There should always be a place for everyone at church.
The congregation of Manchester United Methodist Church adopted a welcoming statement earlier this summer that affirmed their commitment to creating an inclusive body of faith, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. While the church has long practiced an openness to all people, it became increasingly clear that a written statement would provide needed clarity in the current cultural and religious landscape.
Developing the welcoming statement came after years of discernment that culminated in three large conversations that explored the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community within the Christian faith alongside the congregation’s beliefs and hopes for the church. Through conversation, it was quickly clear that the congregation was widely in agreement and shared a deep conviction about the inclusive nature of God’s love.
Pastor Dillon Burns says, “Manchester United Methodist Church has embodied God’s love in this community for 190 years and we continue to be committed to loving all our neighbors as ourselves. We know how deeply transforming and life giving it is to know that you are a beloved child of God, and we celebrate that everyone can be their authentic selves in our church.”