History of GALA

In the mid-1980s, a group of gay members of the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) began meeting together in the Kansas City, MO area for fellowship, support, and worship. In 1987, a retreat was held at Camp Manitou in Michigan where GALA was formally organized with the adoption of bylaws and the election of officers.

GALA established a safe place for gay and lesbian people and their loved ones to join together and experience spiritual growth as they shared their sacred stories. Because of the lack of acceptance within society at large and in church in particular, GALA’s regional and international retreats have been pivotally important in the lives of hundreds.