A reconciling congregation has taken steps to talk and discuss the following Foundational Statement.
“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”
Reconciling ministries are required to affirm this foundational statement by a vote of at least 75%. The Lynden United Methodist Church has proudly affirmed this statement by a 93% vote.