March 10: O&A Process Expectations & Priorities

March 10th Update:
We began our time together by lighting a red candle to invite Christ into the space and the Holy Spirit to guide us, and read the corresponding section of the Rainbow Christ Prayer: "Red is for life, the root of spirit. Living and Self-Loving Christ, you are our Root. Free us from shame and grant us the grace of healthy pride so we can follow our own inner light. With the red stripe in the rainbow, we give thanks that God created us just the way we are."

We engaged two primary discussions about the Open and Affirming Process: 1) Expectations for how we will engage one another, and 2) Priorities (i.e.: What do we want and need within the process). We agreed to amend these lists as needed as part of our commitment to a co-creative process.

Expectations for Engaging One Another in the Open & Affirming Process:
We will review this list at the start of each session and amend as needed.

• Be open and transparent
• Be honest and respectful
• Co-create brave space. Don't repeat or share other's personal stories that are shared in this space.
• Have grace for one another
• Don't wound one another when we disagree
• Ask for forgiveness and offer forgiveness
• Have awareness that our diverse family, cultural, and church/faith, backgrounds inform our understandings and biases
• Speak for your self and not others. Use "I" statements.
• Listen to other's stories and leave out judgement
• Be comfortable with our discomfort
• This is an important process, and we will try our best to be present, and when we have to miss a gathering we will let others know when we can't make it and ask someone to catch us up after the gathering. Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher will send out emails and post updates on the process to the ECC website (not including personal stories).

Co-Created Priorities of the Open & Affirming Process
These priorities will guide our six-week process. We understand that we will not get through everything in its entirety during this time, but hope to learn enough about LGBTQ+ inclusivity and ourselves to vote by Easter. During this process we expect to identify areas where we could benefit from additional learning, sharing, and exploration beyond this six-week process. In response, we will create opportunities to continue our ongoing learning and formation beyond this initial process.

• Personal storytelling: identities, family, faith/church, cultural formation as it relates to LGBTQ+ and inclusivity of diverse identities
• Learn about LGBTQ+ language and definitions
• Learn from LGBTQ+ individuals within and outside of ECC
• Learn about the current scientific understanding of human sexuality and gender identity
• Learn about intersectionality of identities as it relates to systemic oppression and privilege from a justice perspective
• Biblical Interpretation, including methodology (types of interpretation), "clobber passages" (those scripture passages used to exclude and oppress LGBTQ+), Gospel truth (identifying the primary message Jesus Christ brings to our faith)
• Graceful Engagement: Identifying how we engage publicly within this process, congregation, and wider community currently and in the future
• Preparation for the impact of becoming an Open and Affirming designated congregation, including discussing the possible positives and negatives, within the congregation and wider community, public life and relationships.