The Essence of The Fellowship

The overriding purpose of The  Fellowship is to support religious leaders and laity in moving towards a theology of radical inclusivity which, by its very nature, requires an equally radical social ministry reaching to the furthest margins of society to serve all in need without prejudice or discrimination. The more specific goals of The Fellowship are to create a safe environment where all can assemble in order to

•  afford, both financially and socially, to tell the truth about ourselves and our congregations;
• become more inclusive in our theology; and
• create a network of collaborative support and practical guidance to prevent isolation and loss which typically haunt leaders and their churches as they become more radically inclusive.

The Fellowship’s overarching goal is creating, sustaining and celebrating community on the margin. At its simplest level, the Fellowship offers a place of hospitality: marginalized people experience hospitality where they have neither to defend nor to deny their place or their humanness. Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of any enemy. The intention of hospitality is not to force people to change, but to offer them space where change can take place; It is not meant to convert men and women over to any one “side,” but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines to engage in heartfelt, meaningful dialogue.

The Fellowship welcomes all persons to join us on this journey. We don’t purport to have all of the answers, but we endeavor to create an environment here we can search together in full assurance of faith in a God who’s love is great enough to hold us all.