When I reflect on it, the 2020/2024 General Conference feels like a lifetime ago. What a moment it was to be a part of the historic conference that removed the harmful language against LGBTQ+ people in the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline. The removal of this language affected policies that addressed two aspects of queer life: the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and the recognition and celebration of same-sex marriage. It was a historic moment and a joyful one for queer folks like me. Honestly though, I have to remind myself time and time again that this was only a milestone, not a finish line.
There is still discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in our denomination. There are still Boards of Ordained Ministry and District Committees on Ministry in our beloved church that will not approve or recommend openly queer clergy. There are places where it is not safe for a queer person to serve in a local church. There are still pastors who refuse to marry a same-sex couple. Some say this historic legislation only moved us from “mandatory harm” to “optional harm.” These are just some of the reasons why the creation of a Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Queer People is essential to continue doing the work of full inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks in the UMC. Also, marriage and ordination are just a small slice of what it means to be a queer person of faith. So, there is more work to be done.
For us in Greater New Jersey, the creation of a Commission on the Status and Role of Queer People—which was proposed and affirmed at this year’s Annual Conference session—is one part of this work. This commission will support the LGBTQ+ folks in our conference and in our churches. This commission will support queer people in leadership in our conference. Another purpose could be supporting queer people who are discerning a call to ministry and beginning the candidacy process through the moment they get licensed or ordained. It will also support queer clergy who are under appointment. Overall, this commission will ensure our queer laity and queer clergy are represented and supported in leadership positions in our conference.
The commission will also work on resourcing and supporting local churches. That might look like resourcing a church that a transgender young person calls home, providing them with materials around name changes and pronouns. It will include providing training to churches that want to actively become more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ people in their community. It may also include walking with churches who are, for the first time, receiving a pastor who identifies as gay, trans, and/or queer.
Advocacy work is also a part of the commission’s purpose. This might include advocating for the use of more inclusive language in conference gatherings and worship services. It will involve partnering with the other commissions and justice-seeking organizations of our conference to advance intersectional justice, diversity, and equity. It will also explore writing and presenting legislation to the Annual Conference sessions that is related to the status and role of queer people in our conference.
These are just a few examples of the hopes and dreams for the Commission on the Status and Role of Queer People here in Greater New Jersey. Currently, nominations are underway for a transitional leadership team which will work on the organizational process for the commission. This leadership team will collaborate with the nominations committee to bring a full slate of nominees for the commission to the 2027 Annual Conference session. The leadership team will also consider submitting legislation that may be related to the status and role of queer people in Greater New Jersey.
As one of the authors of the legislation that brought forth this commission, it is my great hope that this commission allows for more milestones along our journey towards full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the United Methodist Church and more specifically the Greater New Jersey Conference. Let’s make it so, GNJ!