Welcoming Congregation Program Leaders Meet

The leaders of organizations like GLAD across denominations, called the Welcoming Church Program Leaders (WCPL) met in Berkeley, CA, in January. This group of welcoming church leaders meets twice a year to share resources, strategy, and support. Dr. Johnston, Executive Director of GLAD’s Open & Affirming Ministry Program, was in attendance.

The WCPL discussed the state of the welcoming church movement and how to work with fast moving changes in today’s world. Meeting at Pacific School of Religion, the group was able to meet with faculty at PSR to hear about exciting new research and resources available from the seminary. Seminary faculty also asked the gathering to share what the welcoming church movement needs from the seminary to support welcome and affirmation in the church ecumenical.

The leaders gathered one evening as a panel for a discussion with seminarians, faculty, and local church folk to discuss the state of the welcoming church movement. At that meeting Dr. Johnston reports that he was able to speak with local Disciples and with seminarians hoping to start new Open & Affirming congregations.

The Pacific School of Religion is an ecumenical seminary with a covenantal relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).