Are you are a “religious refugee”? Dove of Peace has been Spirit-led to serve as a place of welcome for what we call “religious refugees.”  Here are some examples (using fictitious names): • Molly became pregnant without a husband, and she was scolded and humiliated in her home church.  She felt her infant son was stigmatized. • Tom’s wife is Jewish and Renee’s husband is an atheist.  Albert and Sandy are a mixed-race couple.  All of them have felt awkward, and at times unwelcome, in some Christian congregations. • Sam is gay, and he was told by his pastor that he could not take communion unless he repented and became celibate or heterosexual. • Bob is divorced and remarried, and he was told that he could never be a leader in his congregation, although his financial contributions were welcome. • The Allen family was very active in a congregation that became divided and angry.  Whenever they went to church for worship or other activities, the tension and politics overwhelmed the spiritual nourishment that they were seeking. • Anne was visiting different congregations, searching for a church home, and she was told that she could not take communion until she joined that denomination. • Thea loved her congregation.  When she and her husband divorced, the congregation allied itself with her ex-husband. The people in these difficult situations were already hurting, and their community or their relgious leaders failed to provide consolation, healing, and support.  No single congregation can ever be all things to all people.  But some of those who have felt unwelcome or excluded in other congregations have found a new spiritual home at Dove of Peace.  Others have found a temporary perch here, “sanctuary,” where they can heal and find peace for a time, before moving on with their journey. We are honored that God has called us to serve those for whom He has particular concern.  We are encouraged by the open hearts of people who continue to seek God, even when religious institutions and leaders have disappointed or harmed them.  We wrote our vision statement with them in mind: “Our congregation will be a sanctuary for religious refugees, a champion for the oppressed, and a fellowship of inclusivity and authenticity, boldly proclaiming God’s Grace to the world.” We have also stated one of our eight values in this way: “DIVERSITY.  God’s Grace has touched our congregation through distinctive lives, stories, and relationships.  We share that Grace as we extend hospitality to all people, and varieties of families and households.”