Midweek Message October 2, 2025

The Importance of Consent in a Faith Community

As a church, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. This affirmation calls us not only to celebrate each person’s presence in our community but also to honor their boundaries, comfort levels, and choices. One of the most meaningful ways we can live out this commitment is by practicing consent in our interactions with one another.

In many faith communities, physical gestures of welcome—such as hugs, handshakes, or pats on the shoulder—are common ways of expressing care. For some, these gestures are deeply affirming. For others, they may be uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even triggering. Both experiences are valid, and both deserve to be respected.

Consent is the simple but profound practice of seeking permission before entering another person’s physical space. It ensures that every person has agency over their own body and their own comfort. It is a way of saying, “I see you, I respect you, and I will not assume what feels right for you.” When we honor consent, we create a community that is safer, more welcoming, and more genuinely loving.

To help us embody this value, our church is introducing a new way to signal comfort levels with physical touch during worship and fellowship. Starting this month, stickers will be available for your nametag:

• Red – No hugs or touch, please.
  
  
• Yellow – Ask before hugging or touching.
  
  
• Green – I welcome hugs.
  
  

This system allows each of us to communicate our needs clearly, without awkwardness or pressure. It also gives us the chance to practice attentiveness and respect for one another. Choosing a sticker is completely optional, and you are always welcome to change your sticker from week to week depending on how you feel.

At its heart, this is not just about stickers—it is about creating a culture where consent is central, and where every individual is empowered to set their own boundaries. By doing so, we honor the sacred dignity of each person and strengthen the bonds of trust and respect in our community.

Let us remember: love is never something we assume; it is always something we offer. And when it is freely received, it becomes all the more beautiful.

-Jolyn Emrys

Communication & Membership Manager