We, the Administrative Board of Richmond First United Methodist Church, do not support the decision made by the recent Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis, MO, to continue the policy to refuse to ordain LGBTQIA persons called to ministry; to forbid same-gender weddings in United Methodist church buildings; and to add harsh punitive consequences for those pastors, Annual Conferences, Bishops, and congregations who refuse to comply. We hope the United Methodist Judicial Council will declare the changes are unconstitutional according to church law at their meeting in April 2019.
We vow to continue our policy to welcome and allow everyone to fully participate in the life of the church. We refuse to comply with any ruling that excludes or makes less of any people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. We need the gifts and graces of all people to make beloved community a reality.
Statement adopted March 14, 2019
