The Welcoming Movement
10/11/2013 | 25m 32sVideo has Closed Captions
We take a look at three churches committed to accepting and affirming LGBT people.
Join us as we look at three churches around the United States who are part of the "Welcoming Movement." These churches, in Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., are committed to accepting and affirming gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Watch their triumphs and struggles in this special documentary episode!
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Funding for TO THE CONTRARY is provided by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Park Foundation and the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation.
The Welcoming Movement
10/11/2013 | 25m 32sVideo has Closed Captions
Join us as we look at three churches around the United States who are part of the "Welcoming Movement." These churches, in Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., are committed to accepting and affirming gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Watch their triumphs and struggles in this special documentary episode!
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch To The Contrary
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> WELCOME TO "TOO THE CARRY" >> WELCOME TO "TOO THE CARRY" I'M REPORTING FROM COVENANT >> WELCOME TO "TOO THE CARRY" I'M REPORTING FROM COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST I'M REPORTING FROM COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
THIS IS ONE OF A GROWING NUMBER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
THIS IS ONE OF A GROWING NUMBER OF CHURCHES THAT ARE WELCOMING THIS IS ONE OF A GROWING NUMBER OF CHURCHES THAT ARE WELCOMING PEOPLE OF ALL SEXUAL OF CHURCHES THAT ARE WELCOMING PEOPLE OF ALL SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS, GENDER IDENTITIES PEOPLE OF ALL SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS, GENDER IDENTITIES AND GENDER PREFERENCES.
ORIENTATIONS, GENDER IDENTITIES AND GENDER PREFERENCES.
THEY CALL IT OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
AND GENDER PREFERENCES.
THEY CALL IT OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
OR ONA.
THEY CALL IT OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
OR ONA.
ON THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF "TO OR ONA.
ON THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF "TO THE CONTRARY" WE TAKE TO YOU ON THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF "TO THE CONTRARY" WE TAKE TO YOU THREE CHURCHES IN VERY DIFFERENT THE CONTRARY" WE TAKE TO YOU THREE CHURCHES IN VERY DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY THAT ARE THREE CHURCHES IN VERY DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY THAT ARE OPENING THEIR DOORS ALONG WITH PARTS OF THE COUNTRY THAT ARE OPENING THEIR DOORS ALONG WITH THEIR COMMUNAL LIVES AND OPENING THEIR DOORS ALONG WITH THEIR COMMUNAL LIVES AND MINISTRIES.
THEIR COMMUNAL LIVES AND MINISTRIES.
>> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS OUR MINISTRIES.
>> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS OUR CHURCHES ARE -- OUR WAY OF >> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS OUR CHURCHES ARE -- OUR WAY OF GRAPPLING INTENTIONALLY AND CHURCHES ARE -- OUR WAY OF GRAPPLING INTENTIONALLY AND FAITHFULLY WITH ONE OF THE MOST GRAPPLING INTENTIONALLY AND FAITHFULLY WITH ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS THAT THE CHURCH FAITHFULLY WITH ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS THAT THE CHURCH FACES RIGHT NOW.
DIFFICULT THINGS THAT THE CHURCH FACES RIGHT NOW.
HOW TO WELCOME AND EMBRACE AND FACES RIGHT NOW.
HOW TO WELCOME AND EMBRACE AND SANCTIFY GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, HOW TO WELCOME AND EMBRACE AND SANCTIFY GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER PEOPLE.
SANCTIFY GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER PEOPLE.
>> HERE IN ST. PAUL PARK, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER PEOPLE.
>> HERE IN ST. PAUL PARK, MINNESOTA, A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS >> HERE IN ST. PAUL PARK, MINNESOTA, A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS IS TAKING HOLD.
MINNESOTA, A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS IS TAKING HOLD.
ALTHOUGH THIS TOWN WAS A IS TAKING HOLD.
ALTHOUGH THIS TOWN WAS A MANUFACTURING HUB BACK IN ITS ALTHOUGH THIS TOWN WAS A MANUFACTURING HUB BACK IN ITS HEYDAY, TODAY IT'S A QUIET TOWN MANUFACTURING HUB BACK IN ITS HEYDAY, TODAY IT'S A QUIET TOWN WITH ONE OIL REFINERY.
HEYDAY, TODAY IT'S A QUIET TOWN WITH ONE OIL REFINERY.
THE CHURCH MIRRORS THE TOWN.
WITH ONE OIL REFINERY.
THE CHURCH MIRRORS THE TOWN.
ONCE A THRIVING CHURCH, THE THE CHURCH MIRRORS THE TOWN.
ONCE A THRIVING CHURCH, THE COMMUNITY UNITED CHURCH OF ONCE A THRIVING CHURCH, THE COMMUNITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SAW ITS POPULATION COMMUNITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST SAW ITS POPULATION DWINDLE AS THE TOWN HIT HARD CHRIST SAW ITS POPULATION DWINDLE AS THE TOWN HIT HARD TIMES.
DWINDLE AS THE TOWN HIT HARD TIMES.
TODAY, BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING TIMES.
TODAY, BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING REVITALIZATION.
TODAY, BOTH ARE EXPERIENCING REVITALIZATION.
IN 2006 COMMUNITY UCC UNDERWENT REVITALIZATION.
IN 2006 COMMUNITY UCC UNDERWENT A PASTORAL TRANSITION.
IN 2006 COMMUNITY UCC UNDERWENT A PASTORAL TRANSITION.
>> WE HAD MAYBE 88, MAYBE NOT A PASTORAL TRANSITION.
>> WE HAD MAYBE 88, MAYBE NOT QUITE 90 APPLICATIONS THAT WE >> WE HAD MAYBE 88, MAYBE NOT QUITE 90 APPLICATIONS THAT WE HAD RECEIVED, GAY, LESBIAN, QUITE 90 APPLICATIONS THAT WE HAD RECEIVED, GAY, LESBIAN, STRAIGHT.
HAD RECEIVED, GAY, LESBIAN, STRAIGHT.
THREE QUARTERS MORE THAN ASKED STRAIGHT.
THREE QUARTERS MORE THAN ASKED IS THE CHURCH OPEN AND THREE QUARTERS MORE THAN ASKED IS THE CHURCH OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
IS THE CHURCH OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
>> THE IMPORTANCE OF ANSWERING AFFIRMING.
>> THE IMPORTANCE OF ANSWERING THAT QUESTION SOON BECAME >> THE IMPORTANCE OF ANSWERING THAT QUESTION SOON BECAME APPARENT.
THAT QUESTION SOON BECAME APPARENT.
WHEN THE SEARCH COMMITTEE AGREED APPARENT.
WHEN THE SEARCH COMMITTEE AGREED ON A CANDIDATE FOR PASTOR, SHE WHEN THE SEARCH COMMITTEE AGREED ON A CANDIDATE FOR PASTOR, SHE DIDN'T ACCEPT THEIR CALL.
ON A CANDIDATE FOR PASTOR, SHE DIDN'T ACCEPT THEIR CALL.
>> SHE SAID, YOU'RE NOT -- YOUR DIDN'T ACCEPT THEIR CALL.
>> SHE SAID, YOU'RE NOT -- YOUR CHURCH ISN'T OPEN AND AFFIRMING >> SHE SAID, YOU'RE NOT -- YOUR CHURCH ISN'T OPEN AND AFFIRMING OFFICIALLY.
CHURCH ISN'T OPEN AND AFFIRMING OFFICIALLY.
SO I CAN'T TAKE IT.
OFFICIALLY.
SO I CAN'T TAKE IT.
SHE WAS -- HAD A COMMITMENT TO SO I CAN'T TAKE IT.
SHE WAS -- HAD A COMMITMENT TO HER LESBIAN PARTNER AND SHE SHE WAS -- HAD A COMMITMENT TO HER LESBIAN PARTNER AND SHE SAID, I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE WOULD HER LESBIAN PARTNER AND SHE SAID, I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE WOULD BE TREATED IF SHE CAME HERE.
SAID, I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE WOULD BE TREATED IF SHE CAME HERE.
>> THE CHURCH DECIDED TO EXAMINE BE TREATED IF SHE CAME HERE.
>> THE CHURCH DECIDED TO EXAMINE ITS POLICIES.
>> THE CHURCH DECIDED TO EXAMINE ITS POLICIES.
EDC FELT LED THE CHURCH THROUGH ITS POLICIES.
EDC FELT LED THE CHURCH THROUGH AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROCESS.
EDC FELT LED THE CHURCH THROUGH AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROCESS.
>> ALTHOUGH IT WASN'T MY CUP OF AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROCESS.
>> ALTHOUGH IT WASN'T MY CUP OF TEA I HAD TO DO WHAT I COULD TO >> ALTHOUGH IT WASN'T MY CUP OF TEA I HAD TO DO WHAT I COULD TO MAKE THIS CHURCH A WELCOMING TEA I HAD TO DO WHAT I COULD TO MAKE THIS CHURCH A WELCOMING CHURCH TO THE GAY COMMUNITY.
MAKE THIS CHURCH A WELCOMING CHURCH TO THE GAY COMMUNITY.
>> BUT NOT ALL CHURCH MEMBERS CHURCH TO THE GAY COMMUNITY.
>> BUT NOT ALL CHURCH MEMBERS SHARED THE ENTHUSIASM.
>> BUT NOT ALL CHURCH MEMBERS SHARED THE ENTHUSIASM.
>> I WAS PART OF THE WHOLE SHARED THE ENTHUSIASM.
>> I WAS PART OF THE WHOLE PROCESS AND AT FIRST I WAS ONE >> I WAS PART OF THE WHOLE PROCESS AND AT FIRST I WAS ONE AGAINST IT.
PROCESS AND AT FIRST I WAS ONE AGAINST IT.
>> I CAN THINK OF ONE PERSON IN AGAINST IT.
>> I CAN THINK OF ONE PERSON IN PARTICULAR THAT WOULD QUOTE JUST >> I CAN THINK OF ONE PERSON IN PARTICULAR THAT WOULD QUOTE JUST CERTAIN PLACES IN SCRIPTURE AND PARTICULAR THAT WOULD QUOTE JUST CERTAIN PLACES IN SCRIPTURE AND THEN WE COULD COME BACK WITH, CERTAIN PLACES IN SCRIPTURE AND THEN WE COULD COME BACK WITH, YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE A WHOLE THEN WE COULD COME BACK WITH, YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE A WHOLE BIBLE LITERALLY YOU'LL HAVE ALL YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE A WHOLE BIBLE LITERALLY YOU'LL HAVE ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS.
BIBLE LITERALLY YOU'LL HAVE ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS.
WE INTERPRETED THE BIBLE AS BEST KINDS OF PROBLEMS.
WE INTERPRETED THE BIBLE AS BEST WE COULD, AS OUR HEARTS TOLD US WE INTERPRETED THE BIBLE AS BEST WE COULD, AS OUR HEARTS TOLD US TO.
WE COULD, AS OUR HEARTS TOLD US TO.
AND WHAT WE CAME UP WITH IS THAT TO.
AND WHAT WE CAME UP WITH IS THAT GOD IS LOVE.
AND WHAT WE CAME UP WITH IS THAT GOD IS LOVE.
>> THE CONGREGATION STUDIED THE GOD IS LOVE.
>> THE CONGREGATION STUDIED THE ISSUE FOR MONTHS.
>> THE CONGREGATION STUDIED THE ISSUE FOR MONTHS.
>> BUT WHAT WORKED BEST IS ISSUE FOR MONTHS.
>> BUT WHAT WORKED BEST IS HAVING PEOPLE COME AND SHARE >> BUT WHAT WORKED BEST IS HAVING PEOPLE COME AND SHARE THEIR STORY.
HAVING PEOPLE COME AND SHARE THEIR STORY.
WE FINALLY HAD A VOTE.
THEIR STORY.
WE FINALLY HAD A VOTE.
AND I'M QUITE SURE THAT I CAN WE FINALLY HAD A VOTE.
AND I'M QUITE SURE THAT I CAN SAY THAT WE HAD A TWO-THIRDS AND I'M QUITE SURE THAT I CAN SAY THAT WE HAD A TWO-THIRDS AFFIRMATIVE TO BECOME OPEN AND SAY THAT WE HAD A TWO-THIRDS AFFIRMATIVE TO BECOME OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
AFFIRMATIVE TO BECOME OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
ONLY ONE PERSON THAT I KNOW OF AFFIRMING.
ONLY ONE PERSON THAT I KNOW OF THAT ACTUALLY LEFT THE CHURCH.
ONLY ONE PERSON THAT I KNOW OF THAT ACTUALLY LEFT THE CHURCH.
>> NOW AN ANO CHURCH THE SEARCH THAT ACTUALLY LEFT THE CHURCH.
>> NOW AN ANO CHURCH THE SEARCH FOR PASTOR BEGAN AGAIN.
>> NOW AN ANO CHURCH THE SEARCH FOR PASTOR BEGAN AGAIN.
HE WAS GAY WITH A HUSBAND.
FOR PASTOR BEGAN AGAIN.
HE WAS GAY WITH A HUSBAND.
>> WE FOUND OBE AND AFTER THEY HE WAS GAY WITH A HUSBAND.
>> WE FOUND OBE AND AFTER THEY MET HIM IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE.
>> WE FOUND OBE AND AFTER THEY MET HIM IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE.
>> ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THEY ASKED MET HIM IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE.
>> ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THEY ASKED ABOUT JAVIN, MY FAMILY.
>> ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THEY ASKED ABOUT JAVIN, MY FAMILY.
THEY WANT TO MEET HIM.
ABOUT JAVIN, MY FAMILY.
THEY WANT TO MEET HIM.
AND PEOPLE EMBRACED HIM AND THEY WANT TO MEET HIM.
AND PEOPLE EMBRACED HIM AND WELCOMED HIM AS MY HUSBAND.
AND PEOPLE EMBRACED HIM AND WELCOMED HIM AS MY HUSBAND.
>> THE CHURCH WAS NOT ALWAYS A WELCOMED HIM AS MY HUSBAND.
>> THE CHURCH WAS NOT ALWAYS A WELCOMING PLACE FOR OBE AT 15, >> THE CHURCH WAS NOT ALWAYS A WELCOMING PLACE FOR OBE AT 15, HE WAS BAPTIZED IN A LUTHERAN WELCOMING PLACE FOR OBE AT 15, HE WAS BAPTIZED IN A LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
HE WAS BAPTIZED IN A LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
IN THAT CHURCH HE FELT HIS CALL CONGREGATION.
IN THAT CHURCH HE FELT HIS CALL TO MINISTRY.
IN THAT CHURCH HE FELT HIS CALL TO MINISTRY.
>> BY THE END OF HIGH SCHOOL TO MINISTRY.
>> BY THE END OF HIGH SCHOOL WHEN I WAS A SENIOR, I CAME OUT >> BY THE END OF HIGH SCHOOL WHEN I WAS A SENIOR, I CAME OUT TO MYSELF AND STARTED COMING OUT WHEN I WAS A SENIOR, I CAME OUT TO MYSELF AND STARTED COMING OUT TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT TO MYSELF AND STARTED COMING OUT TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT SCHOOL.
TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT SCHOOL.
ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THAT CHURCH SCHOOL.
ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THAT CHURCH WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SAFE OR ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THAT CHURCH WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SAFE OR FRIENDLY PLACE TO COME OUT AS A WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SAFE OR FRIENDLY PLACE TO COME OUT AS A GAY MAN AND STILL BE A FRIENDLY PLACE TO COME OUT AS A GAY MAN AND STILL BE A CHRISTIAN.
GAY MAN AND STILL BE A CHRISTIAN.
>> IN COLLEGE, OBE FOUND THE CHRISTIAN.
>> IN COLLEGE, OBE FOUND THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
>> IN COLLEGE, OBE FOUND THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
>> THE PASTOR THERE BECAME A UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
>> THE PASTOR THERE BECAME A MENTOR OF MINE.
>> THE PASTOR THERE BECAME A MENTOR OF MINE.
I THINK IT TOOK HER LESS THAN A MENTOR OF MINE.
I THINK IT TOOK HER LESS THAN A WEEK TO ROPE ME IN TO BEING ON I THINK IT TOOK HER LESS THAN A WEEK TO ROPE ME IN TO BEING ON THEIR OPEN AND AFFIRMING TASK WEEK TO ROPE ME IN TO BEING ON THEIR OPEN AND AFFIRMING TASK FORCE.
THEIR OPEN AND AFFIRMING TASK FORCE.
>> HE WENT ON TO WORK ON SAME FORCE.
>> HE WENT ON TO WORK ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN WHILE HIS >> HE WENT ON TO WORK ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN WHILE HIS PARTNER, JAVIN SWANSON FINISHED SEX MARRIAGE CAMPAIGN WHILE HIS PARTNER, JAVIN SWANSON FINISHED CEMETERY.
WHEN HE FINISHED THE PARTNER, JAVIN SWANSON FINISHED CEMETERY.
WHEN HE FINISHED THE TWO HELP HAD A BIG CHURCH CEMETERY.
WHEN HE FINISHED THE TWO HELP HAD A BIG CHURCH WEDDING IN THE SEMINARY CHAPEL.
TWO HELP HAD A BIG CHURCH WEDDING IN THE SEMINARY CHAPEL.
>> JAVI KNICKS AND OBE AS THEY WEDDING IN THE SEMINARY CHAPEL.
>> JAVI KNICKS AND OBE AS THEY COMMIT THEMSELVES.
>> JAVI KNICKS AND OBE AS THEY COMMIT THEMSELVES.
>> PASTOR OBE WAS ABLE TO TAKE COMMIT THEMSELVES.
>> PASTOR OBE WAS ABLE TO TAKE TIME OFF TO WORK WITH JAVIN TO >> PASTOR OBE WAS ABLE TO TAKE TIME OFF TO WORK WITH JAVIN TO HELP MAKE MINNESOTA THE 12th TIME OFF TO WORK WITH JAVIN TO HELP MAKE MINNESOTA THE 12th U.S. STATE TO LEGALIZE GAY HELP MAKE MINNESOTA THE 12th U.S. STATE TO LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE.
U.S. STATE TO LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE.
>> PEOPLE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING MARRIAGE.
>> PEOPLE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING WITH WHAT SCULPTURE SAYS AND >> PEOPLE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING WITH WHAT SCULPTURE SAYS AND SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL WITH WHAT SCULPTURE SAYS AND SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
>> WHEN PASTOR OBE WAS VOTED IN, CHURCH.
>> WHEN PASTOR OBE WAS VOTED IN, A FEW OF THE MEMBERS QUIT >> WHEN PASTOR OBE WAS VOTED IN, A FEW OF THE MEMBERS QUIT COMING.
A FEW OF THE MEMBERS QUIT COMING.
I WASN'T GOING TO QUIT COMING COMING.
I WASN'T GOING TO QUIT COMING WHETHER PASTOR OBE, IT'S HIS I WASN'T GOING TO QUIT COMING WHETHER PASTOR OBE, IT'S HIS BUSINESS, NOT MINE.
WHETHER PASTOR OBE, IT'S HIS BUSINESS, NOT MINE.
I'M NOT THE JUDGE.
BUSINESS, NOT MINE.
I'M NOT THE JUDGE.
AND HE'S PREACHING GOD'S WORD.
I'M NOT THE JUDGE.
AND HE'S PREACHING GOD'S WORD.
>> PEOPLE ARE REALLY JUST AND HE'S PREACHING GOD'S WORD.
>> PEOPLE ARE REALLY JUST HONESTLY WRESTLING WITH A LOT OF >> PEOPLE ARE REALLY JUST HONESTLY WRESTLING WITH A LOT OF IT.
HONESTLY WRESTLING WITH A LOT OF IT.
AND THEY CAN'T DISCOUNT THE IT.
AND THEY CAN'T DISCOUNT THE REALITY THAT OBE IS DOING AND THEY CAN'T DISCOUNT THE REALITY THAT OBE IS DOING FANTASTIC MINISTRY HERE JUST REALITY THAT OBE IS DOING FANTASTIC MINISTRY HERE JUST BECAUSE HE'S GAY.
FANTASTIC MINISTRY HERE JUST BECAUSE HE'S GAY.
AT THE SAME TIME THEY CAN'T JUST BECAUSE HE'S GAY.
AT THE SAME TIME THEY CAN'T JUST DUST ASIDE SORT OF THE QUALMS AT THE SAME TIME THEY CAN'T JUST DUST ASIDE SORT OF THE QUALMS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.
DUST ASIDE SORT OF THE QUALMS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.
>> JAVIN IS STUDYING TO BE A ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY.
>> JAVIN IS STUDYING TO BE A LUTHERAN MINISTER.
>> JAVIN IS STUDYING TO BE A LUTHERAN MINISTER.
IN 2009 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN LUTHERAN MINISTER.
IN 2009 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH VOTED TO START ORDAINING IN 2009 THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH VOTED TO START ORDAINING GAY CLERGY WHO ARE IN LIFE-LONG CHURCH VOTED TO START ORDAINING GAY CLERGY WHO ARE IN LIFE-LONG MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIPS.
GAY CLERGY WHO ARE IN LIFE-LONG MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIPS.
PRIOR TO THAT, GAY PASTORS WERE MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIPS.
PRIOR TO THAT, GAY PASTORS WERE EXPECTED TO BE CELIBATE.
PRIOR TO THAT, GAY PASTORS WERE EXPECTED TO BE CELIBATE.
AS WITH PUBLIC POLICY, CHURCH EXPECTED TO BE CELIBATE.
AS WITH PUBLIC POLICY, CHURCH POLICY IS EVOLVING.
AS WITH PUBLIC POLICY, CHURCH POLICY IS EVOLVING.
THE WELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENT, POLICY IS EVOLVING.
THE WELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENT, WHICH GOES BY VARIOUS NAMES IN THE WELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENT, WHICH GOES BY VARIOUS NAMES IN THE DENOMINATIONS IS VITAL TO WHICH GOES BY VARIOUS NAMES IN THE DENOMINATIONS IS VITAL TO THIS CHANGE.
THE DENOMINATIONS IS VITAL TO THIS CHANGE.
UCC WAS A PIONEER, IN 1985 THE THIS CHANGE.
UCC WAS A PIONEER, IN 1985 THE GENERAL SEVEN ALLEN COURAGED BUT UCC WAS A PIONEER, IN 1985 THE GENERAL SEVEN ALLEN COURAGED BUT DID NOT REQUIRE CONGREGATION TO GENERAL SEVEN ALLEN COURAGED BUT DID NOT REQUIRE CONGREGATION TO ADOPT A NONDISCRIMINATION DID NOT REQUIRE CONGREGATION TO ADOPT A NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY.
ADOPT A NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY.
AND A COVENANT OF OPENNESS AND POLICY.
AND A COVENANT OF OPENNESS AND AFFIRMATION.
AND A COVENANT OF OPENNESS AND AFFIRMATION.
>> THERE ARE REALLY STRONG AFFIRMATION.
>> THERE ARE REALLY STRONG MOVEMENTS IN ALL OF THE >> THERE ARE REALLY STRONG MOVEMENTS IN ALL OF THE PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS.
MOVEMENTS IN ALL OF THE PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS.
I THINK UCC PROBABLY HAS THE PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS.
I THINK UCC PROBABLY HAS THE STRONGEST KIND OF WELCOMING I THINK UCC PROBABLY HAS THE STRONGEST KIND OF WELCOMING MOVEMENT.
STRONGEST KIND OF WELCOMING MOVEMENT.
AND I THINK WE ALL SORT OF LEARN MOVEMENT.
AND I THINK WE ALL SORT OF LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND WE'VE EVEN AND I THINK WE ALL SORT OF LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND WE'VE EVEN STARTED COLLABORATING A LOT ON FROM EACH OTHER AND WE'VE EVEN STARTED COLLABORATING A LOT ON TRAININGS.
STARTED COLLABORATING A LOT ON TRAININGS.
>> I INVITE THE CHILDREN TO COME TRAININGS.
>> I INVITE THE CHILDREN TO COME FORWARD NOW FOR A TIME WITH >> I INVITE THE CHILDREN TO COME FORWARD NOW FOR A TIME WITH CHILDREN AS WE GATHER.
FORWARD NOW FOR A TIME WITH CHILDREN AS WE GATHER.
THE RIBBONS ARE DIFFERENT CHILDREN AS WE GATHER.
THE RIBBONS ARE DIFFERENT SYMBOLS FOR THE DIFFERENT THE RIBBONS ARE DIFFERENT SYMBOLS FOR THE DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
SYMBOLS FOR THE DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
NOW, WHAT ARE THE DIRECTIONS DIRECTIONS.
NOW, WHAT ARE THE DIRECTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT SEE ON A COMPASS?
NOW, WHAT ARE THE DIRECTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT SEE ON A COMPASS?
ANY OF YOU KNOW A COMPASS?
THAT YOU MIGHT SEE ON A COMPASS?
ANY OF YOU KNOW A COMPASS?
>> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS AN ANY OF YOU KNOW A COMPASS?
>> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE SORT OF NEW HEART >> OPEN AND AFFIRMING IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE SORT OF NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT THAT'S TAKING EXAMPLE OF THE SORT OF NEW HEART AND NEW SPIRIT THAT'S TAKING ROOT IN THIS PLACE.
AND NEW SPIRIT THAT'S TAKING ROOT IN THIS PLACE.
>> THERE'S ENERGY AND A ROOT IN THIS PLACE.
>> THERE'S ENERGY AND A VITALITY.
>> THERE'S ENERGY AND A VITALITY.
>> MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH, VITALITY.
>> MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH, PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY ARE >> MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH, PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY ARE STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THE WAY PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY ARE STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THE WAY FORWARD, THE WAY OF LIFE, THE STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THE WAY FORWARD, THE WAY OF LIFE, THE WAY THAT A CHURCH WILL CONTINUE FORWARD, THE WAY OF LIFE, THE WAY THAT A CHURCH WILL CONTINUE IS TO REACH OUT AND EMBRACE WAY THAT A CHURCH WILL CONTINUE IS TO REACH OUT AND EMBRACE PEOPLE NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE OR IS TO REACH OUT AND EMBRACE PEOPLE NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE OR WHERE THEY ARE IN LIFE'S PEOPLE NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE OR WHERE THEY ARE IN LIFE'S JOURNEY.
WHERE THEY ARE IN LIFE'S JOURNEY.
AND WELCOME THEM IN.
JOURNEY.
AND WELCOME THEM IN.
I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS AND WELCOME THEM IN.
I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WE'VE BEEN GROWING.
I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WE'VE BEEN GROWING.
♪ WE'VE BEEN GROWING.
♪ >> GOOD MORNING.
♪ >> GOOD MORNING.
AND WELCOME TO OUR WORSHIP >> GOOD MORNING.
AND WELCOME TO OUR WORSHIP SERVICE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AND WELCOME TO OUR WORSHIP SERVICE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY IN SEDONA.
SERVICE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY IN SEDONA.
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE IN SEDONA.
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR FAITH JOURNEY NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR FAITH JOURNEY YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
YOU ARE IN YOUR FAITH JOURNEY YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
>> TRADITIONAL CHURCH IN YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
>> TRADITIONAL CHURCH IN CONSERVATIVE STATE.
>> TRADITIONAL CHURCH IN CONSERVATIVE STATE.
WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF THE RED CONSERVATIVE STATE.
WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF THE RED ROCKS IN SEDONA, ARIZONA.
WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF THE RED ROCKS IN SEDONA, ARIZONA.
WITH A CONGREGATION OF 600 ROCKS IN SEDONA, ARIZONA.
WITH A CONGREGATION OF 600 MEMBERS.
WITH A CONGREGATION OF 600 MEMBERS.
IT WAS HERE ONE SUNDAY MORNING MEMBERS.
IT WAS HERE ONE SUNDAY MORNING IN 2010 THAT THE PASTOR IT WAS HERE ONE SUNDAY MORNING IN 2010 THAT THE PASTOR SURPRISED THE PARISHIONERS.
IN 2010 THAT THE PASTOR SURPRISED THE PARISHIONERS.
>> I WAS DOING THE BENEDICTION SURPRISED THE PARISHIONERS.
>> I WAS DOING THE BENEDICTION AND I WENT DOWN TO THE >> I WAS DOING THE BENEDICTION AND I WENT DOWN TO THE CONGREGATION AND I SAID I'D LIKE AND I WENT DOWN TO THE CONGREGATION AND I SAID I'D LIKE YOU TO WELCOME DAVID AS I HAVE.
CONGREGATION AND I SAID I'D LIKE YOU TO WELCOME DAVID AS I HAVE.
>> AS AGREED, PASTOR GEORGE ALT YOU TO WELCOME DAVID AS I HAVE.
>> AS AGREED, PASTOR GEORGE ALT TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THEIR >> AS AGREED, PASTOR GEORGE ALT TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THEIR ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF GAY.
TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THEIR ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF GAY.
>> I JUST STARTED SOBBING.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF GAY.
>> I JUST STARTED SOBBING.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT CAME >> I JUST STARTED SOBBING.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT CAME FROM.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT CAME FROM.
IT JUST WAS SO -- AGAIN, FROM.
IT JUST WAS SO -- AGAIN, BIZARRE, SURREAL TO BE IN FRONT IT JUST WAS SO -- AGAIN, BIZARRE, SURREAL TO BE IN FRONT OF 400 PEOPLE HAVING MY BIZARRE, SURREAL TO BE IN FRONT OF 400 PEOPLE HAVING MY SEXUALITY ANNOUNCED.
OF 400 PEOPLE HAVING MY SEXUALITY ANNOUNCED.
TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION.
SEXUALITY ANNOUNCED.
TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION.
>> DAVID HAD ASKED HIS FAMILY TO TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION.
>> DAVID HAD ASKED HIS FAMILY TO BE AT THE SERVICE.
>> DAVID HAD ASKED HIS FAMILY TO BE AT THE SERVICE.
HE HAD ALREADY COME OUT TO THEM.
BE AT THE SERVICE.
HE HAD ALREADY COME OUT TO THEM.
>> I COULDN'T LOOK AT MY KIDS, I HE HAD ALREADY COME OUT TO THEM.
>> I COULDN'T LOOK AT MY KIDS, I COULDN'T LOOK AT MY PARENTS.
>> I COULDN'T LOOK AT MY KIDS, I COULDN'T LOOK AT MY PARENTS.
AND NEXT THING I KNOW THERE'S A COULDN'T LOOK AT MY PARENTS.
AND NEXT THING I KNOW THERE'S A STANDING OVATION.
AND NEXT THING I KNOW THERE'S A STANDING OVATION.
I WOULD HAVE NEVER, EVER SEEN STANDING OVATION.
I WOULD HAVE NEVER, EVER SEEN THAT COMING.
I WOULD HAVE NEVER, EVER SEEN THAT COMING.
NEVER.
THAT COMING.
NEVER.
AND ON THE WAY OUT MORE PEOPLE NEVER.
AND ON THE WAY OUT MORE PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT AND ON THE WAY OUT MORE PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD A NIECE THAT WAS GAYA CAME UP TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD A NIECE THAT WAS GAYA SON THAT WAS GAY.
THEY HAD A NIECE THAT WAS GAYA SON THAT WAS GAY.
A GRANDCHILD THAT WAS GAY.
SON THAT WAS GAY.
A GRANDCHILD THAT WAS GAY.
A SISTER WHO WAS GAY.
A GRANDCHILD THAT WAS GAY.
A SISTER WHO WAS GAY.
>> HE THOUGHT FOR 40 YEARS THAT A SISTER WHO WAS GAY.
>> HE THOUGHT FOR 40 YEARS THAT WHENEVER PEOPLE FOUND OUT HE WAS >> HE THOUGHT FOR 40 YEARS THAT WHENEVER PEOPLE FOUND OUT HE WAS GAY THEY WOULD REJECT HIM.
WHENEVER PEOPLE FOUND OUT HE WAS GAY THEY WOULD REJECT HIM.
>> ASSOCIATE PASTOR DAVID REAGAN GAY THEY WOULD REJECT HIM.
>> ASSOCIATE PASTOR DAVID REAGAN HAD BEEN MARRIED TWICE AND HE >> ASSOCIATE PASTOR DAVID REAGAN HAD BEEN MARRIED TWICE AND HE HAD TWO CHILDREN.
HAD BEEN MARRIED TWICE AND HE HAD TWO CHILDREN.
AFTER HIS SECOND DIVORCE DAVID HAD TWO CHILDREN.
AFTER HIS SECOND DIVORCE DAVID DECIDED SOUL SEARCHING WAS IN AFTER HIS SECOND DIVORCE DAVID DECIDED SOUL SEARCHING WAS IN ORDER.
DECIDED SOUL SEARCHING WAS IN ORDER.
HE ADMITTED TO HIMSELF SOME ORDER.
HE ADMITTED TO HIMSELF SOME FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS THAT HE HE ADMITTED TO HIMSELF SOME FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS THAT HE WAS GAY.
FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS THAT HE WAS GAY.
BUT IT WAS IN SEDONA THEY HE WAS GAY.
BUT IT WAS IN SEDONA THEY HE MADE THE DECISION TO GO PUBLIC BUT IT WAS IN SEDONA THEY HE MADE THE DECISION TO GO PUBLIC PROMPTED BY A GAY TEENAGE ARE IN MADE THE DECISION TO GO PUBLIC PROMPTED BY A GAY TEENAGE ARE IN THE CONGREGATION.
PROMPTED BY A GAY TEENAGE ARE IN THE CONGREGATION.
>> HE WOULD TELL HIS MOTHER THAT THE CONGREGATION.
>> HE WOULD TELL HIS MOTHER THAT I WAS THE ONLY HETEROSEXUAL THAT >> HE WOULD TELL HIS MOTHER THAT I WAS THE ONLY HETEROSEXUAL THAT UNDERSTOOD HIM.
I WAS THE ONLY HETEROSEXUAL THAT UNDERSTOOD HIM.
I FINALLY FELT LIKE TOO BIG OF A UNDERSTOOD HIM.
I FINALLY FELT LIKE TOO BIG OF A HYPOCRITE I TOLD HIS MOTHER I FINALLY FELT LIKE TOO BIG OF A HYPOCRITE I TOLD HIS MOTHER AFTER PROBABLY A YEAR, YEAR AND HYPOCRITE I TOLD HIS MOTHER AFTER PROBABLY A YEAR, YEAR AND A HALF, THAT THE REASON I AFTER PROBABLY A YEAR, YEAR AND A HALF, THAT THE REASON I UNDERSTOOD HER SON SO WELL WAS A HALF, THAT THE REASON I UNDERSTOOD HER SON SO WELL WAS BECAUSE I WAS ON THE SAME UNDERSTOOD HER SON SO WELL WAS BECAUSE I WAS ON THE SAME JOURNEY.
BECAUSE I WAS ON THE SAME JOURNEY.
>> EMBRACED BY THE CONGREGATION, JOURNEY.
>> EMBRACED BY THE CONGREGATION, DAVID FELT AFFIRMED.
>> EMBRACED BY THE CONGREGATION, DAVID FELT AFFIRMED.
BUT HE WAS ALSO READY TO MOVE ON DAVID FELT AFFIRMED.
BUT HE WAS ALSO READY TO MOVE ON TO HIS NEXT POSITION.
BUT HE WAS ALSO READY TO MOVE ON TO HIS NEXT POSITION.
HE HAD NO IDEA HIS SPIRITUAL TO HIS NEXT POSITION.
HE HAD NO IDEA HIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WOULD SPARK A MOVEMENT HE HAD NO IDEA HIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WOULD SPARK A MOVEMENT AT THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED JOURNEY WOULD SPARK A MOVEMENT AT THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED ROCKS.
AT THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED ROCKS.
>> BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT FOR A ROCKS.
>> BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, IN FACT WE >> BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, IN FACT WE DECIDED NOT TO DO IT ABOUT SIX NUMBER OF YEARS, IN FACT WE DECIDED NOT TO DO IT ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN YEARS AGO.
DECIDED NOT TO DO IT ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN YEARS AGO.
MOSTLY BEING AFRAID IT WILL OR SEVEN YEARS AGO.
MOSTLY BEING AFRAID IT WILL MAYBE SPLIT THE CONGREGATION.
MOSTLY BEING AFRAID IT WILL MAYBE SPLIT THE CONGREGATION.
>> THE CHURCH TOOK A CHANCE IT MAYBE SPLIT THE CONGREGATION.
>> THE CHURCH TOOK A CHANCE IT WOULD BECOMING AN OPEN AND >> THE CHURCH TOOK A CHANCE IT WOULD BECOMING AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING UNITED CHURCH MUCH WOULD BECOMING AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING UNITED CHURCH MUCH CHRIST.
AFFIRMING UNITED CHURCH MUCH CHRIST.
>> SOME SAID, WHY ARE WE DOING CHRIST.
>> SOME SAID, WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
>> SOME SAID, WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
WE'RE ALREADY OPEN AND THIS?
WE'RE ALREADY OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
WE'RE ALREADY OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
>> SUSAN HUGHES STEPPED UP TO AFFIRMING.
>> SUSAN HUGHES STEPPED UP TO SPEARHEAD THE EFFORT.
>> SUSAN HUGHES STEPPED UP TO SPEARHEAD THE EFFORT.
>> WHEN I TALK TO DR. ALT AND SPEARHEAD THE EFFORT.
>> WHEN I TALK TO DR. ALT AND DAVID ABOUT IT THE MORE I >> WHEN I TALK TO DR. ALT AND DAVID ABOUT IT THE MORE I LEARNED THAT SOMETHING DID NEED DAVID ABOUT IT THE MORE I LEARNED THAT SOMETHING DID NEED TO BE DONE IF WE WANTED TO LEARNED THAT SOMETHING DID NEED TO BE DONE IF WE WANTED TO OFFICIALLY BECOME AN OPEN AND TO BE DONE IF WE WANTED TO OFFICIALLY BECOME AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION.
OFFICIALLY BECOME AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION.
>> SUSAN AND HER HUSBAND WERE AFFIRMING CONGREGATION.
>> SUSAN AND HER HUSBAND WERE CLOSE FRIENDS WITH DAVID.
>> SUSAN AND HER HUSBAND WERE CLOSE FRIENDS WITH DAVID.
BUT SUSAN ALSO HAD ANOTHER CLOSE FRIENDS WITH DAVID.
BUT SUSAN ALSO HAD ANOTHER REASON TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE.
BUT SUSAN ALSO HAD ANOTHER REASON TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE.
HER SON.
REASON TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE.
HER SON.
>> HE'S IN COLLEGE, HE WAS HOME HER SON.
>> HE'S IN COLLEGE, HE WAS HOME ON BREAK THE DAY THAT I WAS >> HE'S IN COLLEGE, HE WAS HOME ON BREAK THE DAY THAT I WAS ANNOUNCED AS BEING GAY TO THE ON BREAK THE DAY THAT I WAS ANNOUNCED AS BEING GAY TO THE CONGREGATION AND I HAD NO IDEA ANNOUNCED AS BEING GAY TO THE CONGREGATION AND I HAD NO IDEA THAT HE WAS GAY.
CONGREGATION AND I HAD NO IDEA THAT HE WAS GAY.
AND HE WROTE ME A LETTER ABOUT A THAT HE WAS GAY.
AND HE WROTE ME A LETTER ABOUT A MONTH LATER SAYING, YOU KNOW, AND HE WROTE ME A LETTER ABOUT A MONTH LATER SAYING, YOU KNOW, DAVID, I WATCHED YOU COME OUT MONTH LATER SAYING, YOU KNOW, DAVID, I WATCHED YOU COME OUT AND I WATCHED HOW MY PARENTS DAVID, I WATCHED YOU COME OUT AND I WATCHED HOW MY PARENTS SUPPORTED YOU AND IT MADE ME AND I WATCHED HOW MY PARENTS SUPPORTED YOU AND IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT I NEED TO GIVE THEM SUPPORTED YOU AND IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT I NEED TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
REALIZE THAT I NEED TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
STILL MAKES ME A LITTLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
STILL MAKES ME A LITTLE EMOTIONAL.
STILL MAKES ME A LITTLE EMOTIONAL.
I NEED TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT EMOTIONAL.
I NEED TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT THAT THEY WILL LOVE I NEED TO GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT THAT THEY WILL LOVE ME, TOO.
OF THE DOUBT THAT THEY WILL LOVE ME, TOO.
>> I THINK WE ALWAYS KNEW ABOUT ME, TOO.
>> I THINK WE ALWAYS KNEW ABOUT OUR SON, BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I.
>> I THINK WE ALWAYS KNEW ABOUT OUR SON, BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I.
BUT WE HAD ALWAYS DECIDED IT WAS OUR SON, BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I.
BUT WE HAD ALWAYS DECIDED IT WAS UP TO HIM TO TELL US.
BUT WE HAD ALWAYS DECIDED IT WAS UP TO HIM TO TELL US.
>> THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED ROCKS UP TO HIM TO TELL US.
>> THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED ROCKS HAS A VERY ACTIVE MINISTRY.
>> THE CHURCH MUCH THE RED ROCKS HAS A VERY ACTIVE MINISTRY.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER HAS A VERY ACTIVE MINISTRY.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR CLASSES, ART EXHIBITIONS AND BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR CLASSES, ART EXHIBITIONS AND CLUBS IN ADDITION TO SUNDAY FOR CLASSES, ART EXHIBITIONS AND CLUBS IN ADDITION TO SUNDAY WORSHIP.
CLUBS IN ADDITION TO SUNDAY WORSHIP.
NOW THE CHURCH CALENDAR WOULD WORSHIP.
NOW THE CHURCH CALENDAR WOULD INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ABOUT NOW THE CHURCH CALENDAR WOULD INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ABOUT OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
INCLUDE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ABOUT OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
>> ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I OPEN AND AFFIRMING.
>> ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I WANTED TO TAKE PLENTY OF TIME >> ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I WANTED TO TAKE PLENTY OF TIME FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF WANTED TO TAKE PLENTY OF TIME FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ONA PROCESS HERE WAS SO THAT FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ONA PROCESS HERE WAS SO THAT PEOPLE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO THE ONA PROCESS HERE WAS SO THAT PEOPLE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND BECOME THEIR POTENTIAL, PEOPLE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND BECOME THEIR POTENTIAL, BECAUSE IF A PERSON LEAVES, IF GROW AND BECOME THEIR POTENTIAL, BECAUSE IF A PERSON LEAVES, IF THEY GETTING ANGRY OR THEIR BECAUSE IF A PERSON LEAVES, IF THEY GETTING ANGRY OR THEIR ANXIETY LEVEL GOES UP AND THEY THEY GETTING ANGRY OR THEIR ANXIETY LEVEL GOES UP AND THEY LEAVE THEN YOU HAVE NO CHANCE TO ANXIETY LEVEL GOES UP AND THEY LEAVE THEN YOU HAVE NO CHANCE TO WORK WITH THEM.
LEAVE THEN YOU HAVE NO CHANCE TO WORK WITH THEM.
>> THIS GUIDE CALLED THE BLUE WORK WITH THEM.
>> THIS GUIDE CALLED THE BLUE BOOK IS KEY, IT CONTAINS ALL >> THIS GUIDE CALLED THE BLUE BOOK IS KEY, IT CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF FREQUENTLY ASKED BOOK IS KEY, IT CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, THE ANSWERS, SORTS OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, THE ANSWERS, ADDITIONAL READINGS AND QUESTIONS, THE ANSWERS, ADDITIONAL READINGS AND INFORMATION.
ADDITIONAL READINGS AND INFORMATION.
IT WAS PUT TOGETHER BY CHURCHES INFORMATION.
IT WAS PUT TOGETHER BY CHURCHES THAT HAD GONE DOWN THIS PATH IT WAS PUT TOGETHER BY CHURCHES THAT HAD GONE DOWN THIS PATH BEFORE.
THAT HAD GONE DOWN THIS PATH BEFORE.
THEY ALSO USE IT TO GUIDE BIBLE BEFORE.
THEY ALSO USE IT TO GUIDE BIBLE STUDY.
THEY ALSO USE IT TO GUIDE BIBLE STUDY.
>> THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS IN STUDY.
>> THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS IN LEVITICUS WHEN YOU REALLY STUDY >> THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS IN LEVITICUS WHEN YOU REALLY STUDY THE BIBLE YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE LEVITICUS WHEN YOU REALLY STUDY THE BIBLE YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
THE BIBLE YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW DIFFERENCE.
A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW SCRIPTURE.
A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW SCRIPTURE.
THEY READ SCRIPTURE LITERALLY.
SCRIPTURE.
THEY READ SCRIPTURE LITERALLY.
SOLOMON AND GOMORRAH IS ABOUT THEY READ SCRIPTURE LITERALLY.
SOLOMON AND GOMORRAH IS ABOUT POSITIVES BY TALLET.
SOLOMON AND GOMORRAH IS ABOUT POSITIVES BY TALLET.
WELCOMING THE STRANGER.
POSITIVES BY TALLET.
WELCOMING THE STRANGER.
IN THE IRONY VERY STRIP TOUGHER WELCOMING THE STRANGER.
IN THE IRONY VERY STRIP TOUGHER THAT PEOPLE FIGHT OVER TO IN THE IRONY VERY STRIP TOUGHER THAT PEOPLE FIGHT OVER TO EXCLUDE HOMOSEXUALS IS PROBABLY THAT PEOPLE FIGHT OVER TO EXCLUDE HOMOSEXUALS IS PROBABLY THE VERY SCRIPTURE THAT CALLS EXCLUDE HOMOSEXUALS IS PROBABLY THE VERY SCRIPTURE THAT CALLS THEM IN TO EMBRACING ALL THE THE VERY SCRIPTURE THAT CALLS THEM IN TO EMBRACING ALL THE GAY, LESBIANS BISEXUAL, THEM IN TO EMBRACING ALL THE GAY, LESBIANS BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, THE STRANGER IN GAY, LESBIANS BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, THE STRANGER IN THEIR MIDST.
TRANSGENDER, THE STRANGER IN THEIR MIDST.
>> IN ADDITION TO BIBLE STUDY THEIR MIDST.
>> IN ADDITION TO BIBLE STUDY THE OPEN AND AFFIRMING COMMITTEE >> IN ADDITION TO BIBLE STUDY THE OPEN AND AFFIRMING COMMITTEE PUT TOGETHER PANEL DISCUSSIONS, THE OPEN AND AFFIRMING COMMITTEE PUT TOGETHER PANEL DISCUSSIONS, VIDEOS AND MOVIES.
PUT TOGETHER PANEL DISCUSSIONS, VIDEOS AND MOVIES.
>> WE HAVE A MAN IN THE VIDEOS AND MOVIES.
>> WE HAVE A MAN IN THE CONGREGATION I THINK HE'S CLOSE >> WE HAVE A MAN IN THE CONGREGATION I THINK HE'S CLOSE TO 90 AND HE WAS AT EVERY EVENT, CONGREGATION I THINK HE'S CLOSE TO 90 AND HE WAS AT EVERY EVENT, EVERY FILM, EVERY PANEL TO 90 AND HE WAS AT EVERY EVENT, EVERY FILM, EVERY PANEL DISCUSSION AND I REMEMBER EVERY FILM, EVERY PANEL DISCUSSION AND I REMEMBER SPECIFICALLY A FILM WE SHOWED IN DISCUSSION AND I REMEMBER SPECIFICALLY A FILM WE SHOWED IN AUGUST AND HE TURNED TO ME AND SPECIFICALLY A FILM WE SHOWED IN AUGUST AND HE TURNED TO ME AND THANKED ME FOR DOING THIS AND AUGUST AND HE TURNED TO ME AND THANKED ME FOR DOING THIS AND SAID THAT IT JUST HAD REALLY THANKED ME FOR DOING THIS AND SAID THAT IT JUST HAD REALLY OPENED HIS EYES AND HIS MIND AND SAID THAT IT JUST HAD REALLY OPENED HIS EYES AND HIS MIND AND HIS HEART.
OPENED HIS EYES AND HIS MIND AND HIS HEART.
>> THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HAVE HIS HEART.
>> THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HAVE KIDS OVER THE YEARS WHO WERE >> THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HAVE KIDS OVER THE YEARS WHO WERE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR IDENTITY.
KIDS OVER THE YEARS WHO WERE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR IDENTITY.
THERE WERE A COUPLE THAT I LOOK STRUGGLING WITH THEIR IDENTITY.
THERE WERE A COUPLE THAT I LOOK BACK AND I THINK, WE LOST THEM THERE WERE A COUPLE THAT I LOOK BACK AND I THINK, WE LOST THEM TO SUICIDE.
BACK AND I THINK, WE LOST THEM TO SUICIDE.
AND I THINK IT'S BECAUSE SOCIETY TO SUICIDE.
AND I THINK IT'S BECAUSE SOCIETY IS SO CRUEL.
AND I THINK IT'S BECAUSE SOCIETY IS SO CRUEL.
AND I WANT MY CHURCH -- I DON'T IS SO CRUEL.
AND I WANT MY CHURCH -- I DON'T WANT MY CHURCH TO BE CRUEL I AND I WANT MY CHURCH -- I DON'T WANT MY CHURCH TO BE CRUEL I WANT IT TO BE LOVING.
WANT MY CHURCH TO BE CRUEL I WANT IT TO BE LOVING.
>> BEFORE THE VOTE THERE WERE WANT IT TO BE LOVING.
>> BEFORE THE VOTE THERE WERE STILL DOUBTS ABOUT THE FINAL >> BEFORE THE VOTE THERE WERE STILL DOUBTS ABOUT THE FINAL OUTCOME.
STILL DOUBTS ABOUT THE FINAL OUTCOME.
>> YOU NEVER KNOW.
OUTCOME.
>> YOU NEVER KNOW.
UNTIL YOU TAKE THE VOTE.
>> YOU NEVER KNOW.
UNTIL YOU TAKE THE VOTE.
UNTIL YOU GO THROUGH THE UNTIL YOU TAKE THE VOTE.
UNTIL YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.
UNTIL YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.
>> WE GOT SO LITTLE PUSHBACK, I PROCESS.
>> WE GOT SO LITTLE PUSHBACK, I WAS WORRIED THAT THERE WAS >> WE GOT SO LITTLE PUSHBACK, I WAS WORRIED THAT THERE WAS CONTINGENT THAT WAS LAYING LOW WAS WORRIED THAT THERE WAS CONTINGENT THAT WAS LAYING LOW AND WAITING TO PERHAPS AMBUSH CONTINGENT THAT WAS LAYING LOW AND WAITING TO PERHAPS AMBUSH US.
AND WAITING TO PERHAPS AMBUSH US.
>> WHEN THE BALLOTS WERE COUNTED US.
>> WHEN THE BALLOTS WERE COUNTED IN JANUARY 2012, ONA PASSED WITH >> WHEN THE BALLOTS WERE COUNTED IN JANUARY 2012, ONA PASSED WITH 90% OF THE VOTE.
IN JANUARY 2012, ONA PASSED WITH 90% OF THE VOTE.
CONGREGANTS DON'T BELIEVE THEY 90% OF THE VOTE.
CONGREGANTS DON'T BELIEVE THEY LOST MANY IF ANY, MEMBERS.
CONGREGANTS DON'T BELIEVE THEY LOST MANY IF ANY, MEMBERS.
NEW MEMBERS BELIEVE THE LOST MANY IF ANY, MEMBERS.
NEW MEMBERS BELIEVE THE DISTINCTION IS IMPORTANT.
NEW MEMBERS BELIEVE THE DISTINCTION IS IMPORTANT.
>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE MESSAGE OF DISTINCTION IS IMPORTANT.
>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST IT'S VERY INCLUSIVE.
>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST IT'S VERY INCLUSIVE.
THE CHURCH OF THE RED ROCKS CHRIST IT'S VERY INCLUSIVE.
THE CHURCH OF THE RED ROCKS WELCOMES MANY VISITORS EVERY THE CHURCH OF THE RED ROCKS WELCOMES MANY VISITORS EVERY WEEK.
WELCOMES MANY VISITORS EVERY WEEK.
THE DAY "TO THE CONTRARY" WAS WEEK.
THE DAY "TO THE CONTRARY" WAS FILMING DAVID REAGAN CAME HOME THE DAY "TO THE CONTRARY" WAS FILMING DAVID REAGAN CAME HOME TO VISIT THE VERY PLACE HE CAME FILMING DAVID REAGAN CAME HOME TO VISIT THE VERY PLACE HE CAME OUT PUBLICLY.
TO VISIT THE VERY PLACE HE CAME OUT PUBLICLY.
>> HERE IS A GUY THAT KEEPS OUT PUBLICLY.
>> HERE IS A GUY THAT KEEPS ROAMING AROUND, DAVE REAGAN.
>> HERE IS A GUY THAT KEEPS ROAMING AROUND, DAVE REAGAN.
WELCOME BACK.
ROAMING AROUND, DAVE REAGAN.
WELCOME BACK.
[APPLAUSE] WELCOME BACK.
[APPLAUSE] >> IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE WAS [APPLAUSE] >> IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE WAS BACK SINCE HE LEFT IN 2010.
>> IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE WAS BACK SINCE HE LEFT IN 2010.
AS DAVID WAS GREETED WITH HUGS, BACK SINCE HE LEFT IN 2010.
AS DAVID WAS GREETED WITH HUGS, HE REMEMBERED WHAT TOOK PLACE IN AS DAVID WAS GREETED WITH HUGS, HE REMEMBERED WHAT TOOK PLACE IN THIS CHURCH.
HE REMEMBERED WHAT TOOK PLACE IN THIS CHURCH.
>> IT WAS AMAZING, GIVES ME THIS CHURCH.
>> IT WAS AMAZING, GIVES ME GOOSE BUMPS RIGHT NOW.
>> IT WAS AMAZING, GIVES ME GOOSE BUMPS RIGHT NOW.
NEVER, EVER EXPECTED THAT TYPE GOOSE BUMPS RIGHT NOW.
NEVER, EVER EXPECTED THAT TYPE OF AFFIRMATION.
NEVER, EVER EXPECTED THAT TYPE OF AFFIRMATION.
BUT I LUCK THE OUT, I GUESS, TO OF AFFIRMATION.
BUT I LUCK THE OUT, I GUESS, TO BE IN SUCH A LOVING COMMUNITY.
BUT I LUCK THE OUT, I GUESS, TO BE IN SUCH A LOVING COMMUNITY.
>> UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
BE IN SUCH A LOVING COMMUNITY.
>> UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
WE ARE THE MIRACLE ON SOUTH >> UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
WE ARE THE MIRACLE ON SOUTH CAPITAL CENTER.
WE ARE THE MIRACLE ON SOUTH CAPITAL CENTER.
[APPLAUSE] CAPITAL CENTER.
[APPLAUSE] >> LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, D.C., [APPLAUSE] >> LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, D.C., COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH >> LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, D.C., COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IS A MODEL OF IN CLUE COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IS A MODEL OF IN CLUE SIFT.
OF CHRIST IS A MODEL OF IN CLUE SIFT.
ITS CASUAL SUNDAY, A LOOK AROUND SIFT.
ITS CASUAL SUNDAY, A LOOK AROUND THE SANCTUARY REVEALS ITS CASUAL SUNDAY, A LOOK AROUND THE SANCTUARY REVEALS THE STUNNING DIFFERENCE SINCE THE SANCTUARY REVEALS THE STUNNING DIFFERENCE SINCE THIS CHURCH BEGAN AS AN ALL THE STUNNING DIFFERENCE SINCE THIS CHURCH BEGAN AS AN ALL WHITE SOUTHERN BAPTIST THIS CHURCH BEGAN AS AN ALL WHITE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONGREGATION.
WHITE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONGREGATION.
>> THE CHURCH WAS A THRIVING CONGREGATION.
>> THE CHURCH WAS A THRIVING CHURCH UP UNTIL AFTER THE 1954 >> THE CHURCH WAS A THRIVING CHURCH UP UNTIL AFTER THE 1954 SUPREME COURT DECISION TO CHURCH UP UNTIL AFTER THE 1954 SUPREME COURT DECISION TO SEGREGATE AS A SCHOOL.
SUPREME COURT DECISION TO SEGREGATE AS A SCHOOL.
>> WITH -- TWO CHOICES, SELL THE SEGREGATE AS A SCHOOL.
>> WITH -- TWO CHOICES, SELL THE BUILDING AND MOVE OR HIRE A >> WITH -- TWO CHOICES, SELL THE BUILDING AND MOVE OR HIRE A BLACK PASTOR.
BUILDING AND MOVE OR HIRE A BLACK PASTOR.
THE DECISION TO STAY WOULD BE BLACK PASTOR.
THE DECISION TO STAY WOULD BE COMPLICATED.
THE DECISION TO STAY WOULD BE COMPLICATED.
BECAUSE CONGREGATION HAD COMPLICATED.
BECAUSE CONGREGATION HAD DWINDLES, THERE WAS NO MONEY TO BECAUSE CONGREGATION HAD DWINDLES, THERE WAS NO MONEY TO PAY A PASTOR UNTIL REVEREND DWINDLES, THERE WAS NO MONEY TO PAY A PASTOR UNTIL REVEREND WESLEY WILEY STEPPED UP.
PAY A PASTOR UNTIL REVEREND WESLEY WILEY STEPPED UP.
>> MY FATHER WAS ABLE TO COME AT WESLEY WILEY STEPPED UP.
>> MY FATHER WAS ABLE TO COME AT NO SALARY INITIALLY BECAUSE HE >> MY FATHER WAS ABLE TO COME AT NO SALARY INITIALLY BECAUSE HE WAS SERVING THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST NO SALARY INITIALLY BECAUSE HE WAS SERVING THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION IN A POSITION OF WAS SERVING THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION IN A POSITION OF COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES HELPING CONVENTION IN A POSITION OF COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES HELPING TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONS COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES HELPING TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN BLACKS AND WHITES.
TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN BLACKS AND WHITES.
>> THIS LEGACY OF INCLUSION BETWEEN BLACKS AND WHITES.
>> THIS LEGACY OF INCLUSION AMAZINGLY WAS HANDED TO US BY A >> THIS LEGACY OF INCLUSION AMAZINGLY WAS HANDED TO US BY A GROUP OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS.
AMAZINGLY WAS HANDED TO US BY A GROUP OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS.
>> INCLUSIVENESS WAS A HALLMARK.
GROUP OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS.
>> INCLUSIVENESS WAS A HALLMARK.
THE CHURCH TOOK ON GENDER >> INCLUSIVENESS WAS A HALLMARK.
THE CHURCH TOOK ON GENDER EQUALITY, DOCTORS CHRISTINE AND THE CHURCH TOOK ON GENDER EQUALITY, DOCTORS CHRISTINE AND DENNIS WILEY, HUSBAND AND WIFE, EQUALITY, DOCTORS CHRISTINE AND DENNIS WILEY, HUSBAND AND WIFE, FULFILLED THE CALL AS COPASTORS.
DENNIS WILEY, HUSBAND AND WIFE, FULFILLED THE CALL AS COPASTORS.
SOME MEMBERS QUESTIONED HAVING A FULFILLED THE CALL AS COPASTORS.
SOME MEMBERS QUESTIONED HAVING A WOMAN AT THE PULPIT.
SOME MEMBERS QUESTIONED HAVING A WOMAN AT THE PULPIT.
BUT IT SUCCEEDED.
WOMAN AT THE PULPIT.
BUT IT SUCCEEDED.
WHAT CAME UP NEXT WOULD STIR BUT IT SUCCEEDED.
WHAT CAME UP NEXT WOULD STIR REAL CONTROVERSY.
WHAT CAME UP NEXT WOULD STIR REAL CONTROVERSY.
THE PASTORS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT REAL CONTROVERSY.
THE PASTORS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TRUE THE PASTORS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TRUE INCLUSIVENESS.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TRUE INCLUSIVENESS.
THAT MEANT WELCOMING LGBTQ INCLUSIVENESS.
THAT MEANT WELCOMING LGBTQ PEOPLE.
THAT MEANT WELCOMING LGBTQ PEOPLE.
>> THEY WERE WITH THE MARRIAGE PEOPLE.
>> THEY WERE WITH THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LGBT EQUALITY FOR A >> THEY WERE WITH THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LGBT EQUALITY FOR A LONG TIME.
EQUALITY AND LGBT EQUALITY FOR A LONG TIME.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT POPULAR.
LONG TIME.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT POPULAR.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT SAFE.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT POPULAR.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT SAFE.
BUT THEY KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT SAFE.
BUT THEY KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
BUT THEY KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
>> THIS CHURCH WAS THE LEADER, A THING TO DO.
>> THIS CHURCH WAS THE LEADER, A LEADER IN THAT WHOLE PROCESS IN >> THIS CHURCH WAS THE LEADER, A LEADER IN THAT WHOLE PROCESS IN TERMS OF SENSITIZING PEOPLE.
LEADER IN THAT WHOLE PROCESS IN TERMS OF SENSITIZING PEOPLE.
>> PASTORS DENNIS AND CHRISTINE TERMS OF SENSITIZING PEOPLE.
>> PASTORS DENNIS AND CHRISTINE BEGAN OFFICIATING AT CIVIL UNION >> PASTORS DENNIS AND CHRISTINE BEGAN OFFICIATING AT CIVIL UNION CEREMONIES.
BEGAN OFFICIATING AT CIVIL UNION CEREMONIES.
FIRST OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, THEN CEREMONIES.
FIRST OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, THEN TWO COUPLES REQUESTED CHURCH FIRST OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, THEN TWO COUPLES REQUESTED CHURCH SERVICES.
TWO COUPLES REQUESTED CHURCH SERVICES.
>> THE CONGREGATION WAS CLEAR SERVICES.
>> THE CONGREGATION WAS CLEAR THAT WE WERE NOW AN INCLUSIVE >> THE CONGREGATION WAS CLEAR THAT WE WERE NOW AN INCLUSIVE CONGREGATION AND SO MANY PEOPLE THAT WE WERE NOW AN INCLUSIVE CONGREGATION AND SO MANY PEOPLE WERE JOINING THE CHURCH AND YOU CONGREGATION AND SO MANY PEOPLE WERE JOINING THE CHURCH AND YOU COULD SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE WERE JOINING THE CHURCH AND YOU COULD SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO ASK, THIS PERSON, I COULD SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO ASK, THIS PERSON, I WONDER IF THEY'RE GAY OR STARTING TO ASK, THIS PERSON, I WONDER IF THEY'RE GAY OR STRAIGHT.
WONDER IF THEY'RE GAY OR STRAIGHT.
WHEN THE UNION CEREMONY PIECE STRAIGHT.
WHEN THE UNION CEREMONY PIECE CAME UP THAT WAS THE STRAW THAT WHEN THE UNION CEREMONY PIECE CAME UP THAT WAS THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK.
CAME UP THAT WAS THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK.
>> WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK.
>> WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT INCLUSION AT FIRST IT WAS JUST, >> WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT INCLUSION AT FIRST IT WAS JUST, LET EVERYBODY COME.
INCLUSION AT FIRST IT WAS JUST, LET EVERYBODY COME.
I WAS OKAY WITH THAT.
LET EVERYBODY COME.
I WAS OKAY WITH THAT.
BUT THEN WHEN THEY HAD THE FIRST I WAS OKAY WITH THAT.
BUT THEN WHEN THEY HAD THE FIRST MARRIAGE I THOUGHT, WELL, WILL BUT THEN WHEN THEY HAD THE FIRST MARRIAGE I THOUGHT, WELL, WILL THEY BE DOING THAT?
MARRIAGE I THOUGHT, WELL, WILL THEY BE DOING THAT?
SO, I HAD TO EMBRACE EVERYTHING THEY BE DOING THAT?
SO, I HAD TO EMBRACE EVERYTHING WHAT INCLUSION MEANT.
SO, I HAD TO EMBRACE EVERYTHING WHAT INCLUSION MEANT.
>> I THINK THE FIRST UNION WHAT INCLUSION MEANT.
>> I THINK THE FIRST UNION CEREMONY, IT WAS DONE AWAY FROM >> I THINK THE FIRST UNION CEREMONY, IT WAS DONE AWAY FROM THE CHURCH, SOME OF OUR MEMBERS CEREMONY, IT WAS DONE AWAY FROM THE CHURCH, SOME OF OUR MEMBERS WERE EVEN FINE.
THE CHURCH, SOME OF OUR MEMBERS WERE EVEN FINE.
THEN WHEN WE HAD FIRST UNION WERE EVEN FINE.
THEN WHEN WE HAD FIRST UNION SERVICE IN THE CHURCH THERE WAS THEN WHEN WE HAD FIRST UNION SERVICE IN THE CHURCH THERE WAS A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE, A SERVICE IN THE CHURCH THERE WAS A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE, A DIFFERENT SPIRIT.
A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE, A DIFFERENT SPIRIT.
WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE FIRST DIFFERENT SPIRIT.
WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE FIRST UNION I ASKED PASTOR COULD I WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE FIRST UNION I ASKED PASTOR COULD I HAVE A CONFERENCE WITH HIM.
UNION I ASKED PASTOR COULD I HAVE A CONFERENCE WITH HIM.
BECAUSE I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH IT.
HAVE A CONFERENCE WITH HIM.
BECAUSE I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH IT.
>> WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY BECAUSE I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH IT.
>> WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY WITHIN OUR DENOMINATION WHO >> WE REALLY DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY WITHIN OUR DENOMINATION WHO REALLY COULD TALK WITH US OR WITHIN OUR DENOMINATION WHO REALLY COULD TALK WITH US OR WITH WHOM WE COULD FELLOWSHIP REALLY COULD TALK WITH US OR WITH WHOM WE COULD FELLOWSHIP AND FEEL COMFORTABLE.
WITH WHOM WE COULD FELLOWSHIP AND FEEL COMFORTABLE.
>> IN THE VERY BEGINNING IT WAS AND FEEL COMFORTABLE.
>> IN THE VERY BEGINNING IT WAS A VERY LONELY PLACE.
>> IN THE VERY BEGINNING IT WAS A VERY LONELY PLACE.
>> COVENANT BAPTIST TURNED TO A VERY LONELY PLACE.
>> COVENANT BAPTIST TURNED TO OTHER DENOMINATIONS SUCH AS THE >> COVENANT BAPTIST TURNED TO OTHER DENOMINATIONS SUCH AS THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR OTHER DENOMINATIONS SUCH AS THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR GUIDANCE.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST FOR GUIDANCE.
>> UCC ASSIGNED US MENTOR GUIDANCE.
>> UCC ASSIGNED US MENTOR PASTORS, WE TALKED WITH THE >> UCC ASSIGNED US MENTOR PASTORS, WE TALKED WITH THE MINISTER, GROUP OF MINISTERS, PASTORS, WE TALKED WITH THE MINISTER, GROUP OF MINISTERS, TALKED WITH OUR DEACONS THEN WE MINISTER, GROUP OF MINISTERS, TALKED WITH OUR DEACONS THEN WE ALSO TALKED WITH THE GROUP OF TALKED WITH OUR DEACONS THEN WE ALSO TALKED WITH THE GROUP OF FIVE THAT WE CALL ADVISORY ALSO TALKED WITH THE GROUP OF FIVE THAT WE CALL ADVISORY GROUP.
FIVE THAT WE CALL ADVISORY GROUP.
>> FINALLY -- EVERYBODY WAS GROUP.
>> FINALLY -- EVERYBODY WAS PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH SAYING >> FINALLY -- EVERYBODY WAS PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH SAYING THAT AGREEING THAT THIS IS AN PRETTY CONSISTENT WITH SAYING THAT AGREEING THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE YOU WANT TO BRING TO AN UP THAT AGREEING THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE YOU WANT TO BRING TO AN UP AND DOWN VOTE, A YEAH OR NAY ISSUE YOU WANT TO BRING TO AN UP AND DOWN VOTE, A YEAH OR NAY VOTE BECAUSE IT COULD BE -- IT AND DOWN VOTE, A YEAH OR NAY VOTE BECAUSE IT COULD BE -- IT COULD CREATE A SPLIT IN THE VOTE BECAUSE IT COULD BE -- IT COULD CREATE A SPLIT IN THE CHURCH.
COULD CREATE A SPLIT IN THE CHURCH.
>> THE PASTORS CALLED A MEETING CHURCH.
>> THE PASTORS CALLED A MEETING TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHETHER >> THE PASTORS CALLED A MEETING TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHETHER UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHETHER UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE OFFERED BY THE CHURCH.
UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE OFFERED BY THE CHURCH.
THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS.
OFFERED BY THE CHURCH.
THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS.
THE CONGREGATION DECIDED TO THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS.
THE CONGREGATION DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON CIVIL THE CONGREGATION DECIDED TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON CIVIL UNIONS, FORM A TASK FORCE AND IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON CIVIL UNIONS, FORM A TASK FORCE AND STUDY THE ISSUE FOR A YEAR.
UNIONS, FORM A TASK FORCE AND STUDY THE ISSUE FOR A YEAR.
>> THE CONGREGATION CAME STUDY THE ISSUE FOR A YEAR.
>> THE CONGREGATION CAME TOGETHER TO ACTUALLY VOTE.
>> THE CONGREGATION CAME TOGETHER TO ACTUALLY VOTE.
THE CONGREGATION HAD CHANGED A TOGETHER TO ACTUALLY VOTE.
THE CONGREGATION HAD CHANGED A LOT DURING THAT TIME.
THE CONGREGATION HAD CHANGED A LOT DURING THAT TIME.
WE HAD -- GOT MANY MORE PERSONS LOT DURING THAT TIME.
WE HAD -- GOT MANY MORE PERSONS WHO WERE MORE PROGRESSIVE OR WHO WE HAD -- GOT MANY MORE PERSONS WHO WERE MORE PROGRESSIVE OR WHO WERE GAY OR LESBIAN SO THE WHO WERE MORE PROGRESSIVE OR WHO WERE GAY OR LESBIAN SO THE CONGREGATION VOTED THAT, YES, WERE GAY OR LESBIAN SO THE CONGREGATION VOTED THAT, YES, UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE PART CONGREGATION VOTED THAT, YES, UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE PART OF THE MINISTRY OF THIS CHURCH.
UNION CEREMONIES WOULD BE PART OF THE MINISTRY OF THIS CHURCH.
AND IT WASN'T -- SOME PEOPLE OF THE MINISTRY OF THIS CHURCH.
AND IT WASN'T -- SOME PEOPLE WHEN THEY HEARD THAT, THAT AND IT WASN'T -- SOME PEOPLE WHEN THEY HEARD THAT, THAT NIGHT, THEY NEVER CAME BACK.
WHEN THEY HEARD THAT, THAT NIGHT, THEY NEVER CAME BACK.
>> WE LOST NUMEROUS MEMBERS.
NIGHT, THEY NEVER CAME BACK.
>> WE LOST NUMEROUS MEMBERS.
WE WERE HURT FINANCIALLY.
>> WE LOST NUMEROUS MEMBERS.
WE WERE HURT FINANCIALLY.
WE LOST A LOT OF OUR CHILDREN, WE WERE HURT FINANCIALLY.
WE LOST A LOT OF OUR CHILDREN, YOUNG ADULTS, TEENAGERS.
WE LOST A LOT OF OUR CHILDREN, YOUNG ADULTS, TEENAGERS.
SOME OF THE MEMBERS WE LOST WERE YOUNG ADULTS, TEENAGERS.
SOME OF THE MEMBERS WE LOST WERE REALLY THE BIG GIVERS.
SOME OF THE MEMBERS WE LOST WERE REALLY THE BIG GIVERS.
>> I WAS ASKED CONSTANTLY, WHY REALLY THE BIG GIVERS.
>> I WAS ASKED CONSTANTLY, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?
>> I WAS ASKED CONSTANTLY, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?
YOU'RE ONE OF THE OLDER MEMBERS ARE YOU STILL HERE?
YOU'RE ONE OF THE OLDER MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, DON'T YOU FEEL YOU'RE ONE OF THE OLDER MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, DON'T YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY ABOUT THEY SAY OF THE CHURCH, DON'T YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY ABOUT THEY SAY ABOUT INCLUSION?
THE SAME WAY ABOUT THEY SAY ABOUT INCLUSION?
>> IT'S INTERESTING HOW IN THE ABOUT INCLUSION?
>> IT'S INTERESTING HOW IN THE BLACK CHURCH AS WELL AS IN THE >> IT'S INTERESTING HOW IN THE BLACK CHURCH AS WELL AS IN THE CHURCH IN GENERAL.
BLACK CHURCH AS WELL AS IN THE CHURCH IN GENERAL.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE VERY CHURCH IN GENERAL.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE VERY SELECTIVE ABOUT WHAT SCRIPTURES SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE VERY SELECTIVE ABOUT WHAT SCRIPTURES THEY WILL USE TO SUPPORT SELECTIVE ABOUT WHAT SCRIPTURES THEY WILL USE TO SUPPORT PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS AND IDEAS.
THEY WILL USE TO SUPPORT PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS AND IDEAS.
>> KATRINA CARTER WAS MARRIED AT PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS AND IDEAS.
>> KATRINA CARTER WAS MARRIED AT COVENANT BAPTIST.
>> KATRINA CARTER WAS MARRIED AT COVENANT BAPTIST.
SHE AGREES.
COVENANT BAPTIST.
SHE AGREES.
>> IT'S NOT MEANT TO TEAR US SHE AGREES.
>> IT'S NOT MEANT TO TEAR US APART AND TO ATTACK EACH OTHER.
>> IT'S NOT MEANT TO TEAR US APART AND TO ATTACK EACH OTHER.
EVEN WHEN YOU LOOK AND IT SAYS APART AND TO ATTACK EACH OTHER.
EVEN WHEN YOU LOOK AND IT SAYS THAT, YOU KNOW, A SLAVE SHOULD EVEN WHEN YOU LOOK AND IT SAYS THAT, YOU KNOW, A SLAVE SHOULD OBEY THEIR MASTER.
THAT, YOU KNOW, A SLAVE SHOULD OBEY THEIR MASTER.
THAT CAN BE ARGUMENT FOR OBEY THEIR MASTER.
THAT CAN BE ARGUMENT FOR ENSLAVING A GROUP OF PEOPLE.
THAT CAN BE ARGUMENT FOR ENSLAVING A GROUP OF PEOPLE.
>> HISTORICALLY THE AFRICAN ENSLAVING A GROUP OF PEOPLE.
>> HISTORICALLY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY >> HISTORICALLY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN SLOW TO EMBRACE GAY AMERICAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN SLOW TO EMBRACE GAY RIGHTS.
HAVE BEEN SLOW TO EMBRACE GAY RIGHTS.
BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PUBLIC RIGHTS.
BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE PROVOKED A SHIFT IN ATTITUDE.
SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE PROVOKED A SHIFT IN ATTITUDE.
>> I THINK THE PRESIDENT'S PROVOKED A SHIFT IN ATTITUDE.
>> I THINK THE PRESIDENT'S EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR >> I THINK THE PRESIDENT'S EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WAS VERY EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WAS VERY CRITICAL IN HELPING TO MOVE THIS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WAS VERY CRITICAL IN HELPING TO MOVE THIS COUNTRY AND ALSO THE BLACK CRITICAL IN HELPING TO MOVE THIS COUNTRY AND ALSO THE BLACK COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY TO AT LEAST COUNTRY AND ALSO THE BLACK COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY TO AT LEAST BE ABLE TO SUPPORT IT AS A CIVIL COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY TO AT LEAST BE ABLE TO SUPPORT IT AS A CIVIL RIGHT, NOT SO MUCH AS A BE ABLE TO SUPPORT IT AS A CIVIL RIGHT, NOT SO MUCH AS A RELIGIOUS RIGHT OUT A CIVIL RIGHT, NOT SO MUCH AS A RELIGIOUS RIGHT OUT A CIVIL R-I-T-E.
RELIGIOUS RIGHT OUT A CIVIL R-I-T-E. >> WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH R-I-T-E. >> WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME.
>> WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME.
WE WERE UNHAPPY WHERE WE WERE, HOME.
WE WERE UNHAPPY WHERE WE WERE, AT LEAST ONE CHURCH TOLD US WE WERE UNHAPPY WHERE WE WERE, AT LEAST ONE CHURCH TOLD US THAT, WELL, THIS CHURCH DOESN'T AT LEAST ONE CHURCH TOLD US THAT, WELL, THIS CHURCH DOESN'T REALLY LIKE HOMOSEXUALITY.
THAT, WELL, THIS CHURCH DOESN'T REALLY LIKE HOMOSEXUALITY.
WE DON'T REALLY BELIEVE IN THAT.
REALLY LIKE HOMOSEXUALITY.
WE DON'T REALLY BELIEVE IN THAT.
WE JUST WANTED A PLACE OF WE DON'T REALLY BELIEVE IN THAT.
WE JUST WANTED A PLACE OF WORSHIP WHERE WE FELT WE JUST WANTED A PLACE OF WORSHIP WHERE WE FELT COMFORTABLE.
WORSHIP WHERE WE FELT COMFORTABLE.
>> AS WELL AS FORM WHO WE ARE AT COMFORTABLE.
>> AS WELL AS FORM WHO WE ARE AT BLACK GAY MEN, TO BE IN A SPACE >> AS WELL AS FORM WHO WE ARE AT BLACK GAY MEN, TO BE IN A SPACE WHERE WE DIDN'T HAVE TO HIDE, BLACK GAY MEN, TO BE IN A SPACE WHERE WE DIDN'T HAVE TO HIDE, WORSHIP GOD AS WELL AS BEING WHERE WE DIDN'T HAVE TO HIDE, WORSHIP GOD AS WELL AS BEING FELT IN A SAFE PLACE.
WORSHIP GOD AS WELL AS BEING FELT IN A SAFE PLACE.
>> COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED FELT IN A SAFE PLACE.
>> COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IS LISTED AS A >> COVENANT BAPTIST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IS LISTED AS A WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST IS LISTED AS A WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING BAPTIST CONGREGATION.
WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING BAPTIST CONGREGATION.
IT IS NOT YET OFFICIALLY LISTED CONGREGATION.
IT IS NOT YET OFFICIALLY LISTED AS ONA BUT THAT'S JUST A IT IS NOT YET OFFICIALLY LISTED AS ONA BUT THAT'S JUST A TECHNICALITY.
AS ONA BUT THAT'S JUST A TECHNICALITY.
THIS CHURCH IS DEFINITELY ON THE TECHNICALITY.
THIS CHURCH IS DEFINITELY ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE WELCOMING THIS CHURCH IS DEFINITELY ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE WELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENT.
LEADING EDGE OF THE WELCOMING CHURCH MOVEMENT.
>> I OFTEN SAY IN THE BEGINNING CHURCH MOVEMENT.
>> I OFTEN SAY IN THE BEGINNING I USED TO WHALE AT GOD, WHY US, >> I OFTEN SAY IN THE BEGINNING I USED TO WHALE AT GOD, WHY US, GOD, WHY DID YOU GIVE US THIS I USED TO WHALE AT GOD, WHY US, GOD, WHY DID YOU GIVE US THIS MINISTRY.
GOD, WHY DID YOU GIVE US THIS MINISTRY.
BUT, I'VE GOTTEN TO A POINT MINISTRY.
BUT, I'VE GOTTEN TO A POINT WHERE I THANK GOD FOR CHOOSING BUT, I'VE GOTTEN TO A POINT WHERE I THANK GOD FOR CHOOSING US TO BE PIONEERS.
WHERE I THANK GOD FOR CHOOSING US TO BE PIONEERS.
>> OUR GOAL IS NOT TO BE A GAY US TO BE PIONEERS.
>> OUR GOAL IS NOT TO BE A GAY CHURCH.
>> OUR GOAL IS NOT TO BE A GAY CHURCH.
OUR GOAL IS TO BE THE CHURCH.
CHURCH.
OUR GOAL IS TO BE THE CHURCH.
>> IT'S NOT JUST THE GAY FOLK OUR GOAL IS TO BE THE CHURCH.
>> IT'S NOT JUST THE GAY FOLK WHO APPRECIATE WHAT HAS BEEN >> IT'S NOT JUST THE GAY FOLK WHO APPRECIATE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE HERE, OFTEN SAY THIS PLACE WHO APPRECIATE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE HERE, OFTEN SAY THIS PLACE SAVED MY LIFE.
DONE HERE, OFTEN SAY THIS PLACE SAVED MY LIFE.
BUT IT'S EVERYBODY.
SAVED MY LIFE.
BUT IT'S EVERYBODY.
IT'S EVERYBODY.
BUT IT'S EVERYBODY.
IT'S EVERYBODY.
IT'S ALL PEOPLE UNDERSTANDING IT'S EVERYBODY.
IT'S ALL PEOPLE UNDERSTANDING WHO GOD IS AND THAT GOD EMBRACES IT'S ALL PEOPLE UNDERSTANDING WHO GOD IS AND THAT GOD EMBRACES ALL PEOPLE.
WHO GOD IS AND THAT GOD EMBRACES ALL PEOPLE.
THAT GOD MADE ALL PEOPLE.
ALL PEOPLE.
THAT GOD MADE ALL PEOPLE.
>> THAT'S WHY WE CALL THIS THE THAT GOD MADE ALL PEOPLE.
>> THAT'S WHY WE CALL THIS THE MIRACLE ON SOUTH CAPITAL CENTER.
>> THAT'S WHY WE CALL THIS THE MIRACLE ON SOUTH CAPITAL CENTER.
BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT GOD IS MIRACLE ON SOUTH CAPITAL CENTER.
BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT GOD IS DOING MIRACULOUS THINGS IN THIS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT GOD IS DOING MIRACULOUS THINGS IN THIS PLACE.
DOING MIRACULOUS THINGS IN THIS PLACE.
♪ PLACE.
♪ >> THE WELCOMING MOVEMENT ♪ >> THE WELCOMING MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO SPREAD AND GROW AS >> THE WELCOMING MOVEMENT CONTINUES TO SPREAD AND GROW AS MORE HOUSES OF WORSHIP ASK, CONTINUES TO SPREAD AND GROW AS MORE HOUSES OF WORSHIP ASK, SHOULD WE MAKE THIS OFFICIAL?
MORE HOUSES OF WORSHIP ASK, SHOULD WE MAKE THIS OFFICIAL?
WE'LL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS SHOULD WE MAKE THIS OFFICIAL?
WE'LL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS ISSUE SO PLEASE CHECK OUR WE'LL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS ISSUE SO PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT ISSUE SO PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT PBS.ORG/TOTHECONTRARY
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