Final Lessons on Living Fully Affirmed (Flyer) - 1
Special to United Methodist Insight | Nov. 5, 2025
Two noted leaders of United Methodism—Bishop Kristin Stoneking, episcopal head of the Mountain Sky Area, and Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History—will keynote the annual Inclusiveness VIII webinar on November 18, 2025, sponsored by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC).
Free and open to both laity and clergy, the two-hour webinar begins at 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time) / 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Registration is available at www.umarc.org. The theme for this year’s event is “Lessons on Living Fully Affirmed: Gender, Sexuality, and the UMC.”
UMARC began hosting its educational and advocacy forums following the 2016 election of United Methodism’s first openly lesbian bishop, Bishop Karen P. Oliveto — a historic event that prompted widespread dialogue on inclusion and justice across the denomination. Now, as United Methodism’s policies and polity have evolved, the challenge shifts to implementing the rules in ways that fully embody inclusiveness.
“Inclusiveness is more than policy—it’s discipleship,” noted Rev. Dr. Donald E. Messer, UMARC Co-Chair. “We want to ensure persons are not only welcomed but fully affirmed in the life of the church.”
Reflecting on the theme “Making Inclusiveness a Reality in Local Churches,” a diverse panel of clergy will engage in dialogue convened by the Rev. Dr. Israel Alvaran, director of United Methodist Connections for the Reconciling Ministries Network. Other panel members include the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Drummon, executive pastor of Grace Outtabounds in Stillwater, Oklahoma; the Rev. Sam Beaves-Fisher, senior pastor of Park City Community Church in Park City, Utah; the Rev. Lauren Chance Boyd, associate pastor of Arvada United Methodist Church in Arvada, Colorado; and the Rev. Dr. Joelle Hennemann of Columbus, Ohio, convenor of the United Methodist Alliance for Transgender Inclusion, Columbus, Ohio.
The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC) is committed to advocacy, education, and justice within The United Methodist Church. UMARC supports inclusion of all people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and works to promote the values of equality, compassion, and faithful engagement across the denomination.