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The Open to All Coalition
c/o New Hope UMC
7115 W. Hood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
May 17, 2003
Dear Annual Conference Representative,
This mailing is an opportunity for you to sign the "Open to All" statement
(enclosed) which has been written in order to help define a variety of issues
related to our conference and the United Methodist Church. Our church is at a
difficult time in its history. There are many threats to our traditional
understanding of what it means to be United Methodist, including groups that are
moving to promote an exclusive understanding of scripture and theology, and a
movement away from an evolving and ever-changing understanding of God guided by
the Holy Spirit. This statement is one way to affirm the belief that our
knowledge of God cannot and must not be put in a box.
The "Open to All" statement was written by a group of representatives from
the following caucuses and groups in the Northern Illinois conference:
Black Methodists for Church Renewal, the Asian American Fellowship, La Junta
Hispanoamericano, Methodist Federation for Social Action, the Women's Caucus,
representatives for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered communities,
young Evangelical pastors, deacons, and lay persons. Three of these groups -
MFSA, the Asian American Fellowship, and the Women's Caucus, have voted to
endorse the statement in its entirety.
The writers of this document believe that even coming from very different
backgrounds, and carrying many different concerns, there are many common beliefs
that we hold dear. This statement can begin to show the entire United Methodist
church that we can come together as one people in Christ.
I urge you to sign this statement soon, as we will publish a list of all the
current signers as of June 1, 2003 and distribute it at annual conference. You
can send it by mail to the address above. You can also fax it (773-775-0501) or
email it from your personal email account to newhope@xnet.com. Blessings to you
as you consider this invitation to unity.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Bob Campbell
For the Open to All Coalition
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Open to All
A Coalition Statement focused on values that we believe are essential for the
delegation representing Northern Illinois to General and Jurisdictional
Conferences.
Statement: Committed to a United Methodist Church open to all.
Values
O One Body in Christ
We believe that there is room for all people within our one denomination,
and that
it is contrary to Christ's call for us to attempt to divide the church into
separate groups.
P Proclaiming passionate faith in Jesus Christ
Our faith is in Jesus Christ as the redeeming savior of the world. To have
a passionate faith is to keep it at the top of a full priority list, to be
consistent in the communication of Christ as the One in whom we find hope.
E Ecumenical and interreligious
We are called to work together with people of other Christian denominations
and faith traditions as we seek to bring healing and wholeness and peace to
the world.
N Non-creedal
The United Methodist Church has always been a conciliar church, with
members working together in a dynamic way to explore our beliefs, our
theology, and the issues of the present day. We will continue in this Wesleyan
tradition, and will not succumb to the pull of those who would require the
affirmation of a solitary creed or statement of belief in order to be a member
of the United Methodist church, but we embrace faith in Jesus Christ.
T Trust in the Connection
As a group of churches covenanted and connected, we can always do and be
more than can anyone church acting alone. We will act within the covenant and
order of our denomination in a common trust that by doing so, the greater good
will be served.
O Open to full inclusion of all people
We believe that all people, without regard to sexual orientation, race,
gender, age, economic status, disabilities, or ethnic origin should be able to
be in full connection in the church without barriers to ordination,
consecration, church membership, or any ministry of the church.
A Affirming the Sacred Worth of All God's Children
We believe that if one person is excluded, the church is weaker as a
result. When one of us suffers, we all suffer together. Honoring our
diversity, God values each individual, and each person should be valued by the
church.
L Long term commitment to the UMC
As United Methodists, we are committed to remaining within the denomination
for the long term, and working through our challenges as they arise.
L Love one another
We believe that in all things, we can and will love one another, especially
when we have differences with one another.
Statement of Affirmation
I, ____________________________, agree with the "Open to All" statement, and I
will support it.
Signed, __________________________________________________________
Date ___________________
__ I am willing to help promote the coalition statement in my local church or
district.
Please return this form to
Open to All Coalition
C/o New Hope UMC
7115 W. Hood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
newhoQe@xnet.com Fax: 773-775-0501
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