Do you have to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to belong to GALA?

No. Our membership community is made up of gay, lesbian and bisexual and transgendered persons, as well as their parents, children, siblings, ex-spouses, spouses, friends, and pastors. All are welcome. If you are interested in becoming a member of GALA, please see our Membership page.

Do you have to be a member of Community of Christ to belong to GALA?

No. Although most of our membership have some sort of connection to the Community of Christ, you need not be a member of the Community of Christ denomination to be a member of GALA.

Is GALA affiliated with Community of Christ?

Most of our membership have some sort of connection to the Community of Christ, however, GALA is not sponsored by the Community of Christ.

What is the purpose of GALA?

GALA is an organization that welcomes persons of all sexual orientations and gender identifications, and their loved ones to join together and experience spiritual growth as they share sorrow and joy. We publish a newsletter; offer regional retreats and workshops; are representatives at Community of Christ jurisdictional and World Church gatherings; and sponsor an annual international retreat. We feel we are on a journey of spiritual growth that has brought us to the point of confronting issues of acceptance, prejudice, and justice for all persons alienated by society and organized religions, particularly people of different sexual (affectionate) orientations. Together, we continue to learn, share, and expand our understanding of the world and Christ's love for each one of us.

What is GALA's position on same-sex marriage?

GALA does not have an official position on same-sex marriage. There is a wide range of opinion among our membership and there are many interpretations of what is meant by "same-sex marriage". In general, the majority of GALA members would support the concepts of commitment, sacrament and fairness that are central to the current debate on gay marriage.

GALA recognizes as "family", households of two opposite gender partners, two same gender partners and single households. There are many same-sex families who are members of GALA. Some of our GALA members have been together for many years. Although their relationships are not recognized is all areas or by the Community of Christ, they are active in their churches and communities; exactly as their heterosexual married counterparts. GALA encourages and supports all sacramental relationships.

What is the current Community of Christ position on homosexuality?

The 1992 Community of Christ World Conference adopted the following statement that affirms human diversity:

"Affirmation of Human Diversity

Adopted by the World Conference on April 10, 1992

The gospel of Jesus Christ reveals the unqualified love of God and the inestimable worth of all persons. An awareness of God\'s love and of the love of others is essential to human fulfillment. For these reasons, we celebrate the rich diversity of human life.

However, human beings often fear, hate, and abuse each other because of ignorance about such factors as socioeconomic status, culture, race, gender, age, size, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability. Such prejudicial behavior undermines the personal and spiritual development of both abuser and abused, and denies the mutual benefits of shared giftedness.

As persons of faith, we confess our own imperfections in attitude and action. Nevertheless, we accept the responsibility to resist fear and hate in all forms and to strive continuously to eliminate expressions of prejudice and discrimination.

We declare our belief that "all are called according to the gifts of God to them." We therefore acknowledge and affirm human diversity by creating a spirit of openness and peace within our congregations where all persons may find acceptance and the opportunity to share their giftedness.

We commit ourselves to work with all persons of goodwill to promote mutual respect, appreciation, and peace in all relationships."

On March 18, 1982, the Standing High Council of Community of Christ adopted the following statement on homosexuality:

"Statement on Homosexuality Adopted by the Standing High Council on March 18, 1982

The following guidelines should be noted by administrative officials in carrying out the teachings of the church and performing ministry involving cases of homosexuality:

1. The church recognizes that there is a difference between homosexual orientation and homosexual activity (defined as sexual acts between persons of the same sex). The former is accepted as a condition over which a person may have little or no control; the latter is considered immoral and cannot be condoned by the church.
2. The church affirms that Christian marriage is a sacred covenant relationship, ordained of God between a man and a woman. The sacrament of marriage has a long theological and ecclesiastical history, and the symbolism is exclusively heterosexual. Homosexual unions are not and should not be considered marriages in the sacramental sense.
3. The church affirms the worth of all persons. Homosexuals as well as heterosexuals are children of God and have full claim upon the acceptance and reconciling ministry and care of the church. That is, individuals with a homosexual orientation who refrain from homosexual acts should be fully accepted into the ongoing life of the congregation. Those persons who engage in homosexual acts should be dealt with in terms of redemptive ministry and/or church law procedures in the same way as those who engage in heterosexual acts outside of marriage.
4. In the critical matter of ordination, the church should not admit a practicing homosexual to the priesthood. It cannot sanction homosexual acts as morally acceptable behavior any more that it can endorse heterosexual promiscuity. If a member of the priesthood admits to, or is found to be engaged in homosexual behavior, the administrative officer having jurisdiction should institute procedures for silencing according to church law.
5. There will be instances in which those in leadership positions will become aware of individuals who are non-practicing homosexuals and who are seeking help in the area of sublimating their sexual impulses. For such persons, the possibility and opportunity for ordination should be kept open. "
   

What is the current Community of Christ position on gay clergy?

On March 18, 1982, the Community of Christ Standing High Council adopted a Statement on Homosexuality. In this statement, they address the issue of gay clergy:

"In the critical matter of ordination, the church should not admit a practicing homosexual to the priesthood. It cannot sanction homosexual acts as morally acceptable behavior any more that it can endorse heterosexual promiscuity. If a member of the priesthood admits to, or is found to be engaged in homosexual behavior, the administrative officer having jurisdiction should institute procedures for silencing according to church law.

There will be instances in which those in leadership positions will become aware of individuals who are non-practicing homosexuals and who are seeking help in the area of sublimating their sexual impulses. For such persons, the possibility and opportunity for ordination should be kept open. "