Everyone means everyone.

At St. Matthew’s, we don’t just say "all are welcome"—we mean it. We believe that every person is of sacred worth and that the diversity of human experience is a reflection of the creativity of God.

Our Commitment as a Reconciling Community

St. Matthew’s is a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. We believe that full inclusion—including the right to same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy—is not just a modern value, but a direct fulfillment of the teachings of Jesus Christ and our Wesleyan heritage of "doing no harm."

Welcoming Statement

The Reconciling Community within St. Matthew's United Methodist Church of Annandale, Virginia, seeks to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. We affirm the sacred worth of every person and will work toward their full inclusion and participation in The UMC, including marriage and all aspects of ordained and lay ministry.

Through education, honest dialogue, and affiliation with the Reconciling Ministries Network we strive to bring about a more inclusive and accepting society.

We welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of every age, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, marital and parental status, physical and mental abilities, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic condition, and spiritual journey.

We invite all to join us in our efforts to achieve greater love, understanding, mutual respect, justice, and peace.

Active Advocacy & Initiatives

Our faith is not static; we are actively working toward a more inclusive United Methodist Church through leadership, study, and partnership.

Education & Study: The "Way Forward"

We believe in honest dialogue and continuous learning. Our Way Forward Sunday School Class meets regularly to discuss theology, inclusion, and the future of the church.

  • Get Involved: To join the class or receive study materials, contact Karen Chevalier.

Regional & National Partnerships

We are not alone in this journey. St. Matthew’s is a loud voice for change within the larger UMC denomination:

Leadership

Our Reconciling Community leaders report monthly to the Church Council, ensuring that inclusion remains at the forefront of every decision we make. We pray for love and engage in peaceful resistance against exclusion.

Connect With Our Leaders

If you have questions, need a safe space to talk, or want to join our advocacy efforts, please reach out to our Reconciling Community leadership team: