I am glad Mennonite Church USA will now take concrete steps to include LGBTQ people in the creation of resources, documents and policies that affect them. This is a needed step toward greater love and justice. At the same time, I am saddened that the “Repentance and Transformation” resolution used entirely one-sided language and seemed to denigrate the denomination’s long discernment process. We always need to negotiate the contrasting convictions of members who are all seeking to be faithful to God’s will. I hope this resolution does not mark a change in the ethos of a denomination that has always sought mutual respect and reconciliation.

Ryan Ahlgrim, Richmond, Va.