YES, WESLEY IS AN AFFIRMING MINISTRY
Wesley United is proud to be an Affirming Ministry. As such, we publicly declare our commitment to inclusion and justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Although we make an explicit statement about issues of sexuality and gender, our commitment to justice is far broader. We continually grow and change as we seek to live more fully into God’s way of welcome, love, and justice for all creation. Just as God rejoices in the goodness and diversity of creation, so too Affirming ministries honor and celebrate diversity.
The desire for Wesley United to become an Affirming Ministry was initially articulated as a priority emerging from the Mission in Motion day in 2012. A motion was made at the June 2014 Council meeting “that Council initiates a process for Wesley becoming an affirming congregation and that Council undertakes recruiting a committee to initiate discussions for becoming an affirming congregation”. The Affirming Team also known as the “A Team” was formed at that time.
Since then, “The A Team” focused on providing opportunities to consider questions about the concept as well as provided learning opportunities about what it really means to be Affirming. As part of the process, we developed a revised Wedding Policy and Mission and Vision Statements to ensure they were fully congruent with the concepts of full inclusion and diversity. We were committed to creating a safe and comfortable space for all.
The Affirming Ministry proposal along with the revised Mission/Vision Statement was brought forward for consideration at the Congregational Program meeting on June 3, 2018 and received unanimous approval. Having approval from Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble, on Sunday September 23, 2018 Wesley had a grand celebration of this important milestone for our community.
As we move forward, the A Team continues to ensure that this commitment is alive and well.
Yes, “All Are Welcome” at Wesley. Please join us. If you need additional information, please call the church office.