RMN Convocation Marks New Chapter in Church’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts

MADISON, Wis. — Advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion within The United Methodist Church, including the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), gathered July 24-27 in Madison for the biannual convocation of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), celebrating the recent removal of harmful language from the Book of Discipline.

The event brought together a diverse, global community for worship, workshops and strategy sessions aimed at advancing inclusivity across the church.

Bishop Daniel Schwerin welcomed attendees to “10 square miles surrounded by reality,” a nod to Madison’s unique culture.

“This convocation has the largest number of global attendees than any previous convocation,” said Jan Lawrence, RMN’s executive director.

Jan Lawrence, Reconciling Ministries executive director, welcomes participants to the Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation in Madison, Wis. Photo by the Rev. Trip Lowery

RMN’s mission is to ensure full participation of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of church life and leadership. “We believe the church still has a long road ahead before we can say that all of God’s queer and trans beloveds belong,” Lawrence said.

Communion services included performances from Home, an original musical by Timothy McGinley, while daily workshops expanded theological thought and provided tools for justice-rooted ministry.

In his welcome, Derrick Scott III, RMN board vice chair and GBHEM board secretary, reinforced the broad support for RMN’s mission. Nearly half of the denomination’s annual conferences, several general agencies and other church organizations endorsed the gathering.

Reconciling Ministries and General Board of Higher Education and Ministries board member Derrick Scott III reinforced the denominations support for the network and its mission, adding Nearly half of the denomination’s annual conferences, several general agencies and other church organizations endorsed the gathering. Photo by the Rev. Trip Lowery.

“The LGBTQ+ community is entering a new, post-harmful language season,” Lawrence said, “and we are looking for ministry partners.”

“GBHEM’s presence communicates our willingness to collaborate and to help promote diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of our work,” said the Rev. Dr. Trip Lowery, director of ministry, who represented GBHEM, a convocation sponsor.