Upper Room Emmaus Ministries Inclusiveness Statement

From its beginning, The Upper Room has been interdenominational in its publications and programs. Our intent is to include many Christian perspectives. In all our ministries, we seek to build on what draws us together in Christian belief. We believe that God wills good for each of us and calls each of us to live a life of love, forgiveness, and service to others, according to the example of Christ.

The ministries of The Upper Room welcome the witness of believers from diverse perspectives, for we feel that each of us has something to share with others about our experience of the grace of God. We believe that diversity is one of our riches within the family of God, and we seek to reflect that diversity in our ministries. We are a diverse group, and we feel this is an asset in producing spiritual formation resources for an interdenominational audience. This diversity means that individually we hold varied perspectives on matters of theology. However, as an organization, our basic stance is Wesleyan, meaning that we believe in God’s active grace at work in all of us, bringing us to belief in Christ and then to maturity in the expression of our faith through personal holiness and works of mercy and compassion. We believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in all believers as the agent of our becoming individually conformed to the image of Christ. All ministries of The Upper Room are meant to help persons grow in their discipleship so that they may follow Christ more faithfully.

Since its founding as a part of The Upper Room, Emmaus Ministries has promoted tangible opportunities to experience God’s grace in Christian community. We have long asked participants in these ministries to create an environment of radical hospitality modeled on God’s unconditional love made manifest in Jesus Christ. Because of this we do not discriminate on any other measure beyond a desire to grow in love of God and neighbor.

We welcome all people in the Emmaus family of ministries.

Regarding Community Leaders:
Emmaus Ministries rely on Community leaders to foster a spirit of inclusivity that empowers all to fulfill the covenant agreement. We ask community leaders, as well as candidates for any Community positions, to give prayerful consideration to how they might promote the worth of all persons, thereby encouraging acceptance and unity in the body of Christ. This work model the Fourth Day vision of leaders who embody Christ.

Regarding Team Members:
The selection of team members plays a large role in the success of Emmaus Ministries. Because contexts vary across the world, we trust the leadership of local Communities to make all final decisions regarding the make-up of any given ministry event. The primary criteria for selection are the gifts and graces for completing the assigned tasks. Consideration is also given to the ability of each prospective member to create a grace-filled environment for all involved in Emmaus Ministries. Team members commit to 1) representing Jesus Christ, 2) affirming what draws us together in Christian belief, 3) desiring to live in peace with all, and 4) adhering to the principles and practices of Emmaus Ministries.

Regarding Participants:
A key goal of the Emmaus family of ministries is for each participant to turn attention away from him- or herself and toward God. Our ministries are designed to facilitate an experience of radical hospitality modeled on God’s unconditional love made manifest in Jesus Christ so that participants may live out this example in the world. As stated in the Emmaus Ministries guidelines, sponsorship of those who demonstrate the character of Christ and a willingness to grow in grace and love is an essential component of the ministry.
Local communities may reserve the right to dismiss any leader, team member, or participant who unrepentantly disrupts programming or participants.