AHUMC voted by a large majority in 1999 to become one of a network of many other United Methodist congregations across the nation which have made such a statement. The vote came after several years of study and discernment, specifically looking at the relationship of Christian faith to that part of the population called 'homosexual'. The adopted statement is below:

 

Our Statement of Reconciliation

Almaden Hills United Methodist Church

May 1999

 

Our God is a living God, and our faith is a living faith. As we grow in faith, we must both remember our history as Christians and envision a future that reflects God’s reconciling love for all God’s people.  

 

We are inspired and humbled by Jesus’ example of compassion and welcome to all. We know that Jesus’ ministry shattered the social, cultural and historical divisions of his time. We are challenged to share God’s love and redeeming power as Jesus did: unconditionally.

 

We acknowledge with pain that the church is a human institution, and that historically the Christian church as a whole has often reflected, not challenged, divisions in the society around it. Over the centuries the Christian church has not allowed all who seek Christ to participate fully in the life of the church. Only in recent years have we as a denomination sought and accepted the God‑given gifts of women, those with disabilities, and those of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. We are far richer for the gifts of all people, and though we know that some barriers remain, we will strive to ensure the full inclusion of all people in our church life.

 

We believe that the church as a whole is challenged now to accept the gifts of the gay, lesbian and bisexual people in our midst. We grieve that both historically and to this day, many in the Christian community have reinforced societal prejudices against homosexuals. These prejudices have denied gay, lesbian and bisexual people the opportunity to be accepted within the church family, and to share fully in Christian service.

 

We reject this historic and ongoing exclusion of gays, lesbians and bisexuals from the body of Christ. We openly welcome gay, lesbian and bisexual people and their families to our congregation, and support their full inclusion in all aspects of church life. We declare ourselves a Reconciling Congregation and pray for God’s grace as we seek to live as faithful witnesses to God’s enduring love.

 

– The members of Almaden Hills United Methodist Church