"Good people of earnest Christian faith arrived at very different understandings on this subject. We've prayed, reflected and discussed in search of a faithful response that honors the Christ we love and all in the church.

"It is important for the church to heal from its discussion of these issues. It is vital that we be about proclaiming Christ and responding to God's call to help the poor and the hungry. This is God's work through our hands.

"How can we care for our neighbors and show God's love for one another? That is our focus.

"God is still God. The church still has its calling to serve."