On a gusty Kansas evening, the Spirit-driven message of Faithful & Welcoming Churches blew into Little River on Wednesday, March 15, 2006.

53 people, made up of pastors and laity from approximately 7 churches in the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, gathered to hear Rev. Brandon Woosley of St. Paul's Evangelical UCC in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Among those in attendance were Rev. David Hansen, K-O Conference Minister, and Joe Rodriguez, religion reporter for the Wichtia Eagle.

In his presentation, Rev. Woosley outlined reasons why the UCC has reached a point of crisis and how disappointed local churches have typically responded--following a path of disagreement, backing away, and eventual withdrawl.

Faithful and Welcoming Churches encourages dissatisfied churches to remain in the UCC and work for change through prayer, presence, persistance, and persuasion.

Speaking directly to the Equal Marriage Rights resolution passed by General Synod 25, Woosley said it is, "representative of the marginal issues that have been put at the center of our denomination's identity. Faithful & Welcoming Churches questions whether this is really an essential for our faith or our mutual life together in the United Church of Christ."

The tone of the meeting was civil and respectful. In keeping with who we are in the United Church of Christ, not everyone in the room was necessarily supportive of FWC. But Pastor Ted Weis, host of the meeting, was pleased that, "so many came to hear the start of a conversation that many feel is needed in the UCC."

Several supporters from the floor wondered if FWC could work fast enough to make a difference. But one person who has considered leaving the denomination said, "You've really given me something entirely new to think about."