The Inclusion Ministry Team promotes the full participation in Assembly's congregational life of gay and lesbian Christians through raising awareness and understanding of sexual orientation in all its complexity.
The Inclusion Team functions somewhat differently than the other ministry teams. It is made up of volunteers who are committed to working toward the following goals. The Inclusion Team functions with the support of the congregation, while the goals themselves have not been affirmed by the entire congregation.
Goals
To help Assembly become a place of welcome and safety for gay and lesbian people to worship and to "come out" if they wish to do so.
To find ways to continue respectful dialogue within the congregation on the subject of membership for gay and lesbian Christians in committed relationships.
To find ways to support gay and lesbian students at Goshen College.
To sponsor and/or support any efforts to raise awareness of and acceptance of gay and lesbian persons, both inside and outside the church.
Peace and Justice Ministry Team
The Peace and Justice Ministry Team brings peace and justice issues and opportunities to the attention of the congregation. Recent efforts include the Campaign for Secure Dwellings, Christian Peacemaker Team involvement in Chiapas, Hebron and Vieques, and local action challenging the death penalty.
