From members of the Michigan Mission Center Diversity Team (NCAC) and the Michigan Welcoming Congregations, a statement on gender diversity:
In light of recent divisive rhetoric related to gender identity, we affirm the enduring principles of Community of Christ, specifically the Worth of All Persons. It is clear through our faith tradition and scriptural reading that God views all people as having inestimable and equal worth. The worth of ALL persons includes all races, all ethnicities and immigration statuses, all abilities, all genders, etc. The word “all” does not exclude. It does not separate people by characteristics as we see them (Doctrine and Covenants 165:3d). It does not differentiate amongst those whom God loves.
As Christ-followers, it is our responsibility to love and welcome our neighbors–ALL of them. When we do not, the whole community is lesser for it. We urge you to join Christ’s call to challenge unjust systems.
Our support of transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals in the church and in society is unwavering. We commit to making this support visible in our actions
Signed,
Rev. Dr. Linda Stanbridge, DMin – President, Michigan Mission Center
Catherine Williamson, Pastor, Elder, Riverview Congregation
Eric Richards, Co-Pastor, Big Rapids Community of Christ
Rich Allen – Pastor, Blue Water Congregation, Youth Camp Director
Rev. Lisa Meyer, LMSW, High Priest, Pastor Spiral Congregation
Elizabeth Boyd, Priest, Spiral Congregation
Zilphia Martin, Elder, NCAC team member
Erica Blevins Nye, Michigan Diversity & Inclusion Team
Dave Cushway, Co-Pastor, Big Rapids Community of Christ
Sue Leyder, Mt. Pleasant Congregation
Angel Foster, Priest, Mount Pleasant Congregation
Chloe Secor, Beyond the Horizon Congregation
Sarah E. Allen – Co-Pastor, Capital Area Center Congregation
Kim Stanbridge – Elder, Beyond the Horizon Congregation
Keith Chappelow, Pastor, Kalamazoo Community of Christ
Chloe Freeland, Blue Water Congregation
Rev. Adam Bouverette, Mason MI
Dan Nowiski, Interim Leader – Michigan Mission Center Diversity Team Lead
Pamela K Hernandez, Priest, Waterford Michigan
Erin Cavanaugh, LMSW, Minister
Nancy McClellan, MPH, CIH, CHMM
Dave Caceres, Elder, East Lansing Congregation
Pamela Luce, Evangelist
From the Mission Center President, Linda Stanbridge, a pastoral letter on the Blessings of Gender Diversity
