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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. -
Reconciling Ministries Network Photo Book
The document, Reconciling Ministries Network Photo Book, serves as a visual and textual representation of the work, history, and mission of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). The RMN is a grassroots advocacy group within the United Methodist Church (UMC) committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and justice. This publication combines imagery, slogans, and statements to celebrate its ongoing mission and the communities it serves while highlighting the organization’s theological and activist grounding.
The photo book underscores RMN's commitment to creating a fully inclusive church by advocating for changes in policies, practices, and hearts. It describes RMN as a "fearless blaze of justice seekers" and emphasizes its role in organizing and educating at both grassroots and denominational levels. The imagery within the document often depicts diverse individuals and groups participating in events, symbolizing the breadth and vibrancy of RMN’s network. These visuals are paired with text that reinforces the themes of belonging, love, and justice.
The document also emphasizes RMN's theological foundation, frequently invoking scriptural concepts such as "walking humbly with God" and being "sent out in Jesus’ name." By rooting its activism in biblical principles, RMN seeks to frame LGBTQ+ inclusion as central to Christian discipleship and the broader mission of the church.
This document contributes to the broader history of LGBTQ+ advocacy within the UMC by illustrating how RMN has sought to transform the church through education, grassroots efforts, and theological reflection. It encapsulates the values and vision of a key movement within the denomination at a pivotal moment in its history. -
Explor - Homosexuality and the Christian, Fall 1975
Explor is a theological journal published by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. This issue from 1975 delves deeply into the intersection of Christian theology, scripture, history, and pastoral care in relation to homosexuality. This work represents an early effort within Christian academia to engage thoughtfully and critically with the topic of homosexuality, examining it through various disciplinary lenses, including biblical exegesis, historical context, behavioral sciences, and theology.
The journal includes contributions from several scholars, each addressing distinct aspects of the issue. A particularly striking theme is the journal's call for nuanced and compassionate pastoral care. It challenges simplistic labels and encourages a deeper understanding of human sexuality as part of the broader Christian call to love and community. The document also critiques historical Christian teachings that have often reduced sexuality to procreation or condemned it as inherently sinful. Through systematic theological reflection, it proposes a more holistic understanding of human sexuality, rooted in the belief that it is a gift of God meant to foster intimacy and community.
This publication is evidence of the intellectual and theological currents of the mid-1970s within the United Methodist Church and broader Protestant academia. It captures an era when churches and seminaries began to grapple more publicly and rigorously with issues of human sexuality, influenced by the broader cultural movements for civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality. This resource serves as a critical lens into how theological scholarship engaged with one of the most polarizing and evolving issues within modern Christianity. -
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. -
Affirm! Table Manners Newsletter, May 2000
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. -
Letter to the Clergy of the Rocky Mountain Conference
This document is a letter from Bishop Melvin E. Wheatley Jr., dated November 20, 1981, addressing clergy colleagues of the Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist Church. The letter provides a detailed theological, disciplinary, and personal rationale for appointing Julian Rush, a declared homosexual, as associate pastor and Minister to Community Concerns at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Denver. It represents a significant moment in the church's history, reflecting the evolving debates over homosexuality and ordination within the UMC.
The letter responds to concerns and questions about the disciplinary basis for appointing a self-identified homosexual pastor. It references the 1980 Book of Discipline and General Conference actions to justify the appointment, emphasizing that there is no explicit prohibition against ordination or appointment of homosexual persons.
Bishop Wheatley draws a distinction between sexual orientation and behavior, arguing that neither heterosexuality nor homosexuality is inherently virtuous or sinful. Instead, he frames both as "mysterious gifts of God’s grace" and emphasizes personal moral and spiritual responsibility in how individuals express their orientation.
This letter is a significant artifact of the UMC’s history, illustrating the theological, institutional, and personal dimensions of its debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion. It highlights the complexities of interpreting church law and doctrine in the context of evolving social norms and the challenges of balancing institutional authority with individual conscience.
From an archival perspective, the document serves as evidence of the church’s internal struggles during a period of significant cultural and theological change. It provides insight into how progressive leaders like Bishop Wheatley navigated institutional frameworks to advocate for greater inclusivity while addressing opposition within the denomination. -
The Confessing Movement Newsletter, April-July 2018
This issue of the Confessing Movement newsletter provides insights into the discussions and strategies of the Confessing Movement within The United Methodist Church (UMC), focusing primarily on the divisive issue of human sexuality. This edition, published in the lead-up to the 2019 Special General Conference, outlines various proposals under consideration for addressing the denomination's longstanding debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly concerning same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy.
The Confessing Movement is a renewal group within the UMC dedicated to upholding traditional Wesleyan theology, particularly on matters of doctrine, marriage, and sexuality. This newsletter serves as both an informational resource and a rallying call for members to advocate for the preservation of what the movement considers biblical standards and traditional Christian teachings.
From an archival perspective, this document is valuable for understanding the theological and organizational strategies of the Confessing Movement during a critical period in the UMC's history. It illustrates how renewal groups within the denomination sought to influence decision-making processes, particularly on the contentious issue of human sexuality. The newsletter also provides a snapshot of the tensions and divisions leading up to the 2019 Special General Conference, reflecting broader societal debates on LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom. -
California-Nevada United Methodist Review, April 2, 1999
The document, California-Nevada United Methodist Review from April 2, 1999, reflects the theological, pastoral, and social challenges facing the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). A significant portion of the publication addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the January 16, 1999, holy union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton, officiated by 69 UMC clergy in open defiance of church law. This event highlights broader denominational debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion and pastoral authority within the church.
The document captures the fallout of the holy union ceremony and the subsequent filing of complaints against the participating clergy. The controversy underscores tensions between adherence to the Book of Discipline and individual acts of conscience by clergy seeking to affirm same-sex couples.
This document is evidence of the UMC’s ongoing struggle to reconcile doctrinal tradition with calls for inclusivity and justice. It provides a detailed account of one of the most visible acts of resistance to church law on LGBTQ+ issues in the late 20th century, illustrating the personal, communal, and institutional dynamics at play. -
"After Wheatley, What?"
This document explores significant debates within the United Methodist Church (UMC) during the early 1980s, with a primary focus on doctrinal issues and the controversy surrounding Bishop Melvin E. Wheatley Jr. of the Denver Area. The controversy highlights tensions over UMC doctrine, particularly related to homosexuality, while emphasizing the broader struggle over theological interpretation and the church’s response to social change.
The publication addresses the theological and doctrinal issues raised by accusations against Bishop Wheatley for his stance that homosexuality is not inherently sinful. These accusations reflect deeper conflicts within the UMC regarding doctrinal authority and the application of the church’s historical and scriptural teachings to contemporary issues.
The controversy centered on whether Wheatley’s views on homosexuality violated UMC doctrinal standards. A Western Jurisdiction Committee on Investigation found no "reasonable ground" for a trial, noting that while there are scriptural condemnations of homosexuality, the interpretation of these passages is subject to the Wesleyan "quadrilateral" framework—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. The committee emphasized the importance of integrating these four sources in a constructive dialogue rather than relying solely on scriptural literalism or traditional precedent.
This document is a valuable historical resource for understanding the UMC’s struggles with doctrinal interpretation and social issues during the 1980s. It captures the complexities of applying historical teachings to contemporary contexts and illustrates the church’s ongoing efforts to balance tradition, inclusivity, and theological inquiry. -
Social Questions Bulletin, July-August 1983
The document, Social Questions Bulletin from July-August 1983, is a publication of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), an independent fellowship founded in 1907 and dedicated to promoting social justice within the United Methodist Church (UMC) and beyond. This issue addresses a variety of social and political topics, including Central American policy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and labor rights. The bulletin reflects the MFSA's mission of advancing progressive theology and activism, engaging both religious and societal issues of the time.
The bulletin addresses the rise of "homosexual hysteria" in the UMC, particularly the growing number of petitions in annual conferences seeking to explicitly bar homosexual persons from ordination. The editorial critiques this backlash as a scapegoating mechanism tied to broader societal changes, such as the inclusion of women and racial minorities. It calls for solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals and challenges the UMC to embody compassion and inclusivity, framing the issue as a critical test of the church's integrity and witness.
This document provides valuable insights into the theological and social priorities of progressive movements within the UMC during the 1980s. It captures a pivotal moment when debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion, economic justice, and U.S. foreign policy converged within the church. The bulletin is a testament to the MFSA's role as a prophetic voice, challenging the church to confront its complicity in systemic injustices while embodying the gospel's call to justice and love.
The bulletin also serves as a record of grassroots advocacy, illustrating how faith-based organizations mobilized members to engage with both ecclesiastical and secular issues. Its content is particularly significant for understanding the intersection of religion, politics, and activism during a time of significant cultural change. -
"A Model for Thinking Theologically About Homosexuality"
The document, A Model for Thinking Theologically About Homosexuality by M. Kent Millard, is a theological report presented to the Dakotas Area General and Jurisdictional Delegates of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Written by the Northern District Superintendent of the South Dakota Annual Conference, this report seeks to offer an alternative to the polarized debate over homosexuality within the church during the 1980 General Conference. The author emphasizes dialogue, understanding, and Christian compassion as essential components of addressing this contentious issue.
Millard’s report is a response to the stark divisions within the UMC regarding homosexuality. On one side, there were calls to explicitly ban practicing homosexuals from ordination, while on the other, there were proposals to remove negative language about homosexuality from the church’s Book of Discipline. Rather than endorsing either extreme, Millard advocates for a process of theological education and reflection within local churches to foster understanding and compassion.
It illustrates an effort to address the issue of homosexuality with intellectual rigor and pastoral care. It reflects the broader struggle within the denomination to balance tradition, scriptural interpretation, and evolving social values. By advocating for dialogue and education, Millard’s report seeks to bridge divides and foster a compassionate approach to an issue that continues to challenge the church. -
Gail Hinand Mailgram
This is a brief correspondence addressed to the president of the Women's Division of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Sent by Gail Hinand, identified as the Director of Empowerment of Women for Church Women United, the message acknowledges and celebrates a decision made by the Women's Division to support a lesbian woman worker. The mailgram emphasizes corporate responsibility to protect the rights of women within the church and commends the division for its progressive stance.
The mailgram serves as a historical artifact capturing the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ inclusion and gender equity within the United Methodist Church during the late 20th century. It documents the efforts of allied organizations, like Church Women United, to support and affirm these changes. The message provides a glimpse into the advocacy networks operating within and adjacent to the UMC, illustrating the interconnected nature of efforts to advance justice for marginalized groups.
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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.