“Love one another, just as I have loved you.”
— John 13:34
Read our statement on why our Christian theology supports full LGBTQ+ inclusion here.
Reconciling Ministry
Wesley Memorial is a reconciling congregation. We are a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network whose mission is to equip and mobilize United Methodists to resist evil, injustice, and oppression as we seek justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Our Commitment to You
Despite the United Methodist Church’s current Discipline prohibiting same sex marriage, lay members of Wesley Memorial UMC will perform LGBT weddings. For questions, or to express interest in being married, contact Pastor Matt Seaton.
As of March 19, 2019, Wesley Memorial also adopted this policy:
In order to aid LGBT candidates for ministry that may face discrimination in the church where their membership resides, Wesley MUMC will accept transfer of membership in order to support qualified and authentically-called candidates for ministry in the Virginia Conference, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Reconciling Status
At Wesley, we believe that God welcomes LGBTQ+ people, God celebrates LGBTQ+ love, and God calls LGBTQ+ Christians into leadership in the church and into ordained ministry! Through baptism God calls each member of the body of Christ into ministry, whether it be ordained or not, and we reject those that would try to deny the call of God based on a person’s sexuality or gender identity. The kingdom of God in all of its beautiful diversity is only complete when LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones are fully-included in the life of the church.
For the last few years, Wesley has featured classes on Queer Theology, which as a discipline is not limited to discussions about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Queer theology calls on Christians to develop a praxis that is built on Solidarity, Abundance, and Liberation. QT posits that homophobia is wrapped up with systematic injustice of all kinds, and that our freedom depends on each other.
For more information, watch this interview with Dr. Linn Tonstad on Queer Theology.
Safe Space
Our church is a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ community. We are sensitive to and supportive of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, and questioning people. Many of our staff are members of the LGBTQ community and all of our staff and church leaders have completed Safe Space Training through SafeCville and the LGBTQ Center at UVA.
As a reconciling congregation, we know how to practice effective allyship.
We stand with those around us to protect and fight for the dignity of every person, who is created in the image of God.
Pride
Charlottesville Pride Community Network exists to create a vibrant, visible, and inclusive LGBTQ community presence in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and the surrounding region promoting equality through events, education, outreach, and advocacy.
Wesley Memorial is proud to participate in the Charlottesville Pride Festival each year.
