General Conference 2024 was a good start. But there is still work to be done.

LGBTQ+ delegates who had breakfast with the NCJ College of Bishops on July 11 said they felt relief when this year’s General Conference rescinded the harmful language about LGBTQ+ people.

“It gave me hope,” one delegate said. “It took us 52 years to change this [restrictive language]. But it happened. Change is possible.”

Another delegate, bedecked in rainbow accessories and a T-shirt with an affirming slogan, said, “I am glad I can now wear my rainbow things without feeling like they are acts of resistance” rather than self-expression.

The harm has not gone away

“To feel that positive light, to feel welcome, to be invited to have breakfast with the bishops” were all sources of joy for another guest

Along with the celebratory words were reminders that the work of fully including—and welcoming—people who identify as LGBTQ+ was only beginning.

“Just because we have changed the rules does not mean the harm has gone away,” one delegate noted.

“I too have been harmed, as a child of a same-sex couple,” a young adult said.

“We of the LGBTQ+ clergy are still trying to find our place,” another said.

The church has much work to do in apologizing for both the overt dehumanization of LGBTQ+ people as well as the complicit silence. Next steps can include developing practices that demonstrate welcome and inclusion.

And listening, one of the bishops added. “May we work on ways to repair our relationships with our harmed LGBTQ+ members. May we listen to their stories with love and humility.”

Overall, many of the breakfast guests felt positive.

“We have a long way to go, but I look forward to what is ahead for the church,” a delegate said.

“I am hope-full,” another said. “We can lead to those places that are familiar. Or we can go together to a place we’ve never been—and God will already be there.”

“What God has done, let it be ratified in heaven,” a bishop prayed as she sent the group out to continue their ministries.