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Harmony (organization)

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Harmony
Formation1982; 42 years ago (1982)
FounderBob Swoffer
Merger ofGALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance & Welcoming Community Network
TypeNon-profit
FocusAdvocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ
Location
Area served
Global
ServicesLGBTQ+ Advocacy, Education, Resources
Websitewww.harmony.lgbt
Formerly called
GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance

Harmony, formerly GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance, is a non-profit organization for LGBTQIA+ people, allies, and their family and friends who are connected with Community of Christ.

Harmony's mission is "to provide advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ with a shared vision of full participation."[1] Its stated purpose is to "affirm the dignity and worth of all persons without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation".[2] The organization works closely with individual members, congregations, and Community of Christ leaders at all levels to advocate for Queer persons.

Although Harmony is not formally affiliated with Community of Christ, most of its members have a connection to the Independence, Missouri-based church. The organization sends representatives to Community of Christ jurisdictional and World Church gatherings and conferences.

History

GALA was founded by Bob Swoffer, and its first gathering was in 1982.[3] Arthur Butler and Ginger Farley were founding members, and Allan Fiscus was the first president of GALA.[3] In 2019, GALA legally merged with the Welcoming Community Network, a non-profit organization serving Community of Christ congregations seeking to become welcoming and affirming, and took the name Harmony.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "About Harmony". Harmony. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  2. ^ "Harmony". Harmony. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  3. ^ a b "Honoring the GALA Legacy". Harmony. 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2020-07-22. Since the first gathering in 1982, GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance has been a monumental presence in the church.
  4. ^ "GALA Announces New Name, Brand, and Mission". Harmony. 2019-04-06. Retrieved 2020-07-22. GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance announced today the organization's new name, Harmony, as well as a new mission statement and logo following an eight-month rebranding process.

References

  • "Church Leaders Gather to Understand Needs of Gay, Lesbian Church Members", Eastern Jackson County Examiner, 2005-01-31
  • William D. Russell, "Homosexuals in the RLDS Church: A Progress Report" (paper presented at the Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah on 1999-07-17)


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