RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK

2009 ANNUAL REPORT

Reconciling Congregation Pro-

1990
gram becomes a 501(c)3 and
1987

First National Convocation

moves its national office from
First print publications held in Chicago – 30
1985

Washington D.C. to Chicago.

“Manna For the Journey” Reconciling Congregations.
First 2 congregations officially declare
1984

later to be titled “Open

themselves “Reconciling Congregations” Hands” begins.
protesting the anti-gay policies of The
United Methodist Church.
 2001
“Reconciling
Agency renamed “Reconciling Ministries Net-
2000 Ministries Clergy”
work”. “Parents Reconciling Network”, “UMs of network formed.
Published “Claiming the
1997

Color for a Fully Inclusive Church” formed. 200+

Promise: An Ecumenical Reconciling UMs arrested at General Conference
1996

“Open the Doors” General Welcoming Bible Study for acts of civil disobedience.
Conference campaign challenges Resource on Homosexuality.”
the ant-gay policies of UMC.
 “Hearts on Fire” convocation in Lake

2005
“Watermarked: A Ministry of As- Junaluska, NC protested by the Ku
2004
surance” campaign challenges the Klux Klan. RMN receives support
“Made in God’s Image” dialogue resource about UMC to honor the promises made letters from 43 UM Bishops.
2003

gender differences published. RMN and Lambda at baptism to its LGBT members.
Legal file amicus brief in Lawrence v. Texas, a U.S.
decision decriminalizing homosexuality.
 “Justice and Joy” convocation held in Estes Park, CO first

2009
convocation with an intentional international focus
and the launch of “Believe Out Loud” expanding RMN’s
presence into over 50 Annual Conferences.

“One Family Tree” campaign receives

2008
national media attention. 1,000+
participate in national launch of
“Called to Witness” a 5 year
2007
“All Means All.”
RMN files amicus briefs and protests the campaign based on the power
2006

UMC’s Judicial Council ruling 1032 which of stories to change lives, the
says that a pastor can deny church member- Church and world launched.
ship to person based on sexual orientation.
 RMN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
WITH JUSTICE AND JOY
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.

MISSION
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.
VISION
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.
 7%
2009 EXPENSES
8%
85%
Program $643,244
Administration $59,914
Fundraising $53,374
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.
“In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Reconciling Ministries Network as of
December 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.
2009 INCOME
18%
40%
37%
5%
Grants from Foundations $307,283
Donations from Individuals $276,155
Income from Sales, Interest and Convocation
Registration Fees $133,249
Donations from Churches $36,467
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.
Visit www.rmnetwork.org to view a full copy of auditor’s letter.
 RECONCILING
COMMUNITIES

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.
 OPPORTUNITES FOR LEGACY GIVING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Planting Seeds
Helen Andrew Rev. Holland Morgan to Transform
Rachel Birkhahn- Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt
Rommelfanger Rev. John Oda
Our Church
Vincent Cervantes Elizabeth Okayama and World
Rev. Daniel Diss Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto
Lawrence T. Duncan Rosario Quiñones
Rev. Duane A. Ewers Rev. Dr. Bruce Robbins
Elizabeth A. Fimbres Sally Sparks
Will J. Green Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva
Esther Villarreal Houser Monica L. Swink “For me, signing my name
Madelyn Marsh Joy T. Watts
Rev. David Meredith
Dr. Randall Miller
Ralph A. Williams to a will which contains
a charitable bequest
LEGAL COUNSEL
is a form of prayer.
Jennifer Soule
If you care about RMN’s
RMN STAFF mission as I do, please consider
Meg Carey, Business Manager joining me in doing the same.”
James Dalton, Communication/Technology Coord. Frank Staggs, RMN Donor
Rev. Carl Davis, Director of Development
Stephanie Harris, Admin & Donor Relations Associate
Rachel Harvey, Deaconess Associate Executive Director JOIN FRANK AND ALL THE OTHERS
Audrey Krumbach, M.Div., Field Organizer WHO TRANSFORM OUR CHURCH
Rev. Troy Plummer, Executive Director AND WORLD WITH A LEGACY GIFT.
Please contact Carl Davis, Director of Development
(773) 736-5526 or carl@rmnetwork.org