2013 Annual Report

We Are

living Biblical Obedience

Mobilizing United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

w w w . r m n e t w or k . o rg

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Reconciling Ministries Network

Thank You $5000 + Anonymous - Shirley W. Cooper - Glen Hunt - Giselle Lawn - Jane Northern - Joyce and Robert Swing - Martha L. Vaughan - Bill and Joy Watts - Dr. Carol L. and Jeffrey W. Waymack $2500+ Mark Elder and Jim Barthmaier - Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist - Ellie Charlton and Beverly Reddick - Shirley Elaine and Rev. James Gragg - Deborah MariaRev. Jeanne Audrey Powers - Alan York and Michael Rutledge Helen Ryde and Kate Schiappa - Frank M. Staggs, Jr. - Bishop Melvin G. and Marilyn Magee Talbert - Shirley Taylor - Bruce and Lillian Venner $1000+ Rev. Chip Aldridge - Helen and Leonard Andrew - Rev. Grayson L. Atha - Matthew M. Berryman - Jimmy A. Bowlin and M. Franklin Dotts - David E. Braden - Faith M. Buss - Susie Canafax - Karl E. Cocke Elizabeth and Robert Dorr - Jean P. and Robert W. Eastlake - Kip L. Eldridge and P.J. Summerville - Kay Ensfield - Doris A. and Thomas E. Everhart - Anne Constant and William Ewing - Danielle and Jared Gadomski Littleton Ron Gebhardtsbauer and Gregory Wright - Faith Geer - Bev Brooks and Rev. Steven K. Goodier - Barbara E. and Douglas R. Goodman - Rev. Youtha C. Hardman-Cromwell - Sharon Helton and Wayne Wood Andy andCandyHubbard -WinifredB.Keefer-KatyandPaulKrumbach-Rev.WalterandDr.RoxanneLockhart-DavidB.Mauzy-MichaelMcHughandDavidWolfe-Rev.DavidW.Meredith-Dr.MaryElizabethandAllenMoore Rev. John Oda - Carolyn D. Pennington - Joe Errington and Bill Pullen - Bishop Sharon Z. and Rev. Blaine B. Rader - Robin T. Ridenour - Benjamin and Margaret Roe - Rev. Brian and Rev. Laura Rossbert - Rev. Nan G. Self Rev. Leonard F. Sjogren - Bill Smith - Rev. Earl M. Smith - Carole Vincent - Dr. Brian Watson - Carol and Rev. James Waugh - Carol West and Sharon L. Vermilyea - Ralph A. Williams - Gerald E. and Joan C. Wrenn $500+ James T. Abbott and Daniel W. Gri - Dr. Marilyn S. Arnott - Robbie and Tom Ausley - Roger Ballard - Ann Brown and Walter Birkel - Matthew Brunner - Rev. Dr. Hugh W. Burtner - Dr. Amity P. Buxton - Margaret E. Carey James P. Carter and David L. Johnson - Rev. Dr. Nancy A. Carter - Randolph Scott and Henry Chiu - Kristian and Donell Clauser - Brad and Davon Cook - Bishop Judith Craig - Kelly and Whitney Dahlman-Oeth - Rev. Jane D. Daniels Steven Davis and Eddie Rothermel - Tad Davis and Marina Sifuentes - Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt - Lupita Diaz - Van Dyke Dixon - Jayson Kerr Dobney - W. Graeme and Jane Donovan - Janet Duke - Melanie Dunn-Chadwick James Eldridge - Revs. Duane A. Ewers and Judith E. Smith - Rev. Deborah Morgan - Leslie Fotre-Leach and Robert Leach - Revs. Frank and Sandra Foley Gaylord - Beth H. and Rev. John O. Gooch - William Haire Rachel R. Harvey, Deaconess - Teresa and Thomas Haven - Evan B. Hazard - Steve Hilbun and Rev. Kelly Turney - Joyce and Dr. Ronald Hoellein - Joan G. and Paul C. Hudson - Jen E. Ihlo - Rev. Takayuki Ishii and Rev. Jeannette Bassinger-Ishii - Price Jepsen - David and Judy Jerde - Maureen M. Jordan - Paul Keefer - Evelyn L. Knight - Rev. Nancy Kollhoff - Noriko Lao - Rebecca Ledley - H. Neal Lenhoff - Dr. Wesley J. and Pamela L. Lewis - Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey - Rolland Loomis and Roy DeBise - Robert Martin - Grace T. McFerrin - Revs. David and Marilyn Meeker-Williams - Bert Morris - Cynthia Morris - Bishop Susan M. Morrison Rev. Dr. Karen P. Oliveto - Dr. Michael R. O’Neal - Rev. Bill and Norah Pattison - Burt Peterson - Jerry and Judy Pinkerton - Donna L. and William W. Price - Kenneth G. and Marion M. Rapp - Eleanor Richards - Charles Richardson Jeanne Rozman - Ann Saterbak and David A. Ward - Joann Schwentker - Becky Sechrist - Ann and Dr. David Smith - Dr. Leland G. Spencer IV - Rev. Deborah K. and Gary D. Stevens - Earl G. Stokes - Dr. Jamie B. Stroud Barbara Ricks Thompson - Timothy E. Tyler - Ralph Earl Watkins - Walter G. Wells - Rev. Kevin, Laura, Claire and Caroline Young $100+ Helen Ackerson - Rev. Marsha A. Acord - Linda L. Adams - Brian Adkins - Sophia Agtarap - Leslie Albers - Sophie Albrecht - Gambill Aldridge - William Dale Aldridge, Sr. - Darlene Allen - Dirk Anderson - Carrie L. Andrew Edgar P. and Janelle F. Armstrong - Rev. Donna L. Atkinson - Greg Ausley - Cynthia Avery - Jean E. Aycock - James and Sherri Babcock - Susan E. and John W. Baird - Patricia Baldwin - Karen T. and Ronald J. Ballard Roberta J. Ruddock and Christina S. Balmos - Donald R. Barber - Dr. Dave Barnhart - Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart - Carrie A. Barton - Revs. Charles F. and Nancy Bauer-King - Susanna L. Baxter and Mark Huffman Andy and Marilyn Belcher Paul R. Belyea - Rev. Tanya Linn Bennett - Rev. Richard Bentley and Ruth Hutchison - Diana Berger - Nancy H. Bergey - Linda Bergh - Lyn Berkebile - Gloria E. Berryman - Carolyn Bibb - Bruce Billings B.J. and Jerry Birkhahn-Rommelfanger - Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger - Pamela Bishop - Dr. Barbara Blackstone - Deborah K. and Mark E. Blaedel - Marjorie A. and Paul G. Boening - Dale Boss - Rev. Dan Bottorff Rev. Eugene Boutilier and Rev. Barbara Troxell - Mark Bowman - Sandra Boyd - Charles and Jane Boyer - Phil Braden - Jamie Bradley - Diana Breedlove-Crouch - Larry T. Broughton - Joy Brown - John Brown and Deen Thompson Carol A. Brown - Catherine Brown Coralie A. Brown - Mary E. Brown - Bob and Suzanne Browning - Rev. N. Eugene Brundige - Rev. Dr. Tim Bruster - Bunnie Bryant and Mary Hankins - Deborah Buffton - Marcia Burkart Rev. Hazel Anne Burnett Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr - Brittany Burrows - Rev. James H. Davis and Rev. Linda M. Butler - Joy L. Butler - John D. and Mary J. Buttrey - Shirley Drake Byers - Bridget Cabrera Royce G. and Kathlyn E. Caldron - Jay Campbell and Rebecca J. Lee - Connie Campbell and Renee Sappington - Mike Capern - Nancy Sue Carlisle - Jo Ann Carlotto - Mary Ann Carlson - Rev. John Alden and Maggie Carr Charles Carr - Rev. Dana J. Carroll - Jerry and Sara A. Carter - Amanda Caruso and Angela Yahne - Ransom E. and Rev. Helen E. Casey-Rutland - Rev. Carl C. and Faye Caskey - Judy Cayot - Bishop Ray W. and Martha E. Chamberlain Donald D. and Judith K. Chamberlin - Rev. Chester V. and Donna C. Chambers - Don and Sue Childers - Rev. Charles J. Chipman - Melody Choate - Rev. Dr. William R. and Sarah J. Clark - Rev. W. Thomas and Patricia A. Clark Rev. Dr. Don Clarke - Alice J. Clearwater - Mary Ann Cleary and Saundra Dunn - Douglas W. and Sandra Cleveland - Revs. Paul Calkin and Jeni Markham Clewell - Caitlin and Adam Cline - John B. and Jean Cobb - James W. Coble and Renee Burnette - Rev. James Emory Cole - Lisa Coles - Tracy L. Collins - Robbie Combs - Anne W. and Dr. Rollin A. Conway - Rev. Brad Corban - Diane L. Cordell - Dolores C. Cords - Renee Cornwell and Janice Nelson Marcia Monnett and Marijo Cosmas - Steve and Cara Costello - Michael Cox - Marilyn Crandall - Kara J. Crawford - John Creager and Jennie Hartman - Rev. Herbert and Louise Crede - Bill Crews - Revs. April and Craig Hall Cutting Mary W. Damonte - Stephen E. Daughtry, Jr. - Philip David - Rev. Susan P. and David Davies - Rev. Dr. Robert B. Davis and Rev. Rosemary A. Davis - Eric Brossy and Alicia De Dios - Dean and Mary DeRidder - Phillip Dearman Donald Deems and Luke Wiseman - Conrad DeFiebre and Dianne O’Donnell - Emily J. and Gordon Denton, USAF (Ret.) - Sandra L. and Gerald J. DeSobe - Melanie DeVore - Martha Dixon - Patricia R. Dougherty and Milton Won - Robbie and Lisa Douglas - Rosanne Driscoll - Minette E. Drumwright, Jr. and H.W. Perry, Jr. - John Dunlop - Loretta and Kelly Dunn - Bishop Sally J. Dyck and Rev. Kenneth P. Ehrman - Cheryl Lynn Dykstra Helen M. Eason - Jeff Edwards - Ronnie L. Egger - Faith Eichhorst - Rev. Heather Murray Elkins - Melissa Engel - Rev. Edward A. and Janith K. English - Dean and Carolyn Eppley - Rev. Robert and Richie Epps Angela R. and Jere E. Estes - Arthur H. Evans - Cheryl Evans - William and Sylvia Everett - Rev. Patricia Farris and David Bremer - Elizabeth A. Fimbres - Ted and Jeanne Finlayson-Schueler - Sally A. Firestone - Debbie Fisher Rev. Dr. William M. Fitzhugh - Mr. Leigh Fleming - Eunice Blair Floyd - Rev. Tim Forbess - Dale Ford and Greg Ford - Don and Carol Khare Fowler - Larry L. Fox - Margie and Ray Francis - John R. and Nancy R. Frantz Fred and C. Marie Friswold - Katherine B. Fuller - Donna M. Furuta - Beth L. and James Galbreath - Rev. Robert L. Gamble - Polly J. Gardiner - Douglas Kennon Gardner - Shirley Garland - Rev. Harold and Janet Garman - John Garner Annette and Kristin Garrison - Mark Garrison - Michael Gary - Rev. Bruce A. and Laurie A. Gascoine - Dorothy L. Gerner - Veva Gibbard - Cathy Giessen - Jane Gildersleeve - Joanne M. Gillis - Rev. John S. Girard - Evelyn Glass Dorothy C. Gosting - Eddie Gouge - David A. Gould - Jody Grandy - Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Ann Graner - Norma J. and Richard C. Graves - Nancy Gray - Jeanette and Rev. Kenneth Grenz - Thomas Grimes Ernest N. and Lois E. Gullerud - Barbara and Homer G. Gurtler - Cliveden Chew Haas - Dennis and Jeanie Hahle - Mary Haller - Jo Ellen and Stephen C. Ham - Rev. James D. and Elizabeth S. Hammerlee Rev. Nobuaki and Ayako Hanaoka - Dr. Edward James Hansen - Betsy and Rev. E.W. Hardin, Jr. - Linda and Bradley K. Harmes - Brice and Edie Harris - Rev. Jan Harry and Rev. Tom Harry - Paul and Dr. Kathy Hartke - Daniel and Karen Hartzler - Rev. Marcia Hauer Rev. Dr. Pamela and Ray Hawkins - Gene Anna Hawthorne - Ryan and Linda J. Haywood - Rev. Lowell G. Headley - Gary R. and Wilma Heisinger - Drs. Dennis O. and Kathryn O. Helmuth John and Morella Henegan - Dr. Robert Henderson - Joseph R. Henry and S. Stanley Gordon - Steven P. and Rebecca D. Henry - Rev. Karen Hernandez - George O. and Cara P. Herold - Mary Herschel Thames - Hoyt L. and Martha W. Hickman - Gene Hill Joyce Hill - Catherine Hillman - Conley and Elsie Hinrichs - Rev. Raymond E. Hinton - Mark Hiser - Jean and Jack Hodges - Rev. Lisa Jean Hoefner - Amanda Holmes - Pam S. Holycross Chris Hong and Wil Rumble - Won Hong Nancy J. Crocker Horstman - Marion Hosey - Charles L. Hostetter, M.D. - Rev. Barbara L. Housley - Megan Howard - Art and Lesley Ann Green Huffaker - Mary Ann Hufteling Nancie and Thomas Hughes Susan and Ed Hume Rev. Bill and Pat Hunter - Revs. Brittany and Monica Isaac - Dr. Theodore S. Jackson and Keith L. Southam, Esq. - Joseph Christopher Jackson - Mary Jeffords - Walter C. Jeffreys Diane C. and Lawrence P. Jensen - Wongee Joh - Mary H. Johnson and Charles G. Beltz - Craig and Valerie Johnson - Katherine Johnson - Dr. Danette Johnson - Katherine W. Johnson - Matt and Jennifer Johnson - Brian Jones Valerie Judd - George Arley Kahl - Linda Kastning - Fern Jo Kaukonen and Katherine Lewis - Carolyn M Keith - Leslie Kellenberger - Kathleen Kelley - Duane Kidwell - Sam Kilpatrick and Doug Barker Gwendolyn B. and Earl C. Kimball - Rev. Thomas E. Kiracofe - Laura Kirby Virginia M. Klipstein - Rev. Jeanne Knepper - Judith A. Koptik - Gale Kramer - Rev. Dr. Mary E. Kraus - William J. Kremer II - Kermit Krueger Audrey J. Krumbach - Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan and Val Toh Margaret Kumaki - Linda Lambert and Amory Peck - Rev. Edwin H. Langrall - E. Virginia Lapham - Joanna L. and Rev. Dr. William A. Lasher Ronald and Virginia Lau - Cassandra Lawrence - Janet D. Lawrence - Greta Leach Richard and Sharon LeDuc - Blayn Lemke - Eursey Lenoir - Jason Levy - Maggi Lewis - Rev. Fred Lewis - Rev. John and Linda Lewis - Betty Likis Laura Lillard - Eric S. and C. Jean Lind - Judy B. and Robert L. Lindamood - Meredith Lindgren - Larry and Linda Lindsay - Nancy M. Lindsey - Edwin A. Linn - Michael A Littleton - Alvin A. Loewenberg Michael and Deborah Lonergan - Beverly Long and Hugh M. Chapin Jerrold W. and Maudell Longwell - Karen C. and Joseph E. Loos - Joseph Lopez - Geraldine E. Loritsch - Marie C. Losh - Donald E. Lovering, M.D. Sherrie R. and Timothy G. Lowly - Rev. Eugene L. and Sarah G. Lowry - Lawrence L. Lowther - Piroska and Gary Lueck - Rev. Dr. Wendell D. and Reba K. Luke - Sharon Lundahl - C. David Lundquist - Anne Lynch - Judy Lyons Rev. Thomas N. and Denise A. MacFarland - Mary and Joseph Maheras Jane Malone and Rev. Dean Snyder - Joseph and Deborah Mannino - Kelly and John Marksbury - Kelly and John Marksbury - Steven Marlatt - Bertino Marro

Steve Marston - Julia and Thomas Martin - Beatrice and Rev. A. W. Martin - Jason Martin - Marty Mather - Angela Maves - Kimberly McAlister and Eva L. Nance - Rev. Brook and Cyndy McBride - Rev. Kendall McCabe C. Edwin McClain, Jr. - Kevin J. McClure - Bishop Calvin D. and Velma M. Duell McConnell - Michael and Sandra McDonald - Frances O. and Rev. William K. McElvaney - I. Lee and James McKlenshaw - Jane McMillen Mary McTavish - Rev. Jacqueline Meadows - Marcus Meeks - Dr. Esther Megill - Dwight and Pilar Meier - Kris Meinhard - Dale G. and Mary Lynn Merkle - Karen L. and Tracy R. Merrick - Allan Anthony Michaud Mary Ann Michel - Rev. Evelyn and Rev. Scott Middleton -Julie I. Miehe - Pamela and William Milam - Kathleen Milby - Rev. Nancy L. Miller - Emerson and Johanna Mitchell - Kathryn L. Mitchem Rev. Sharon L. Moe - Evelyn F Johnson Moore and Rev. Robert A. Moore - Rev. John V. Moore - Cynthia Moore-Koikoi - Marvin M. and Suzanne E. Morgan - Rev. Dr. Laura Lee C. Morgan - Doris and Scott Morris - Louise Morris Jefferson Moulds and Brent Anderson - Iola M. and Loren L. Mullins - Marsha J. and Michael D. Munson - Alan Mussen - Helene and Richard Muth - Caroleann Myers - William George Myers, OSL - Patricia Naumann - Dick Nelson Paul Newhouse and Ray Goodrow - Janet and William C. Nicholls Jo Ann Norman - Dave and Betsy Norton - Virginia and Warren A. Nyberg - Rona K. Obert - Elizabeth T. Okayama - Amos Oladipo - Jan Olson and Nancy Hensley Ina Osborn - Sylvia E. Palmer - Margaret K. Parish - Rev. Dr. Brolin Parker - Howard Parker - James Parkhurst - Richard and Elizabeth Parks - Judith A. Patrick - Dwight and Liz Patterson - Gloria and William A. Paull Rev. Mary L. Peacock - Stephen and Carol Peck - Andrea H. Peck Garrett C. Peck - Lori Jeanne Peloquin - Lucas C. Pepper - Rev. Emery and Deborah Percell - F. Ellsworth and Suzanne B. Peterson Rev. Stacy Pever Anzick and Robert Anzick - Nancy L. Phelan - George B. and Joan O. Pidot - Rush Pierce and Diane Goodwin - Rev. Sydney A. Pierce and Timothy M. Zimmer - Don Pierson - Rev. L. Paul Pitkin Rick and Debbie J. Poland - Steve and Kathy Pollard - Rev. Mike Pratt - Rev. James Preston - Rev. R. Preston and Jean M. Price - Carrie Prestwood - Bobby Ray Prince and Joe Openshaw - Jim Pritchett - Shelley R. Propst - Jean Pucher Sara Elizabeth Pugh - Rev. Dr. David A. and Pamela Chatterton Purdy - Mrs. Anne C. and Ben Queen - Jim and Dr. Mittie Quinn - Burke Randolph - Tony Rangel - Rev. Gayla A. Rapp - Wallace F. Ratliff - Marlys K. Rechkemmer Diane and Mark Rehfield - Scott W. Reilly - Richard Reinhard - Michael and Karen Reitz - Darrell Renfroe Robin A. Rhodes - Lamont Richie - Rev. Max R. Richter - Rev. Allyn C. Rieke - Almeda C. Riley Susan E. and Dard Ringenbach - Dr. James H. and Tracy S. Ritchie - Rev. Dr. Bruce W. Robbins - Joyce and Willard Robinson - Jennifer Roche and John Svolos - Rev. Ermalou M. Roller - Patricia A Ronten Rev. David and Anna-Faye Rose - Jane Ross - Joan Roth - David M. and Rev. Janice McClary Rowell - Julie K. Runnells - Mary Jane and Rev. William Russell - Jack E. and Deborah A. Ryder Rev. Robert Lee Sachs Rev. Tex and Peggy Sample - Cathy Sanders - Larry L. Sanner - Joann H. Sapp - Sharon K. Saunders - Michael R. Schlager - David T. Schoeni - Kurt G. Schreiber - Robert and Nancy Schroeder - Mary J. Schroff Rev. Judith A. Schultz and Ivan R. King - Patricia L. and Robert B. Schutz - Rev. John and Pat Schwiebert - Jessica Seargeant - Sharon S. Sechrist - Tina L. Seitz - Rev. Jan F. Selby - Rev. Pamela L. Serdar - John J.and Barbara Dadd Shaffer - Ellen Shaner - John and Jane Sharp - Alan W. and Judy L. Shelton - Rev. Patricia L. Shipley - W. Lynn Shirley - David E. Simmons - Rev. Dr. Donald W. and Katherine L. Sinclair - Patricia W. and Richard E. Skavdahl Morgan Slusher - Rev. A. Clay Smith and Nancy Joyner - Darlene Smith - Jaron and Brian Smith - David C. Smith - Eric and Dr. Wendy Smith - Rev. Franklin P. Smith Jayne and Legrand Smith - Rev. Susanna Weslie Southard Sally I. Sparks - Julie Spelman - Jane and Robert L. Spencer - Eleanor D. and Hans B.C. Spiegel - Rev. Ann E. Spindt Henschel - Alice May Eaton and W. Kyle Spitzer - Susan Spruce and Annette Jones - Mary Spurgeon Christina H. and Edward W. Stack - Amy Stanley - Elizabeth Starling - Rev. Victoria Starnes - Donna J. Stephens - Rev. William and Nancy Lee Steward - David S. Stierle - M. Robert Stoner - Richard H. and Veroneze L. Strader Henry and Suzanne Stringer - Elizabeth A Stripe - Rev. Thomas A. and Marilyn B. Summers - Rev. James Summers - Rev. Stan and Jeri Sutton - Robert Green Sweeten - Harold and Monica Swink - Jason Takagi Mardel H. and Roger B. Tanquist - Lois L. Taylor - Phyllis and Richard Tholin - Janet C. and Rev. Wayne N. Thomas - Jean Charles Thomas - Larry Thomas - Rev. Timothy Thomson Hohl Rev. Harold A. and Kathleen Tillinghast - Nancy Tkacs - Rev. James and Mary Todd - Rev. Albert Eugene and Margaret Tomer - Lorelei Toombs - Mary Anne Totten, MD - Rev. Mary Kay Totty - Rev. Troy and Walter Treash John Teddlie and Jeannie Treviño-Teddlie - Greg Trosclair and Caroline Jones - L Roby Trotter - Rev. Frank E. Trotter, Jr. - Elaine O. and James M. Truckner - Steven Tuell - Kathryn J. Tullos and Mark D. Morris - Marilyn M. Underhill Rev. Sharon Vandegrift and Erik Cheever - Rev. Rebecca J. Vardiman - Rob Vaughn - Elsie Gauley Vega - Rev. Amy Venable - Dwight and Linda Vogel - Rev. Dr. Susan Sonnenday Vogel - James Voigt Margaret T. and Ralph A. Von Walthausen - Linda L. Walker - Rev. Gary Walpole - Michael Ward - Rick Waters - Stanley B. Watson - Todd Watson - Rev. Stephan Weinberger - W. Drew Weinbrenner Dr. DarEll Weist and Rev. Diane Kenney Laura B. Wells - Ann Irean Welton - Celia Westphal - Amy J. Wheeler - Bishop C. Dale and Gwen White - Katie Wickman and Ann Hillman - James E. Will - Dorothy and Lyle Williams Elizabeth and Wright Williams - Kimberly Williams - Susan L. Willm - Rev. Brenda S. Wills - Rev. Laura Cean Wilson - Laura Winemiller and Tammi James - Matthew Winkel - Rev. John Philip and Carolyn G. Wogaman Timothy Wolfred - Melinda Wollitz - Jean and Barry Wood - Christie Wood - Miriam Wood - Stanley Woodall - Rev. Vicki Woods - Rev. Frank D. Wulf - Karen M. Wyss and Bonnie J. Meyer - Rev. Ellen Yarborough Howard Yeager - Bishop Joseph Yeakel - Rev. John F. Yeaman - Rev. Jun Yoshimatsu - Laura Young - Barry J. Zaslow - Joanie Zetterman

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Organizational support from: AHS Foundation - Arcus Foundation - Drew University - E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation - Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund - Florida United Methodist Foundation - GE Foundation Human and Civil Rights Organizations of America (HCROA) - iGive.com - JPMorgan Chase and Co. - Just Give - Methodist Federation for Social Action - Central Texas Chapter - NGLTF Foundation - Phillips Theological Seminary The Joe B. and Louise P. Cook Foundation - The WMN Foundation - The Tides Center

Editor’s Note: We apologize for our Annual Report being so late in the year! We are fully staffed now and you should be noticing more consistent communications from us.

When looking back at all that the Network accomplished in 2013, it is impossible to deny that the Spirit has been on the move. Acts of Biblical Obedience throughout the year have brought Reconciling Ministries Network and conversations of justice and inclusion to the forefront of religious and secular conversations about The United Methodist Church. Reconciling clergy, laity, communities, and candidates have been aflame with conviction, opening their doors, their sanctuaries, and their lives in spite of institutional risks.

Both Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree and Rev. Frank Schaefer exemplified profound faith as they chose to reiterate, time and time again, love for family, for the Church, and for all LGBTQ folks in the face of complaints and institutional reproach. In solidarity with Rev. Schaefer, 52 United Methodist clergy co-officiated at a same-sex wedding in Philadelphia and Bishop Melvin Talbert proudly celebrated the love between Joe and Bobby Openshaw at their wedding in the deep south of Birmingham, Alabama.

Biblical Obedience, however, was not confined to marriage equality alone. Over 60 new communities across the US became Reconciling, committing to work for the inclusion of all people in the UMC. Churches

across the country opened their doors to Boy Scout Troops that were kicked out of their former meeting places for opening their troops to gay and bisexual boy scouts. Hundreds gathered at RMN’s national convocation, Churchquake, to grow together in an intersectional understanding of justice, inclusion, and love.

The South has illustrated its own commitment to Biblical Obedience in the heart of Texas. M Barclay, a candidate for ordination, has chosen to remain faithful to God’s call on their life even as their Board of Ordained Ministry attempted to unjustly remove them from their process without an interview. M continues to seek ordination despite the discrimination they face and Reconciling Methodists in the SWTX Conference have been active in support, action, and witness in every step of M’s journey.

As we know all too well, following Christ’s example comes at a cost and this year has been no exception. The faithful have endured church trials, public discrimination, and the continued weight of one’s beloved church recognizing its own members as “incompatible with Christian teaching.“ And yet, we keep moving forward, trusting the Spirit which brought forth fruit from the myriad witnesses of Biblical Obedience seen in 2013.

God continues calling us to be the Church we believe in, to risk living into the Kindom, and to keep speaking the truth of Love until all are welcome and beloved.

Biblical Obedience Ministry without fear

Rev. Sara Thompson-Tweedy “I am in this situation because I love another woman, and I have been honest about my identity. What kind of ‘just resolution’ can come out of an unjust process? That is out of my hands.”

Trayvon Martin

“In the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin murder case, RMN calls for reflection on the deeper issues of racism. ‘We recognize that no matter our identity or status, our equality is linked to one another. We stand with Trayvon’s family and all who call for justice.’” - Matt Berryman

Rev. Frank Schaefer “I cannot go back to being a silent supporter. I must continue to be in ministry with all people and speak for LGBTQ people. I wear this rainbow stole as a visible sign that this is who I am called to be.”

Joy Butler “Convo showed us the vision of a more inclusive church. Now it is up to us to bring that into our home churches, to spread that vision throughout our conference, to be a model of Christ’s inclusive love.”

Rev. Gil Caldwell “We celebrate this ‘first step’ toward equality and equal access that was made by the Boy Scouts of America. Many of us hope that ‘soon and very soon,’ they will take the next step.”

Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree

“I could not, with any integrity as a Christian, refuse my son’s request to preside at his wedding. It is a shame that the church is choosing to prosecute me for this act of love, which is entirely in keeping with my ordination vows to ‘seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people.’”

I’m not ready to be remembered A reflection on Transgender Day of Remembrance The average life expectancy for a trans* person is 23 years. Think about that, for a moment.

I

n ten days, I turn 19. That would leave me 4 years. 4 years is a significant amount of time, of course; 4 years of high school and 4 years of college are a very common commitment for the majority of people my age. Yet, according to the Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center, only one third of teachers in public

schools are willing to engage in efforts to make learning communities safe for all students, regardless of how they identify. One third of those students that identify as transgender will attempt suicide.

It can be extremely difficult for a transgender person to believe that God loves them, even without the extra harassment that comes from the world around them. My second year of college finds me safe and blessed to have a family, both real and chosen that encourage me endlessly as I progress on my own journey. It’s hard to have faith while living in the all-girls residence hall that things are going to get better, but that’s what faith is about, after all. I’m not ready to be a statistic or a news story, or to “remember” any of my friends, either. It is my prayer that you, too, might take a moment today to pray for the lives that were taken far too soon, as well as the countless others that went unreported or are currently facing danger or self-hatred in our world.

I continue to preserve my relationship with the compassionate Christ I follow, in the knowledge that advocacy, education, and awareness are the best possible forms of action to end the stigma and violence around the transgender community.

- Mitch Leet

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The Cost of Honesty Living Biblical Obedience in Ordination

Asa David Coulson

Autumn Dennis

“

When I began the ordination process, I figured I would ‘see how far I got before the church kicked me out.’ Never did I expect that the church would push me out before my District Committee even had the chance to expel me from the process. It is with immense pain in my heart that I confess to you, my beloved United Methodist Church, that I have to

“

On this day I want to make a clear declaration.

If I am ordained, or appointed as a local pastor while in provisional status, in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church I will not turn away any homosexual couple, meeting all the same qualifications as a heterosexual couple, who present themselves to me and ask for me to perform their marriage ceremony. I would also allow them to hold such a wedding in one of our churches, as weddings are worship services that should be held in the house of God. I will welcome these couples with an open heart, mind, and door as our church has proclaimed to do for over a decade.

Therefore, in light of this declaration, I am asking whether you personally, along with my District Superintendent and District Committee on Ministry, will continue to support my candidacy process in this annual conference and decline support of your candidacy. Will you continue “speaking up for my LGBT brothers and sisters” and “protect the rights of all people” or should I seek ordination in another annual conference, or even denomination, that no longer will stand for the open discrimination being practiced by the church?”

leave the ordination process in order to follow God. I cannot represent an institution whose idol is the Book of Discipline. I cannot pledge to uphold that abusive Book which has long since stopped being a source of illumination in how we connect with each other and God, but now is a glorified bludgeoning tool. I cannot join an order of ministry that is complicit in injustice.

I cannot lie my way into an abusive clergy covenant or lie my way through the Historic Questions. I cannot pretend that my church has “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” when it does not. I cannot lie about who I am or what the Church is any longer.”

“

Rev. Israel Alvaran

M Barclay I have argued with the voice of God in my life. I have tried to convince myself I do not want to and am not called be ordained. And yet, I still return to this place. The United Methodist Church is my church. I was raised in it and I believe in it - in the best of our past and the best of what we can be in the future. And I am called to be a minister within it. What option do I have but to follow the voice of God in my life?

Who, in good conscience and sound theology, would advise me to do otherwise? It is up to me to follow my call and it is up to the elected bodies of The UMC to follow theirs. For too many years, however, they have not. The noise of fear, prejudice, and arrogance have distracted us from the Spirit’s guidance. This has resulted in too many LGBTQ voices being kept from their call by being removed from the ordination process. Too many LGBTQ clergy are trying to follow their call but have to do so gagged and bound in the church’s closet. For how many years will The UMC continue to get in the way of God’s work, harming those God calls instead of guiding us? How many years? It has been too many already.”

“

This is not an issue facing The UMC only in the United States. While everything seems “quiet” in the Philippines Central Conference, you fully know as our bishops that many Filipino/a LGBTQ individuals serve our denomination: they sing in our choirs, they are lay leaders and Sunday School teachers, they give their tithes and volunteer, and they are deaconesses and ordained clergy. Both our ecclesiastical laws and Filipino culture encourage a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that have kept these LGBTQ persons from serving openly. Most are in the closet, fearful of being cast out of the church they love. While their counterparts and allies in the United States are more vocal, there is no excuse to assume that they do not exist in The UMC in the Philippines. I believe that the kairos moment for the LGBTQ United Methodists in the Philippines to stand up and speak up is upon us. While the church could strip its clergy of their ordination because of who they are and/ or their stance and witness for full inclusion, we can never take their calling away, for that comes from God alone. “

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Temporarily

Revenue and Other Support

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Grants

30,200

492,500

522,700

Individual gifts

373,801

32,744

406,545

Convocation

241,630

-

241,630

In-kind donations

32,988

-

32,988

Miscellaneous sales

2,625

-

2,625

154

-

154

1,931

-

1,931

Interest and dividends Other income Net assets released from restrictions

305,472

(305,472)

-

$988,801

$219,722

$1,208,573

Program

854,459

-

854,459

Management and general

189,041

-

189,041

Fundraising

95,111

-

95,111

$1,138,611

-

$1,138,611

(149,810)

219,772

69,962

502,198

176,773

678,971

$352,388

$396,545

$748,933

Total revenue and other support

Expenses

Total expenses

Net Assets Change Beginning of year End of year

Independent Auditor Opinion: The financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of RMN at December 31, 2013 and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. RMN’s financial statements can be found online at www.rmnetwork.org/about/annual-reports.

9

“Let me be very clear, my theological record on human sexuality is an open book. For the last 13 years I have been an advocate for the full inclusion of all of God’s children in the life of The UMC.”

“I shall keep my promise and perform the wedding ceremony for Joe and Bobby, who desire the blessings of our church in the presence of family, friends, and clergy as they openly declare who they are as part of the family of God.”

“I am also convinced that welcoming gays and lesbians will open us more fully to their gifts, among them testimonies of courage and patience, faith and grace.”

June 6 Bishop McLee voices promise to stand with LGBTQ people at Annual Conference

July 25 Bishop Carter makes statement about welcoming LGBTQ people

“The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops has urged Bishop Melvin Talbert not to perform the same-gender marriage in Birmingham, Alabama. Furthermore, the Resident Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett has requested him not to come to the Birmingham Area for this purpose.”

Oct 7

Oct 23

Bishop Talbert declares commitment to perform wedding in Alabama

Executive Committee of Council of Bishops urges Bishop Talbert not to perform wedding

When Bish

“I write to inform you of my dissent of the statement from this Committee. It is important for me to keep covenant and to follow the rule, “do no harm.” There are times when Biblical Obedience trumps following the letter of the law in our Discipline.”

“Several statements in our BOD are discriminatory (forbidding LGBTQ ordination and same sex marriage, and naming homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching)…This has led to confusion by many from outside of the church wondering how we can talk out of two sides of our mouth.“

“I believe that the time has come for United Methodists to stand on the side of Jesus and declare in every good way that the United Methodist Church is wrong in its position on homosexuality, wrong in its exclusion of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, and wrong in its incessant demand to determine through political processes who can be full members of the body of Christ.”

11

“Someone asked me, “Bishop, what if 100 of us do same gender unions?” My answer is this: “Then there will be 100 suspensions from ministry during the supervisory response followed by 100 trials.”

Oct 24

Dec 16

Dec 20

Jan 15

Bishop Swenson dissents from Executive Committee’s statement about Bishop Talbert

Bishop Johnson makes statement following Rev. Schaefer’s defrocking

Bishop Carcaño invites Rev. Schaefer to ministry in California-Pacific Conference

Bishop Jones makes statement in response to events of 2013

hops speak...

RECONCILING COMMUNITY 2013 GIVING Arkansas Journeys SS Class Mount Pleasant Seekers SS Class

Arizona

Desert Mission First UMC - Tuscon

California

Almaden Hills Aptos Community Bloom in the Desert Ocean Park Claremont Crescenta Valley Davis El Cerrito El Dorado County Federated Elk Grove First - Loomis First - Midtown First - Napa First - Pasadena First - San Rafael First - Watsonville Glide Memorial La Tijera

Mt. Tamalpais Orange County Pacific Beach South Hayward St. John’s St. Mark’s The Table Twin Towers United University Wesley

Colorado

Arvada Serendipity SS Class WARM

Connecticut

Mary Taylor Memorial Niantic Community

Washington DC

Dumbarton Foundry Metropolitan Memorial Mount Vernon Place

Georgia

Asbury Memorial Druid Hills First - Hapeville Koinonia Class North Ga RUMs

Saint Mark

Wesley - Urbana

Iowa

Indiana

Clinton-Camanche Collegiate Grace Walnut Hills

Idaho

Hillview

Illinois

Bethany Broadway Church of the Incarnation Church of the Three Crosses Euclid Avenue First - Arlington Heights First - Chicago First - Downers Grove First - Lake Bluff Grace Holy Covenant Illinois Great Rivers Reconciling Team Shirlandy United Church of Rogers Park Wesley - Aurora Wesley - Napervillle

North Reconciling Community Within the Indiana Conference

Kansas

College Hill First - Lawrence Potawatomi St. Paul’s Wide Is God’s Welcome

Maryland

Open Hearts

Maine

New Hampshire

John Street

Michigan

Chapel Hill First - Kalamazoo Taverse Central Williamston

Minnesota

Louisiana

Epworth Good Samaritan Hennepin Avenue Minnetonka Prospect Park

Massachusetts

Trinity

Kentucky

Micah 6:8 SS Class

Parker Memorial Ballard Vale United Grace - Hopkinton Grace - Lynn Holy Trinity Lexington Provincetown Sudbury United Parish of Auburndale

Myers Park Christ UMC

Grace Baltimore Old Otterbein St. John United

Missouri Montana

First - Missoula Voice for RM

North Carolina Branches SS Class Calvary Haywood

Nevada Lebanon

New Jersey

Morrow Memorial

Nevada

John Rousseau Memorial SS Class

New York

Christ Church Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew Fairport First - Oneonta Park Slope Plattsburgh St. Paul’s UMC of the Village West Hills

Ohio

Broad Street Central Clifton First - Oberlin King Avenue

Maynard Avenue North Broadway West Ohio RM

Oklahoma

Open Minds Class

Oregon

18th Avenue Peace House First - Eugene First - Lebanon Lake Oswego Lebanon Sweet Home Reconciling Oregon-Idaho RUM Rose City Park Sunnyside Centenary First -Eugene UMW Wesley Foundation of Eugene

Pennsylvania

First - Pittsburgh First of Germantown St. Paul’s

South Carolina Grace SS Class Washington St.

Tennessee Edgehill

Texas

Adelphi Class Bering Memorial Grace - Austin Grace - Dallas Greenland Hills Journey of Faith Northaven Open Hearts St. John’s Trinity Word, World, and Worship Class

Utah

Christ

Virginia

Centenary

Washington

First - Ellensburg Langley United Church Vancouver Heights

Wisconsin

Bethany Kenwood Mequon Sun Prairie The Springs

We are Reconciling United Methodists NEW RECONCILING COMMUNITIES IN 2013

The Fountains

California

Journeys SS Class Seekers SS Class The Forum Class Unity SS Class

Brea Crescenta Valley First - Midtown Sacramento Lake Park San Luis Obispo Twin Towers Ukiah Wesley Westchester Willits

Arizona

Colorado

Alabama St. Junia

Arkansas

City Square Church

After Hours

Community Serendipity SS Class WARM Wesley Foundation

Kansas

TEAM Wide Is God’s Welcome

Mississippi

Washington DC

Massachusetts

Montana

Converge: DC

Georgia

Reconciling Group at Embry Hills St Paul

Hawaii

Harris - Honolulu

United Church of Ware United Parish of Upton

Maine Calvary

Minnesota

St. Anthony Park

The Table Christ in Culture

St. Paul’s - Helena North Carolina Haywood Street Congregation The Walk

Covenant First - Amityville West Hills

Oklahoma The Coffee Group Oregon

Gresham

Pennsylvania

Mount Tabor

New Jersey

Western Pennsylvania Reconciling Ministries

New York

Tennessee

Centenary

Crossroads SS Class

Texas

First - Austin Greenland Hills Open Hearts

Virginia

Fairlington Rise: A UM Faith Community

Virginia

Fairlington Rise: A UM Faith Community

Washington

Browns Point Crown Hill First - Seattle North Mason Thirst Worship Community

Wisconsin

Sun Prairie