Bring Everyone Along: All Are Welcome Here

by RE Kathy Martin, Union, Vice Moderator of the Presbytery of Cincinnati

“And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them..”                                                                                                                             – Romans 14:3

“All Are Welcome Here.”   A brief yet meaningful sentence.  

During a nighttime drive to Louisville last November, I passed a church with just such a message on its well-lit sign.  Peering more closely as I drove on, I was not surprised to also notice that the church denomination was PCUSA.  This simple statement illustrates our Christian belief: Despite our individual differences, we are all welcomed and valued in our church as beloved children of God.    During this time of polarizing political thought, it is vital that our churches reflect that we are all believers of God.  Therefore, despite divergent political ideology, our beliefs are more important than ever.  The message must be clear that our churches are open for worship free of concerns or fears of interference.  ”All Are Welcome Here.”