Glaser (Chris) Collection (CLGS), 1955-2006

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Summary

Title:
Chris Glaser Collection (CLGS)
Dates:
1955-2006
Creators:
Glaser, Chris; Nouwen, Henri J.M.; West Hollywood Presbyterian Church; United Presbyterian Church in the USA; Metropolitan Community Church; Glaser, Chris Nouwen, Henri J.M. West Hollywood Presbyterian Church United Presbyterian Church in the USA Metropolitan Community Church
Abstract:
Extent:
24 linear feet (25 archives boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Chris Glaser Collection (CLGS) . Graduate Theological Union

Background

Scope and content:

Papers related to Chris Glaser's work in ministry and GLBT advocacy such as retreat talks and sermons, and administration files for church work and projects. Manuscripts of some books and articles authored by Glaser. Personal papers such as correspondence and material collected in subjects of interest.

Biographical / historical:

Author and activist, Chris Glaser has published twelve books, including Uncommon Calling, Coming Out to God, and Coming Out as Sacrament, and As My Own Soul: The Blessing of Same-Gender Marriage. His most recent book is The Final Deadline: What Death Has Taught Me About Life. Chris is a frequent speaker and retreat leader across denominational boundaries throughout North America on issues ranging from sexuality to spirituality. He served as the only openly gay member of the Presbyterian Task Force to Study Homosexuality (1976-78), the majority of which voted to recommend the ordination of lesbian and gay people; that recommendation was rejected by the Presbyterian General Assembly. After graduation from Yale Divinity School in 1977, he served as director of a first-of-its-kind ministry of reconciliation between the church and the LGBT community, The Lazarus Project, located at the West Hollywood Presbyterian Church. He has worked for almost forty years to affect Presbyterian policy regarding the welcome and ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers. He also works for full inclusion of bisexual and transgender people in the church. In recent years he has served as Spiritual Leader of the interfaith Midtown Spiritual Community in Atlanta; interim pastor of Christ Covenant MCC in Decatur, Georgia; interim pastor of MCC San Francisco; and as interim/transitional pastor of Virginia Highland Church, a Baptist and UCC congregation in Atlanta. (Adapted from The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry)

Acquisition information:
“The Chris Glaser Collection” belongs to the larger archival collection of The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion, a member school of The Graduate Theological Union. Materials received in 2007. The GTU Archives is the designated repository.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Graduate Theological Union staff.
Date Prepared:
1955-2006
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for researchers with the exception of some correspondence that is restricted until 2052.

Terms of access:

Intellectual property rights that belong to Chris Glaser are retained by him.

Preferred citation:

Chris Glaser Collection (CLGS) . Graduate Theological Union

Location of this collection:
2400 Ridge Road
Berkeley, CA 94709, US
Contact:
(510) 649-2523/2501
archives@gtu.edu
Website