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Reconciling Ministries Network

@rmnetwork.bsky.social
573 followers 197 following 132 posts

Reconciling Ministries Network is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Before we are consumers, we are kin. Before we are consumers, we are siblings. Before we are consumers, we are of earth + spirit. Sometimes, we find ourselves having to rely on imperfect options. Those of us who live in rural places or experience poverty, or those of us trying to survive a crisis.
image contains two buttons – one pink with the label "local economy," and the other blue with the word "billionaires."
text says:
this last day of amazon’s annual sale is a prime reminder: how we spend our money is one way to live out our prayers.
local economy:
* build a healthier community
* nurture economic creativity & cooperation 
* foster trust & civic participation
* support your neighbors
* safeguard local jobs, making it attractive for people to stay
billionaires:
* subsidize wealthy shareholders and executives
* drain dollars out of publicly funded safety nets & projects
* reward dishonest business practitioners and abusive employers
* invest in a fractured global economy
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
independence,
we ask of you God,
from bondage of
all kinds.

from apathy

from savage cruelty

(we do this to each other,
to our own –
we do this)

from amnesia
(are we first neighbors
or are we consumers?
and who/what 
are the consumed?)

from despair,
which looks like anger.

from distance,
from separateness,
the one-act play of
independence,
deliver us, loving God.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
If you don't know who your representative is, that's okay! You can look them up here: www.house.gov/representati... No need to be polished or speak steadily. Simply tell your elected official, who works for you and your neighbors, to reject this bill on account of the suffering it promises.
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a budget bill that will endanger U.S. lives. 

The bill strips $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance funding.

17 million more Americans will lose life-sustaining healthcare. Families will go hungry. And yet, the national debt will increase by $4.5 trillion – all to pad the pockets of the hyper-wealthy.

The bill now returns to the U.S. House for consideration. If passed by the House, it will become law, casting Americans into poverty and injustice.

Today is a good day to call your U.S. representative – especially Republicans. It is an act of faithfulness to reject the suffering of our neighbors.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
🌎 WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT Immigration Justice & Congregational Care Led by Rev. Becky Schofield Motter (she/her) How can your church move from compassion to action when it comes to immigration justice? 🧡 Wonder. Discern. Act. 🗓️ Join us at Convocation 2025! Register today: rmnetwork.org/uncharted
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
📣 CONVOCATION WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT 🕊️ Come ready to imagine sacred disruption. 🔥 Leave ready to lead with bold, embodied gospel. 🗓️ Join us at Convocation 2025! Register now—both in-person & virtual tickets available! 👉 rmnetwork.org/uncharted
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
If you see today's issue of @usatoday.com on newsstands, flip it open and you'll find Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran (RMN's Director of Mission Impact) in the middle, speaking about the sacred responsibility of churches.
A screenshot of Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran's photo with the USA TODAY article around it.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
At Uncharted, we're blessed to look forward to preaching from Rev. Andi Woodworth – a gifted speaker and compassionate thinker. You may have seen Rev. Andi highlighted earlier this year in The Advocate and LGBTQ Nation where they lauded her as the first out #trans person to address...
A photo of Rev. Andi Woodworth smiling into the camera and the following text: with preaching from Rev. Andi Woodworth. Uncharted. Andi is originally from Atlanta proper. She is an ordained elder in the UMC and has served churches in various roles in Atlanta, Aragon, and Rome.

Andi loves helping people and communities grow through creativity, courage, and cooperating with God.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Uncommonly, needlessly cruel – a bill banning gender affirming care for adult Medicaid recipients has passed the U.S. House. It now proceeds to the Senate.
A photo of Harvey milk against a bold background. A caption on top says: Harvey milk day. Honoring those who exhibit, political bravery for the freedom and the dignity of us all. "I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted."
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Not even when we’re ruled by traffickers and profiteers may we ever sell one another, beloveds, for a bag of silver. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #easter #goodfriday #lent
A photo of barbed wire in front of a blue sky and the following text:

Crucifixion was a thousand different horrors. 
And among those
horrors was its
normalcy.

Look down the road as you look upon the cross. Crucifixes all along the
highway to the city.
Those are our kin. 
Perhaps that is you.
May this suffering
cease to be normal.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
You may have this coming Palm Sunday on your mind – a ritual of scripture and community to remind us that Jesus was about our liberation. Our holy scriptures are full of histories of ordinary courage and extraordinary grace.
A photo of the tearful eyes of a child with the following text beneath it: 

What use is a strong dollar in the hands of someone who has none?

What is a king but a terrorist if he disappears your parents in the dead of night?

What is a king but a fool if he wields holy scripture, upside down, like a weapon?

What is a king but a thief if he lines his friends’ pockets with the savings lost by a nation’s families?

On Palm Sunday, we remember:

No empire will overcome the kin-dom of God.

No empire can take from us our inheritance of philia – love between kin.

No empire will last. One day this, too, will be ashes.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Journalist @erininthemorning.com reported that 17 MT Rep. representatives crossed party lines to help defeat a bill that would've threatened trans children's lives by targeting their caretakers. Before the vote, Rep. SJ Howell moved hearts with their speech, advocating for their own community.
A photo of a Montana landscape with a headline from Erin Reed from Apr 8 2025 in front: 17 Montana Republicans Cross Party Lines, Defeat Anti-Trans Bill After Nonbinary Rep's Speech

Then the following text above and below:

You're never "too old," "too old-fashioned," "too uninformed," "too entrenched" to let God change your heart.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
The way of Jesus promises neither prosperity, health, nor safety. In times that test the texture and timbre of our faith, who do we say Jesus is? Where would Jesus be found today?
Photos depicting people harmed by this regime's actions including kidnapped Americans and green card holders and those mourning the demolishment of USAID. The following text from prosperity preacher Paula Williams says:

"an angel assigned to you
God as your enemies' enemy
prosperity
sickness removed
long life
increased inheritance
a special year of blessing"

These were things she said would alight on those who made a $1k donation to the Trump campaign

At the bottom of the image is a paraphrase of scripture: "what do we gain in exchange for our souls?"
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Convocation registration is live! Early bird pricing for a limited time. "Uncharted" will be a sanctuary in time and space, fueling and connecting people committed to LGBTQ+ justice at a time when our Church and our world need prophetic guidance. More info & registration: rmnetwork.org/uncharted/
A testimonial from a 2023 Convocation participant with the Uncharted logo on it and the tagline "Becoming the Church We Need Right Now"

“My hope has increased because your support gave me the reasons to believe there is a history, there is a future, there are chances to be and believe. 

Thank you. Gracias. I have no words to add my gratitude.”

Attendee of Onward to Perfection:
RMN’s 2023 Convocation
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
In this evening's Virtual Porch, 3 brilliant #trans #UMC pastors connect the dots between trans-antagonism and the current U.S. legislative landscape. And they show us a roadmap for the collective resistance needed right now. Sign up for free here. Hope to see you tonight! hubs.li/Q03f8dsN0
Upheld in Love: a Gospel Call for Trans Flourishing
Trans Day of Visibility
Monday, March 31, 7pm ET | 4pm PT

An RMN Virtual Porch feat. Pastor Katelyn MacDonald of Duke Memorial UMC in Durham, NC, Pastor Ben Weger of Trinity UMC in Madison, WI, and Rev. Andromeda Woodworth of Neighborhood Church in Atlanta, GA.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
#faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
Upheld in Love: a Gospel Call for Trans Flourishing
Trans Day of Visibility
Monday, March 31, 7pm ET | 4pm PT

An RMN Virtual Porch feat. Pastor Katelyn MacDonald of Duke Memorial UMC in Durham, NC, Pastor Ben Weger of Trinity UMC in Madison, WI, and Rev. Andromeda Woodworth of Neighborhood Church in Atlanta, GA.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
#tdov #trans #transgender #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #church
A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Many thanks to Jesi Lipp @artzfreak.bsky.social for this Affirmation of Faith to accompany this year's Trans Day of Visibility. Let this statement ground and encourage your congregation this Sunday!
A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.
233
Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
If you're at the Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) General Meeting, we'd love to see you! Come by the RMN table for some merch and good company. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #bmcr
A photo of a hand holding the RMN bookmark that came in the BMCR tote bagA photo of the swag at the RMN table at the BMCR General Meeting
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Our homes of worship are special places in our communities – full of potential for transformation and healing. Here are some attainable ways to extend an invitation when many are looking for religious community as a shelter for the soul. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
What can your Reconciling Church offer a hurting world right now?

There are lines connecting to 9 photos representing the nine ideas on the next slide][text on second slide includes the following ideas:
- host a gentle movement class
- lead a group study with Reconciling resources
- host a sober meet-up like a game night or drag performance
- provide a basic legal clinic with church or community experts
- host a dance party
- offer cover letter & resumé review for people recently fired
- provide childcare so LGBTQ+ parents can have a date night
- put on a queer/trans-focused worship service
- watch a queer/trans movie or show & discuss]
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
One of our top 10 reasons why your church or community should still consider becoming Reconciling is that it's a way to extend God's love. Did you know that only 2-3% of United Methodist churches around the connection are Reconciling? That means that in up to 97% of United Methodist churches:
The following text in speech bubbles:

- Wait, didn’t they vote out the anti-LGBTQ+ policies at the last General Conference? So...

- Why should we become a Reconciling Ministry?

- 1. To extend God's love

Like all of us, LGBTQ+ people deserve a place where they can worship, serve, and find faith community. Jesus intentionally invited all and uplifted those who were downtrodden. As followers of Jesus, so should we. 

Especially in a time of heightened cruelty against LGBTQ+ people, it is countercultural and sacred to live in the courageous spirit of love.

Stay tuned for all top 10 reasons
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Many of us may have come to believe that anger was sinful or fearsome. When we clue into Jesus' anger over mistreatment of people on the margins or our desecration of the image of God in one another: we can learn what matters to God.
An image of daisies with large, bold text in front: "Be angry without sinning." - Ephesians 4:26
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Please give a warm welcome to the newest Reconciling Ministry of the movement: Hanford First UMC of Hanford, CA! You can visit their website here: fumchanford.org #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
Two photos – the top is of Hanford First UMC, which is a large white Spanish-style building. The second is of the congregation's people in the sanctuary looking into the camera, mostly smiling.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
A disappointing number of nonprofits, including RAINN, the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, have preemptively taken mentions of gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues off of their websites. Others are renaming their diversity officers.
A quote from Timothy Snyder in his book, On Tyranny, in his chapter titled, "do not obey in advance." "Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves, without being asked. 

A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do."
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
With those in your church, your neighborhood, or community organization: this may be a good time to take stock of the riches you have in your midst. 1. What do you possess that you’d be glad to give? Perhaps that’s a meal or professional legal advice or a spare room for someone passing through. 🧵
A rainbow gradient background, with text in front that's all stated in the posts' text.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Please give a warm welcome to the newest Reconciling Ministry of the movement: Wild Wesley Folx, a Regional Reconciling Group based around Rock Hill, SC! Wild Wesley Folx calls themselves an "all-access United Women in Faith unit." You can connect with them on Twitter/X at @wildwesleyfolx.
A photo of 8 participants from Wild Wesley Folx standing in a line and smiling at the camera. They're standing in front of a wall.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
To our participants in the Queer Theology course starting today: may you be blessed by the wisdom and knowledge held between you, and may they be for the blessing and the healing of the world. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #queertheology
We pray for the start of RMN’s Queer Theology course with gratitude to: Dr. Luther Young, Jr., The Resource Management & Development team, the 2025 RMN Fellows, the 24 students enrolled in this course. Below that is a description of the Queer Theology Course: a 6-week class for elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors. Strengthen your spirit and sharpen your skills to protect God’s LGBTQ+ beloveds in a time of spiritual crisis. Taught by Dr. Luther Young, Jr. (pictured in front of stained glass rainbow windows) sociologist & public theologian, BUSTH
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Out of the palette of God's creativity and power, we come and we return. Nothing of you is wasted, beloved. Nothing is lost to the memory of your Creator or to our collective. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #ashestoashes #lent #dusttodust
- [ ] Finish Belle 🌱‘s art

A dusty background with the following text in front: “to dust you shall return" as in, also: Your ancestors are with you, in the very air you breathe. and. You belong to creation and were thoughtfully, lovingly made. and. You, yourself, are an ecosystem of organisms, so where is the line between self and not-self? and. You are not foreign to any place on this earth.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
• Janet Duke, board member at Parents Reconciling Network • Aries Ramirez, Youth Ministry Director at FUMC San Diego, CA Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/prn-vp-you... #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #trans #transgender
A poster for the event, with all details in it included in the post text
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Hey friends, is it feeling heavy out here today? Hold hands – even with the neighbor whose rooster awakens you, even with the awkward newcomer at church, even with the friend who does that thing that drives you up a wall. 🧵
A photo of ants creating a bridge to traverse the space between one fern frond and another. Around the photo, it says:

I'm sorry – it's true: we will not make it across alone. It's a very good thing, then, that we are not alone.

- Homeland Security lifts Biden-era ban on surveilling LGBTQ+ people and advocacy groups
- U.S. military to identify transgender service members and terminate their careers
- Multiple U.S. states introduce legislation to challenge legal same-sex marriage
- Iowa legislature votes to strip trans people’s civil rights protections
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
If you've been blessed to have a trans person in your life, and if all this is a little new to you: come with us! Register here for Tuesday's Virtual Porch conversation: www.eventbrite.com/e/prn-vp-you... #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #trans #transgender
Parents Reconciling Network is hosting a Virtual Porch conversation this coming Tuesday @ 12pm ET | 9am PT. You'll hear from:

• Janet Duke, board member at Parents Reconciling Network
• Aries Ramirez, Youth Ministry Director at FUMC San Diego, CA
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Many of us are participating in tomorrow's Feb. 28 Economic Blackout as a form of protest. Could tomorrow be the start of our re(new)ed commitment to generative businesses instead? #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #dei #blackout #economicblackout #feb28blackout
Tell us your [Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Amazon, Goodreads, Whole Foods, Alexa, Amazon Web Services, Ring] alternatives for a local & global economy that is more: robust, resilient, sustainable, equitable, diverse, creative, un-surveilled, just, participatory, courageous
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
If you've been on U.S. federal government websites lately, you may have seen a yellow header complaining about the existence of transgender people. RMN is one place where you can learn about trans people, lives, and issues in a spiritually + scientifically responsible manner.
Feb 19, 2025

Any information on this page about gender identity is accurate and connected to the immutable biological reality that there are more than two sexes. 

The current U.S. regime rejects a rigorous and informed understanding of gender and thereby promotes harm to children and adults. This page reflects biological and spiritual reality, and therefore the Empire rejects it.

-----

Reconciling Ministries Network 
(and then our mission statement)
...is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
We may not ever become comfortable with seeming contradictions, but to be open to the gifts of a world becoming kin-dom, we must learn to hold them nonetheless. With whom can you shoulder the load? Who can balance their weight on yours?
A picture of a precarious rock cairn and the following text:

As followers of Jesus, we get to exercise the discipline of holding opposites in tension.

Grief for what is and those who will suffer.
Hope for what is and what is to come.
Hardened grit and determination.
Tenderness and softness, which are a kind of strength.
Sorrow that death must precede new life.
Joy that new life is a promise.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
This session is the first in a series of gatherings called "Made for This Moment." These gatherings will take place over the next several months. Through them, we hope to equip and encourage you through these assaults on justice and liberation. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
Poster for This is the DEI that the Lord has made. Tuesday, Feb 25 at 7-8pm ET | 4-5pm PT. Zoom. Sign up online.

Panelists will answer questions like:
- What is DEI?
- Why is the current U.S. regime threatened by it?
- Does the Bible tell us what to do about DEI?
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"But who knows?" Each of us is called to be a song of God's love, justice, and mercy. Today, what melody can you play on the strings you were given? #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
"In fact, if you don’t speak up at this very important time, relief and rescue will appear for the Jews from another place, but you and your family will die. But who knows? Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.” Esther 4:14 CEB
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
#faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
Script Part 1/3

When calling the D.C. office, ask for the staff member in charge of the issue you’re calling about. "Hi, I'd like to speak with the staff member in charge of healthcare, please.”

Local offices may or may not have issue-specific staff. 

If you get transferred to that person, then deliver your message to them. 

If you don't, that's okay. Ask for that person's name, and then keep talking to the staff member who answered the phone. 

It’s better to talk to the staffer who first answered than leave a message for the specific staffer in charge of your topic). 

If no one picks up the phone: leave a message.Script Part 2/3

Give them your zip code, whether or not they ask for it.
If the issue is personal to you, then tell them so.

I voted for you in the last election and I'm [emotion] that...
I'm a teacher, and I’m appalled by...
As a person of faith...
As a single parent...Script Part 3/3

Pick 1 or 2 issues per day to focus on. Staff people are trying to figure out which 1 or 2 topics on their list to mark.

Don't rattle off everything you're concerned about. Be clear on what you want. Leave no ambiguity.

"I'm disappointed that the Senator..."
“I want to thank the Senator for their vote on..."
"Voting [for/against issue] way is the wrong decision for our state because..." Final notes:

Put the 6 numbers in your phone with the last name “Politician.”)  For example:

Collins ME, Politician
Collins DC, Politician

That makes it easy to click down the list each day. 

If you feel awkward calling or the staff get to know your voice:

It doesn’t matter.

The people answering phones usually turn over every six weeks anyway, so even if they're sick of you, they'll be gone in 6 weeks. 

After a few days of calling, it’ll start to feel natural.

Republicans generally outnumber Democrats in phone calls anywhere between 4:1 and 11:1. 

In the last 8 years, Republicans showed up. Democrats didn’t.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
As the U.S. faces a liquidation of federal government and fire sale of its parts to oligarchs: Americans still have influence through voice and numbers. You can find call scripts at 5calls.org and Jessica Craven's blog: chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com
There are two things that we can do today and every day. Advice from a high-level staffer for a U.S. senator, adapted from Jessica Craven’s words at Chop Wood, Carry Water. Despair --> Action1. Get face-to-face with your congresspeople. Go to their local offices. 
If they have town halls, attend them. If you're in D.C.: Try to find a way to go to an event of theirs. Attend "mobile offices" that their staff hold periodically. (All these times are located on each congressperson's website.)

When you go: Ask questions.
Push for answers. 
Be vocal and loud and take up space.2. Make 6 calls each day. Your senators (D.C. and local offices)
Your representative (D.C. and local offices) Online contact and letters largely get thrown in the trash. But congresspeople pay attention to calls.

Every day, the congressperson and their senior staff get a report that includes: 
The 3 most called-about topics for that day at each of their offices (in D.C. and local offices)
Exactly how many people said what about each topic.
The report is sorted by zip code and area code.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
How do we find our co-conspirators? We've been getting some questions lately about how to find collaborative community partners in a time of chaos and cruelty. Here are 3 commonalities that may link you and your Reconciling Ministry to others in your community.
How do we find our co-conspirators?
Shared interests

Are there other justice-seeking religious communities near yours?
Are there organizations in your area that serve populations that your ministry serves? (e.g., LGBTQ+ folks, unhoused people, older adults, people with substance use disorder, incarcerated people...) 
Do other organizations require space that your ministry can offer?How do we find our co-conspirators?
Shared experiences
Who has experienced the same privileges you’ve experienced?
Who has experienced the same oppression you’ve experienced?
Which organizations show up to the same vigils, rallies, protests, or other events that  your ministry shows up to?How do we find our co-conspirators?
Shared location
With whom do you share your geography?
Do other ministries exist on your block?
Who depends on the same bodies of water you depend on?
Are you or your ministry a tenant?
Is there a neighborhood association where you live?
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
God's healing and liberation foment in churches. Blessed are we who have a church to call ours -- a place for holy encounter, for trust and accountability, for movement-building and kin-dom-seeking. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #blackhistorymonth
Image is a photo of Dr. James Cone and the following quote from A Black Theology of Liberation: If the white and Black churches do not represent Christ’s redemptive work in the world, where then is Christ’s church to be found? As always, his church is where wounds are being healed and chains are being struck off.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
This is the word of God. Thanks be to God. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #family #familyvalues
The following text is on this image:

“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” He stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, “Look, here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother.”
Matthew 12:48-50

“I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news will receive one hundred times as much now in this life.”
Mark 10:29-30

“You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven.”

“Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.”
Matthew 5:43-44, 48

There was one who ”inverted” the laws of love and loyalty. His name is Jesus.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
In our new strategic plan (which you can read here: rmnetwork.org/strategicplan), we talk about our calling in this moment to be in ministry with congregations from all kinds of theological backgrounds – not only those interested in the Reconciling journey.
The following text is on this image: 

Q: How is RMN engaging with congregations with different theological beliefs?

A: Since its earliest days as the Reconciling Congregations Program, RMN has been in meaningful relationship with congregations of diverse theological backgrounds. The beauty of United Methodism lies in part in the abundance of connection and sacred curiosity. 

In this new era, RMN is called to be a partner to congregations seeking to become more inclusive and just, regardless of whether they may become Reconciling.

RMN is also addressing the needs of more congregations by publishing more diverse curricula and guiding annual conference staff and committees.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
#faithfullylgbtq #beumc #immigration #ice #raids #migra #whoismybrother #whoismyneighbor
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Wishing all who celebrate a blessed New Year and Year of the Snake. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #lunarnewyear #tet #chinesenewyear
Image is a paper cutout of a snake with a floral design and the following text:

Like all God’s creatures, the snake mirrors the creative abundance from which we all come. May we take note of the wisdom of the snake and become familiar with the good earth, and shed what no longer honors life, and move through our days with authenticity no matter the names we are called. And lean into winter’s invitation to rest and bask in the sun when it shines.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Bishop Mariann Budde did what those who are called into ministry are tasked to do: guide, serve, teach, correct. A plea to an emperor for compassion and a reflection of Jesus' vision of justice. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Trans beloveds: You deserve so much more than to be used as a political bargaining chip. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #trans #dei
text reads: 

Trans beloveds: You deserve so much more than to be used as a political bargaining chip. You deserve so much more than to be a bogeyman of the frothing fears whipped up by power-brokers.

Since humans were first formed from clay and breath, you have existed in your beauty and your normalcy. No circus, no pompous parade, can keep us from fighting for your dignity.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
On this day, we recall and commit to the legacy of Rev. Dr. #King, Jr. He closely followed God and found that the path was one with the path toward truth and liberation. We must exhale while the choir goes on. We must sing out when their breath grows thin. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #inauguration
"The Empire never promised us moral uprightness, justice, or mercy. That yoke belongs to the confounding, upside-down, rebellious people of God."
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
We have decades of experience knowing what it means that you do ministry in your specific context. That's why we're excited to work with you to create & enable an #LGBTQ+ Ministry Team in your annual conference. Learn more @ rmnetwork.org/strategicplan #faithfullylgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch
FAQ: 

Q: How will RMN work with annual conferences in the absence of geographically assigned organizers?

A: RMN has long dreamed that each annual conference would establish an LGBTQ+ Ministry Team. Already, three annual conferences have adopted a resolution to form such a team. 

We imagine a partnership through which RMN would serve the evolving needs of each conference and guide collaboration across the connection to advance LGBTQ+ affirmation and intersectional justice. 

The pursuit of this dream will be housed foremost in the Department of United Methodist Connections.
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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Sometimes, floods are real floods and fires are real fires – not metaphors or sermon fodder. May we pause long enough on the road to meaning-making to let some suffering make no sense. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #palisades #eaton
woe are we if we hold hostage the tragedies of others for political gain.

woe are we if we descend upon disasters in hopes of turning a profit.

woe we are if we paper over the suffering of others with pithy phrases.

woe are we if we reduce to metaphors the true and real lives of our neighbors.

help us, o god, to be uncommonly present, unfathomably kind, in these days that will require it of us.
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