In 2018, Ardene Friesen asked the church to begin a process to see if the congregation would become more open and accepting, and after a two-year process of inclusion, Friesen learned she had a place at the table.
Ardian Friesen She lives in Goshen, Indiana with her dog Millie. She is a graduate of Hesston College and Goshen College and has been a licensed nurse for 41 years. She is a member of Silverwood Mennonite Church where she serves on the church board and as chair of the worship committee.
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In October 2018, IA Journey of Inclusion at Silverwood Mennonite CHarch. aAt that time, I Church Reported to the board and asked them to go through a process of discernment About becoming An open and welcoming church. I was in One Stage In my life among them I needed to know if we should sit at the same table. All Others in the Congregation. I was hoping we could at least sit at the same table., But as I learned, I needed to know if I belonged there., In the same way.
It was a way for me to come out to the church.
Everyone knew me as Ardian., But will they still love and accept me as an Aldean?, Being gay? Will this change the relationship? How will people react?
The process was horrible., Jeremy Shue, Served as one of Silverwood Pastor at that time, helped They have been with me throughout my journey and have been a great source of support for me. It is a new process for the Church., clearly, For me, In the same way, Thus, the outcome was by no means certain.
This process was carefully considered by the pastor and board members. It wasn’t an easy process, but it was Intentionally. I am grateful that the Church agreed to this., I found that it caused anxiety and stress. As part of the process, We asked each pastor about their position on this issue. We had some Round Table Discussion session, and We invited Guest Commentator discuss The various facets of LGBTQ+ inclusion. I was also able to share my own very personal story.
lastly, The statement was adopted unanimously. we recognized We are not all Agree to allbut by and larger, The congregation was supportive and caring. We regret that some members do not wish to associate with us., But we got a lot more member, People willing to walk together Join us.
The final decision and statement was completed in January 2020., And soon after, COVID-19 has made us closed our in–Human worship. I think this process was healthy., but I I also feel that adding more processing might help. I am forever grateful to Silverwood Mennonite Church for walking with me on this journey.
I am extremely grateful to the Central District Conference leadership and the open, affirmative action they have taken. I hope MC USA continues to move forward in a positive way.
For those who are struggling, I understand the road is difficult., And I hope not. I strongly do not recommendFrom t Delay talking to a trusted adult. Approach the church with confidence, And always you bLoved cChild of God! If I were to change something I have been to do Over the past 30 years Before. I deplore the conflict the church has caused of LGBTQ+ community We look back on the past and pray for continued progress in the right direction.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the MC USA Executive Board or staff.
