Following several months of prayerful discussion and reflection, 99% of members who returned a ballot approved the motion to dissolve ECWR and transfer our assets and experience to the Gay Christian Network (GCN). Despite the bitter-sweetness of the circumstances, we can take some solace in such a strong confirmation of this direction.
We’re confident you’ll find in GCN a like-minded spiritual home – an online community of 20,000 members and a committed Christ-centered ministry. Below is a letter from Justin Lee, the Executive Director of GCN, to introduce the Gay Christian Network.
Dear ECWR members and friends:
Hello! My name is Justin Lee, and I'm the executive director of the Gay Christian Network (GCN). As ECWR winds down its official operations and folds its ministry experience into GCN, I'd like to introduce myself and welcome you to continue your involvement in the LGBT Christian community through GCN. Our organizations have tons in common, and with your participation we can continue our shared mission into the future.
If you've been involved with ECWR conferences over the last several years, you already know me as a committed Christian, a proud evangelical, and a longtime fan of Evangelicals Concerned. Like ECWR, GCN is a Christian organization, founded by evangelicals, focused first and foremost on Christ, and committed to creating safe places for LGBT Christians.
That's why I strongly believe that even as this chapter in ECWR's life comes to a close, its mission continues in GCN. The members and leadership of GCN are already benefitting from the wisdom, passion, and presence of ECWR members, and we're eager to hear from you today about how we can best work together to ensure that our shared vision for ministry lives on. Here are three ways you can help us make the transition:
1. Watch this short video message. It's a message from me about ECWR and GCN and what our future can look like. Just click this link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHW5hy0chlA
2. Take this quick survey. It's important for us to hear your honest feedback about GCN and our future together. We want to hear your concerns and criticisms as well as the things you're excited about. Here's the link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ecwr
3. Connect with GCN. You can register a free GCN account at gaychristian.net to connect with our online community and/or receive our monthly e-newsletter. You can also join ECWR and new GCN friends at the upcoming GCN conference in Phoenix, January 10-13 -- including our first-ever women's retreat! And if you ever have questions or ideas to share, you can call our office anytime at (919) 786-0000.
There are lots of ways for you to connect with GCN and be encouraged in your walk with Christ. Together we will also ensure ECWR's legacy continues to change lives for generations to come by keeping the good news of God's amazing grace at the forefront of all we do. With your active participation and support, this shared mission and ministry lives on!
Your servant in Christ,
Justin Lee
Executive Director
The Gay Christian Network