Collection

Conference for Catholic Lesbians Records

Span Dates: 1983-1996
Bulk Dates:
Volume: 1.82 cubic feet

Description

This collection consists of materials documenting administration, membership, and the CCL Website (including forum postings); as well as the“Images” newsletter; conference records primarily from the 1980s; correspondence; documents from related organizations including the Catholic Lesbian Sisterhood of Great Britain, Dignity, and New Ways Ministry; resource files; and photographs, audio and video materials primarily documenting conference sessions, lectures and interviews.

Hist/Bio Note

The idea for a national meeting of Catholic Lesbians was first discussed at a retreat for lesbians sponsored by New Ways Ministry in May 1981. Six months later, K... and C... of New York City drew up a proposal for a national conference for Catholic Lesbians, held in November 1982 at Kirkridge Center in Bangor, Pennyslvania. Over 100 women participated in that historic gathering, coming from throughout the United States, Canada and Argentina. The catalyst for the conference came from the fact that none of the groups participants belonged to–women's, Catholic, or gay–encouraged activities or environments, either social or spiritual, that affirmed Catholic lesbians' unique identity. Shortly after the Kirkridge conference the organizers met to form the Conference for Catholic Lesbians. The original goal of the organization was to act as a clearinghouse of information and resources for Catholic Lesbians. Over time, this expanded to the formation of local groups, bi-annual national conferences, a quarterly newsletter, regional events and retreats, and participation in a number of Catholic coalitions.

Finding Aid

An online finding aid is available.
https://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/Mss/ccl/ccl-sc.php

Location

CCL organizational records can be found at the Marquette University Archives and Special Collections.
https://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/

Tags

Catholic (Roman) | Women and Religion