For those who were unable to attend the May 20th "Let's Chat", this is a summary of the topics we discussed, with a focus on "the past". I hope you consider these topics and think about what your own answers would be.
We started out discussing what we may have been taught or knew about LGBTQ2+ when we were growing up. Was it sinful? Was it a mental illness? Were you taught one thing in Church and another at home?
Next we moved to the discussions and the eventual 1988 United Church General Council declaration that "all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, who profess their faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to be or become members of The United Church of Canada" and that "all members of the United Church are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry."
Those who were attending KUC at this time, talked about the discussions at that time within our congregation, and how that made them feel.
We continued to the discussions and vote on same-sex marriage in about 2006. Again those who attended those discussions talked about their feelings.
We reflected on the divisions these two decisions caused within our congregation. We talked about what might happen after the Affirm vote.
As we wrapped up, we were asked to think about how we would never be asked to explicitly vote to include Blacks, Indigenous, or women, and why LGBTQ2+ might be different.
We finished with an outline of the parameters of the vote on June 13 when we will finally vote on becoming an Affirming Ministry.
We hope you can join us for our next"Let's Chat" session, May 27 at 7PM, when we will explore "the present".
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