Rev. Mark Klaisner is having a discussion with Rev. Craig Duke of Newburgh United Methodist Church concerning the importance of inclusion of all people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.
1st United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids sums up their policy of inclusion like this.
We believe we are called to inclusiveness, as described in paragraph 140, which states:
- “Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enable all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.”
- “The mark of an inclusive society is one in which all persons are open, welcoming, fully accepting, and supporting of all other persons, enabling them to participate fully in the life of the church, the community and the world.”
- “In the United Methodist Church inclusiveness means the freedom for the total involvement of all persons.”