CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team
The CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team is a committed group of individuals that meet monthly via a conference call with Mark Johnston, Executive Director of Disciples Alliance Q. The informal meetings are used to discuss how CCIW congregations can network with each other, learn from our common experiences, and share the love of Christ with all. A recent activity for the team included presenting a program titled “My Congregation Isn’t Ready to Become Open and Affirming…and other Myths About the Journey to Open & Affirming” at the CCIW Regional Conference in October 2018.
The CCIW Disciples Alliance Q team is committed to sharing the message of the importance of living out General Assembly Resolution GA-1327 of “…striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children though differing in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective.”
If your congregation or individual members are interested in learning more about becoming an Open & Affirming (O&A) Ministry or would like to begin the process of study and reflection about O&A Ministries, please reach out to the CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team. We would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the O&A process or answer questions with your congregation. If your congregation is not quite ready to become O&A, CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team has resources and suggestions for opening up more welcome in all congregations and would love to share them with you. Send us a message at – [email protected].
Additionally, we’d like to introduce several of our CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team Members:
Eron Dupree (Chicago) – Eron is a Elementary Music Teacher for Chicago Public Schools and Director of Music for a Luther Memorial Church of Chicago (ELCA). He has served CCIW in multiple capacities throughout the years; including, Outdoor Ministries and Youth (Summit). Eron is also currently serving on the CCIW/ILUCC School of Ministry Board. “You shouldn’t be afraid to be who you are in a place you call your sanctuary.”
Holly Irvin (Bloomington) – Holly is Director of Music and Youth at First Christian Church, Bloomington. She has served churches in Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina for over 30 years. She has two adult children that identify as LGBTQ+.
Bill & Suellen Cook (Downers Grove) – Bill is a metallurgical engineer with Navistar. Bill has served as both an elder and Chair of the Board with Downers Grove First Christian Church. Suellen is the Investigation Manager for Argonne National Laboratory. Suellen has served as both an elder and deacon with Downers Grove First Christian Church. Bill and Suellen have two adult children that identify as LGBTQ+.
In solidarity,
CCIW Disciples Alliance Q Team