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Parents of Gays
The document, Parents of Gays, authored by Betty Fairchild and published in 1976, is a resource aimed at supporting parents of gay children. It provides insight, practical advice, and emotional support for families grappling with the complexities of understanding and accepting their children's sexual orientation. The document is both a guide and a testament to the evolving attitudes toward homosexuality during the mid-1970s.
The text contextualizes the group's formation within the broader gay liberation movement, sparked by events such as the 1969 Stonewall riots. It highlights the challenges faced by gay individuals and their families, including societal stigma, legal discrimination, and personal isolation. The publication argues for the necessity of groups like Parents of Gays to provide a safe space for dialogue and education.
Parents of Gays is a significant artifact of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and its intersection with family dynamics in the 1970s. It reflects the social and cultural challenges of the time while advocating for empathy, education, and acceptance. The document provides valuable insights into the strategies and rhetoric used to foster understanding and support for gay individuals and their families, making it a critical resource for studying the history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and family dynamics. -
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. -
Social Questions Bulletin, July-August 1983
The document, Social Questions Bulletin from July-August 1983, is a publication of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), an independent fellowship founded in 1907 and dedicated to promoting social justice within the United Methodist Church (UMC) and beyond. This issue addresses a variety of social and political topics, including Central American policy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and labor rights. The bulletin reflects the MFSA's mission of advancing progressive theology and activism, engaging both religious and societal issues of the time.
The bulletin addresses the rise of "homosexual hysteria" in the UMC, particularly the growing number of petitions in annual conferences seeking to explicitly bar homosexual persons from ordination. The editorial critiques this backlash as a scapegoating mechanism tied to broader societal changes, such as the inclusion of women and racial minorities. It calls for solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals and challenges the UMC to embody compassion and inclusivity, framing the issue as a critical test of the church's integrity and witness.
This document provides valuable insights into the theological and social priorities of progressive movements within the UMC during the 1980s. It captures a pivotal moment when debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion, economic justice, and U.S. foreign policy converged within the church. The bulletin is a testament to the MFSA's role as a prophetic voice, challenging the church to confront its complicity in systemic injustices while embodying the gospel's call to justice and love.
The bulletin also serves as a record of grassroots advocacy, illustrating how faith-based organizations mobilized members to engage with both ecclesiastical and secular issues. Its content is particularly significant for understanding the intersection of religion, politics, and activism during a time of significant cultural change. -
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. -
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. -
We Do, Too, in 2002 Pamphlet
This is a pamphlet outlining a conference held on June 7–8, 2002, at Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. The event, 'We Do, Too', was designed as a national gathering for United Methodists to prepare their congregations to engage with the growing legal recognition of gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. Its purpose was to explore how the church could support these relationships through pastoral care, advocacy, and ministry.
The conference featured a keynote speaker, Kate Kendell, Esq., the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who discussed the intersection of law and LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality. Kendell’s address was complemented by a musical performance by singer-songwriter Judy Fjell, known for her politically insightful and spiritually engaging music.
The pamphlet also highlights leaders like Rev. Karen Oliveto, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and a longtime pastor of Bethany UMC, a reconciling congregation committed to welcoming and affirming all people. Rev. Jan Everhart and Dr. Juliet Donlin brought additional theological and psychological expertise, while workshops emphasized practical and spiritual approaches to inclusivity.
This document provides insight into the theological, cultural, and legislative shifts within the United Methodist Church during the early 2000s. It showcases the proactive steps taken by reconciling congregations like Bethany UMC to foster dialogue and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. The pamphlet also reflects the intersection of religious practice, civil rights advocacy, and community building, offering a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the church’s evolving engagement with LGBTQ+ issues. -
We Do, Too, in 2002 Worship Program
This worship program for We Do, Too, in 2002 serves as a sacred space to reflect on and celebrate the themes of inclusion, commitment, and justice central to the conference. This service integrated liturgy, music, and scripture to affirm the church's role in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and domestic partnerships while grounding the program in the United Methodist tradition.
n alignment with the We Do, Too conference, the worship program is intentional in addressing the broader social and theological issues related to domestic partnerships. It would offers a model for United Methodist congregations to integrate similar affirming worship practices into their ministry. Themes of love, covenant, and justice resonate throughout the service, mirroring the commitment of Bethany UMC to inclusivity.
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.