WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Jan. 13, 2010) – In a three-day leadership retreat, a gathering of a dozen leaders focused on a promising future for the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance Council.
Addressing the question: “What is the role of GLAD, if we are to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ in a changing world?” members of the Council and Ministry Teams of GLAD drafted a “statement of calling” for the organization and identified “first next steps” in four major areas of priority.
“GLAD Alliance is called by God to transform the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a more just, welcoming and inclusive movement that embraces the gifts and graces of persons of all gender and sexual identities,” the draft reads.
Areas of priority include:
- Surveying participants and others regarding the draft statement and how well it states their impressions of the mission and purpose of GLAD Alliance in a changing church
- Reviewing and developing funding strategies that move beyond “dues” and membership
- Sustaining and empowering the movement through intentional story telling
- Nurturing existing and supporting emerging communities of integrity, resistance and change
The Council also discussed strategies for hiring a fulltime staff person to help the nonprofit organization move into a new era in the church. Efforts to ramp up communication and information sharing are expected to enhance the organization’s viability.
A summer retreat of GLAD, July 16-18, 2010, (location to be determined) will include updates on progress in these areas, as well as offer members spiritual reflection for their personal journey of faith in a challenging context.
For information about GLAD, go to www.gladalliance.org.
