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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. -
Homosexuality Resource Packet Letter
This is a cover letter accompanying a resource packet intended to support families with gay members and church leaders planning ministries for such families. Created by the Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church (UMC), the letter contextualizes the packet within the church’s mission to provide care, guidance, and support to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
The letter explicitly identifies two primary audiences: families with LGBTQ+ members, particularly parents, and pastors or church leaders. Its dual focus reflects the UMC's recognition of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their families within both the broader society and the church community.
The letter offers a snapshot of the UMC’s engagement with LGBTQ+ issues in the late 1970s. It highlights an institutional effort to navigate a contentious topic with compassion and an intent to provide constructive resources. The acknowledgment of controversy and the call for dialogue and education signal the church’s attempt to balance theological tradition with evolving social understandings.
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.