James Nelson, groundbreaking ethics and sexuality scholar, dies at 85

James B. Nelson, an author and scholar of Christian ethics in the United Church of Christ, died October 15 in Tucson, Arizona, at age 85.

Nelson took part in the civil rights and anti-war movements in the 1960s and championed LGBT rights beginning in the 1970s.

“His groundbreaking work on human sexuality and ethics help set the stage for a United Church ready to become open and affirming,” said John C. Dorhauer, UCC general minister and president. “He helped us understand that sexual expression and intimacy were gifts of the sacred. He was ahead of his time, and endured much abuse and vitriol.”