IN GOD'S HOUSE, THERE IS
ROOM FOR ALL.
JOIN OUR PURSUIT FOR A FULLY INCLUSIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
ABOUT THE ROOM FOR ALL COALITION
The Indiana Room for All Coalition was formed in February 2019 to oppose the harm created by the passage of the Traditional Plan at the 2019 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis. We believe the Traditional Plan and the organizations behind it bring harm to persons who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. The passage of the Traditional plan has resulted in the loss of faithful members who will not be a part of a church that excludes, and it negatively impacts the witness of the United Methodist Church to a world that has grown skeptical of organized religion.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Inclusion
We desire the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in the life of the church including ordination and marriage.
Interpretation
We appreciate that faithful Christians do interpret the scriptures differently and will promote the importance of interpreting the scriptures related to same-sex relationships within their historical context. When this hard work is done, we believe faithful Christians will see the same-sex acts condemned in the Bible are not speaking of the committed, covenantal gay and lesbian relationships we see today.
Growth
We celebrate every addition of churches and communities to the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Invitation
In addition, there are many scriptures calling us to share in God’s love for marginalized persons in our world. They invite us to embrace gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer folks as God’s uniquely created children.
Understanding
We also understand coming to a place favoring full inclusion is a journey for many, and so we desire a post-separation United Methodist Church that embraces all persons, including those not quite there yet but who are willing to love and be in relationship with all persons.
Change
We believe in the truth of the sacred scriptures and realize the Church universal has been convinced by the Holy Spirit in the past to change its position on circumcision, slavery, divorce, and the role of women. We believe the time has come for the church to accept the science related to sexual orientation and gender identity to affirm their right to live as they have been created.
Education
We will develop educational opportunities so congregations in Indiana can have honest conversations about human sexuality and inclusion of all persons regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Vision
We believe the full inclusion of all persons in the life of the church is critical in establishing a compelling vision for the future of the church which hopes to reach future generations with the good news of Jesus Christ. John Wesley declared the world his parish and lived into that calling through field preaching to the marginalized persons of England in his day. We hope to live into that heritage in these challenging times.
Rev. ROB FUQUAY
Senior Pastor,
St. Luke's UMC
Indianapolis, IN
"I believe the UMC is a big tent in which we respect those whose opinions differ from our own."
Rev. MELISSA FISHER
Lead Pastor,
Faith UMC
Fort Wayne, IN
"Our mission is to be a diverse community in the heart of the city, loving all people into the kingdom of God."
Rev. DUANE CARLISLE
(he/him/his)
Pastor,
First UMC
West Lafayette, IN
"...It's time for us to re enter into this [discussion] because we have so many siblings in our congregations that need our support."
