Collection

Huron Valley Community Church Records

Span Dates: 1984-1994
Bulk Dates:
Volume: .6 linear feet

Description

Administrative and topical files include correspondence, newsletters and newspaper clippings, church bulletins, and subject files detailing church activities. There are also scattered records of Metropolitan Christian Church, 1984-1985.

Hist/Bio Note

Huron Valley Community Church was formed in 1985 as an independent ecumenical church to minister to the lesbian and gay male communities of the Huron Valley area. Membership was drawn from a predecessor organization, the Metropolitan Christian Church. With the stated goal of achieving a fully inclusive Christian environment, participation by people from many different backgrounds, traditions, and belief systems was encouraged. Huron Valley Community Church was founded in the belief that God does not condemn all homosexual behavior. The Church affirms that homosexual relationships can be both wholesome and positive in the eyes of God and society. Services began in area homes and were moved to the Green Glacier Community Center in 1986. From 1987 to 1993 the Church utilized the worship facilities of the Glacier Way United Methodist Church. Dissolution of Glacier Way United Methodist in 1993 resulted in relocation to the Good Shepherd Church of Ann Arbor. Beginning in 1989, the congregation was significantly affected by debate over affiliation with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (FMCC), a national network of gay and lesbian ministries. Proponents of the plan stressed the benefits inherent in more consistent leadership, improved financial stability, and greater focus in the religious program. Opponents of affiliation sought to maintain the independence of Huron Valley Community Church. The issue was settled by a vote taken in 1992 which rejected affiliation by a slim margin. This led to a formal split within the congregation. The proponents of affiliation with FMCC formed a separate organization, Tree of Life Metropolitan Community Church. Huron Valley Community Church continues to function as an independent entity.

Finding Aid

An online finding aid is available at the following web address.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/b/bhlead/umich-bhl-952?view=text

Location

This collection is located at the Bentley Historical Library of the University of Michigan. Information about the collection can be obtained by contacting the library through contact information on their website.
https://www.umich.edu/~bhl/

Tags

Ecumenical | MCC | Ann Arbor | Michigan