A Message from our Inclusive Spirit Team

Dear Members of the First Christian Church Board,
 
              As our church continues to navigate our journey of faith for wholeness in a fragmented world, the ad hoc team for Inclusive Spirit is proposing an important step forward for our congregation. It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that we present to you the proposal for First Christian Church Wilson, NC to officially become an Open and Affirming congregation.
 
Did you already think we were Open and Affirming?  So did a few of us!
 
For many years, our church has embraced the principles of inclusivity, acceptance, and love for all. We have strived to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. However, despite our longstanding practice of inclusivity, we have yet to formalize our commitment through an official Open and Affirming declaration.
 
By becoming an Open and Affirming congregation, we have the opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the values of love, compassion, and justice that lie at the heart of our Christian faith. This declaration would serve as a public statement of our commitment to embracing and celebrating the diversity of God's creation, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective feel safe, valued, and fully included in the life and leadership of our church community.
 
Our Inclusive Spirit ad hoc team includes Theresa Mathis, Tish Scott, Robby Boyette, Stephanie Pridgen, Roy Henderson, Alysun Skinner, and Rev. Scott Schieber.
 
Formally adopting an Open and Affirming stance would not only align with our core values but also reflect the evolving social and cultural landscape in which we live.  It will also grant us the opportunity to extend our outreach efforts and engage authentically with marginalized communities both within and beyond our church walls.  We believe it is imperative that our church stands as a beacon of light, love, and affirmation, welcoming all, as God has welcomed us.
 
In practical terms, adopting an Open and Affirming designation would involve a process of education, dialogue, and discernment within our congregation. It would require us to engage in meaningful conversations about the theological, ethical, and practical dimensions of inclusion, as well as to address any concerns or questions that may arise among our members. We are currently working on several Summer Gatherings that will include listening and storytelling sessions to share with our congregation over the summer.
 
              We are confident that, with your leadership and support, First Christian Church can successfully navigate this process and emerge as a stronger, more vibrant community of faith. By officially embracing our Open and Affirming identity, we have the opportunity to live out the radical love of Christ in tangible ways, transforming hearts and minds, and building a more just and compassionate world for all.
 
Thank you for considering this proposal, and for your ongoing dedication to the mission and ministry of First Christian Church. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this important matter further and to journey together as we continue to live out God's call to love and serve one another through Jesus the Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit.
 
With gratitude your Inclusive Spirit Team,
​
Theresa Mathis
Tish Scott
Robby Boyette
Roy Henderson
Alysun Skinner
Stephanie Pridgen
Rev. Scott Schieber (ex officio)