California. Methodist Reverend Ted McIlvenna recognizes the injustices facing gays and lesbians (more broadly LGBTQ+) and calls for a three-day dialogue between clergy and gay and lesbian activists at the White Memorial Retreat Center. The participants found the Council of Religion and Homosexuality, with activists and members of the Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, and United Churches of Christ churches. It is the first American organization to use the word “homosexual” in its name. It will become the embryonic stage of the gay rights movement in California and the United States.
