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News and Information |
BMC at CoB Annual Conference and MC USA Convention!
BMC will be at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC and Mennonite Church USA Convention in Phoenix. Click here for a list of our activities! Check back for updates!
Pink Menno
 Pink Menno is gearing up! The theme of the Pink Menno Campaign at the Phoenix convention will be
Strangers and Aliens No More: One Humanity
Extraños y Extranjeros - Nunca Mas: Una Humanidad, which is based on Ephesians 2:19. This gender inclusive theme was chosen to be in solidarity with all those who are excluded by laws in our states and policies in the church, and reflects the reality that the discrimination of all oppressed groups intersect with each other. We are still looking for volunteers to help with Pink Menno. If you would like to help with planning, preparation, and/or can volunteer for Pink Menno events at Phoenix please e-mail bmc@bmclgbt.org.
Love’s Obedience
Acting on an idea presented at a Progressive Brethren Gathering, a document entitled Love’s Obedience was developed to provide a way for pastors, individuals and congregations to bear public witness to lgbt inclusion. In signing on, pastors indicate their embrace of marriage equality and their refusal to deny services to a couple based simply upon gender or sexual orientation. Drawing from the guidance of the Annual Conference Statement, The Church and Christian Citizenship that affirms God’s love that “must include concern for justice, liberty and peace for all,” the statement Love’s Obedience reads:
In this time in history, our affirmation of God’s love for the world calls us to affirm the sacred goodness and equality of people of every sexual orientation and gender identity, and to seek for all people the same good life that any of us wish for ourselves, including the possibility of marriage. For these reasons, we reject the barriers of discrimination and injustice that deny to lgbt people the blessing and support of the church as they seek to covenant with one another in faithful relationship…
In every era, the gospel challenges persons of conscience and faith to take risks for the sake of justice. Love’s Obedience offers an opportunity to stand on the side of love. Pastors, individuals and congregations are invited to affirm this statement of conscience and intent with their signature. Click here to read the full document and add your signature.
BVS Meeting
On February 11, 2013 members of the BMC board met with the Executive Committee of the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren. While considerable work remains for genuine reconciliation, this meeting represented an important first step. Click here to read the joint statement regarding the meeting.
Resources by BMC
 
Download our resource for youth group leaders, along with our resource for youth. Contact us about organizing a training in your area.
Quick Tips for Allies leaflets
Why should my church become publicly affirming?
How can I support lgbt youth in my congregation?
How can we have a fair and helpful dialogue?
How can I support lgbt Brethen?
How can I support lgbt Mennonites?
 
Are you trying to figure out how your church can talk about lgbt related issues in a responsible way? Download our recommendations.
 By Anna Lisa Gross
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Job Openings
Pastor Position
Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church is currently seeking pastoral leadership, following the retirement of a long-serving pastor. Visit Calgary Inter-Mennonite's website to learn more about the congregation and position.
Associate Pastor Position
Hyattsville (MD) Mennonite Church, a vibrant, growing congregation of 150 located adjacent to Washington DC, seeks a part-time (.50 FTE) associate pastor. Visit Hyattsville's homepage for more details about the job.
Where's My GLBTQ Prof?
 Goshen College students in protest of hiring policies excluding "out" lgbtq people. If you are an alumni, then show your support by visiting www.gcopenletter.org and adding your name.
Reuben's Magical VS House Bus Tour
This year, Reuben is going on a tour of Mennonite Volunatry Service and Brethren Volunteer Service houses and their supportive congregations to promote more lgbt inclusion in their communities. Read the tour blog periodically for news!
In Solidarity
The recent anti-immigrant legislation passed in Arizona... BMC's response
Publications
Voices of the BMC community featuring current events, theology, reflection and commentary.
Hiya! Hiya! Come On In!
by: Randy Newswanger
News, upcoming events, and general announcements in a semi-monthly email. Current issue: June 2013
A blog especially for young adults.
A Voice Sabotaging the Conversation of Welcome and Safety for LGBT People -posted 2/11/13
Email discussion group for BMCers, our friends and family.
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BMC's Video and Photo Gallery |
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Coming Events |
New! Follow us on 
BMC History Project
 Amy Short, in her work on the BMC Elder History Project, has been busy collecting stories, primarily from older BMC individuals, but also from some younger ones as well. Currently she has over 40 hours of taped interviews that will be preserved for our archives, with some utilized for trainings or simply shared as a celebration of our strength and variety as a community. Amy has pulled some of the material together into a short video clip. 10 min. 2012. Click here to view the clip.
SCN Video: One Congregation’s Story
 Pastor Karl Shelly speaks about Assembly Mennonite Church’s journey to becoming a member of the Supportive Communities Network (SCN). This is a resource for congregations exploring joining SCN. Made in collaboration with Jacob Landis-Eigsti, a Goshen College graduate and owner of Reimagine Cinema. 4 min. 2012. View the video
In-Between
 Finding herself on the fringes of church, Carrie Fry-Miller was once a licensed minister in the Church of the Brethren. She became licensed at a young age, just after her 18th birthday. But when she came out as a lesbian five years later, her license was revoked. It has been a painful process for her and since then she has distanced herself from the church to figure out where, how and if she still has a place within. Writer, Director, Editor | Paul Neudorf. 13 min. 2011.
View the video
On The Male Side of Middle
 A story of love, honesty and integrity, this film about female-to-male transgender Mennonite Calvin Neufeld, captures a special moment in time between him and his family. Filmed a year after he began transitioning and a year after marrying his partner Sharon, this story shows how strong a family can be when they love, care and listen to each other. Writer, Director, Editor | Paul Neudorf. 12 min. 2011. View the video
Coming Out Strong
 Six Mennonite and Brethren individuals from Canada and the US reflect on their lives as lgbtq people within the BMC community, and one parent offers her perspective on what it means to be part of BMC. This is a wonderful resource for congregations, Sunday school classes, youth groups, parents, individuals just coming out, or anyone who would like to learn more about what it means to be part of the Brethren or Mennonite lgbtq community. 55 min. 2006.
View the video
BMC Photo Gallery
Photos from recent BMC events
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Conferences
Connecting Families Retreat
WEST:
EAST: May 17-19, 2013 -
Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in
Mount Pleasant, PA
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Who We Are
BMC provides programming, support and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families and friends in the Mennonite and Brethren traditions.
BMC Mission Statement
The mission of BMC is to cultivate an inclusive church and society and to care for the Mennonite and Brethren lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community.
Mission and Vision Statement
Our objectives are:
- To provide support for Mennonite and Church of the Brethren gay, lesbian,
transgender, and bisexual people, their friends and families
- To foster dialogue between gay and non-gay people in
churches
- To provide accurate information about human sexuality from various theological, sociological, psychological, and biblical perspectives.
Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests
P.O. Box 6300
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 343-2060
bmc@bmclgbt.org
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