ALL ARE WELCOME!

Walker Church Statement approved June 5, 2011

Whereas: Walker Community UMC has a welcomed Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual members for several decades and has been a long time member of the Reconciling Ministries program.

Whereas: Walker Community UMC has been intentionally learning and striving to welcome people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Whereas: Walker Community UMC has a history of challenging the status quo and working courageously for peace with justice and mercy.

Whereas: Walker Community UMC has received instructions from the United Methodist Bishop in Residence that it is against church doctrine to perform same sex marriages, and following this instruction has left a lasting wound on the community over the many years.

Whereas: Walker Community UMC is located in a neighborhood with a vibrant community that includes a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Whereas: Walker Community UMC wants to lead in the work to make marriage accessible and meaningful for all members of the community.

Whereas: The Doctrine of the United Methodist church is a direct hindrance to the authentic expressions of welcome by Walker Community UMC.

Therefore Be it Resolved: Walker Community United Methodist Church will welcome all people to use our facilities to have ceremonies of marriage or other appropriate union services as approved by the pastor.

Be it Further Resolved: Walker Community United Methodist Church calls upon and supports our pastor’s participation in these services.

Be it Further Resolved: Walker Community United Methodist Church recognizes that it stands outside the polity of the United Methodist church on this issue. It is our intention to expand and affirm the sanctity of marriage and to lead our denomination in the journey to welcome all people into the circle of our community.