WCN Frequently Asked Questions
Listen together to one another, without judgment or predisposition. Do not assume that the answers to matters of conflict have yet been perceived. There is much labor to be done. Reason together in love, and the Spirit of truth will prevail. D&C 162:5c
- What is the WELCOMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (WCN)?
- Why is specific welcome to LGBT persons necessary? We already welcome everyone!
- How does a congregation become affiliated with WCN?
- Does this open a door to accepting or promoting unhealthy sexual behavior?
- Won't this issue split our church?
- Are we breaking world church guidelines by becoming a WCN affiliate?
- If our congregation becomes part of WCN, will we become an all gay church?
- How can we help the Welcoming Community Network?
- Do WCN congregations perform same-sex weddings or covenant ceremonies?
- What about the ordination issue?
Have a question about the Welcoming Community Network that is not asked here? Send your question to the WCN Coordinator at: WCN@galaweb.org
Answers to WCN Frequently Asked Questions
The Welcoming Community Network (WCN) is an international grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the Community of Christ, both in policy and practice.
WCN provides resources and support for the process whereby congregations can learn how to become intentionally welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and loved ones. Congregations can choose to become an official part of the Welcoming Community Network.
In our society, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons often suffer discrimination. Voices of fear and ignorance dominate discussions of human sexuality, many times in the name of religion and justified by scriptures. A welcoming community must be public about their desire to be in ministry with and on behalf of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Otherwise there is an overwhelming perception, supported by historical attitudes and current practices within many churches, that LGBT people are not welcome!
An interested congregation begins a process of study, often done initially in a small group, task force, or leadership team. WCN will provide opportunities to hear life stories of LGBT persons and their families which often creates greater insight. In a process of discernment, designed for the unique needs of each congregation, participants use resources (Biblical study, the Implications Wheel, etc.) specifically designed to promote understanding of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. When a congregation has reached consensus to become part of WCN, an Affirmation of Welcome is created. This covenant statement is then gradually lived out in tangible expressions of inclusion in all phases of ministry.
No. All forms of sexual exploitation, manipulation, violence and abuse are unacceptable. It is imperative to WCN that this includes prohibition against pedophilia and all forms of sexual contact with children. This is true for all Christians, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
Not all congregations will become members of WCN. Those who decide to join the network, after study, prayerful consideration and dialogue, do so by consensus of the whole. Studies show that intentionally welcoming congregations who become part of the welcoming church movement become more comfortable with difficult issues. In many cases, reconciliation skills are then carried into all areas of church life and, as a result, these congregations grow!
Definitely not. Community of Christ tradition has always welcomed "the outsider". In fact, in our particular church heritage, there was a strong history of being excluded. For that reason, as well as adherence to the Christian gospel, we are especially sensitive to wanting to give warm welcome to everyone.
There are now over 2500 congregations who have ministries similar to the Welcoming Community Network. WCN leadership is part of the ecumenical Welcoming Church Program Leaders, and we work closely with the welcoming church ministries of ELCA Lutherans, American Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, and United Church of Canada. Welcoming congregations receive new members of all sexual orientations and gender identities; however, they receive as many or more new heterosexual members who want wider doors of hospitality and discipleship for their families.
We need your active assistance in volunteering to be trained to serve on core teams to help facilitate the WCN process work in congregations and mission centers. Your participation, financial contributions and WCN membership strengthens our outreach ministry.
To be affiliated as a WCN congregation does not imply any specific stand on same sex marriage, holy unions or covenant ceremonies. WCN supports all LGBT couples who bond in loving, committed relationships.
Community of Christ's current policy bars ordination of homosexual persons who are not celibate just as it does unmarried heterosexual persons who are not celibate. Affiliation with WCN does not change world church policy on ordination. WCN supports opening our hearts and doors to welcome the gifts and ministries of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Have a question about the Welcoming Community Network that is not answered here? Send your question to the WCN Coordinator at: info@welcomingcommunitynetwork.org