October 22, 2014 at 2:58 p.m.
Rhinelander congregational church declares itself 'open and affirming'
Rhinelander congregational church declares itself 'open and affirming'
Among other things, this means the church will be open to performing same-sex weddings.
The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rhinelander passed the measure with about 90 percent approval, opening the door for people who may not have felt welcome in other churches, including homosexuals.
Pastor Chris Hucker said although the vote took place only recently, the process began years ago.
"About two years ago, our congregation voted to be part of the United Church of Christ's program called 'God is still speaking,'" Hucker said. "That involved changing logos with commas like you'll see outside, and one of the phrases that goes with this branding as the United Church of Christ was 'whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.'"
While that's an admirable sentiment and a common Christian value, Hucker said his church is determined to apply that moral in everyday life.
"Many churches say you're welcome here, and because of the United Church of Christ's stance on social justice, it actually means it," he said. "When we say whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, it means it doesn't matter what stage in life you're at, it doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, it doesn't matter if you're black or white, it doesn't matter if you're gay, lesbian, transsexual, questioning, or any of the extremes that hit the press and media."
From there, the congregation had to decide whether to take the next step.
"The certification on that is a full church vote on being open and affirming," Hucker said. "We had the vote the other week, and we had about 90 percent vote in favor of that. It was taken by secret ballot, and at least two-thirds of the voters had to affirm it in order to pass. It made us the only United Church of Christ in the Northwoods that is open and affirming. The closest one is in Stevens Point. We are trailblazing in the Northwoods."
The specific language the congregation voted to approve casts a much larger net than simply welcoming same-sex couples into the church though.
"As members of First Congregational United Church of Christ Rhinelander, we believe that while we are many, we are one body in Christ," reads the proclamation. "We are called to love one another, to do justice, to bring release to the oppressed, and walk humbly with our God. Recognizing insensitivities and prejudice that segments of our society experience, we want it known that we extend welcome to individuals of every race, gender, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national religious background. We are inclusive in our invitation to participate in the ministry of the community of faith, including membership, leadership and employment. All are invited to participate in the full life of the church, including but not limited to the sacraments of baptism and communion, rights of confirmation and ceremonies of marriage and covenant as allowed by the state of Wisconsin."
The proclamation explicitly states that same-sex couples are invited to participate in the sacraments of the church, but Hucker said that doesn't mean his church is suddenly going to be booked with weddings. He'll hold couples seeking same-sex marriages to the same standards he holds all coupless to, he said.
"The question in the meeting from one of our attorneys within the congregation was 'If we vote for this, does that mean we're going to have gay marriages all over the place?'" Hucker said. "I told him no. I'm going to use the same format that I use for heterosexual marriages. People can't just walk in here and get married. I will interview them and normally I would have expected them to be members of the congregation or at least related, like daughters or grandchildren, so we know the history of the family."
That means Hucker's church won't necessarily be a destination location for same-sex couples around the Northwoods to exchange vows.
"I do not take kindly to people using us because we have a pretty church or a great organ," he said. "I told the congregation that I would do the same for a same-sex wedding that we can now have in Wisconsin. I've never done one and I've never been asked to, but I would follow the same format that I currently use. We expect them to be members of the church or related to members of the church so we know them and I can report to the various boards of the church that this wedding is going to take place (and) they're doing courses with me. At the end of it, if I'm satisfied, I will be happy to curate the day for the wedding."
While the label of open and affirming is certainly one the congregation wears proudly, Hucker said he doesn't want it to define them. There's much more to the church than that.
"Something people get wrong is that just because we've announced we are open and affirming, doesn't make us the gay church," he said. "What we find is, yes, some gays looking for a home have been rejected by all churches. They come here and they realize we welcome them, we don't care who they are, and they love it. But there are people who have either got relatives or friends who they have seen hurt by churches. When they find a church that actually welcomes these people, they think this is a church for them, not because we're a gay church but because they appreciate the ethos."
The announcement has created a buzz around the community though, and Hucker said he's already started seeing more interest.
"We have gotten many emails and texts from people we know congratulating us," he said. "We've had one or two conversations on the telephone with people inquiring because of where they were, wondering if this is a place where they could find a home. We've had at least two people in the last couple of weeks who have now attended church because of who we are."
For more information about the First Congregational United Church of Christ, visit rhinelanderucc.org.
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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