At Union, inclusion extends to all aspects of our humanity (ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic background, culture, personality, and more). The statement below builds on our church’s overall commitment to seek God’s flourishing for all people.

Clarifying Inclusion and Third Way

As a church, we strive to lead with clarity, compassion, and care. In many faith communities today, human sexuality, gender identity, and marriage have created deep divides. Too often, a lack of clarity on these matters has contributed to a landscape of confusion and pain - sometimes resulting in trauma, exclusion, and heightened rates of depression and suicidality. This statement seeks to describe the discernment of our leadership.

We practice UNITY IN CHRIST and JUSTICE as an expression of the way of Jesus. This “third way” allows space for differing theological perspectives as we seek God’s love and truth (John 17).

Where there are theological differences:

  • We lead with respect for one another and practice humility, grace, and empathy over absolute agreement. 

  • With the scriptures as our authoritative guide, we acknowledge that faithful people will arrive at different interpretations of the scriptures in these matters.

  • We prioritize safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals so that they are seen, safe, and secure.

  • We join in the tradition of the prophets and Jesus who sought God’s justice for those who experienced injustice, marginalization, and othering.

To create an honoring environment, Union Church exercises the following postures. We invite our members to express them freely:

  1. Room for Discernment: With the guidance of the Spirit and our community, we commit to creating space for our community members to personally engage and interpret the scriptures without the imposition of dogma. We do this to honor and protect each person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual journey towards Jesus (Matthew 18:6-7).

  2. Celibacy: We affirm those who are called to celibacy and provide support, community, and encouragement as they follow Jesus. Jesus himself describes celibacy as a gift, and we honor this vision (Matthew 19:1-12).

  3. Marriage:  We uphold a belief that intimacy is meant to be expressed within a sacred and consecrated marriage. Across our differences, we respect and honor the marriages of couples as they seek to live out God’s heart for kinship bonding under Christ. Pastors are permitted to officiate and participate in unions/weddings as they follow their Spirit-led conscience. (Ephesians 5:1)

  4. Participation in the Church: All are welcome to fully participate in the life of the church, including communion, baptism, volunteering, membership, leadership, and staff. In leadership roles, we hold the same spiritual standards for everyone and do not use sexual or gender identity as a basis for qualification. (Romans 12, Romans 15:7) 

  5. Unity: We choose to embody a radical unity that exists only because of Christ. We commit to pursue dignity and justice for all.  We trust that God will be faithful to unite us and make each of us stand in our salvation and our faith (John 17:21-23, Romans 14:4).

Affirmed by the Wisdom Board, July 2025.