Welcome Process
Resources for individuals, congregations, and organizations who seek to become open, affirming, and welcoming of lgbtqia+ people. This list includes classic texts that have helped expand understanding over the decades.
Writing or Revising a Welcome Statement: Tips
BMC, 2023
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This resource offers language and formatting ideas for writing a welcome statement as well as examples from existing congregations and organizations.​
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Do’s and Don’ts Welcoming Process
BMC, revised 2023​
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A list of Do's and Don'ts for congregations and organizations who are beginning the welcome process.​
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Doing Process Well
Carol Wise, revised 2010
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A statement written by Carol Wise on behalf of BMC which recommends processes for Mennonite congregations engaging in lgbtq issues.
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Forbearance: A Vision for Divisive Times
Enten Eller, 2018
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This text written by Enten Eller, pastor at Ambler Church of the Brethren and Living Stream Church of the Brethren, is about the origins and value of forbearance within the church. He centers the concept of forbearance in the Anabaptist value of “no force in religion” that characterized the believer’s church. If you would like a print version, contact BMC at bmc@bmclgbt.org
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Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit 3.0
ReconcilingWorks​
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BMC helped develop this toolkit with an ecumenical team of LGBTQIA+ faith leaders. It contains lots of information about process design – while all the details may not apply to your context, on the whole this toolkit provides a solid framework for various components of a healthy welcoming process and action steps. Includes a resource list at the end.
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The Rainbow Well 101
The Rainbow Well, 2025
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Online 101 guides for:
1. Understanding 2SLGBTQIA+
2. Faith & Affirmation
3. Support & Solidarity​
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Umoja: Christian Education for African-American Faith Communities
The Rev. Roland Stringfellow, MDiv, MA
Umoja is a Kiswahili word which means Unity. This project facilitates safe and non-threatening dialogue surrounding the diversity of human sexuality and the inclusion of lgbtq+ people.
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Welcome to Dialogue Series: A Search for Inclusiveness
Edited by Ruth Conrad Liechty, 2001-2004
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A series that explores inclusion of sexual minorities in the Mennonite Church. Its stated purpose is to "seek the enrichment of the church via acceptance of the gifts of all, including the mysterious varieties of sexual orientation."
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The Cost of Truth: Faith Stories of Mennonite and Brethren Leaders and Those Who Might Have Been
Edited by Roberta Showalter Kreider, 2004
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The third book in Krieder's series of personal stories written by Mennonites and Brethren. "The Cost of Truth is a collection of 32 powerful and personal faith stories of Mennonite and Brethren who have been denied leadership in the church relating in some way to their sexual orientation or acceptance of other GLBT people." - Sourced from the publisher
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Together in Love: Faith Stories of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Couples
Edited by Roberta Showalter Kreider, 2002
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The second book in Krieder's series of personal stories written by Mennonites and Brethren.
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From Wounded Hearts: Faith Stories of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered People and Those Who Love Them
Edited by Roberta Showalter Krieder, 1998
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The first book in Krieder's series of personal stories written by Mennonites and Brethren. ​
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The Little Book of Conflict Transformation
John Lederach, 2015
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"This clearly articulated statement offers a hopeful and workable approach to conflict—that eternally beleaguering human situation. John Paul Lederach is internationally recognized for his breakthrough thinking and action related to conflict on all levels—person-to-person, factions within communities, warring nations. He explores why "conflict transformation" is more appropriate than "conflict resolution" or "management."" - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Little_Book_of_Conflict_Transformation/xl2CDwAAQBAJ?hl=en​
Just Hospitality: God's Welcome in a World of Difference
Letty Russel, 2009
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"In this book, theologian Letty Russell redefines the commonly held notion of hospitality as she challenges her readers to consider what it means to welcome the stranger. In doing so, she implores persons of faith to join the struggles for justice." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Just_Hospitality/KHnOfjuhKNgC?hl=en&gbpv=0​
Reasoning Together
Ted Grimsrud & Mark Nation, 2008
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"Two theologians, Ted Grimsrud and Mark Thiessen Nation, argue both sides of an issue that is vexing the postmodern church: homosexuality. This book develops the give-and-take over the differences between the two scholars, but it also offers areas of agreement and consensus." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Reasoning_Together/kukPAQAAIAAJ?hl=en
Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality
Michael A. King, 2007
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"Can excommunicated Mennonites or pastors under discipline, denominational leaders, and persons holding widely varying perspectives actually have a genuine conversation on homosexuality rather than battle each other? This book records what happens when the quest is not for victory but for writers who (1) convey persuasively and movingly their own viewpoints to make them available as a treasure others can learn from; and (2) learn from the treasures of viewpoints other than their own." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Stumbling_Toward_a_Genuine_Conversation/qY7sGAAACAAJ?hl=en​
Talking About Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource
Karen P. Oliveto, Kelly D. Turney, and Traci C. West, 2005
"This book is a study resource for theological reflection on homosexuality. It serves as a tool for people in churches who feel they are surrounded by painful, confusing debates in the church about homosexuality, and want to discover how the Christian tradition can be a constructive--rather than divisive--resource. The book provides a challenging and creative process for clergy and lay people to reflect upon their own Christian beliefs and personal experiences through dialogue and study." - Sourced from the publisher
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Exile or Embrace? Congregations Discerning Their Response to Lesbian and Gay Christians
Mahan Siler, 2005
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"Offers fresh insight about keeping the focus on people and relationships in ways that are pastorally sensitive, politically astute, justice-oriented, and Gospel-empowered." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Exile_Or_Embrace/3fvYAAAAMAAJ?hl=en
Listening to the Spirit: A Handbook for Discernment
Chalice Press & William O. Paulsell, 2001
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"Listening to the Spirit presents a process of discernment that helps us to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance as we consider the question, What is the gospel message to our church as we relate to gay and lesbian Christians? This question is addressed through a process that will help Christians approach the issues thoughtfully, theologically, and prayerfully." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Listening_to_the_Spirit/vQwongEACAAJ?hl=en
Congregations Talking about Homosexuality
Beth Ann Gaede, 1999
"A helpful resource for assisting congregations that seek to engage in dialogue about one of the most difficult faith issues today, the book does not take a theological stand, but rather draws on the experiences of others who have struggled with how to address this issue from a position of respect for all views." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Congregations_Talking_about_Homosexualit/-qQCBAAAQBAJ?hl=en
Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches
Walter Wink, 1998
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"This unique resource presents short pieces from some of the nation's most prominent church leaders - Protestant and Catholic, mainline and evangelical - who address the fundamental moral imperatives about homosexuality." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://www.google.com/books/edition/Homosexuality_and_Christian_Faith/cCJ5fk8rINYC?hl=en&gbpv=0
Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality
John Boswell, 1981
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"John Boswell's National Book Award-winning study of the history of attitudes toward homosexuality in the early Christian West was a groundbreaking work that challenged preconceptions about the Church's past relationship to its gay members—among them priests, bishops, and even saints—when it was first published. It is still fiercely relevant today." - Sourced from the publisher
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https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo22782232.html