Reconciling

Where We Stand

As a reconciling congregation, Dumbarton welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as visitors and members. In 1987, Dumbarton become one of the first churches in the Washington, D.C., area to become a reconciling congregation, linked to the Reconciling Ministries Network. Every year we reaffirm our calling to be a reconciling people.

Promoting Tolerance

Dumbarton members are instrumental in publishing pamphlets for churches and other groups in support of understanding for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. The Dumbarton-related God Loves Each One Ministry has published All God's Children, teaching children about sexual orientation and gender diversity, And God Loves Each One, a resource for dialogue about sexual orientation, Dos Nos Amos Por Iqual for the Latino community  and Made in God's Image, a resource about gender differences.

Special Events

Every year in February we observe Reconciling Sunday, a festive worship celebration, followed by a pancake breakfast (for Mardi Gras) in the social hall. Dumbarton also hosts a table at the D.C.'s Capital Pride Festival in June.

Marriage Equality

Dumbarton was the only United Methodist congregation in Washington, D.C, to pledge to honor and celebrate same-sex weddings after they were legalized by the District on March 3, 2010. The pastor and 12 other ordained clergy affiliated with Dumbarton are available to conduct same-sex weddings. "As a pastor, I am called to extend care and grace to all people even as Jesus did," says the Rev. Mary Kay Totty, Dumbarton's appointed pastor.

What Dumbarton Members Say

• "The Reconciling Congregation is an island of hospitality for many people who, otherwise, find themselves unwelcome in the United Methodist Church."
• "Having been members of a Reconciling Congregation, we can't imagine participating in one that is not Reconciling."
• "It pleases us no end that our son is honest with himself, with us and with his world, and that he lovingly and graciously accepts and affirms who he is."
• "Being part of a Reconciling Congregation allows me to serve Christ with honesty and dignity."
• "There is so much trust, love, acceptance and positive energy in this congregation---we can't imagine worshipping anywhere else!"
• "You can't be prejudiced against people you know."
• "I've been excluding people without even knowing it. I'm so glad that all of that opened up for me."
• "Several same-sex couples are some of the best parents we know."