Katalyst - Sprint 2017

Katalyst RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK

Spring 2017

Reconciling across the Connection 1

Expanding our scope global church and as organization whose commitments orbit largely within Untied Methodism, RMN is privileged to be in ministry with children of God around the world.

Matt Berryman Executive Director Reconciling Ministries Network is committed to the work of baptismal liberation so often denied to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons in the church and beyond. For many years, that work has been limited to the United States, but in the last few years and at the invitation of Methodist siblings abroad, strong and solid work has begun in West Africa and the Phillippines.

The United Methodist Church is a

Recently, native Nigerian and African Central Conferences Coordinator Dennis Akpona led two working trips to Liberia to collaborate with United Methodist siblings to build grassroots networks of support for LGBTQ persons. RMN’s collaborative investment in building queer friendly spaces in Liberia is anchored in an organizational commitment to eradicating neo-colonialism and the unjust shadow it casts upon siblings in other lands. Under Dennis’ leadership, RMN’s work is African-led and built upon relationship-building and authentic Christian community.

Our fundamental inquiry continues to be, “How can we help?”

I am delighted to have Dennis leading this work and proud of his abilities to secure such fine partners as Rev. Grace Imathiu of Community UMC in Naperville, IL and Rev. Cedric Harmon of Many Voices in Washington, DC. This fine team has not only brought theological learning through RMN’s new program, African

Christian Communities, Theologies, and Services (ACCTS), but engaged in the kind of relationship-building that will lead, this summer, to the groundbreaking of a new LGBTQ community center in Gbarnga, Liberia. Beginning this month, RMN will employ a United Methodist clergyperson as field worker on the ground in Liberia who will continue to build relationships while assessing how RMN’s ACCTS program might advance the mission of a fully-inclusive church for all God’s children.

The scope of RMN’s work must not be limited to US spaces (as if this were the only land in which Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons dwell), but must instead contemplate the full witness of Methodism abroad and RMN’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ persons and their well-being wherever they may live.

With the board and staff, I celebrate Dennis’ work, RMN’s commitment to United Methodists everywhere, and the truly connectional and baptismal work of bringing full inclusion to The United Methodist Church.

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By Dennis Akpona

The start of something beautiful As the coordinator of the African Christian Communities, Theologies and Services (ACCTS), I led a team of four people to Liberia in January 2017. This trip was one of the best I have ever had in my life. Attending the Gbarnga District Conference gave me a better understanding of The United Methodist Church in Africa.

In June 2016, we held our first ACCTS training in Liberia. The trainings were held in Bopolu and Gbarnga respectively for four days each. Each day began with a bible study which was facilitated by Pastor Grace Imathiu and focused on the life of Moses, Jesus, the Canaanite woman, Saul/Paul and Peter.

Rev. Cedric Harmon focused on human sexuality as it relates to the church and our community. Tyler Ward focused on the life of John Wesley, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as means of interpreting scripture, community band formation, and Wesleyan principles.

This training was a huge success because we were able to link the teachings to real life scenarios and the life experiences of the Liberian people. Participants expressed gratitude for the rich information about human sexuality that they attained from the training put 3

together in partnership with local pastors.

active participation in the Gbarnga District Conference of The UMC.

As a result of the successful completion of this training, we were invited back by the District Superintendent of the Gbarnga District Conference in Liberia as special guests to lead the Bible studies and seminar sessions on human diversity within The United Methodist Church during their conference January 16-22, 2017. Over 2000 people attended this gathering!

At the end of this trip, I felt the glory of God shining on the people of Liberia. Irrespective of all the challenges the country has gone through, their faith remains strong.

I was amazed at the success of the conference and was humbled to watch their leadership in action. I am grateful for the partnerships we are forging together as we seek to live out God’s love in the world. We surely experienced the hospitality, faith, and graciousness that comes from God through our siblings in Liberia. The team left Liberia grateful, inspired, and full of enthusiasm for the work ahead together. The is truly the beginning of something very beautiful and we give God thanks!

A team of four members from the United State went along on this trip while we worked with local volunteers and partners on the ground in Liberia. The trip was comprised of two major events which included a follow-up training in Bopolu and our

Dennis Akpona Dennis is RMN’s African Central Conferences Coordinator and the leader of our ACCTS Institute: African Christian Communities, Theologies, and Services.

He is a LGBTQ activist originally from Nigeria, recently granted asylum from the persecution he faced as a gay man.

While in Nigeria Dennis worked for seven years in the nonprofit sector for a number of organizations including Journalists Against AIDS, Initiative for Equal Rights and Population Council.

Rev. Grace Imathiu

By invitation only “I was keen on understanding why the world had come to know African leaders on their stand on homosexuality and not on their battle for justice in a continent filled with unemployment, famine, and corruption.”

RMN is being invited by Africans in Africa to partner in the work of holistic ministry. As guests, we are attentive to taking the lead from the host, allowing the host to set the venue and the agenda. As a member of the RMN team, who like many postcolonial Africans is recovering from being bossed around and manipulated by ‘white people,’ the invitation is the most critical truth of our presence.

Christ himself speaks of knocking and then waiting at the door of our hearts for our invitation (Rev. 3:20). And the apostle Paul began the outreach to Europe only after a man in a vision delivered an invitation saying “Come and help us!” (Acts 16:9).

I have joined the ACCTS team at RMN after hearing for myself the mothers, pastors, young people, and the LGBTQI community saying “Come and help us!”

One of the places I begin my story is February 2016, three months before the General Conference where the African delegates were no longer invisible to the larger church because they apparently had the voice and vote to change, or not change our Book of Discipline.

It was at that time I was invited to join Dennis Akpona as an observer to the Pre-General Conference briefing in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. I was keen

on understanding why the world had come to know African leaders on their stand on homosexuality and not on their battle for justice in a continent filled with unemployment, famine, and corruption.

Having been born, raised, and ordained in Kenya, I had ten years of experience pastoring rural and urban churches under my belt and understood the cultural complexities of talking about human sexuality in church and in mixed company. For me, the African church’s choice to be silent on the topic of human sexuality seemed to be an abandonment of leadership in a fast changing Africa.

So, I left for Abidjan looking forward 4

to listening to Africa’s conversation on human sexuality and diversity.

As it turned out, many of the African delegates at the pre-briefing were occupied with the basics of getting to the General Conference. For many Africans, working on getting a visa to enter the United States is no small feat - and one that requires an nonrefundable application fee. Most Africans joke among ourselves that it is easier to get into heaven than to get a US visa! Furthermore, officials immediately judge African delegates under the age of 30 as ‘flight risks’ and deny visas even without interviews.

It is tragic to observe young african voices weeded out of the delegation for lack of visas. Coupled with population projections that indicate that 54% of the world’s population will live in Africa by the year 2050, I cannot help wonder about the desperate void in the absence of young African voices in African delegations.

At the pre-briefing, it seemed to me that our connectional church was unaware of the basics of hospitality and concern in the international context we live our discipleship.

On my first day in Abidjan, a young African University student challenged the hypocrisy of his Annual Conference which was pretending that the LBGTQI community was imaginary: this young man was among those denied a visa and did not make it to General Conference.

On my second day, I ate lunch with a lay woman who expressed interest in RMN’s work because she had a child who she suspected was gay and “was born like that.” That laywoman got a visa, attended General Conference

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but not once did she speak her truth, perhaps for fear of contradicting the men and the clergy.

On our third evening, I accompanied Dennis to a tiny apartment where about 20 LGBTQ Africans gather for fellowship every Wednesday evening. Although most of them were Christians, a couple said they were from Muslim families, and one said she was a Buddhist. They were mostly in their 20’s, full of life and laughter although their stories always spoke of being disowned by family and rejected by the church.

Jean-Pierre, their leader prayed, read scripture, and gave a passionate sermon about God’s power to overcome all obstacles.

He encouraged the members not to despair and to have faith in God. The room was filled with singing praises to God and dancing. In that moment, I knew that I was experiencing one of the holiest moments I will ever experience in my life on this planet.

Among these vulnerable Christians whose voice would be missing at General Conference, Jesus was palpable. When they asked that I offer a closing prayer, my voice broke and together we wept the Lord’s prayer in French, Swahili, English and Arabic.

“Please come back and help us,” they said.

We still have not returned to Cote D’Ivoire although Jean-Pierre continues to email and call often asking “why have you forgotten us?” We have not forgotten our siblings. How could we, when we have experienced Jesus among them?

Perhaps it is their presence at the General Conference crowd that will restore and heal our connectional church. Here I am Lord, send me.

A percentage of all donor contributions to RMN’s ACCTS Initiative goes to services requested by the communities.

Our partnership is rooted in working with whole people and communities to help with rice mills, school books, Bibles in local languages, and other immediate needs.

Rev. Grace Imathiu Rev. Grace Imathiu was appointed Senior Pastor of Community UMC in July, 2012 after serving eight years as Lead Pastor in Brown Deer, Wisconsin and earlier as Senior Pastor at Green Bay UMC, a position which included season tickets to the Green Packers games. (Go Pack Go!) Pastor Grace has also served churches in Kenya as a church planter; a superintendent minister overseeing 68 rural churches in Nkubu; and an urban minister in Nairobi with outreach to the slums of Kawangware. Grace is fluent in four languages and has preached in Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Togo, Liberia, Denmark, Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, and all throughout the United States. She is the author of two books, a presenter with Disciple Bible Study Series and has taught at the Methodist Theological Institute in Meru, Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky and GarretEvangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

Rev. Cedric Harmon

Justice Ministry

on African soil

“I came to see the truth - by avoiding temptations to paint the continent with a broad brush of opposition, and opening ourselves to learn and not simply lecture...”

When I received the news of our invitation to return to Liberia for the Gbarnga District Conference of the Liberia Annual Conference of The UMC, something inside me took flight. I knew from our first visit the generosity of the people, the resilient spirit, the kindness, the genuine interest in learning and growing in understanding and the wisdom they possessed that went beyond the hardships they had endured.

What blew me away was the depth of acceptance – so deep that we received a second invitation in just six months.

have taken pause. Why? The same pre-existing narrative plagues the “Black church” in America. For years I heard the tale of woe and the soulwrenching resignation of black LGBTQ Christians and members of the community. However, I was aware of the long history of often quiet but persistent support, love and affirmation which never received notice. My work has been to elevate that pre-existing support while also bringing forward the voices of LGBTQ members and former members of black churches to tell their stories – both positive and full of hurt.

Even further, the invitation was from a United Methodist District Superintendent, clergy, and lay people on the continent of Africa.

I, like many of you, had heard the pre-existing narrative about Africa and human/sexual diversity. The characterizations are not positive and are based in homophobia, hostility and staunch opposition to efforts of acceptance and inclusion. Each time I have heard these reports, especially directed toward African Bishops, I

Because of our first trip to Liberia, I came to see the truth by doing things differently like avoiding temptations to paint the continent with a broad brush of opposition and opening ourselves to learn and not simply lecture. Also, by being genuinely interested in the experiences, culture, traditions and stories of our hosts, by sitting at the feet of experts (the people themselves) on Liberia and their truths about human diversity, sexuality, and gender, we discovered 6

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“It is extremely important to work together as Christians, especially United Methodists in fulfillment of the Great Commission. Therefore,the coming of your team to Liberia was obedience to the evangelistic call to make disciples for Jesus for the transformation of the World. The team inspired and encouraged us that we are not alone, but members of a big family. One thing I know as a United Methodist Clergy, all persons are worthy of God’s love. I, therefore, endeavor to demonstrate love to all.” - Rev. James Bomossee, Gbarnga District

openness and eagerness to love all of God’s children.

Rev. Cedric A. Harmon Rev. Harmon is a native Midwesterner with Southern and New England influences—a surprise last child to older parents who shared with him the gift of experience and wisdom. He has a BS in media management from Emerson College and has completed extensive graduate work at Wesley Seminary. Cedric’s deep faith calls him to do the work of justice and equality, and to equip others to do the same. He was ordained in his Baptist tradition and served as pastor of a “radically inclusive” congregation in Washington, DC. Currently, Cedric is Executive Director of Many Voices – a new nonprofit creating a Black Church movement for gay and transgender justice.

Taking my cues from our participants last year, we were able to touch “taboo” subjects tenderly together with love. Going back this time, we were together able to worship and receive the Good News of the Gospel through bible study, preaching, singing and joyful dancing. All of this is the bedrock of our service projects meeting the people of Liberia at the point of their needs. Whether via a rice mill, digital projector, or a place of safety or social services, to us this is what justice ministry and the love of Christ looks like.

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Rev. Shaffa Seward Bopolu United Methodist Mission Station

Celebrating our global connections United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church (UMOC), an extension ministry of RMN, celebrates our global connections, and lifts up social justice organizing rooted in relationship-building and intersectionality. UMOC’s leaders affirm these values as we organize our movement for the full inclusion of all people in the life of The United Methodist Church.

We face risks as we incorporate an intersectional lens into building our global connections.

Breaking barriers involves experiencing truth.

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Oneida Chi reminds us that the United States was “founded on the backs of immigrants” and its “history of violence, racism, and forced assimilation has separated many migrants and refugees from their countries of origin... My Chinese family was excluded and separated from one another because the government felt we were a danger to societal norms.”

The same predicament is true with many minority groups in our church and society.

In addition we as individuals, society, and a denomination have committed atrocities against our First Nations and Native American kin. We all seek healing from the harm done to God’s children.

Stressing “unity in our diversity,” Rev. Theon Johnson III says, “In an era of alternative facts, we are invited to embrace a timeless truth – God loves all” and implores us “to move toward the margins. Wanting a place at the table is a story many people in the margins continue to lift up.”

“Intersectionality,” Gheeta Smith shares, “gives name to all the times I’ve been forced to choose between aspects of my personhood: my brownness, my immigrant status, my status as an adopted child, my religious minority status, my gender, my sexual orientation. Claiming these named and unnamed intersections, or points of connection, with each other empowers us as individuals and as a whole community to be witnesses of God’s love in all facets of Creation.”

UMOC invites us to work for a faith community in our global connections and offers hope and healing in the midst of broken relationships.

UMOC has a Facebook page at facebook.com/rmnumoc and can also be contacted at umoc@rmnetwork.org.

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Reconciling actions in the United States Justice for LGBTQ clergy Local RUMS, the #CalledOUT clergy group, members of MIND, and other partners will be gathering in Newark, NJ during the Judicial Council meetings April 25-28 as they rule on a number of cases involving LGBTQ justice including ordination and Bishop Oliveto’s ministry. Learn more about it at rmnetwork.org/nosuchlaw.

Rise Up The Western Methodist Justice Movement gathered justice-seekers of the West for a weekend conference called “Rise-Up” in Portland, Oregon.

The weekend featured keynote speaker Bishop Oliveto and focused on “intersectional movement organizing to build Beloved Community.”

Global Partnerships Community UMC - a Reconciling Congregation in Naperville, IL - is raising $10,000 to support the building of an LGBTQ center in Gbarnga, Liberia.

They are supporting the work of Stop Aids in Liberia (SAIL) - a partnership formed through RMN’s African Christian Communities, Theologies, & Services Initiative.

Trans rights in Texas Reconciling United Methodists show support of trans citizens and rallied against harmful legislation like SB 6- a notorioius “bathroom bill” meant to keep trans people out of public restrooms that match their authentic gender.

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#NotInJesusName Campaign Rev. Kim Sorrells has been working with RUMs and other partners in Georgia to combat the misuse of religious freedom laws to support legislation that does harm to minority groups, including LGBTQ persons. Thanks to the work of countless advocates across the state, the legislative session closed without the legalization of discrimination!

Kabahaghari United Methodists of the Philippines In preparation for the 2016 General Conference, Reconciling Ministries Network reached out to allies in the Philippines. Raising awareness through education on sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI) was a top priority.

Local lay and clergy leaders organized an event, “In Ministry with All” – a forum on human sexuality, on February 8, 2016. It gave birth to “Kabahaghari United Methodists of the Philippines” – a new Reconciling Community that includes 3 retired Filipino United Methodist bishops.

In response to the work of the Council of Bishops’ Commission on a Way Forward, Filipinx RUMs proposed a resolution that was passed by the 2016 UMC Philippines Central Conference urging bishops and annual conferences to host various educational opportunities to learn about SOGI, and explore ways to be in ministry with LGBTQ persons.

leadership, has created a Center for Gender and Sexuality committed to “counter discourse against patriarchy and domination to transform families, churches, and institutions; promote gender equality and advocate against all forms of gender discrimination and violence; and affirm the gift of human sexuality and help articulate a spirituality of sexuality.”

It will offer courses on sexual orientation and gender identity; the history of patriarchy, marriage and family; the Bible and human sexuality; sexual harassment and violence against women and children; and HIV-AIDS. Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana is a deaconess serving as Program Secretary of the National Council

of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) with focus on ecumenical education and nurture. She leads efforts to raise awareness on HIV-AIDS through NCCP’s #PreventionNOTCondemnation campaign that educates member churches on HIV-AIDS through trainings, prayers, liturgy, and preaching.

Darlene hopes that religious leaders will maximize their positions of respect within their faith communities to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and provide the delivery of evidenced-based prevention, care, and treatment services in response to HIV-AIDS. NCCP has also been at the forefront of advocating for faith communities to provide safe space to LGBTQ persons.

Rev. Lizette Galima Tapia-Raquel is a deacon appointed to teach at Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines, an institution jointly administered by The UMC and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

The seminary, with Lizette’s

Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana

Rev. Lizette Galima Tapia-Raquel 10

THANK YOU

YOUR GIFTS KEEP THE MOVEMENT GROWING, BROADENING, AND DEEPENING FOR A MORE JUST AND INCLUSIVE CHURCH AND WORLD Gifts Made In Honor Of: Andy and Rachel Oliver: Tommy Grimes, Brian & Krisita Burket Asbury United Methodist Church: Richard Ernst Barbara and Eldon Gray: Katelin Gray Belmont UMC: William Haire Bill & Roxanne Taylor: Martha L. Vaughan Bishop James G. Nunn: The Inquirers Class Bishop Karen Oliveto: Rev. Dr. Lynn Evans Board and Staff of Reconciling Ministries Network: David Mauzy Brave United Methodist Clergy that Supports Reconciling Ministries: Bradley Bennett Bridget Cabrera: Rev. Walter & Dr. Roxanne Lockhart, Terri Stewart Calvary UMC’s 100th Year Anniversary: Rev. Laurie Hays Coffman Catherine Cameron: Paul Cameron Dave Nuckols: Ann Richmond Deborah Maria: Rev. Hazel Anne Burnett Diane Kenaston and Adam Ployd: Connor Kenaston Dr. Brian Watson: Rev. Charles J. Chipman Dr. Ken Hundrieser: Rev. Erika Lemke Hundrieser Dr. Kenneth A. Megill: Dr. Esther Megill Elizabeth (Beth) A. Strickland: James Strickland Elizabeth Jones: Rev. Ardis Letey Evelyn Adams: Dr. James and Connie Terry Flora Bowers: Rev. Hazel Anne Burnett Foundry UMC LGBTQ Advocacy Team: Jan Lawrence & Lindi Lewis Genette and Bob Henderson: Diane Goodwin Grace Sunday School Class: M. Malissa Burnette Greg Kirby and Stephen Mitchell: Jay Horton Jamie Pace and Angie Arrowood: Jerry and Sue Whitt Jane and Mitchel Leet: Mary Leet Janene Kuan: Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan Jean & Larry Francis and Doug & Linda Ensminger: Mary Ellen and Glenn Atwood Jeff Mullinex & Steve Shamblin: Rev. Laura Cean Wilson,

Rev. Laura Young Jennifer Zahorbenski: Susan M. Zahorbenski John, Linda and Dan Lewis: Dr. Wesley J. & Pamela L. Lewis Joy Butler: Matilda Kelly Joy Rikard Brown: Janie Mardis Ken Schoon: Bill & Joy Watts Laura Lailhengue: Erin Lailhengue Lauren Austin and Shannon Kluttz: Nancy Austin Levi Smith: Michelle and Bobby Updegrave M Barclay: Jennifer Harris Matt Berryman: Janice G. Nicholson Michelle McComb: Shirlene McComb Mike Pence: Ronald Streff Nancy Grissom Self: Kiyoko Kasai Fujiu Pam Hawkins: Anna and Phillp Cramer Pamela Lightsey: Doctoral Student Association Rachel BR: Rev. Alka and Rajiv Lyall Rev. Becky Wilson: Rev. Pamela Buchholz Rev. David Meredith: Bobbi Sundeen Rev. DeLyn Celec: Bishop Ray W. & Martha E. Chamberlain Rev. Dick Clark: Jean A. & Paul A. Swenson Rev. Glenna Olumstad: Ellen & Scott Paseltiner Rev. Jeff Mullinix and Mr. Steve Shamblin: Angie Cox Rev. Lowell Girsham: David Freeman Rev. Pam Cahoon: Margie Yansura Rev. Grace Imathiu: Derek Sire Robert Hollingworth and Ronald Gilmer: Jerry and Sue Whitt Sarah Eisenreich: Susan Thomas Shamblin and Mullinix: Kenneth Cooke Shelley Nelson Propst: Carrie Bradean Stephen: Maureen Noonan The Marriage of Jane and Brittany: Adrienne Trevathan 28th Wedding Anniversary: Bishop Calvin D. & Velma M. Duell McConnell Tom McCauley & Glen Hoffs: Darlene Allen Trans siblings, sisters, and brothers all over all countries: Scott Oglesby

Gifts Made In Memory Of: Alice Shelton: Alan W. & Judy L. Shelton All God’s children taken by gun violence: Joe Murray Anne Constant Ewing: William Ewing Charles Moore: George and Wanda Holcombe Constance E: Anne Carter David Lyons and Lyn Knudson: Judy Lyons and Doug Knudson Errol Chrismon: Kevin Blue Frances Bearden: Essi Ronkko Greg Dell: Rev. Janet Lutz Helen Andrew: Martha Fischer Jean Eastlake: Jacqueline Jameson, Mary Gail Nagai-Jacobson and Ray Jacobson, Anita Moss 11

John Maxwell DeJong: Jean Charles Thomas Joseph Santoyo: Gayle Griffing Browning Michael Ardagno: Charlotte Phillips Monte Mead: David England, Christina Ludewig Paul Shultz: Elsie Ulland Phyllis Holdredge: Faith Holdredge Rev. Harry C. Kiely: Arlene B. Kiely Rev. Paul Shultz: Cecilia Tomlonovic Rev. Katherine Brun: Pamela Smith River: Mr. Benjamin Ozcomert Tim Kimble: Terri Stewart

123 W. Madison St. Ste 2150 Chicago, IL 60613

As RMN continues to organize around Biblical Obedience, Reconciling Communities, and policy change, your investment in full inclusion is as vital as ever. Consider making your financial gift a montly contribution. Contact Ted Jackson at 312-448-5310 or go to www.rmnetwork.org/donate and select ‘monthly’ after entering an amount.

Thank you for ensuring RMN’s decades of faithful work continues in full force!

Rooted is a leadership development retreat for ecumenical trans and gender non-conforming Christians to take place in Chicago, IL August 11-13, 2017. We hope to create a collaborative space steeped in spiritual practice, artistic expression, worship, and community building as we celebrate ourselves, our stories, and our community. The event will feature facilitators Rev. Erin Swenson and J Mase III.

Learn more at rmnetwork.org/rooted 12