02/14/2025
This is from the church I serve. This is from our General Minister and President, the Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens. THIS is the Christian response to one of the many tragedies that currently beset us:
Important Statement from the General Minister and President: Multifaith Action
Dear Disciples,
Today we are proud to join a multifaith coalition and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) in opposition to the rescission of the sensitive locations policy, which is a direct violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This decision directly interferes with our ability to fulfill our religious mandate and serve all of our congregants equally and with the dignity they deserve. We don’t take this step lightly, but this extreme action from the federal government challenges a foundation of our faith and threatens to shatter our consecrated spaces. Our faith compels us to take a stand and protect our places of worship. As Disciples of Christ, we seek to protect the right of each congregation to worship and serve in their spaces as they wish to do. Our General Assembly invited all congregations in a 2017 resolution to become “immigrant-welcoming.” We take seriously the command in Scripture to welcome the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34 NRSV), and Jesus’ teaching that whenever we minister to one of the least of these, we are ministering to him (Matthew 25:40 NRSV). Our General Board unanimously approved our joining this multifaith coalition in taking this action.
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. As part of this multifaith coalition, we seek to affirm that we do indeed welcome all. If you or anyone in your congregation has a question about this action, please feel free to contact: [email protected].
Moving towards wholeness together,
Rev. Terri Hord Owens
General Minister and President
