HIGH GEAR Page 5

Gay Methodists plan defenses against homophobia

INDIANAPOLIS, Inc. (UMC)--quately by official bodies of the growing is that it is seen as a

Alternative courses of action open to lesbians and gay men employed by the United Methodist Church were discussed at the semi-annual meeting of Affirmation, a caucus of United Methodists for lesbian/gay concerns, which convened here Oct. 5-7. The meeting focused on what happens to people who have lost jobs, been forced to resign or are feeling increasing pressure they suspect is related to the fact of their being gay.

church," he said.

Bishop Alton said he regretted it. He told Affirmation he would soon be talking with pastors about General Conference. "One thing we will discuss is the availability of churches for non-official groups that want to meet during General Conference. There are others asking for space as well," he told UMC.

As to legislation for General Conference, Mr. Collins said Affirmation "is working for deleBishop Ralph T. Alton, who tion of the derogatory language attended in a personal capacity in the Social Principles, rememat the invitation of the caucus, bering the wording was created told participants what the Book in a moment of panic and a cliof Discipline (church law) promate of hysteria on the floor of vides. He mentioned trial procethe 1972 General Conference. It dures for clergy as an alternative is not a well-thought-out stateto resignation or leave of ment and is untruthful in saying absence, two actions often homosexuality is incompatible apparently preferred by church with Christian teaching." Mr. Collins continued.

officials.

Affirmation members also dis"We are very concerned about cussed with Bishop Alton their the way this sentence is used as efforts to find places to hold a the doctrine of the church when worship service and a fellowship other sentences from the Social evening during the 1980 General Principles are not used in that Conference, scheduled for Indiaway," he said. napolis next April.

The caucus also is calling for Michael Collins, co-ordinator deletion of Paragraph 906.13 of of Affirmation, told United Meththe Discipline, having to do with odist Communications five local funds for gay groups. churches have denied their facili"We will be calling on the ties to Affirmation. "The local church to take seriously the need arrangements committee has to study homophobia and its been unable to find space for affects on the United Methodist United Methodists whose interChurch as a whole," he said. ests are not represented ade"One reason the church is not

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community of fear, and one fear is homophobia. People are not interested in being part of a com-

mission on the Status and Role of Women and the Board of Church and Society, expressing appreciation for their recent actions establishing_open employment policies. The group also acknowledged "the tremendous importance of the statement of conscience by 20 Episcopalian bishops who refused to accept their church's stand refusing ordination to homosexuals. "This is the first time people of

power in any denomination have said no to the opinion of their church,' said Mr. Collins.

The group discovered an urgent need for group life and health insurance and directed the officers to investigate the possibility of taking out a group policy in the name of Affirmation.

Lastly, participants agreed to make covenant relationships for mutual support. For example, Mr. Collins said, two persons might agree to be available to each other by phone when crises arise to listen, offer advice and even make a personal visit in an

emergency.

The caucus is sending letters of commendation to the Community focused around fears." In other actions Affirmation

approved several types of support ministry to aid lesbians and

gay men.

Procedures were set up to start an Affirmation Relief Fund for Victims of Homophobia, according to Mr. Collins. It would provide immediate financial resources for people desiring to start legal proceedings or need-

ing interim support.

Gay People's Alliance begins

By Bob Roehm

Source: UCM (United Christian Ministries) Newsletter

(ATHENS, OHIO) The Gay People's Alliance has had a fantastic beginning with an upsurge of attendance for the first three meetings. The meetings are held on Thursday evenings beginning at 7:30, and usually last two hours. After the business meeting, the group has a support session designed to help all present become more aware of their gayness and how it may be a positive attribute to their lives.

The GPA also offers support groups for both men and women. The women meet at 8:00 p.m. on

Tuesday evenings, and the men meet on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Topics discussed range from getting acquainted to personal relationships. Anyone interested in the groups may contact 5937301 for more information.

On Tuesday evenings, there is a phone-in and drop-in service staffed by GPA members, and they are available for consultation either in person or by phone. An outreach service is also offered for persons who need more encouragement or who would rather stay anonymous. Phone: 592-4397.

Other projects in the works by GPA are changing of the equal

NOW OPEN!

opportunity statement by the University, the National March on Washington on October 14, a ocal GPA newsletter, and a party with the Parkersburg and Ohio State GPA's.

Many of you have noticed our ads which have been running in the Post. These, plus discussions in classrooms and residence halls are an effort by the gay community to become more involved and visible on campus. To date, members have scheduled visits to more classes than we had for all of last year. Thus making it possible to reach more people with this year's theme, "Positively Gay."

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