Affirm! Table Manners Newsletter, May 2000

Dublin Core

Title

Affirm! Table Manners Newsletter, May 2000

Subject

LGBTQ+

The United Methodist Church

United Methodism

Description

This is a newsletter published by Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Concerns during the United Methodist Church's (UMC) General Conference in May 2000. It reflects advocacy efforts for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the UMC and critiques church policies and rhetoric that perpetuate discrimination. The document highlights the activities, speeches, and theological perspectives shared by members of the Affirmation coalition and their allies.

This newsletter features a reprint of a press release issued after Jeanne Knepper delivered remarks critiquing the UMC’s Social Principles, particularly the language that states, “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Knepper argues that this language fosters violence and exclusion against LGBTQ+ individuals and ignores broader biblical themes of compassion, justice, and inclusion. The coalition prioritizes the removal of discriminatory language and policies, framing them as the church’s “Jim Crow” laws for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The document provides insight into the strategies and rhetoric of LGBTQ+ advocates during a critical period in the denomination’s history. The involvement of diverse voices, including people of color, underscores the broad coalition supporting inclusivity and highlights the interconnected nature of various justice movements.

Creator

Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Concerns

Publisher

Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Concerns

Date

2000

Contributor

Knepper, Jeanne

Rights

This document is made available for research purposes through the General Commission on Archives & History, The United Methodist Church.

Format

Paper

Language

English

Type

Newsletter