You are Welcome Here! Everyone is Welcome Here!
St. Matthew’s UMC is an inclusive church, connected to our community, and committed to welcoming all persons in every phase of church life. We choose to live by Christ’s example, affirming that all people are created in the image of God.
We celebrate our diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, marital status, nationality, physical abilities, mental abilities, and economic position. Through the Spirit, we commit to live in the words of John Wesley to “love alike though we may not always think alike.” Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are welcome here.
In 2019, after much discussion and prayer, our above Welcome Message was adopted with 98% member approval. In the Fall of 2019, we began exploring joining the Reconciling Ministries Network to make it clear where we stood on the debate over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the full life of the church. This exploration included open discussions, study, and prayer. In February 2020 after taking the formal steps, our church voted 88% in favor of joining the Reconciling Ministries Network as a United Methodist Reconciling Ministry. We celebrate Diversity Sunday yearly and do chats, movies, and book discussions to raise awareness. In 2023, we started participating in Annapolis PRIDE Parade and Festival. Learn more about St Matthew’s LGBTQ+ advocacy and allyship here.
In May 2024, The General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) eliminated anti-LGBTQ+ language from its Book of Discipline, effectively ending 52 years of institutionally sanctioned discrimination. The global body of 862 voting delegates (about 740 seated) spent almost two weeks in civility removing prohibitions against same-sex marriages; ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy; bans against funding education about LGBTQ+ affirmation; and the belief that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” [United Methodist Church Reverses Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Historic Votes, 2024 May 2.]
Read more about the Reconciling Ministries Network HERE.
Inclusive Community. Connecting in Christ. Making a Difference.