APRIL 1983

~CltiA\IVILA\II~
'~~
~C~()I~
~ I~I~ by Nancy Reactyite
Collective Writer and Senior Chaplain

Editor's Note: We welcome Nancy Radclyffe to JOURNEY as available talent and financial resources increase. The present
a collective writer and thank her for the ministry she is doing. emphasis of outreach is to active clergy, lay worship coordinators
You are in our prayers, Nancy. and their spouses; especially on a crisis intervention basis. As the
program expands more crisis prevention elements will be put
This column will be a regular feature of JOURNEY and a into place such as Clergy Retreat Centers. More active outreach
continuing way for the Spiritual Life and Clergy Care Center to to student clergy, former clergy, deacons and lay leaders will
share helpful information with Clergy and Congregations relevant be seen as SLACC grows.
to the care and assistance of Fellowship Clergy. Its contents will The staff is presently limited to myself - serving the entire
vary from Spiritual insights to practical suggestions. Your ideas Fellowship - and Rev. Marianne Van Fossen who serves the Mid-
and suggestions are welcomed and may be included in the column. Atlantic District Clergy. Clergy in need of assistance are identi-
The bulk of this piece will be devoted to more explanation fied by their own phone calls and letters as well as by other
about SLACC but first here is a valuable resource of relevance to people who call or write and suggest that someone could use a
our leadership and congregations. The Alban Institute is a phone call or note. All such people are ministered to in some
nondenominational, non-profit corporation committed to working manner. Often a note or quick call to say , "You're in my prayers"
for better congregations. Their printed material - usually small makes all the difference in the world.
booklets resulting from actual studies and evaluations - are very A big plus for this program is that of total confidentiality.
applicable to our ministry. Write them for a full list of their The Sr. Chaplain, for instance, cannot bring charges against any
titles and services. clergy or serve in any credentialing or potential disciplinary
Two of their publications which are particularly recommended roles such as CCCC, DRC's and as District Coordinator. The
are: "The Pastor as Newcomer" and "The Lay Person's Guide to Chaplain also has an advocacy function on behalf of the clergy
Conflict Management." Both have been used to the benefit of to the Credentials Committee and the Board of Elders.
some of our congregations and pastors. There are special dynamics The two expansions of SLACC which are now on the drawing
that occur with the arrival of a new pastor and the leaving of the board are, the first clergy retreat center which will begin as a
old pastor, for congregation and pastors. "The Pastor as New- place to get away from it all, and Referral List Counselors. The
comer" provides relevant useful insights and ways to make the latter are laity and clergy who are qualified and willing to work
transition smoother. Our churches.rbeing in the world, are not with a few people at a time. These counselors must first fill out
immune from conflict. The "Lay Per.son's Guide to Conflict a resume format, provide the Sr. Chaplain with transcripts and
Management" is of such value that one Board of Directors paid letters of reference. If approved to be a "Referral List Coun-
"Air Express" to get it in time to manage their conflict. Using selor" the Chaplain will then refer "matched" clergy, spouses,
this guide they did so with great success! etc. to you. These counselors will be classified in various ways
My last listing shows each booklet selling for $2.50. Write: to help make a positive match between counselor and counselee.
Good listeners, spiritual advisors and therapeutically trained
The Alban Institute, Inc. persons are all needed. If you think you may qualify write to
Mount St. Alban the address below for the resume format and qualifications
Washington, D.C. 20016 outline.

SLACC is a relatively new program in the Fellowship which

operates with the approval of the Board of Elders and is account-
able to them. For the first time in our 14 year history there is Rev. Nancy Radclyffe
a program whose sole concern is the care of the clergy. SLACC Spiritual Life and Clergy Care Center
operates separately from the Credentials Committee as of the P.O. Box 3004
February meeting of the Board of Elders. At that' same meeting Orlando, Florida 32802
the Board of Elders appointed this writer as the Sr. Chaplain to
the Clergy. If you think you need to talk to someone, write to the
The Center will continue to be developed gradually as above address or call (305) 894-1081.

2 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

COLLECTIVE EDITOR:
sat r
Paula J. Schoen wether by Jim Glyer Fellowship to do about it. I can see at
COLLECTIVE MEMBERS: Loni Allen, Pastor, MCC Portland least two essential supports that the
Teri Anglin, Lucia Chappelle, Phil Gallnitz, UFMCC can provide for such persons:
Hasani Gough, Kurt Kreisler, Frank Zerilli Often I have encountered persons in (1) Even as we validate the "call" of
COLLECTIVE LIAISON: Troy Perry the UFMCC who tell me in moving terms clergy by licensure and ordination and
COLLECTIVE ARTIST: Jean Gralley that they feel a sense of "call." When we the call of Deacons by some special
COLLECTIVE WRITERS: Bob Arthur, sit down together to explore what this recognition, so we need to think about
R. Adam DeBaugh, Jennie Boyd Bull, sense of "call" means, it frequently means how persons in the UFMCC who have
Nancy Radclyffe, Nancy Wilson, Larry that they are being "called" to become this sense of "Another Call" might be
Uhrig clergy. However, there are others who validated by the Fellowship.
COLLECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS: Joseph feel they are being "called" but who do (2) Along with validation, we could
Gilbert, Patricia Litka, G. Duane Littlefield, not sense that they have a call to be clergy. give thought to how their sense of
Mary Merriman, Jim Glyer The reality of their "call" is as real in "call" might be nurtured. What
their case as the reality of others who feel training opportunities should they be
"called" to be clergy. This "call" is also encouraged to undertake, what chan-
JOURNEY is a monthly magazine of
different than the leading one might have nels of communication and support
UFMCC. The focus of JOURNEY is to
provide news and report issues of concern to become a Deacon in the local church. between persons with a similar sense
within UFMCC and the Lesbian and Gay Not infrequently, these persons are already of "call" need to be facilitated, what
community. Contents are copyrighted and Deacons but have not yet found the
may not be reproduced or extensively encouragement and guidance could the
fulfilling of their unique sense of mission. Fellowship provide?
quoted without permission.
Editorial Office: 5300 Santa Monica Over the years, I have come to feel I believe that our Fellowship needs to
Blvd., Suite 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029. that there is a need to recognize the be more aware of persons who have ex-
Phone: (213) 464-5100. Subscription rate existence of a significant number of perienced "Another Call." We could
$16.80 per year U.S., Canada, Mexico. persons in the UFMCC who are experi-
$20.80 other areas. Published by Universal provide an opportunity for such persons to
encing what I term, "Another Call." This come together to discuss and pray about
Fellowship Press. Printed in U.S.A.
All materials submitted to JOURNEY other "call" is as serious as that which we the meaning of their experience. Last
must be inclusive of gender, age and race. commonly associate with a "call" to summer when I shared this vision with the
The Editor will modify any language not become clergy. Usually, the persons regard 75 persons attending the conference
meeting these criteria. it as a lifetime "call" and would be willing continued on page 14
to invest whatever time or training might
be needed to equip them to live out ADDITIONAL HOUSING
their "calling." AVAILABLE
One woman who explored the mean-
ing of her "call" is now devoting time and The Conference Coordinator for
energy to the problem of alcoholism - General Conference has announced
though she herself is not an alcoholic. She that all double rooms are taken at
spends hours counseling and supporting the the University of Toronto residence
families and lovers of those who struggle halls. Anyone who would like to
2 Chaplain's Corner may stay at Victoria University
with alcoholism. She continues to attend
3 Another Call? which is adjacent to the campus of
special training opportunities and feels that
4 General Conference the University of Toronto.
she has found the work to which God has
It is within short walking dis-
6 Christian Social "called" her. Some years back, I knew a
tance of where conference meetings
Action man in a western city who had consid- will be held. Both double rooms
7 Letters erable expertise in office management. As and singles are available. Write:
8 FFO the fulfillment of his sense of "call" he Mr. Gary Ruona, Residence Hall
planned to give time to organizing ef- Manager, Victoria University, 140
10 Why?
ficiently the office of his local church and Charles Street W., Toronto, Ontario,
12 Fellowship News to assist other MCC's with good office Canada M5S 1K9. Daily rates are
14 News methods. The number of illustrations (Canadian dollars) $21 for a single
and $28 for a double including tax.
15 Substance Abuse could be extended but these two will make
A deposit for one night must be paid
clear the kind of thing I have in mind when
in advance to reserve a room. This
I raise the issue of "Another Call."
must be in Canadian currency.
It is my impression that there are a This may be done by use of a bank
CO VER.- Paula J. Schoen wether significant number of persons who have draft.
experienced this sense of "Another Call." The Fellowship offices will not
We need to give prayerful thought to this be handling these reservations.
matter and to what God wants us as a -------------.--
APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 3
 •

DreUle of
TORONTO
Toronto, Canada, is a perfect city for a The University of Toronto has a large beds per room. Bathroom facilities are off
Conference. It has an excellent public cam pus in the center of the city. It is the hall. Breakfast is included in the room
transportation system, including a subway made up of a number of colleges. General charge and will be at Wilson Hall in New
that is clean, safe and fairly inexpensive. A Conference will be held in New College. College, one of the residences we have.
number of shopping centers including the Worship services will be held daily in The rooms are quite comfortable but not
Eaton Center, downtown, which is a Convocation Hall which is a large circular Spartan.
marvel of architectural beauty. Many small auditorium seating over 1700. It has a large When conference attendees arrive for
and attractive eating places. And an pipe organ which we will be renting. General Conference they should go first to
interesting list of educational, historical Meetings will be held in the Medical their residence hall or to their hotel, if they
and recreational places to visit. Sciences Building which has an auditorium have chosen to stay there, and get settled
When Phil Gallnitz and Richard Ploen and numerous classrooms and seminar in their room. People who have made
of the Conference Management Team rooms. Because it is a school we are able room requests for the University residence
visited Toronto recently they found a to make use of some of the resident halls halls will have been informed which
friendly welcome and despite the cold on the campus for housing. Rooms consist hall they will stay in.
weather and snow they were able to visit of a single bed in a room or two single continued on page 5
the University of Toronto, where the
Conference is to be held, the Park Plaza
Hotel, the Church in Toronto and down-
town Toronto.
Gary Chapman, Conference coordin-
ator from the host Church, acted as host to
the duo and got them to their meetings and
gave them a walking tour of the city. Gary
is a veritable walking encyclopedia of
knowledge of the city of Toronto.

RIGHT: MCC Toronto meets in the

educational building of Bathurst St.
Baptist Church. (The snow pictured here
will be gone by July).

4 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

 LEFT: Toronto General Conference
Committee from left to right are Bob Foster,
Gary Chapman, Rev. Brent Hawkes and
Bill Watts.

GC continued from page 4

Since most people will be arriving on by writing to the Registrar at the UFMCC everyone they talked to assured them that
Sunday, July 10th and the first meeting of Office, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite by conference time in July it would be
Conference will be in the morning of 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029. considerably warmer.
Monday, July 11th, it will be a great While the photos that Richard took in Not only can we expect good weather,
opportunity to visit the regular Sunday Toronto give the impression that he and but it portends to be one of the best of
worship service of MCC Toronto on Phil met with some pretty wintery weather, Conferences.
Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Those who plan
to stay over on Sunday, July 17th are
invited to join with the church to celebrate
their 10th Anniversary.
Toronto MCC is taking the title of
"host church" seriously. They plan to
provide a "hospitality room" at the Uni-
versity to be open almost continuously
throughout the Conference. Also they are
producing a "Memorabilia Booklet" which
will provide lots of valuable information
including nearby restaurants, sight seeing
places and a sample listing of all varieties of
community places.
The members of the Toronto congre-
gation have offered to make housing
available to persons attending the Con-
ference from World Church Extension
churches and those coming from outside
the continent. This is a generous con-
tribution they wish to make to encourage
those whose travel expenses will be so
costly. Interested persons should contact
the church. The address is: MCC Toronto,
73·0 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M5S 2R4. ABOVE: During General Conference
During the Conference a Nursery room worship services will be held at Convocation
will be available at the Toronto Church. Hall on the University of Toronto campus.
The plan is for parents to share the re-
sponsibilities for this program. Anyone
who will want to avail themselves of this
possibility must contact the Church by
May 1, 1983. See the address given above.
There are a number of hotels near the
campus. A list of these may be obtained

APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 5

 Department of Christian Social Action

Equal Rights Amendment Women reports that recalcitrant state Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA)
Introduced legisla tures in Illinois and Florida (two of and Ted Weiss (D-NY) have again introduced
the most unrepentant anti-ERA states) the omnibus Lesbian/Gay civil rights bill,
in Both Houses of Congress
have been turned around and are now this year numbered H.R. 427. As of this
pro-ERA legislatures. This is due to major writing, there are over 30 members of
by R. Adam DeBaugh Congress signed on as co-sponsors, but we
political lobbying and campaigning by
Collective Writer pro-ERA forces in the 1982 elections. are confident that the list will surpass the
NOW believes that ratification of the ERA record number of co-sponsors set in the
"Equality of rights under the law shall is not only possible, but well within grasp. last Congress, 61. Steve Endean, Executive
not be denied or abridged by the United But first it has to pass both the House Director of the Gay Rights National
States or by any state on account of sex. " of Representatives and the Senate, by a Lo b by, predicts that over 70 co-sponsors
Well, it is back. And that's all it says. two-thirds vote in each House. Write your will be signed up this year.
If you forget that it is the dreaded ERA, Senators and Representatives and tell them H.R. 427 would amend the civil rights
with all the political rhetoric and misin- of your support for the Equal Rights act of 1964, adding the words "sexual
formation that has been spread about it Amendment. UFMCC General Confer- orientation" to the list of human conditions
over the past 10 years - if you just read it, ences have consistently passed pro-ERA for which it is illegal to discriminate. It
those 24 simple words, it doesn't seem all resolutions. And get ready for the ERA covers not only employment (which the
that threatening, does it? coming back to the state legislatures! It's Senate bill concentrates on), but also
But you can bet that those 24 words only 24 little words. housing, public accomodations, public
are again going to generate more other "Equality of rights under the law shall facilities, education and federally assisted
words, both written and spoken - shouted, not be denied or abridged by the United opportunities. The House bill, as is the
is more like it - and more political heat - States or by any state on account of sex. " case with the Senate bill, has a provision
and more emotional turmoil, maneuvering, that would prohibit the use of quota

***
anger, frustration, sadness, joy and con- systems and affirmative action as remedies
fusion than any other 24 words in our for discrimination, a provision that Lesbian
history. LESBIAN/GAY RIGHTS and Gay activists agree with since affirm-
Those 24 words are the Equal Rights LEGISLATION INTRODUCED ative action and quotas are inappropriate
Amendment and it is back! Though the IN 98TH CONGRESS remedies to discrimination on the basis of
final time limit expired last year for the sexual orientation.
states to ratify the Equal Rights Amend- Civil Rights legislation protecting The third major piece of legislation
ment to the U.S. Constitution, it has been Lesbians and Gay men from discrimination already introduced in the 98th Congress
reintroduced in the 98th Congress and has been introduced in both the United (which began in January 1983 and will
members have flocked to co-sponsor it. States House of Representatives and the conclude in December 1984) is H.R. 1697,
House Joint Resolution 1 (H.J. Res. 1) U.S. Senate, and the process of signing up the Public Health Emergency Funding Bill
is what the ERA is called in the House of co-sponsors is progressing well ahead of introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).
Representatives and 210 Congresspeople previous years. This bill, which at this writing has 17
introduced it together on the very first day The Senate bill, S. 430, was introduced co-sponsors and by the time you read this
of the session, with another 26 joining in February by Senator Paul Tsongas will probably have three times that number,
since then for a total at his writing of 236. (D-MA) and has been co-sponsored by is a direct response to the AIDS crisis
More will probably join on soon. Senators Alan Cranston (D-CA), Daniel K. (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
In the U.S. Senate it is called Senate Inouye (D-HI), Edward M. Kennedy The bill would set aside 1% of the
Joint Resolution 10 (S.J. Res. 10) and 55 (D-MA), Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fiscal
Senators have co-sponsored. The con- Bob Packwood (R-OR). The only Senator Year 1984 appropriation (about $40
stitutional amendment needs to pass both who co-sponsored the bill in the last million) in a revolving fund for public
houses by a two-thirds majority, or 290 in Congress and who has not come back on health emergency research. In succeeding
the House and 67 in the Senate. Things the bill as a co-sponsor is Lowell Weicker years the fund would be replenished by
look good for passage in both Houses, (R-CT). whatever is required to keep it at 1% of the
which then send it on to the states for The Senate bill would amend the Civil NIH appropriation. The Secretary of the
ratification. Rights Act of 1964 by adding a prohibition Department of Health and Human Services,
And the states were where it got against discrimination on the basis of which oversees NIH, would be empowered
stopped the first time. Three-fourths of sexual orientation in employment. It is by the legislation to determine in con-
the states have to ratify a proposed Con- hoped that despite the conservative nature sultation with officials from the Center for
stitutional amendment before it becomes of the U.S. Senate, another six to eight Disease Control, NIH and other public
part of the U.S. Constitution. The ERA co-sponsors might be added to the bill this health agencies, that a disease or disorder
was ratified by 35 states the first time year. constitutes a public health emergency.
around. But the National Organization for In the U.S. House of Representatives, continued on page 9

6 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

LETTERS
Dear Editor: God Bless you, Nancy Wilson. I am beautiful, well edited and filled with the
Lesbian, alive, in love with God and news and thought that our Fellowship
Thank you for JOURNEY Magazine. appreciative of the positiveness God's needs as we grow together. I particularly
felt compelled to write because of the helped me to encounter!! thank you for allowing the Faith, Fellow-
book review by Nancy Wilson. "When God Bless you, Nancy Wilson! Pos- ship and Order Commission space to
will women (some) realize the strength itiveness will come your way!! present a diversity of viewpoints as we
of the spirit and true love with true for- grow toward developing a Christian Theol-
giveness? " Sincerely, ogy of Sexuality in our Fellowship.
Nancy Wilson's article, "Books - a Marie Olivo The covers for each issue have been
Review" in JOURNEY Magazine, January Church Clerk especially striking, and sales here at MCC
1983, noted: "For those of you who may MCC Albuquerque, NM Baltimore have increased noticeably. Thank
consciously or sub-consciously wonder you for feeding our Fellowship bread on
why they (Lesbians) are always angry ... " Dear Editor: our journey.
She went into some intricate, minute parts In Grace and Truth,
of life. Thank you for JOURNEY. It is Jennie Boyd Bull

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APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 7

 '.'""
. ~"
UFMCC's Commission on Faith, Fellowship and Order
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following
article by Rev. Gilbert in reprinted from
an early.edition of THE GA Y CHRISTIAN
when it w3l~being published by the North-
east District.
Faith, Fellowship and Order is develop-
ing a grass roots Christian Theology of
Sexuality. The Tollowing story does not
report an official stand by FFO. These
articles will reflect the diversity of UFMCC.
by Joseph Gilbert
Clergy Representative to FFO
Southeast District
Because we are a Christian church one
might expect that the great divisions
among us would be over theological or
eccIesiological issues. Christians have tradi-
tionally permitted themselves to battle one
another "in love" over the purity of the
faith. But if it is true that we have made
new skins for new wine, maybe we can
avoid this plague of controversy. And I see
signs that this is the case. I believe we are
learning to respect other people's religious
devotions and to show the beauty of ours
to them.
But I am concerned that we may be
rushing to judgment in another area. It
seems to me that a people who stand,
according to Leviticus, in bloodguiltyness
need to give some very real thought to
Christian morality. I believe that through
Christ's life, death and resurrection I am
free of the judgment of that Levitical law.
But I see brothers and sisters of this
Fellowship daring to judge the lives of
themselves and' others not on the basis of
"What would Christ have me do?" but
"What laws apply to me?"
8 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983
I do not pretend to have any special
access to Christ's wisdom. I have found
that ordination made me neither wiser, nor
holier than I was before. If a man calls me
at three o'clock in the morning and whis-
pers "I'm married. I have children, I want
to maintain my home and family. But
increasingly, I realize I am Gay. What do I
do?" ... I am not always sure what Christ
would have me to say. Or someone comes
to me with a problem unique to their
lifestyle which I do not understand, and I
am not always sure what Christ would have
me say. I find myself in sexual situations
in which I am not always sure what Christ
would have me do.
But I do know I am forbidden to
simply turn to the law ... any code at all ...
and say, "This is the answer." Instead I
must see what actions will reflect God's
love and our loveableness. One of the
finest couples I know in this Fellowship do
not define loyalty to each other in terms of
"body-fidelity." Their love for each other
permits sexual contacts outside that
relationship. I believe theirs is a true and
honest love. And yet I find myself some-
times asking what effect they have on the
lives of others ... persons with whom they
have casual sex.
Because I know these two people, I
believe that each such person knows that
he has been truly perceived as a real
person. That very attitude may well
legitimize an act that others might consider
immoral. But the lack of it may very well
flaw an act that others might consider
moral.
Not too long ago I was being taken to
the airport in one of our cities. Up front,
two of the brothers were talking. In the
back, a young man I love and respect very
much rode beside me. In the middle of an
otherwise casual conversation, he handed
me a pack of matches advertising one
of the local baths, smiled and pointed to
himself. I asked if he had enjoyed himself.
Upcoming articles by Faith,
Fellowship and Order representatives
are: "The Risen Christ and Sexual
Liberation" by Rev. Marianne Van
Fossen; "Evangelism and Sexuality"
by Rev. Jo Crisco, "Eucharist and
Embodiment" by Rev. Jennie Boyd
Bull and "Sexual Holiness" by
Sally Sumerall.
"Yes," he said, "but I was afraid you
would think less of me for having been
there." I said that I suspected there was
often a great deal of loving kindness at the
baths. He remarked that he had seen more
acts of Christian Charity that night at the
baths than he sometimes did in church.
And I suspect that he might be right. I
believe that there were probably men there
that night ... men whom you and I might
want to judge ... who could have inter-
rupted what they were doing, turned to
Jesus Christ and without embarrassment
said "Lord, this is a friend of mine." I
wish that were always true of all of us in
our churches.
I have become aware that more
women in our community think in terms
of "body-fidelity" than do men. Yet I
think of one woman I know who uses
untypical definitions. And I respect the
courage it takes to make her own definitions
of what are and are not loving acts ...
what is loyalty and what is not ... what is
seemly and what is not. And I am in fear
continued on page 15
CONGRESS continued from page 6
Once such a determination is made, money
can be spent out of the revolving fund for
biomedical research at or through the NIH
into the prevention, diagnosis and treat-
ment of the disorder or disease. The bill
also would allow the Secretary to waive
current peer review and competitive
bidding requirements, which often take six
to eight months to finish, delaying im-
portant research in crisis situations, and
would require annual reports to the Con-
gress on how the money in the fund has
been spent.
Tim Westmoreland, Assistant Counsel
for Rep. Waxman's Subcommittee on
Health and the Environment told JOUR-
NEY that "obviously AIDS is the public
health emergency which is at hand" and
the fund would most probably be used to
do research and treatment of AIDS, though
other unusual public health crises such as
Legionaires Disease and toxic shock
syndrome would have been eligible for
funding the way the legislation is drafted.
"AIDS prompted this legislation," West-
moreland said, adding that Representative
Waxman may introduce the bill as an
amendment to the NIH authorization bill
which is coming before his subcommittee
early this spring, in addition to having it
stand as separate legislation.
A DAY OF CELEBRATION
What Can You Do? FOR THIRD WORLD PEOPLE

As always, there are important things Rev. Renee McCoy

each of us can do to help this legislative GENERAL CONFERENCE XI Pastor, Harlem MCC
process. Steve Endean of the Gay Rights JULY 11- 17,1983 Chair, Department of Race Relations
National Lobby, says that we have an
excellent chance of getting the Lesbian/Gay
civil rights bill out of committee for the
first time in this Congress! But legislators PREACHING
need to hear from their constituents. What
was true when this writer started lobbying Rev. Brent Hawkes Rev. Elder Jean White
for Gay and Lesbian rights in 1975 is still Pastor, MCCToronto Executive Secretary, World Church Extension
true -most legislators have not heard from
substantial numbers of their Gay and Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Rev. George McDermott
Lesbian constituents!
Clerk, Board of Elders Pastor, MCCProvidence
So the first task you have is to write
your Representative and Senators. All
members of the House of Representatives Mr. Larry Rodriguez Rev. Elder Freda Smith
may be reached by writing them care of Lay Representative, Southwest District Vice-Moderator, Board of Elders
the House of Representatives Office
Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. All Rev. Renee McCoy Rev. June Norris
Senators may be reached by writing them Pastor, Harlem MCC Pastor, St. John's MCC
care of the Senate Office Building, Wash-
ington' D.C. 20510. All Congressional Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey Rev. David Farrell
offices may be reached by phone through Pastor, MCC Los Angeles Pastor, MCC San Diego
the U.S. Capitol switchboard, (202)
224-3121.
Elder Michael Mank Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry
It is important for you to contact your
Treasurer, Board of Elders Moderator, Board of Elders
representatives and senators in the U.S.
continued on page 11

APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 9

 again? For of, through, and to God, are all things: to whom be
glory forever. Amen."
While that is definitely true, God allows us understanding
from time to time, of the ways in which God operates. In a
reading of John 9, the healing of the man who was blind from
birth, we find non-acceptance by the Pharisees. There was even a
by Bob Arthur hint that the man may have conspired with Jesus to pull off a
Collective Writer hoax! We do not read of many who came to believe in the Christ
as a result of this miracle.
I am currently teaching a course at Samaritan Education However, in the healing of the demoniac, not only was he
Center on Luke/Acts. One of the questions that inevitably arises freed of possession, but another visible evidence that could not be
when teaching Luke comes from the eighth chapter. Many have labelled a hoax took place at the same time: some 2,000 pigs
asked the question, "Why would Jesus, in deference to the became possessed and destroyed themselves (Mark 5: 13). What
request of demons, allow them to enter a herd of pigs and destroy was the result? Of ocurse the immediate reaction was fear, and a
them?" Historically there have been several different answers, request for Jesus to leave the country. But Mark 5:20 tells us
but not many which are really satisfying. After our discussion on that after Jesus left, his fame was spread throughout the Decapolis
this subject, I decided to spend some time in study to find a more and everyone was astonished. There was no attempt to disprove
satisfying answer. or disclaim what Jesus had done. In fact we read in early church
Depending on whether one reads from Matthew, Mark, or history, how Gadara became a center of Christianity and the seat
Luke, Jesus was in the country of either the Gaderenes, Ger- of a bishop. So we might infer that because of Jesus allowing
gesenes, or Gerasenes. This is really no problem, since Gerasa these pigs to be destroyed, a whole region became Christian.
(sometimes called Gergesa) was a small town in that region of the But what is the lesson here for us? Perhaps it is that we must
Decapolis dominated by the regional capital city of Gadara. That not be short-sighted in our observations. In John 9:2, the disciples
would be like calling a resident of Los Angeles a Los Angelino or asked Jesus whose sin caused a man to be born blind. Jesus'
a Californian. Either is correct. However, from Josephus we response was that it was neither, but an opportunity to show
know that this area was inhabited by people primarily of Greek forth God's majesty in the healing of blindness. Too often we do
origin. So although pigs were unclean to Jews, the Greeks were the same thing. But we should learn from our own history. We
under no such constraint in raising pigs. have lost several churches to arson in our brief history. The first
Why then would Jesus permit the destruction of personal question that inevitably arises is, "Why?" Why is God doing this
property in the context of healing a demoniac? The question to us? Why do we deserve such calamity? Why doesn't God
reminds us of the similar question that arises when we read of spare us when we are about the work of God? Yet we have seen
God's allowing a faithful servant like Job to be afflicted with in every case, it has worked to our benefit in some way: usually
the loss of possessions. A standard answer to either question is increased outreach.
a reading of Romans 11 :33-36: "Oh, the depth of the riches Maybe it is time for us to stop continually questioning God,
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable and to begin trusting God to know what God is doing, and to
are God's judgments, and God's ways past finding out! For claim Romans 8 :28: "And we know that all things work together
who has known the mind of God? Or who has been God's for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
counselor? Or who has first given to God, and shall be repaid according to God's purpose."
=================
ANNOUNCEMENT
JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS
FROM THE
Administrative Assistant BOARD OF ELDERS
(2) Clerk/Typists
POSITION AVAILABLE APRIL 1, 1983 Production Typist with Typesetting Skills
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Shipping & Receiving Clerk The Board of Elders, at our
Job qualifications: Positions are available after April 1, 1983 meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on
1. Demonstrated Professional skills in: For more information & for appointment to come
a. Administration in and fill out an application, ca\1 Rev. Nancy
February 18-22, voted unanimously
b. Financial Management & Development Wilson or Mr. Frank Zerilli at (213) 464-5100. to reorganize the central offices of
c. Staff Supervision & Training Universal Fe\1owship the UFMCC.
d. Interpersonal relationships of Metropolitan Community Churches The action was taken after a
e. Communications & Public Relations 5300 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 304
2. Evidence of Commitment to the goals of Los Angeles, California 90029
long period of study, evaluation
the Universal Fe\1owship and to Gay and and consultation. We believe the
Lesbian rights
II
new plan will be cost-effective and
3. Flexibility in leadership style CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 10centsperword better serve the changing needs of
4. Sensitivity to the needs of women & Third including names, numbers, etc. All orders must
World people
our growing Fellowship.
be pre-paid and received by the fifth of the
5. High energy level month. Classifieds must be inclusive of gender, The Board of Elders will be
SALAR Y: $18,000 per year to start, + benefits age an d race. hiring a Director of Administration
Send resume & 3 references to: who will have primary administrative
Rev. Nancy Wilson JOURNEY CLASSIFIEDS are for church needs
responsibility for the central offices.
UFMCC only. Make checks to UFMCC, JOURNEY.
5300 Santa Monica Blvd., No. 304 The details about this job and other
Los Angeles, CA 90029 jobs available have been sent to every
II church in the Fellowship, to other
WANTED publications and to Lesbian and Gay
Assistant Pastor for MCC Long Beach, CA; salary
to start at $12,000 plus benefits. Send resume to
Rev. Dusty Pruitt, MCC Long Beach, 1041 E.
7th Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813.
try one organizations.
sifieds).
(See JOURNEY clas-
Reorganization
April 1, 1983.
will begin

10 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

CONGRESS continued from page 9
Congress. The forces of anti-Lesbian/Gay out to GRNL to P.O. Box 1892, Washing-
DISPLAY ADVERTISING RATE
demagoguery are already active against this ton, D.C. 20013. PER ISSUE
legislation and Congresspeople need the Become a GRNL Field Associate. Gay
support of Lesbians and Gay men and Rights National Lobby is signing up field 1 PAGE $140 (7-1/2 "x9·1/2")
nonLesbian/Gay supporters to spur them associates in every Congressional District in 1/2 PAGE $ 80 (7-1/2"x4-5/8" or
3-5/8"x9-1/2")
to co-sponsor and support our legislation. the U.S., people who will help mobilize 1/3 PAGE $ 65 (7-1/2"x3" or
Write for the new edition of WRITING support for pro-Gay legislation and organize 2-3/8"x9-1/2")
TO CONGRESS, the second edition of the letter writing campaigns, lobbying and 1/4 PAGE $ SO (3-5/8"x4-5/8")
Let's Do The Gpsoel Series, which provide BUS. CARD $ 25 (3-5/8"x2-1/2")
Congressional visits. Become a GRNL
helpful tips on writing your representatives Field Associate by writing to Susan Green, All dimensions given are horizontal x
and a new Bible study. Writing to Congress GRNL, P.O. Box 1892, Washington, D.C. vertical. There is an additional 15%
is available for $1.00 (75 cents each for 20013. preparation charge for ads not camera
over five copies) from the UFMCC De- Lastly, be informed, be involved and ready. A discount for repeat ads paid
partment of Christian Social Action, 8301 - in full in advance is available at:
pray. We have a Biblical directive to FULL YEAR (12 issues) 20% off
16th Street, Suite 201, Silver Spring, "prophesy to the rulers" (Ezekiel 34) and HALF YEAR (6 issues) 10% off
Maryland 20910. as people of faith we have a responsibility
Join the Gay Rights National Lobby. to share our sense of God's love for all (Preparation charges not included in
Memberships are only $20 and by joining discounted rates). Checks must accompany
people with those people who are in
ad copy, payable to UFMCC, marked
you will become part of a lobbying team positions of responsibility for the governing "JOURNEY Ad." All advertising must
that deserves most of the credit for the of our country. be inclusive of gender, age and race.
record number of co-sponsors of the must be with the legislators, as well as with. Advertising of tobacco, alcoholic beverages
Lesbian/Gay civil rights legislation in the the people who are working to make or sexually oriented services will not be
last Congress and the success of the bills accepted.
government more responsive to the needs
before Congress now. Send checks made of the people.

from Samaritan Education Center

DEAR DORA A BRAND NEW EDITION
DANCEROUS DEREK THE TIMELESS CLASSIC
BY THE REV. ELDER FREDA SMITH
DIESEL DYKE
"DEAR DORA ...will knock your socks off! Freda Smith's use of the
English language is superb. It will bring home to you why all of us
must change the 'status quo' as it pertains to women and especially
to Lesbians in our society."

The Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, Founder

and Moderator of the Universal Fellowship
of Metropolitan Community Churches

ORDER YOUR COpy TODAY!!!

Please send copy(s) of DEAR DORA at $4.95 each to

Name
----------~--------Address ------------------
City State /Province, _

Country _ Zip/Postal Code _

Bookstore Discount - 20% Off for 10 or more copies

California Residents please include 6.5% Sales Tax for Each Book
Make checks payable to SEC in U.S. Funds Only Please

Mail to:

by the Reverend Freda Smith SAMARITAN EDUCATION CENTER

5300 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 104
Samaritan Education Division LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90029 U.S.A.
Universal Fellowship Press

APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 11


fellowship news
~
"COMING OF AGE"
by Mary Merriman
Student Clergy, MCC Tampa
For some people, one of the greatest
responsibilities and commitments one
makes in a lifetime is the purchase of a
home, as it requires a great deal of care and
steadfastness to keep up with the continual
mortgage payments and the cost of upkeep
and repair to the home.
Consequently, a sigh of relief is heard
and a celebration ensues when one makes
the payoff on the property and can feel
reasonably secure in the fact that there is a
"home to call one's own."
MCC Tampa, FL will "sigh" and
"celebrate" April 15th through the 17th as
we complete a decade of responsibility and
commitment and "BURN OUR MORT-
GAGE!!!" As part of our celebration, we
would like to share a brief history of MCC
Tampa - our home!
MCC Tampa was founded in 1971 by
the Rev. Lee Carlton, currently Pastor of
MCC of the Palms in Ft. Myers, FL. The
first meeting place was in the Franciscan
Center, (currently Dignity Tampa's meeting
place), with approximately 12 people in
attandance. In a short period of time,
membership grew to the 50's and 60's and
a more permanent meeting location was
sought.
The group met in a Presbyterian
church for a short period of time and then
sought space with the Unitarian Church in
April of 1972. They began by renting the
space, but in March, 1973, during the
pastorate of Rev. Charles Larsen, currently
Pastor of MCC of the Resurrection in
Houston, TX, a mortgage for the purchase
of the building was signed. Signing the
mortgage was a big step, as it signified the
intention of MCC Tampa to make a long
term commitment, 10 years at the least,
.to serving God through the Church's
efforts in the Tampa Bay community.
(Incidentally, long term commitments are
not foreign to MCCT as relationships of
5, 10, 15 and 30 years are not uncommon
among our membership. Remarkably,
one couple celebrated their 50th An-
12 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983
such as walk-a-thons, charities, etc.
In addition, MCC Tampa, in years
past, planted the seeds for MCC King of
Peace in St. Petersburg, as well as work
begun in Sarasota and Orlando. Our
inreach programs include, but are not
limited to, Christian Education, the Dea-
con's Closet through which we provide
food for our people in need, and which we
have recently expanded to allow our
niversary this last August!) members to take food to people whom
Getting back to the history. Church they know are in need as a personal ministry,
membership continued to grow. As is true the C.A.R.E. program (Christian Awareness
of all buildings and of all groups seeking to & Responsibility), as well as a host of
establish themselves, a variety of needs and Committees, the BOD and Pastoral Staff
desires came into being. Rev. John Hose, upon whom we depend to provide sound
who is Elder Emeritus of the UFMCC and leadership and direction in meeting the
currently serving as a Worship Coordinator many responsibilities which we have
in North Carolina, became pastor in 1974. assumed.
In the years to follow, a five year plan of Being the first, and longest sustaining
renovation was developed and begun in organization in the Tampa Bay area has
order to make the various repairs needed not been easy. The past 12 years have had
for the church building, and to add those times of abuse, pain, hurt, fire and vandal-
elements which would beautify God's ism. God, however, has also blessed us
house of worship. immeasurably and remained loving and
New pews, a new organ, new sanctuary caring, giving this family of God the
air conditioning, and a new roof were but a strength to overcome every obstacle placed
few of the major tasks of this community in its path, and to remain steadfast in our
and family. In 1979, Rev. Marilyn R. Marr charge to teach and preach the gospel of
became, and currently serves as the pastor Jesus Christ.
of MCC Tampa. We have completed the As MCC Tampa has remained open to
major portions of the five year plan men- the public media, we pray that we have
tioned earlier, the latest additions being the added a quality of life to our community,
renovation of the church sanctuary ceiling, as we have tried to portray the lifestyle and
sound and lighting; the insulation of the cares and concerns of all our sisters and
entire church building; and the replacement brothers, that this area might know and
of the Fellowship Hall air conditioning understand more fully that we are people
system. endowed with all of the God given abilities
MCC Tampa is not limited to being which are shared by all of humanity, and
solely an edifice, however. As these doors not just sexual beings. Many'organizations
have remained open, literally thousands of have emerged in the past few years to meet
people have passed through them, and the variety of needs which our community
many have lovingly and unselfishly given of expresses, be it religious, social, political,
their time, their talents, their money and economical or emotional.
themselves to see this become a testimony We are beginning to see some real
to our love of God, for one another, and changes in the Lesbian and Gay populace
for all of our sisters and brothers through- and the rights which we are, or should be
out the Tampa Bay area. Among-the many granted simply by virtue of our humanity.
ways in which this church gives in its We, all of us, have made a commit-
outreach are the Nursing Home Ministry ment to God, and to one another, to
established over seven years ago as an support one another, to care for one
outreach to our elderly sisters and brothers another, and to be a family of God sharing
confined in the nursing home across the with one another the joy and liberation we
street; the Christian Children's Fund, have found. Certainly MCC Tampa is here
through which we currently sponsor three to stay. New projects such as a Campus
children in Uganda, the Phillipines, and Ministry and Deaf Ministry are already in
Brazil; the Prison Ministry through which the beginning stage. Needs, such as a new
hundreds of prisoners are learning that roof, will be ever present. New goals will
there are those who care and that God be set for the future years to come, and
loves them, too; our Christmas Project with all of these will come new oppor-
through which we provide food and gifts to tunities to continue to be all that we can
families in need in the Tampa Bay region; be.
as well as innumerable ongoing projects continued on page 13
JOURNEY continued from page 12 for a desk we received a gift ... and what a
We are inviting the UFMCC to celebrate gift! Two women who had attended
with us, be it in person at one' of the church gave $1000 for new desks, chairs
activities planned for April 15th through and file cabinets. (God just "Keeps on
17th for which you may contact the blessing and blessing.")
church (Actual Mortgage Burning during Rev. Bob Cunningham gave us two Excel in the Redwoods
the evening worship April 17), or in Spirit, couches , and two end tables with lamps (San Francisco Bay Area)
as we Praise God for our "Coming of Age." were given by members from Merced. The 113 Columbia
$1000 gift also paid all the utility deposits Mill Valley, CA 94941
and telephone transfer. On November
10th over 50 persons attended our open Excel Great Lakes
house. .410 Baldwin Drive
by Patricia Litka During announcements on Sunday Rochester, MI 48063
Worship Coordinator December 5th I was handed a card. I
Modesto MCC opened the Christmas card and stood there Excel in the Spirit:
in shock ...for the first time in my life I was NorthwestGathering
We need an office! An exciting yet speachless. A note said "Merry Christmas. (Portland, OR)
frightening thought ...it would be the first Here is your copier." Love Jeanie Black- 4051 E. Burnside
openly GAY office in Modesto ... Modesto, burn and Patricia Boggiano. There was Portland, OR 97214
where people ask "What church do you a cashier's check for $2000. If you believe,
attend?" before they ask where you live, you will receive whatever you ask for in Excel Los Angeles
where you work or where you go to prayer (Matthew 21 :22). 926 Nowita Place
school. The Bible belt of Northern Cali- Monday morning I called Modesto Venice, CA 90291
fornia. There are 324 churches listed in the Typewriter to see if they still had the new
1982 telephone book, all within a 13 mile Royal copiers ...they sold for $2600 ...they Excel in the Desert
radius. Are we ready for this??? had one left. I prayed and set off to see (Phoenix)
My fears vanished as we began to recall what kind of arrangements I could make. P.O. Box 121
how the Lord had blessed Modesto MCC in As I was ushered into the copier section of Scottsdale, AZ 85252
the past 16 months. the store I saw a big red tag "CHRISTMAS
We started praying for an office. The SPECIAL 30% DISCOUNT." With a Excel by the Sea
places we fcund were either in the "not so shaking hand I 'wrote the check for (Santa Barbara)
desirable" part of town or were too ex- $1851.29. "Praise God from whom all 125C North Milpas Street
pensive. One night it was pointed out to blessings flow." Santa Barbara, CA 93103
me that I had not practiced what I had
preached, i.e.: "When you pray be spe- WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY
cific!" So I prayed "Lord, we need an RETREAT TO BE HELD
office that is centrally located, has ample
IN APRIL
parking at a price our church budget can
afford. The size is up to you but it must worship services will also be provided.
be large enough for us to hold classes, rap
groups, etc." For more information, please write
Later that week at a dinner party, I or call:
asked one of the women giving the party if Darlene Harryman
she was still praying about a church office. 1846 Colorado
One of the guests said, "Not long ago I Boise, Idaho 83706
moved out of an office that is centrally (208) 344-3038
located, has plenty of parking and the price The Northwest District will be cele-
is right." brating the 10th Anniversary of their
MCCSEATTLE
A few days later we rented the office Women's Spirituality Retreat from April
at 1115 K Street Gust two and one half 29 through May 1st.
BEGINS SUNDAY SCHOOL
blocks from the 6,000 member First Sisters can attend the Retreat at Camp
Baptist church and Bible school). The Tamerack in Sisters, Oregon for $29. This A long time dream was realized
owner was asking $200 a month but if we fee covers lodging and meals for Saturday January 16 as the first Sunday School class
would repair, paint and clean it we could and Sunday. Working scholarships will be for children of the Congregation was held.
lease it for $170 a month. PRAISE THE made available to offset part of the fee and The class will meet during the regular
LORD!!! 600 square feet. It even has a arrangements are being made for lower Worship Service, and the children will
smail office within the office. rates for children and for child care. return to the sanctuary to take Com-
What wonderful fellowship was shared Workshops will deal with women of munion with their families.
while painting and cleaning. (I must be the Old and New Testament, Jesus' min- The classes will be led by two teachers
honest ...they didn't let me do anything istry' to women and women in religion and the major focus will be a loving en-
except look ...bless their hearts.) today. vironment where the children can learn
Before we moved in the office with A sharing time will be used to tell the about Jesus, God and Holy Spirit. The
cardboard boxes for files and a card table history of MCC and women. Meaningful continued on page 15

APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 13


NEW BAPTIST ANTHOLOGY
INCLUDED TINNEY SERMON
A sermon explaining God's identifi-
cation with homosexuality through the
human nature of Jesus Christ, based on St.
Luke's account of the conversion of an
Ethiopian eunuch, has been published in a
new sermon anthology just released by
Judson Press.
Authored by Dr. James S. Tinney, a
Howard University professor and pastor of
Faith Temple, a predominantly-Black Gay
and Lesbian church in the nation's capital,
the sermon is entitled, "What Meaneth
This?" It is included in a new book,
Outstanding Black Sermons. Judson Press
is the official denominational publishing
house of the American Baptist Churches in
the U.S.A.
"This marks the first time any book
by this Baptist publisher, or any collection
of writings by major Black Christian
leaders, has included a positive viewpoint
on homosexuality," said Tinney.
STANDING ON THE PROMISES
Samuel DOH chose to quit after nearly
20 years as a bank employee rather than
give up his leadership role with the Louis-
ville, Kentucky Dignity/Integrity chapter.
A complaint has been filed with the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC), although bank officials point out
that EEOC guidelines do not include sexual
orientation as a category protected from
discrimination.
First National Bank of Louisville
spokesperson Jodie Goldberg said that
Dorr's position as president of the Dignity/
Integrity chapter constituted an "outside
activity which may reasonably subject the
bank to criticism or adverse publicity" as
spelled out in its employee policy manual.
DOH, a branch manager, was asked to give
GRNL'sNEW
RIGHT TO PRIV ACY
FOUNDATION
APPOINTS EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Rick Davis has been appointed Edu-
cation and Research Director for the Right
to Privacy Foundation, a new organization
set up by the Gay Rights National Lobby
to engage in research, analysis and edu-
cation on public issues of national legislation
of interest to Lesbians and Gay men.
Davis, who holds a B.A. degree in speech
and a law degree, served as a special projects
coordinator during the St. Paul, Minnesota
Lesbian and Gay rights referendum in 1978
and as an openly Gay member of the
Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights
from 1979-1981.
Davis commented that while many
other organizations engage in educational
activities on homosexuality, "the Right to
Privacy Foundation is unique in its focus
on national legislation. We're choosing
projects carefully to make sure we're
highly effective while avoiding duplication
of the functions and services of others."
A GRNL Press Release offered the
following analysis of the movement:
"Lesbian and Gay male activists, leaders
and organizations are usually understaffed,
underfinanced and seriously overworked.
Faced not only with overcoming the old
myths and stereotypes about Gay people,
but with constant assaults by the reaction-
ary New Right, the often almost frantic-
ally-busy activists are too often preoc-
cupied with putting out the ever-present
brush fires. Even for those not absorbed
with brush fires, the shortage of funds,
staff and time makes the execution of their
civil rights program extremely difficult.
There is scarcely the opportunity for
careful analysis, planning or creative
thinking."
CHILDREN OF
LESBIANS AND GAYS
UNITE FOR SUPPORT
Statistics collected by the National
Gay Task Force regarding Lesbian and Gay
parents indicate that there are 10 to 12
million persons who share a mutual con-
cern ... that of a parent's homosexuality.
It has finally been recognized and
acknowledged that a vast majority of
children (who sooner or later learn of a
parent's homosexuality) are acutely in
need of counseling, support and assistance
in their attempt to understand and cope
with their personal feelings of confusion,
anger or resentment ... their sense of loss,
rejection, isolation and stigma.
The plight of CHILDREN OF GAYS
has been specifically addressed by Llana
Lloyd of Los Angeles who has been joined
by others working to develop a network of
self-help support groups for a "new minority
within a minority within a minority!" To
date, COG support groups have been
started in Los Angeles, San Diego, Wash-
ington, DC, New York City, Arlington, VA
and Newport, Rhode Island. For infor-
mation about or assistance in starting a
COG support group in your area, please
contact Llana Lloyd, 8306 Wilshire Blvd.
No. 222, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; Tele-
phone: (213) 738-1008 (no collect calls
please).
CALL continued from page 2
sponsored by the Northwest District, 17
responded by attending an after-hours
meeting to discuss all of this.
It is my recommendation that at
the General Conference to be held in
Toronto, an opportunity be provided for
such persons to come together to discuss
this concept. I could see meetings an-
nounced to take place after-hours on
Monday and Tuesday evenings. It would
be the task of those in attendance to see
if there is substance to this matter of
"Another Call" and what - if any - course
we as a Fellowship might be encouraged
to take to facilitate those who have ex-
perienced "Another Call."
I also recommend that publicity be
given to this concept prior to Toronto
so that there may be Fellowship-wide
discussion ~ of this idea.
- - ---

up his lay ministry or resign. He has since
had to rent his house and sell a number of
possessions.
Gay and Lesbian activists in Louisville
are organizing a boycott of First National
and many depositors have already closed
their accounts due to the bank's treatment
of Dorr.
Projects under consideration include It could be that my experience in
the analysis of the impact of anti-gay bills the Fellowship is unique and that there is
and amendments in Congress and of the no need to explore this concept. It could
arguments being used by the Moral Majority also be that God is bringing this idea to
and other such anti-gay groups. consciousness at this time so that we may
The Foundation can be contacted at be led of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling
750 - 7th Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. God's unfolding purpose for this Fellow-
20003. ship in yet another way.

14 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983


I
Substance Abuse
new
beginnings
The Task Force on Substance Abuse
will not be able to totally eliminate the
problems of chemical abuse. It will,
however, be an out-stretched hand to many
of our sisters and brothers who feel trapped
in the pain and misunderstanding
chemical abuse. Very little has been
published on the subject of Substance
Abuse within the Lesbian and Gay com-
munity.
It has been reported that 70-85% of
the total U.S. population abuses chemicals
in some form or another. It is not known
what numbers are actually involved in this
statistic from the Lesbian and Gay com-
munity. I feel assured that many of our
sisters and brothers are not accounted for
in these national surveys. If this is true,
then we have an insurmountable need to
reach out and offer our help to these
individuals. You may ask, how can I, one
person, do anything to help? The answer is
simple; become involved and stand in
support of educating as many people as
possible on the facts, not myths, of chemical
abuse.
I am confident that all of us at some
point have come in close contact with
individuals who have or are abusing chem-
icals. Some of us have even lived with the
pain and agony of the chemically abusive
person. Chemical abuse, ironically, is not
an illness with an understandable cause and
effect relationship. It is not an illness that
strikes only the weak, or the wealthy, or
the poor, or those of low intellectual
functioning. It can be found in anyone.
Chemical abuse usually stems from an
individual's attempt to cope with their
problems and stresses involved in daily
living. What this does, in essence, is allow
the individual to mask their perceptions of
reality and temporarily alleviate the pain
surrounding the problem(s). This cycle
leads the person further and further into
trouble because they begin to lose touch
with what the problem(s) actually are. The
Task Force
person begins to not be able to feel anything
at all.
You still ask, how can I help? First,
you can become actively involved and
convinced that you can make a difference.
Secondly, you can learn the basic funda-
mentals involved in chemical abuse. One
of the main objectives of the Task Force
will be to provide this kind of educational
support.
The Task Force is comprised of a
chairperson, Daune Littlefield, and three
mem bers; Shiley Young, Diablo Valley
of MCC; Rev. Steven Quesnel, South Atlantic
District; and Rev. Michael Piazza, MCC
Atlanta. These individuals are contributing
a great deal of their time and talent toward
completing the goals of the Task Force.
Young, a truly outstanding individual,
has developed a greatly needed referral
network for individuals who are experienc-
ing crisis situations and have turned to
MCC for assistance. Quesnel has formulated
and instigated our first pilot program for a
District Level Task Force on Substance
Abuse. The concept of a District Task
Force has been very successful and has
stimulated a lot of local church member
participation. In turn, the cost of providing
these local church workshops has been very
cost efficient. God is also blessing in other
ways by providing lay representatives
from the local churches who will be
responsible for distributing information
generated by the Task Force.
Projects that are planned for the
coming year are to incorporate the concept
of the District Task Forces in as many
areas as possible. Secondly, to develop,
publish and distribute a crisis intervention
pamphlet for every church in the Fellow-
ship which will provide practical guidelines
on the "how to's" in dealing with a wide
range of counseling situations.
The Task Force needs your support
and prayers. We ask that you who are
called to service in this area respond now
and let us put you to work. If you feel
that you want to work on this Task Force,
simply write to me at the address listed
below. Let us stand in Unity and Faith
that as a chosen people we can make a
difference in the world in which we live.
May God gain the glory and the blessings
from this project.
For Information:
G. Daune Littlefield, Chairperson
Substance Abuse Task Force
1810 Marland Wood Road, No. 2102
Temple, Texas 76502
or: cia Agape MCC
2336 Hemphill
Ft. Worth, TX 76110
EDITOR'S NOTE: A report on
and Gay alcohol abuse titled the
Report" is available from:
The Gay and Lesbian
Community Services Center
c/o Alcohol A buse Program
1213 N. Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(Make $15 checks payable to the Alcohol
Abuse Program).
JOURNEY continued from page 13
planned activities cover a broad spectrum
and creativity will be encouraged and
supported. Songs, books, games, crafts,
outings and discussions are all ways people
learn - children are little people and they
learn the same way.
Support groups for the women and
men of the Church were recently formed.
Both meetings had good turnout and each
group formed some positive plans for their
developm en t.
The Women's Group plans to meet on
the second Saturday of each month and
will plan various types of group activities.
Their plans include some service projects
such as raising funds for the Women's
Retreat in Sisters, Oregon in April.
The Men's Group will meet each
Thursday at 7 :30 p.m. They plan to have
rap sessions as well as various social func-
tions.
FFO continued from page 8
and trembling because that courage is
called forth because people ... you and 1. ..
are trying to define and judge in areas
we are forbidden.
I am not suggesting license. I do not
know the answers. But I believe that this is
an area we must begin to discuss. We must
begin to give real, and not superficial,
thought to Gay and Lesbian Christian
ethics and morality. It is not licit for us to
go back into some sort of Levitical closet.
But let us search out God's will for us, so
that at any time, during any sexual en-
counter, we could turn to Christ and say,
"Lord, this is a friend of mine."
APRIL 1983, JOURNEY 15