Statement by Church Leadership Regarding the United Methodist General Conference Decision 2019
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March 9, 2019
Chestnut Hill United Church community,
Many of you are aware that the United Methodist Church has voted to enforce its bans on the ordination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer clergy, on clergy performing what the denomination defines as same-sex weddings, and on church buildings being used for the celebration of those weddings.
As a Reconciling and Open and Affirming congregation that affirms the sacred worth and dignity of all persons, we at Chestnut Hill United Church are devastated and especially heartbroken for those of us and our siblings who are queer.
While we do not yet know where this decision will take us, we can say with confidence that we act with intention and transparency. In the days and weeks ahead, we will be offering information and creating space for everyone in our community to respond, process, ask questions, share thoughts and feelings and convictions, and listen deeply to one another. Stay tuned for these important opportunities. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to any of us - your pastors and church leaders - with questions or thoughts as we move forward.
Whatever the future holds for us denominationally, know that we remain clear about who we are and who we are called to be as Chestnut Hill United Church: people who revel in the creativity of God, who recognize the breadth of Spirit, and who stand with and celebrate the gifts, loves, and holiness of everyone who claims us as their community. May the God whose arms are wider – so much wider – be with us and guide our discernment in the weeks and months to come.
Linda Noonan, Senior Pastor
Kipp Gilmore-Clough, Associate Pastor
Ovid Amorson, Coordinator for Children and Youth
Priscilla Tennant, Student Pastor
Amanda Trayes, Church Council Co-Chair
Marjorie Knapp, Church Council Co-Chair
Erin Landis, Lay Leader
Barbara Silbert, Co-Treasurer
Dan Guest, Co-Treasurer
Rebecca Bloomquist, Financial Co-Secretary
Keith Bloomquist, Financial Co-Secretary
MeLinda Tatum Kaiser, Spiritual Life Chair
Beth Logue, Antiracism Chair
Leslie Rector, Arts and Culture Chair
Marianne Fluehr, Trustees Co-Chair
Al Bixler, Trustees Co-Chair
Jay Kaiser, Finance Chair
Ellen Brennan, Stewardship Chair
Lisa Cideciyan, Staff Parish Relations Chair
Jamie Stroud, Community Growth Chair
Heidi Fabian, Christian Education Co-Chair
Katie Erno, Christian Education Co-Chair
Diane Evitts, Outreach Chair
Kerr Mesner, TransCamp Steering Committee Chair
Joy Bergey, Environmental Justice Center Director
