Resisting
Affirmation strongly urged LGBTQIA+ Methodists and allies to resist discriminatory practices and policies in both The United Methodist Church and the public sphere. Resistance drew attention to the ways discrimination silenced voices, dehumanized people, caused physical and spiritual harm, and undermined the mission and heritage of The United Methodist Church. Affirmation organized resistance and joined with others who were engaged in similar work.
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An editorial describing the work of Affirmation as Christian ministry.
Ministering as the Marginalized
One of the primary ways Affirmation resisted discrimination in The United Methodist Church was to frame the work of the caucus as a ministry. While The United Methodist Church could take action against LGBTQIA+ ministers and allies, they could not stop them from ministering to one another as Christians. They were not people outside of The United Methodist Church, but were rather part of The United Methodist Church engaged in Christian ministry.
An article on acts of resistance to discriminatory actions at the 1980 General Conference.
The Necessity of Resistance
Since Affirmation’s members were participating in Christian ministry, their presence in The United Methodist Church was meaningful. They were not issues to be debated but people serving and being served by The United Methodist Church. Their acts of resistance and challenges to the denomination’s legislation and practices were meant to strengthen The United Methodist Church’s mission and ability to minister to all people.
A t-shirt with "Self-Avowed Practicing United Methodist" printed on the front.
Reclaiming and Reframing
As The United Methodist Church implemented legislation that targeted LGBTQIA+ Methodists, Affirmation emphasized the problems in the debates themselves. Language like “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” were absurd, since one did not practice being in love or being married or self-avow other parts of one’s identity. Affirmation took language intended to exclude them from The United Methodist Church and turned it back against the denomination, like t-shirts that read “self-avowed practicing United Methodist.”
Information on ordering "Self-Avowed Practicing United Methodist" t-shirts.
Visibility
Simple things like t-shirts, stoles, and buttons increased visibility for Affirmation’s work and highlighted the actions they were pursuing. These popular items were worn by members of Affirmation and by allies and supporters.
A statement from Affirmation calling for resistance to The United Methodist Church's decisions after the 2000 General Conference.
Different Avenues, One Goal
Affirmation did not dictate a particular response to the discrimination of The United Methodist Church for its members. They recognized that people must respond according to their own convictions and needs. Each response, in its own way, was an act of resistance. Affirmation supported non-violent acts of resistance to discrimination and called on members of The United Methodist Church to join them in their resistance.
An article calling for an end to debates about LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Empowerment
Affirmation consistently pointed out that debates about LGBTQIA+ people were demeaning, unhelpful, and dehumanizing. The very way The United Methodist Church approached LGBTQIA+ people was problematic since it framed the conversation as one about issues and practices instead of one about people’s lives and experiences. Affirmation insisted that they were not discussion points but rather people and insisted that The United Methodist Church treat them as such.
A photograph capturing a Die In at the 2008 General Conference
Impossible to Ignore
Affirmation and like-minded people and organizations emphasized the humanity of LGBTQIA+ people in many ways, including demonstrations that centered on their bodies. Demonstrations like a Die In at the 2008 General Conference forced members and leaders of The United Methodist Church to take their lives and bodies seriously.
A card with "What Jesus Christ Said about Homosexuality" on the front, no content in the middle, and an explanation explaining that Jesus did not address homosexuality in the Gospels on the back. Click image to view full card.
The Gospel of Inclusion
Affirmation consistently pointed to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as an example for their work and the wider work of The United Methodist Church. They highlighted the ways Jesus challenged the prevailing religious attitudes of his day, included the rejected and marginalized, and called all to lives of abundance and joy through reconciliation with God.
The themes explored in this exhibit – celebrating, trials, mourning, outreach, general conference, and resisting – introduce the stories of Affirmation’s work in The United Methodist Church. The exhibit just scratches the surface of the rich history of Affirmation and the experience of LGBTQIA+ Methodists.