Morrow’s Journey of LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

Morrow is a place that welcomes, accepts, includes, and affirms people of all sexual and gender identities. We are a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. RMN is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.

For more information, check out: https://rmnetwork.org/

Morrow’s Journey of LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

Revolutionary changes came out of the UMC General Conference that concluded on May 4, 2024. Delegates voted overwhelmingly to lift the 1984 ban on LGBTQIA+ clergy and remove harmful 1972 anti LGBTQIA+ language from the Book of Discipline. United Methodist Churches will no longer fear repercussions for holding same gender weddings. We can take a collective deep breath of relief as the day we have longed for has finally arrived.

In the wake of our celebration, it is important to name the harm and acknowledge the long-lasting effects that have been caused by previous policies. Many people are left permanently scarred because of 52 years of derogatory language in the Book of Discipline. Generations of qualified people have left or simply not pursued ministry because of who they love. UMC clergy have had their credentials stripped after performing same gender weddings for their beloved children or dear friends. People have left the church because of its anti-inclusive rhetoric and often found more love and acceptance out in the world than in our pews.

Many LGBTQIA+ people are estranged from their families or currently have complicated relationships because the UMC deemed them incompatible with Christian teaching. There are others who have long since passed, quietly living their entire lives believing that, not just the church, but God could never love them.

Thankfully, Morrow Church has never been a “quiet” place when it comes to social justice.

For generations, we have been known, throughout our Conference, as a place where we take Jesus’ words to serve the oppressed and “the least of these” seriously. We are so proud of the way our congregation has been at the forefront, leading our Greater New Jersey Conference, not just talking, but walking the walk despite the great risks to our church and clergy. Consider and celebrate some of the most notable contributions that have led to this day:

Our Youth, Leading

When our youth group wanted Morrow’s Church Council to make a statement of inclusion in 2009, Pastors Bobbie Rambach and Brenda Ehlers, did the hard work to prepare Morrow to become the first Reconciling Church in New Jersey. The District Superintendent at the time wouldn’t allow us to join this organization, but the Council made a statement anyway and many parishioners supported the group independently.