Browse Items (266 total)

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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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  BishopLetter...1 more

  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.