We recognize that as children of God all people are of sacred worth. Because Christ has opened the church to all people, we fully welcome, accept, and affirm each and every person into full fellowship, without regard to their age, economic class, educational level, gender identity, marital status, mental ability, nationality, physical ability, race, or sexual orientation. It will be our position to support the candidacy and ordination of qualified persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Likewise, we will support the rights of the clergy of Highland UMC to perform marriages for all couples who seek to be married.
Our congregation is a member of Reconciling Ministries Network.
All are welcome at Highland UMC!!
Join us every fourth Tuesday for The Stonewall Fellowship!
Trying to reconcile your faith and your sexual orientation or gender identity?
Looking for a group of friends who will love and affirm you no matter where you are on your faith journey?
Want to surround yourself with open, accepting, like-minded people?
COME JOIN US!
All(ies) are welcome!
We meet every fourth Tuesday at 7 PM in the Parlor, which is right next to the Sanctuary. Enter through the main doors facing Ridge Road. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Questions? Contact Mark Cox: markymarkcox@aol.com
Background
Inclusion at Highland
For several years, Highland UMC has been having conversations about human sexuality and Christian teaching. We’ve spent time studying the Bible, talking in the Sunday School hours and on Wednesday nights gathered around tables in the Conference Room. In February of 2020, Highland’s Church Council passed an Inclusion statement and asked the Congregation to give feedback and to vote on whether or not to adopt the statement. Due to Covid, that vote did not take place until the fall of 2020. With over 260 votes cast, the statement passed with an 80% vote in our church community.
In May 2021, Highland voted as a congregation to become a reconciling church and join Reconciling Ministries Network. (271 votes received, 82% in favor) Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) has been actively involved within the United Methodist Church working for the full inclusion of the LGBTQ Community into the life and service of the UMC.
Inclusion in the United Methodist Church
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United Methodist Book of DisciplineThe Book of Discipline was amended to remove discriminatory language and bans related to LGBTQ+ people. These changes include:
- Removing the language that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching
- Removing the ban on ordaining clergy who identify as self-avowed practicing homosexuals
- Removing the language that makes performing same-sex weddings a chargeable offense
- Removing the requirement that the denomination’s finance agency enforce the funding ban
- Removing the language that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching
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Revised Social PrinciplesThe Revised Social Principles were amended to define marriage as a sacred covenant between two people of consenting age
As a ReconcilingMinistries Church, Highland has committed to supporting the ordination of LGBTQ+ persons and allowing clergy to perform same-sex weddings – now the United Methodist Church has opened the doors for us to live that out without penalty.
