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Serving ^

Reconciling Community

Metropolitan is proud to be a reconciling congregation that welcomes the participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families and advocates for their full inclusion in the church and society.

After a period of prayerful discernment, Metropolitan voted in June of 2008 by an overwhelming margin to adopt the following reconciling statement.

Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church affirms that all individuals are of sacred worth without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, marital circumstances, economic status, physical and mental condition, or criminal history. We declare ourselves in support of the reconciling movement and welcome the full participation in the church of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons and their families, as a reflection of God’s unconditional love. At the same time, we recognize differences of opinion on issues of sexuality and seek to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. 

Listen to our Reconciling Sermons

• 4/20/08 - Our Church and Homosexuality; Leviticus 20:6-10, 13, 22-23, 26; Luke 14:12-24; Rev. Dr. William A. Holmes
• 4/27/08 - Our Church and Homosexuality: Surprised by Joy; Psalm 66:8-12, 16-20; John 14:15-21; Rev. Dr. Mary Krause
• 5/4/08 - Our Church and Homosexuality: Listening for the Living Spirit; 2 Kings 10:15-16; Acts 10:1-23; Rev. Dr. Charles Parker
• 6/6/10 - Cana Revisited; Ruth 1:6-17;Galatians 3:27-29; Rev. Dr. Charles Parker
• 6/5/11 - Gender Preference is a Gift from God; 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1; Bishop Joseph Yeakel, Baltimore-Washington Conference (Retired)
• 6/10/12 - The Crock Pot Gospel; I Samuel 8: 4-20, 11: 14-15; 2nd Corinthians 4: 13- 5:1; Mark 3: 20-35; Rev. Tom Starnes, Guest Preacher; Testimony by Jeff Clouser and Brian Cusick

Somewhere Over the Rainbow performed by Rev. Jimmy Sherrod

Get Involved

• Join the reconciling team. This team works to welcome and support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons into our congregational life. Members of the team also work to advocate for their full inclusion in the church and in the broader society. Metropolitan’s reconciling team is also involved with the Baltimore/Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists (BWARM) which works to encourage dialogue and education about LGBT issues, increase the number of reconciling congregations, and stand in solidarity with all who have been excluded or marginalized by the Church.
• Show your support. Each year since becoming a Reconciling Congregation, Metropolitan has taken part in the Washington area’s Pride events and marched in the pride parade. All are welcome to participate in this act of witness.

Get Connected

To learn more about reconciling activities or join the team, contact Kerm Towler.