My name is Kathy Webb (she/her/hers). I’m a cradle Methodist, a PK, former Trustee at Broadway UMC in Chicago, and past lay leader at First United Methodist Church, Little Rock.

I’ve tried to live as my parents taught me: what I am.....is God’s gift to me; what I become....is my gift to God. Over the years, I’m grateful to have worked in the social justice arena, and have that work recognized by the AR Caucus of Black Methodists for Social Renewal, Hendrix College and Philander Smith College, and my church, First United Methodist Church.

However, as a member of the LGBTQ community, I am broken-hearted by the passage of the Traditional Plan. I am broken-hearted by the harm done to our LGBTQ clergy. To our LGBTQ youth, many of whom have already felt rejection and bullying. And to thousands of other LGBTQ UM’s, who try, as do I, to live an “altogether” life, as John Wesley called us to do.

I am grateful to be in community with UM’s across the denomination, and will continue not only to #ResistHarm but work to do good. Will you join me?

(Kathy is on the Resist Harm team and is one of the organizers of the #ResistHarm services held in Arkansas last week. Over 1000 people attended these inspiring worship services in Little Rock and Fayetteville calling for a church that fully includes and affirms LGBTQI, POC and all God’s people! Here is the local CBS affiliate’s coverage of the event:

https://www.thv11.com/…/91-af61b7be-ee0a-43cd-8026-dd7b5e03…)

Annual conferences, churches, groups, United Methodists, how can you show greater solidarity in opposition to the Traditional Plan and the parts of The Book of Discipline that are harmful and discriminatory to LGBTQ persons and allies, and in shared witness as a Church committed to justice for and in ministry with all persons? How can you Resist Harm?