24 Years as a Reconciling Congregation

By Ginny Finch

“If you’re straight, what is the impact on you of continued discrimination against gay and transgender persons?” “If you’re not straight, what is the impact on your straight friends?”

With these questions, Dumbarton’s Ann Thompson Cook launched a lively adult ed discussion on the 24th anniversary of the church’s official designation as a Reconciling Congregation.  ”Discrimination against GLBTs is affecting all of us," she said. "We own this problem.”

Cook invited members of the audience to share their visions of a different, better future. They responded with everything from “our economy would be better” to “parents could quit worrying about affecting their kids’ behavior” to “we would think we were in the kingdom of God.” 

Cook is executive director of Many Voices and author  of the booklets “And God Loves Each One” and “Made in God’s Image.” She launched Many Voices to bridge the gap between the two-thirds of Protestant clergy who say they want to be welcoming to gay and transgender persons but cannot and the seven percent who are actually saying that to their congregations. Many Voices helps people  learn how to start a dialogue on becoming a reconciling congregation, letting them know what it would take and whom to contact. To learn more, or to order copies of “Made in God’s Image” or “And God Loves Each One” (available in both Spanish and English), visit www.manyvoices.org
 

Cook's adult ed session was followed by a service in which Dumbarton celebrated its 24 years as a reconciling congregation. Rev. Cedric Harmon delivered the sermon, "Tell Out." Afterward, Dumbarton members and friends attended our traditional Mardi Gras pancake breakfast in honor of the anniversary.