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Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program
This document, titled Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program, is a comprehensive program for the third annual national convention of the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), held in Denver, Colorado, from September 28 to 30, 1984. The document outlines the convention's schedule, workshops, keynote speakers, entertainment, and organizational acknowledgments, reflecting PFLAG's mission to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
The schedule includes numerous workshops and activities addressing diverse topics, such as coping strategies for parents, fostering inclusivity, understanding health issues related to sexuality, and navigating societal prejudices. Specific workshops focus on educating parents in small towns, addressing long-term relationships, and discussing media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals. The program also features discussions on AIDS awareness, legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples, and reaching minority parents within the LGBTQ+ community.
Notable speakers at the convention include political leaders like Denver Mayor Federico Peña, healthcare advocates such as Dr. Mary Calderone, and religious figures like Bishop Melvin Wheatley, Jr., of the United Methodist Church. Their contributions reflect the intersectional nature of the event, touching on politics, religion, and social justice.
This document highlights LGBTQ+ activism and family advocacy during the 1980s. It showcases the strategies, themes, and cultural dynamics of the period, providing valuable insights into the evolving relationship between LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and broader society. -
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. -
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. -
The Holy Union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton Prayer Bulletin
The document, A Time for Prayer & Meditation on the Holy Union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton, is a prayer bulletin dedicated to the union of Jeanne Barnett and Ellie Charlton from an event held on January 16, 1999. The document situates this ceremony within the broader theological, social, and ecclesial context of the time, reflecting both celebration and the challenges it posed within the United Methodist Church.
The bulletin addresses the controversy surrounding same-sex unions within the UMC, acknowledging the tensions and divisions on this issue. Bishop Melvin Talbert, in his statement, calls for prayer for those involved in the ceremony, as well as for church leaders and members who may be struggling with the implications of this event. He underscores the importance of focusing on God’s will and maintaining the unity of the church amid disagreement. His words encapsulate the broader debate within the UMC during the late 1990s about inclusivity and the recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships.
This record captures a specific moment when individuals and congregations sought to align their faith practices with their convictions about justice and love. The program’s balance of celebration and acknowledgment of controversy reflects the complexity of navigating these issues within a denomination deeply rooted in tradition. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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.