A Position of Faith: Part 2

On June 25, 1972, William ( Bill ) R. Johnson, became the first openly gay person in history to be ordained to the Christian ministry. The ordainment had a significant bearing not only on Bill 's future but also on that of the United Church of Christ (UCC).

A Position of Faith tells the story of this landmark event and the process that made it possible. Poignant and sincere, including a letter from Bill 's mother; interviews with Bill ; and young people and church leaders (clergy and lay), who either supported or opposed Bill 's candidacy.

Many of the questions in the film are still being asked throughout the UCC, as well as in other Christian denominations. What should be the determining factors in considering a candidate for ordination? How can the church respond faithfully to receive the gifts of ministry of persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?

Bill's challenge for the church to be faithful and the church's courageous vote have been affirmed by numerous actions of the UCC's General Synod and many other settings of the church proclaiming themselves to be "open and affirming," welcoming to all persons, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, into the full life mission and leadership of the church.

For more information, contact the UCC's LGBT office at 216-736-3217. www.ucc.org/lgbt

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• United
• Church
• Christ

[karn2k7]

cool neat! visit my profile! u