Dear Members of the Clergy and Council of Providence United Methodist Church,

The decision made by the Special Session of the General Conference to adopt the Traditional Plan and enforce a ban on LGBTQ+ marriage and ordination directly violates our belief that all people, no matter what, are worthy of God’s unconditional love. While we understand that there is the potential for this ban to be overturned at the judicial hearing in April, we feel it is necessary to issue an immediate response expressing our disappointment and intention to fully love and accept all members of our community. We ask that you as leaders of our church help us live into our baptismal covenant to "accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves" (United Methodist Hymnal, page 34).

Regardless of the results of April’s hearing, this church will face some undoubtedly difficult decisions in the months to follow. It is our hope that we do so as a community, and with love and kindness to those who have been deeply wounded by the events of the past few days. At a minimum, we ask that you:

-Issue an immediate statement expressing our love and support of all people, and our commitment to providing a welcoming community where everyone is invited to God’s table.

-Prominently display a rainbow banner near our church entrance to express our solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

-Continue to promote and engage in dialogue with the church about how to move forward.

We believe that these actions will encourage members to express their support of establishing a more loving and just community of worship, and will lead others to see God’s love set forth in our example.

Yours in Christ,

Members of Providence United Methodist Church