The library has recently acquired Bishop Karen P. Oliveto’s book, “Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out Into God’s Call.”  To quote the cover notes, “In the United Methodist Church and other Christian denominations, it is difficult or impossible for lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual clergy or laity to become visible, outward channels for God’s saving grace.  Karen Oliveto traces the church’s history with this struggle with homosexuality. . . .”  “The book also includes first-person narratives from LGBTQ persons faithfully serving in a denomination that denies their calls—and in some cases—their presence.”

Given that a special session of the United Methodist General Conference will be held in St. Louis in February 2019 to examine and possibly revise every paragraph of The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality, we have placed a copy of Bishop Oliveto’s book on the library table in the gallery, along with several other books written by and/or about some in the LGBTQ community, so that we can become acquainted with some of those for whom this Commission will attempt to speak.