Why are people at MUMC wearing rainbows?

We wear rainbows to call attention to our welcoming stance and to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.  This Pride symbol is a visual sign of a commitment to justice in the areas of gender and sexuality.

If someone isn’t wearing a rainbow, are they homophobic?

Not participating in the rainbow stole project is simply a decision not to participate in a specific action-much like choosing not to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.  Change comes from all directions, and not everyone is comfortable participating in this initiative.  If you are not yet ready to wear a rainbow to church, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you can lift up and support LGBTQIA+ people in your community.

Aren’t we already welcoming?

We are a welcoming congregation, but this is also a scary moment for our LGBTQIA+ siblings.  Damaging experience in past churches, public discourse on identity, and the Methodist Connections failure to include LGBTQIA+ persons make attending worship a daunting prospect for some.  We need to be over the top welcoming in order to share the Gospel of love!

Why are we still talking about this?

The church has been talking about sexuality for a long time.  The topic can get tiring and some may claim that adding gender and orientation to our welcome statement is enough.  However, LGBQTIA+ individuals continue to fight to protect their lives, families, and livelihoods.  Our denomination has recently supported more exclusionary language regarding human sexuality.  This is the moment to increase our efforts for inclusion and continue on our path towards justice!

If you would like to request a Rainbow stole, please email the Social Justice Ministry.