Church's statement honors Leelah Alcorn

A United Methodist Church in Clifton has updated the wording of its mission statement to honor Leelah Alcorn.

The United Methodist Church at 3416 Clifton Way voted unanimously to add inclusive wording to its Reconciling Statement, a kind of mission statement that serves to affirm its inclusiveness. Current and would-be parishioners will now see the words "gender identity and gender expression" added to the Clifton church's Reconciling Statement.

"Reconciling churches like Clifton United Methodist Church refuse to wait to extend love to all human beings," the church said in a release. "... In the wake of Leelah Alcorn's death, and countless acts of violence against (the LGBTQ community), the need for inclusive, nondiscriminatory community has never been more urgent."

Alcorn, who was born as Joshua Alcorn, died Dec. 28 after being struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 71 in suburban Union Township. The Kings Mills teen's death has drawn worldwide attention.

The Clifton church's decision is its most recent show of support and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Bishop Melvin Talbert, who previously marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and faced criticism for officiating a same-sex wedding in more recent times, was invited to speak at the Clifton church last year.

Talbert also contributed an opinion piece to The Enquirer in support of same-sex marriages Feb. 28.