and divorced persons
from full participation in its programs and ministries. Eventually,
after tremendous suffering on the part of those excluded, these
barriers have been broken down. When will the barrier against
homosexual persons be eliminated? SCN invites all interested persons
and local churches to hasten that day.
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