A RESPONSE FROM THE OPEN HEARTS CLASS TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE RULING:
stand your holy ground.
As a community we affirm our decision to stand by our brothers and sisters of the Reconciling Ministries Network, joining them as we continue our pursuit of a church that loves as Jesus loves, that offers a balm as Jesus did, and surrounds our souls with biblical and gospel justice that creates disciples of Christ and transforms the world. We advocate for others by our actions and with our words. We man a booth at both Roanoke area Pride Festivals every year. We welcome and embrace those in the LGBTQ+ community. We support those folks by attending contentious school board meetings and vigils.
This is our Church. This is our Christ. This is our God.