UMC GCAH Launches LGBTQ Heritage Center

General Secretary Dr. Ashley Boggan D., Jan Lawrence, Rev. Effie McAvoy, Rev. Austin Adkinson, and Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner speak at a press conference. Photo by Joscie Cutchens.

As historic legislation is being passed by wide margins at the United Methodist Church’s General Conference, the General Commission on Archives and History announced today the creation of a Center for LGBT Heritage to seek out and preserve stories of queer persons in the United Methodist Church.

At the press conference it hosted, it brought together the voices of some of the denomination's most significant leaders toward inclusion.

The Rev. Effie McAvoy, of the New England Annual Conference, began by noting the “unusual civility” by which legislation has passed ending 52 years of restrictions. While Rev. McAvoy spoke of experiencing “a grace unknown and unseen,” she also noted “We are not just climbing one mountain, we are climbing a range of mountains.” For Rev. McAvoy, these mountains are not limited to issues of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, but also include the intersectionality of racial justice, economic justice, and all forms of justice.

The progress achieved at this General Conference is the result of years of building relationships-- resulting in the Queer Delegate Caucus that currently numbers 74 voting and reserve delegates (31 of whom are seated and voting) and a larger United Methodist Queer Collective.

Jan Lawrence, Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, pointed to the ongoing work of justice. Reconciling Ministries has led the creation of caucus groups for intersectional justice for 40 years and advocated for changes in legislative policy for the last 52 years (before RMN was officially formed). Lawrence stated that “this is a moment none of us ever imagined” and that this work is not done “until we get to the point that every church is a place for affirmation.”

The Rev. Austin Adkinson, of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, when asked why Queer Clergy remained United Methodist in the face of the denomination’s discrimination, echoed many of speakers saying it was because of the connectional mission and global nature of the denomination including the good work of United Methodist Committee on Relief among other international efforts.

All leaders recognized the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served for decades, bishops who risked their careers to ordain out gay and lesbian clergy, and those who continue to not feel safe enough to openly serve. Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner, of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, shared that she is going to an appointment to Hollywood United Methodist Church where she can openly serve as her full self, while predecessors at the same church could not. In honor of the services and sacrifices made by many, Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, said the opening of the center for LGBT history will provide space to remember who we are; and, to serve as an inspiration for a church that is just getting started.

Read the official press release from the General Commission on Archives and History here.