GLAD Present at National Convocation for First Time

The National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) met in Columbus, OH, July 24-27. The Convocation is the organization of historically Black churches among the Disciples and one of the main threads that came together in the 1960s to form the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that we know today.

For the first time, GLAD was present at the Convocation with an exhibit at the Convocation. Mark Johnston, Executive Director of GLAD’s Open & Affirming Ministry Program, was on hand to staff the booth and provide materials, suggestions, and encouragement to Convocation attendees.

Dr. Johnston reports that he was encouraged by the response to his presence. “Yes,” Dr. Johnston reports, “I was concerned about how my presence would be received. However, I went to the Convocation with the blessing of Convocation leadership and I was inspired by the many people I spoke with who are working to increase welcome and affirmation in their congregations.”

Available at the GLAD Convocation exhibit was information about Umoja: Unity in the Community, a study on sexuality for African American churches developed by the Pacific School of Religion, the Building An Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit, developed by the Institute for Welcome Resources to guide churches in designing their Open & Affirming process.

Dr. Johnston further encourages those working to build more welcome and affirmation in their congregations to be in touch with him via phone or email for more ideas and suggestions.