First 2 congregations officially declare themselves “Reconciling Congregations” protesting the anti-gay policies of The United Methodist Church.19

84

First print publications “Manna For the Journey” later to be titled “Open Hands” begins.19

85

First National Convocation held in Chicago – 30 Reconciling Congregations.19

87Reconciling Congregation Pro-gram becomes a 501(c)3 and moves its national office from Washington D.C. to Chicago.19

90

RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T

“Open the Doors” General Conference campaign challenges the ant-gay policies of UMC.19

96

Published “Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality.” 19

97

Agency renamed “Reconciling Ministries Net-work”. “Parents Reconciling Network”, “UMs of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church” formed. 200+Reconciling UMs arrested at General Conference for acts of civil disobedience. 20

00“Reconciling Ministries Clergy” network formed.20

01

“Made in God’s Image” dialogue resource about gender differences published. RMN and Lambda Legal file amicus brief in Lawrence v. Texas, a U.S. decision decriminalizing homosexuality.20

03

“Watermarked: A Ministry of As-surance” campaign challenges the UMC to honor the promises made at baptism to its LGBT members.20

04“Hearts on Fire” convocation in Lake Junaluska, NC protested by the Ku Klux Klan. RMN receives support letters from 43 UM Bishops.20

05

RMN files amicus briefs and protests the UMC’s Judicial Council ruling 1032 which says that a pastor can deny church member-ship to person based on sexual orientation. 20

06

“Called to Witness” a 5 year campaign based on the power of stories to change lives, the Church and world launched.20

07

“One Family Tree” campaign receives national media attention. 1,000+participate in national launch of “All Means All.” 20

08

“Justice and Joy” convocation held in Estes Park, CO firstconvocation with an intentional international focus and the launch of “Believe Out Loud” expanding RMN’s presence into over 50 Annual Conferences.20

09

Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all

sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church

and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

Reconciling Ministries Network celebrates 25 years of working for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender persons into the full life of The United Methodist Church. In September of 2009 over 500 Reconciling United Methodists celebrated this landmark at the “Justice and Joy” convocation in Estes Park, Colorado.

The time-line and handful of pictures in this report give just a brief glimpse into our rich past and motivate us for a promising future where “all” really does mean ALL.

In 2009 RMN concluded our “All Means All” campaign and launched the new “Believe Out Loud” campaign, both based on the power of story to transform lives.

Today, RMN is reaching out into over 50 Annual Conferences by training, equipping and empowering United Methodists to tell their stories, thereby putting a human face on the issue of exclusion in the denomination and prophetically calling the silent supporters of LGBT rights to boldly Believe Out Loud.

Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a renewed and vibrant

Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered in the full

inclusion of all God’s children. Reconciling Ministries Network is committed to making disciples of

Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by living out the Gospel’s

teaching of justice and inclusion.

RMN CELEBRATES 25 YEARSWITH JUSTICE AND JOY

MISSION VISION

Equipped over 900 individuals in over 50 Annual Conferences with educational, theological and movement-building resources

Equipped a 24 person national board, “Circuit Rider” national outreach staff, 12 regional organizers and numerous volunteers to advance inclusion across the United States.

Provided counsel to local and regional groups, congregations and individuals as they work for the rights of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in The UMC.

Organized, hosted and facilitated biennial convocation of more than 500 Reconciling United Methodists in Estes Park, Colorado in September 2009

Resourced and organized extension ministries such as Reconciling Clergy, Parents Reconciling Network, United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church and Methodist Students for an All Inclusive Church.

Crafted denominational legislation to change the unjust policies of The UMC and worked to build coalitions within the denomination to impact the church power structures.

Work for the rights of LGBT persons with like minded organizations that work in different religious traditions for change in our faith communities and broader society.

85%

8%7%

85%

8%7%

2009

EX

PEN

SES

2009

INCO

ME

In the words of our donors…

“What is a Church if it can’t be open to EVERYONE? The Church must be a place where we can share and help each other. That’s why I donate to RMN.” Pastor Raymond Hinton

“I rejoice with each additional person and congregation whose unconditional love reaches out to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, embraces them and practices what Jesus has taught us – to love one another. That’s why I support RMN.” Carol Legenc

“RMN works on behalf of a cause supported by scriptural Christianity and demanded by a God who is both loving and just. I am a strong supporter of RMN because it is an effective steward of the donations given to it. RMN’s efficient work is making a difference in The United Methodist Church.” Bishop Jack Tuell

In 2009, 1,542 individuals shared God’s inclusive love by making an average donation of $193.79 to RMN. Each gift is valued and plays a vital role in transforming our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. To all our donors, large and small – Thank you for making RMN’s ministry possible.

Program $643,244Administration $59,914Fundraising $53,374

5%

40%

37%

40%

37%

Grants from Foundations $307,283Donations from Individuals $276,155Income from Sales, Interest and Convocation Registration Fees $133,249Donations from Churches $36,467

“In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Reconciling Ministries Network as ofDecember 31, 2009 and 2008, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” William H. Tullio, C.P.A. Visit www.rmnetwork.org to view a full copy of auditor’s letter.

18%18%

In 2009 there were over 400 Reconciling Communities across the United States in churches, Sunday school classes and campus ministries. Please visit rmnetwork.org to find the one nearest you.

RECONCILING COMMUNITIES

Jennifer Soule

Meg Carey, Business ManagerJames Dalton, Communication/Technology Coord.Rev. Carl Davis, Director of DevelopmentStephanie Harris, Admin & Donor Relations AssociateRachel Harvey, Deaconess Associate Executive DirectorAudrey Krumbach, M.Div., Field OrganizerRev. Troy Plummer, Executive Director

“For me, signing my name

to a will which contains

a charitable bequest

is a form of prayer.

If you care about RMN’s

mission as I do, please consider

joining me in doing the same.” Frank Staggs, RMN Donor

Planting Seeds to Transform

Our Churchand World

OPPORTUNITES FOR LEGACY GIVING

JOIN FRANK AND ALL THE OTHERSWHO TRANSFORM OUR CHURCH

AND WORLD WITH A LEGACY GIFT.

Please contact Carl Davis, Director of Development (773) 736-5526 or carl@rmnetwork.org

Helen AndrewRachel Birkhahn- RommelfangerVincent CervantesRev. Daniel DissLawrence T. DuncanRev. Duane A. EwersElizabeth A. FimbresWill J. GreenEsther Villarreal HouserMadelyn MarshRev. David MeredithDr. Randall Miller

Rev. Holland MorganRev. Joshua M. NoblittRev. John OdaElizabeth OkayamaRev. Dr. Karen OlivetoRosario QuiñonesRev. Dr. Bruce RobbinsSally SparksRev. Dr. Derrick SpivaMonica L. SwinkJoy T. WattsRalph A. Williams

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LEGAL COUNSEL

RMN STAFF