St. Mark United Methodist Church, Montclair, N.J.
Greater New Jersey Conference
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Montclair, N.J., made history on Saturday, October 19, 2024. It became the first historically Black church in the Greater New Jersey Conference to vote to become a Reconciling Congregation— a church that intentionally includes and affirms LGBTQ+ people in the life and leadership of the congregation.
The journey toward this historic vote began under the leadership of the Rev. Lesley Houseworth Fields, who cast a vision for how St. Mark’s might become a more inclusive church for all of God’s children. The vision stalled during COVID, but under the leadership of Rev. Kay Dubuisson and Jennifer Nelson, Chair of the Leadership Board, St. Mark’s began to take strides toward the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons.
Pride in the Pews was a key partner in the process. Pride in the Pews’ mission is to “mobilize Black-serving anchor institutions to advocate for the holistic health and wellness of Black LGBTQ+ communities.” Lay leader Jennifer Nelson applied to be part of the Black Church Equality Fellowship, a leadership development program that helps Black faith leaders advance their advocacy skills and develop congregational initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.
St. Mark’s members participate in Montclair’s PRIDE event in June 2024.
On behalf of St. Mark’s, she traveled to Chicago in March for an intensive cohort. Using the tools she gained at the retreat, Ms. Nelson helped St. Mark’s plan their route. They began in June by participating in Montclair’s PRIDE event. In September, they hosted a four-week-long Bible study led by the Rev. Dr. Eric Thomas, Assistant Professor of Bible at General Theological Seminary. He led the church in considering not only their statement of welcome but also their vision and mission.
By October, the congregation felt ready to vote. On October 19, 2024, they voted to become a Reconciling Congregation, and the vote passed by 96%.
Rev. Dubuisson and Ms. Nelson were thrilled with the progress. “You know when you know that God is doing something. I just felt that this is where God is taking us. I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge, the joy, the happiness, and the pushback,” proclaimed Rev. Kay Dubuisson.
Rev. Dubuisson is clear-eyed about the work ahead. “Some haven’t joined us yet on this journey, uncertain about what it truly means to be a reconciling church—a church for everyone. Our goal is to invite them into a spirit of unity. We have extended God’s table to welcome everyone, widening the circle to embrace everyone.”
Since the historic vote, the church has continued to work on widening the circle to embrace all. St. Mark’s proudly displays a rainbow banner that says, “Love thy neighbor (no exceptions),” on their Facebook page and website. Rev. Dubuisson recognizes that some members are not yet ready to display a visible symbol outside the church. The church is growing together toward that next step, in faith and trust that they will arrive there in God’s good timing.
In the meantime, there is much to celebrate. St. Mark’s is planning a celebratory concert, “All Are Welcome: A Celebration of Love and Inclusion,” on June 22, featuring Mark Miller of Drew University, as the next right step in their journey toward love and full inclusion.
The progress this congregation has made is a testimony to the powerful love of Jesus Christ that is—even now—breaking down the walls that divide us. St. Mark’s in Montclair is choosing to draw a wider circle. As we navigate these days, when fear and uncertainty seem to lurk around every corner, may we also choose to widen our circles so that we, too, might love all our neighbors without exception.