KATALYST
NEWSLETTER OF RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK
VOL. 28 NO. 1 WWW.RMNETWORK.ORG
A Calling to “Risk Taking Ministry”
by Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, RMN Board Member
Recently, 36 of our bishops
signed onto a statement advocating
the elimination of ¶ 304.3 from
The Book of Discipline (2008).
I received that news with great
joy but also a tinge of pragmatic
regard. I have been the victim
of bigotry and oppression for so
long that I have ceased to expect
any law or repeal of law to be able
to eradicate racism, sexism, homophobia, and so on. These
are matters that require both work of agents of God and the
sanctifying move of the Holy Spirit.
I entered this work of active agitation against our current
despicable polity that asks its clergy and members to live a
life of hypocrisy because – simply put – I love the Lord. As
a queer Black United Methodist clergywoman, I understood
the risks but it is not the first time I have understood my
Transformed by Love
By Audrey Krumbach
Matt and Fred dreaded family visits at Christmas time.
Nancy, Matt’s mom, had said condemning things and even
tried to disinvite them from family gatherings. While Nancy
merely tolerated them, their Grandma refused to exclude
Matt and Fred. Even though they expected the worst, they
went anyway. Three weeks later, while Matt was out of
town, Fred came home to an unexpected voicemail. “Hi,
Fred, it’s Nancy. I was worried you might be lonely or might
forget to eat. Take care of yourself while Matt’s away.”
Matt says his mother’s heart was strangely warmed, but
does not know what sparked this initial acceptance. This
powerful transformation happened silently throughout the
visit; in between the cranberry sauce and the embarrassing
childhood stories, love began to put down roots. Nancy saw
her son and his husband in a new way not because of an
argument, but because they told stories about their daily life.
We know that the power of transformative relationships
is not limited to families. When we truly listen, in-laws
become beloved parents, strangers become treasured friends,
and opponents become respected colleagues. Our stories
witness to God’s real love for every single person.
Thousands of United Methodists have already been
WINTER, 2011
calling as a responsibility to do “risk taking ministry.” Nor
is it the first time my sense of call has been challenged on the
basis of who I am. I received a call to ministry during the late
70s. Men stood in my face shaking their finger at me telling
me I was going to hell because, “God never called a woman
to preach. “ When I joined the United Methodist Church in
1991, my Pentecostal friends told me I was going to hell
because, “Those Methodists aren’t saved.” And through it
all, I have had churches that would not receive me because I
am Black and according to some, “They just aren’t ready for
Black folks yet.” Through all this, I have defied bigotry and
sought to make our church and world a better place because,
again, I love the Lord.
Now, as our children look to us for direction our young
adults grow weary of the insanity of our laws and our
members hope for a more relevant and inclusive ministry.
I invite you to take courage, join the movement with RMN,
and, as always, continue to pray for our Church.
transformed by your stories, and in this fourth year of
Called to Witness, we Believe Out Loud Together (BOLT).
We believe in God’s creative love. We believe In Jesus’
command to love God and neighbor, and we believe God is
transforming our church through stories each and every day.
Are you ready to be an ambassador of reconciliation by
sharing your story? Will you say yes to God, and to your
brothers and sisters who are waiting (even if they do not yet
know it) to hear your story and be transformed?
Learn to tell your story and take the next step for inclusion
at a BOLT training this spring. Visit www.rmnwitness.org/
calendar to find a training near you and get started!
Reconciling Process Webinars
This free on-line series provides resources for your
Reconciling journey and connects you with teams
from churches, classes and campus ministries in the
Reconciling process.
Register today by contacting
rachel@rmnetwork.org or 773-736-5526
Starts April 3rd!
Winter 2011 • Katalyst | 1
 Highlight: Annual Conference Teams
by Audrey Krumbach
Rather than highlighting a single congregation, we bring you two Annual Con-
ference Teams (ACTs) who are organizing in new ways.
California–Nevada
Many people believe California is
an inclusive state, but the 2008 referen-
dum to end marriage equality disproves
that myth. Therefore, the California-
Nevada Reconciling ACT is answering
the need to offer education, awareness
of bullying, and leadership towards full
inclusion for our church. In January,
the ACT gathered to tell their stories
and plan an Annual Conference wit-
ness. To raise awareness of the dead-
ly consequences of bullying, rainbow
wooden images will represent each per-
son who has committed suicide since
April 2008 (the date of the last United
Methodist General Conference). They
will also invite the Annual Conference
Memphis
Two values are absolutely prima-
ry in Western Tennessee: family, and
scripture; while neither is simple, both
are life giving. One of the leaders on the
newly formed Memphis ACT marched
in the local pride parade with a sign
stating: Christian Homeschooler for
Equality. Southern families are rarely
quiet places of gentle dissent; more of-
ten they are embodied in rowdy dinner
tables with a large serving of argument
but a larger portion of love. However,
some of our families have been bro-
ken or devalued by our churches, and
the Memphis ACT included both those
RECONCILING MINISTRIES NET WORK
mobilizes United Methodists of all
sexual orientations and gender
identities to transform our Church
and world into the full expression
of Christ’s inclusive love.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian Adkins
Helen Andrew
Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist
Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger
Vincent Cervantes
Rev. Dr. Daniel Diss
Jayson Kerr Dobney
Cal-Nevada Annual Conference Table 2010
Giselle Lawn
members to work immediately to end
discriminatory policies by passing peti- Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey
tions for the 2012 General Conference Madelyn Marsh
to change the current denominational Rev. David Meredith
language about sexuality. Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt
Rev. John Oda
Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto
who had been hurt, and those who had
Rev. Dr. Bruce Robbins
previously stood by and watched, un-
sure of how to respond. Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva
This year, the Memphis ACT gath- Monica L. Swink
ered to learn how to gracefully and Bishop Melvin G. Talbert
powerfully respond to church policies, Joy T. Watts
culture, and language which do harm
to our family. Naming the teachings of
Jesus and his constant ministry to the
outcast and excluded, the ACT plans
to gather again and invite more United RMN STAFF
Meg Carey
Methodists to share their stories and
Business Manager
seek a path towards inclusion together.
James Dalton
Communication/Technology Coord.

Rev. Carl Davis

New Reconciling Communities Director of Development
Congregations
Minnetonka UMC of Minnetonka, MN Stephanie Harris
Quapaw Quarter UMC of Little Rock, AR Admin & Donor Relations Associate
Light on the Hill UMC of Puyallup, WA
Rachel Harvey, deaconess
Christ Church UM of New York, NY Associate Executive Director
Morgan Park UMC of Chicago, IL
Druid Hills UMC of Atlanta, GA Audrey Krumbach, M.Div.
Provincetown UMC of Provincetown, MA National Organier
Sellwood UMC of Portland, OR
Rev. Troy Plummer
Communities: Executive Director
Odyssey Class at University UMC of Austin, TX
Power and Light SS Class at North UMC of Indianapolis, IN
NEIGHBORS at El Dorado County Federated Church of Placerville, CA
2 | Katalyst • Winter 2011
 I Wish I Could Do More
By Rev. Carl Davis
“I wish I could do more” Julianne knew that during her life her giving was limited
Those words are frequently penciled by her income but by making a planned gift to RMN, Julianne
in the memo section of donation checks could make sure that the mission of RMN would someday
we receive here at the RMN office and get a huge boost because of her. Julianne knew that through
they always make me smile. a bequest in her will to RMN, she could make her dream gift.
They make me smile first because We recently received Julianne’s dream gift of over
I know the person who wrote the note truly cares about $30,000 from her estate - much more than she could afford
RMN’s mission to transform our Church and world into the to give to the mail appeal she answered ten years earlier.
full expression of Christ’s inclusive love, and I know that, in Finally, it was the gift she truly WANTED to share all her
most cases, there is a way for that donor to do more than she life. Today her gift is being used to fund our new work in
or he may realize. Central Conferences helping to
Consider RMN’s donor truly transform our Church and
Julianne. Julianne made her WORLD.
first donation to RMN in 2000. “We recently received You can make your dream
She shared what she could Julianne’s dream gift of over gift too when you name RMN
after taking care of her needs. as a beneficiary in your will
A few years later, she was able
$30,000 from her estate.Her gift or life insurance policy like
to make a second donation to was much more than she could Julianne. To learn how to
RMN. Those two donations
totaled $200 and truly did help
afford to give to the mail appeal make the gift you have always
wanted to make, please contact
RMN do much good during she answered ten years earlier me, Carl Davis, at (773)
those years. But, Julianne
wished she could do more –
but it was the gift she truly 736 – 5526 or e-mail carl@
rmnetwork.org and ask about
and she knew how. wanted to share all her life.” planned giving.

Gifts in Memory and Honor of...

In Honor Of...
Annie Ross was honored by Jeanne Martin
Beth Olson & Shelly Davis were honored by Barbara & Reg Olson
Deborah Maria honored: Bishop & Mrs. Cal McConnell,
Rev. Hazel Anne Burnett, and The RMN Staff
Bob & Betty Dorr were honored by Barbara Bredthauer
Joy Watts honored: Bob Swing, Reg & Barb Olson,
and Mary Ann Carlson
Brittany Cox was honored by Robbie Ausley
The Chapman Family was honored by Melinda Carter
David Hosey was honored by Marion Hosey
Deborah Maria was honored by Hazel Burnett
Dr. Brian Watson & The Viceroy SS Class of College Hill
UMC were honored by Charles Chipman
Elizabeth Brick was honored by Judith Patrick
Elizabeth Fimbres was honored by Pat Coshland
George Kahl was honored by Mark Gruber
Grace UMC of Baltimore was honored by Nancy Webb
Jeffrey Waymack was honored by Katie Ladd
John, Linda & Dan Lewis were honored by Wesley Lewis
Leland Spencer honored: Joy & Bill Watts,
Kenneth Schoon, and Rev. Grace Berlo
Kevin & Laura Young were honored by Joseph Young
Margaret & Myron Talcott were honored by Bob Caviness
Martha Bentley & Becky Sechrist were honored by Richard
Bentley
Neena Mabe was honored by Heather Bachelder
Rev. & Mrs. Emora Brannan were honored by Mark Gruber
Rev. James C. Preston was honored by Jane Eesley
Rev. Nancy Webb was honored by Mark Gruber
Rusty Norment was honored by Mary Jo Ozment
St. Andrew UMC was honored by Matthew Winkel
The Hudson Family were honored by Elizabeth Stewart
The Monday Covenant Group was honored by Monica Swink
Rev. Dr. Tiffany Steinwert was honored by Nizza Digan
Wayne & David Thibault were honored by Mark Gruber
The Weyons/Langin Wedding was honored by
Rebecca Langin
In Memory of...
Rev. Phil Gillis is remembered by Joy Watts

Winter 2011 • Katalyst | 3

 Meet Your Sing a New Song Plenary Speakers
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Bishop Yvette Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA. In June 2003,
Flunder founded Bishop Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The
the City of Refuge Fellowship a multi-denominational fellowship of 110
United Church of primarily African American Christian leaders and laity
Christ (UCC), a representing 56 churches and faith-based organizations from
thriving inner-city all parts of the United States, Mexico, and Africa.
congregation in San Bishop Flunder is a Trustee and Adjunct Professor at
Francisco, which has Pacific School of Religion. She is a board member of the
been celebrating the National Sexuality Resource Center and an active voice for
radically inclusive the Religion Council of the Human Rights Campaign. She
love of Jesus Christ also serves as the Justice and Witness Board of Directors
since 1991. A native San Franciscan, Bishop Flunder is a representative on the UCC Governance Facilitation
third generation preacher with roots in the Church of God Taskforce.
in Christ. She was licensed in the Church of God in Christ Bishop Flunder is much sought after as a preacher,
(COGIC) and later ordained by the Bishop Walter Hawkins educator, conference speaker and singer. She has been
of Love Center Ministries where she served as Associate invited to minister and serve throughout the nation and many
Pastor and administrator for the Oakland-based Love Center points abroad. She is the author of Where the Edge Gathers:
Church. In 1984 Bishop Flunder began performing and A Theology and Homiletic of Radical Inclusion (Pilgrim
recording with “Walter Hawkins and the Family” and the Press). Bishop Flunder has received many awards for her
Love Center Choir. work in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the elderly and youth.
Bishop Flunder is also an ordained Minister of the UCC At Sing a New Song Bishop Flunder will offer her expertise
and a graduate of the Ministry Studies and Master of Arts at a Friday Plenary on “The Intersections of Oppression.”
programs at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA. For more information on Bishop Flunder and Sing a New
She received a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Song visit www.sans2011.org.

Bishop C. Joseph Sprague

Bishop C. Joseph emphases. As preacher and teacher, Sprague remains
Sprague was elected a consistent voice for informed biblical scholarship,
to the episcopacy progressive theology, an inclusive church, racial justice,
in 1996 and served peace, gender equality, the poor and incarcerated, and
as Bishop of the interfaith respect and cooperation.
Chicago Episcopal Sprague is a graduate of Ashland University (B.A. 1961),
Area and the Northern the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, (M. Div. 1965),
Illinois Conference and is the recipient of several honorary doctoral degrees,
until his retirement including from Ohio Wesleyan University and the Chicago
in September, Theological Seminary. He is the recipient of the American
2004. Prior to this, Friends Service Committee’s “Courage of Conviction
Sprague served 27 years as a pastor and seven years as an Award”, the Rainbow Push “Civil Rights/Peace Award”,
ecumenical/interfaith officer. He was a delegate to four and was the initial recipient of the coveted “William Sloan
General Conferences and five North Central Jurisdictional Coffin Award for Justice and Peace.” He is co-author of a
Conferences of The United Methodist Church. It was his chapter in the seminary textbook, “Pastor as Educator”, and
motion that established the United Methodist Communities is the author of the 2002 book, Affirmations of a Dissenter. At
of Shalom at the 1992 General Conference. A global church Sing a New Song Bishop Sprague will bring this knowledge
movement, some 400 Communities of Shalom presently and expertise to a Friday Plenary on “Progressive Action
engage congregations and their communities in working and Voice.” To learn more about Bishop Sprague and other
together to enhance wholeness and well being. presenters that will be at Sing a New Song visit www.
Bishop Sprague is known for combining biblical sans2011.org
scholarship, preaching and teaching with social justice

4 | Katalyst • Winter 2011

Winter 2011 • Katalyst | 5
 A Statement of Counsel to the Church
Out of concern for the welfare of all God’s people, and, order to maintain personal
out of special concern for the people of The United Methodist integrity.
Church, we, United Methodist Bishops – retired, believe • Young adults, especially,
The United Methodist Church should remove the following embarrassed to invite friends
statement from The Book of Discipline (2008): and expressing dismay at the
“…The practice of homosexuality is unwillingness of our United
incompatible with Christian teaching. Methodist Church to alter its
Therefore self-avowed practicing 39-year exclusionary stance.
homosexuals are not to be certified as • Closeted pastors, currently
candidates, ordained as ministers, or called and ordained in our
appointed to serve in The United Methodist church, living divided lives
Church.” ¶304.3 while offering effective
Our lives and ministries over the years have included appreciated ministry.
prayerful, thoughtful consideration of our Holy Bible, our • Bishops being drained of energy by upholding Church
Wesleyan heritage, reflection on our experience of the Discipline while regarding it as contrary to their
church and world, and our conviction of God’s intention for convictions.
a world transformed. • Bishops caught between care for the Church by
With this statement of conviction and counsel we seek: reappointing an effective gay or lesbian pastor and
• To affirm that the historic tests of “gifts and evidence care for the Discipline by charging them under current
of God’s grace” for ordained ministry override any legislation.
past or present temporal restrictions such as race, • Seminary leaders desiring greater flexibility and
gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. openness from the church in order to advance their
• To urge the Church, ecumenical and denominational, mission of identifying, recruiting, enrolling, educating
to change the manner in which it relates to gay, lesbian and spiritually forming Christian leaders.
and transgendered persons in official statements, • Christian gay men and women understanding
judicial proceedings, and in congregational life. themselves called of God to seek ministry opportunities
• To declare our conviction that the current disciplinary within their United Methodist family Church home,
position of The United Methodist Church, a part of our but having to decide between:
historical development, need not, and should not, be • leaving to go to accepting denominations, or
embraced as the faithful position for the future. • staying and praying for change, or
• To make known our names and shared personal • challenging Church law and accepting punitive
conviction on this matter and to encourage other actions.
church and Episcopal leaders to do the same. Our United Methodist Church, ashamed and repentant
With increasing frequency we observe and experience in the past, ended official and unofficial restrictions on
the following disturbing realities and know them to be candidacy, ordination and appointment for reason of race,
detrimental to the mission of a Church of Jesus Christ: gender and ethnicity. We believe the God we know in Jesus
• Laity and clergy, gay and straight, withdrawing is leading us to issue this counsel and call – a call to transform
membership or absenting themselves from the support our church life and our world.
of congregational and denominational Church life in
United Methodist Episcopal Leaders-Retired
Sharon Z. Rader, Donald A. Ott, Beverly Shamana, C. Joseph Sprague, Melvin G. Talbert, S. Clifton Ives, Joe A. Wilson,
William Lewis, Forrest Stith, Susan Morrison, Susan Hassinger, Judy Craig, Dale White, William Boyd Grove, C. P.
Minnick, Kenneth L. Carder, Roy I. Sano, Joe Yeakel, Kenneth Hicks, Joseph Humper, Monk Bryan, Jesse DeWitt, Jack
Tuell, J. Lloyd Knox, Charles W. Jordan, J. Lawrence McCleskey, Marshall L. Meadors, Jr., Franz Schafer, Sheldon
Duecker, Fritz Mutti, Cal McConnell, Leontine T. C. Kelly, Robert C. Morgan, Alfred Johnson, Richard Wilke, Danny
Arichea

Take Action!
Join your voice with retired bishops and other faithful United Methodists in support of removing anti-gay
discrimination in our ordination policies!
Visit www.rmnetwork.org/act-now to send a message to your active Bishop as well as to your local
pastor. Stand up. Let them know that silence cannot be the voice of our spiritual leadership.

6 | Katalyst • Winter 2011

 Welcome Our New Board Members
Brian Adkins is a Rev. Dr. Pamela Giselle Lawn is
seminary student Lightsey is the a member of St.
at Pacific School Dean of Students Mark UMC in
of Religion at Garrett- Atlanta, GA. She
and serves on Evangelical was active in the
the board as Theological All Means All
a young adult Seminary. She campaign visiting
representative for MOSAIC. Brian has identifies as an queer Black United with delegates and lobbying for change.
experience in fund development and Methodist womanist scholar and After being excluded as a transwoman
in organizing people for action. Ask ordained elder. She is an author, a at two Baptist Churches, she found a
him about AmeriCorps*VISTA and blogger, and presented a workshop on welcoming UM congregation. Ask
the International Rescue Committees Black Queer Theology at the RMN Giselle about lobbying to pass hate
or his experience on the Soul Force Justice and Joy convocation. Ask her crimes legislation and ENDA both in
Equality Ride. about her beautiful grandkids. GA and DC.
Jayson Dobney Rev. Bonnie Bishop Melvin
organized in the Beckonchrist is G. Talbert has
Dakotas Annual the Lead Pastor at attended every
Conference and the First United General Confer-
served there as Methodist Church ence since 1968
an out gay asso- of Arlington and serves in re-
ciate conference Heights, IL. She tirement in many
Lay Leader. He is now active in the led two congregations, one small urban ways including a term as the execu-
New York annual conference where he parish and one large suburban parish, tive director for Black Methodists for
works for the Metropolitan Museum to become reconciling. She has been Church Renewal, as an adjunct profes-
of Art. Jayson was a key part of the actively involved in RMN witness sor at Vanderbilt and as an interim gen-
legislative team at the 2008 General and planning at the ‘96, ‘04, and ‘08 eral secretary for GCCUIC. Ask him
Conference in Fort Worth. Ask him General Conferences. Ask her about about being one of eight children with
about historic music instruments. the radical hospitality of Jesus Christ! sharecropper parents.
Welcoming new board members also means saying thank you to those who have completed their three or six-year service
on the board in 2010: Larry Duncan-MN, Elizabeth Fimbres-AZ, Will J. Green- MA, Esther Villarreal Houser-TX, Duane
Ewers-TN, Randy Miller-CA, Holland Morgan-GA, Elizabeth Okayama-IL, Rosario Quinones-NJ, Sally Sparks-NC, and
Ralph Williams-DC. Thank you all — great work!

RMN is to the UMC as a Lighthouse is to a Ship

by Rev. John Oda, RMN Board Chair & Rachel Harvey, deaconess
Fearing blizzard-like conditions, the RMN Board of including Jennifer Soule, who worked tirelessly behind the
Directors gathered in Chicago, IL February 17-19 equipped scenes as RMN’s volunteer legal counsel for four years. As
with warm hearts and winter the board said good-bye to Jennifer,
accessories. Although the glacial they unanimously welcomed a new
polity/practices of injustice, Transgender Extension Ministry
silence and exclusion threatens who will educate and advocate
the relevance of the church we for transgender and gender variant
love, the RMN board continues United Methodists. With a critical
to be confident in the movements eye on both the calm and stormy
of the Holy Spirit to chip away at seas we navigate, the board
the homophobic and transphobic generated strategies to approach
icebergs in our way - steering our familiar and uncharted territory
church towards the warmth of the (including the 2012 General
RMN Board Members (From Left-Right, Top-Bottom)
full kin-dom of God. Rev. David Meredith, Jason Dobney, Rev. Bruce Robbins, Conference and 2011 Sing a New
Like a compass to an explorer, Brian Adkins, Rev. Dr .Daniel Diss, Giselle Lawn, Rachel Birkhahn- Song gathering with MFSA) with
the RMN board celebrates the Rommelfanger, Dr. Derrick Spiva, Joy Watts, Helen Andrew, openness to the spirit’s leading
Madelyn Marsh, Dr. Pamela Lightsey, Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist,
steadfast direction of past and Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto, Bishop Melvin Talbert, moving always towards the glow
current board members/volunteers, Vincent Cervantes, Monica Swink, Rev. John Oda of God’s love.
Winter 2011 • Katalyst | 7
 Reconciling Ministries Network Nonprofit Org.
3801 North Keeler Avenue, Third Floor U.S. Postage
PAID
Chicago, IL 60641-3007 Chicago, IL
Address Service Requested Permit #3870

Meet Your 2011 Reconciling Ministries Network Board Members - Pg 7

8 | Katalyst • Winter 2011