My Harmony Experience at Community of Christ World Conference 2019

Author

Ginger Farley
Kansas City, MO

It was a privilege to work in the Harmony booth at World Conference.  There were many people who supported the name change from GALA to Harmony.  I had numerous chances to explain what Harmony is. There was overwhelming support from the people I talked with. I had the opportunity to talk with a father who was grieving because his son was gay and would never have children to carry on the family name.  I explained that through Harmony this man may be able to connect with other parents who have felt the same way.  There was a young boy of 9 or 10 who wanted to know what Harmony was about and I explained that it was an organization that supported the LGBT members of the church. I further explained that not everyone in the church or the world were accepting and supportive of the LGBT community. The young boy stated "well that just sucks, everyone should be supported". Harmony wants to be supportive of the LGBT community and those who love them and are having challenges in acceptance.  

I was also able to attend the Harmony worship service on Wed. evening of conference. Harmony members were able to talk about why GALA/Harmony was started, 37 years ago. Others talked about how WCN (Welcoming Community Network) grew out of the need to assist congregations in accepting the LGBT members.  Individual Harmony members  talked about the pain of not being accepted for who they are, and several spoke of how important it was in their journey to  find GALA/Harmony. They found a place they could be accepted without reservation and to be able to openly share in worship.  It was very meaningful to have Apostles, a high priest and appointees serve communion to the Harmony gathering. It was a moment of healing for me personally. The gathering had over 100 people in attendance.