1966, of whom twenty to twenty-five were in attendance at any given time. Not only did the retreat serve to discuss problems at great length, but it also gave the clergymen and homosex uals an excellent opportunity to observe the behavior and manners of each other by being in close contact for this extended period of time. This mingling together of homophiles and heterophiles was designed to have both groups analyze some of their misconceptions and stereotyped impressions of each other and to reformulate their opinions concerning each other in terms of the personal worth of the individual.

The consultation, chaired by the Rev. Alex Smith, (Methodist) began Friday evening with an introduction by ONE's Social Service Director, Chuck Thompson, who gave some of the basic facts concerning the existence and the extent to which homosexuality is found in our society. Mention was made of many famous homosexual men and women who have made great contributions to their country and to the world, and who have led very profitable and useful lives. This introduction served to acquaint those members of the clergy who had not been able to discuss homosexuality openly before and to establish an air for communication between the two groups.

Following this introduction, a presentation which set the theme for the remainder of the weekend was made by the Rev. H. Lynn Jondahl (United Church) who raised ethical questions concerning certain facts mentioned in the previous speech; questions such as the nature of love, the nature of relationships among people in general and homosexuals in particular, the purpose of sex, and others. The Rev. Jondahl made it clear that the concept of homosexuality does conflict with presentday theology, a conflict which has separated many homosexuals from the church. He mentioned that in order to

20

reconcile homosexuals with the church, this theology must be reevaluated. His speech paved the way for the more detailed discussions of the following two days.

The consultation Saturday morning was highlighted by contributions made by the Rev. Morton Kelsey (Episcopal) of Monrovia, Calif. The Rev. Kelsey presented a most comprehensive and enlightened thesis concerning Christian attitudes toward sexuality in general.

Dr. Leonard B. Olinger, Psychologist from Beverly Hills, elaborated on Rev. Kelsey's remarks, drawing from his experience as a marriage counsellor for both heterosexuals and homosexuals.

The next speaker, Attorney Stuart A. Simke, also from Beverly Hills, cited some of the conflicts between homosexuals and administrative law. He

said that a homosexual who has been arrested is often unable to obtain a job because licensing regulations for businesses contain a morals clause which may therefore deny him a license.

Final speaker for the Saturday morning sessions was James Kepner, Jr., editor of the new publication Pursuit &Symposium. Mr. Kepner gave a brief history of the homophile movement, pointing out how the internal lack of clearly defined goals in its early days has shown up in today's diversified groups.

In the afternoon, the group was divided into three work sections of about

eight persons each. These groups gave each individual a chance to express specific questions and attitudes, and to become more personally involved. The discussions rambled from promiscuity to gay marriages, from lesbians to transvestites, from the church's obligation to homosexuals to the homophiles' obligation to church and society. The three allotted hours seemed hardly sufficient to discuss any single aspect of the problem. Questions flowed endlessly.