Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, affirms More Light affiliation, ministry and witness as the only congregation in Heartland Presbytery and Kansas City to presently do so.
By offering a clear, genuine welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and their families into the life of their congregation in the midst of many other ministries of caring, peace and justice, it is our hope and prayer that other churches will be inspired by Central's example and witness.
The National Board of Directors of More Light Presbyterian joyfully and gratefully announces that on February 20, 2007 the Session of Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri, affirmed the call to affiliate, minister and witness as a More Light Church. The Session came to this decision at the same time it is looking forward to celebrating its 150th anniversary as a congregation. Central Presbyterian Church was chartered on May 27, 1857.
"We celebrate this decision and affirmation by Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City. Central is making history with its witness as a More Light Presbyterian Church in Kansas City and Heartland Presbytery. On behalf of the national network of More Light Presbyterians and More Light Churches across the country, we welcome Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City into this national community of hospitality within the Presbyterian Church (USA)," Bear Ride and Kim Smith King, Co-Moderators, National MLP Board of Directors.
“Central has long been a community of welcome where embracing God's wondrous variety comes naturally to people. Affiliating with More Light is a way for us to take our own light out from under the bushel and let it shine more brightly in the community and in the wider church,” said pastor Heidi Peterson about the Session's decision.
History, Mission & Community Outreach:
Central has a strong heritage and has been a vital part of Kansas City's history. The church has always been a place of welcome for those who are able to affirm our unity in Christ and our oneness as children of God without demanding that everyone think the same way on matters of significance. In its earliest years, the congregation weathered the Civil War without division, though there were members on both the Confederate and Union sides of the conflict. This tolerance for difference, and acceptance of one another shaped the character and ministry of Central from the beginning.
At its peak membership in the mid 1950's Central used its financial and human resources to seed thirteen other congregations in the Kansas City area, most of them in growing neighborhoods further out from the city's center. As the church neighborhood and membership have seen many changes the congregation has continued to affirm its location and mission as the church with a heart, in the heart of Kansas City.
Central's commitment to mission and outreach is basic to the congregation's identity. This is the congregation where Kansas City Meals on Wheels began. The church's food pantry opened in 1970 and the clothes closet in 1975. For nearly fifty years Central has given 25% of its operating budget to local, national and global mission work. And, for several years running Central has been Heartland Presbytery's largest per capita giver in undesignated gifts to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Twelve years ago the church adopted the following Vision Statement:
With God's help we bring together people to worship and work for Christ through prayer and praise, community action and ministries of compassion, spiritual fellowship and nurture. As Christians, we welcome into God's house all people regardless of race, gender age, sexual orientation, family status, nationality, faith background, education abilities or income.
Part of the process of living into this vision was by hosting the 2004 Welcoming Presbyterians Conference. "Many of us from around the country remember well the remarkable, generous and warm hospitality we experienced at Central Presbyterian Church during the national conference. God's love, the Gospel and love for others is real and tangible there. There are no conditions to love, care or justice at Central Presbyterian Church. This is an amazing congregation," said Michael J. Adee, National Field Organizer, More Light Presbyterians.
As the congregation where Merrill Proudfoot worshiped for the last several years of his life, we know that saints in light are smiling on this action.
To send a note of welcome and gratitude to Central Presbyterian Church:
Rev. Heidi Peterson, pastor
Central Presbyterian Church
3501 Campbell St.
Kansas City, MO 64109
To call the church with a word of welcome and congratulations: (816) 931-2515
Welcome Central Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri!
with hope and gratitude,
Michael
|
Home |
About MLP |
Welcoming Churches |
Movement Events |
MLP Resources |
MLP Media |
Donate to MLP |
