ABOUT B-WARM

B-WARM works to encourage dialogue and education about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, increase the number of reconciling congregations, and stand in solidarity with all who have been excluded or marginalized by the Church. Members come from United Methodist churches from across the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Some of us are members of reconciling congregations; many of us are not. We are LGBT and straight people.

B-WARM meets monthly (usually the 2nd Saturday) from 10:00 am to noon, with refreshments starting at 9:30am. There is time for fellowship, worship, and work at each meeting. Also, we are affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network.

Mission Statement

The Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists seek to affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ensure the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the ministry and life of the United Methodist Church, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Strategies

In pursuit of a fully inclusive and reconciled United Methodist Church that nurtures disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, BWARM will:

• Create and promote dialogue and education about the sacred worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons.
• Reach out to and affirm LGBT United Methodists and their friends, families and loved ones.
• Support and encourage congregations and individuals in the process of becoming reconciling.
• Act to change exclusive and discriminatory policies and practices in the Church.
• Stand in solidarity with all who have been excluded or marginalized by the Church and society.
• Work within the United Methodist Church
• Work within and support the Reconciling Ministries Network.

BWARM Steering Commitee

Past-Chair	Adam Briddell, St. Luke’s, DC
Steering Committee Chair	Kara Ker, St. John’s of Baltimore City, Baltimore
Steering Committee Vice-Chair	Jen Ihlo, Dumbarton, DC
Steering Committee Secretary	Carol Berman, St. John’s of Baltimore City, Baltimore
BWARM Treasurer	Paul Hazen, Foundry, DC
Advocacy Chair	Laura Rossbert, Capitol Hill, DC
Education Co-Chairs	Mittie Quinn, Dumbarton, DC and & Chett Pritchett, United, DC
Affirmation Chair	Ralph Williams, Foundry, DC
Communications Chair	T.C. Morrow, Foundry, DC
Convener	Deanne Callegary
At Large Seat	Ella Curry, Dumbarton, DC
At Large Seat	Rev. Drew Phoenix, St. John’s of Baltimore City, Baltimore

BWARM Choir at 2006 Annual Conference

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History

B-WARM follows in the tradition of generations and generations of Christians working for greater justice in the life of the Church. Spurred by the church trial of Beth Stroud , an article in the Washington Blade titled“Methodists Don’t Welcome Gays,” the 2004 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, and responding to God's call to work for justice, United Methodists from around the Baltimore-Washington Conference began gathering in the fall of 2004.

On Friday, May 26, 2006, the resolution to prohibit discrimination in receiving members into UM congregations passed the 222nd session of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference by a vote of 392-352! See story by Melissa Lauber in the Annual Conference's daily publication, "Conference Affirms Open Doors to Everyone" (it is the third story in the document). Read the resolution. Read Bishop Schol's response to two requests for rulings related to the resolution - scroll down to the Second and Third Rulings of Law.

In 2007, Rev. Drew Phoenix was reappointed to St. John's of Baltimore City, a growing congregation spreading the good news of "God's inclusive love for all creation." BWARM supports Rev. Drew Phoenix, a transgender minister, in his continuing ministry, the congregation which Rev. Phoenix serves, St. John’s of Baltimore City, and Bishop John Schol in his reappointment of Rev. Phoenix. On May 24, Rev. Phoenix spoke at the plenary session to the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Read Rev. Phoenix's statement. In October 2007, the Judicial Council (the highest court of the United Methodist Church) upheld Bishop John Schol's rulings of law with regard to two questions on Rev. Phoenix's appointment. Read More