Harmony (LGBTQ+ religious organization)


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." Its stated purpose is to "affirm the dignity and worth of all persons without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation". 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. Arthur Butler and Ginger Farley were founding members, and Allan Fiscus was the first president of GALA. 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.