Harmony (formerly GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance)) is a non-profit organization for LGBT people who are connected with the Community of Christ.[1]

Harmony
Formation1982; 42 years ago (1982)
FounderBob Swoffer
Merger ofGALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance) & Welcoming Community Network
TypeNon-profit
Location
Area served
Global
ServicesLGBT advocacy within the Community of Christ
Websitewww.harmony.lgbt
Formerly called
GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance)

History edit

GALA was founded by Bob Swoffer, and its first gathering was in 1982.[2] Arthur Butler and Ginger Farley were founding members, and Allan Fiscus was the first president of GALA.[2] 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.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Hartley, James (12 August 2022). "North Texas churches call Stedfast Baptist homophobic messages unacceptable, 'appalling'". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "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.

Further reading edit

  • "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)