Homosexuality Resource Packet Letter

Dublin Core

Title

Homosexuality Resource Packet Letter

Subject

LGBTQ+

Resources

Board of Discipleship

The United Methodist Church

Description

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.

Creator

Smith, Leon

Board of Discipleship, The United Methodist Church

Date

1979

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

Letter

Identifier

2599-5-5:05