Welcome to Moving Ahead

We are a grassroots group of more than 100 passionate, energized, gifted, and involved Christians connected to Topeka First United Methodist Church and working for justice and inclusion. All are welcome. 

Past Activities and Presentations

        • "Scripture, Science, and Sexuality"

          Presented by Dr. Barbara Lukert and Rev. Lee Johnson in September 2019, in Klasse Chapel with over 90 persons present. Their two PowerPoints, "Scripture, Science, and Sexuality," and "The Science of Sexuality," can be downloaded from the Downloads section below. Note: Microsoft Power Point is required.

        • "Understanding the Needs of LGBTQ Youth"

          Presentation by Dr. Peg McCarthy, PhD psychologist who counsels LGBTQ youth.
          Please click here to view the presentation.

Our Team

        • Co-Chairs:  Nancy Lewis and Grace Morrison, MD.  
        • ​Steering Committee:   Erin Corbin; Randall Hodgkinson; Nancy Lewis; Laura Lutz; Grace Morrison, MD; Mike Morrison, MD; Will Naeger; Dennis Tietze, MD; and Rev. Sandy Vogel

Position Statement

Approved August 18, 2019

Moving Ahead is a group of people connected to Topeka First United Methodist Church who recognize the pain and uncertainty caused by the Traditional Plan passed by the 2019 Special General Conference.  We believe that the traditional plan, as well as the discriminatory language, restrictions, and penalties in the Book of Discipline regarding LGBTQ+ persons,  are harmful, hurtful, and wrong, and are contrary to Christ’s commandment to love one another.  We believe that we are all created in the image of God and that Jesus taught us to love and be in ministry with all equally, including LGBTQ+ persons, their families, and friends.  We welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Reconciling Ministries Network
Foundational Statement

Approved February 28, 2021

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all.  We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital and social status, and so much more.  We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities.  As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

How Do I Join?

Membership is open to anyone who understands our Position Statement, and who wishes to gain more understanding and information about the issue before the worldwide United Methodist Church. The goal of Moving Ahead is to welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Please email Grace Morrison, MD or Nancy Lewis to be added to the email group.

Accomplishments

Moving Ahead

        • is a Reconciling Community with Reconciling Ministries Network as of September 2019. Click here for the Reconciling Ministries Network website.
        • sponsored and participated in the Topeka Pride event in September 2019.
        • submitted 14 petitions for changes to the Book of Discipline to be considered at the General Conference in May 2020.

 

Downloads