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Holy Union Invitation for Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton
The document, Holy Union Invitation for Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton, offers context to the significance of their union within the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The invitation provides logistical details about the ceremony, which was held on January 16, 1999, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Sacramento. It situates the union as both a personal celebration of love and a deliberate act of protest against UMC policies prohibiting such ceremonies.
The invitation underscores the dual purpose of the holy union: as a sacred expression of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton’s 15-year relationship and as an act of civil disobedience by participating clergy. It explicitly acknowledges the UMC’s prohibition of same-sex unions and frames the ceremony as a protest against this stance. The presence of clergy officiants, media coverage, and anticipated protestors highlights the event’s broader sociopolitical implications, making it a pivotal moment in the movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church.
The document illustrates the intersection of faith, protest, and community in the late 1990s. It serves as a record of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and allies within the UMC and the lengths to which advocates went to affirm love and justice. The inclusion of advocacy organizations and explicit acknowledgment of controversy situates this union as a significant event in the broader movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious spaces. -
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.
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.