Browse Items (3 total)

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  General ConferenceLGBTQ+...1 more

  Faith and Inclusion: United Methodist General Conference Opens Doors

  This article chronicles the historic decisions made at the 2020/2024 UMC General Conference, where delegates voted to lift the ban on gay clergy and same-sex weddings, reversing decades of exclusionary policies. Framed as aligning the church’s actions with its stated values of openness and justice, the decision also included steps toward regionalization, allowing for contextualized policies in response to global cultural differences. This moment marked a transformative shift for the denomination, addressing LGBTQ+ inclusion while also issuing apologies for historical injustices, including systemic sexual misconduct and the church’s role in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. The article captures a pivotal point in the UMC’s journey toward reconciliation and inclusion, offering insight into its evolving theology and mission.
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  General ConferenceResearch Guide...2 more

  Guide to the Study Document on Human Sexuality

  The document, Guide to the Study Document on Human Sexuality, published in 1983 by Discipleship Resources, is a comprehensive resource developed by the United Methodist Church (UMC) for individual or group study. It reflects the church's attempt to engage members in theological reflection and dialogue about the complexities of human sexuality. The guide was commissioned by the 1980 General Conference to accompany a "Study Document on Human Sexuality" and includes supplementary materials to facilitate education, discussion, and program planning within the UMC.
  
  This document is structured into sections that address a wide array of topics, including the biblical and theological roots of sexuality, the cultural and societal influences on living patterns, and issues such as homophobia, family dynamics, and singleness. It provides an expansive overview of human sexuality as understood within the church's theological framework and seeks to encourage open, rational, and compassionate dialogue among its members.
  
  This document displays the UMC’s engagement with social issues, particularly during a period of heightened debate over human sexuality and LGBTQ+ rights. It reflects the denomination’s effort to balance tradition with evolving social understandings and its commitment to addressing sensitive topics in a structured and educational manner.
  
  The inclusion of a robust bibliography also highlights the breadth of resources available at the time, offering insights into both church and secular perspectives on human sexuality. This makes the guide a valuable resource for understanding how the UMC sought to frame and address these issues in the early 1980s.
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  General ConferenceLGBTQ+...1 more

  General Conference Focus News Bulletin

  This item addresses the ongoing debates and tensions within the United Methodist Church (UMC) regarding human sexuality, church doctrine, and the role of bishops during the 1996 General Conference. It provides insights into the broader social, political, and theological landscape of the denomination during this time, including reactions to a public statement by a group of bishops regarding homosexuality.
  
  This item captures the theological debates, cultural pressures, and political sensitivities that shaped the denomination's approach to controversial issues. The reactions to the bishops' statement highlight the diversity of opinion within the church and the challenges of balancing doctrinal adherence with calls for inclusivity. The news bulletin provides a lens into how the UMC navigated social change and maintained its global identity amid growing divisions. It also underscores the influence of broader cultural and political contexts on the church’s decision-making processes.