Commitment to Marriage Equality

As a church in the Methodist tradition since 1772, Dumbarton’s ministries are grounded in Jesus’ call to love both God and neighbor.  We acknowledge that we have often failed to extend the radical hospitality that God asks of us, even as we continually strive to do so.
In 1987—seeking to open our hearts, minds, and doors—we publicly welcomed lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families into full participation in the life and ministries of the congregation, and we continue to do so today.

We recognize that when two people come together to form a primary committed relationship, they often ask the church to bless their wedding. With due consideration, the church responds by celebrating, in the presence of their families and friends, the work of God’s Spirit in their lives.

We lament that in our time, so many courts, legislatures, and religious institutions still deny same-gender and transgender couples equal access to marriage and all the blessings, rights, and responsibilities thereof.

We rejoice that at this point in history, the arc of justice now bends toward equal recognition of marriage for all couples.

Today we affirm that God’s grace is open to all, and we witness to that grace through our commitment to justice and equality in our congregation, the District of Columbia, the United Methodist Church, and the world. We will honor and celebrate the wedding of any couple, licensed in the District of Columbia, who seek to commit their lives to one another in marriage.
 
Approved by the Church Council of
Dumbarton United Methodist Church
February 10, 2010
________________________________    ______________________________
Rev. Mary Kay Totty, Pastor   
Joe Friebele, Chair, Church Council
________________________________ ______________________________
Libby McKnight, Chair, Board of Trustees
Chett Pritchett, Lay Leader
 
Affirmed by the signatures of members of the Dumbarton UMC community.