Browse Items (57 total)
Sort by:
-
Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, 1980
This document, titled Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, was adopted by the 1980 General Conference. It is a comprehensive guide that articulates the church’s theological and ethical stances on a wide range of social and moral issues.
The main body of the document is divided into thematic sections that address key areas of concern. These include stewardship of the natural world, emphasizing care for the environment, sustainable energy use, and animal welfare. The nurturing community section explores topics such as family structures, marriage, divorce, human sexuality, and the rights of individuals across all life stages. It also speaks to the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive communities.
This document holds significant historical value as it reflects the United Methodist Church’s evolving engagement with societal issues. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the church’s moral and ethical positions during this period and offers insight into how these beliefs were communicated and implemented within congregations. -
Family Life: A Resolution with Study Guide
This pamphlet offers a revised version of the church’s stance on family life, originally adopted in 1976, along with a detailed study guide to facilitate group discussions. The resolution reflects the United Methodist Church’s theological, ethical, and practical approach to family life, emphasizing its importance within Christian ministry and society.
One of the core sections, titled Christian Family Living, examines the sacred nature of family relationships. It highlights marriage as a covenant under God, fostering mutual love, respect, and responsibility. The resolution also addresses the evolving structure of families, affirming diverse family forms such as single-parent families, extended families, and households formed through adoption or foster care. It stresses the importance of supporting faithfulness and moral decision-making within families, acknowledging human imperfections and the need for God’s grace.
The accompanying study guide offers practical tools for group discussions, including session outlines, scripture references, and interactive activities. It encourages participants to reflect on their personal experiences and to explore the resolution’s themes in depth. The guide provides flexibility for various group types, from intergenerational gatherings to youth groups, emphasizing the centrality of family in faith formation and church life. -
20 Questions About Homosexuality: A Political Primer
This publication was created to address common questions and misconceptions about homosexuality. The preamble outlines the purpose of the document as a means of educating the public and dismantling myths that have historically justified discrimination against homosexuals. The Alliance emphasizes that such questions are often rooted in societal bias, misinformation, and stereotypes.
The document is organized into a series of twenty questions, each addressing a specific aspect of homosexuality, with answers informed by scientific studies, personal experiences, and sociological insights. The topics range widely, covering definitions of homosexuality, the determination of sexual orientation, societal and historical perspectives, and specific stereotypes. The answers challenge discriminatory narratives and aim to affirm the civil rights and dignity of homosexual individuals. A significant theme in the publication is the critique of societal prejudices and the deconstruction of myths.
This document serves as a critical artifact of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the late 20th century. It reflects the strategies and rhetoric of advocacy groups during a time of significant cultural and legal challenges. The publication is not only a historical document but also a resource for understanding the intersection of activism, education, and social change. -
Answers to a Parent's Questions About Homosexuality
This document serves as a resource for parents seeking to understand homosexuality. Its purpose is to dispel myths, provide accurate information, and promote acceptance and understanding of gay individuals, especially within the context of family relationships.
The content is structured as a series of frequently asked questions, each addressing a specific concern or misconception that parents might have about homosexuality. The responses draw upon scientific research, expert opinions, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Key topics include the causes of sexual orientation, the morality of homosexuality, the role of gay individuals in society, and how parents can support a gay child.
The record reflects the strategies and rhetoric used by organizations like NGTF to foster understanding and combat prejudice during a time of heightened discrimination. Its inclusion in an archival collection provides valuable insight into the history of LGBTQ+ rights, family dynamics, and social change. -
Ordaining Homosexuals: The Issues
This item explores the complex topic of homosexuality and ordination within the context of Christian ethics, particularly in The United Methodist Church. Milligan opens by rejecting two extreme positions: outright rejection and hatred of homosexuals on one side, and the dismissal of any obstacles to ordination on the other. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that takes into account compassion, justice, and the spirit of the gospel. He acknowledges that no definitive Christian position can be claimed and stresses the importance of forming thoughtful, prayerful opinions rather than dogmatic conclusions.
This document offers a valuable glimpse into the theological debates and social dynamics of the mid-1970s, a period marked by increasing visibility and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. It provides insight into how churches grappled with changing societal norms and the tension between tradition and progress. -
Parents of Gays
The document, Parents of Gays, authored by Betty Fairchild and published in 1976, is a resource aimed at supporting parents of gay children. It provides insight, practical advice, and emotional support for families grappling with the complexities of understanding and accepting their children's sexual orientation. The document is both a guide and a testament to the evolving attitudes toward homosexuality during the mid-1970s.
The text contextualizes the group's formation within the broader gay liberation movement, sparked by events such as the 1969 Stonewall riots. It highlights the challenges faced by gay individuals and their families, including societal stigma, legal discrimination, and personal isolation. The publication argues for the necessity of groups like Parents of Gays to provide a safe space for dialogue and education.
Parents of Gays is a significant artifact of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and its intersection with family dynamics in the 1970s. It reflects the social and cultural challenges of the time while advocating for empathy, education, and acceptance. The document provides valuable insights into the strategies and rhetoric used to foster understanding and support for gay individuals and their families, making it a critical resource for studying the history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and family dynamics. -
engage/ social action: Homosexuality
This document is a periodical published by the Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. This issue includes articles, reflections, and columns exploring a range of topics related to homosexuality, social justice, theology, and contemporary challenges faced by the church and society.
This publication serves as a rich resource for understanding the theological debates and social priorities of The United Methodist Church during the late 20th century. It captures the intersection of faith, ethics, and activism, providing valuable insights into how the church navigated controversial and transformative issues in its broader mission. -
Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program
This document, titled Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program, is a comprehensive program for the third annual national convention of the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), held in Denver, Colorado, from September 28 to 30, 1984. The document outlines the convention's schedule, workshops, keynote speakers, entertainment, and organizational acknowledgments, reflecting PFLAG's mission to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
The schedule includes numerous workshops and activities addressing diverse topics, such as coping strategies for parents, fostering inclusivity, understanding health issues related to sexuality, and navigating societal prejudices. Specific workshops focus on educating parents in small towns, addressing long-term relationships, and discussing media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals. The program also features discussions on AIDS awareness, legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples, and reaching minority parents within the LGBTQ+ community.
Notable speakers at the convention include political leaders like Denver Mayor Federico Peña, healthcare advocates such as Dr. Mary Calderone, and religious figures like Bishop Melvin Wheatley, Jr., of the United Methodist Church. Their contributions reflect the intersectional nature of the event, touching on politics, religion, and social justice.
This document highlights LGBTQ+ activism and family advocacy during the 1980s. It showcases the strategies, themes, and cultural dynamics of the period, providing valuable insights into the evolving relationship between LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and broader society. -
We Do, Too, in 2002 Pamphlet
This is a pamphlet outlining a conference held on June 7–8, 2002, at Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. The event, 'We Do, Too', was designed as a national gathering for United Methodists to prepare their congregations to engage with the growing legal recognition of gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. Its purpose was to explore how the church could support these relationships through pastoral care, advocacy, and ministry.
The conference featured a keynote speaker, Kate Kendell, Esq., the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who discussed the intersection of law and LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality. Kendell’s address was complemented by a musical performance by singer-songwriter Judy Fjell, known for her politically insightful and spiritually engaging music.
The pamphlet also highlights leaders like Rev. Karen Oliveto, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and a longtime pastor of Bethany UMC, a reconciling congregation committed to welcoming and affirming all people. Rev. Jan Everhart and Dr. Juliet Donlin brought additional theological and psychological expertise, while workshops emphasized practical and spiritual approaches to inclusivity.
This document provides insight into the theological, cultural, and legislative shifts within the United Methodist Church during the early 2000s. It showcases the proactive steps taken by reconciling congregations like Bethany UMC to foster dialogue and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. The pamphlet also reflects the intersection of religious practice, civil rights advocacy, and community building, offering a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the church’s evolving engagement with LGBTQ+ issues. -
We Do, Too, in 2002 Worship Program
This worship program for We Do, Too, in 2002 serves as a sacred space to reflect on and celebrate the themes of inclusion, commitment, and justice central to the conference. This service integrated liturgy, music, and scripture to affirm the church's role in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and domestic partnerships while grounding the program in the United Methodist tradition.
n alignment with the We Do, Too conference, the worship program is intentional in addressing the broader social and theological issues related to domestic partnerships. It would offers a model for United Methodist congregations to integrate similar affirming worship practices into their ministry. Themes of love, covenant, and justice resonate throughout the service, mirroring the commitment of Bethany UMC to inclusivity. -
The Holy Union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton Prayer Bulletin
The document, A Time for Prayer & Meditation on the Holy Union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton, is a prayer bulletin dedicated to the union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton from an event held on January 16, 1999. The document situates this ceremony within the broader theological, social, and ecclesial context of the time, reflecting both celebration and the challenges it posed within the United Methodist Church.
The bulletin addresses the controversy surrounding same-sex unions within the UMC, acknowledging the tensions and divisions on this issue. Bishop Melvin Talbert, in his statement, calls for prayer for those involved in the ceremony, as well as for church leaders and members who may be struggling with the implications of this event. He underscores the importance of focusing on God’s will and maintaining the unity of the church amid disagreement. His words encapsulate the broader debate within the UMC during the late 1990s about inclusivity and the recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships.
This record captures a specific moment when individuals and congregations sought to align their faith practices with their convictions about justice and love. The program’s balance of celebration and acknowledgment of controversy reflects the complexity of navigating these issues within a denomination deeply rooted in tradition. -
Holy Union Invitation for Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton
The document, Holy Union Invitation for Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton, offers context to the significance of their union within the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The invitation provides logistical details about the ceremony, which was held on January 16, 1999, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Sacramento. It situates the union as both a personal celebration of love and a deliberate act of protest against UMC policies prohibiting such ceremonies.
The invitation underscores the dual purpose of the holy union: as a sacred expression of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton’s 15-year relationship and as an act of civil disobedience by participating clergy. It explicitly acknowledges the UMC’s prohibition of same-sex unions and frames the ceremony as a protest against this stance. The presence of clergy officiants, media coverage, and anticipated protestors highlights the event’s broader sociopolitical implications, making it a pivotal moment in the movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church.
The document illustrates the intersection of faith, protest, and community in the late 1990s. It serves as a record of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and allies within the UMC and the lengths to which advocates went to affirm love and justice. The inclusion of advocacy organizations and explicit acknowledgment of controversy situates this union as a significant event in the broader movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious spaces.
Advisory Warning
These archival exhibits contain historical materials that reflect the social, cultural, and theological perspectives of their time. Some content may include language, imagery, or viewpoints that are outdated, offensive, or harmful by today’s standards. These materials are preserved to document history and promote understanding, but they may be difficult to engage with for some viewers. We encourage users to approach these resources with sensitivity and awareness of their historical context. If you have questions or need support, please contact the archives.