About Our 2023 World Conference Sticker Designs
In the spirit of transparency, we offer the following context and background surrounding the three sticker designs prepared ahead of 2023 World Conference. Due to nature of the very specific figures included in each sticker design, we felt it was important to share where these numbers and claims originated. Each statistic was calculated using our data set and mapping tool released in 2021.
You can view each explanation below.
You can view each explanation below.
The Affirming ChurchCommunity of Christ has a presence (at varying degrees of establishment) in 59 nations around the world. Of these 59 nations, 10 have approved and secured policy changes allowing for the participation of Queer/ 2SLGBTQIA+ (Queer) members.
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Globally UnaffirmingWhile the church has seen a great deal of progress in the area of Queer inclusion and policy change, the vast majority of Community of Christ is unaffirming. Our of the 59 nations with a Community of Christ presence, 49 are unaffirming in church policy.
This does not mean Queer/ 2SLGBTQIA+ activity is illegal there. In fact, out of the 49 unaffirming countries in Community of Christ, only 10 have laws banning various degrees of Queer activities. 
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Realities Facing Queer MembersSince the advent of national and multi-national conferences in Community of Christ, we have seen a growing disparity between the lived experience among members around the world dependent upon the nation in which they reside.
As a worldwide church, this is particularly problematic without proper jurisdictional leadership, funding, staffing, and established processes. Because of this, Queer persons who are ordained in Community of Christ face a growing degree of uncertainty surrounding ministry, travel, safety, employment, and more. If clarity is not soon offered by World Church leaders, we risk to lose more and more Queer participants who have experienced increasing levels of frustration. |
Surge of Anti-Trans Legislation
Over the last few weeks, 39 states across the United States have proposed anti-trans bills in an attempt to completely erase these beautiful members of our community in the name of “protecting children.” We know better than to believe that, and our Trans siblings deserve our undivided attention and action to ensure their lives are safe, legally protected, and embraced as members of our societies.
Harmony condemns these heinous attacks on God’s beloved children and calls on the lawmakers proposing such legislation to reverse their positions immediately. |
Representation Matters
Representation matters at all levels of church leadership. The more local congregations and mission centers move to embrace and embody inclusive and affirming community, the more Queer leaders will have opportunities to be developed and considered for future influential roles.
Sign up for Harmony's Welcoming & Affirming Program to foster an affirming environment Queer people deserve in order that they might thrive. |
Support Queer Leaders
As our faith community discerns its new prophet-president, it is critical that we especially focus on supporting the voices of marginalized leaders who have not had the opportunities to lead before. New perspectives and lived experiences are critical ingredients in a healthy organization. Support Queer leaders in your area to ensure they receive the encouragement needed to grow their spiritual life and relationship with the church in a sustainable, healthy manner.
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