1. Why do you hope that we become an Affirming Congregation?

2. What are you questions or concerns about the Affirming process?

Answers from participants:

1. I hope to be Affirming because for too long God’s diversity of voices has been limited by prejudices. I am excited to learn from all God’s creation.

2. (Blank.)

1. I think it will make a positive and caring public statement about our belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion. I believe it will help more people feel welcome and will help us work out how to do our part in the process. 

2. I am concerned that the process has been underway for quite a while and some of us have not followed what has been happening in the way of discussion sessions on the opportunity to ask questions.

1. -Because that is what we are called to do. 

-We are not, all of us, as affirming as we would like to think, so we still have much to talk about.

2. The sessions were a great start but most were too short. We got introduced to some thoughts but need more depth – probably full ½ day on Saturday mornings.

1. Because it seems like the right and decent thing to do. 

2. I think the fact is we are already there. We try to make everyone welcome who comes through our doors. To the best of my knowledge, on one has ever turned away.

1. If you follow the thought of Christ, we should already be an affirming congregation.

2. Questions about how we ascertain this? 

1. Inclusion – 1. LGBTQ, 2. Race Issues, 3. Mental and Economic issues, 5. Political (creed.)(Profiles.) - *“All Are Welcome.”

2. Definition (inclusion.) 

1. All people should be valued equally!

2. Is there a reason we would not accept someone. (e.g. white supremacist)

1. It seems like we are all accepting now. Judge not let ye yourselves be judged! No one at Windermere has ever been turned away as far as I know. 

2. (Blank.)

1. I believe we have always been an affirming congregation in accepting and supporting all people whatever their nature. We hope this continues. 

2. That it be a simple, natural accepting process.

1. It’s a journey with an ever-shifting destination. We are an affirming congregation, and we continue to evolve toward becoming a more affirming congregation. 

2. (Blank.)

1. WE ARE OPEN! NONE! NONE! DON’T HOPE TOTALLY AGAINST! 

2. I do not agree with becoming an Affirming. We are open!!! Church!

1. How do we demonstrate that we are an affirming congregation? Open to change. Open to accepting all. Being willing to change buildings, traditions, ideas, bathrooms, entries, ramps etc.

2. Finances and knowing + understanding where our weaknesses + unknowns are. 

1. I am less concerned about the “designation” but really like the learning process. I feel our church is already “affirming” so this process cements it for me. 

2. None- Just vote now!

1. More inclusive, open to diversity – comfort levels.

2. Have not had conversations about our mental health. Conversations need to be more than I (?)

1. I hope we become an affirming congregation. As a way of publicly committing to our intention to be inclusive, and holding ourselves accountable. To this important aspect of our shared faith.

2. (Blank.)

1. To change (a)ffirming to (A)ffirming i.e. formalize practice.

2. Why is this taking so long? Of course everyone should agree.

1. Yes God’s Sprit is inclusive. 

2. How do we recognize the needs and context of all those we want to include.   

1. It will make our commitments more public, raise greater awareness about who we feel called to be, and accountable for those expressed commitments. There’s then a way to track improvement (or no improvement.) 

2. (Blank.)

1. Becoming affirming is a public witness or statement for ourselves to the complexities of being accepting in an authentic way to all understanding that we all have feelings that are homophobic, racist, sexist etc. towards those different from ourselves.

2. (Blank.)