FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2024
NEW UNITED METHODIST CENTER TO COLLECT QUEER HISTORY SETS KICKOFF CELEBRATION
Activities include Dr. Randall Miller as keynote speaker, ‘1946’ film screening, special music
Madison, N.J. - Stories, songs, exhibits and a special film screening are part of the festivities when the new Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage holds its Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Craig Chapel on the Drew University campus. The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) will host the event, which is scheduled from 4-8:30 p.m. ET, and open to the public.
“The important contributions of our LGBTQ+ siblings within The United Methodist Church have been overlooked for too long. With the opening of the new center, we will intentionally collect, preserve and share Queer Methodist history. We celebrate that we are finally living into our true identity as people called United Methodists,” said Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary.
Dr. Randall Miller, a lifelong United Methodist and an international leader in a variety of sectors, including academic, philanthropic, religious and social justice settings, is the event’s keynote speaker. Miller currently is director of the Global Religions program at the Arcus Foundation, which seeks to build and support a worldwide network of pro-LGBT religious leaders and organizations within Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities.
Boggan and retired United Methodist Bishop Karen Oliveto, board chairperson of the new center, also will share remarks.
Mark Miller, composer in residence at Drew University and a popular worship leader, will lead a time of music, singing and dancing from 5-5:30 p.m.
Attendees will have an opportunity from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to explore special exhibits celebrating the ministries of LGBTQ+ United Methodists and honoring their struggle and sacrifices within the denomination.
The special event will conclude with a screening of “1946,” a documentary that chronicles how the mistranslation of the word, “homosexual,” changed history. A group discussion will follow.
"The United Methodist Church, in polity and practice, created a 'don't ask/don't tell' environment for its queer members," Oliveto reminds us. "This center will help the church understand the contributions of and the costs to its queer members. It will help a fuller United Methodist story emerge."
The kickoff celebration is free, but registration is required at this link. Portions of the event, including the speakers and music, will be livestreamed. (Watch for details on GCAH social media platforms).
As part of the kickoff celebration, GCAH has set a goal to raise $5,000 to support the center’s programming. Donations may be made online or in person. Online donations made be made via Venmo [@GCAH_UMC].
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
ccaviness@umcom.org
615-306-3401