We know there is increased interest in studying the whole issue of "homosexuality" and sexuality, with the possibility of big changes coming in the United Methodist Church. So, here are some basic study resources, with more advanced ones linked if you want to know more.
Editor's Note: You need to understand that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex persons experience our life situations not as "behaviors" or "activities" or even "a lifestyle" but holistically: as issues of identity and wholeness, loving and being loved as whole human beings by others. We do not present (intentionally, anyway) any resources which treat "homosexuality" as "behavior which harms" or only behavior or even as "a lifestyle." There is no one "homosexual" lifestyle, just as there is no one "heterosexual" lifestyle. Also, know that in light of 21st century knowledge of human sexuality, the term "homosexual" is based on a very limited understanding of sexuality.
United Methodist-related Studies, Books, and Video
Our Strangely Warmed Hearts (2018) by Bishop Karen P. Oliveto, the first openly Lesbian bishop in the UMC (though not the first gay or lesbian or bi UM bishop!). Bishop Oliveto has written a well-documented short history of the Gay Liberation Movement in America and of The United Methodist Church and Homosexuality. Unusual in UM-published books is the section of statements and stories in the voices of ten LGBTQ persons.
Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness (2017) - Part of the Colloquy held at Candler School of theology by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools. The 110-page English version is available for download here (PDF).
Presentation (PDF) by Affirmation Council member Jim Palmquist to a Forum in Eastern Pennsylvania. The news story has links to the presentations.
Bibliography by Affirmation Council former member Ben Roe: A Wesleyan Quadrilateral Bibliography - books and web sites arranged by the categories of the Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience) for an inclusive, affirming stance towards LGBTQIA persons in The United Methodist Church.
Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism by Wil Cantrell. 2017. Unafraid & Unashamed has been developed to aid local pastors in effectively communicating the issues facing the denomination in a manner that strengthens the church.
The Bible and Human Sexuality; Claiming God's Good Gift - by Ellen Brubaker, Participant's Guide by M. Garlinda Burton, United Methodist Women, 2016 - A Mission U study for 2016
Talking About Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource - by Karen Oliveto, Traci West, and Kelly Turney; Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2005
We Were Baptized Too: Claiming God's Grace for Lesbians and Gays by Marilyn Bennett Alexander and James Preston, 1996
Caught In the Crossfire; Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality - edited by Sally B. Geis and Donald E. Messer, Nashville: Abingdon, 1994.
The Church Studies Homosexuality; A Study for United Methodist Groups Using the Report of the Committee to Study Homosexuality (1994) - Study guide by Dorothy Williams. This 10-session study guide explores the issues of homosexuality from a Christian perspective. It contains the complete text of the Report of the Committee to Study Homosexuality presented at the 1992 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. This study is out of print.
Incompatible With Christian Teaching - DVD documentary film detailing the stories of United Methodist clergy and laity, and GLBT and straight allies.
And God Loves Each One- by Ann Thompson Cook. This simple and easy to read booklet introduces sexual orientation for discussion or education.
Made in God’s Image: A Resource For Dialogue About The Church and Gender Differences - By Ann Thompson Cook. This booklet includes valuable information and stories that will be helpful for any congregation, family or individual who is beginning to learn about gender identity.
The Loyal Opposition; Struggling With the Church on Homosexuality - edited by Tex Sample and Amy DeLong, Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Congregations Talking About Homosexuality Dialogue - by Beth Gaude. Alban Institute, 1998. Weaves together the stories of many congregations and how they faced and dealt with the issue of homosexuality. A helpful resource for assisting congregations that seek to engage in dialogue.
The Bible and Homosexuality - by Walter Wink. A classic small book by a United Methodist theologian. (11-page PDF)
Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study on Homosexuality - by Mary Jo Osterman, Reconciling Congregation Program. Leader's Guide.
Casting Out Fear - a video produced out of the first Reconciing Congregations Program Convocation in Chicago in 1987. A video in MPG4 format, 583mB. (Note: lipsync works best by downloading and planing locally)
Reconciling Ministries Resources - Web page with a large collection of resources
Non-UM Resources and Writers
What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality; Millennium Edition, Updated and Expanded - by Catholic psychology professor Daniel Helmeniak, Alamo Square Press, 2000. Widely Recommended.
For The Bible Tells Me So: A Study Guide and Advocacy Training Curriculum - Rev. Chris Glaser, Author, Dr. Sharon Groves, Editor; Created to accompany the film For the Bible Tells Me So, this user- friendly guide will enable anyone to facilitate a moving conversation about the Bible, the church and LGBT people.
The Ultimate Resource Guide for LGBTQ Christians and Allies. Patheos.com blog site. A large collection of resources.
Parents, Families and Friends (PFLAG) Resources
- Our Children (PDF)
- Our Trans Loved Ones (PDF)
Now That You Know; A Parents Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children. - by Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward. (Revised) NY: Harcourt, Brace, 1998. A classic. Written by two mothers of gay children, this award-winning book discusses the nature of homosexuality and works toward helping both children and parents understand each other.
Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Revised and Updated: A Positive Christian Response - by Letha Dawson Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. HarperOne, 1994. A classic work of gay spirituality--newly revised to reflect today's issues, including gays in the military, the AIDS crisis, and genetic research on homosexuality.