Seeler
Well-Known Member
I volunteered to be on the 'affirming diversity' committee as soon as I heard that our church council was considering the possibility of becoming affirming because it is something that I feel passionate about. I believe some of the others were asked if they would be interested - one person in particular had been pushing for it for some time. I can't be sure what goes on in somebody else's head, nor do I know how maany were asked before the original five were chosen. Perhaps some people said 'That's not something I'd be interested in.' or 'I don't think we should be doing this right now.' or 'I'm too busy.' I do know that the original members were all very enthusiastic -- it was situations that had nothing to do with the church (like a great employment opportunity in another province) that diminished our numbers. Then one person who was away, returned home and two others accepted an invitation to join us. All working towards the same goal. Those opposed, or needing more information, have been given lots of opportunity to express their doubts or to ask questions but so far the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
We are not only looking into being affirming of the rainbow community, but also of welcoming the economically disadvantaged, and those with other challenges (mobility, vision, mental illness).
Actually, since our church is well known for its welcome of diversity -- ie gay and lesbian people have been married in our church for ten or so years, and many people in the rainbow community play active roles in leadership -- many people are surprised that we are not already 'Affirming'.
Perhaps someone in the know could move this post over to Pinga's thread about Affirming.