About inclusivity matters

History - Our group was organized in 2019 in response to the recognition that we, as members of First St. Charles United Methodist Church, wanted to speak up as advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, especially within our own congregation. This desire was shared by our clergy, who facilitated the formation of two new groups - the "Inclusivity Matters" group composed primarily of allies and another group composed of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

As allies of the LGBTQ+ community, the focus of our group was to raise awareness within our own church and to begin a campaign of education, advocacy, inclusion, and outreach to insure everyone would feel welcome at First Church St. Charles.

 

We are encouraged by the progress we have made and by the support we have received from other church members and pastoral staff, but we realize there is much more to be done. We embrace the work that lies ahead, knowing that only good can come from it. We welcome everyone who would like to join us!

 

LGBTQ+ Group - About the same time we were getting the Inclusivity Matters group off the ground, another group was formed and continues to this day. This group consists of members of the LGBTQ+ community who meet to share, listen, and support one another. They meet at an off-campus location and anyone is welcome. If you are interested in knowing more about this group, please contact Pastor Bart Hildreth: bhildreth@firststcharlesumc.org

Reconciling Ministries network

The Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is an international network that works to advance justice and inclusion for all LGBTQIA+ people in the United Methodist Church and beyond. A more complete explanation of their mission and focus can be found at http://rmnetwork.org.

 

For our Inclusivity Matters group, joining the Reconciling Ministries Network in Missouri was an important first step. We wanted to be "on the record" of where we stand.