Nearly 10 years ago, I approached a conference minister in what was then Franconia Mennonite Conference about becoming a pastor. During those conversations I disclosed my queer/bisexual identity. I was met with sympathy and understanding, but I could tell my identity would be a big barrier in the ordination process.

The conference minister said, in effect, “I wish I could change things, but I can’t. I wish our conference was more inclusive, but it isn’t.”

I left that meeting frustrated: If this leader can’t do anything, who can? Who can I turn to? Is there a place for me in Mennonite Church USA?

Yes, there was a place for me: in an affirming congregation in a different conference, halfway across the country. I grew and learned there for several years, through pandemic challenges and pastoral transitions. My co-pastor and I were the first out queer clergy ­ordained in Western District Conference.

And, yet, that conversation haunts me. I am now employed by a church in Mosaic Mennonite Conference in an interim capacity. The uncertainty generated by that conversation remains, as it does for many queer and affirming clergy and laity in Mosaic. Is there a place for me, for all of me? For us?

I write today on behalf of Inclusive Mosaic Pastors to tell you: Yes . . . and no.

Inclusive Mosaic Pastors — made up of more than 30 credentialed and noncredentialed leaders throughout Mosaic Conference who are committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation in the full life of the church — wants there to be a place for you.

We know there are different opinions in the big tent that is Mosaic Conference, and we are firm in our conviction that inclusion is the way of love, peace and justice.

Queer and trans youth and adults in Mosaic: You are not alone. Allies, ­partners, parents, friends: Your loved ones are not alone. There are leaders within Mosaic steadfastly working to help the conference live into its name.

Indeed, we are striving to widen the circle, embracing everyone on the margins by showing true hospitality to LGBTQ+ people.

We are not seeking to impose our views but to practice forbearance, trusting the faithfulness and discernment of Mosaic congregations, as the conference already does in many other areas of disagreement.

Our congregations and communities did not come to inclusion quickly or casually. It took conversation, education and collective discernment. We are eager to continue and advance these practices throughout Mosaic Conference.

We want to help Mosaic Conference carry out the call and challenge of Isaiah: to defend the oppressed. The same societal forces that are attacking LGBTQ+ people are also attacking immigrants and initiatives for racial diversity and inclusion.

LGBTQ+ inclusion has often been seen as a White issue, but the reality is that our identities (racial, ethnic, sexual, gender) have historically been used to divide us.

Now, more than ever, we need to be united as siblings in Christ and, by extension, in our work for liberation. Now, more than ever, we need to be united in our work for justice. Now, more than ever, queer people, and especially queer youth, need to know that there is a place for them in the church.

Please reach out to joepaparone@proton.me for more information if: 1) you are a leader in Mosaic and want to join the work of Inclusive Mosaic Pastors; 2) your church is in discernment about inclusion (we have resources!); or 3) you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and need support.

Christina Manero is interim pastor of Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater, Vt.