Glendale United Methodist Church is a
Reconciling Congregation!
Open Hearted Welcome
Following Jesus’ example, we embrace all people exactly as they are regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, ability, or background.
There’s a place for you at Glendale United Methodist Church!
The Statement of Reconciliation
“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 journey in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”
Reconciling Ministries FAQ
Q: When did Glendale become a Reconciling Congregation?
A: During 2025, Glendale UMC went through a process to determine if we wanted to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network via conversations, hearing testimonies of the importance of inclusion, and education on what it means to be inclusive and to become a reconciling congregation. On Sunday, June 8th, 2025, Glendale UMC voted on affirming the Statement of Reconciliation as stated above and to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network. We have completed our application and will be added to the list of affiliated churches in the near future.
Q: Why affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)?
A: Affiliating with RMN is a way for churches to be identified as a church that is inclusive and welcoming of all no matter a person’s background. It allows those searching for a welcoming and inclusive church to more easily identify if a church is such or not.
Q: Is a reconciling ministry about the church's relationship with the LBGTQ+ only?
A: Becoming a reconciling church means we welcome people of every gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, physical/mental ability, level of education, family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and more. It’s not just about LGBTQ+; it's about being inclusive and welcoming of all.
Q: Can our pastor perform same gender marriages after this vote?
A: As of January 1st, 2025, United Methodist clergy no longer have to worry about getting sanctioned for marrying same gender couples. As with all couples, if Pastor Brenda determines two people are committed to the marriage union she can marry them (no vote is needed for this to happen). Per Decision 1516 of the UMC Judicial Council in April 2025: the Trustees cannot prevent or interfere with the pastor’s use of the local church facilities for religious services, including same gender marriages.
For more information:
Reconciling Ministries Network
Minnesota Reconciling Congregations of the United Methodist Church
Other related resources beyond RMN:
Book of Discipline: Section 6: Called to Inclusiveness | UMC.org
Faith and inclusion: United Methodist General Conference opens doors | UMC.org
Why diversity in the church matters | UMC.org
Extended Cabinet Statement on LGBTQIA+ Inclusion | MN Conference of the UMC