The Long Beach First UMC became a reconciling congregation with the unanimous vote of the Administrative Council to accept the following Statement of Reconciliation on May 4, 1997.
Luke 10:27 says "... You shall love God with all your hear, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
All persons are recipients of God's love and grace. God intends the church to be a community which embodies love, grace, and justice for all people. As a sign of faithfulness to God's covenant with all people, we, the First United Methodist Church of Long Beach:
Affirm the inclusion and full participation of lesbians and gay men, their families and friends within our church community.
Strive for understanding and unity among all people while respecting and honoring individual uniqueness.
Support the vision of inner and world peace by reducing prejudices/misinformation among out members and in our community at large.
Minister to all members, regardless of sexual orientation, to assist them in their spiritual development and fulfillment.
We hope our affirmation of the wholeness and full participation of all people in the life of the congregation will draw back those who have felt excluded from the family of God.
For more information about Reconciling Congregations, click
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