By Marty Shimko
Madison, Wis. | July 24–27, 2025

Recently I had the privilege of attending the United Methodist Church (UMC) Reconciling Ministries Network convocation, “Uncharted — Becoming the Church We Need Right Now,” in Madison. I joined with over 200 people from across the country and from outside the United States.

Reconciling Ministries has been working for over 50 years to educate the church on the need to remove harmful discriminatory language from the Book of Discipline. The resolution, calling for the removal of the harmful language passed in 2024, allows gay

clergy to come out of hiding, allows same sex weddings in the church, and encourages congregations to welcome all people. But in many congregations nothing has changed. Currently only 46% of our church conferences are reconciling, meaning they the full participation of all people, no matter their sexual orientation or identity. It also means that 52% of conferences do not allow full participation. That’s why this convocation is so important!

We in Minnesota are fortunate that our General Conference is a reconciling conference and our congregation has been a reconciling congregation since 1991. Our church leadership wanted representation, to show our support to help our church move forward in these uncharted waters. As I introduced myself as a member of Hennepin Avenue UMC (Hennepin), many knew of us and the great work which we have done and continue to do. We have a positive reputation, which is something to celebrate!

Parts of the convocation included workshops and panel discussions to help us see the opportunities and challenges ahead of us. Several key learnings which struck me were:

• Jesus spoke out against the leaders of his day who were oppressing the marginalized, so we need to follow his example.
• Social justice cannot be confined to just one group, if anyone is being oppressed, so are others: being neutral (doing nothing) shows complicity with the oppressors.
• The need is so great that its easy to be overwhelmed.
• And finally, none of the work of being church is easy — but Jesus promised us that we do not walk alone.

One resounding point made during a worship session was that while the walls of opposition may have been broken down, there are a lot of challenges hiding in the rubble that need to be uncovered and removed.

We at Hennepin need to continue to do our part to insure that “All are welcome,” remains our practice for those inside and outside our church doors.