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In an effort to build upon faithful conversations about issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, the nine districts in the Baltimore-Washington Conference are creating dialogue teams.

The initiative stems from an action taken by members of the 2005 annual conference to require each district to establish a dialogue team. Each team is to comprise an equal number of people who support and oppose the denomination?s current position, with a mandate that they talk with and not at or merely about each other.

The United Methodist Church?s position on homosexuality is that it is 'incompatible with Christian teaching.' The denomination also officially prohibits self-avowed, practicing homosexuals from being ordained and appointed to serve as pastors.

According to the annual conference petition, these dialogues are intended to create 'open, grace-filled spaces for persons with contending viewpoints to to explore divergent understandings, and whenever possible, to experience healing and reconciliation.' The issue of homosexuality has sparked strong debate within the denomination since the mid-1970s.

During this year, the conference?s nine-member LGBT dialogue team has held regional trainings for conducting such conversations. Forty-one people attended.

How to apply to be on a team
Anyone interested in becoming a district dialogue team member can submit a resume to their district superintendent along with a sheet that provides answers to the following five questions:
? How does Scripture provide a basis for decision making?
? Should/does the Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Scripture, tradition, experience and reason inform the discussion?
? What does it mean for the church, society and individuals when we don?t condemn homosexuality?
? What does it mean for the church, society and individuals when we accept or don?t accept homosexuals?
? How will we remain the body of Christ in the midst of very different points of view?

The deadline for the submission of these responses is Dec. 31.

Once chosen, there will be a training for the selected district teams Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conference Center in Columbia.

For more information, contact the Rev. Karin Walker at