Our conference and denomination are facing some very real struggles about how to live together as congregations even though we don’t agree on how to approach same sex relationships/marriages. This issue has become so polarizing, it threatens to dramatically change both our conference (Allegheny Mennonite Conference or AMC) and our denomination (MCUSA). It is possible that AMC could disband because of our inability to find common ground on this issue. I have attached the recommendation of a way forward from the AMC Reconciliation Discernment Committee.
This group of 8 people were tasked with seeking God’s will for some sort of reconciliation between Hyattsville and the rest of AMC. This group met regularly for almost three years, and concluded their work with the statement attached. Their recommendation has been given to the Leadership Council who are working on a resolution for the conference to vote on at our March 7th meeting. This resolution will be based on both the committee’s recommendation, and feedback received from the rest of the conference at our November meeting.
Because of that, the Lay Leaders and I have decided that it would be a good thing to foster conversation about this difficult issue. Ted & Co. (featuring Ted Schwartz of Ted & Lee) have written a play to address this complicated issue and how we as the church approach it. This play was performed in State College and some people from our area attended. Various conversations have made it clear that this performance would be a real blessing to our Mennonite community to have as we prepare to cast votes as a conference in March.
Through partnerships with other people in our area - Stahl will be hosting this play called Listening for Grace on Saturday February 21 at 7:00pm. It is about a faithful church going man, who finds out that his son is gay. The play does not intend to resolve the issue, but more to educate and explore the complexity of the struggle to be faithful to God, and listen to the Bible when things don’t work out how we planned.
The Lay Leaders and I ask that you please attend this play, its intention is to help us be faithful and understanding as we approach an issue which has caused so much pain and anger in the church. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to talk to me, or your Lay Leaders about this issue, and how we as a congregation, conference and denomination are addressing it.
- Bob Brown, pastor
This group of 8 people were tasked with seeking God’s will for some sort of reconciliation between Hyattsville and the rest of AMC. This group met regularly for almost three years, and concluded their work with the statement attached. Their recommendation has been given to the Leadership Council who are working on a resolution for the conference to vote on at our March 7th meeting. This resolution will be based on both the committee’s recommendation, and feedback received from the rest of the conference at our November meeting.
Because of that, the Lay Leaders and I have decided that it would be a good thing to foster conversation about this difficult issue. Ted & Co. (featuring Ted Schwartz of Ted & Lee) have written a play to address this complicated issue and how we as the church approach it. This play was performed in State College and some people from our area attended. Various conversations have made it clear that this performance would be a real blessing to our Mennonite community to have as we prepare to cast votes as a conference in March.
Through partnerships with other people in our area - Stahl will be hosting this play called Listening for Grace on Saturday February 21 at 7:00pm. It is about a faithful church going man, who finds out that his son is gay. The play does not intend to resolve the issue, but more to educate and explore the complexity of the struggle to be faithful to God, and listen to the Bible when things don’t work out how we planned.
The Lay Leaders and I ask that you please attend this play, its intention is to help us be faithful and understanding as we approach an issue which has caused so much pain and anger in the church. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to talk to me, or your Lay Leaders about this issue, and how we as a congregation, conference and denomination are addressing it.
- Bob Brown, pastor
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