Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

“A History of Discrimination Within the United Methodist Church”

a talk by Rev. Richard Bates and Adama Brown, sponsored by the Saint John’s Reconciling Ministries Team

Sunday, February 12, at 10am in the Fellowship Hall, Saint John’s UMC, Austin

Rev. Richard Bates is from South Texas and was Associate Pastor at First Church, Del Rio, Windcrest in San Antonio, and First in Seguin.  He took a five year sabbatical to study at the Institute For Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco (founded by United Methodist clergy), and returned to Austin to set up a private practice in counseling for sexual issues.  Rev. Bates is now affiliated with University UMC and is Chair of their Church and Society Council, and is active in RMN and MFSA.  He and his partner, Joe Santoyo, recently celebrated 32 years together.

Adama Brown is from East Austin and earned bachelor’s and PhD degrees in sociology from UT-Austin and Iowa State University, respectively. Adama has served as a lay  leader, deacon and co-leader of a ministry geared toward raising awareness of inclusion and diversity issues at a progressive Austin church.  Now a member at First UMC, Adama currently serves as a Sunday School facilitator for the Open Door Women’s class and is involved in efforts to reach out to FUMC’s downtown neighbors. Adama is also active in UMW and RMN.  This year she and her partner, Pret Ajewole, will celebrate 10 years together.