Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 21:46:45 -0400
From: OAMinistry@aol.com

Please add the following information as a subfile to the present file:  Gay,
Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance.  Thank you:

Open & Affirming Ministries Program
A program of the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance (GLAD
Alliance)

     The Open & Affirming Ministries Program offers a forum for individuals
and congregations within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to
discover how to extend hospitality to all persons, particularly lesbian, gay,
and bisexual persons.  More specifically, the Open & Affirming Ministries
Program provides an opportunity and a structure for local churches and other
manifestations of the church (such as campus ministries and regions) to
explore and then publicly proclaim their openness to and affirmation of
persons of all sexual orientations within the life and leadership of the
church.
     In order for congregations or other ministries to be listed, they must
provide their written statement of inclusiveness, confirmed by their official
church body, to the O&A Ministries Program leadership for reflection and
approval.
     The O&A Ministries Program is administered by the Gay, Lesbian and
Affirming Disciples Alliance.  GLAD Alliance is the organization made up of
members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and other denominations
historically related to the Stone-Campbell movements in North America.  The
Developer of the O&A Ministries Program is the Rev. Allen V. Harris.  The
Rev. Harris also serves as a pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church in New
York, New York.

HISTORY
     The first Disciples of Christ congregation to formally initiate such a
process was Findlay Street Christian Church in Seattle, Washington.  The
congregation concluded the study and discussion in the winter of 1987 when it
developed a Vision Statement inclusive of persons "of all sexual
orientations, races, cultures, and economic circumstances."  The Rev. Debra
Peevey, pastor of the congregation at the time and openly lesbian minister,
helped to guide the process.  The congregation continues to be in the
forefront of issues of social justice and inclusivity.
     In April of 1988 University Church in Chicago, Illinois released a
similar statement, saying (in part), "We welcome gay and lesbian persons into
University Church membership and all of its privileges and responsibilities,
including full opportunities for positions of leadership and ministry."
    As of October 1996 there are 33 congregations, campus ministries, and
regions listed with the program, with several others in the midst of the
process.

PROGRAMS
     The primary work of the program involves ongoing nurture and education
with individuals, pastors, and local congregations.  The Developer is
available for workshops, retreats, preaching, and other special events.
 Additionally, a resource library of videos is made available for rental.
 Videos include "Maybe We're Talking About A Different God" featuring the
Rev. Janie Spahr, openly lesbian Presbyterian pastor, and "And God Love's
Each One," a video about the Black Church and its response to lesbian and gay
persons.  Other print resources are available, including sample O&A
Statements, Program Guidelines, Articles, Sermons, and numerous Workshop
Materials.
     O&A Ministries is also involved in the ecumenical welcomming program
magazine "Open Hands."  "Open Hands" provides insightful feature articles,
worship and devotional aids, resources for study and ministry, news of the
welcoming church movement, and an annual list of the over 640 churches who
have named themselves welcoming in eight different denominations.  For more
information about "Open Hands" please write:  "Open Hands" 3801 North Keeler
Ave., Chicago, IL  60641 or fax 312-736-5475.
     Each time the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) meets in its
General Assembly, in odd-numbered years, GLAD Alliance provides resources and
opportunities for education for persons interested in Open & Affirming
Ministries.  In even-numbered years GLAD Alliance meets for nurture, support,
and friendship.  The O&A Ministries Program is always an intergral part of
the GLAD Alliance program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
     For more information, please contact the Rev. Allen V. Harris at O&A
Ministries, 1010 Park Avenue, New York, NY  10028-0991.  Phone: 212-288-3246
  Fax: 212-288-7602   E-Mail: OAMinistry@aol.com