For the last 30+ years members of Community of Christ have been working toward full acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals through an organization called GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance. A separate organization from the church, GALA has been an advocacy organization and a place of retreat and community for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. The work of GALA has helped move the church forward, sometimes kicking and screaming, into a bold new future.
 
The question often comes up, with national conferences requesting changes to the policy regarding marriage and ordination of LGBTQIA+ people, does the church still need GALA? I say YES, emphatically, YES!
 
What we often see in organizations is that a change in policy does not change the culture of the organization. Continued conversation, education, growth, understanding and courageous leadership is what helps change culture. Community of Christ has a long way to go, and it will take anyone associated with GALA to continue to speak out for justice.
 
What can we do?
 
At the World Church level:

• Press for updated Youth and Family Camp Policies for LGBTQIA+ campers.
• Updated Priesthood manual language for Weddings.
• Encourage our leaders to speak about LGBTQIA+ issues in official publications and when speaking publicly.
• Encourage our leaders to help other countries truly embrace the Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity and Blessings of Community.

 
At the local level:

• Encourage congregations to go through a Welcoming and Affirming program to become a Welcoming Congregation.
• Get to know your local LGBTQIA+ leaders in your community and invite them to share with us.
• Attend parades, festivals and other community events to share information about GALA and Community of Christ.

 
Individually:

• Speak freely and often about GALA when speaking publicly.
• Keep abreast of the latest research and language around the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Join GALA which will help us continue to provide high quality resources.

 
The need for GALA will exist until the entire Community of Christ around the globe is truly a safe place for all.

Greetings - 
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The GALA and WCN Boards have provided updated documentation on the pending merger. All members should receive a ballot via email on August 20, 2018. If not, please contact us at [email protected].

Please review the following documents, and then respond to the ballot by Monday, August 27, 2018.

Enjoy this quick little video to better understand the merger process.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].