On June 8th 2008, the membership of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church voted 94% in favor of adopting this Statement of Reconciliation:

The call of Christian Discipleship is a call to love God, neighbor, and self...

The 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to retain language in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which overtly excludes persons from the life of the church based solely on sexual identity and orientation. 

We believe that this is wrong.

Therefore, in keeping with Jesus’ example of inclusion, hospitality for all, and overwhelming grace, the people of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church choose to welcome into membership and celebrate the ministries of all persons regardless of sexual orientation or identity.  Further, we invite all persons to be full participants and members of our church community, at every level, at every capacity.

In doing so, we echo Jesus’ words in Luke, as he quoted Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us because

God has anointed us to bring good news to the poor. 

God has sent us to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free

and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Therefore, we choose to become a Reconciling Congregation, a congregation that welcomes all persons as beloved children of God, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

As a congregation, we commit ourselves to struggling with the implications of this statement. 

We promise to honor all of the voices and opinions in our midst. 

Finally, we promise to honor those who disagree with this statement so that St. Andrew’s might grow in love and understanding as we continue to become the beloved community of Christ.