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Reflections those in any trouble with the comfort we Lesbian people. Most Gay and Lesbian
on the Fifteenth Anniversary ourselves have received from God" (2 people believe in God, of course, but few
ofMCC Corinthians 1 :3-4 NIV). have any understanding of God, let alone a
We in MCC have been blessed by God relationship with God. Many are so turned
in order that we might be a blessing of God off by institutional religion that they
by Jeffrey Pulling to other people. We have been given many would never consider that the Church has
Samaritan Extended Studies wonderful, exciting people, financial re- anything for them. Many have never heard
sources, and a daring, demanding mission. that the essence of the Creator and Sus-
This year's Fellowship Sunday, Octo- All of this is to transform us into a means tainer of the universe is not cold, stern
ber 9, is a celebration of the Fifteenth of God blessing this world in which we live. demands, but rather open, searching love.
Anniversary of the founding of MCC It is obvious, of course, that most of We have around us many sexual minority
(October 6, 1968). As I reflect on our 15 the people to whom we are called to be a people who are miserable, lonely, empty
years of trying to build a church that both blessing do not see MCC as a blessing. We and desperately searching for something.
proclaims and lives God's love for all stand in the middle between other churches, We exist to show God to them, to embody
people, I think of the Biblical theme of who denounce us for being Gay jLesbian God's love to them.
"blessed to be a blessing." Genesis 12: 1-5 oriented and Gay jLesbian-affirming, and MCC exists to be a blessing to every-
records that Abraham and Sarah, the Gay liberationists and Lesbian feminists, one alienated from traditional religion. We
ancestors of Israel, were sent out by God who denounce us for involving ourselves in see around us a great search for meaning.
from their safe, comfortable home into an this oppressive and bigoted religious People are grasping for something, any-
unknown future in an unknown land with institution, the Church. Somehow, we thing, that can make their life mean
the promise that God would bless them have to witness to both sides and keep our something. And for the most part they do
and that they would be a blessing. All sanity. not find what they are looking for in a
peoples on earth would be blessed through Everything under the sun has been done church. Most churches do not offer people
them. in the name of Christianity, but those of us any meaning, purpose and direction in
The Old Testament prophet Zechariah who have been influenced and touched by their lives. Even those churches that do
prophesied that the Judeans, who had been Jesus of Nazareth know in our guts that attempt to do so end up with judgmental,
conquered and sent into exile, would be the essence of what Jesus taught is love, moralistic and narrow religion. MCC exists
brought back together as a people and not bigotry, intolerance, exclusivism, and for everyone, whether they be homosexual,
restored to their homeland. The restored moralisms. Jesus em bodied God's love heterosexual, bisexual or asexual. We exist
and gathered people of Israel would be a for every human being. MCC was called to show all a God who cares, a God who
blessing, even though they have been into being not to imitate other churches can give meaning and direction to life, a
an object of cursing and derision (Zechariah but to be a different kind of church. We God who meets us and challenges us in real
8:7-13). were not gathered together to be just life right where we are. MCC is an option
In the New Testament the apostle Paul another Christian church only with a for all seeking an alternative to traditional,
begins his Second Letter to the Corinthians lavendar tinge. Rather we are called to be patriarchal and judgmental religion.
with praise to the Provider of compassion a people who will both proclaim and live MCC exists to be a blessing to the rest
and God of all comfort, "who comforts us God's love for all people. of the Christian Church. Now you may
in all our troubles, so that we can comfort MCC exists to be a blessing to Gay and continued on page 25
Kassalow,
MEMBERS: Loni Allen,
Cory Allison, Teri Anglin, Phil Gallnitz,
Tony Gotlibowski, Hasani Gough, Bruce
Sue Kirkland,
Paul Nance, Frank Zerilli
Kurt Kreisler,
SO'1/.r.IJC. .. .
COLLECTIVE LIAISON: Troy Perry
COLLECTIVE WRITERS:
Pulling,
Bob Arthur,
Judy Dahl, R. Adam DeBaugh, Jennie Boyd
Bull, Jeffrey Nancy
Nancy Wilson, Larry Uhrig
COLLECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS:
Radclyffe,
Bruce
"ol"(io,,.
Barton, T. Michelle Carmody, Michael
England, Ro Halford, Jimmy Kerber, retribution against any individual or
Jim Mitulski, Betty Pedersen, Lyn Perry,
Steve Warren
JOURNEY
UFMCC.
is a monthly magazine of
The focus of JOURNEY is to
AIDJ group;
teach
healing
and we resolve
and proclaim
power
health and happiness.
God's
to preach,
loving,
and desire for our
OTHER ACTIONS AT
GENERAL CONFERENCE INCLUDED:
Mem bers of the Northeast District meet under a cool tree during the record breaking heat which visited Toronto the week of Conference.
worship
by Michael England
Pastor
MCC of San Francisco
human rights
rally
THE RIGHTS TOUCH cut. He believes the police raids on Gay words of a hymn he had sung as a boy:
by Steve Warren bathhouses a few weeks after the election "Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone,"
were "politically motivated" in retaliation and called on all Gay men and Lesbians to
Lay Minister
for his stand. come out, "to define ourselves, not let
On the current state of Gay rights in other people tell us who and what we are."
"The parent of Canada's Gay move- Canada, Hislop reported that Quebec is the Previous winners of the Fellowship's
ment," George R. Hislop, received UFMCC's only province which has Gay rights legis- Human Rights Award are Midge Costanza
third Human Rights Award at a rally on lation on the books; a similar bill has been (1979), special assistant to then President
the semi-final day of General Conference recommended for Ontario but has not Jimmy Carter; and the Unitarian Uni-
XI in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. passed yet; things look bad in British versalist Church (1981), which has helped a
Hislop was accompanied by and shared Columbia where a new right-wing govern- number of MCC's get started by providing
the credit with his spouse of 25 years, Ron ment has just been elected. meeting space.
Shearer, saying "No one works alone." Hislop attributed his courage to the Only about 200 attended this year's
In 1971 Hislop founded CHAT (Com-
munity Homophile Association of Tor-
onto), the city's first Gay organization, and
initiated a dialogue with the police regarding
their entrapment policies. In 1980-he ran
for alderman from ward six as Toronto's
first openly Gay candidate.
Among the issues he raised in his
ultimately unsuccessful campaign was the
police budget, which Hislop said should be
LEFT: During the Human Rights Rally, Sam Edelman shares her satiric sermon, "Can
God Cure The Heterosexual?" ABOVE: Papa John, honored as Elder Emeritus, shares
a story with two brothers.
Bobbi Andrews, left, and Carolyn Mobley, above, share their music at the Human Rights
Rally.
THE BIG LIE commercial "Bet you can't eat just one'!"
the drunken arguments with your friends,
your lover? Wouldn 't it be a more pleasant
way to live if you weren't so obsessively
afraid to be too far away from the closest
bottle, from the next drink, just to make
by Kurt Kreisler Well, this is sort of the same principle. It it through the day, just to kill the pain that
Collective Member sort of helps divide the "ares" from the you can't describe? How about the shakes?
"are nets." If you don't make it success- Ever have those? Frequently feel as if your
"I've been getting too drunk lately, I fully, then go ahead and be alarmed! But tongue is asleep and your teeth itch? Ever
think I'll switch to just beer and wine don't feel hopeless, either! You can help have the dry heaves in the morning? What
instead of the hard stuff!" yourself! a way to start the day! How about those
First of all remember that alcoholism blood shot eyeballs ·that stare back at you
"I only get drunk on weekends. A is a disease, not a weak character or a lack in the bathroom mirror every morning?
person has to relax and unwind once in of will power. It is all encompassing and Doesn't alcohol taste rotten first thing in
awhile!" involves your mind, your body and your the morning? Upchuck the first one and
spirit. The disease makes you an addict, a have to nurse the second one hoping it'll
"You know, I can't remember a thing drug addict. Alcohol is a drug, didn't you stay down? I'd say you had a problem.
about the party last night! I must have know that? The problem is nothing to But then everything is relative. If you're
been smashed!" be ashamed of unless we ignore the satisfied living that way, then you haven't
obvious, adopt the problem, and keep on hit bottom yet. You haven't suffered
"I had too much to drink last night, I drinking anyway. There's no known cure enough. If you are sick and tired of being
think I'd better stay home from work for this disease at the present time. Even sick and tired then it's time for you to
today. I don't feel so good!" those of us who have quit drinking are still come home again. What's first? Take the
alcoholics . . . we're just 'recovering' first step. Remember the old adage, the
"I don't understand it. I woke up this alcoholics. We'll always have the disease. trip of a thousand miles begins with but a
morning and my bed was wet! I must have But it can be controlled, How? The single step? It's. true. Now come on, take
taken a drink to bed with me and spilled answer is simple, the mechanics a little the first step with me, okay? Come on ...
it! " more difficult. You can quit drinking! it doesn't hurt a bit!
Mull this over for a few moments while I First, admit to yourself, in the privacy
"Wow, did we party last night! But fill you in on a few facts. of your own room, that you have a problem.
my hands are shaky this morning and I If you're reading this, there's a good After all, if you can't trust yourself, who
know one drink would fix me up!" chance that you're a member of the can you trust? This is the hardest part, by
Lesbian/Gay Community. If you are, here the way. You've denied it for so long that
Any of these sound familiar? Well, if are a few tender tidbits for you to savor. you believe the BIG LIE. Try just a little
you can relate to anyone of them (I used One out of seven heterosexual persons has more ... that's it! You did it! Now, find a
to relate to all of them) then there's a good a problem with alcohol. One out of three friend, a pastor, a parent, a lover ...
chance you may have a drinking problem. homosexual persons has a problem! That's anyone you have respect for. Now, what
Sound too frightening? Can't be you? a lot of people! The odds aren't very good. you just admitted to yourself, admit that
What would you do without alcohol to One consolation, though ... if you do have same thing to them. This is the second
turn to, to give you comfort, to make a problem, you also have a lot of good step. It's easier than the first. Done that?
you relax after a hard day's work? How company! And we share in one another's Now ... find a support group that can help
would you be able to go to bars or parties? pain but we also share in one another's you over the rough spots. Alcoholics
You can't imagine yourself at a social struggle and triumph! Anonymous is a good place - to start.
function without a drink in your hand, So now you've decided that "maybe" There's also a Gay/Lesbian AA called
right? Besides, a few drinks make you you have a problem. Well ... that's not Alcoholics Together (AT). Look it up in
relax, lower your inhibitions, make it easier good enough! We have to get you to a your phone book or: call your nearest
to relate to people (better able to cruise?). point where you know you have a problem. Lesbian/Gay organization. Find out where
It makes you more creative, too, I'll bet. If How can you tell, really, for certain? Well, they're meeting and go! Don't be nervous
you say "Nah ... I couldn't have a drinking one good rule of thumb is this: If alcohol, or afraid. B"elieve me, you'll be welcomed
problem!" then you've bought into the in any way, is giving you difficulties, and surrounded by love and acceptance.
BIG LIE. of any sort, in your daily life, then chances When you see all of those smiling faces,
Next you're going to tell me that you are ... you guessed it. Social drinkers do hear the laughter, you'll be overwhelmed
could quit anytime, aren't you? Oh, yeah? not have that problem. And remember the by the fact that you all share the same
Then try this experiment: try having only quotes at the beginning of this saga? How pro blem . . . you can't tolerate alcohol.
one drink a day (or night) for a month. If many did you relate to? Even one would You'll get phone numbers of people you
you can do this successfully, then perhaps I be sufficient to point the finger of ac- can call when you're having a rough time
was wrong about you. Maybe you don't cusation at demon rum. And, come or even when you just feel like talking to
have a problem. Remember the old on now . . . haven't you, for a long time,
continued on page 28
ffo
part, after participating, the general con- other and begin to be able to hear each
by T. Michelle Carmody sensus was that the workshops were at other without shouting. We then need to
Lay Representative least pleasant and, for a great majority, be able to take what we've learned about
were quite stimulating, informative and each other and especially what we learn
(reluctantly retired)
personally relevant. about ourselves and incorporate it all into a
Western Canadian District Many districts reported that the new personal wholeness with God. Then·
participants were emotionally "high" after- we will see the truly alive Body of Christ
We began our pre-Conference meeting wards, especially with Workshops I "Spiri- manifest in UFMCC.
in the same way as almost any other tuality and Sexuality," and III "Study To that end, FFO is developing two
conference .neeting I've even seen in MCC; Questions. " more workshops to be given, in conjunction
screaming, hugging, kissing and talking a It seems to have added to the intensity with Workshops I and III, over the next
mile a minute. All of this really started the of people's experiences to realize that not two years. The results of all four work-
day before the meeting with those of us only does your life count to you and God, shops should be, first of all, personal
who were blessed enough to be able to get but also your opinions, ideas and questions growth for the participants. One of the
to Toronto early, and continued into the are important to the whole Fellowship. All other goals as mentioned in our report to
second day of the meeting with those who of us need to realize that Theology is not General Conference, (which I would like to
came late. As has been said many times reserved for the "elite learned ones" up in encourage everyone to read), is forming
before, the greatest part of any conference their ivory towers, where they come up representative study questions for the
or meeting in UFMCC is re-kindling old with what we down below are supposed to ongoing consideration of the entire Fellow-
friendships and making new ones. How- believe without question. Rather, theology ship in order to know just what everyone
ever, we did get lots done besides that. is what each one of us does daily when we thinks a Christian Theology of Sexuality is
As we got down to work, we met our make our life decisions based on our about.
new members and each present district understanding of God and our personal
gave their report. Hearing all the happenings faith. This is the basic philosophy behind ACTION OF THE
from across the Fellowship is always a the "grass roots" approach to form a GENERAL CONFERENCE
great thrill for me and it adds to the Christian Theology of Sexuality, which is
excitement of the whole Commission. both the method and the task that you, as There was a forum time during the
Since November 83, when the Com- the General Conference, directed FFO to week so that people could come and ask
mission last met, approximately 450 do. questions of the Commission to find out
people have participated in the Basics of In hearing all the districts' reports exactly what we've been doing or what our
the Christian Faith workshops: regarding Workshop II "Personal Faith results are. There was a handful of attendees
I "Spirituality and Sexuality;" II "Per- Statements," the Commission realized and who were very supportive and interested.
sonal Faith Statements;" and III "Study included in our report, that the general Later in the Business sessions, as the
Questions for a Christian Theology of feeling around UFMCC is that we don't entire 24 member Commission sat across
Sexuality." When we add that to the 400 need a new or revised Statement of Faith the stage in front of the General Conference
who participated before November, that's at this time. in order to be able to better facilitate
at least 850! We all praise God for the What we found that we do need, is to questions and answers or debate, the
cooperation of the people who attended learn to speak each other's languages, Conference body shocked us all by passing
the workshops. Not everyone started out especially in the areas of Faith and Sex-
willing and enthusiastic, but, for the most uality. In that way we can talk to each continued on page 13
AIDS
preceding are theorized risks at present;
further research will be necessary before
final conclusions can be made.
Now to an integral part of this article -
the symptoms of AIDS you can watch for.
third world
ministries
CANUFMCC her message. I have seldom experienced the Conference. This disorganization was
MEET THE CHALLENGE? anyone's taking such a risk in such a caused mostly by a lack of funds. Some-
powerful manner. Yes, it is a risk for a how, the money that had been approved
Black person to stand in front of a pre- by UFMCC on paper never reached the
by Pat A. Evans dominantly white audience and challenge Conference staff. Without those funds,
Student Clergy the listeners to reach out to People of many resources, such as adequate housing
Color in response to God's call. It is also and speakers, were never secured. In
My pastor, Rev. Robert Copestake, risky for the oppressed to stand in front of addition, I was saddened by the fact that
San Jose MCC, returned from General the oppressor and ask for help. I think we only one non-Third World person actively
Conference XI very excited, uplifted and all know by now that we must risk in order - participated in this Conference. I began to
wanting to share many events of the. to change systems. I thank Rev. McCoy believe that this event was not important
Conference. One thing he shared with me for taking this risk. I thank God for giving to anyone but us (a handful of People
was a tape of the message delivered by Rev. her the strength to deliver this powerful of Color - plus one).
Renee McCoy, Harlem MCC. message of hope. However, when I arrived home, I had a
I listened to this tape many times, I would like to take this opportunity large smile in my heart; and many people
each time hearing Rev. McCoy challenge to echo McCoy's challenge and to affirm told me that my eyes glowed whenever I
every member, friend and supporter of the importance of her words. Based on talked about the Conference. This smile
UFMCC. She challenged UFMCC to give past experiences, I am afraid that Third and glow were due to the fact that before
its Third World members some of the tools World ministries may be forgotten or the Conference:
necessary to reach outside and minister to become less valid for some of us. My
the needs of other Third World sisters and experience of the first Lesbian and Gay 1. I didn't know that there were 50+
brothers. She challenged Third World Third World Christian Conference spon- people of color related to UFMCC.
members to share the message of liberation sored by UFMCC in October 1982 serves as 2. I didn't know that UFMCC had any
and hope given to us by UFMCC with an excellent example of the bases of my Third World clergy.
sisters and brothers who have not yet heard fear. 3. I didn't know that Third World
these words. She challenged all of us in I was very proud to belong to the Lesbian and Gay Christians were
UFMCC to open our eyes, ears and hearts Fellowship that was sponsoring this his- coming out of their closets.
so that we would understand and allow toric event and proud that I was partici- 4. I had never before had C-H-U-R-C-H
Isaiah's vision of God's glory to be alive for pating in the making of this history. But with Third World Lesbians and Gays.
us today. when I arrived in Washington, D.C., I
I would like to thank Rev. McCoy for became frustrated at the disorganization of continued on page 16
men's sharing
by Jimmy Kerber checking in we began discussing the dif- frightens U"S and threatens not only our
Lay Minister ferent ways men and women react in group sexual freedom, but our very lives.
situations. The consensus was that men As the horror of AIDS hovers over us,
tended to gather around specific interest we all feel the need to learn how to be
A little over a year ago a Feminist compassionate and nurturing to our
areas in their same sex gatherings (such as
friend gave me a book to read and told me brothers, to talk to each other and get to
Ski Clubs, Motorcycle Clubs, etc.), almost
that the true test of our friendship would know the individual behind the body.
as if an excuse were needed to bond
be reading that book in its entirety. One sharing session was not enough
together. Women on the other hand,
The book was Mary Daly's GYN/ for us and we would have liked to have had
seemed to feel more comfortable gathering
ECOLOG Y, and dealt with the atrocities more throughout the week of General
for mutual support without feeling the
that men have perpetrated on women - not Conference and see men's groups start up
need of a topic of specialized interest. We
just good old American Oppression like job in our churches.
wondered if men were afraid to admit that
discrimination, but such horrors as Chinese
they needed each other. In another room a few hours later the
foot binding, Indian wife burning and
We talked a lot about support and General Conference passed a resolution
African clitorectorny, The book upset me
friendship and the way that sexual tension from the Elders calling us to minister in
a lot and drove home a message that men
sometimes keeps us from seeking support our communities during the AIDS crisis.
were awful and the only woman of any
from our own sex. For this reason many of Perhaps men's sharing is one way to
value (to the author) was a Lesbian.
I tried to find someone who had read us had always reached to women for begin. . . . •
the book to see if I was overreacting to it support and ignored our brothers. On the
other hand, a few felt their closest friend continued from page 15
but the only person I could find told me
she'd thrown the book across the room was a straight brother, again perhaps When I returned home, I didn't know
halfway through it and never finished it. I because of lack of sexual tension. Yet we how to report to San Jose MCC's Board of
couldn't go back to the person who sug- all felt that an intimate closeness was Directors, who had approved and raised the
gested I read it because I was still pro- necessary to our identity as Gay men. funds to send me to the Conference. I
cessing my feelings about the book. We all wondered what kept us from prepared a report, an overview of the
I think that was the first time I ever reaching out to each other and felt it had a workshops; but there was no way for me to
felt a strong need to share my feelings with lot to do with the games men play in our report the spiritual or emotional ex-
a group of men. I felt a lot of conflict at community, especially the bars where "the perience.
the time between loving men, being a Gay hunt, the chase and the kill" adventure is I know that UFMCC will sponsor
male, and only being able to communicate the norm and developing meaningful another Third World Christian Conference.
on an emotional level with my Lesbian relationships or friendships is not accepted I believe that UFMCC will allow this wheel
sisters. practice. And yet at the same time none of of change to move. I pray that Third World
I lived through that and then this past us wanted to give up sexual freedom since sisters and brothers will continue the work
Spring attended a workshop at the North- it was something we'd fought for for a long begun in Washington, D.C. I pray that
west District Conference called "The time. non-Third World sisters and brothers
Politics of Separation," led by the Rev. We felt that it was necessary for men will pick up this wheel of change on the
Karen Ziegler. In her workshop Karen to stop worrying about sexual tension and other side of the river bank. As Rev. James
talked about how we, as the body of work at communication. If one feels an Tinney told those in attendance at the
Christ, become more whole by separating attraction for another it's there and human Conference, " ... the only way to build a
into same sex groups and healing ourselves and okay. We also felt we shouldn't let sex bridge is to work from both sides of the
and then bringing that wholeness back to rule our lives and got in touch with some river. "
the entire group for a stronger, healthier anger about our sisters trying to make Rev. McCoy is right; there is plenty for
body. I felt a strong pulling toward ethical decisions for us. Most of the men everyone to do. We cannot all have the
communicating with other men and was we knew were fairly promiscuous and yet same job, for many talents and gifts are
excited about the idea of starting a men's most of the women we knew had to buy a needed to build this bridge to a foreign
group in the East Bay Area. bed together before they'd sleep in it. We land. The 50+ who attended the Con-
When I noticed in the schedule that may not always want one night stands and ference have begun to prepare the soil. If
General Conference XI would have a men's anonymous sex and we may prefer long- you will join us, if you will support us,
sharing time in Toronto I was elated and term encounters, but we felt it was our together we can continue to prepare the
couldn't wait for Friday to come. right to choose for ourselves and that our ground. Once we are all united on one side
We gathered together on the morning sisters had no right to criticize our choice. of the river bank, we can work together to
of July 15, a truly international group - Discussion of sexual freedom naturally plant the seed. Then we all will see the
from the U.S., Canada and Australia. After led to the subject of AIDS. This disease product - maybe "a hundredfold." •
women's
sharing process in our journey that involves self-
growth, there were moments of unspoken
pain, outrageous anger, and subtle hurt.
More often than not, the group opened to
these emotions (emotions that can so often
seem frightening and overpowering) and
evening, discussing how individual churches the sense of healing and support became
WOMYN TOGETHER around the Fellowship are developing the reward as we learned to risk with one
by Lyn Perry programs that specifically address our another.
needs as women. The excitement seemed The Conference theme of "Diversity"
to intensify as we realized that that aware- was overwhelmingly prevalent within the
As is historically the case, General ness has begun maturing into some very women of this Fellowship. Issues of
Conference was a time of frantic reunions, specific and powerful ministries. It was spirituality, sexuality, sexism, agism and
hectic schedules and a menagerie of some- exhilerating to realize that within the racism took diff~rent priorities for each of
times torn emotions. In view of that kind process of developing a theological language us. However, -our bonding as sisters who
of environment, the Women's Sharing that touches us as women, we have dis- have need for each other, allowed us not
Space each evening became, for many of covered a culture and a spirituality that is only to share, but also to hear one another's
us, a necessary harbor of quiet nurturing uniquely ours also. concerns.
and loving support. There was a sense of strong affirm- The passion of women's spirituality is
It was a time to be safe within the ation in realizing we no longer have to be perhaps one of the most intense dynamics
bonds of sisterhood and re-energize our- guilty about our need for a separate shaping the direction of our Fellowship at
selves from one another's spirits. For Women's space; nor does it require any this time. Because of that fact, it seems
many, it was a time to reaffirm the dynam- kind of permission from others to develop immensely important that women covenant
ic power that can be developed in an positive networks exclusively with and for together that God's Spirit would be pri-
atmosphere of reciprocal caring and sharing women. The evenings of sharing continued mary in our vision and that same Spirit
among women. throughout the week in song and dance would .bring us to one accord within our
The group began sharing on Monday and prayer and growth. As with any diversity.
in masculine terms. The nature of Jesus is about the use of Goddess to add to God them in the context of chapter 2. As we
more fully revealed to us if we note that he imagery by saying that she considered the read about the submission of women in
is characterized as the wisdom of God (I term God to be a job description rather Ephesians 5 we need to be clear that these
Cor 1:24) very definitely a feminine than a male designation. An interesting statements are within the context of a
concept. The work of redemption on the discussion followed making the point that discussion of mutual submission. As a
cross gains added layers of meaning as we many people hear the term God as a social change activist Paul is proposing the
recall Jesus' statement in John 17:1 (the male term. move to mutuality in relationships by
hour has come) in the context of John - Living in mutuality includes learning to the use of carefully chosen examples that
16 :21: "When a woman is in travail she accept and live with all parts of who we are can be heard in the culture he is dealing
has sorrows because her hour has come, as individuals. with.
but when she is delivered of the child, she - Christ is not Jesus' last name. (While - We must include an understanding of the
no longer remembers the anguish, for the writing this the idea of job description literary format of any text that we are
joy that a child is born into the world." made a great deal of sense in this instance attempting to understand in the Bible. Are
As women and minority groups begin also.) we dealing with a letter, with literal history,
to be empowered by the reflection of their - In dealing with God we are dealing with or with symbolic history. If we consider
experience in divine imagery we are much pan-in-theism: God is present in every the creation stories as symbolic history it
more able to understand that servanthood being but is not limited to that. will be clear to us why a heterosexual
can be chosen as a way of life by us, rather -- To consider Jesus as a star is often a way couple is used to deal with populating the
than experiencing servanthood as the for us to opt out of responsibility as we earth. When an analogy is used we must be
necessary result of our weakness and trick ourselves into thinking that Jesus is clear about what is being compared, and
inability to choose any other way of life. too special to be a role model. we must understand that the context
The idea of inclusive language is not to - It may be that homophobic men are very governs the interpretation of the analogy.
drop male images of God, but rather to uncomfortable with a God that is ex- For example when we read the Pauline
begin to use the diversity of images of God clusively male so churches use more texts saying that the husband is to the
that are available to us. When singing "Our inclusive language men may become more wife as Christ is to the church we receive a
God is Like an Eagle" we can begin to involved in church. very different interpretation if we are
experience the personally liberating power -- Hermeneutics is the field in which we viewing this analogy from the perspective
of freeing God imagery from our very make clear our presuppositions and the of Christ as servant. From this perspective
limiting sex role catagories. As oppressed rules we use when we interpret some type Paul is calling upon men to lay aside their
people beginning to experience ourselves in of human expression. As we try to under- special privileges and power as Christ did to
the image of God we also begin to realize stand the Bible as literature we must follow become the servant of all.
that God is calling us to become mature certain rules. All that we read must be - All scripture must be understood within
and powerful embodiments of the divine considered in the total context within its historical context. How was the writer
nature active in this world. which it was written. socialized? What was happening histor-
The dialogue session with all of us was - We must consider the flow of grammar. ically during the writing of the text? What
open and fast moving and all that I can do What I am reading flows out of what I just did the words mean to the writer and to
is to record comments at random that read. In dealing with the Bible we need to later translators? When we realize that
made an impression on me. remember that the chapter divisions are a when the King James version of the Bible
-- It is liberating to realize that God em- later division and are not divinely inspired. was written effeminate meant self-indulgent
powers us and that we embody God. The themes of idolatry and judgment in and the statement that the effeminate
- Dr. Mollenkott responded to a question Romans 1 become more clear as we read
continued on page 30
reflections
Diversity and Pluralism
them, or be left behind. Rev. Jose Mojica the UFMCC are witnessing, experiencing
in Action represented the concerns of the Hispanic and sharing the miracle of God's ALL
Americas in much the same way. It encompassing love in ways we may never
by Ro Halford became evident to many of us that without have dreamed of.
Pastor full inter-racial, inter-national represen- Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, in her
tation we would be missing a very vital part sermon message said so eloquently, "We
of the Body of Christ. are an embarrassment to the National
Curing the week of Conference, some Council of Churches." We are so different
Gcneral-vConference XI in Toronto, of the women came together in times of from their own experience. Nancy also
Ontario, Canada was much like any other special sharing. Women came together in said that we are a special gift to one
UFMCC General Conference. We had their .need and desire to celebrate their another from God. When Rev. David
Business Meetings, Workshops, and Worship womanhood. Farrell preached, the house almost came
Services just like we always do at a General The Third-World Ministries, Hispanic down with laughter when he said, "Some-
Conference, however, in the final analysis Americas and Separatist Woman have times I may even be wrong," and when
this Conference was different from any risked sharing with this Fellowship the pain David went on to say the women's move-
before. of their experiences, and we have, and can, ment in our Fellowship made a difference,
For some of us, outside Canada, this continue to learn a great deal from them. this writer knew some changes were taking
difference began taking place when cross- Our link together as a Fellowship is the place.
ing the border into Canada. We were in a Body of Christ in the fullest sense of As is usually the case, the preachers of
foreign land! Some people were searched the word. We are bonded together by our General Conference XI were no exception
because something on their persons set off diversity. It is the diversity of our Fellow- in their eloquence and thought provoking
the metal-detecting device beeper. It was ship which brings us to grips with who we messages. This General Conference was no
the first time in their lives, perhaps, where really are. exception in the depth of emotionalism,
they found themselves so vulnerable, (I can We are in a new age of growth and and differing views, yet, there was a deeper
only speculate that). understanding in the Universal Fellowship compassion toward one anothers' pain, and
ference began shaping its effect on our lives of Metropolitan Community Churches. a deeper sense of understanding amidst all
somewhere between Monday, July 11, and When the term "Universal" was applied to . our differences.
Sunday July 17. At the outset of Business, our denominational name, it was perhaps General Conference XI will long be
it appeared that we would never change, in the desire to be truly UNIVERSAL, yet, remembered in the hearts and minds of
fact, it appeared downright frustrating one cannot help wonder how little we many, because we truly are the "Church
because we couldn't seem to get beyond knew the meaning of that word, until now. Universal." It struck some of us very
our personal agendas. Universal implies a good many things. subtly, and others of us like a two-by-four
Somewhere, in the process of "business It implies "we are everywhere," it implies board over the head; we are truly the
as usual," there were changes being made. we are desireous of total inclusion into the "Church Alive" in this world today. That's
Changes which began affecting us in almost Church, and it implies we open our doors what made this General Conference so
subtle ways. There were the outcries of and our hearts to ALL people from every different, because we are seeing it probably
emotions from some who didn't understand walk of life. However, until now, we have for the first time in our history, and we are
why others felt misuriderstood. There never been so overwhelmingly confronted a very important part of Diversity and
were quiet assurances for those who with being the UNIVERSAL Fellowship of Pluralism in Action. We are, after all, the
felt angry about being misrepresented and Metropolitan Community Churches. This UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP OF METRO-
misunderstood, that things were beginning Fellowship is being told in many ways, POLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES!!
to change. There were the painful out- "Put up, or Shut up." •
bursts of discontent for a Fellowship which General Conference XI brought us to a
outwardly professes the Love of God for SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSC
place in our development as a Fellowship
ALL people, while practising exclusion RIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE S
Body, and as individuals in where there is
and/or indifference toward Third-World UBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCR
no turning back -- unless we turn our backs
peoples, the Hispanic Americas and Women. IBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE S
on God's Vision for us. We can no longer
Rev. Renee McCoy, in her presentation UBSCRIBE JOURNEY SUBSCRIBE
patronize one another. This Fellowship
of the Third-World Ministries report, and SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSC
can no longer presume to act and speak for
after some painful exchanges of emotion, RIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE S
all people without complete integration of
made it very clear to all of us that Third- UBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCR
our diverse and pluralistic peoples. Uni-
IBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SU
World people are not going away. In versalism (Ecumenism), is being tested and
BSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRI
essence, we were challenged to go with tried as never before. We, who comprise
by Jim Mitulski
Chair, Committee on Church Music
1
FROM
WORLD CHURCH EXTENSION
WORKSHOP
Sisters and brothers take advantage during breaktimes to relax with each other.
IV
BE IT RESOLVED that this eleventh
General Conference of the UFMCC
hereby recognize, commend, and affirm
the arduous and creative work of the
Reverend Lucia Chappelle in her
years of service as Dean of Samaritan
Education Center.
V
BE IT RESOLVED that all prepaid regis-
trants be given copies of all printed
materials provided before and during
future General Conferences.
VI
We, the General Conference of the Univer-
sal Fellowship of Metropolitan Com-
munity Churches, do hereby resolve
that: VII RESOLVED: that we, the Lay Delegates,
RESOLUTION FROM THE the Clerical Delegates and the Elders,
Since the United States and the NORTHWEST DISTRICT do hereby pledge ourselves to tithe,
Soviet Union already possess thousands or to work toward tithing as a minimum
of nuclear weapons and carriers, and We, the members of the Universal Fellow- standard of our own giving and of
many thousands of warheads and; ship of Metropolitan Community Churches, our witness in the world and to the
wish to state publicly our conviction Church; and be iLfurther
The United States spends anywhere that the use of nuclear weapons, under
from twenty to thirty percent of its any circumstances, is contrary to the RESOLVED: That we do call all of the
total budget on weapons and devel- Will of God. While there may have been Church to join us in accepting the
opment, and; just wars in the past, the inability to scripturally .affirmed means of sup-
place traditional constraints on nuclear porting the Church and its ministries
The United States and the Soviet war now makes any moral justification as the minimum standard of Christian
Union already have the weapons and impossible. giving.
the capability to destroy the world
many times over in only twenty We urge our sisters and brothers in the RATIONALE: In Matthew 23:23, Jesus
minutes. faith communities of all nations to join continued on page 24
said: "Alas for you, lawyers and tricts to have Communion consecrated declare our support for those individuals
Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay and celebrated by members of the with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
tithes of mint and cumin, but you Laity; Syndrome): that we affirm to them, as
have overlooked the weightier de- well as their spouses, families and friends,
mands of the Law ... justice, mercy, BE IT RESO LVED that General Conference our readiness to give assistance and com-
and good faith. It is these that you affirms the right of all UFMCC minis- fort to them in whatever ways possible.
should have practiced, without ne- ters, clergy and lay, to celebrate and
glecting the others." These words consecrate Holy Communion with Recognizing the value and importance
clearly affirm the tithe as an assumed equal validity at all authorized wor- of human contact within any community,
and not arguable standard. What ship services, as determined by each we, the UFMCC, pledge that, collectively
Jesus is saying about the tithe is this: local church. and individ ually, we will offer our staffs
Do it! Let's not discuss it and be and congregations to those who suffer
proud of it. Just do it! Now let's pain and despair as a result of this con-
get on with more important matters, XII dition; that we will offer comfort through
which are justice, mercy and faith. RESOLUTION FROM MCC IN THE hope; that we will bring communion and
On the basis of that affirmation, VALLEY, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA prayer; that we will assist in alleviating
we can offer no less a standard for the any and all problems through the sharing
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Recognizing our responsibilities as a of the love of God wherever and when-
Community Churches. community of believers, we do now ever possible. _
IX
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY
THE BOARD OF ELDERS
X
RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY THE
COMMISSION ON THE LAITY
XI
WHEREAS the UFMCC affirms "the
priesthood of all believers;" and
WHEREAS it has been standard practice Members of MCC Toronto at their information tables.
in many UFMCC Churches and Dis-
24 JOURNEY, A UGUSTjSJ:::PTJ:::MBJ:::R1983
continued from page 2
ask, don't these members of the established Healer. We can communicate what we Would you join me in prayer:
churches already know God? And my have experienced and what we believe. We
response would be - Yes, they know some can communicate it by our compassion in
things of God and about God, but very few words and in action, and by participating Thank you, God, for bringing us
realize the implications of God's universal in healing and reconciling. together in this new and different
love and concern. Very few. The British When I think of all that MCC is called church called MCC. Help us to see
theologian Norman Pittenger, in his book to be and to do in this world, I sometimes ourselves as you see us, God. Help
GA Y LIFESTYLES (published by Universal despair because our numbers and our us to see the mission that you have
Fellowship Press), wrote something that resources are too small to meet the needs. laid out before us to be a blessing.
really struck me: But when this despair comes upon me, God Give us the courage, the strength,
usually finds a way to remind me, "Just do the patience, and the compassion to
"I think that the religiously minded what I ask you to do. This is my ministry, do what you ask us to do. Teach us,
heterosexual who wants nothing to do and I will take care of it." And I can only God. Fill us with your Spirit. Use
with homosexuals stands in need of say to God, "Amen - so be it." us. Amen. -
conversion to the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, for Jesus associated with the
outcasts, befriended those whom so-
ciety rejected, and was concerned
only to win all whom he could reach
to an understanding of the illimitable
love of the God whom he called his,
Samaritan
and their; heavenly Parent. "
I really think that any church-goer REFLECTIONS and a half after the formal conclusion of
who is under the delusion that God despises Conference, working steadily until the
Gay and Lesbian people and that God hour before my departure.
by Bruce Kassalow
would never work through such people People are writing to me from across
Operations Manager the country and around the world asking
does not know the One who sent Christ
Jesus into this world. Any church-goer Samaritan me about General Conference. I have
who regards sex as "dirty" or as a necessary difficulty answering these inquiries. My
evil (and there are lots of them who do) When the General Conference Man- personal experience was not inside those
does not know the One who created this agement Team hired me to go to Toronto, auditoriums. I was busily at work outside
world, who created sex, and who sent I was awed and apprehensive. I had been the doors with the most dedicated people
Christ Jesus to live a fully human life in Operations Manager of Samaritan for less I have ever known. I cannot thank our
this world. Any church-goer who regards than a year. Was I genuinely prepared to Canadian friends enough for their undying
God as male and therefore thinks that all come face to face with the official biannual loyalty. I will even say that the spirit
of God's ministers and spokespersons gathering of a denomination I had been outside the hall was as great as the spirit
should be male does not know the God acquainted with for so short a time? Could within.
that Jesus disclosed, and they don't know I leave Samaritan inactive for so long a Some people laud the recent General
their Bible very well either. We exist as a time? Conference while others deride it, whatever
witness to all the Christian churches in this I began behind-the-scenes planning their reasons. Personally, I shall treasure it
world to give them a more complete with Richard Ploen almost immediately. as one of the great experiences of my life.
picture of the God they claim to worship. My first assignment was to assemble the Beyond question, the UFMCC dream is
No matter how much Christianity is MANY GIFTS SHOP. The eminent Kerry alive and well.
distorted and warped by Christians, we in Brown joined forces with us shortly
MCC cannot be anything else - because we thereafter. She brought with her an
are grasped, moved and directed by Jesus' invaluable wealth of information from her
message and lifestyle of love. MCC came vast experience.
into being and it continues to grow because My assignments broadened as time
we feel compelled to present and live went on. Many adjustments were made.
Christianity as we know it. We are here to We were beset by obstacles which most
show the world the God we know in Jesus, certainly would have defeated a group less
WANTED
the God we know as the ever-present dedicated. We tested our powers of Preludes (for piano) based on hymns in MCC
Spirit. creativity to the very last second. Hymnal or on your favorite hymns. These will
MCC certainly does not have a mon- be published in a collection available at nominal
Even as people began walking into the
cost to Fellowship churches. Please write down
opoly on knowing the truth about God, University of Toronto Medical Sciences your music neatly in black ink since we will
but what we do know we need to share - Building, Conference administration re- not recopy it. Send to: L. Israel, MCC Harris-
with Gay and Lesbian people, with other burg, P.O. Box 3897, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
mained a challenge. Many vital materials
Christians and churches, with anyone who had not yet arrived from Los Angeles. 'I
will listen to us. Because of our past When everything was well under way, it CLASSIfiED ADVERTISING: IOcentsperword
including names, numbers, etc. All orders must
woundedness, oppression and rejection, we became necessary to move worship services be pre-paid and received by the fifth of the
have come to know God better as Savior, into air conditioning, out of the record month. Classifieds must be inclusive of gender,
Liberator, Lover, Rock of Strength and age and race.
heat and humidity. And so on. I left a day
------------~ ------
"Oh yes! Please teach it to us," they look! I met four!" And the sparkle to go back up to Heaven to be with God,
all said at once. was there in her eyes, and it seemed to He told the people, 'Listen, Don't be sad.
"OK. It goes like this .... " light up even her words, and made kind of Remember, 1 am with you always.' And
It only took a few minutes, and they a warm feeling inside their hearts. that's what I want to tell you. What is in
were all singing at the tops of their voices It was getting very late, and even your heart, and whatever you love, or
the new, but oh so special song. though there was no school the next day, it whoever you love, they can be with you
"Jesus loves me, this I know .... " was past bedtime. Shekinah asked if it was always, too, Even me! Remember, Jesus
And the sparkle was there. In Shek- alright if she slept in front of the fire, and loves you, this I know ... and so do I!"
inah's eyes, and it sort of lit up the room, "Please do!!" was their answer. Father came into the kitchen, and it
and it seemed to light up the whole world, When the children opened their eyes was buzzing with activity. All of the
just then. that next morning, they hurried to dress children were humming and singing, and
"Can you stay for supper?" they and run downstairs to find Shekinah. But over by the stove, he was sure that he
asked. "Father is gone to the next town there was no one in front of the fireplace. heard a strange sound that went sort of like
and won't be back until morning. We They ran to the kitchen, and it was empty ker-plop. And the faces!! The bright
would be very happy if you would. " too, except for a big bowl full of ker-plcp happy faces!!
"Why yes, I think I can. But only if stuff ready to cook. When they saw him, everyone ran to
you let me do the cooking. I think it Sarah Jane saw it first, the note on the him and hugged him, and all at the same
would be fun, and I'll show you some fun table, and as tears started to fill up in her time tried to tell him about Shekinah, and
things to cook." eyes, she handed it to Mary to read. They the singing, and the pathway, and Jesus.
They all set about getting out pots and all sat down, and the sad faces were back. Father just sat there and listened.
pans, and all sorts of things to cook. Even As Mary opened the folded piece of paper, Then he saw it, the sparkle in their eyes!
though they didn't have a lot in the kitchen, something wonderful happened! They And a little tear fell from his big eyes, or it
somehow in just a short while, Shekinah thought they heard humming, and they looked like a tear. But I think it was maybe
whipped up a wonderful supper. could have sworn they heard a ker-plop a little more than that. It was loneliness. It
After they had eaten just about as over by the stove! When they looked at was gone. And when the children looked
much as they thought possible, Shekinah each other, they were even more surprised! up into their father's face, it was there,
got up, went to the stove, and started There it was!! The sparkle in each child's too. The sparkle from Shekinah. The
mixing something up in a big bowl. eyes! sparkle from their mother's eyes, but more
"I'm gonna make you a treat for The note-was wonderful, too. Shekinah than that. I think it was the same sparkle
dessert. I don't exactly know what they had drawn a funny picture of all of them in Jesus' eyes when he told us, 'For 10, I
call it, but I call it ker-plop stuff, and that's on the pathway in a great big heap, and she am with you always.'
good enough for me. I call it that because wrote a little note at the end, about Jesus. And Jesus is!
it goes ker-plop when you put it in the "You know," she wrote, "after Jesus
pan." rose from the grave, and was getting ready The End
After only a few minutes, she was
finished, and everyone ate, and ate, and
ate. It was wonderful! Ker-plop was sort
of, well not really a pancake, and not really
a cookie, but, well, sort of both all wrapped
up together.
Inclusive Lectionary
After the dishes were done and put
away, they all went in in front of the fire, The Division of Education and Ministry cycle. The first volume, with readings
and Shekinah told them stories. All about of the NCC will be offering an inclusive determined by the Consultation on Church
a man from long long ago, in a far away language lectionary for voluntary, ex- Union, will be ready for use during advent
country. All about things he taught, and perimental use in worship, group study and of 1983 and continue through Pentecost,
what he did for the people, and what the individual use. It is hoped that this version 1984. This will be followed by separate
people did to him. Shekinah told them will spur people to greater sensitivity to volumes for Cycle B, ready in 1984, and
about Jesus. language which speaks to and for all Cycle C, available in 1985. Readings in the
"That's in the song, isn't it, about persons. We invite those who worship and second and third volumes will be based on
Jesus," said Heber, almost too sleepy to who study the Bible to join in the effort to selections from the North American
talk. find ways to express our faith inclusively. Committee on Calendar and Lectionary.
"Yes," said Shekinah. "It is about The Inclusive Language Lectionary This Lectionary, the first of its kind to
Jesus. And that is what keeps me happy. represents an important inter-denomin- be published by an ecumenical church
Did you notice something in my eyes ational effort to express the Christian council, is a landmark attempt to rethink
T today? Just a little something different?" message to all persons without bias. Based the language of Scripture as inclusive of
"Why yes," they said. "But how did on the Revised Standard Version of the both women and men.
you know?" Bible as well as original Greek and Hebrew THE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE LEC-
"Well, it's called love. Jesus taught us tests, readings in the Lectionary have been TIONARY: READINGS FOR YEAR A.
to love one another, and I seem to run into recast so that all who 'hear the word of God To be published by Westminster Press for
people all of the time to love. Why, just proclaimed will have a sense of equality; no John Knox Press, United Church Press, and
look at you kids! This morning, when I one will feel excluded by language. Westminster Press. 6" x 9" paperbound,
talked to Jesus in my prayers, I asked to Like most other standard lectionaries, $7.95 (tentative price). Publication date is
meet someone extra special today, and just this one follows the pattern of a three-year October 14, 1983. •
coflict
Divine Redeemer MCC, Glendale, CA
Maranatha MCC, Hayward, CA
MCC Charleston, SC
MCC New Haven, CT
ICM Mexico City, Mexico