Supporting Gender Inclusivity, Equal Protection, and the Sacred Worth of Transgender and Non-Binary People

Whereas Scripture affirms that God said “Let us make humankind in our image,” (Genesis 1:26) and that “in the image of God he created them” (Genesis 1:27) which claims the inherent dignity of every person, and

Whereas Jesus proclaims in John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” which reveals God’s desire for every person to flourish without fear, exclusion or harm, and

Whereas the United Methodist Social Principles state “all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities)

Whereas the Social Principles further affirm “We see clear issues of equality and justice in protecting the rightful claims of those with shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities and liabilities, and equal protection before the law.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities)

Whereas the Social Principles also recognize that “gender minorities are disproportionately impacted by social stigmas, discrimination, coercion and violence, we call on churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to do all in their power to combat such unjust treatment and to promote equal rights and protections for all.” (Social Principles, The Political Community, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities)

Whereas the United Methodist Church has approved an amendment to Paragraph 4, Article 4 of the Constitution to add the categories gender and ability so that the constitution now reads “all persons without regard to race, gender, ability, color, national origin, status or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith become professing members in any local church in the connection.” (United Methodist Constitution, Paragraph 4, Article 4)

Whereas the United Methodist Baptismal Vows call on us to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” (Book of Worship, The Baptismal Covenant 1)

Therefore, be it resolved that the Rio Texas Annual Conference, its churches, program areas, ministries, and camps adopt non-discrimination policies that include gender identity and gender expression, and

Therefore, be it resolved that the Rio Texas Annual Conference support civil rights protections for transgender people in employment, housing, education, healthcare, and public accommodations, and

Therefore, be it resolved that gender identity is not a barrier to candidacy, ordination, or appointment for clergy or to employment for lay people within the Rio Texas Annual Conference and its churches.

PROCESS NOTES:

1. Resolution submitted by the RTC Transforming Communities Vision Team to the RTC UNITING TABLE consideration April 11, 2026. Resolution affirmed.

2. Resolution affirmed by the RTC Transforming Communities Vision Team – February 28, 2026.

3. Resolution Author – Reconciling Ministries Network brought forth by Rev. Nancy Mossman and submitted to the RTC Transforming Communities Vision Team for consideration.