FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2024
BISHOP KAREN P. OLIVETO SELECTED AS CHAIR OF NEW CENTER FOR LGBTQ+ UNITED METHODIST HERITAGE
GCAH intentionally collecting and preserving Queer Methodist history through center
Madison, N.J. – Bishop Karen P. Oliveto has been selected as the chairperson for the new Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage, Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, announced today. The center, set to officially launch in October 2024, will focus on the collection and preservation of stories, as well as education and research surrounding Queer Methodist history.
“For too long, The United Methodist Church has systematically silenced the stories of faithful United Methodists. Yet, even in an oppressive ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ environment, LGBTQ+ persons have served this church at every level, often at great personal cost. The Center for LGBTQ+ UM Heritage will help us reclaim these stories and contributions by LGBTQ+ United Methodists, enriching the history of our denomination and providing healing and hope for future generations,” comments Oliveto, current resident bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference of The UMC.
Formation for the center was announced during the Postponed 2020 General Conference, held April 23 to May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C., following the historic vote that removed the funding ban that previously prevented general agencies of The UMC from being financial invested in LGBTQ+ ministries.
“We celebrate that we are finally living into our true identify as people called United Methodists,” Boggan said. “The voices, ministries and witness of my Queer siblings in Christ—who for far too long have been silenced and cast aside—are examples of the stories we will intentionally collect, preserve and share through the Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage.”
To learn more about GCAH, visit ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
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Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
615-306-3401
ccaviness@umcom.org