Who is RMN and how are they tied to the UMC? What do they do, and how are donations/dues used?

• Mission: Reconciling Ministries Network is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.
• Theological Statement:  Reconciling Ministries Network, as part of a growing justice movement in The United Methodist Church and beyond, humbly stands on the shoulders of saints who have labored for the liberation and healing of all oppressed people. In the midst of continuing challenges that seek to separate LGBTQ+ persons and their loved ones from full communion with the Body of Christ, RMN draws from the Wesleyan understanding of God’s grace that embraces all of creation and seeks its restoration and perfection in love. In this spirit, we offer this theological statement as a guide and inspiration to fulfill our prophetic call.

When you give to RMN, you’re supporting:

• Reconciling communities in every corner of the connection
• LGBTQ+ people finding a church that sees them as beloved
• Leaders and congregations doing the hard work of repair
• Resourcing churches to become more fully affirming
• A movement that won’t stop until every church is a church for every child of God
  • Here is a sheet on who they are, what they do and giving information:  RMN Info Sheet [March 2026] – Google Docs

How will this benefit Skyland? How does this strengthen our church and our mission as a whole? 

• To live out our Wesleyan heritage of evangelism
• To fulfill our baptismal covenant, accepting the freedom and power God gives “to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves”
• To live as followers of Christ, who modeled and called us to love and serve, most especially those pushed to the margins 
• To extend God’s fully inclusive love and unconditional welcome – inviting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people into affirming spaces in which they can worship, serve, and find faith community
• To affirm and model LGBTQ+ justice and affirmation
• So our current neighbors, new residents, and out of town guests can find us

What’s AAW’s vision if we become a member of the RMN? Would we be required or expected to adopt RMN recommendations around signage, website presence, and public announcements, affirming statements on materials / web presence— it would help to have a complete plan so the congregation isn’t asked to vote before understanding what comes next.  How has this been done a places like Central UMC?  

• There are no stated requirements once we become a member. The only change AAW is recommending is that we add the RMN logo to our website so that those who are searching for a church community knows we are a member and what they means.
• There are only 4 other Reconciling Ministry Congregations in the Asheville area: Haywood Street, Asbury, Wellspring and Biltmore. Central has a group, like Skyland, that is reconciling. 

What are we actually committing to? Beyond LGBTQIA+ inclusion, is there anything else expected of us? Are there expectations for donations, trainings, etc… If trainings are required, do we get to pick the content provided.  

• Here are some offered training resources:
   Growing in LGBTQ+ Affirmation & Justice – Reconciling Ministries Network

If RMN’s positions evolve down the road, could we reconsider our affiliation?  Does this network tie us to any other networks or affiliations we may need to consider.

• None that we are aware of.

Could we share the informational session materials with those who’ve missed them, and get a sense of how many folks have attended so far?

• AAW handed out the attached information at the one service on 7/26/26 and copies are in the Colonnade
• AAW had two showings of the movie  1946 | The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture
• AAW held a breakfast and learn session on 7/19/26 to review and discuss the Social Principle: Social Community

• AAW is filming congregants to get their perspective on becoming a Reconciling Ministry Congregation

• AAW will host another LGBTQ 101 session TBD

How are we planning to walk alongside congregants who feel unsure or hesitant about this?

• This is definitely a journey for all and AAW are trying to share as much information about it to as many congregants as possible.

Do we have to vote to become part of RMN? 

• Following a recommended discernment process, Reconciling Ministries are required to affirm this statement with a vote demonstrating at least 75% support. Before that would occur, our plan is to send out a Straw Poll to better understand our progress.