There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28, Common English Bible)

One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: "Which is most important of all the commandments?" Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these." (Mark 12:28-31, The Message)

Throughout the ages God has shown compassion and favor to the poor, marginalized, and outcast. The stories and teachings of the Bible remind us of God's timeless call to humbly love our neighbors, strangers, and even  enemies. Though our culture encourages us to fear and distrust those who differ from us, we must resist this temptation, for the Spirit speaks through a diversity of voices and experiences. 

Great injustices of discrimination and oppression have been perpetuated throughout history in the name of the Christian faith. In far too many cases, the church at large has reflected the isolation and exclusion of a broken humanity instead of providing refuge in the inclusive, reconciling love of Jesus. We recognize that we too are sinners, in need of God's grace, seeking to turn from these patterns of brokenness to more fully embody the hospitality and embrace of our Creator. 

As a church and as individuals, we look to Jesus and his earliest followers as our model. We see him dining with tax collectors and Pharisees alike, bringing healing to both Jews and Gentiles, welcoming and honoring women and children, redefining familial ties, restoring the sick and possessed, and expanding our understanding of God's love. We see the early church including former outsiders, extending into new cultural settings, and engaging in hospitality and accommodation. 

In response to these understandings and convictions, we commit to this statement of welcome:

Following the example of Jesus, the Richmond Church of the Brethren welcomes and invites the full participation of every person. We embrace diversity in age, nationality, race and ethnicity, marital and family status, gender identity and sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, educational background, socioeconomic situation, and faith experience. 

We are especially mindful of welcoming and affirming our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sisters and brothers. While much progress has been made in accepting and celebrating diversity within the church, many communities of faith continue to condemn LGBTQ persons, or at least tolerate condemnation and exclusion through silence. We believe such actions are inconsistent with the good news of Jesus. Together we pray for and work toward the day when all mutual relationships that express Christ-like love are seen with the same legitimacy and respect.

In all aspects of our life together as a congregation – including worship, fellowship, service, outreach,  membership, leadership, and employment – we will strive to live into this statement of welcome to the best of our ability. Should  the extension of this welcome, modeled after Christ's radical love, bring us into conflict with  denominational or district policy or governmental law, we will prayerfully discern the Spirit's guidance, the teachings of scripture, and our tradition's wisdom, to arrive at a shared understanding of the mind of Christ prior to taking action. 

We know that some sisters and brothers in faith may not share this same understanding of welcome because of their theological convictions. Even so, embracing our tradition that believes there should be no force or coercion in matters of religion, these persons are fully welcome as part of our congregation as well. 

(Adopted by unanimous consent, 11/20/11)  

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See also: Relating to the Larger Church on LGBTQ Inclusion