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A Message to the UMC: Resist Harm

In the wake of a postponed General Conference and a continued pandemic, we are urgently called again to the work of Christ – in all the ways we can. Ever more clearly, we discern the disconnect between the logistics of our gathering and the call of the gospel. 

The institutional fight to enshrine anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the Church has not only distracted us from hope-filled work, but it has caused great harm to LGBTQ+ people in our churches and communities, as well as their families and friends.

In a spirit of humility and in a wounded Church of differing convictions, we the people of the #ResistHarm movement call upon our United Methodist kin to resist apathy and practice enduring love. We are impelled to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves, and especially as they relate to LGBTQ+ persons who are the explicit target of the Book of Discipline’s discriminatory provisions. Specifically:

  1. We call on Bishops and Annual Conferences to hold in faithful abeyance anti-LGBTQ+ complaints related to the celebration of Christian marriage with LGBTQ couples and those related to the ordination and ministry of LGBTQ+ clergy.

  2. We call on local churches and Annual Conferences to “continue the mission of seeking, welcoming and gathering persons into the community of the body of Christ” (BOD, 122), including people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
     

As we wait until we can gather together safely as a global Church, we do not have to wait to be the Church. Building relationships across our connection, we honor and acknowledge our similarities and differences, and commit to our ongoing work dismantling racism and colonialism. Together let us persist in offering Christ-like mercy and working for justice; deepening lives of devotion and drawing communities together in worship.

French translation: TO COME
Portuguese translation: https://bit.ly/ResistHarm2022_Portuguese

To sign on, visit: https://bit.ly/ResistHarm2022Sign

People of the United Methodist Church from diverse places around the globe have signed on to this message: lay people and clergy, including delegates to General Conference 2020, young people, Bishops, and leaders at all levels of the church. The movement to Resist Harm continues to grow.

Click here to view signatures: https://bit.ly/ResistHarm2022

Recent Updates

Removing anti-LGBTQ+ policies helps us #BeUMC
Momentum for removing harmful anti-LGBTQ+ language from our Discipline has been growing, and a wide coalition of delegates from across the diversities of our Conferences have named this commitment. We need your voice now, to help describe why we believe this is a faithful direction for our church. There has never been a more important […]
Resist Harm Movement Gains Momentum toward General Conference 2024
Growing numbers of United Methodists are actively resisting the harm caused by anti-LGBTQ+ policies and practices of the United Methodist Church. With three months until General Conference convenes in Charlotte, North Carolina, the movement is making a difference in communities across the denomination, and for our direction as a United Methodist Church.  As we prepare […]
A Message to the UMC: Resist Harm
In the wake of a postponed General Conference and a continued pandemic, we are urgently called again to the work of Christ – in all the ways we can. Ever more clearly, we discern the disconnect between the logistics of our gathering and the call of the gospel.  The institutional fight to enshrine anti-LGBTQ+ policies […]
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Latest Resources

February Worship Planning Worksheet
We invite you to incorporate the work of resisting harm into the worship life of your church or group.  This worksheet is a tool for use by individuals or groups, as a starting point for finding ways to incorporate #ResistHarm into regular Sunday worship, small group meetings, or vigils and special services; it includes some starting points, […]
See Resource
Liturgy from enfleshed
With a commitment to spiritual and theological depth and the centering of marginalized experiences, conversations, and communities, enfleshed seeks to provide liturgy, devotionals, curriculum, preaching, training, and pastoral care that addresses honestly, tenderly, and directly, the beauty and pain of living enfleshed lives.
See Resource
Songs for the Holy Other
The Hymn Society has edited and shares this free volume of hymns affirming the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Visit their site to download.
See Resource
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Resist Harm is not an organization or a coalition. It has no employees, offices, or overhead. However, it does incur expenses for web infrastructure, promotion, printing, and organizing. We are a movement of volunteers and 100% funded by people and churches like you. Anything you give helps to make this movement more effective. To give, donate at Reconciling Ministries Network’s website and designate “Resist Harm.” 100% of your gift will pay for Resist Harm’s direct costs. RMN has graciously agreed to administer the funds donated for the Resistance movement for no charge.

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Resist Harm Partners

Resist Harm is organized by everyday United Methodists in every corner of the connection and is supported by a number of organizational partners.* To learn more about our partners, visit their websites:
Become a Partner
*The tools, resources, and opportunities posted on Resist Harm have been suggested by people or organizations associated with the movement. They are not necessarily endorsed by all of the partners.
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