News from the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance

Contents: February 2005

Ecumenical Involvement Expands O&A Ministry Team's Vision and Resources

The vision of our O&A Team has been expanded by our ecumenical relationship with other Welcoming Ministries in sister denominations.  The new vision began in the Reconciling in Christ ministry of the Lutherans Concerned/North America.  It was their goal to create a North American network of at least 67 Reconciling in Christ Leadership Teams.  These teams, working together regionally and nationally in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Canada, would ensure the continued expansion of the Reconciling in Christ program within the denomination, impact the Church’s study processes, elect voting members to Churchwide 2005, and end the ban on ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons within the denomination.

The Spirit of God, however, has expanded that vision into the wider body of Christ.

The Welcoming Congregations Program Leaders are convinced that this training will empower all of our welcoming programs, especially as we begin to form ecumenical teams across the country, joining with the Lutherans to ensure that there is a team in every major city in the country. The purpose of the training is to train leaders in the principles of faith based community organizing, teach leaders how to facilitate the Implications Wheel (a discussion tool developed by Joel A. Barker & Infinity Limited, Inc.), introduce leaders to available resources and processes, and equip leaders to build Core Teams in their areas.

Disciples have contributed a significant piece in this training because attendees are introduced to the Listening to the Spirit: A Handbook for Discernment (published by the Chalice Press) that helps small groups discern the Gospel message to the Church as we relate to gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual Christians.

The O & A Ministry Team, at their upcoming annual retreat, February 3-6, will consider how this training will be helpful as we seek to expand the vision of welcome among Disciples congregations.