UMC establishes LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage Center at Drew University to preserve stories

A significant development has emerged from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, as The United Methodist Church (UMC) has officially launched a new initiative aimed at documenting the contributions and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within its ranks. The Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage kicked off with a celebratory event, marking the commencement of this landmark project by the UMC’s General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH).

Historically, the repository of the UMC archives has been hosted at Drew University since 1982, encompassing not just the church’s current narratives but also preserving stories from its predecessor denominations. Ashley Boggan, the GCAH General Secretary, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, noting that while this project has been on her agenda for some time, previous rules within the UMC restricted its scope. Notably, a longstanding prohibition in the UMC Book of Discipline barred church funds from supporting any groups advocating for LGBTQ+ issues.

This ruling was overturned earlier in 2024 during the UMC General Conference, which also addressed other discriminatory regulations against same-sex unions and noncelibate gay clergy. Following this critical shift, Boggan mentioned how they had been quietly amassing the historical narratives of queer members. “With the lifting of the funding ban, we could finally do some openly,” she stated, pointing to a renewed commitment to inclusivity.

The creation of this new center is notably backed by Rev. Jeremy Smith, a key ally within the church, who advocated for establishing a formal platform to safely gather and protect the stories of LGBTQ+ Methodists. The Executive Committee recognized the importance of this initiative and gave its unanimous support shortly after the ban was lifted. In a matter of hours, news about the center spread, illustrating how quickly the church community is adapting to these changes.

While the Center currently operates as a record grouping in conjunction with GCAH’s facilities, it aims to launch digital courses and resources that highlight the legacies of LGBTQ+ individuals within the church. Currently, Karen Oliveto leads the center; she made headlines as the first bishop in a same-sex marriage during a period when such appointments were not sanctioned by the UMC.

Despite the commendable efforts of the center, not everyone is on board with this initiative. Critics, including Davison Drumm from the Institute for Religion and Democracy, argue that the new project leans heavily toward progressive LGBTQ+ advocacy. Drumm highlighted concerns about the funding mechanisms, suggesting that local church members may inadvertently support an agenda they do not agree with through their contributions.

In response to these criticisms, Boggan clarified that the center aims to preserve the church’s comprehensive history, rather than promote a particular viewpoint. She emphasized that the UMC had a pattern of silencing the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, and it was vital to rectify this disservice. “Conversations about LGBTQ+ persons had drastic effects on the ministries and mission of the UMC over the last 50 years,” she remarked, underscoring the intent to leave a nuanced historical account for future generations.

Additionally, Boggan acknowledged the diverse views within the LGBTQ+ community, promising to work on documenting a broad spectrum of experiences. This effort underscores a commitment to understanding the complexity of discussions surrounding these identities within the UMC, ensuring that every voice contributes to the church’s evolving narrative. As the new center embarks on this important journey, many are watching closely to see how it will influence the future of the United Methodist Church.

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