The Response to Daller

In contrast to the controversy sparked by Cromey demotion four years earlier, Daller’s manifesto received a supportive response from his fellow churchgoers. Julian Bartlett, the Dean of Grace Cathedral, defended Daller, arguing that ‘We must consider what pain has compelled our Christian brother to do something his training, commitment and the traditions of the church must have cried out against.’ But Bartlett stopped short of embracing gay rights and instead simply thanked Daller for bringing the issue to the Church’s attention. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the congregation’s response to Daller was collegial: ‘During the communion several people patted [Daller] on the shoulder or shook his hand, while others smiled warmly. Two members handed him notes expressing their approval of this actions.’ As one churchgoer recalled years later: ‘I was spellbound as Daller read his pronouncement. I was elated, filled with joy and fear, and wanted to stand up and shout YES YES YES’.^[1]

^[1] Email correspondence with James Martin.