A Word of Welcome to the Children of God!
The First Presbyterian Church of Pardeeville has taken a carefully considered stand of late. It’s nothing new: We have been an open and affirming congregation, willing for a long time to welcome people regardless of their gender preferences. We have only recently let the rest of the world in on it. Our message to the community is subtle, but hopefully clear. On our sign out front is a rainbow sign that simply says, “All Are Welcome”. Lots of folks may not even know what it means. But for us it means that we affirm what our denomination has affirmed. Although on this subject scripture seems to contradict itself, we stand with our Book of Order by affirming the following:
F-1.0403 Unity in Diversity “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:27–29). The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership. No member shall be denied participation or representation for any reason other than those stated in this Constitution.