Dear Disciples,
Today we are proud to join a multifaith coalition and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) in opposition to the rescission of the sensitive locations policy, which is a direct violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This decision directly interferes with our ability to fulfill our religious mandate and serve all of our congregants equally and with the dignity they deserve. We don’t take this step lightly, but this extreme action from the federal government challenges a foundation of our faith and threatens to shatter our consecrated spaces. Our faith compels us to take a stand and protect our places of worship. As Disciples of Christ, we seek to protect the right of each congregation to worship and serve in their spaces as they wish to do. Our General Assembly invited all congregations in a 2017 resolution to become “immigrant-welcoming.” We take seriously the command in Scripture to welcome the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34 NRSV), and Jesus’ teaching that whenever we minister to one of the least of these, we are ministering to him (Matthew 25:40 NRSV). Our General Board unanimously approved our joining this multifaith coalition in taking this action.
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. As part of this multifaith coalition, we seek to affirm that we do indeed welcome all. If you or anyone in your congregation has a question about this action, please feel free to contact: [email protected].
Moving towards wholeness together,
Rev. Terri Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Below are additional resources to provide further support and clarity.
Video
A video resource featuring Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as she reflects on the multifaith action approved by the General Board to protect the freedom to practice our faith and for the church to be the church. The action is about moving towards wholeness together not about partisan politics. Disciples are Christians with a variety of political perspectives including conservative, progressive, republican, democrat, independent, and others.
Filed Complaint
For more background and further consideration, the filed complaint is shared for reading and discernment.
Petition
To give others a chance to engage in this issue, there is a petition titled “Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces,” from the Center for Faith and Justice.
Dan White, DOC minister
From my limited understanding of the recission of sensitive spaces, I applaud the decision to take this stand as a denomination. I believe it is a faithful step to take, and we have a history of engaging when great injustice is seen. So, thank you. My question is: with whom have we taken this stand, what other faith traditions? Also, to whom will this statement be sent? Will we expect a response? I’m sure I will be asked these things in my congregation, and from my friends after I reposted the statement on social media. Thank you in advance.
Angelique Jordan Byrd
Good afternoon, Dan, please note we have updated the page with additional resources. These resources provide additional background that should answer your questions. Blessings!
Dan White, DOC minister
Thank you very much for posting these things. This was helpful for my better understanding.
Paige Martin
Thank you for confirming what I already know and believe with all my heart. As a multi-generational member of this amazing group of believers, I am so incredibly heartened to see the teachings of Christ being carried out with grace, dignity, honor, and love toward the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers. May God continue to bless our determination and care for all.
James (Jim) Easter, Jr.
Good questions, Dan, and a helpful response, Angelique. I will take a look at the update asap. As a lifelong Disciple and believer in the “free spirited” attributes of the Christian Church, I agree with the stance described by Rev Terri Hord Owens. Thanks for your dedication to this cause and the importance of the POETIC WORDS ON THE STATUE OF LIBERTY (most significant; “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”). Our country, as a WORLD FOR ALL must embrace our fellow persons, and understand the potential of every human. Possibly a review of the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, in Galatians, would be in order. LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, HUMILITY, and SELF-CONTROL. I try to review these words and those spiritual gifts found in first Corinthians; WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, FAITH, HEALING, MIRACLES, PROPHECY, DISCERNMENT, SPEAKING IN FOREIGN TONGUES, AND INTERPRETATION OF WORDS AND MESSAGES. Still trying to understand both, it’s a tough goal, but I keep trying and concentrate on those that are God’s special gifts. Yes, In God, and His Son Jesus, we pray!
Sheila Williams
We must protect the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment, especially at a time when our Constitution is under such threat.
William D. Meyer
This is what the Lord requires of us in this moment of danger to those esteemed “the least” valuable and politically expendable.
William D. Meyer
Grace P (Pat) Bush
Thank you for this bold stand and blessed assurance the DOC is committed to continuing our legacy of care for “all people”!
April McClure Stewart
Thank you for your faithful witness to the dignity of all persons with this action.
Rae Markus
Thank you for doing this. I am the proud daughter and granddaughter of people who entered this country illegally. All but one (my grandfather) became citizens, a number started businesses that created jobs for many Americans, and my cousin’s kid is a judge.