An Important Annoucment
At a meeting on Wednesday, July 14th, 2021, we made the difficult decision to end the operations of Open Doors Metropolitan Community Church.
Even with the fact that we were operating only online and with occasional services, it became clear to us that the foundation of support (financial and person-power) was simply not sufficient to continue functioning as a congregation. In addition, we realize that some people who might have been interested in connecting with us might have found 'yet another Zoom meeting' just a little too much, with Zoom and other online meeting platforms the main way (if not the only way) that people have been able to conduct work and social gatherings. Thus, we made the decision to end our operations.
As sad as we are about having to make this decision, we do so mixed with a great sense of pride. For almost 10 years, ODMCC has been out, and proud to be out, as the first (and as far as we know, the only) English-medium faith community in the Republic of Korea which was fully affirming of all sexual and gender orientations and expressions. We have helped people to accept both their sexualities and their faith. We have participated in public events and demonstrations to advocate for the full human rights of sexual and gender minority persons, and to have those rights enshrined in law. We have participated in Queer Festivals throughout the country. We have participated in a field education experience for a theology student from Germany. We are especially proud to have conducted relationship blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples - again, as far we know, the first faith community to do so here in South Korea! There are many momentous events that we have been a part of here in South Korea, and we are grateful to God that we have had the chance to be part of all of them.
And please be assured, there will be an ongoing English-medium faith presence for sexual and gender minority persons and communities here in Korea. The private Facebook group Queer Faith Korea will continue to hold meetings and study sessions as there is interest. The group is active and supportive, and is willing to give spiritual and emotional support to anyone who is struggling with reconciling their faith with their sexuality. The group will be only to happy to receive your genuine inquiries.
In closing, we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have shared this journey with us over the past decade. It is our prayer that the work we have done here will continue, albeit in a new manifestation, so that the cause of God's Reign of Justice may be brought that much closer to reality for all sexual and gender minority persons here in the Republic of Korea.
'May the Creative God be with you on the smooth paths;
may the Companion Jesus be with you in the storms;
and may the Awakening Spirit be with you at all times'. (from the resources of the Rev Rex Hunt)
Even with the fact that we were operating only online and with occasional services, it became clear to us that the foundation of support (financial and person-power) was simply not sufficient to continue functioning as a congregation. In addition, we realize that some people who might have been interested in connecting with us might have found 'yet another Zoom meeting' just a little too much, with Zoom and other online meeting platforms the main way (if not the only way) that people have been able to conduct work and social gatherings. Thus, we made the decision to end our operations.
As sad as we are about having to make this decision, we do so mixed with a great sense of pride. For almost 10 years, ODMCC has been out, and proud to be out, as the first (and as far as we know, the only) English-medium faith community in the Republic of Korea which was fully affirming of all sexual and gender orientations and expressions. We have helped people to accept both their sexualities and their faith. We have participated in public events and demonstrations to advocate for the full human rights of sexual and gender minority persons, and to have those rights enshrined in law. We have participated in Queer Festivals throughout the country. We have participated in a field education experience for a theology student from Germany. We are especially proud to have conducted relationship blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples - again, as far we know, the first faith community to do so here in South Korea! There are many momentous events that we have been a part of here in South Korea, and we are grateful to God that we have had the chance to be part of all of them.
And please be assured, there will be an ongoing English-medium faith presence for sexual and gender minority persons and communities here in Korea. The private Facebook group Queer Faith Korea will continue to hold meetings and study sessions as there is interest. The group is active and supportive, and is willing to give spiritual and emotional support to anyone who is struggling with reconciling their faith with their sexuality. The group will be only to happy to receive your genuine inquiries.
In closing, we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have shared this journey with us over the past decade. It is our prayer that the work we have done here will continue, albeit in a new manifestation, so that the cause of God's Reign of Justice may be brought that much closer to reality for all sexual and gender minority persons here in the Republic of Korea.
'May the Creative God be with you on the smooth paths;
may the Companion Jesus be with you in the storms;
and may the Awakening Spirit be with you at all times'. (from the resources of the Rev Rex Hunt)
