Who Are the Heartland Clergy for Inclusion (HCI)?
We are Christian clergy from the Heartland states who are…
- grounded in the witness of Scripture
- convinced of God’s unconditional love for all people
- advocating justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons
On June 15, 2011, on the Nebraska side of the Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge linking Nebraska and Iowa, The Heartland Proclamation was officially released. The Heartland Proclamation is a public apology to LGBT persons for times clergy have been silent when we should have spoken a word of grace and good news. It is also an affirmation that “the essence of Christian life is not focused on sexual orientation, but how one lives by grace in relationship with God, with compassion toward humanity.” The Proclamation calls for an end to all religious and civil discrimination based on sexual orientation and celebrates the prophetic witness of those who have met hatred with love.
These Nebraska clergy unveiled the Proclamation and invited clergy from Iowa, and all Heartland states, to join them in lifting a voice together by signing the Proclamation in the coming weeks and months. Please add your name to the list of clergy who support the Heartland Proclamation.
From KETV Omaha.
Elnes said in ministering to gay, lesbian and transgendered people, he’s learned that he must first convince them that God doesn’t hate them before he can share the message that God loves them. “It’s very clear and very simple. We want to be open to all people,” said Elnes. See more here…