Second Stone #52 - May/June 1997

Second Stone #52 - May/June 1997

52

1997

May/June 1997

THE NATIONALE CUMENICALC HRISTIANN EWSPAPERF ORG AY MEN. LESBIANS, BISEXUALSA, ND TRANSGENDEREDP EOPLE 2. 95
~~€R~NS, LA7 0182[ J ADDRESCSO RRECTION
REQUESTED
TIME DATED
MATERIAL . ---------------~
Look who's laughing now
ComicP auWl illiams
findsa lightesri de
to growingu p
gay and Baptist
BY JIM BAILEY
THE DALLAS CHAPTER of Honesty, an organization of
gay. Southern Baptists, offers a place where painful stories are
. sometimes shared, but if there were any tears .on the night that
Paul J. Williams came to the meeting, tliey were tears of laughter.
The Baylor University marketing graduate-turnedcomedian
draws on his upbringing in a conservative family of
Baptist churchgoers for much of his comedy material.
Raised in San Antonio and now living in Dallas, Williams, 36,
realized about ten years ago that he would not be getting much
mileage out of his marketing degree . He was a talented singer
with a flair for comedy that was not going to be suppressed.
He quotes Lily Tomlin in describing his trading the desk for a
stage: "At an early age, I realized that people were always
laughing at me, so I decided that I might as well try lei be
funny!"
Williams is quickly gaining a strong following with his
hilarious views on growing up in the South. He has created his
own show of original characters and stand-up comedy, covering
everything from his being a "creative" child in a conservative
SEE COMIC, Page 5
FIRST TIME? Second Stone is about being gay and Christian. If
this is the first time you've seen Second Stone, turn to page 2
to read more about being a gay Christian . You're also
invited to visit an Outreach Partner near you:
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA; KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI;
DAYTON, OHIO; RICHMOND, INDIANA;
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY; NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE;
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK; WILLIAMSBURG.VIRGINIA;
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE; LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA;
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. See page 3 for-information.
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Welcome!
IF YOU FOUND this copy of .Second Stone al a gay
pride event, a P-H.,AG meeting,_ or some other event·
or location, there's a Second Stone Ontreach Partner .
in your area. Their brochtire is enclosed. They are a ·
Christian church or organization with a specific outreach
to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit
them for.their next service or meeting. In the meantime,
you may be asking some questions like the
ones that follow.
When I told my church pastor I
was gay, I was referred to an exgay
program. What's that all
about?
Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation
is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs
are effective in redirecting a heterosexual per- ·
son who has experimented with homosexual activity
back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian
person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only
teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with
painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change
your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay
church counselors-are heterosexual and cannot speak
from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist
or psychiatrist who.offers "treatment" for homosexuality
is not following guidelines established by
the American Psychological Association or the American
Medical Association.
After all the rejection I got from
my church, why should leven care
about God?
Your church may have rejecte,lyou, but God never
has. God's nature is to draw you closer to Him, not
to reject you. The church is administered by pastors,
bishops , lay people, committees; people like you and
me - sometimes connected with God at work among
us, and sometimes not. Sometimes_ the people who
run the church, because of fear, selfislmess or olher
reasons, are not able to follow as G0\I leads. In the
past: the church failed to _speak mit. against the Holocaust
and slavery. At some .point in the future, the
church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people
and its failure to speak Out against the hmnophobia_
thilt leads to discriminaiion ai1d violence will be
seen as a tern.hie wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Bafbara.
Harris-once said, the church is a follow.:r of society,
not a lead~r. . ..
·: Pt>Eis: thls p:1.ean i ~4qtt~d~'t g~ ~ :::
church?
Absolutely n~t! . (It m~s the church needs you probably
more than)'.<>'! need ·the church.) There is a pi?ce
for you in a church in your neighborhood: There are· ·
many Christian churclies'and organiiations iU'ound the .
co1111tfy'tha! have a specific ministry to gay: and lesbian
pe<;>ple. Even in the mai'\strC?ffi denominations
gay and lesbian people.have prominent, although
sometimes· closeted, places iiJ. the church as: pastors, .
youth leader.s: choir masters, lay . leaders, and so on.'
Many mainstream churches across the country have
moved into .positions of welcoming and affinning gay
and lesbian people.
How. do I know that God doesn't
reject me?
Even if you'\'.e never se~ foot in a church·or thought
much about God, you were created by a loving God
. .
PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
_who,seeks you out. If .there's a barrier between your-
. •$elf and:God, itis not God's ·responsibility . Blackaby . . . \ . .
and King in Experiencmg God say there are seven
realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always
at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love
relationship with you that .is real and personal. 3. God
invites you to become involved with Him in His
work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the
Bible; prayer, circumstances, and the ·church to reveal
·Hiinself; His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invi_
tation for you to _work with Him always leads you to
·. a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You
· must make niajor adjustments in your life to join
God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God
by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes
His work through you.
If you've never really believed in God, and
want to know more, ask a friend or pastor
to talk l<i you. He or she may be able to
.,
recommend a reading rl"source, a video , a
Bible siud y group or a church . And don ' t
b e af raid or embarrassed to ask, Such a
frien d or pastor will be glad you asked. It
is ho w God works among us. If you'ye
nev.er read the Bible before, start with
Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-IO; and ·
10: 13.
But can I really be gay and Christian?
Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good.
God-gi ven part of your being. A homosexual orientation
is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some
heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity;
when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved.
The Bible supports co11J1nitment and fidelity in loving
relationships.
Doesn't the Bible say homosexual
activity is a sin?
Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says
About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was
[not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels ,
not sex between men . Not a single Bible text .clearly
refers to lesbian sex ... Only ·five texts surely refer to
male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans
1:27-and I Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10. All
these texts are concerned with something other !han
homosexual activity itself... If people would still
seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is
good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an
answer... The Bible never addresses that question.
More than that, the Bible seems deliberately 1U1concemed
about it. ·
I would like explore further. What
can I do now?
While there are many good books and videos available,
there's something powerful in being "where two
or more are gathered." You may want to check out a
ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays
and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach
Partner . The worship style may not be what you're
used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian
Christians with whom you can have discussions
about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety
of churches in your neighborhood, even those of
·other denominations. (There is no "one true church.")
'IJ:iere are gay and lesbian people in almost every
church and God, who is always at work around you,
will connect you to the people you need to know - if
you take the first step .
Wouldn't it just be easier to keep
my sexual life a secret?
Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole
and fully, integrated may have to be silent about their
sexuaiity because of their job or other circumstances.
(The day will come when that is no longer the case.)
Bill a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their
sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult
suuggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to· oneself
while in church or at work or with straight friends ,
and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a
self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability
to weave your sexuality into the fabric •of your life in
a way that makes you feel good about yourself and
allows yon to develop relationships with others is a
cause for concern and should be discussed with
someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues.
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
Heaven's T abl el and Church
P.O. Box 2674
Williamsburg, VA 23187
,Meets at Williamsburg Library
Boundary St., Williamsburg
Sundays 1:30 p.m.
Bible study al pastor's home on Tuesdays.
Call church office for directions.
(757)887-3719
"THERE'S ROOM FOR ALL AT GOD'S TABLE!"
REV. ADELLE L. BARR, PASTOR
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Metropolitan Community
ch of Las Vegas
Phone: (702) 369-4380
e-mail mcclw[i'wizard.com
Sunday Worship I P.M. at 3616
E. Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
(one block !inst of Pecos)
Wednesday Worship: 6 P.M. at
1140 Ahnond Tree Lane, Suite 304
(N W corner a/Mary/mid.Pkwy and Sahara )
Come Share the Spirit!
Office & mail: 1140 Almond Tree L.ane.
Suite 302, Las Vegas. 89 !04
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
-Come share your ministry with us
•'at. ••• rfr Abiding Peace Lutheran Church
5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64119
(816) 452-1222
Caring for People and Creation
(Ncr1h ofthc River)
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
Sunday School: 9:00 am
http:IJwww.sound.net/~piclde
awa•@•Ji1•11111•1•dilfi=•Wi'iti=i€-11
Distribution of Second Stone in some
communities is sponsored by our
Outreach Partners. We invite you to
visit them for worship.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA ~i"' Come
~e o . Celebrate .f :, ·\/ With Us - The New
Life In
Jesus!
1,aiJt ,,Jllfl~Jif ~.1,, (Luri15:J2J
Non-Denominational - Bible Centered
Sunday Service~ - 10:30 am
at The Billy Defrank Center
175 Stockton Ave .• San Jose. CA
Pastor David Harvey • (408 ) 345-2319'
http://www.lodsys.com/celebrate/
RICHMOND, INDIANA
Other . Sheep .
AN ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY .
WITH THE SEXUAL MINORITY COMMUNITY
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP!
June 1
June 29
July 27
August 24
P.O. Box 2448
Richmond, IN 47375°2448
765-966-44 58
email: crameba@earlham.edu
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PAGES-THE BOOKSTORE, bLO"RlCHMOND COURT
21 1 S. STH ST. RICHMOND 765-935-6945
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
THE CHURCH OF
THE LIVING WATER
Bible Studies.
Worship Services
Healing Ministries
Counseling
Meets at EAST END UMC
1212 Holly Street, Nashville, TN
"God's Word to . God's People"
Info: call (615) 865-2679
SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK
You are we lcome at
li5htho1-tsc
Apostolic
Church
38 Columbia Street, 2nd Floor
Schenectady, NY 12308-3326
(518) 372-6001
Brother Carey, Pastor
Worship Service Sun. at 4 :30 pm
Bible Study Wed. at 7,:00 pm
A Jesus'Name Church!
N~tibn~l Gay: ~Cfllecostal Alliance
.. email: NGPA@concentric.net
v isit-our website at
. ht~ ;//www_.ais.com/ ~NGPA
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
FIRST. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ~""
LOt:JG BU.CH . . • . .
U.NITED CHURCH .OF CHRIST \ ._)
An Open and Affirming Con9re9at ion
We welcome you to worship in i:I
nurturing environment.
241 Cedar Ave • Long Beach CA 90802
(562) 436-2256 • .fax (562) 436-3018
http:/ /users.aotcom/revmek/index.html
MEMPHIS. TENNESSEE w HOLY TRINITY
COMMUNITY CHURCHES'
IN TENNESSEE
MEMPHIS--
1559 Madison Ave.
90 l /726-9443
Sunday: IO a.m. Sunday School
I I a.m. Communion
Rev. Timothy Meidow~ M.Div., Senior Minister
NASHVILLE--
.3028 Lebanon Rd. (in the Unity Center)
6 J 5/837-2424
Sunday: 6 p.m. Worship Service
Rev. CynthiJ looper, M.M.
Proclaiming God's love For All People
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Everybody
needs a little
Third Lutheran Church
1·864 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
896-6383
Worship: ·sunday J0.:30 AM
Rev. Phil Garber
A Reconc;iled in Christ Congregation
Everyone is.invit~d .
You are invited
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Weary'?? .
C::Ol.VIE :H:Ol.VIE!!
&
1110[.71' JlPmff U'll:llLOWJmr
. . • . .. . or~~~~~~
· · Classes
· Retreats
, . . Counseling
Social Activities
· 12-Slep ' Bible" Study
HIV "Spiritual Support" Group
Mid-Week "Prayer & fi'raise" Services
Saturday, 6:00 PM "Worship"
North Long Beach Christian Church
1115 E. Market St., Long Beach, CA.
(562) 435-0990
DAYTON, OHIO
CO:MMUNIIY ' '
GOSPEL CHURCH
P.O. !DX 1634 • ~YION,OH 45401
DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY!
ALL ARE WELCOME . . . .
ni~ 546 XeniaAve.
Ulyton, Ohio
SundaylOam
· EMAtI; RlcvSamuell<@oolrom
VISit our Web Site!
http:/ /www.oomeaol.com/~
93 :7 _2 S 2-885 S
REV. SAMUEL 'KADER,
PASTOR
PAGE 3 • SECOND UONE • MAY/JUNE, . 1997
• Prayer •The Bible • Words & Deeds
Women-only crews attract
Habitat for Humanity voltn1teers
By Dawn Fallik
Associated Press Writer
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Wendy Birdsall
thought she knew enough about
carpentry to hang a door in her Lincoln
home. It fell on her instead.
"I had to call my dad to come help
me. I always have to -call my dad,"
the 37-year-old marketing .director
said. "I wanted to be able to do it on
myown."
So Ms. Birdsall volunteered to help
build a Habitat for Humanity house
on Mother's Day - one with an allwomen
construction crew. Training
sessions were free, including one· on
hanging doors.
"I can't wait to drive by and say
'You see that house? I· helped build
it,"' Ms. Birdsall said.
All-women projects, which Habitat
for Humanity began in 1990, have
proven an increasingly popular way
to attract volunteers. While 100 people
are need·ed to build the ' typical
1,000-squar!!-foot home with three
bedrooms and one bath, the "allwomen"
ads usually _recruit far more.
"I was afraid that ! ·wouldn't have
enough volunteers," says Sandy
Wolfe, the executive coordinator for·
the Habitat affiliate in Lincoln that
is building Nebraska's first housl)with
a female crew. "l got more than :
300, and we had to start a seconq '.
house just so everyone would have ~:
chance to get involved ." ·
Rookies like Ms. Birdsall say they:
are attracted to the all-women crews '
because they want to learn carpentry :
without the intimidation factor posed
by men. . .
Veterans say they sign up to pass 011 •
their skills, and encourage mor~:
women to enter the construction :
trades. ' '
Cecilia Frederick, a former construe: :
lion worker, once ·pai!)ted her tools
bright pink_ to stop male co-workers :
from sneaking them from her tool box'..
She appre:ciates the female camaraderie
she's . experienced supervising
the construction of 30 women -built
houses in the St. Paul, Minn., ·area.
"At one groundbreaking, everyone
startil!8 singing 'If I had a_ hammer,"'
she said. "It's just much more relaxed·
and ne·wcomers really get into the
·spirit ·- even as they're · layin,g
bricks."
Bonriie Jolly, a 48-year-old property
tax analyst, said her construction
plans have become a hot topic at
· work.
"They a·sk what the men are going
to be doing and I say 'the babysitting
and the food,' and they look at me a
little oddly," she said. "The women
will be busy putting up the roof
trusses."
Alice Wilcox, a 70-year-old r~tired
librarian, says the job do_esn't require
extraordinary strength, She began
helping with Minneapolis-area Habitat
houses three years ago and now
ieaches building basics ta others.
"Sometimes it takes a little longer
to build a . house with all women
because you get a !of of volunteers
who don 't ,know what they are
doing," she says.
· In 20 years, Habitat for Humanity
has built 50,000 houses in 47 countries.
Habitat provides the houses, simple
but solid, and interest-free mortgages
to low-income families. ·· ' ·
Ab~ui·half of tl~ose who ·meve into
Habitat houses . !'Ire ·single ·women
with children, Wolfe says. Mgst
female volunteers say they appreciate
·that ·but mostly volunteer for the
construction traini11g,
Each family-selected to own a Habitat
house· lielps build · it; contributing
about 200 hours in "sweat equity"
over three months.
Frederick; th~ si. Paul supervisor,
notes one : prime' diff~rence between
houses built by women and those put
up by Habitat'.s. ·usual crews, which
are predominantly male.
"Because most of the women are new
to construction, tli.ey actually read
the instructions," she says. "Men tend
to have ·a little more .experience, so
they take chances and risks that
• don't always work." ·
PAGE ' 4 ·SECOND-STONE ' ·• MAY/JUNE, 1997
Gay deoote has more J_X!Ople
reading the Bible -
times in which it was written.
By Charle_s Honey "We're looking at what we think is
Religion News Service an authentic way ofrlooking at Scrip-
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - As the ture, and to shed mo~11.light on Scrip-
Rev. Robin Scroggs sees it, the lure but also on the acceptance of !es-
. increasing . controversy in churches bian and gay people in the life of the
over homosexuality has produced at church," said the Rev. Douglas Vanleast
one positive benefit: It's got Doren, pastor of Plymouth Congregapeople
reading the Bible. tional United Churc}l of Christ.
"This is really an amazing situa- VanDoren argues his group's view is
lion," said Scroggs, a Biblical studies a "well-established, long-understood
professor at Union Theological Semi- perspective on Biblical interpretanary
in New York. "In our culture as a lion."
whole, you couldn't get two people Taking the Bible as a whole,
together to talk about the Bible. But Scroggs doesn't believe ii provides
here all of a sudden people are con- convincing arguments either for or
cerned about what the Bible says, against homosexual relationships.
because ifs a matter-of concern for us." "We have to a~ue the legitimacy
The concern is the place of gays and or illegitimacy on grounds other than
lesbians in society, and how people of Scripture," he said.
But Scripture is exactly where one
■
" ... condemning
people outright
for who they
. are is a sin."
should look for answers, says Baptist
Seminary's Grier.
Grier argues the basic answer lies
not in the much-disputed "vice" passages,
but\!} the creation story . Genesis
1:27 makes clear_ the crucial gender
difference between men and women,
and Genesis 2':24 establishes male-
-------------■- female unity as the biblical model for
faith· should view homosexuality marriage and p·r_ocreation, Grier
based on Scriptural teachings. asserts. Christ harked back to this
It is that concern that brought model as God's intention, he says.
Scroggs from New York to Grand Rap- Grier also maintains some Old Tesids,
often ·considered an enclave of lament laws such as the ban on homoconservative
religion, but that finds sexuality are "perpetually binding,"
itself, like virtually all other Amer- while others such as a kosher diet
ican cities, caught up in the debate. were temporary laws later "brought
The Grand Rapids debate was to completion" by Christ.
prompted by the controversy sur- · The Rev. Doug VanBronkhorst, pasrounding
the late Gerry Crane, a gay tor at First Reformed Church of
music teacher who resigned under Grandville, and formerly pastor of a
community pressure from his job in the San Francisco church that in~Juded
Bryon Center school system. In June, a several gays and lesbians, believes
group of mostly mainline Protestant that people should be compassionate
pastors issued a letter calling for full towards gays but that the Bible
acceptance of homosexuals in church- plainly prohibits homosexual praces,-
a~uing the . Bible does .not forbid tice.
"committed, loving, same-sex rela- "Our responsibility is to say, 'You're
tionships." a sinner and so am I. We are all sin-
Scroggs visite ·d __ Grand Rapids to ners in need of God's grace,"' Vankeynote
a seminar meant to :bolster Bronkhorst said.
the mainHne position. Plymouth - Congregational's Van-
While. many denominations hew to Doren, however, gets a very different
literal interpretations apparently message from Scripture: "That concondemning
homosexuality, many demning people outright for who
mainline churches are split. they are is a sin."
"As it continues, and especially as Though he takes seriously the
it's brought into the civil arena ... I often~quoted passages, VanDoren
think the issue's only going to get added," Any passage needs to be read
more intense," said the Rev. James in the context of the whole, particuGrier,
dean of Grand Rapids Baptist lady in the context of Jesus' good
Seminary. news.
Scroggs and others in the mainline "The Jesus· I see reflected in Scripcamp
argue that the Bible offers no ture is one who cares for and is incluclear
guidance on the issue. He says sive of people who are genuine and
the Bible should be interpreted in the struggling to be loving people," he
cultural and historic:al context of the said . ·
. • I
Comic replaces Baptists' :tears with laughter .
From Pagel ·
don't know ~hy I haven't ~;en asked known mainly as a gay group. Holly- .
Southern Baptist home to his experi- to perform, he laughs. T hav,e a wood ~as always been more friendly : .
ences as a single, gay male. He has character named Sr. Helen, who s a tow_ara les~1an artists -: It seems peo-·
b
O
ht h. . b d f h lot hke the Church Lady, and I know pie iust don t want to know· about gay· .
r ug 1s umque ran o umor as they would like her,, ,, . . . .
an openly gay, stand-up comedian to . · men. ·
stages all across the U .S and Canada. His characters are loosely based on
On July 24, Williams. is uittin his actual people he has known. Another
·real-world .job as a bookk~e er !tan standout_ character _1s Nelda Pickens,
interior desi n rou and t~in his a bee-luved, cham-smokmg, real
Show
"J st Ag IgA PC nf . g f estate agent who coughs and hacks
- u s m: o ess10nso a h h .
Creative Child" _ to th ff A I er way t rough everytlung she has
He made his decision ~o :ie 11s :ct to say about her profession.
to New York at the encouragement of
comedienne Julie Halston, a regular
at Caroline's Comedy Show in New
York.
. "She caught my act during a gay
pride festival," Williams says. "She
was bowled over. She said, 'You're
gay, you're from the South, and
you're Baptist. Start writing!"'
Still grounded in the realities he
learned in business school, Williams
is counting on temp work and singing
gigs in churches to pay his living
expepses while he develops his
career in New York.
His family has seen his show and is
supportive of his work. They know
what comedy is all about: Williams'
grandfather was a clown. But the gay
twist added a new dimension to the •.
family's comic heritage. ·
"One-of my brothers thinks.I have a
great crossover appeal," WiHiams
says. "But my oldest brother is very
fundamentalist and doesn't w,mt to
talk about my career at all."
For a time, Williams' father
thought there was a Baptist-bashing
aspect to the act. But after last summer's
vote by the Southern Baptist
Convention to boycott the Walt Disney
Company because of its gayaffirming
policies, his father's perspective
changed - even to the point
·of his publicly admitting to
sometimes being ashamed to b,e a
Southern Baptist. . ·
"I just talk about what the Baptist
church has done to me and my
people," Williams says, "and I think
my father understands that now."
In fact, dad · has been written into
the act. Williams talks about the
. time - when he was 14 - he bought -a
"Charley's Angels" poster and tacked
it on the ceiling above his bed instead
of on the wall. "I. think my father
was actually pretty happy about
that. But every night before I went to
sleep I would just look up and say 'I
wish my hair would do that."'
Williams jokes that he hasn't been
approached to provide entertainment
for the "messengers" who will gather
in Dallas this summer at the Southern
Baptist Conventio~'s annual
churchwide meeting. "I honestly
Williams got his first taste of getting
laughs in 1986 when he took a job
delivering singing telegrams . "I recommend
it as a proving ground," he
says. "It was really tough work."
After doing some studio singing and
performing in community theater, he
was persuaded by a friend to form a
cabaret-style comedy group and combine
his vocal and comedic talents
into one venue. In 1988, Williams got
together with two other comedians
and opened an act in Dallas called
"Less Miserable."
Williams and company did not
allow their first audience - of five
people - to discourage them and the
group went on to play to rave reviews
for six ·years until the show closed in
1994.
He has also . been a singer with the
world-renowned Turtle Creek Chorale,
a 200-voice men's chorus based in
Dallas. Other jobs included keeping
local record stores stocked with the
Chorale's music and hosting a Karaoke
show one night a week at J.R.'s
in Dallas. ·
Williams ,_says he believes the
recent hoopla surrounding Ellen's
coming out may help the careers ·of
gay performing artists, although he
doesn't see it impacting himself as a
gay male. "I have to be honest," Williams
says, "and I've always beenhonest.
· I've always been out but we
(Less Miserable) didn't want to be
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Williams can joke about his religion
no_w, but t.hat was not . alwa Y,s the . .
case; "I've been involved 'iri ·~ti ·
aspects of th~ . B~ptist chur<oh," · he
says. "My earliest memory of .
going to church was in .Sl).reyepor) at ·
age 2 1 / 2 at the Broadmoor Baptist
Church."
He became disillusioned ·with the
Baptist church ·as 'he grew 'q!der and "
eventually started att~nding a Presbyterian
church in San Antonio. Later,
during college, he b·ecame · more
attracted to a liturgical sty:fe of. worship
and he join!ld First Methodist in
Fort Worth .
He began to•confront his homosexuality
when he was. 19 and a-student at
Baylor. "I knew I was gay but I wasn't
sure ·how IQ deal with it and, being ·at
Baylor, I had to keep a lid on it."
But Williams didn't have much
success staying in the closet-. "J. actually
came out at Baylor," he says. "I
was even asked to leave my fraternity.
But I wasn't the only gay student
there. There's a large underground
gay student movement at Baylor."
Through all the knocks and laughs,
Williams says he maintained his
personal relationship with God,
although he is now somewhat
ambivalent ·toward religion itself.
"Sometimes I'm ashamed to have
anything to do with ii. My spirituality
has changed and now i.question
everything. But I've had too many
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spitituit experiences to: :deny the
existem:e of a higher pow¢rt .he says.
Willianis can be reaclzed tlzrouglz
l1is ·agent, Chestnut Bookings,
(810)625-7272.
· Presbyterians for ·
· les bian& Gay. ·
. Concerns . .
"For all Presbyterians .
who care about lesbian
and ·gay people and their
full membership in the
PresbyteJ'.ianChurch(
USA) -"
Boston/Northern New England
802-229-5438
Southern New England
203-442-5138
New Jersey.
908-249-10.16
.Genesee Valley
716-663-9130.
. Pittsburgh
41.2-683-5239 ·
Philadelphia·
215-699-4750
District of Columbia
202-488-4220 .
· Baltimore
410-254-5904
Eastern Virginia
804-497-6584
. Northern Ohio
216-932-1458 ·
Centraf Indiana
317-931-9553
Detroil/Southeastern Michigan
313-255-7059
Winnepago, Wisconsin
414-731,0892
Twin Cities Area
5·12-884-6908
Chicago
312-751-0250
St Louis
314-822-3296 . .
Central Arkansas
501-224-4 724
Louisiana
504-344-3930
· Nebraska
402-733-1360
Oklahoma ·
405-848-2819
Houston
713-440-0353
San Francisco
510-653-2134
Oregon
503-652-6508
Seattle
20!)-859-5685
PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
Faith in Daily Life .
~ suicides sig11oflost hope, church membeIB say
'
By David Briggs
AP RE1ligion Writer
--
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - When
Mattie Johnson conte _mplated t~e
mass suicides of California cult members,
her first thoughts were simil'ar
to those ''of ~vangelist Billy Grahain.
"My reaction is the devil is oh the
move. He's on a mission/' she .said' as
she discussed the incident with a
group at Mount Aery Baptist Church.
Over at -St. Andrew's Lutheran
Churcli in suburban Ridgefield, Peter
Heiser told a breakfast gathel'ing
that he ·could not understand why
people would want to leave this
world Jo reach a "higher level."
"I just couldn't relate to that because
God means so much to me in· my life," -
he said. "I see God in the people
around me."
The Heaven's Gate tragedy evoked
sympathy for the victims and their
relatives, but few religious people
were able to find much resonance
with fhe ·everit in· 'their own faith
lives .
In touncHable discussions at St.
Andrew's and Mount Aery - two
fairly typi •cal mainstream churches -
members expressed widespread belief
that Christ rose from the · dead, and
that there is the promise of a physical
·resurrection for believers·.
Some specifically referred to St .
Pau!'.s statement ·in 1 Corinthians: "If
there is no 'resurrection of the dead,
then Christ ha.s not been raised ; and
if Christ has ncit been raised, then our
proclamafion ·has been in vain and
your faith has been in ·vain."
In contrast to the California cult,
however, they say their belief in the
Resurrection gives meaning to their
lives on earth, rather ·than makes
them more anxious to visit the next
life .
".We're looking to resurrect new
lives in people. That part of the ·Resurrection
,is for the time right now.
We're looking to resurrect people who
have lost all hope," said Cynthia
Clarke at Mount Aery.
Nancy Carotti , 65, was 17 when her
mother died . In the long nights that
followed, she found herself coming to
grips with her parents' and her own
mortality.
Her -belief in the Resurrection gave
her the faith that one day she would
see her mother again, and ii still acts
Group wotks td o~n chUfCh doors for women pastors
By John Burdick .
The Holland Sentinel.
HOLLAND, Mich. - Many women
feel called by God into ministry, but
once they graduate from the seminary
many churches seem reluctant to hire
them as pastors.
A Michigan ministry called Witness
is trying to change that by working
with churches to open up the doors for
women.
"The math doesn't add up," said the
Rev. Julie Cowie, pastor of Pcirt;Sheldon
Presbyterian Church; explaining
there are many women seminary
graduates who can't · find jobs as
church ministers. ·
Of womeh hired as pastors, few are
senior pastors . In the Presbyterian
Church, for instance, only 3 ·percent of
women pastors while only 6 percent of
women - pasfors in the Episcopal
church are senior pastors, said Ms.
Maodush-Pitzer .
The Holland area has its share of
women -ministers, but the. number
remains small. Ms. Cowie is in charge
of worship at Port Sheldon Presbyterian
Church.
Elizabeth De Jonge is a co-pastor at
First Reformed Church, in charge of
congregatio_nal life and outreach.
Other woinen · serving as pastors of
'W 'WJ ' .. - . . D ..
Holland area churches include the
Rev. Beatrice Rose; First United
Methodist; the Rev. Jennifer Adams,
Grace Episcopal; the Rev. Kama Jongerius
Zuidema, Christ Memorial;
and the Rev . Kathryn Davelaar,
Third Reformed.
Witness has started a series of public
informational breakfast meetings.
The first was recently at Providence
Christian Reformed Church fea\uring
the Rev . Mary Huli.t Antonides as
speaker. Ms. Antonides grew up in
Graafschap and graduated from Holland
Christian High School in 1987.
She was ordained Sept. 29. 1996 - the
as a shield against suffering in this
life. ·
When she dies, "I want people to
cry because I had a good life, not just
because I'm finished."
Church members believe that
something better awaits after death .
"I see our spirits together in some
great place, for some reason a brilliant
place, " said Tom Strayer at St·.
Andrew's. "I see it as a peaceful
place."
Sometimes, Lola Smith says, she
feels as if she already has part of
heaven b ecause she can trust God
with all that happens in her life.
"I can feel his presence in the peace,
in the joy I have inside of me right
now," she said . "I can imagine
heaven is going to be even better than
that."
second woman minister in the Christian
Reformed Church and the first
woman to be ordained in the United
States in the Christian Reformed
Church in Grand Rapids .
Ms. Antonides gave the talk at the
· same church she attended while
growing up . She remembers her pastor
at the lime, the Rev. Terry Lapinsky,
who had a .great influence on her.
. "In the seventh .grade he told me,
'You are going lo be a minister,"' she
said.
Her involvement in the chapel wor-
SEE WITNESS, Next Page
It appears the supply is bigger than
the demand -: But Witness is trying to ·
tip the odds in favor of more female ·
ministers. Bracelet craze started by youth group heats up
Women have been ordained ii1-lhe
Reformed Church of America for
almost 20 years, for exa~ple, buio;,iy
a small nvmber serve as pastors .. In
the Holland-Zeeland area where
Reformed Church of America
churches are :dominant, only thre~ women
are on pastoral teams while ·a '
few others serve mainline denominations.
"We work with congregation 's to '
help them receive and be open to the
gifts of women," said Ms. Cowie,
chairwoman of Witness .
Witness was started four years ago·
by the Rev.'Diane Maodush-Pitzer,
who then taught at Western Theological
Seminary. She is riow executive
director of the ministry .
"We encourage women and men to
use their gifts in whatever way God
- - has called them," Ms. MaodushPitzer
said.
DETROLT (AP) - It started with a
west Michigan church youth group's
discussion about how faith can
influence daily life. , .
No~, nylon fabric bracelets with
the inscription "W.vV._.J.D," standing
for "What would Jesus do?" are turning
up 1'aliqnwide.
The company that makes the bracelets,
Lesco Corp. of Lansing, typically
turns out 6,000 weekly, but recent publicity
has increased orders to 25,000 a
week, said sales representative Mike
Freestone .
. The bracelets cost $2 or less and are·
sold primarily through Christian
bookstores, but Freestone said he gets
orders from Australia, India, Russia
and Latvia.
"They are just a little piece of fabric,
but they have a strong message,·"
Irene Wanner, manager of Dickson's
Bible and · Bookstore in Royal Oak,
PAGE 6 -• · SECOND STOifE • MAY/JUNE, 1'997
told the Detroit Free Press .
It began at Janie.Tinklenberg's youth
ministry at Calvary Reformed
Church in Holland seven years ago .
Her youth group was discussing a
novel about a smug congregation that
is shaken after the death of a tramp
whose pleas had been ignored ..
Shamed church members vow to live
their lives for a year using "What
would Jesus do?" as their touchstone.
"The basic question was, how does
your belief affect your daily life?"
said Tinklenberg, now a youth minister
in Ohio. She had 50 of the bracelets
made by Freestone's company.
"We wanted to·use it as a benchmark
of what Jesus would do in various
situations," she said.
The first 50 bracelets went so quickly,
she ordered more. And teen-agers
aren't the only ones wearing them,
she said.
"Since then, though, they .have
moved well beyond just kids. I like to
think of them as a silent witness to
yourself and to others," Tinklenberg
said.
Jeremy Mercier, 16, of Grand Rapids
firsf saw them on a church mission
trip and quickly made them part of
his wardrobe.
"It helps keep my eye on the Lord,"
he said. "It is now being recognized,
and you have a standard to live up
to."
Kevin Winningham, youth pastor at
Temple Baptist Church in Wayne
County's Plymouth, said the bracelets
reinforce faith while spreading
their message in a nonconfrontational
way.
"It isn't like somebody getting in
your face with a button saying, 'Turn
or Burn,"' he said. ·
... :r:.-r1s • Gs tt ¥¥ \Q'..k, #- :a s t :;. Faith 1n Daily Life
Priests affected by Alzheimer's haven'tlostspirituality
By Anya Lockert
Associated Press Writer
PHOENIX (AP) - Alzheimer's disease
has robbed the .Rev. Edmond
Smyth of his ability to speak and to
recognize family and friends. But
· when Smyth - a· Catholic priest -
celebrates Mass, he easily remembers
the rituals and blessings he has performed
for more than 50 years.
"He doesn't know where he is or
who he is; but he never misses a word
of Mass," said Karmen Lee, director
of the Huger Mercy Living Center in
Phoenix, where Smyth · lives with
three other priests afflicted with
Alzheimer's.
"You wouldn't know if you were sitting
there he had Alzheimer's," Lee
said.
Smyth, 78, and his companions live
in The House of Michael, a cottage at
the Huger center that is designated
specifically for priests with Alzheimer's.
The cottage is named for the Rev.
Michael Weishaar, a Roman
Catholic priest who died of the disease
early this year.
Lee said although the priests are
unable to remember much about their
lives, they still are able to communicate
the best way they know how -
through Mass.
"If you can keep God alive for them,
they have peace/' Lee said. "I can't
imagine how many priests are out
there and can't communicate what
they know ." .
Alzheimer's disease - the most common
form of dementia - is a progressive,
degenerative illness that
changes the brain and results in
impaired memory _ thinking and
behavior . It cannot be cured or prevented.
One in 10 people over age 65 and
·nearly half of those over 85 have the
disease, according to the Phoenix
chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
.
It is not known how many priests .jn
the United States have Alzheimer's,
but an estimated 4 million people
nationwide suffer from the illness,
according to the association. ·
The House of Michael is one of four
cottages located on the 5 rn-acre
parcel of land at the Huger center for
Alzheimer's patients.
Each cottage has a woodburning
stove, a small kitchenette, a living
First and only woman Baptist }xlStor_ in South Carolina
room, specially-equipped bath.rooms,
and bedrooms . The center also
provides meals, recreational activities
and nursing care for about $2,500
a month.
Mass is usually held two to five
times - a week in the chapel. Smyth
often helps the visiting priests who
officiate Mass, which is open to the
center 's 31 Catholic residents.
Lee S<!id the facility is the·only one
of its kind that offers a housing area
specifically for priests afflicted with
the disease.
"It's so rewarding every time I see
them," Lee said: "That's my gift."
The cottage was financed by a spe-'
cial grant from the Frances Moynihan
Huger Foundation, Inc. 'Lee said the
foundation also has a trust fund to
supplement expenses for residents
who· are unable to afford the full cost.
Family members and friends say
Alzheimer's is often harder for them
to handle than for the actual victims.
When "you know them when they
are so wonderful, jt's hard," said
Carole Zacher, a former parishioner
and a friend of Smyth.
Smyth lives with three other priests:
the Rev. Robert Schneider, 66;
the Rev. Theophane Robertson, 89;
and the. Rev. Robert J. Donohoe, 84.
Schneider, who now spends most of
his time straightening up anything
that's out of place, once headed the
Catholic school system in Milwau- .
kee.
When in the chapel, Schneider will
often belt out a favorite Gregorian
chafil like a seasoned opera singer.
Smyth is the former Dean of Arts
and Sciences at the University of San
Francisco and former pastor of St.
Francis Xavier Parish in Phoenix.
Robertson, a former priest in Santa
Barbara, Calif., is now confined to a
wheelchair and spends most of his
time quietly reading his Bible.
Donohoe, one of the . newest residents,
is the founder of St. Agnes
Catholic Church in Phoenix . He
enjoys music .and playing the organ.
Most denominations don't provide a
specific health plan fo.t pastor s
stricken with Alzheimer's disease ,
but they do have some sort of general
retirement plans for clergy.
Lee said she's just glad the center
exists for tl1e Alzheimer's patients.
"We just want them to know they
are loved," she said.
At age 75, shedidn'tknow,.didn'tcare, she was making history
ByTammyL Lane
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C (AP) - The Rev.
Esther Perkins - the first and only
female senior pastor of a Southern
Baptist church in South Carolina - is
hardly ready to trade in her pulpit
for a shady porch.
At age 75, though, she's leaving
Eason Memorial Church in Eastover,
which she has served since 1990.
"All this time I didn't realize I was
making history - and cared less," she
said. Church members "accepted it
and seemed to be very proud of it."
Ordain ed women work in other
capacities throughout the S.outh
Carolina Bapt ist Convention - as
WlTNESS,
From Previous Page
ship program at Calvin College
whetted her appetite for ministry .
" I discovered leading worship was
something I loved to do," she said.
The women in office issue has caused
many in the church to leave. In some
cases, entire congregations have left.
The Christian Reformed Church
denomination is at its lowest membership
since 1971 with 285,864 membe;s.
chaplains, music ministers, counselors
and educators. Individual congregations,
however , are autonomous and
select their · own pasto~s. .
"I would like very much to see God
leading churches to call women and
the church being sensitive to God's
call of a woman," said Perkins, who
first wa s hired to replace her husband
at Columbia's Pine Bluff Church
after his death in 1983.
'Tdo not feel that God plays favoritism,"
she said.
She r e fers to Galatians 3:28, .in
which Paul writes to the church at
Galatia : "There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither• slave· nor free,
there is n either male nor female, for
Almost 6,000 left last year alone .
Many opposing women in elected
church office cite Scripture as their
rea so n. Although this has been a
hotly debated topic, Ms. Antonid es
s aid she's neve r received criticism.
"No one has ever come up to me and
sai d, 'You shouldn 't be doing this.' I
believ e God has protected me from
that," Ms . Antonides said.
you are all one in Christ Jesus."
"He calls an individual - he equips
that individual for service," Perkins
said. ·"J hav e never considered myself
anything but a servant of the Lord."
May 4th was her last Sunday at
Eason Memorial. She doesn't know
what God has in mind next, but "I
think he wants me fo rest a little
first. "
Before Eason Memorial, Pine Bluff .
Church recognized the abilities of
Perkin s, who grew up in Montgomery,
Ala .
In May 1983 she buried her 65-yearold
husband , Charles, on a Thursday.
That Sunday, Pine Bluff asked her to
take his place in the pulpit where he
had pr eached for four years.
Perkins, who at the time oversaw
the church's music and education programs,
agreed to pray over it and act
as interim pastor. "I had been serving
along with my husband , and th ey
were acquainted with my work and
had confidence in me," she said.
She w~s ordained in mid-Augu st;
tw o weeks lat er the memb ers of Pine
Bluff voted unanimously to hire her.
She is scheduled to be back ther e
late in June, to preach at a homecoming
service.
Perkins says she never ·thought
twice about starting a new phase ·of
ministry at an age when.many folks
are closing out their careers. "I guess I
had faith and did what the Lord led
me to do," she said.
Three years later, in 1986, she
moved to Georgia to care for her
daughter;-· who had multiple sclerosis,
and she unde~went knee surgery
for .arthritis herself.
Then one day a friend .in Columbia
called and asked if she was interested
in corning back to the Midland s
to preach : The friend also recom- ,
mended her to the deacons at Eason
Memorial. •
"I told (the chairman) that whatever
God led· them to do, I'd follow
God's leadership," Perkins said.
She agreed to give a "trial sermon"
on Mother's Day. But there weren't
enough members there to vot.e on her,
so she had to make a second trip .
She · told the search committee that
· if a si ngle person in th e church
opposed hiring a femal e pastor,
"please do not waste my time because
I do no t have time to waste."
The vote after her second sermon
was unanimous to hire her.
PAGE 7 •SECOND .STONE • MAY / JUNE, 1997
Faith in Daily Life c::===================:-. - -_ -_-_ ----_ -_ ~ ....
Imagine thinking
like Bethlehem -
that there is an
awful lot in a little.
FEAR NOT, FOR BEHOLD... Th ere
is no point in our fear . We fear not,
just as the Christmas angel tells us .
We become light and let the heavy
go. I think often of the comment made
by one of Handel's great sponsors.
She said of him that she could not
bear the sight of him seated next to
but not playing his harpsichord after
he went blind . "His light was not
spent but overplied." Many of us are
spent. The weight of our work
catches up with us - and vision means
nothing more than great longing for
the empty afternoon of a snow day.
Wanting "more vision" inay actually
be greed, the kind that leads us
so inexorably to the too muchness of
our time. What most of us want is
less, not more, of just about everything.
We are urgent for the time
that is light as opposed to heavy to
carry . We want the deep rest .of Sab-
bathed time.
When Sabbath works, ·grace will
pay a visit. The afternoon will open
up into God's time . The first step is to
leave our fear at the door, to take the
angel's advice. Fear not. Then we can
open the door of the quiet room God
has made for us.
Many _ of the images v,e associate
with the turn of the century are from
the corporate world of advertising .
Gloom and doom helps them stay in
charge of how we perceive things.
We need their antidote, not our own,
to get safe, if we rely on their perceptions
of what safety is.
Imagine being satisfied with just a
little light as the century ends . Light
enough for the afternoon; not for
eternity .
Imagine thinking like Bethlehem -
that there is an awful lot in a little.
Imagine letting our interest in the
eritire next century rest in our interest
inoneday . .
PAGE 8 ·• ·sECOND · 4TONE , • MAY/JUNE, 1997
"Richer in our
shame?" How can
shame make us
rich?
THE MYTH OF scarcity will continue
to haunt our imaginations as the century
turns. We fear opening a door and
nothing being there.
I still liv e as if there was enough
song to go around . I imagine in the
words of a· favorite poet of mine a
world of ' '.Brute possibility." (Lynda
Hull) But I know many live with a
broken link. Cultural signals jamming
emotional circuitry . In between-ness.
They "bargain hardest for what they
hope they are worth.,, (Maurya
Simon "The Golden Labyrinth.")
Maurya Simon writes a poem called
Pride . In "Pride" she confronts her
foreignness in the person of a rickshaw
· driver she knows is cheating
her . By doing so, she upsets the balance
of things - foreigners ar .e supposed
to be ripped off by the local
cabbies - with assertiveness, "I won't
be robbed blind." She threatens the
cabbies's power as an insider, a position
Simon had earlier supported out
of guilt. "$uddenly the rickshaw
driver whirls around and/ throws my
money on the ground, spits on it, then/
zooms away, leaving me richer in my
shame ."
What does she mean, "Richer _in our
shame?" How can shame make us
rich?
I think it comes when we truly get
the balance of power right. We have
so much . Others have so little. It is
not right.
And yet God imagines plenty for us
who have been shamed by wealth
and for .the poor who hope so to be.
God 's world is plentiful. We may
yet get to God's plenty - which is
plenty for all. That is the door God
has set for us at the heart of history.
The abundance.
. . .I am most
genuinely at hom:e
in a colorful world,
where I am a little
out of control...
. THE BIG ISSUES OF the next century
will be the same as they are now .
Racis m, fear of the stranger , a t end
·e ncy to live safe at home rath er than
at th e gates of the city - th ese will
remain .
Racism is the denial of ordinary
statu s.
As a recovering racist, I can always
' be silent and stay out of trouble or I
can speak and get into trouble. When
I speak and get into trouble , I gain
as s ociates, many of whom are
already in trouble for no fault of their
own. When I venture beyond Kansas,
I usually find other adventurers,
lions, tinmen, and the like.
We have a community organization
at my parish and lots of-people hanging
around most days. A white member
of our church called to say ·that
she had a couch to donate to the Sunday
School lounge. I asked two of the
men in our community garden to go and
get it . They were both AfricanAmerican
. An hour later the couch
showed up at the church . An hour
and fifteen minutes later my whit e
member called to say that she
couldn 't believe that her couch had
just .been stolen right before her very
eyes by two men who drove up in a
pick up .truck. How, I ha.d to ask her,
did she know her couch had been stolen?
The two men were black, she
said . And the funniest thing, she
went on, was that they acted like
they belonged there.
There are sources of re-education
everywhere. Both tell me that I am
most g enuinely at home in a colorful
world, where I am a little out of control,
not in a grey world, where everything
is straight and giving .the
appearance of being in control.
Toto, alleluia, it looks like we are
not in Kansas anymore.
· we "give" freedom
for those closest to
. us to be themselves.
We "take" freedom
to be ourselves.
ARCHIBALD MACLEISH on his
wife: "The greatest and richest good/
My own life to live in/This she has
given me ."
Some of us will know the joy of taking
our loved ones with us in to the
next century. Others will not.
Some of us will watch our children
grow up in the next cen.tury. Others
will not.
How we accompany our intimates is
one of the most important matters in
any person's life. They make us; we
make them. We become who each
other is.
Those of us who are Christians
understand that our life was given by
God, redeemed by Jesus, and is even
now sustained by the Holy Spirit.
We are closer to God than we are to
our intimates - which only enriches
our capacity to be close to · our intimates.
·
What will we give our intimates in
the coming time? Security-. Adventures.
Challenges . And one more
thing - our own lives to live in.
We "give" freedom for those closest
to us to be themselves. We "take"
freedom to be ourselves. This constant
connection and separation is a part of
the doors and windows of relationships.
When any one self is not fully
"there," there is no relationship.
Only the imitation of relationship .
When both selves are fully there, as
themselves, there is full relation-
3hip.
Maybe this is why we call Jesus the
true human. He was fully here among
us.
To lift others up ... is
the great spiritual
gift of Jesus Christ
to his followers.
THE PLACE WE ARE going is the
forgiven place. It is not just a on:e tirrie
thing, not just the big weep. It is a
place of permanent living, one where
we take our forgiveness so seriously
that we develop an _ entire school
around it. We teach each ·other, · we
develop each other, we use the
church as a leadership training
school. We become something. We
don't spiritualize or minimize the
conversion by simple gladness at our
own saved souls . ., We complicate
things. We talk about saving the
world .
When Jesus washes his disciples'
feet before the Passover meal, he is
setting an example for his disciples.
He is giving them a course in leadership
. He is showing them how he
wants them to carry his message to
the world. He is showing how we
live in the new room: we move back
and forth between the old rooms r trying,
without smugness; to bring others
with us.
When we are raised from the dea:d,
we are urgent to be humble leaders.
There can be no doubt that the reason
the Christian gospel survived is that
Jesus' leadership training worked.
Jesus left. His disciples carried on.
They convinced enough of the world
of the goodness of their new religion
that now we have the mixed blessing _
of being a world religion. •
The blessing is mixed because sofow
of 01,1r bishops wash anyone's feet.
At the same time, the story of this
humble Christ is known around the
world . The blessing is mixed inside us
as well: too often we take pride in
being a Christian. We blast our relig-•
ious .identity-; Still, for every blaster,
you can find· a genuine Christian, one
who may not-be washing feet but who
has found a way to quiet kindness
throughout his or her life.
Jesus was giving his disciples the
example of humble leadership.
Where the leader literally lives for
followers as a servant. To clean their
feet. To set their table. To be below
them so that they may be above. To
lift others up - to literally carry
them, if necessary - is the great spiritual
gift of Jesus Christ to his followers.
I'll carry you when
you can't go any
further. But come,
come now with me.
Faith In Daily Life
We are a people
going to the place
prepared for us .
We will not be
left alone.
HOW WE CARRY the weight into "I GO TO PREP ARE a place fo1
the next century is a matter of utmost you ... "
importance. We have much to learn When you live in a new room; a pre-·
from Jesus' kind of leadership. pared place, you live differently .
The advantages of Jesus kind of Noticeably differently.
leadership are practical as well, as You-live as though the doors open .
spiritual , We don't ne~dto be afraid Youarenotshutin.
of the responsibility that rests on our · In the riovel, "The End qf Innocence,"
resurrected shoulders. In humble Edith Wharton describes one of her
leadership, we expect the weight to characters, . Nettie, a very humble
be distributed equally. woman, telling the grand l_ady ·Lily
I am reminded of the Alexander Bar.t1 about the ·meaning of life. She
Technique, ·a physical therapy that , . is telling the· story of h_ow s/1e suractors
, use to keep their voices ·and vived arid let.go of her suicidal fanbodies
from carrying weight improp- tasies. Sl'!_e is begging Lily-to tt1rn the
erly. The technique assumes that we corner to.watd_s.life herself. 'Wharton
carry our w_eight by using the parts of -clesc.ribes ·Nettie as , part · of that
our body that weren't meant to carry ·"brave and audacious permanence we
weight, neck and lower back particu- see in a birds' nest placed on a cliff."
larly . Thus the enormous number of Nettie in all her humility, after all
people who have painful tension in her suffering, has learned to live
those areas . Jesus' leadership train- right in the precarioushess of it all.
ing is a lesson in carrying .the weight So do the children who sing rings
of life but carrying as it was meant' to around rosies and all fall down. They
be carried. Lightly. Easily. With are showing us what Jesus covets for
each of us carrying part of the burden . us - which is life well lived in the
Not with God as burden bearer for the shadow of death.
world but we as well trained bur-den
bearers for each other. With help
from -church and community. · With
the parts of the body that were
meant to be weight-bearing.
An astonishing story in the paper
tells that black and white Pentecostal
· groups have formed a national
association, called the PentecostalCharismatic
Churches of North
America. On October 22, 1993, in
Memphis, church leaders we're moved
to tears, according to the New York
Times, when a white pastor -unexpectedly
stepped forward to wash a black
bishop's feet. A black pastor then
washed the feet of a white pastor.
How did they explain their action?
"It was an act of asking forgiveness
an~ then giving forgiveness."
We remember the Christ who broke
the first bread, who washed his disciples
feet, who called us to share in
His leadership, to sit at his table.
We were not asked to carry more
weight'than we could . To let go the
weight of whatever sins hotd-us back.
We were also asked to join with our
humble Savior in carrying what
weight we could . Behind that invitation
was a guarantee: I'll carry you
when you can't go any further. But
come, come no.w with me.
He lived that way. So can we. We
may let go of our various bribes, those
of giving alms, those of premature
emotional shutdowns, those of suicidal
tendencies at all levels. We can
acknowledge our ashness - and then
raise our voices in song. All · fall
down. And all also rise up, to join
hands and sing again. Nobody needs
to sound a trumpet._That trumpet will
be sounded at the right time. But we
do need to give, especially and_ even
if we're not accompanied by a grand
orchestra.
We are a people going to the place
prepared for us. We will not be left
alone.
The Reu. Donna E. Schaper is Associate
Conference Minister with the
Massacl111setts Conference of tlte
United Church of Christ. Her new
book is "The Sense in Sabbath: A
Way To Have Enough Time," Innisfree,
forthcoming Sept., 1997. (Some
material from ''.352 Meditations for
_ Women," Abingdon Press.)
' PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE· • MAY/JUNE, 1997
·O ver1 300M ethcxicilsetr gy
signs tatemenStu p!X)rtginaygs
ORIGINATORS OF THE clergy
statement "In All Things Charity"
are enthusiastic that over 1300
United Methodist clergy have joined
them in signing the statement of conscious
opposing United Methodist
discrimination against gay men and
lesbians. "This represents :a tremendous
outpouring of determination to
refashion our denomination's position
in line with the biblical. witness to
justice and compassion," said Rev.
Greg Dell, Chicago, spok~sperson for
the original signers.
Released shortly after the first of
the year by 15 United Methodist clergy,
the statement echoes the courageous
stand taken by 15 United Methodist
bishops during the denomination's
1996 General Conference.
As of mid-April, 49 states were represented
among_ the clergy signers.
Even though the statement is
designed as a witness by Methodist
clergy in favor of the ordination · of
qualifie:d· ,gays and lesbians · ,and ,
against the prohibition of holy
unions v9ted by the General Conference,
hundreds of lay persons, unsolicited,
have signed on as welL · Many
have expressed. a desire for a parallel
laity statement, and such a statement
is being initiated by a group of
lay persons.
Almost all of the more than 1300
clergy signers stated their willingness
to have their names published.
The concerns of the others include the
possibility _of hate crimes directed
against them.
Another group of Methodist clergy
and laity have issued a counter statement;
"The More Excellent Way."
Referring to this statement, Rev. Dell
said, ."The more open a discussion the
better it is .for the church." He challenged
the opposing group's claim
that 0In All Things Charity" perpetuated
a "needless debate over an issue
settled centuries ago and upheld
throughout history by the unanimous
witness of Scripture and Chri~tian
tradition."
· "Careful scholarship indicates that
the witness of Scripture and Christian
tradition is no. more unanimous,
settled or correct in rejecting homosexual
commitments of love than it was
in · prohibttlng the _ordination of
women of justifying the holding of
slaves," Dell said. "God is yet again
causing scales to fall from our eyes."_
For information about "In All Things
Charity" .readers may contact- Rev.
Dell at Broadway UMC, (773)348-
2679.
Jewish newspaper rejects ad
fron:ig ~y organization
DENVER - A gay and lesbian group is
complaining after a Jewish newspaper
declined to run an advertisement
for Holocaust Awareness Week
events co-sponsored by the group.
The Intermountain Jewish News
refused to run an ad saying a visit to
Denver by Holocaust survivor Elie
Wiesel was sponsored by the Gay and
Lesbian Outgiving Fund.
Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, the paper's
executive editor, said he questioned
the appropriateness of the ad.
"I think it's an attempt to promote
the Holocaust to promote a contemporary
agenda," Goldberg said. "I don't
think the Holocaust should be
exploited for any agenda."
He also questioned the ad's accuracy,
saying the Outgiving Fund had
not been mentioned in the original
announcement of the event received
by the paper a month ago.
He denied the newspaper discriminates
against gays, but one critic disagreed.
"Bigots are bigots. I don't care
where they come from," said Rabbi
Steven Foster, a member of Colorado's
· Civil Rights Commission. "It's a terrible
thing that the Jewish News -
over and over - finds it impossible to
be tolerant of people who are not like
themselves.,"
PAGE 10 • SECOND SfONE • MAY/jUNE, 1997
Studiesh owc hildreno f lesbian
couplesh ealthyw, ell-adjusted
By Paul Recer
AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Leabians who
become parents through artificial
insemination are raising emotionally
healthy and well-adjusted children,
according to three new studies.
In studies presented April 3 at a
meeting of social scientists, researchers
said .standard psychological tests
found no significant differences between
children of lesbian parents and
those of heterosexual parents.
"When you look at kids with standard
psychological assessments, you
can't tell who has a lesbian parent
and who has a heterosexual parent,"
said Charlotte J. Patterson, a University
of Virginia researcher.
"That's really th"e main finding from
these studies."
The studies were conducted in the
United States, Britain and the
Netherlands. They were . presented at
a meeting of the Society for Research
.on Child Development.
\
Most of the children in the lesbian
families were conceived at fertility
clinics. Some of the children of heterosexual
parents also were conceiyed
at fertility clinics, but the studies
also compared these groupfo with
children born from natural conception.
Though the studies found no differences
between the groups, Patterson
noted that "the existing body of
research is relatively sparse and
open to criticism."
She. said many of the studies are
based on. small samples and the lesbian
co~ples studied often have volunteered
for the research, which can
affect the results.
The studies involved children up to
age 9. Patterson said this means that
the children were too young to determine
if having gay parents will
affect. the youngsters' sexual orientation.
Interest in · the development of
children born to lesbian couples has
increased in recent years because more
and more lesbians are choosing to
raise a family, said Patterson.
''There is a lesbian baby boom," she
said. "It ·hasn't been quantified, but
there is a general community sense
that more and more lesbian couples
are having children."
Part of the reason may be that more
fertility clinics now are providing
services to lesbian couples, she said.
These clinics help lesbians become
pregnant with the sperm of anonymousdonors.
Fiona Tasker of Birkbeck College in
the Netherlands said her study found
that non-biological iesbian parents
were usuaUy more involved with the
children than are the fathers of heterosexual
couples.
''The woman who is the co-parent in
a lesbian family is more likely to·
take a major role in raising the
children," said Tasker.
In a study of 15 lesbian couples and
41 parents of children born through
natural conception, Tasker said she
found that 90 percent of the lesbian
■
"The children of
insemination
are developing
normally whether
in lesbian or
heterosexual ·
families when
compared to the
available norm
for the communi~
at large."
■
co-parents assumed the common
child-raising tasks. Only about 37
percent of the fathers in heterosexual
couples, however, took an active role,
she said.
In disciplining the children, Tasker
found, 60 percent of the lesbian coparents
took an active role, while it
was only 20 percent of the fathers in
heterosexual families.
· Raymond W. Chan of the University
of Virginia said his study of lesbian
and heterosexual couples: with
children included reports from the
children's teachers.
Chan said the teacher reports, using
standard psychological evaluations,
found "no significant differences" in
adjustment or behavior between the
groups of children.
All the children in Chan's study
were conceived at fertility clinics and
some were being raised by single heterosexual
parents and some by single
lesbian parents, The researcher said.
his tests found no differences between
the groups.
''The children of insemination are
developing normally whether in lesbian
or heterosexual families when
compared to the ·available norm for
the community at large," Chan said.
National News
Booton bishop warns diocesan personnel to stay away
from Dignity/USA conference
BOSfON - In a letter sent to approximately
750 priests, bishops and dea'
cons of the Archdiocese of Boston,
Bishop William Murphy told diocesan
personnel not to participate in the
national convention of Dignity/ USA,
which will be held in Boston July 10-
13.
The letter advises priests that Dignity
should receive no support because
"they espoused a position contrary to
Catholic moral teaching supporting
that (sic) moral correctness of sexual
relations between two persons of the
same sex in a 'faithful a,nd loving
relationship."'
Dignity /USA President Marianne
Duddy, a Boston resident, said, "We
certainly did not expect the support
of the Archdiocese - I think it's safe
to acknowledge that we disagree on
certain questions of sexual morality.
However, this prohibition goes far
beyond a lack of support. It's a clear
statement that the church in Boston
refuses to even have dialogue with
us. . I would have hoped, in these
days of the late Cardinal Bernadin's
Common Ground initiative, we would
be beyond this kind of pettiness.
"This letter also prevents local priests
from exercising their own best
pastoral judgment. The Dignity convention
will offer significant
resources for priests seeking to better
understand gay and lesbian Catholics
in their parishes, for parents and
family members of gay and lesbian
Catholics, and, importantly, ·for gay
and lesbian people who are struggling
to remain connected to the church .
Bishop Murphy has effectively
obliterated access to this resource ."
Lourdes Rodriguez, another Boston
residEmt and co-chair of Dignity's
convention planning committee, said,
"This letter shows precisely why
Dignity has to exist. The .church
hier<1rchy has refused to accept gay
and lesbian peopie. The Dignity convention
is a place where people will
feel embraced by a loving God,
instead of rejected by church officials.
It makes the convention even
more important. Where else will the
children of God get what they need?"
Michael J. Leclerc, president .of
Dignity's Boston chapter, which
celebrates its 25th anniversary this
year, expressed dismay about the letter
from the Archdiocese, saying,
"This is another example of how the
hierarchy . is out of touch with the
people who . are the church. · What a
shame they felt the need to do this."
· For more information about the convention,
readers may call Dignity/
USA at 1-800-877-8797, ext. 4.
Holy Week revelation: Catholic_priest comes_out to congregation
SPARTA, Mich. (AP) -The Rev. Martin
Kurylowicz says he struggled
with the question of whether to tell
his Catholic congregation that he is
gay. Now that he has, he expects the
struggle to continue - this time from
the outside .
"I just couldn't walk away from it,"
said Kurylowicz, 47, pastor of Holy
Family Catholic Chur ,ch in this community
15 miles north of Grand Rapids.
"I couldn't deny the pain."
At Holy Thursday services and in a
newsletter sent to his 550 parishioners,
Kurylowicz announced he is
homosexual but celibate. The
response at Good Friday services was
overwhelmingly favorable .
"I was just filled with tears, there
were so many hugs," he told The
Grand Rapids Press. "It means more
now, because they know the real me."
Kurylowicz also said Bishop Robert
Rose, head of the 150,000-member
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids,
was "extremely supportive" during a
meeting between the two.
"I didn't do anything wrong," Kurylowicz
said. "(Rose) understands I'm
with the church. I'm just not with
hate ."
Rose said he was satisfied that
Kurylowicz's views on homosexuality
were consistent with church teaching.
But the bishop also said he would "be
watching to see .what the reaction of
his people is, and if there is any
other response from people around
the diocese."
The initial response didn't seem to
support Kurylowicz's prediction that
"the worst is coming."
Gerald Woltanski, 69, a Holy Family
member for 45 years, said he
wasn't happy about the priest's
choice of Holy Week to make the
revelation. But, Woltanski said : 'Tm
praying for him. And I'll have to support
him, bec~use of love and mercy."
But the Rev. Robert Sirico called
the revelation "irresponsible" and
said it should have been discussed
with a close friend or counselor, not
his congregation .
"The priest as a celibate· is called to
sublimate his sexuality," said Sirico,
president of the Acton Institute, a
conservative think tank based in
Grand Rapids. "Too much talk in that
direction indicates a breach of the
pastoral boundary."
Kurylowicz acknowledged that his
revelation might offend some people,
but felt -he had to · .speak out after
attending a recent conference on gay
issues and the Catholic Church.,
He said he was disturbed by
accounts of gay children feeling isolated
and parents feeling they did
· something wrong. Kury-lowiez· said he .
hoped his disclosure will raise
awareness of violence against gays
and lesbia ns, and help teach that
homosexuality is not a choice.
"His actions are part ·of t,he process
of making the church a more welcoming
place," said Francis DeBerilardo,
executive director of the Marylandbased
New Ways Ministry.
, Kurylo~icz, pastor of Holy Family
for 12 y7ars, already was scheduled
to leave ·the parish June 30 under a
diocesan poli cy limiting tenure at a
particular church. He said 'he plans
to use a sabbatical to further . study
· issues related to homosexuality .
Episcopal group charges bishop with canon violation
. A GROUP OF Pennsylvania Episco- Episcopalians that "these rulings
palians has. charged that Presiding have .. . definitely established for
Bishop ·Edmond Browning violated · the church at this time that the ordi.
the Episcopal Church's constitution nation by a bishop of a rion-celibate
and canons when he chose not to sum- homosexual person is not a disciplimon
a board ofinquiry to investigate nary 'offense' for which a chargemay
the ordination of a non-celibate gay be brought." As a result, he said, "it
man by Bishop_ Allen L. Bartlett of would be an unwarranted use of the
Pennsylvania . church' s procedures - and resources -
for me to convene a panel of bishops to
The group of clergy and lay people· , consider this matter further."
calling itself Concerned Episcopa- Because the charge involves the
lians has requested that the House of
presiding -bishop, it falls to the vicepresident
of the House of Bishops,
Bishop Arthur Williams of Ohio, to
respond to the group.
Williams said that he has asked
'John Cannon, former chancellor of the
Diocese of Michigan and parliamentarian
of the House of Deputies to
serve as his legal advisor in the matter.
-Episcopal News Service
Bishop convene a committee to
review the charges against Browning.
"Sadly, we were given no option but
to pursue this course of action," said
Hartley S. Connett, one of the signers
of the complaint. The group claims
that it was Browning's canonical duty
to summon a board of inquiry when
the group first complained about Bar- .
tlett' s 1994 ordination of a noncelibate
gay man as deacon.
Episcopal church extends spousal
benefits to domestic partners
Following a ruling by an ecclesiastical
court that dismissed :similar
charges against Bishop Walter
Righter, Browning told Concerned
HONOLULU (AP) - The U .S. Episcopal
Church has extended spousal benefits
to unmarried employees with
domestic partners, including same-sex
couples.
The spousal benefits res.olution
passed 19-11 during a church leadership
conference held here in late
April.
Pamela ' Chinnis, leader of the
church's Hous ·e of Deputies, said
there was more discussion on the resolution
than another other issue.
The theme of the four-day meeting
was a celebration of the life and service
of Bishop Edmond Browning. He
was the bishop of Honolulu for 10
years before b.eing selected presiding
bishop of the U.S. church .
Browning's 12-year term is about to
end. His successor will selected in
July.
PAGE 11 • SECON _D STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
National News
Rabbis: Refonn and Conservative branches 'not Judaism at all'
By Verena Dobnik
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - A group of angry
Orthodox rabbis has accused · Reform
and Conservative Jews of first misleading
American believers, then
exporting th eir "alien ideology" to
Israel.
The 600-member Union of Orthodox
Rabbis of the United States and
Canada declared March 31 that the
Reform and Conservative branches
"are not Judaism at all."
The declaration was denounced by
Reform, Conservative and Orthodox
rabbis who said the union reflects
only the fringes of Jewish thought in
America .
Having been "led to believe by
heretical leaders that Reform and
Conservative are legitimate branches"
of Judaism, the New York-based
union said, America's non-Orthodox
Jews are now trying "to export tl1eir
alien ideology to Israel."
Defining who is a Jew is crucial to an
Israeli law that makes any Jew eligible
for citizenship. Israel's parliament
is considering a bill that would
invalidate conversions performed
inside Israel by Reform -and Conser vative
rabbis; conversions by such
rabbis are now recognized if per formed
outside the country.
Orthodox rabbis already control
conversions in Israel, where the other
two movements are tiny, and the bill
would simply put that monopoly into
law.
The Israeli bill was among promises
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
had made to ultra-Orthodox parties
J
to coax them into his government coalition.
The also union accused the Reform
and Conservative branches of condoning
Jewish assimilation and . intermarriage.
The un_ion opposes nonOrthodox
conversions and homosexuality
as "repugnanlnot only to Torah
Judaism, but also to common morality."
Rabbi Hersh Ginsberg, acting chairman
of the union's executive board,
said his fellow rabbis oppose exhibits
showing that gays were exterminated
in Nazi death camps, including
one in the Holocaust museum in
Washington.
The union, founded in 1902, insists
that "there is only one Judaism:
Toral1 Judaism," defined as laws God
gave Moses on Mount Sinai that
should not be changed .
Though "any child born of a Jewish
mother is a Jew," said Ginsberg, his
group has prohibited a practicing Jew
from praying in a non-Orthodox temple.
Iri New York, two groups that represent
the majority of North American
Orthodox Jews - the Rabbinical Council
of America and the Union of
Orthodox Jewish Congregations of
America - repudiated "this hurtful
public pronouncement."
They said the statement "does not
refled the sentiments of mainstream
Orthodox Jewish thought, since it
implies the disenfranchisement of
Jews as Jews:"
. Rabbi . .Eric. Yoffie, who .leads the_
Reform movement as president of the
Union of American Hebrew Congregations,
has caHed the Israeli bill "a
Embattled Methodist pastor quits after
complaints about same-sex unions
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Methodist
minister has left her denomination
in a dispute with church .leaders
over treatment of gays and lesbians.
The Rev. Kathy McCalli~ preached
her last sermon April 6 at Epworth
United Methodist Church, where she
was pastor .
S~e is withdrawing from the
United Methodist denomination
because of complaints that she performs
ceremonies celebrating gay
relationships.
"I was told by the bishop I had to
stop doing holy unions, or leave the
denomination," she said.
Rev. McCallie had been pastor of
Epworth since June, 1995. She plans to
start a new church, Church of the
OpenArms . .
She said she will ask the United
Church of Christ for affiliation.
"Actually, it's going to be ~ small
group of people," she said. "But I feel
very strongly we shouldn't make peo:
pie second-class citizens because of
their sexual orientation."
Douglas McPherson, superintendent
of the Methodist denomination's
Oklahoma City South District, said
Rev. McCallie volunteered to withdraw
.
Rev . McCallie acknowledged conducting
holy unions at Epworth. She
said she could have requested a hearing,
but she thought the process
would be damaging .
McCallie has served as a United
Methodist pastor in Oklal10ma for 10
years. She formerly served as pastor
at United Methodist Church of the
Servant and as pastor at Clark
United Methodist Church, both in
Oklahoma City.
PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
declaration of war" on American
Jews.
Yoffie called rabbis from the Orthodox
union "sad and path etic," and
said their views are an expression of
"fanaticism."
Yoffie said North American Jews
find the more flexible Reform and
Conservative branches "meaningful
and authentic ... in today's democratic
and pluralistic society."
Yoffie's' group represents more than
860 Reform congregations, with about
1.5 million members in the United
States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands .
Orthodox rabbis have long refused
to recognize marriages, burials and
conversions made by Reform and Conservative
rabbis.
Nevertheless, Rabbi Marc Angel,
spiritual head of Shearith Israel in
Manhattan, America 's first Jewish
congregation, said the attack on the
other movements of Judaism come
from "alienated" rabbis engaging in
"self-destructive behavior."
'.'Every extreme statement generates
an extreme response that serves only
to damage the Jewish community,"
said Angel, who was president of the
Rabbinical Council of America
through 1992.
A 1990 study of U.S. Jews found that
41 percent are Reform, 40 percent are
Conservative, 7 percent are Orthodox
and 2 percent are Reconstructionist;
the rest are generally unaffiliated.
Mr. Rogers speaks to seminary graduates
MEMPHIS, Tenn . (AP) - The Rev.
Fred Rogers said a childhood filled
with sadness and ridicule propelled
him into a lifelong search for meaning
and purpose .
That's why a plaque in his office
proclaims that "what is essential is
invisible to the eye."
Strange words for a person who
makes television programs, admits
Rogers, whose "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,".
is seen by eight million viewers
weekly.
"But I find .those words to be truer
for me everyday," he told 55 graduates
of Memphis Theological Seminary.
Rogers thanked the teachers,
librarians, family "and all those
saints who helped a fat, shy kid to
see more clearly what is really essential.
"Nobody gets to be competent, loving
adults without being loved and .
accepted along the way ."
Rogers, an ordained Presbyterian
minister, said Jesus Christ is the,
ultimate friend and advocate, "who
accepts us actually as we are."
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OR E-MAIL TO: secstone@aol.com
About our
Resource Guide ...
The churches, organizations and publications
listed below are resources
for gay/ lesbian/ bisexual/ transgendered
' Chri stians . Accuracy of an
organization's listing is the responsibility
of the organization. We
apologize for any omissions or errors.
Corrections may be sent to P.O. Box
8340, New Orl eans, LA 70182 oremailed
to secstone@aol.com. In most
cases area codes are listed in the city
headin g only .
National
ADVANCE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, 400\·C Maple Ave., Dallas.
TX 75219. 1214)522·1520. FAX, (214)528-1070. Toomas HilSch.
drecta.
AFFIRtMTION: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, P.O. Box 46022, Los
::~irn~t=iii\~3
~~
5
s~ tor Gay & Lesbmn Concerns,
P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL60204. (708)733-9590.
AIDS NATIONAL INTERFAITH NETWORK, 110 Maiytand Ave.,
~M~J;~:~~tioo~;\~546.()8(17. (800)288·9619.
AMERICAN BAPTISTS CONCERNED, 13318 Clairepointe Way,
Oakland. CA 9461~531. (510)465-8652. Vdal of the Turi.
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, Gay/Lesbian Ag,ls Proj,cL
t32West431dSt, N...,YO'k, NY\ 0036.
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE (Ouake1) 2249 E.
Burnside Sl, Portland. OR 97214. (503)230-9427.
fr:0,JJ~?!~~~:~~~'6.!~lii~~ ~r~ ~
81005, Sealtle, WA98106-t005. (206)763-2469. apcatx:h@aoloom.
hltpJ/menile1S.aolcm/ap:altdl.
ASSOCIATION OF WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING BAPTISTS,
P.O. Box 2596, Attlebo!o Falt, tM 02763-0894. V/F (508)226-0945.
WABaplisls@aol.com. h1tpJuse1S.aol.comlwabaplisls. A nelwr>1< ot
chwches, Ofganizations and inciv.d.sals who welcome and aCM>Cale
for the fuM pa~lion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual pecple within
the American Baptist Churches/USA. .
AXIOS: EastemandOrtha:b<Chrislians, 328W. 17th St N4-F, New
Yon<, NY 10011. (212)989-6211.
BALM MINISTRIES, P.O.Box 1981, COsta Mesa, CA 92628.
(714)641-8968. Marsha Stevens, singer/song.vriter. Suzanne
McKeag, manager.
BLK Magazine, Box 83912, Los Angeles, CA 90083-0912 (310)410-
0008.
BRETHREN/MENNONITE PARENTS OF LESBIAN/GAY CHILDREN,
Box t 708, Lima, OH 45802.
BRETHREN/ MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBIAN AND GAY
CONCERNS, Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55408-0300. (612)722·
6906. BMCooncil@aol.CXllll. hltpJ/VN.W.""1x:om.CXlllllbmr/ SIW)ll
for Brethren and ~nnonite gay, lesbian, and bisexual pecple, and
their parenls, spouses, relati\es and fliends. Pwlicaoon: Dialog.le
CATHOLICOALITION FOR GAY CIVIL RIGHTS, Box 1985, New
6~g 1~ife1
~\
29
NW7WORK, c/o F1. Robert N nL 837
Dowl Sl, Baffimoce, MD 21230. (301)927-8766, FAx'raot)864-
6948.AooertNLgOn1@GLIB.ORG.
CENTER FOR HOMOPHOBIA EDUCATION, Box 1985, New Yoe~
~lt~:rg ~J~sr.f5~ial won< ot lhe UHJCC Mid-Atlantic Do•
trict Pt.tilisher of relig~ books and materials. P.O. Box 7864,
g~:~~~::goJff~ffHEA, PO Box 10062, Columtus,
OH 43201. (614)291-6581.
COMMON BOND (tocmer Jehovah's Wilnesses) 127 Harrison Ave.,
Pittsburg,, PA 15202. (412)732-0451.
COMMUNICATION MINISTRY, INC.· Dialog.le and s<w>rt !1"'4l
for rJdY and lesbian Catholic clergy and religous. P.O. Box 60125, ~~re~~~~2
~lr~Jd~k~fN~.'t18n Box 436 Plane•
lariJm Sin., N""'Yon<, NY 10024. (718)921-0463.
CONNECTIONS. SPIAITUAL·LINKS. SeminalS, wockshq)s, COil•
ferenres on gief andbereavemenl Rev. Richard B. Gibert, drecta.
1504 N. Campbell Sl, Val)araiso, IN 4&383. (219)464-8183, voi:e
aMlax.
DIGNITY/USA, 1500 Massac!lusetts Ave., NW, Ste. 1 t , Washilgl:ln,
DC 20005. (202)861·0017. FAX (202)429-9808. Gay and lesbian
catholcs and lheir fliends.
ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC CHURCH, P.O. Box 32, Villa Grande,
CA95486-0002. (707)887-1020, FAX. (707)887-7083. The Most Rev.
Maf1< s . s~1iiau, P~D. plusmark@aol.com. Pttlficaoon: Tte labial
ECUMENICAL CATHOLICHURCH REFORMED, 3618 Whitf•ld
Way, Powder Sp1ings, GA ioo73-t574. (770)439-8839.
lennsisson@aol.com.
EAOSPIAIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 3893, Oakland. CA
:;}!~=-~E!~o~r:ri~~~-and leSOOn ecstatics atering
EVANGELICALS CONCERNED, r/o D1. Aa\lll B~i1, 311 East72nd
St, New Yock, NY 10021. (212)517-3171. Pwficatjons: Review and
Record
THl:EVANGELICAL NETWORK, Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ 85011.
(002)266-2631.
FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND
GAYS, INC. P.O. Box 27605, Wasongloo, DC 20038.(202)638·4200.
~A\1:osoo~oil'tts~fA~~Dtx;A Y CONCERNS (Quakers) 143
CampbeH Ave .. l lhaca, NY 14850. (607)272-1024, FAX (607)272·
0601.
GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS COALITION INTEANATIONA~
P.O. Bo< 50360, Wasonglon, DC20091. (202)583-8029. Nllication:
Netwon<.
GAY, LESBIAN AND AFFIRMING DISCIPLES ALLIANCE, P.O . .
Box 19223, l rdanapolis, IN 46219-0223. (319)324-6231.-For mem•
bers of lhe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Ptblication:
Crossbeams.
GAYELLOW PAGES· P.O. Box 292. Village Sin., New York, NY
i~~t2i'.£k6
Jtfi1~AICT ol lhe Unr,eisal Felklmhpol Metrq,oli·
1~~g<j'1J):~~2~r~1
~f~~~o~~ : ~~:or~ 40207
•
~~~~ ~~J:':~u~t'~?~!f.:~~~ -c/o Dav.l
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, 1101 14th Sl , NW, SI•. 200,
~~~:o ·E~
2
mM~l\2~~t~~GIOUS SCIENCE. ,102 Ea;t
7th St , .!209, La,g8eac11, CAIIOII04. (562)433-0384.
INNER HEALING,1-800-549-1749. Sui:i:x,ruve phone counselin!,
Free initial consultation. ·
INTEGRITY, INC., P.O. Box 5255, New Yon<, NY 10185-5255.
(201)86B-2485. Pwlicalion: Tte Voce ot lnl,gily •
INTERNATIONAL FREE CATHOLIC COMMUNION, P.O. Box
51158, Ar,elSide, CA 92517-2158 (909)781-7391 Pwiication: The
Free Catholic Communicant
INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN ARCHIVES, The Natal•
Barney Ect.Yard Carpenter Lilrary, P.O. Box 38100, H~iy,,ood, CA
~Fi~~~fi/.::'§'t00~1':1
~ 02108. 161111<2-2100.
A lay organization of Unitarian Universal!sts for lesbian, bisexual.
gay and transger<l!r concerns.
LAMBDA CHURCH GROWTH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 370, Authe1
G~~ VA22546. (804)448-2031. FAX(804)448-3146. Clllrch!J(J,\'th ~~'.~t f:':!~J~.g/~ _gaynesbian churches. Rev. James N.
LESBIAN.CATHOLICS WITNESSING FOR CHANGE, Box 3891,
New Yak, NY 10185-3891. (718)6BO<i107. ~~i~?J~~.5"x 254, Avoca, AA 72711-0254. Pen pals foe
LIVING STREAMS, P.O. Bax 178, concord, CA 94522-0178. Bimoothlyp,.
lllcation.
. LUTHERANS CONCERNED/ NORTH AMERICA, Box 10461, Fort
Dearborn Station, Chica!1), IL 60610-0461. Pl.ljicaticn: TheConcocd
METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION, a gay.
affirming, multi-issue netM:in(, 76 Clinton Ave., Staten lslarxi, 10301·
. ui~g)in~stiiM~~ff{ i~t,~~ ~~=""• RI
02940·1055. (401)722-3132. Christian, Ecumenical al)d inclusive
communitf of sis1ers, b!'others and associates.
MORE LIGHT CHURCHES NETWORK, 600 w. Fullerton Pkv,y.,
Chica!P, IL 60614-2690, (773)338-0452. A1!'3011'.ce pacl<eL $12. Pll>
~~~~:.?1W'ci6i~r~ g~~:imst&'bcESAN LESBIAN
AND GAY MINISTRIES, 433 Jefferson Sl, Oakland. CA 94607.
(510)465-9344. Newsletter and nalional q_onlerence.
:Am:~~-im'EA FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS • 1663 Missioo Sl
5th Flr.,.SanFrancisoo, CA 94103.
NATIONAL CONGRESS .FOR LESBIAN CHRISTIANS, PO Box
814, Capitda, CA 95010 (800)861-NCLC.
NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK LESBIANS AND GAYS, P.O.
Box 19248, Wasongtm, DC 20036.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, 475 Aivo!side Dr., New
Yolk, NY 10115. AIDS Task Force, Room 572, (2.12)870-2421.
HumanSexualityOrice, Room 708, (212)870-2151.
:r10~\';,.~Nut~~s~~<;!: .u~~ o/~~~~11ice ~i10
NA~NAL ECUMENICAL COALITION, 1953 Columbia P~e 1'24,
~t~':1.t~,A~1m:ial'llm~i
3
~0ACE, 232017lhSt, NW,
Washingllll, DC 20009-4309. (202)332-6483. FAX (202)332-0207.
NATIONAL GAY PENTECOSTAL ALLIANCE (also Penlecoslal
Bb~ lnstilule (Minislelial training]) P.O. Box 1391, Schenectad/,
~y ;=~:.Jt1:n~::; r~f~:ns,:ric net
N~ DIRECTION Ma(llzine 10< (lly/lesbian Mormons, 6520 Selma
Ave., Ste. RS-440, LosAnge•s. CA 90028.
NEW WAYS MINISTRY, 4012 291h St., Mt. Rain,,, MD 20712,
(301)277-5674, FAX (301)864-6948. A gay-affirming 01ganizalion
~~~~~:ilfct~~~iM~ J~/r:;.~a:•A9tr~~
Disc!)les Alliance, Rev. Al~n V. Harris, r/o 1010 Par!< Ave., New
Yak, NY 10028-0991. (212)286-3246. Nurtul8 and e<ilcaoon b COllg~
t~~~~~6 :~n:,~ ~~~ttf~=~.h:1 !~~~:
~ISOllS .
OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROGRAM, United Church Coalition tor
lesbian/Gay Concerns, PO Box· 403, Holden. tvlA 01520-0403.
· (508)856-9316. Ptll1ication: ONA COmmuniq.>e
THE OTHER SIDE Magazine, 300 w. Apsley Sl, Pmiadelphia, PA
19144. (215)849-2178. Pwf•hes articles ot nteiest to Pfll!1"'""
Christlans.
OTHER SHEEP Multicultural Ministries with Sexual Minorities. 319
N. Fourth #902, Sl Louis, MO 63102·1936. (314)241·2400. FAX
(314)241 ·2403. E-mail: gherzog@aol.com. Theolajcal and e<iJca.
tional WOik local!;, national!;, and inleinalionall; sll)pOfting positive
bi:llical s~ for gays and lesbians in the Chnstian church.
ORTHODOX CATHOLICHURCH OF AMERICA, P.O. Box 1222,
lndanapoio, IN 46206-1222. (317)251-4526.
PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN & GAY CONCERNS, P.O. Box
38, New Brunswicl<, NJ 08903-0038. (908)932-7501, (908)249-1016.
Pli>ication: Mora i.gll Update
PRISM, 733 15\hSl, NW, Sle. 317, Washinglon, DC20005·2112
. ~WJU~/Ja°~;~~;ro:~~~t&i~J.nd:lo~ Keeer
Ave., Chica!1), IL 60641. (773)736·5526. FX (773)736-5475. Plblca,
li:J1:0penHarxis
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA GAY CAUCUS, P.O. Box
8174, Philadelphia, PA 19101-8174
RELIGION WATCH, P.O. Box 652, North Bellmore, NY 11710. A
~t'o\~1~~~~/~ 1
1~~:'~~~t:'.:'I~o43 sso-2680.
Fax, 560-6015. te~min@ero!s.com.
ST. SERAPHIM ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION,. 1205 No.
SpaudngAw., WeslH~~ CA90046. (213)851-2256. ·
ST. TABITHA'S AIDS APOSTOLATE, Ch1islian AIOS Nelwock ot
the American Orthooox Catholic Church of SL Gr~K>S. P .0. Box
};~N~~~r:ri;\'Mm~tJ'ilox 190511, Dallas. TX
75219-0511. (214)520-£655.
SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONS NETWORK, Mennonite and
Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. ~~=a~~=~~~~:e=~~::iv:: gay,.~sbian and bisexual members.
UNITARIAN UN\VEASALIST OFFICE FOR LESBIAN/GAY CON•
CERNS, 25 Beacon St, Bosio!\ tM02108. (617)742-2100.
~8N~E8J:S~~~,:.LIJ~~~~~ i~f:~~lt'\ ~~~~~:
Waves ·
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Qff,ce foe Chu1ch in Sociely, t 10
Mal)land Ave .. NE, Washingon, DC 20002. (202)543-1517.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PARENTS OF LESBIANS AND
GAYS, c/o Rev. Judlh Claussen, Bruce Renn~. 505 Orcha1d Dr ..
Gartxmale, IL62901. (618)457-5479.
UNITED LESBIAN AND GAY CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS • Box
2171, 256 So. Robertson BM!, Beverly Hills, CA 90213. (818)760-
ce21. ·
UNITED LESBIAN AND GAY CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS, Box 2171,
Beveit;Hils, CA 90213-2171. (213)850-8258
UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, 5149 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los
~~'rfif.ti.9n\lg:~rJ~§~~A~7&MMUNITY
CHURCHES 5300-'Santa Monica Blvd, #304, Loo Angeles, CA
=EWJ~~J!.~ilf~~.l'r~~~~ J:'J'ooe. CA 951 to.
=!451 -9310. A Christian environmental ministry; newsletter aOO
THE WITNESS, Pwlished"' lhe Episcq>al Church Pwlohing Co.,
1249Wasonglon BM!, Sle. 3115; Delroil Ml 48226-1868. (313)962·
2650
WOMEN'S ALLIANrc FOR THEOLOGY, ETHICS AND RITUAL,
8035 131h SI., P:,ver Spring, MD 20910 (301)589·2509, FAX
(301)589-3150. Pli>icalion; WATEAwheel.
WOMEN'S ORDINATION CONFERENCE, P.O. Box 2693, Fairtax.
VA22031-0693. (703)352·1006.
THE WOMEN'S PROJECT, 2224 Mam St., Litt~ Rock, AA 72206.
(501)372-511'3. Workshq>s on women's issues,.sociaf jus)ice,
racism and homq>hd:>ia. .
WOODSWOMEN • At:Nenture travel for women, 25 W. Diamond
Lake Ad, Minneapolis, MN 55419, (800)279-0555, (612)822-3809,
FAX(612)822-3814. . ·
lnternat1onal
Ll>erty COmmunityChurch, Ste. 402-2388 Tliumpl> SL, Vanoouwr,
BC V5L1L5 Canada (604)254-0082. Sun., 6:30p.m. al St John's
Unil!dChtrcll. 14lt CO!ro<St, Vancruver,BC.
St Peters Lg,thouse Aposlof<: Church, c/o Sergei s . Bashki1ev,
P.O. Bax 57, St Petersburg, 195276 Russia. Bro. A. Basar~ine,
paslcr.
~l:::0::1~.~-~:~~s~~~~G':,:!ou:i\'839~.
Schenec~d/. NY 12301-1391.
Alabama
BIRMINGHAM (205)
Alab!ma Forum, PO Box 55894, 35255-5894. 321>9228
Binnilglam COmmunityChUICh, PO Box 130221, 35213. 849-8505.
Covenant MCC, PO Box 101473, 35210. 599-3363. Sun., tta.m.,
7 .m.5t17ts1Ave.,N.
570.
hurcl1, 879-1624.
St And'ewsEpisoq>alChulch, 251-7896.
Uniferlan UnM1!S8list Congegatia>, 879-5150.
UnityChU!ch, 251·3713
~T:l/~2'oBox1002t,3580t.851-69t4 .
MOBILE(334) .
MCCol-.,, POBox 6311, ~11. 476-4621. Sunday, 7p.m.
IIONTGOIIERY (334) .
MCC, PO Ba<600, 36101-0603. 264-7887. SIJlday, 5:30p.m. et 5280
Vaug,nAd •
Alaska
PALMER (907)
ChtlchotthaCO...nan\ P.O. Box2888, 99645. 746-1089. Ha,vaidH.
Bess, pasloc. A Welcoming and AffinningAmelican Baptist Congegati:
J1.
Arizona
IIESA(S20)
Bourdess LOYeCOmmurilyChu1ch, 2128 N 64\hSl, 85215·2811.
PHOENIX (602)
AHi1malion (Mormons), PO Box 26801, Tempe, 85285·6801. 433-
1321.
Casa De Cristo Evangelical Church, 1029 E. Turney, 85014. 265-
2631.
Cristo Chapel, 11240 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 21. 861-3424. Sun.,
10:30am. .
~: 1~1~~W.;f;~=P~58ii2!5666906, 85082·
6906.8-2.
Gentle Shepheld MCC, 3425 E. tlo.mtail v.,. , 85028. 996-7644.
Healing Waters Ministries, 225 W. University Or., #105, Tempe,
85281. 894a681.
Lutheiansconcerned, POBox 7519, 85011. 871}38tt.
Oasis MCC, 2405 E. Cocooa<IJ, 85008. 275-3534.
Olive Tree Minislries, PO Box 47787, 85068-7787. 861-3424.
hltpJffVITI.oom/olr,etree.
P1eSl>/1erians bLesbian&GayCoocems, P0Box61162, 85082
TUCSON (5:1!!)
Cornerstone Felkmship, 2902 N. Geronimo, 85705. 622·4626. Sunday,
9a.m., t0:30a.m .. We<ilesday, ~.m '.Aada Schatt, pastor.
~t1~gf~tceSI. _PaursEpiscq)alCh11ch, 2331 E. Adams SL, .
tv1CC, 3269 N. MotillainAve., 85719. 292·9151.
Men's Soc~I Network, 4207 N. Limberl>sl Cir., 85705. 690·9565 .
Social aclMlies tor (IIY:men of all age, ·
EUREKA SPRING$ (501)
MCC of lhe Living Springs, PO Box 365, 72632. 253-9337. Rev.
~t1rf~~~LE (50t) .
Ecumenical Catholic Church, 444-9692. Paul Smith, contact person.
MCC of the Ozarks, PO Box 92, 72702-0092. 443·4278.
RestOJation Fellcmsh~ in Jesus Chris~ P.O. Box 3820, 72702. 444- ~~L~~i~[4neph Paul Smith. pa ult 1 t@aol oom
Boc1tolCh1ist, PO Box 1364, 72203. 374-1693.
Holy' Cross Ecumenical Catholic Church, 663-6859. Fr. Christq>her
Ehemann ·
Hq,e Aposlof<: Chu1ch, P.O. Box 4563, 72214. 568·7796. TDD 568- ~· :::w~~~'f gs/}~~~ •ls; '.;~i5 2011 chan•
der, NO. Littk! Rock.
Spirit Sa,g MCC, PO Box 586, 72203. 223-2828. Sundly, 2p.m. at
1818 ReseM>il Ad
Unitalian'Unr,eisalistchurcl1, 1818 Aeservor Rock A~ 72207. 225-
1503.
Cal1forn1a
ARROYO GRANDE(OOS)
~~:e~-~;;ge Gatholt Church Aposldate, 258 Aspen St, #1 t,
BLYTHE (619)
Gcxfs Garciln Grcmth Center, 263 N. Solano. 922-0947. Bro. Michael
W. Tucker, pas!Of. ·
CONCORD (510)
Free Calholic¾x>5tolate ol the Redeemer. 1440 Detroit Ave., 13,
94520. 798-5281.
EAST BAY AREA(510)
Diablo Valley MCC, 2253 Cona:xd BM!, Cona:x~ 94520. 827-2900.
Surday, tOa.m., 7p.m. ·
Firsl Baplisl Church, 2345 ChaMing Way, Berkeley, 94704: 848-
~ -Esther Harfjs, pas la:. Meets in sman chapel ol Firs I Coraegallonal
Church. A Welcormng and Affirming American Baptisl ton!
1eQi11im.
F1ee Gatholc Aposlolate of lhe Aedeemei, 3649 Ma)t,el~ Ave .. NB,
94619,530-7055.
Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples, Univ. Christian Church,
Berkel!y. Third Sun., 4P.m.
lakeshore Avenue Baptist Churci\ 3534 lakeshore Ava., Oakland,
94610. 893--2484. James H. Hq:,kins, pastor. A Welcoming and
Affirming American Baptist congegation.
New Lite MCC, 1823 9th St., Berkeley, 94710. 843·9355. Sunday,
12:30pm.
Prew,,terians for Lesbian & Gay COncerns. 3900 Harrison St.. Oakland
94611.653·2134.
IAVINE(714)
Irvine United Church of Chris\ 4915 Atton Pkwy., 92714. 733-0220.
An Open & Affirming Congegalion, proudly prog-essM!, inlenlion•
allylr<IUSM!.
LANCASTER (005)
Sunrise MCC ot the Hi Dese~ PO Box 886, 93564-0886. 942•7076.
LONG BEACH (562).
Digli~~~ Box 92375, 90809-2375. 984-8400.
F11SI ,';',J'A'il/::tional Church, 241 Cedar Ave., 90802. 436-2258. An
~S
8
piitie
11:.S~fe~~~ir==!Chris~. '
MCC, 3840 Cherry Ave., 90807. 426-0222. Fax. 426-8321.
mocl:>@ad.com. Rev. Sancia Turrtiul, pasta.
LOS ANGELES AREA (213) .
Affinnation/Los Angeles: Untted Me1hocls~ toe Gay, Lesbian and Bi
Cor<:ems, PO Box 691283, West Holy,iood, CA 90069. 969-4664.
Christ the Shepllerd Lutheran Chu1ch, 185 W. Altadena Dr., Altade·
na, 91001. (818)794-7011.
c,escenl Helg,ra UMC, 1296 No. Fairtax Ave., Wesl Holiy,,ood,
90046. 658-5336.
Diglity, PO Box 42040, 90042-0040. 344-8064.
DiglityfSan Gabriel Valley, 502 Mesa Cir., Mon10Yia, 91016·1638.
(818)621),5167.
Divine Re!Eemer UICC, 346 Riverdale Or., Glendale, 91204.
(818)500-7124. Sunday, t0:45a.m., Wed, Fri., 7:3-0p.m. Rev. Stan
Hanis
EcomenicalCalhole Church in Huntinglon Parl<, 589-6903. Fr. Olilb ·
~:~~:~~i~motood, (818)580•7864. Weekt),
Bl>le sludes. EC LaCrescenta holds weekt,,wocne~s Bl>le sludes.
EC Pasadena holds weekly Bl>le studes in aclloon to a wome~s
monlhl; dscussion g""4) '1 Ontalio. EC Ne\\l)ort also has weekt),
maetilgs.
Evangelicals Toge~r. 7985 Santa Monica Blvd, 1109, Box 16,
90046. 658-8570. ET· News
FraeSpiritt.lCC, PO Box 46609, 90046. 460-2911.
Holy Trimly COmmunity Church, PO Box 42964, 90042 .384·5422.
3323 W. Beveity BM!
lntegity, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., #109-113, West Ho1t;wood.
90046. 662-6301.
Lamlxla Christian F~loNshp, PO Bo< 1967, Hawthane, 90251.
Latin Church of Christlan Felklmhp, 3323 w. Beveity BM!, 90004.
433-2047.
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Aelgous Coalition, 7985 Santa Monica
BM!, #109, Box 104, 90046.
Lutherans Concerned, 11225 Ma!.Jldia Blvd., Box 290. No. H~lywood,
91601. 665-LCNA.
MCC in Ille Valley, 5730 Gahuenga Blvd., No. Hol1Y"ood. 91601.
(818)762-1133.
=~-Vineya1cl;, 11012 Ventura Bwd, #1254, StudoCily, CA
MCC of Sive1lake, 3621 Bnmswd<Ave., 90039-1727. 665·8818.
New Hope Christian Church, PO Box 3.16, Van Nuys, 91408.
(818)765-1500. SIJlday, Sp.m. at9550 Haskell Ave.
Prest,;terians !or Lestlan & Gay Concerns, 3373 Oescanso Or., #1,
90026. 262-8019.
St. Joll~s Episcq>a1Churcl1, 514 W. Alllms Blvd, 90007. 747-l;285.
St Matthew'sLutteranChl!fcll. 11031 GamarilloSl, No. Hollywood,
91602. (818)762·2909. ASL interpre~tion filSI and ~st Sun.
Unit~ lesbian.lGay Christian Scientists, PO Box 2171. Beve1t-,,
Hils, 90212·2171. (310)85o-8258.
UnttedChu1ch Coailion tor Lesoon/GayConcems, Soothem Calttcrnia
Chapter, 241 Ceder Ave., Long Beach. CA 90802. Rev. Llfy '
Tigler and Rev. Dan B1il1< (562)436-2256.
UnilyFeloohpClllrch, 5149 W.Jettersoo Blvd, 90016. 936-4946.
MODESTO (209)
MCC, PO Box 3092. 95353-3092 578-3694.
NAPA (707)
MCC in the Vineyards; 31 Village Pkwy .. 94558. 255-6917.
PAGE 13 • SECOND 5-TONE • MAY/JUNE, 1997
Resource Guide ,
ONTARIO(9 09)
FreeS pir!C hurchl,l 06S . Moulna in Ave.,9 1762. 984-0917.
ORANGCEO UNT(Y7 14)
Christ ChapeMl CC, 720N : Spur~onS I.,S antaA na, 92701-3722.
835-0722. .
Ecumenicl aCathoilc Church, 979-1840Y. adiraT ayto,r contacit:;er·
sm
Evang>lk:als Concerned Laguna, 451-3777 . Weekly Bole slUdies ~fi:~\~;~i:~ 1~f- in FullertooandSan Die!)'.)
ChrisC] hapeol l lheD esert9, 38V ala Rd, 92264. 327-279.5
~~•1~i~~B~'~p~;0~g.8 t~~~1~i:~i2is~~-:t.\22-
9696.
REDONDBOE ACH(3 10)
Centerto r PassionatSe piritulaity, 2607H arrimanL n., H1, 90278·
45473. 74-7718R. ichR ossiterd, irecto.r Spirituadl ireciton,r etreats
andf ormatioenv entslo r9 'Vbtl persons.
REDWOOCDI TY(4 15)
CalvaryMC, CPOB ox 70, 9406400073. 68-01882,1 24 Brevrle.;rSt
RIVERSID(9E0 9)
Communiloyl Chrisl lhe LileG ive,r PO Box5 1158,9 2517. 781·
7391.
RUSSIARNI VER(7 07)
MCC, Box 1055, Guerneville, 95446. 887-7622. 869-0552 . 14520
ArmslrooWg oodsR d
SACRAMENT(9O1 6)
Diglily,P O Box1 617659, 5816.
Integrity/Nothr ern California, 2620 Capito,l 95816. 394-1715.
barb@g,n.ooWl ebs~i : h11p//ww.gw,n.ooV-barb'barb.hlm
Koinoia ChristianF ellQNSiph, PO Box 1894449, 5818. 452-573.6
TomR osspi, astor.
Thel atestI ssue, POB ox1 6058,4 958167. 37-108. 8
RiverCilyMCCPO, Box2 451259, 582.4 454-47622 741 341hS t
SALINA(S4 08)
lnlegity,c /o Chucrh ol lhe GoodS hepherd3,0 1 Corra0l 0 Tierra,
939082. 94-202.6
SANA NDREA(S3 l9)
lnlegily8, 77P ioneeAr veA pl4 , Turklck9. 5380-262. 6478-3515.
SANA NSELMO(4 15)
Specirum1, 000Sir FrancisD rakeB lvd,. 1'129,4 960. 457-1115.
SANB ERNARDINO/RIVERSIDE/PO(M90O9N) A
Affirmalio(oM alho<is1s1)3, 25N , ClaremontB, ox3 02, Claremoo\
91711.624-2159. .
ClaremooUt ni1edM elho<isC1h urch2, 11 W. FootbalBl lvd,C lare-
~:\9~~~~~~:i~r,~ cr,~i3~81·l
~.~;s~~r~K~~~~ipiscq)al C~urcl(l OldG alhol<)1, 580
-No. D St., Ste. s: San Bernardino, 92405. 384-1940.
PBreton714@ao1.cRomev.. D r.J . E. PaulB retonp, astor.W ed,
7p.m.;Su.n. 11a.m.
SAND IEGOA REA(6 19)
AffrmalK(lMn ormors)P, O Box8 6469, 92138-646. 4989-6602.
AnchorM inistlies3, 441U niversitAy ve,. 921042. 84-865.4 Charis-
~:;iy~~~1'92163 DignilyGenle4r5, 61P arkB M!2 95-
2584 '
ln'>gilyP, O Box3 42539, 2163-080213. 4-1829.
MCCil lheCoonlT3y9, 01M anzanilDa r.,/ IC,9 21052. 82-848.8 S111-
day,6 p.m.,1 600B ueraV islaD r. .
MCCP, OB ox3 32919, 2163·32912.8 0-43334.3 333 0thS t
PacifrcB eacllU nitedM alho<isCt hurch1, 581T homas9, 2109.2 74-
6573S. un.1, Q:15a.m. ·
SANF RANCISCBOA YA AEA(415)
BelhanyUnrteMd alt-tChurch, 1288S anchez,9 4114.6 47-839. 3
Sun., 1t a.m.R ev.K arenOlivetpoa, sto.r bethanyunc@.awonl
~
1Z~s t::n9~ci;~S5~t~~.
~
2~:~~§t 5~~rty , 94110.
82&264.1 FAX2, 82-2826D. rugD onle,y pasto.r q:,a1203@ad.com
EvangelicalCs oncerned6, 21-3296o r ecslba@aol.comW. eeko/
meelTIQS.
GO<lenGaleMC1C5,0 8ChurcllSl9, 4131-201. 8
FreectxnIn ChrtstE vangelicCalh urchP, .O. Box1 446,2 SanF ran,
CAg41149.0 5-650.0 Sun.,1 : 30p.m. at SOB elcheSr t, betwee1n4 th
SlardDt.lxx:e.
LutheranCs oncerned56, 6 VallejoS t.,# 25,9 4133-403935. 6-2069.
A<l.en1
MCC,1 50E urekaS I., 94114-249. 8263-4434S. unday9, , 11a.m.,
7pm.
Oasis/Calilornia, 110 Julian Ave., 94103. 522·0222.
oasiscalif@aol.coGma. y and lesbianm inistryo f the Episcq,al
Dicx:esa.Ie C alifornia. ·
Aairt:owF ello.Ysho'1f F irstC OngegalionCahl urc,h 432M asonS t,
941023. 92-7~1. Mon1hplyo lluckas nd planningm eeting.s Worah~
leaders.
SI.Jolint heE vang,lotE piscq,aCl hurdl,1 88115thSt,9 41038. 61·
1438R. ev.D avidL NOl!l!rp~a sk>r.
TririlyEpiscq,aCl htrcll,1 868B ushS t , 941097. 75-1117.
UnitarianUnM:lrsalistGay/il,e 1s1J8B7F ranklin9,4 1097, 31·3915.
UCCUGC2,0 W oodsidAe w..9 4127. 576-1554.
~=~~~ (~aith Praisea nd Worsh.,C:) enter,P O Box5 765,
·95126,3 45-2319S. un.,1 0:30a.ma. lThe BillyD eFrankc an~,. 175
StooktonAve. ~
Dig'ilyP, O Bo<2 177, SanlaC lara9, 50559. 77-421.8
EcumenicaCla tholicC hurch3, 7~3430.S oot!B urris, contacpt er·
500. '
FiralC hrisl~nC hurcll6, 0 S. 5th St, 95H2. 294'2941. RicliardK .
Milor,paslor.
Gay,l esbian,a ndA ffirminDg ~. rlo First ChristiaCn hurch8,0
So. 5thS t , S51122. 94·294.4
MCCP, O Box2 288.,95109-228..82 79-27116. 5 S. 7.thS l Surday,
t~~:..: i;!l't::ith, 6350 RainbowO r, 95129.2 53-140.8
RichardE .T aylorp, aslor.V ikkYi eg,c,;ana, ssocia1aA. Welooming
aooAllirmingAmericBaanp tisol orgega1ioo.
ValleyW eslC hurdl,5 91W .H amiltoAn w., Sle, 215,C ami:t,enC, A
9!i008-0521.379-074-0.
SANL EANDR(O51 0)
, San Laan<l'Co ommunilCy hurch1, 395B anciofAt ve.,9 5477.4 83-
i~J·L~,t,;~/?1:oi1°'
MCCo f Greate~r ayward,1 00H acienda9, 45804. 81-972. 0Sun.,
i~:ru7soBI.S P.0 (, 805) .
MCCo f 1Mc an~al Coasl,P O Box1 117,G rove.r City,9 3483,1117.
~w1i=~~~i=n'~~o1cit~'W1 iMl
°'·
MCC2, 30l gllhruse Rd, Santi Bertora;93109-19056. 9-1615.
MCCP, O Box2 5610V, entura9, 3002.6 43-050:2 Sunday,6 :20p.m.
at4 949F oothiRll d - • . ·
~~~=/~. POBox1 7649, 50613. 35-0486.
~~NJ:n:~~ ·1~r Church8, 65-011. 9Archoohq) MarkS hirilau.
NewH opeM CC, PO Box1 12789, 5406-12785.2 6-HOPES.u rday,
noona t 3632A iiwayD r.
STOCKTO(N20 9)
ChrBtisn ScienceL esbianBso, x7 104, 95267-7104.4 732-129.
Della HarvesMl CC1, 16W .W illoNS.,I 95202-104.5 477-1440.
WHITTIER(310)
GoodS amarilanM CC, 11931 WashingtonB M!.9, 0606-260. 7696-
6213.
Colorado
BOULDE(R:m )
Gay& ConcerneCda tholic,s St. ThomasA q.JinaUsn iversity Patrsh,
90414lhSt, 80302. 443-8383. . .
COLORADSOP RINGS(7 19)
Evangelicals Concerned Western Region Resource Center,
crewman@aol.com.
Pikes PeakMCC, 730 N. Tejoo, 80903. 634-3771
DENVER(ll 3)
Axios:E astern OrthcxbC: hristians, 11635E . cedar Ave,. Aurora,
80012, 343-9997 . .
ChrisCt llapel9, 22E.2 3rdA ve., 80205-5111.
EvangelicalsR econciled3 31-2079 or erdenver@acool.m. Meets
everyo therw eek.
LulheransC~rned, 1441H umbolclSl..AptfJJ,780218·237. 4022·
3176.
, MCCol lhe Rockies9, 80ClarkooSnl , 80218B. 601-819.
St Paurs UMC, 16150gjenS l, 802188. 32-492.9
~~~l[;:g\91 8 , 81002. 543-6460.
Connecticut
HARTFOF(I8O6 0)
CentraBl aptisCt hurch4, 57M ainS t, 061035. 22·9275.P aulG . Gillespie,
p astor.A Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aptisCt on·
g~~J~~~:°'~~~lesbiaro .
MCC1, 841B roodS t, 061417. 24-4605S. unda'f1, 0:30a.mM. ee1sal
:~~~~WA~:;) Rev.D a\/idfJ. ar.is, pastor.
Ecumenk:aCi alhol<C hurchD ioceseo 1 NewE ngand, P.O. Box
3808, 06045-360784 :2 -1412.
NEWH AVEN(2 03)
MCC3, 4 HarrisaSl l, 06515. -750.
:W,~5cttir1 ~:~~~~}~a~~A~Jrt~s1:. 6R:a!~:r:r
Garberac,a xdna!or.
NOANK(203)
NoankB aptislC hurch,1 8 Calhe<l'aHl eiglls, 0634-05. 38-7129.
JamesL Pratt,p asto.r A Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aptisl
coogegaoon.
TOLLAN(D20 3)
UCCUGC1,4 7Vr\jn~L n,0 6084. 872-653.7
VERNON(8 60)
EcumenicaCl alholicC hurchK oinoniaM inistries,8 71-0153R. ev.
DemisF innegan.
WATERBUR(2Y0 3) ~~~f~iJ-d:~16~C hujruchS rt, c067h~ .4 §,-4239
St Francis & Claire ECCR, 360 Park Rd, Apt A-2, 06119. 232-
5119.
District of Columbia
DISTRICOTF COLUMB(I2A0 2)
Afftmalio(oM alho:lslsP),O Bo<2 3636, 20026. 867-0008.
Alfrmalio(oM ormorsP)O Box7 75042, 0013-75048.2 8-3096.
ChristU MC4, 1h&I S1s.S W,2 00245. 44-9117.
Churcho l lhe Disc\>leMs CC,9 12 3rd St, NW,2 0001.8 42-4870.
Sun., 10a.m.T heR ev,H arry8 . Sb:k, pastor.
Oignily,P0Box53001,20009.387·4.5 16 . •
DurrbartoUo M<3l,1 33D LJTibarAtovoe .N W, 20007. 333c721. 2
FaithT empl,e 1a13NewYorAkve., 200055. 44-276.6
~i~~6~.f\"'406~~:.:t:ci,i:k9~t~~a)'J>'ing
LutheranCs oo:emed2. 12E , Capil~S ( SE, 2l1'01-1036(7. 03)486·.
3567.
MCC, 474RklgeSI., NW2, 000.1 638-737. 3Sunday9,t 1a.m.7, p.m.
PLGCc, /oW estminstePrr escyteriaCnh urc,h 400I St., SW,2 0024.
66/·2ff/9.
Riverside Baptist Church, 680 Eye St SW, 20024. 554-4330.
M<heeBi ledsoop, estor.
WashinglooF riends( Quakers)2, 111F loridAa ve., NW2 0008. 483-
3310.
Florida
BOCAR ATON(4 -07) ,
Churclol l OurS aviorM CC4, 770-CN W2 ndA ve.,3 3431, 996-0454.
i~~tmi~%1~Fm Rev.Johnf.Jacdls, pes1or. ·
FreeC atholiCc hurcho f the ResurrectioPnO, Baic3 454, 346154. 42•
3867. 303 N. Mplla Ave. '
COCOA(4 07) .
BraakinglheSilerx:eMCPCO, B ox1 5853, 292:l6. 31-4524.
COCONUGTR OVE(3 06) . · :c..~~~?i~~~weA<t\3 3:1.3~34. 4 4-6521
St . Slepherls Episcqlal Parish in 1M Gro,e, 2750 Mcfar1ar, Rd,
33133.4 48-2601F. AX4 48-2153A. n k1clusiYpa roh lamil.y Com· K:~1~:1~ c'm~· Fr. BooM celooke, yr..:lor
Hqie MCCP, O Box1 51513, 21152. 54-0993.
FOATL AUDERDA(L9E54 )
Churcl1ofll>Hlo t,,Sl>fMil CC3,3 0SW271hSl3, 3315.-462·2004. ~8/itil(~~~ r· 333354. 63-4528.
~~i:;~~~:;~~J.
2:i~=-~:·~~11
Ba!ourp, as1Cl. .
~~~~["~~~,B~:f.t;~t!~7.1~~
5
~~~-
RemeS haVN:e r
G~INESVILL(3E5 2)
UnitedC hurch1, 624N WSlhAw.3, 2603.
INTEALACH(E9N04 )
Bell>lEl vangeloli~c inislriesI,n c., PO Box1 778, 32148. 684-6479,
JACKSONV1L(L90E4 )
St Luke'S't,fCC11, 4-0SM. cOutAt \183.,2 205-755. 1369-7726F, AX
389-762.6. S unday9, a.m., 11a.m.7, p.m.R ev. FrankyeA . White,
pastorP. eaceUz@a61.com.
KEY WEST (3l6)
MCC1, 215P etroniaS L, 33040.2 94-8912S. uooay,9 :30, 11a.m.,
Wed, 7pm, Rev. Slaven M. Torrence, pastor.
PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE MAY/JUNE, 1997
KISSIMME(4E0 7)
Sts. Perpetua& Fe~city Ecumenical Catholci Church, 33 Las
Palmas3, 47433. 48-544. 0Fr. Bernard:)Mo!rSa.l
MIAMl(3'.l5)
ChrisMt CC, 7701 SW7 61hA ve,. 33143.2 84-1040.
GraooC hurcl0l 1M iami Shores, 10390N E2 00 Ave., 33138.7 58-
6822. John Amy, pastor, Sun., 11:30a.m., praise and·worship.
10a.m., Bllleslrrly. .
P~oulh CongregationaCl hurch(UCC3),4 00 DevonR d, 33133.
444-652, 1fax,4 46·1035A.l welcom.e Sun.,1 0a.m.R ado, 93.1 FM.
~i'itr"'~)eliYacom/]l¥11001h
Houseo l VeloryC hurc,h PO Box2 841,3 2678-284, 1368-80143.8 20
E SiiYaSr pringsB M.!
ORLAND(O4 07)
In~, PO Bo<5 30031, 32653.()()3313.2 -2743.
trNAMc...~m:tcreekAve,32806 . 894-1081. 1
Familyo f GodW orsh~ Center.,1 139E veritAt ve. 784-485. 1Sun.,
10:30.am. Rev.T homasA . Gashlinp, astor. Membre: -Allianceo f
ChristiaCn hurchess.c ottfcgx:@a.ool m.
PENSACOL(A90 4)
Holy Cross MCC, 415 N. Ak:aniz St , 32501. 433-8528. Surday,
~a~tf~eil'ii~ (e13)
Diglily, PO Box1 337,P inellasP ark, 34664·133273. 8-2866.
Kingo1 PeaooM CC,3 1505 1hA ve.N , 33713.3 23-585.7 Sunday,
1Da.m.,7:30p.m.
. St. Philip EcumenicaCl atholic Church, 367-8352R. ev. Patricia
Bingham.
SARASOTA(813)
Churcho f theT rinity tvlCC, 7225 N. Lcx::kwooAdic gaR d, 34243-
4526. 355-064. 7Suncily, 10a.m.
lntegity, c/o St. Boniface Church, 5615 Milil iglt Pass Ad, 34242·
1721.349-5616. '
TALLAHASSEE
GentleS hepherdM CC, PO Box6 137,3 2314. Rev.S usanT ed:ler,
pastCJ'.
TAMPA(813)
MCC, 408 E. Cayuga SL, 33603. 239-1951.
UFMCCTa~@a~.com.
Pentecostaolsf TampaB ay, 2023C attlemaDn r.,B rarml, 3351.1
651;1!05, -
St. JohnT he Evangleist Ecumenical CatholicC hurch,P O Box
2soaso, 338829. 79-4940F. r.D an~IW rliam. s
WESTP ALMB EACH(5 61)
Dgiily, PO Box3014T, ""'51a,33469. 744·1591.641-9944.
~~·:.'r.:1'm
~~~ : ~~ ::ts~, 6
~ 406897-3943
Sunday9, :15,1 1a.mS. ervicesa lsoi n Ft Pierce6, 87-394a3n dP t
St Lu:ie, 3-0-0421.
Georgia
ATLANTA '(404)
~i~¾c"g,~/i:i~~~872·2'148 800 N. Higlland
Aw.NE.
lnllgily.P O Box1 36033, 032Wi00.8 42-318.3
LulhereroCoo:emePd.O Box1 38733, 0324. 636-710.9
AnS ainlsM CCP, O Box1 39683, 0324.622°1154.
PLGCP, OB ox8 362,3 03063.7 3-58ll
SoolhemVQiePeO, Box1 82153, 03168. 76-1819.
UULGC1,9 11C lillValleyWa.3y0329. 634-5134.
DECATU(R40 4)
ChrisCt ovenanMt CC1, 09H mrhiaAve,. 300302. 97-035. 0
St Aelrad ECCR, 203 Willon Dr., 30030,. 377-3780.
elee@vr.;elμb.com .
LITHIASP FINGS(7 70)
tcumenk:aCl alhol<C hurcll,7 39-8479r.c ilwl@a.Ccolm.
MARIETT(A77 0)
Mt c,~ary Ligllhous,e 546 UttleS l , Ap18 , 30060-2683B. ro, P.
Jotnson, pastor.
5~=~1t~nnily MCC,P O. Be>1<4 824,3 1416.2 31-1065· .
Mee1as l 321Y orkS l rnl he Ho1oriDc otrictM alB aley,p as1or.
Hawaii
MAUl(!lle)
NewL lleraliooM CCP, O Bo<3 47,P uuner,, 967848. 79-6193.
OAHU(!lle)
Alfirmalio(oM ormon,s P)O Box7 5131,H onollu, 96836-01312.3 9-
4995.
lli!Ji1PYO, B ox3 958,H onoluu9, 6812-3956.3 6-5536.
KeA nuenueO Ke AlohaM CC,P O Ba<1 2260,H onolulu9,6 828·
12609. 42-1027S. urday,1 1a.m., DoleCanoorySq7,p .m., 1212UriversityA
ve.
RelgousS cenca, 520M akapwAve.H, onollu~ 968169. 42-0800.
UULGC2,5 00P aliH wy.H, onolu,l 9l 68176. 23-4726.
Idaho
~~~ 1959,8 37023. 42-6784.
Illinois
ALTON
g~~~V~Church, 2613M axeySl, AllenI, L62002·4779.
Chi:ag,lntertai'llCoogessP, 08"'60039, 60660. 784-263.5
Chi:ag,OUlline3s.0 59N .S ruttμ,(60657. 871-7610.
Chlisl1 MR edaemerM CC,,PO Box6 148, Evanslon6, 0204-81~.
g:):::SiiS::u~=~ . 5540S . Wocdawn6, 0637. 288-
1535. Worahpserv,ce10:30a.in,Suo
Dig1il9y0, 9W. BelmoAntw ., #205.6 0657-41,0 2896-0780.
Emergerx:eP,O Bo<2 547,6 069.0
·GoodS hepherdP arishM CC6, 15 W.W eKingloAnv e.,6 0657:5305.
427./l708;-Stllda7yp, .m.
GraceB aptis•lChurch,1 307W es1G raf'NilAe ve.,6 06602. 62-8700.
KellyS prinl<lpea, slor. A Wek:ominago o AffirminAgm erk:aBn aplisl
ccrgegalioo.
HolyCcM!naMnlC C1, 7 W,M apleH, insd!le6, 0521-3495(7, 08)325-
8488. Stlldav6, P.m. .
HolyF amilyE cumenk:aGl a1hol<Cch urch, 721·5363. Fr, Jim Wif
kONSkjaiw. 34007@ad.co, m
lnle\JilyP, O Box3 232,O akP ark6 0303-3232(7 73)348-8o62.
Lulherar,;Coo:emePd.O Ba<1 01976, 06103, 42-1847,
·PLGC,r :JoL incoln-Park Prest,,,teriaCn hurch,6 00 W. F,uUerton
Pkv,y.6, 0614-269708. 4-2635.
~a~:~ _Chrjstia.Fn~ llowsh,. ,P:)O Ba<5 427,E vanston6, 0204.
UULGCC, loS econd UnilariaCn hurcl,l 656 w. BarryA \18.6, 0657.
549-0260,
UCCUGC6,1 71N .SheridanRd,#270,1 60660-265363. &045.2
' '
EVANSTO(N70 8)
· lake SlreelC hurcn, 607l ake St, 60201. 864-218.1 RooertT horrj)son,
p astorA. Weloominga ndA ffirmillJA mericaBn aptisot ongregatoo.
JACKSONV1LLE(217)
St. MaximilianK olbe Cathoicl Church of the AmericasP, O Box
13456, 2650-134254. 3-4539S.t 11.5, :30p.m.
QUINCY(217)
MCCll l~rroP, .O. Box4 21,6 2306-04212.2 4-2800.
ROCKIS LAND(3 :19)
LulherarsC oncernePd,. O. Box3 8916, 120+389. 1
MCCQuadCiti,e 1s001181tivAe., 61204·613.1286-565. 5
~~e~~~:J!Lg!~~~c Church of the Americas, 2239 S. 15th St.,
627037. 83-388.9 Suo, 5:30p.m.
Faiht Eternatlv iCC, 304W .A .lienS I.; 62704. 525-9597S.u n., 1oa.m.
aoo6p.m.
URBANA/CHAMPA(2I1G7N)
Integrity1,0 11S . WrighSt L, Champag,n61820. 344·1924.
PLGC, 609S . 5thS t, Champaign6,1 820.
VILLAP ARK(6 30)
BereanC hrislianF eilcmsph, PO Box6 875, 60181-687, 5495-570.4
Bro.G . Biakl,e pastor. NGPA@oonceren.loot
WAUKEGA(8N4 7} . .
First CongregationUaln itedC hurcho f ~hrist, 315 N. Uttca SI.,
6008.5 336-5368R. ev.B radS.L uiz, minJS!.e Ar n Opena ndA ft1rm·
ing'congrega1ion.
Joy ol U1eM CC5, 11 S. LewisA ve., 60085-6105(.7 08)578-502.2
2031 Dugllle Rd
Indiana
BLOOMINGT(O8N12 )
ln~g,ily, PO Box3 232,4 74-02·323323.9 -0246.
FOATWAYNE(219)
NewW orldC hurch,P O Box1 1553, ~8 59. 456-657.0 22'1E . Leith
St •
OpeoDoorChapl e3426Broac!Na4y6, 807. 744-1199.
TaskF orce,F irstP rest,JteriaCn hurch3, 00W . WayneS t., 46802.
426-7421.
INDIANAPOL(I3S1 7)
Affima1io(Mo alhoosls)3,3 E.3 2ndS t, 482059. 25-004.3
~t~U::Xc!~~~~o i5~~l , Ste. 7, ~220 251-4526.
Jesus MCC, PO Box4 41551, 46244-15513.5 7-9£87.
Iowa
CEDARR APIDS(3 19)
AilF aithsM CCP, O Box4 12, 524063. 96-9207,
COAALV1LLE(319)
lni,g,ilyP, O Box52255, 22413. 51-9263,
DAVENPOR(3T1 9)
GlADAlliaJJ(2:e6,2 8W esterAn ve.,5 2803-147, 3324-6231.
DESM 01NES(5 15)
Church ol lhe Hot/ sp;nl MCC, P.O. Box 8426, 50301. 284-794-0.
Ollicei ooworshp spaoelo caleda l 15488 th St Sun., 6p.m. Rev.
~~~~~~ e1~~P.~O.B fo~x4 ,3 96,5 0333.2 70-2709M. eetsa l
St ManisE piscopaCl illrch,3 120E . 241hS t, Des Moines.
IOWACITY(319)
FaithU nttedC hurcho l Chrol, 1609D eForesS1 t , 52'14-303. 8-5238.
tt~~p~~~,gz,egalk>t
NASHUA(515)
UCCUGCc,l oCarmen-LirdCao nklinR, R2,5 06584. 35-506.8
SIOUXC ITY(7 12)
MCCP, O Box3 61, 51102-03612.5 5-8005.
~::1;;"b~i(!~ihurch ol Chrol, 1002 OliverS mith Dr., 50322.
276-0625A. nO pena ndAffirmi1Cgo ng,e!Jllion.
WATERLO(O31 9)
Churclol l NewH opeM CCP, O Box3 4, 50704.2 34-1981M. ae1as l
3912C edarH is., Ce<llrF als.
Kansas
~~~ l:3~776, 66604-07762.3 2-819.6 SElnclaraAwa 125lh
W1CHITA(316)
FiratMCC1,5 8S. KarsasAw., 672112. 67-185.2
WtchitaP raisea ndW orsh.C,:)e nter1, 607S . Broadrva6y7, 211. 267·
6270. ChuckB reckenri<!Jpea,s lor.
Kentucky
HENDERSO(N50 2)
ZionU CCP, O Box2 027,4 04208. 28-060,5 Rev.B enG ues,s pas1or.
~~~~~d1aysMIIIRd,«JS00.223-1448
LOUISV1L(L5E02 )
~1~r,,tei: 0:'3~ ~;i~Av4e-0.2, 035 87-8935S un~
Jris\~h~rdlGalhe<l'a4l2, 1s .2 ndS t, 402025. 87-1354.
Goolerer<:leo r Calhol<L esbiansP, O Box4 778,4 0204-07788.9 5-
0930. Prlf~i.,~.~ ~ S:JJ~:.157-0692 897-5719.
MCCP, OB a<3 24744, 02327. 75-66364. 222B aA<S l
PLGCP, 0Box7692,4 0257-Q69829. 7-571,9
Thirdl JJlharanC hurcll1, 884F ranklor1A.\;1 4802068. 96-6383S, unday,
1 0:30a.mT. LCX2@eounetorg
PADUCA(H5 02)
MCCP, O Ela<-17W6, aslP eclJcah4, 20864. 41-2307.
Louisiana
BATONR OUGE(5 04)
Joied eV MBM CCP, OB a<6 499,6 708963. 83-0450.
~i%18t~~=git;1:~~r~~ i~.~=~~~ l\t~~=~i~I abuse> iclims.
=~[g:~risian Felkmshp8, 32 E. Boo1oSnt , #3, 70433.
871-9527P.a stts.t.ee Timpson aooYolardaY aeger.
LAFAYETT(E3 16)
MCCP, O Ba<9 28827, 05092. 32-05482.1 1G arleki
LAKEC HARLE(S3 16) .
MCCP, 08"'384,7 060.2 439-98695.1 0B roadS t
NEWO RLEANS(5 04)
FirstJ es~ NameC hurch,P .O.B ox 583627, 0158·8362A.n Acts
2~ COO!J898..0 00
GreooF allcmshiP>O, Box7 05557, 01729. 44-9836.
St AmbroseE cumenicCala tholiCc hurch5, 58-071. 3Fr. JayR lbar.
St ThomasA ~inas CatholicC hurcho f theA mericas7, 17P atter•
SOO7, 01142. 63-5412.
UCCUGC, 944Jo,,:,, SI., Marrero, 70072-2306. 341-4608.
V~ux CarreMCC, f128Sl Roch Ave., 70117-7716. 945-5390. Sunday,
10am.
, WEST MONROE (318)
Gods Garden Growth Mission, P.O. Box 2631, 71294. Sr. R. Bo,,:\
pasta.
Maine
BANGOR (207) .
Dg,i\y, PO Box 103, N<J1h Sullwan, 04664-0103.
PORTLAND (207)
Oigity, P0Box8113,04104.
WALDOBORO (207)
tntegity, PO Box 25, 04572.
Maryland
~~eErf~t~
1
~l{lion for Free State Juslice c/o Paint Branch uu
Churdl, 3215 Po.l'der Mm Rd, 20783. 776<i891.
BALTIMORE (443)
The Alternative, POBox2351, 21203. (301)235-3401.
Archdicx::esan Gay/Lesbian Outreach, 2034 Park Ave., 21217. 728·
2636.
Dg,ity, POBox 1243, 21203-1243. 325·1519.
First New Cr,,enant Fellcmsh\) Clllrch, 5 W. Fort A\e., 21230-4407.
523-7789. Sunday, 2:15p.m. at Dag,th UMC, 527 Scott St.
lnlegrtty, cJoEmmanuelCht.fch, 811 CatheaalSI., 21201. 732-0718.
Lutherans Crncemed, BOK 23271, 21203-5271. 225-0563.
MCC, 3401 Oki York Rd, 21218. 889-6363.
BETHESDA (301)
Open Door MCC, PO Box 127, Buyds, 20841·0127. 601-9112. Sunday,
10:30a.m., 7p.m. at 1581_7 Bamesvilkl Rd
Massachusetts
BOSTON (617) .
Digity, 95 Ber\<eteySt, #616, 02116. 423-9558.
Ecumenical Catholic Church, 227-5794. Bishcp Paul Diederich.
sgswa;a@aol.com.
SI.W)rtGrOl4), Church of tte Cc,;enant, 67 Newbury St, 02116. 266-
7480.
fntegi\y, c/o Christ Church, 12 OUircy Ave., Quincy, 02169. 773-
0310.
MCC, PO Box 15590, Kenmore Stn., 02215. 288-8029. Sunday,
7p.m. at 131 Cambrd;le St., Beaoon H:tl. .
CAMBRIDGE (617)
Ftiends tor Lesbian/Gay COOCerns (Quakera), 5 Longfellow Park,
02138.876<i883.
Oki cambri<l;Je Bapist Churc~ 1151 Massachuse\\S Ave., 02138.
664-8068. Irving Cummings, pastor. A Welcoming and Afflnning
Ametican Baptist congeg:,lion
DORCHESTER (617)
Sl Martin de Pooes Cathol'ic Church of the Amerk:a.s, 3 Holden St,
~.1,02124.822-0767.
FRAMINGHAM (508)
Part<S~eet Bapfisf Cllurdl, 38 Fraridin St, 01701. 872-1091. POOOY
Walla<:e, pastor. A WeloomintJ & Affirming American Baptist ~
lro\'.':rl(!,Ql)
UCCUGC, PO Box 403, 01520. 85&9316.
OSTERVILLE (508)
Heahhsi!JlS counseling Center, 100 Acorn Dr., 02655. 420-0258.
Anne lerard, dreclor.
SAND\\ICH (508)
SL Luke ECCR, 5 Emi~ Ln., 02563. 428-8301.
~:i=~f ~~ 6 WiliamSt.,02144 ~7-5636.
SPRINGFIELD(413)
~m~ ·l~\mro51 ,01101-ro51. 737-4766.
Lulherans COOCerned, do Randall Rk:e, 108 112 Chestnut St, 02154·
0406.893-2783.
WORCESTER (508)
Firs! Baplisf Church, 111 Park Ave., 01609. 755-6143. Barbara Sinclair
Ward, associale pastor. A weJooming and Afflf'ming American
Baptist oorgegilkxl.
Morrong Siar MCC, 231 Main SI., CherryValle.y, 01611. 892·4320.
Plb: Morning Siar Wilness
Unitarian Umversalists for BVGayflesbian Concerns, PO Box 592,
WestsideStn.,01602. 755-0005.
Michigan
ANN ARBOR (313)
·carrterbuyHouse, 721 E. Huron St , .12R, 48104-1526.
Lulherars COOCemed PO Ba< 8417. 996-2439.
Tree of Ute MCC, 485-3922. 885-6163. Mee!Sa\ RrstC<xigeg,,tiorel
Churdl, 218N. A<ilms, Ypoianll, Ml-48197-2:il7. Sunday, 6p.m.
DETROIT(248)
Agiμ,Communi\yChurch, 15801 Joy Rd 562'7496.
Cruise Mag,zm, 660 -· Ferndale. 545-9040.
Dtjlity, PO!lo<32874, 48232. 961-4818.
~::J~hf!n~~iu:.1 ~tr:=.i810)399-
7741. Plblica\ion: Cornerstore. W..ts al.Drayton Ave. Prasbylerian
ChiJch, Ferndae. Sun., \Qa.m., 7p.m.
Men of Color g014) meets Tuesdays at 7p,m. a1 St Mal\heW and SI.
~':.%'~~=~=~i~:imtd~
Ste. 2900A.49&-0158.
::,Dt~!t1ss,mblf Eas\ PO Bc,r 20193, 48220. 543-9545.
be\helca@aol,corn. An Apostol~church for )<JIJ. PaSlor.a Bruce and
~tiWT ~~~-Ple.\cher
Redeemer MCC, 1665 N. Chevrolet Ave., 48504-3184. 238-6700.
h"'ii'il'Afmtaiisomdso!Redeemer .
All Sools' Apostof~ calllof~ Church, 4653 Desmond Beach, 48059.
385-9224. Hot,, Eucharist Sun. 11a.m:
GRAND RAPIDS (616)
ApostoUc Assemblies ol Our God Jesus Christ, PO Box 6935,
:~ l=~~~:ai~,' 49510. 456<;174. An erumenicaf
Cl'aislian minishy whooe misskxl is lo prMie faith-based Sll>
port for gay, leslJlan, and bisexual persoos and to promo lea pr,;ilive
response within the Chrisian community.
Dig1i1y, PO !lo< 1373, 49501. 459-9779.
Evangelcafs COOCemed PO Box 6011.
Recoocilia\ion MCC, PO Box 1259, 49:il1. 364-7633.
KALAMAZOO (616). .
calholc and Episcq:,ll Gays and lesbilns, 372-1222
~~· ~:.~Ji,t~~p~ Box 2222, 49003-2222 381-3222,
Suoo,y, 6p.m. at Uniled Chl!ch of Chri;t
LANSING (517)
Digity, PO Box 1265, EastL.ansirg 48826. 321-4841.
'Ecclesia, meets at Pecple's Church, 200 W. Grand River. Sunday,
7:3q>.m.
~:rti~~~~:J~~:(~~ch , 800 Atbott Rd, East L.ansirg 48823.
DMne Peaoe MCC, PO Box 71938. 544-8335. '
ROCKFOA0(616)
Lg>lhouse o\HopeMCC, POBox 721. 247-6743. .
r;;!~\':'J~i\~., ch~ch, 2803101h st , 48192-4994. 281-3082,
YPSILANTI (313)
First Congrergalional Chllch ol Christ, 218 N. Adams, PO Bae
980413. 482-6960.
Minnesota
MARSHALL (507)
Lulheraro Concerned'lntegity, PO Box 3013, 56258. (800)235-3708.
MINNEAPOLISIST. PAUL (612)
Allirmation (Mormons), PO Box 3878, Minneapolis, 55403. 753-
3345. . . .
~~~ai~~~.t:~
1
~1oo ists), 101 E. Gran! St., Minneapolis,
AU GOOs Chi!<ien MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneap:>lis, 55407.
824-2673. WincbN or Wellness Counseling Center otters positive
affirming Christian counseling for homosexuals. .
catholic Pastoral Committee, 1118 Farrington St, SL Paul, 55117·
4802. 340-0618.
Digity; PO !lo< 3565, Minneapolis, 55403. 827-3103.
lntegit,,, c/oUnM>rsit,,Episcq:,ll Center, 31717\hAve SE, Minneapois,
55414. 825-2301.
Jucton Memorial Bap!is~ 4101 Harriet Ave. So., Minn., 55403. 822·
0649. Dale K. Ectnondson, pastor. A Welcommg and Affirming
American Baptist oongeg3tion.
lulherans COOCerred, 100 N. Oxford SI., SL Paul, 55104-6540. 866-
8941. . ~h:~er:~ Jr 2~~~:t" ~~ ~:K~:.: ~~!~~s~:Z
6908. FOI.Kth Men, 7:30p.m. twmnn®winternetccm.
Spirit of !he Lakes Community Church, (UCC), 2930 13th Ave. S.,
Mimeapols, 55407. 724-2313. Sunday, \Oa.m., Wed, 7p.m.
Temple Baplot ChUrch, 3100 GaumlxJs Ave., S, 55407. 823-6268.
~~tf:'c~::•iiai\!A:ri:tt•t=: Services
hek!at 1819 NroletAve. s .
UCCUGC, 134 w. 43rd St, Mimeapols, 55409. .
un;.,,rsity Baptist Churoh, 1219 UnM!rsi\yAw., SE, 55414. Nadean
~=~~f,tf~/r,t~~As~'W!~~~~3311.
Mississ1pp1
JACKSON (601)
Gay and Lesbian Task f'orre, PO !lo< 7737, 39284-7737, 373-8610.
Pltoeno Coali\ioo, Inc., PO Box 7737, 39284-7737. 373-8610,939-
7181. Counseli'tgserw:es.
Safe Hartxlr Famio/Church, 2147 Henry Hill Dr., Sia. 203, 39204-
2000. 961-9500. Rev. James H. Becl<er, pasla. Wk<ily: 359-6604;
Eve: 373-0917. SIil., 5p.m.
Missouri
COLUMBIA(314)
Chris! theKingAgtpeCh11ch, 515 Hickman Ave., 65201. 443-5316.
Uniild Cownanl Misskxl Churdl, PO Box 7152, 65205. 449-7194. ~::sp~: t::ii."!ri~~h!J!ch, 5090 NE Chooteau Traff.,.ay,
64119. 452-1222. Garing \orpeq,le andcrea\ia'l. MaryGer\<e~ conlacl
person. A Reconciled i1 Chris\ oorgegi\ioo.
.A\lirmation (Untted Metoodists), 5709 v,gnia Ave., 64110-2855.
383-6892 ~~=:r:~'. ~m~_1iii~1432;;139_
lulherars Concemed;PO !lo< 413702, 64141.
MCC, PO !lo< 10087,64111-0087, 931-07:il. 3801 W,,,ncl:ltte.
MCC Johnson COOnty; 12510 W. 62nd Terr., 1106, Shawnee Mis· i: :~:!3fe1~; Ministnes, PO BO'.( 10496,.64111. 763-
3134.
ST. LOUIS AREA (314)
A~ Clllrch, 2706-A Armand Pl., 63104-2214. 664-3588.
~~?6°e!"i~m-~~00 . 1120DolmanSl
Montana
BILLINGS (406)
Famfyof Goo MCC, 845 Howar~ 59101. 245-7066. Sunday, 11a.m.,
~'Mf~·(<llS) .
A\fKina\ion (United Me\holi;\s), 1000 N. 17lh Ave., 129, 59(15. 58&
7438. , .
GREATFALLS(406) . . ·, ·
Shepherd of \he PiairsMCC, POBox2162, 59403. 771-1070.1~5
171h Ave., SW, 59404. ·
Nebraska
OMAHA(402)
MCC, PO!lo<3173, 88103, 345-2563. 819 S. 22rdSL
PLGC, c/oEwns,381013lhSL,#22, 88107. 733-1380.
Nevada
LAS VEGAS (702) ·
MCC, 1119S. Main St, 89104-1026. 384-2325. 1
Muslard Seed Ministries, P.O. Box 70053, 89170. 269-.1876. Sr. W. =·~c:ir MCCo\\heS~na, PO Box21192, 89515-1192, 829-a602.
New Hampshire
FRANCESTOWN (603)
PFLAG, 731 BENNINGTON RO:, 03043. 623-6023.
MANCHESTER (603)
P-FLAG, PO Box 386, 03105. 623-6023. Month~ meetings in Concord,
Nashua, Stratham, f.'a1amoci<.
NASHUA (603)
lnlegrilf, PO Box412, 03061. 882-5352.
PORTSMOUTH (603)
Judith A. Palais, MSW, BCD, psychotherapist. Gay/lesbian
O!Xl)!es,1nclvioJa\s. 431-1900.
New Jersey
ASBURY PARK (008)
Di!Jjt,,, PO Box 901, 07712. 774-4031.
~t~:~ ~:/unner Easlem ECCR, 103 Park V~ Ave., 07407
797-1866.
JERSEY CITY (201)
Christ Our Teacher Catha., Church of the Ameri:.as, 219 First St
#1, 07302-2868 333-1094. bejcity@aof.com.
MAPLEWOOO (201) · . ~g!;~R~ (~ge 's_ Church, 550 Rd;)ewood Rd., 07040. 761-7321.
The Oasis, Ca\hecial House, 24 Rec!O' Sl, 07102. 621-8151.
NEW BRUNSWICK (008)
Wlth~': i1i°.;~1or~~8lO::=s 846-8227. ~bi~~~:,; 38, 06903-0038. Ptil More l.ig\1 Uixt,le.
The LowngBrolherhood, PO !lo< 556, 07461. 875-4710.
New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE (505)
Dg,i\y, PO Box 27294, 87125. 898-3343. ciglil@swcp.com. Web
~~~~!mc~~~\88-0599 emccabqlm@a~.cooi.
Kirs~. Sevenlh Day Advenlists, PO Box 26012, 87125.
MCC, 2404 San Mateo Pl., NE, 87110. 881-9088. Rev. Dr. Frede.
WiUiams, P.c!Stor. Sun., 10a.m. E.~rt~~~E~{~ Ministries, 134 Quincy, NE, 87108.
Ho.'y Family P'arish ol lhe Evangelical Aajican Church in Amerk:a.,
1701 E. Missouri Ave., 88001. 522-7119. An iOOusiveparishq:>en to
all.
Koi_noria, 2162 DoraOO Dr., 88011. 521-1490. Gay and lesbian spiril-
~1~Ti~
TheCata;~tkxl,551 W.Cor<Wi!,S\e. DIE,87501. 986-1794.
New York
ALBANY/CAPITAL AREA (518)
Community of St John Christian Orlh<xbx Church, PO Box 9073,
12209. 346-0207. Fr. Herman. Poo: Melancia
Dg'ity, PO !lo< 11204, LOUOOll'liKe, 12211-0204. 43&8546.
Emmanuel Baplis\ Church, 275 Slate St, Allany, 12210. 465-5161. i/si""~ Don~slor. A We looming and Affirming Ametican Baplnfegi\
y, 1oGraoe& Hofylnnocents, 498ClintlnAve. 12206. 465·
1112 '
Ugt\house Apr,;l~t Church, PO Box 1391, ScheneclaclJ, 12301-
1391. 372-6001. Bro. W. H. Camy, paslor. ·
MCC, 275 Stale St, 12210. 785-7941.
~;'i,<b~75EllioottS!rt, 14205. 833-8995. .
~ty,c/oClllrdlollheAsoersion, 16Linv,ooc!Ave., 14209.884-
PinkTriargeChrislian Feoa.,hp, PO!lo<722Elliooff Stn., 14205-
0722 845-6971. Plb: Spirttv.orks.
GENEVA(315) ·
PLGC, PO!lo<21a Dresden, 14441-027a 536-7753.
~~g;l:l~~;:,Dr ., 14217-2417.an-0459.
Good ShepherdAmetican Calholc ChUlch, P.O. Box 725, ,10 Faith
Dr., 11946. 723-2012.
NEW YORK CITY AREA :r:~~,U!ch, 295 St Anrrs Ave., 10454. 585-6325.
Bll>Oldyn(718) ~Z'~~: R~!~3C.:~ t,:~69-3447 Monlho/WO!Shj>
Fist Uhitarian Church, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Coooems Commillee,
ro Monroe Pl., 11201. 624-5466.
Long Island (516) .
~,);';,_AIDS care, Inc., PO Box 2859, Hunlingfon Stn., 11746.
Circle of More l.igl\ !lo< 203, Broof<haven, 1 \719-0203. 28&0542
~u-!ri<:sPO Box 48, Easl Meaaw, 11554. 781-6225. Lesbian/gty
~ :ck=~::.°';~¥~=/ c/o UUF o\ Slony BIOOk, PO
ln\erna\iorel Fme Ca\hol~ Clllrcl>'GoodShepherd Church, PO Box
436, Central lsli>, 11722. 723-0348. Rev. Msg. Robert J. Allmen,
paslor.
~:~=&Yg~rc':.)!I~ns, PO Box 756, Villaga Sin,
10014. 989-6211. Seaind Friday, 8p.m., Community Center, 208 W.
13\hSL .
BlessedVirg'n Mary Mission, 123 E. 15 SL, 10003. 22S-0898. Sun.,
1:15p.m:
g~:,~~~g'8kl~~!r~~~i~'1
1~1~;~i:·ou1- 1rot . ~rcv•o~: 1~~~0~~-1~~~~:: Frank Rocco.
rocl<rl)<:@aol.com.
Evangelicals COOCemOd, 311 E. 72nd St, #1G c/o Dr. Ra\)h Blaw,
10021.517·3171. Plil: Recor~ Rev.ew
~~~}~n .Ouakers, 15 Ru\hertordPL, 10003-3971. 475-0195,
Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disci>les AUiance, c/oAlle.n Hanis'.1453A
l8'<irgl:l!IA"'.,-10128-2506. 2~9. ~~;n{or\c, PO !lo< 20067, 10011. 691-7181. Episoc!lali:lns;
Jurton Memorial Cllurch, 55 Washinglon Scpire So., 10012. 477·
0351. Peter Laannan, pastor. A We looming arx:f Affirming American
Baplis\ oorgegilion
lesbian andGayCommuni\ySeMCeS Cenlar, loc., 208 W. 13\hSl,
10011. 620-7310. Poo'CenlerSlaga, CenterVcice.
MarlsonAvenue Bapli;t Chtich, 30 Easl31s\St., 10016. 885-1377.
Michael B. Eastenirg pastor. A Welcoming andAffirmingAmetican
Baplisl oorgegition.
Maranatha: Riversiders !or Lesbian/Gay Concerns, r:Jo RiWrsioo
Chllch, 490 RM>rsideDr., 10027. 222-5900.
MCC, 208 W.13\hSt, 10011. 242-1212. Sunday, 10a.m. at208W.
131h St, 7p.m. at 135 w. 41hSl
PLGC, 740WestEndAve., 10025.866-3580.
:::1~'it"f~~r;~~=!~~~~ia= I
galkxl committed t> exlendng !he km o!Chris\ kl all peq,fe.
Polluck, c/oAlonV. Harris, 1010 Par\<Ave., 10028-0991. 2~46 .
.FO!J\h Ftiday, 7p.m.
R;.,,rside Church, 490 R;.,,~ide Dr., 10027. 222-5900. James Fort>
{~.slor. We~ming & Affirming (ABC)·and Open,& Affirming
Rutgars Presoyfetian Church, 236 W. 73rd St , 10023. 877-6227.
~=li..li~~~~W:,.tr~emational PO Box 20585, 10025
(718)662-8656.
PAGE 15
Resource Guide
Tempe of Mraculoos Perception, 237 W. 100 St, 10025. 222-2874. ,
UCCUGC, c/o Craig Hoffman, 1453A Lexinglon Ave., 10128. 289·
3016.
UnityFelk:N/shpChurch, PO Box 2708, 10008·2708. (718)636-5646.
WashingtonSqiareUMC, 135 W, 4lhSt, 10012. 777-2528.
Wes\Par1<Pres17;1erianChurch, 165 W. 66\hSt, 10024. 362-4890.
Queens(718)
Queens Lesbian & Gay Chrislians, PO Box 4154, Cofege Pcinl,
11356, 353-3941. Ptb: Tl'o Good Shepherd
Umtanan Umversabst Church, lesbian, Bisexual & Gay concerns
~~~,g;~Ash Ave., Flt.Shin!, 11355. 353-3960."
lntegi\y, PO Box 2038, White Piains, 10602-2038. 949-4367. Poo:
TheGr~WJe.
NIAGARA FALLS (718)
Oneress Ap::istolic Gospel Church, 1646 Niagara Ave., 14305. 284·
7044. Bro. C. Rr:oerts, pastor.
PLATTSBURGH (518)
St Mal;'s Erumenical CatholeChurch, PO Box \59, Chazy, 12921.
493-3272 (voice and FAX). Rev. Fr. Michael R. Frost
POUGHKEEPSIE (914) ~rcw~~;\11'/ilg Box 356, L.a11ange~1., 12540-0356. 7243209.
Community Christian Fellowsh~. PO Box 68005, 14618. 234-9776.
A place of pra~r. praise and Bole sttrl; lcr gay and lesbian Evani!;
1"f~1Tn~=\7S . Fi!Zhug, St, 14614. 262-2170. tat Avenue Baplist Church, 57 Ambrose Sl, 14608. 458-5765.
Peter Carman. pastor. A Welcoming aoo Affirming Amerk:a.n Baptist
oorgegalion
The EmptyCkset, 179 AllanltAve., 14607-1255. New York Slate's
=1,r,,=,~c:l:nanSL.N,Ste . 10, 14607·1153.271-
8478.
PLGC, o'ocarter, 111 Milum St., 14607-2918. 271-7649.
·SYRACUSE (315)
May Memorial Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian & Gay concerns,
3800E. Ger-..seeSI., 13214.424-7628.
~~~~~ fo~~~i;~ ~!9~.~~J%!~5c:1·~~~~i0t
Shawn Francis Be.-\ paslora.
UTICA(315) it~;.~ tJ52, 13503. 738-0599.
itti,i';Zgr312r, 11193, 781-5942
St Anthony of Padua Ecumenical ca\holo Church, 539-4323. Fr.
Tom Sterner.
North Carolina
ASHEVILLE (704) .
Comniuri\yConnections, PO Box 18088, 28814. 258-3260. Newspa•
per tor \he Soo\hem /\Waiaclian gayltesbian oommuni\y.
MCC, PO Box 2359, 28802-2359. 259-3065.
CHARLOTTE(704)
Charlotte lrrtedai\h Nelwor1< for Gay.lesbian ECJJruity, 5945 Redctnan
Rd, .!205, 28212-1664.·568-6669. Garnett E. PhW., oonlaclperson.
Lulherans COOCerned, PO Box 9562, 28299. 334-2367. Poo: The
Clarkxl ·
MCC, 4037 E. lncl!pen<l,nce Blvd., #726, 2820S.7375. 563-5810.
Me\rolinaSWi\cttioar~ PO Bo< 11144, 28220. 535-6277.
New Lite MCC, PO Box 221404, 28222. 343-0070.
GREENSBOR0'(910)
~~c~;,c11~~J:=:~6~~~~~~~';'p:~.1~:
Communiorl.sarvedat all services. ELCA.
~;.~a'~~~=nl!%f~!~,~~:=~~':,
~~ci~~tev. ChristineDscar, pasla.
MCC, c/o Unlarian Ch11ch, 10911 \hAve., NW, 28601. 324-1960.
l~~~~(~i~ \:~/-ts), PO Box 5961, Raleigt, 27650. 850-
9300. ,
Dig1i\)I, PO!lo<51129, Durham, 27717-1129. 493-8269.
lntegi\y, c/oCllurch o\ lheGoodShepher~ POBox 28024, Rakligt,
27611.571-1792.
~~':~ns COOCernOd, PO Box 885,_Apex, 27502. 387-0824. Meers il
PFLAG Triangkl Chapter, P.O. Box 10844, Raleigt, 27605-0844.
Rafegt: 3&!-9325. Chapel Hill: 929-0192.
Pulle.n Memotial Bapisl Church, 1801 Hillsborough S , Rale.lffl
27605, 828-0897 . .M. Mahan Sior, Jr., paslor.
Raleigt Relgous Net.ark !or Gay and Lesbian Ecpility, PO Box
5961, 276:il-5961. 781-2525. .
SL John's MCC, PO !lo< 5626, Raleigt, 27650. 834-2611. Sunday,
1\am., 7:15p.m.,805Gle.nv,ooc!Ave. ~aa::..,;~~:~i&,~~~o Unitarian ~ellowshP, 3313
WILMINGTON (910)
~~wootr~c'l:~~~v~::"~i:x~~- 675-9222
SL Jude's MCC, 4326 Mair.1st, Ste. 110, 28403. Sanctuary: ro1
castle St 762-5833
WINSTON-SALEM (910)
lesbian & Gay Concerns Task Force, Unitarian Universalist Fellcm·
shj), 2873 Rdlinhood Rd., 27106. 723-7633. .
Piomlor\ Relgous Network for Gay and lesbian E(JJafity, PO !lo<
15104, 27113-0104. (919)766-9501.
Ohio
AKRON(330)
MCC; 1215 Kermae Blvd., 44314. 745-5757. Poo: Beacon o\ l.igtl.
cascade Ccmmunity ChUrch, 1190/1196 Inman SL,-44306. 773-
5298. Sunday, ll).m. Poo: cascade News~n.r.
Lutherans Coocemed, PO !lo< 67114, c.,,,,ooga FaYs, 44222. 928-
6041.
ATHENS(614)
UCCL/GC, 18 N. Cdlega st, 45701. 593-7301. AlsoUniEdCampus
~ at Ohio UnMirsit,,, an affirming pooe la fesbigay students.
Jan Gnesinger, drector. ·
~~~:.\Wflo\whj) Church, PO Ba, 35604, 44735-5604. 37&
8725. ·
CINCINNAT1(513)
Oigily; PO!D< 983, 45202. (606)581·9014,
lnteg,ty, 4905 Cha~10,., #11, >15217-1445. 242-7297.
Mt. Auoorn Pr~erian -Church, 103 MMam Howard Tatt Rd, f~ ru;i5945, liJ( :,1-2664. Rev. Dr. Ha'.ol<m ~or1er, pastor.
New~~Hotlis1erSL,45219.241-6216.Plb:Vis~ns .
· f'ci.nm~N=iJo !lo< 91853, 44101. Jehova~s Witnesses.
Cllurdlol\heRedeemerUni\adMe\holi;\ 2420So. T')b'Rd, Cle-,
veiand H~,, 44118. 932-2065. ARecm:ifingCorgega1Dn.
SECOND --STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1997
Dg,ity, PO ll<>< 91697, 44101. 531-4469.
Emmanuel MCC, 10034 Lorain Ave., 44111-5429. 651-0129. Sunday.
10:45a.m. PLb: Gooo News
PLGC, 841 Engewoo:I, 44121. 382-0507.
COLUMBUS (614)
Christ UniledEvangeicalChm:h, PO Box 141264, 43214·29H317.
Evangelicals Corcerned. PO Box 360491, 43236. 235-GAYS.
First Unitarian Universalisl Church, 93 W. Weisheimer, 43214. 267-
4946. Slllday, m.m.
Frierds for Lesbian & Gay Concer~ (Quakers), 488-2096.
Gay ~n's SLUn1 GrOLJJ, rlo Newman Cenler, 64 W. Lane Ave.,
43201.291-4674.
MCC, PO ll<>< 10009, 43201-0500. 294-&l26. 1253 N. Hig>SI. Sunday,
\0:30a.m·. Ptb: The Beacoo News
S~nt of the A- Community Church, PO Box 10333, 43201. 486-
1774.
SIOOO/lall Unloo RepJrts, Box 10814, 43201-7814. 299-n64.
UOCIJGC, 294-9970, 488-2096. ·
DAYTON(937)
Community Gospel Church, PO Box 1634, 45401. 252-8855. S~ril
filled, Chnsl centered. Meets Thurs., Sp.in., Sun. 10a.m. at 546
X_enia Ave., Dayton.samuel Kader, pastor.
~~'.:·p~t:51024r°~£7"7~:4031, 153~ E. 5th SI. Sun,
10:~m.
GRANVILLE (614)
Firs\ Baptist:Church, 115 W. Broac!Hay, 43023-\:79. 587--0336.
Georga Williamson, Jr., pastor. A Wek:oming and Affirming American
Baplist Coogeg,\ion.
LIMA(419) .
Most Holy Redeemer Ecumenical Catholic Church, 226-7344. Fr.
~!:lli~\:'gr(419) .
Center for Pastoral Care, 3180 German Church Rd, 44904. 756-
2977, 774-53n. FAX 774-9805. Sunday lnur!I/, 10:1sa.m. Pastll!al
courseling.retrealS.
OBERLIN (216) i;=~r:Ji~ :~r74-0387 775-3341.
Community Church bf Truth, PO )lox &JOS, 45501-3005. 325-7691. ~~fiR!i,fl!/~t me_taphysk:s and pracJical Christianity.
Dg,ily, PO Bax 1388, 43603. 799-2527.
lnlegily, c/o St Mar~s Church, 2272 Golling,lood Blvd., 43620. 2#
3707.
MCC, Good Samaritan Parish, -720 W. Delaware Ave., 43620. 244-
2124. Slll<lly, 11a.m.
Oklahoma
g~~~~t.;/Ti &':. PO Box 1SM1, 13147. s28-ll417.
D91ity/lnlegily, PO Box 25473, 73125. 755'1)175. .
Fr~rds Meeting(Quakers), 312SE 25thSt,73129. 632-7574, 531-
4174.
~f¥J:i~ r~,;t:Cathol~ Church, PO BCX< 254_25, '73125.
TULSA(918)
~~~•t~;~~J:~~~lt1ll~tr'~
SI. Jerome.Ecumenical Cattdic Chllfch. 742-7122. Fr. Rick Hollingsworth.
ickraohnja@aol.oom, stariott@aol.com.
Oregon
EUGENE (541) .
C~rw& LajtyConcemed, 458 Blair Blvd, 97402. 485-1755
MCC, 1414 Kincaij SI., 97401-3737. 345-5963. Sunday, 4p.m. at
First Coogeg,Jlooal Church, Coodoo Chape\ 23rd & Hartis Sis. ~~~,;;~round Rev .. Marg,enteScrogje, i:estor.
Affma\ion(UnltedMellms\S), PO Boe 12673, 97212. 234-&54. ~rn.:r~r~~f:~9f2~1~C:i~~tad'~. Lesbian Progam,
Dg,ity, PO Box 6708, 97228-6708. 295-4868.
EvangelicaoCorcemed, PO Box 40741, 97240-0741. 232-7451
lnlegity, c/oAFSC, 2249 E. Burnside, 97214. 774-1064. Pub: St
Aereds Messenger. . ·
Lile Center· A ministry of the Pottets House. 3830 SE 62nd St ,
97219. PO Box 88545, 97286. 775-5024. Sun., 9:&la.m., Bible
sct-a,l, 10~ .m .. worshi>, Wed, 7p.m.,Bl>lesfu<I/.
Mataroia Peace CommunityUMC, 2116 NE 18th Ave., 97212-4600.
28M697.
MCC, 1644 NE 24th, 97232. 261-11868.
Read! Outl (Former Jeh<M!~s wanesses), PO 6"' 1173, Clad<a·
ma~97015. ~~'J\a7S: 9246, 97207. 294-0645 Ptb:Spimed Women
MCC, P.O. Boe 455, Ditar~ OR 97Cl2-0455.
SALEM(503)
Digity, PO Box 532, 9731)8, 36WI06 ..
~ee1S~ntMCC, POBox 13969, 97309, 363-li6\8.141012th St,
Penns y lv ani a
~~!~L::.~&
4
tisexual $~ritual Felk>tlshi>, 1805 8th Ave., 16802.
949-5852. Ptb: Aeooociltalioo
ELWYN (610)
:~~. ~~~:~=~1':i:OO· 19063. 237-1367. Mee\S
ERIE(814) ~~~i~•sf Pen": 134W. 71hSl, 16501-1004. 774-0903.
Ecumerical Ca~i:: Chu'rch, 235-6937: Rick Nara, 900tact person. ~:itrlr~ 379, 18427. 829-1341.
HAAAISBURG (711)
Digity, PO Box 297 Federal S(Jlare Sin., 17106. ·
MCC-ol lhe Spiri~ PO Box 11543, 17108. 236-7387. Plb: Sp,rt
tiWaH VALLEY (610) .
Grace Cownant Felk>tlshp, 247 N. 10th SL, Allento.Yn, 18102. 7~
0247. Sunday, 10:458.m. Bl)Ul Rowe, pas!Or. Thom Ritter, music
minister. SeNing the Lellig\ Valley.
~~·/;;; ~:~.~,~s:!°Jts~1J;J,~1os-ooos
439-8755. Surdly, 6p.m. at Unitarian Church, 424 Center St , Be\118-
hem. Ptb:ValleyStar.
PHILADELPHIA (215)
Dgity, PO Box 53348; 19105. 546-2093. Plb: Thelodejlerdlr<e.
~=~~~.=c:-~~'W,~~~~1'Sa"~'T.o194
MCC, PO 6"' 8174, 19101.1174. 563-6801. Sunar,,, 7p.m. et 2125
Ches1ntrtSl f'li>:.The BeA Ringer.
Tabernacle Unrted Church, 3700CheslnU\ 19104. 386-4100. More
Ligll aoo Q:>en & Affirmirg
UCCUGC, PO lla,c5315, 19139. 724·1247.
Unitarian Universalist Church, Stentoo Ave. &-Gorgas Ln., 19150.
247-2561.
PITMAN(711)
Chris1tartJrunn Kklster, RD 1, Ba,c 1~ 17964. Gay harmooists.
PITTSBURGH (412)
Aff1111alioo (UriledMe!OOEts), Ba,c 10104, \5232-0104. 683·5526.
Digify, PO Box 362, 15230. 362-4334.
lntegtty, POBox5619, 15207-t1H9. 421-8747.
LulherarsCona,med, PO Bo<B\866, 15217-0866. 521-7746.
MCC, 4836EllsworthAve., 15213. 683-2994.
PLGC, P06"'9022, 15224-0022.
WAYNE(610J .
Central Baptrsl Church, P.O. Bax 309, 19087. 688-0664. t.1arcus
Pomerqy, pas!OJ. Marcia Baney, co-pastor. A Welcoming and
Affirming American Baptist ~egalion.
Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE (401).
Diglity, POBa,c2231, Pawhlcke\ 02861. 727-2657.
St. Petets & SI. Anci'ew's Episcx,pal Church, 25 Pomona Ave.,
02909-5255. 272-9649. Rev. Jan Nunley, rector aoo ro-convenor ol
I~~~!~ ~f~,~ :: ~~ !~ti~rt:i:3=rati1e~~~i~:
AIDS ministry. Se habla Espanol.
UCCUGC, 15 Oak Ave., Riverside Coogregatlooal Church, 02915.
433-2039. .
South Carolina
CHAFI.ESTON (803)
MCC, 2010 Hawthorne Dr., #10, 29418. 747-6736. Mary M. ""'°''·
pastor.
COLUMBIA (803) . .
Lutherans Cona,med, PO Box 8828, 29202-8828. 738-1899. Meets
al 728 Pickers St on use campus.
MCC Columbia, P.O. Ba,c 8753, 29202. 256-2154. Mee\S at 1111
BelleviewSl,12.
GREENVILLE (864)
MCC, PO ll<>< 5322, 29806-6322. 233-0919. Sun., 7p.m. at 37 E.
Hillcrest Rev. Mick Hinson, pastor.
South Dakota
LAKE PRESTON (605)
UCCl1GC, Al 1, Box76,57249. 847~23 .
SIOUX FALLS (605)
St Francis & SL Clare MCC, PO 6"' 266, 57101-0266. 332-3966.
Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA(423) -· . ..
Jnlegity, PO 6"' 4956, 37405. 756-11225.
Joyful Sound Christian Fellowship Church, PO BO'IC 8506, 37414.
629--0687. Rev. CtlJck D. TOOf1"5<'1, p,,sl:Jr. Sun., 6p.m. at the Unf
tarian Universa1ist Church, 3224 Nava to Or.
~N~~m::7411.1192·2138. Sun., 7p.m. af 3224 Navajo
MCCollhe TnCities, PO Ba,c 1612, 37605-1612. 926-4393.
KNOXVILLE (423)
MCC, PO Box 2343, 37901-2343. 521-6546.
MEMPHIS (901)
HotyTnnity Community Church, 1559 Madson, 3810~. 726-9443.
Proclaiming Gods love Ill! all pe(llle. '
lntegityc/oCelvary Eplscqlal Church, 102 N. 2nd SI., 38103. 525-
6602. .
NASHVILLE (615)
Affuma\ion (United Mellxxlsts), 254-762a ~~;_••de Congeg,tlooal Church, 700 Bresslyn Ad, 37208.
Churcho11heLMngWater, PO ll<>< 1312, Madson, TN37116-1312.
865-2679. MeetsatEastEndUMC, 1212HollySt Sun.,4p.m.
=:::r,,~:'.~~~~e218822, 37221. 327-4551.
lnli!Jily, PO~ 121172, 37212·1172. 333-7509.
MCC, PO 6"' 80406, 37206-0406. 259-3692. Meets at Firs1 Unitar~
n Gillich, 1808 wooanoot Blvd.
Rejooe and Be Glad, catholics. 646-5163. ~~~f:i~ir: Chur~ .ol the Americas, 4825 Trousda~ Dr.,
Stonev.ell Missloo Churdl, 269-3480. Mee\s a\ 703 Barry si
Texas
ABILENE (815) .
CownantolH~Commt11ily9hurch, 1342 No. 4th SL, P.O. )lo)(
2961, 79604. 677-7955. Slll., 11a.m.
Eirocl.o MCC; PO 6"' 2473, 79804. 672-7922. 904 Walruf Sl
AMARILLO (806) -
MCC, PO 6"' 1276, 79105, 372-4557. 2123 S. PdkSl
ARIJNGTON (811) · l~ 1
~, 809T"'11enSt, 78011. 265-5454. Sun., 10:45a.m.
Alfirmatioo mooed Malhods\S), 7403 Shoal Creek Blvd. 78757.
451-2329. ' ·
Alt Saints Ecumenical catholic Church, P.O. BO'J( 91597, 78709-
1597. 280-9151. The Rev. Rooert D. Han, hrooert@aol.com,
clotleba@aotoom.
D\Jlily, P06"'2666, 78768. 467-7908.
. In~ , PO B<»< 4327, 78765-4327. 462-09n. ~ -a:"~ t.tristries, loo., 9401 Grouse Meactiw Ln., 78758-
COAPUS CHRISTI (512)
MCC, 1315 Craig St, 78404-3330. 882-8225. sun., 1oa.m., Wed,
7:3q>.m.
DALLAS/FOATWORTH.AAEA(214)
ts~=Med Melhrxls\S), 6"' 4838_2, Watauga, 76148-0382.
Affirmatloo (U~led Ma\hodisls), PO Bc,c 191021, DeUas, 75219.
526-,491l .
Agape MCC, PO Box 15247, Fort Wor\h, 76119-0247. (817)535,
5002. 4615SEl.oc!)820. Su•. 9a.m., 11a.m.A~News.
C.11,e<ial ol H(lle MCC, 5910 Cedar Spring; Rd, Daltas, 75235.
351-1901.
Su11,9am., 11a.m. ·
Digity, PO Bo< 190133, DaHas, 75219-0133. 226-4101. ~%:a~~~i~:.~~1:;:m:.·:,. 75204
827-5088. •A home for every hearr serving the Dallas lesbian and =~:~.~68
il:'~oo889, Dalos, 75219. 521-5342, ext 233.
Gay aoo les!Jian Baplis\S. ~~~.~~i::·~~~:1m~2f=l2
s20-6655.
White Aoclr Commurity Church, 722 Tennison Memorial Ari, 75223.
~ · F/'X,320-0098. S~n.,9:30am., 11a.m. Rev.JerryCook,
PAGE 16 • .SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
DENTON (811)
Harvest MCC, 5900 S. Slemmons, 76205. 497-4020. Sun.,
10:soa.m., 6p.m.
EL PASO (915) ~s1J~m;r• 79925.591·4155. Su• , 6p.m., Wed, 7p.m.
Community Gospel Church, 501 E. 18th at C~umbia. 880-9235.
Sun., 11a.m. ChTSChiles, p:istor.
DalWl olfailh MCC, 10319Sag&)<)ff( Dr., 77089-2017. 991-6766.
Dignity, PO Box 66821, 77266-6821. 880-2872. Sal, 7:3t:p.m. at
13-07Ya/e,#H.
First Unilarian Universalisl Church, Gay/lesbian Task Force, 5200
Fannin SL, TT004·5899. 526-5200.
Hooston Mission Church, PO 8coc 1633 MarshaU, 77006. 529-8225.
Sun., 10~ .m. Rev. Robert L C.rter, paslor.
lnle!j'ily, PO Box 66008, 77266-6008. 432·0414. Ptb: Mar(inal
Nctes.
K,g:lool CommlllilyCht.rch, 614 E. \91hSL, 77008. 862-7533. 748·
6251. Sun., 11a.m.
.MCC ollheAesurrec\ion, 1919 Decatur, 77007-7536. 861·9149. Plb:
TheGoodNe,r.;
SI. Raphael Ecumenical Catool< Church, 890-617. Deacon Gary
Wheal sk\b)rg830@aol.com.
LONGVIEW (903)
Church \\Ith A Visloo MCC, PO Box 1287, 75606-1287. 753-1501.
Su•. 1oa.m.at420E.-CottooSL
LUBBOCK(lll6)
MCC, 5501 34\h St, 79407. 792-5562. Sun., 11a.m., 7p.m. Rev.
Renae Phin{S, ~stor. Plb: Vision. ~:,~G~ ~:~• Inc. PO Boe 64746, 79464-4746. 791-4499.
MIDLAND(915)
Hay Trinity Community Church, 1607 s. Main, 79701. 570-4822.
~f,j ~~~~~ii/'&l~;'"-pasl:Jr.
MCC, 1136W. Wooclaw~ 78201. 734-0048.
Rr,,erCity LMng Church, 202 Holand, 78212. 734-0377.
TYLEA\903)
St Gab<ielCommunityChurch, 13904CountyRd 193, 75703. 581·
6923. Pa~"' Doona R. C.f1'1Xl8II.
~go~i 22043, 1s112. 752-5331.
WICHITAFALLS(811)
MCC, 1407261hSl 322-4100.
Utah
LOGAN (&'1)
MCC, PO Box 4285, 84323. 750-5026. Sun., 11 a.m.
~:.;!ci~:l'~.ri~. 823 S. 600E, 84102:3507 596-0052.
Vermont
BUFt.lNGTON (SQ2) . ~~~=i:/:.JJt 2
~:;~~~~lists !or Gay & Lesbian cooce:rns, 152 Pearl Sl.
MONTPELIER (002)
lnlegity, clo Chris\ Epis<q:)al Church, 64 State St, 05602-2933.
ALEXANDRIA (703) .
Aff1111a\ion (Mormons), PO Box 19334, 22320-9334. 828-3096.
Sl Cyrirs·~J!.slem Christian Fello.vsh1), 6038 Richmond~ .• N301 ..
~~~~ Byzantire Chiislian oommunity.
Diglity, POilo< 10037, 22210. 9\2·1662.
FALLS CHURCH (703)
Alfimalion (Mormons), PO Box 19334, 22320-9334. 828-:ll96.
MCC, 7245 Lee Hwy., 22046. 532-0992. Sun., Sp.m. al Fairtax UnitarIm,
27@ Hunter Mijl Ad, Oaklon.
~~rJ~~sL~~ PO Box 3390, 22043. 560-2680.
g;i:-s Christian Community, 1213 Dan<iidge St .. 22401. 373-
~~?~ I:> 434, 23501. 625-5337.
New 'lit, MCC, PO Box 1026, 23501-1026. 855-8450 1530 Johnstoo's
Ad Sun, 10:3-0a.m., 6:30p.m .. Wed, 7:30p.m. at 1530 JohnstmsAd
Unitarian Universalis\S Ill! Lesban & Gay Goooerns 739 Yarmouth
Sl, 23510. 627-5371. Slit, 11a.m. '
RICHMOND(804)
Affirmelioo (Uniled Melhods\S), PO 6"' 25615, 23260-5615. 746-
7279. 700 W. Franklin Sl
e&~lh'fr."ric~~~1~~lu140
ROANOKE(540) ·
Bloe Rid;JI Lambda Press, PO 6"' 237, 24002. 890-3184.
~~& Gay C.lhof<:s & Episcx,palians, PO BCX< 4163, 24015.
MCC ol lhe Blue Rid:le, PO B<>< 20495, 24018. 366-0839 Sun
3p.m. at Unitarian Church, 2015 Grando Rd SW. PLb: B108 R~
Banner.
X\~~ !~C:,: g:>munily Church, 485 S. lrdlpeodence Blvd,
1108, 23452. 49'.-ltl96.
WILLIAMSBURG (11!4)
Foun:iltions ol Stor-.. Ministries, 149 Nelson Dr., 23185. 229-0832.
Teaching. seminars, retreats, revivals.
Heaver/s Tabfe~ndChurch, P.O. ll<>< 2674, 23187. (757)887-3719.
Rev. Adel~ L Bao, pastll!. Mee\S Sun. Bo<Jldary SL Lilrary at 1 :3-0
p.m.
Some area codes
have changed.
We have updated the Resource
Guide with new area codes
assigned by the phone company.
If you get a wrong munber,
please let us know:
P.O, Box 8340
New Orleans, LA 70182
secstone@aol.com
Resource Guide
Washington
BELLINGHAM .
~"Wlf~oogUs MCC, P.O. Box 4389, 98227-4389.
NewCreationMCC, 111242S!hDrSE, 98208·5228.
FEDERAL WAY (206) .
Spirit ol the Sound A ministry ol Wayside ucc, 2000 SW Dash
~: Rd First Sun .. Sp.m. 858-8345. Rev. Calheryn Cumming;-
MOUNT VERNON (206)
MCC, PO Bo: '20577, Seattle, 98102. 325-6775.
~.~:r~~C , 207 N. Waslinglm 98501.
~~~~g~. PO Box 1678, 99352-0059. 544-9689.
Shalom UCC, 505 McMu,ray, 99352. 943-3927. Open and affirming
oong
SEATTLE (206)
Affirmation (Mormons), PO 6"' 23223, 98102. 820•5729. l'li>: The
Open Closet
Affrn,alloo (Uritedtlelhocists), 21 \SN. 42nd, 98103 . .
Companis, Mission Workers !or Seattle, 1111 HaivardAve., 98122.
::~:i;;~~c1:.'itccA,53t1131hAve S
763-2469. Sun:,. 7p.m. Bp. Paul David C. Strong, pastor.
. hllpJ/Mwl.malMlle.corn/hoty.cr«s/
Diglity, Box 20325, 98102-1325. 325-7314. .
Evangelicab Goocerned, 781-6754. ?;::.~.I ~i• ::.~~~rit~ina~:ror.784-6495 . Sun.,
~t.Y20~l~k~~~~~~2421. Rev. Chen L Starchman,
pastor. Call for service times and localions.
overtake MCC, PO Bax 6612, Bellewe, 98008. 885-0414. 12700 SE
32ndSl . ·
. Seattle Fira\ Baptist Church, 111 Harvard Ave,, 98122. 325-6051.
RocneyR. Romr,y, pestor.
Seattle Gay News, 704 E. Pi<e, 98122. 324-4297.
UCCLJGC, 31718thAve. E.#4, 98112-5132. 329-W27.
Unitarian Lestians & Gays, 6556 35th Ave. NE, 9811"5. 483-0345.
University Baptist. Church, 4554 12th Ave., SE, 98105. 532-5188.
Anne Hall assooate pastor. A Welcoming & Affi1ming American
Baiiisl Coogega\ion.
SPOKANE (509)
Afflflllalloo (United MaJhocists), 3 N.-9th SI., Cheney, 99004. 299-
2500. .
Emmanual MCC, PO Box 769, 99210. 836-0085. Sun .. 10:3-0a.m.,
lfri:·r!~3g~u~ci~~~-8th, 99204. 624-4&()2
TACOMA (206)
Hiloide Community Church, 2508 S. 39lh St, 98409. 475-23881
MCC, 2150S. Cushman Ave .. 98405-3438. 272-2382.
VANCOUVER (206)
MCC ol lhe Gentle Shepherd PO Box 5094. 98668. 253-8401.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
FOX VALLEY (414)
Angel of H~ MCC, PO Bo< 672, Groon Bay, 54305. 496-8688.
MADISON (608)
First Baptist Church, 518 Nonn Franklin A~ .• 53705. 233-1880. Alan
Newton, associate pastor. A Welcoming and Alfirmihg Americal'I
Baptist oongeg,lion
lntegity/Dignily, PO Box 73-0, 53701. 836-8886.,1001 University
Ave. -
OJA Like Mind, PO ll<>< 8021, 53716-6021. 255-5092.
MILWAUKEE (414)
Digity, PO Box 597, 53201. 444-7177.
LulherarsCona,med, PO 6"' 1676, 53201-1676. 481-9663.
~.s~n:~:~·.~~:i°kS:213-1991_
St C.milus HIV/AIDS Ministry, 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave., 53226.
258-466't
UnifedHIVSeMCeS, 10100 W. Blu,moundRd, 53226. 259-4610.
Become a
Second Stone
Outreach Partner
in your community,
3Y
National News
Hate groups find others like them on the web
DETROIT (AP) - As the computer bug
begins to seep even further into society,
it also is opening a widespread
venue for hate groups.
Albion College sophomore Steven
Krom didn't have much luck drumming
up support for his "white pride"
views around campus.
But on the Internet, the 19-year-old
boy ·has found support and understanding
from white supremacists,
neo-Nazis and other hate groups that
have taken to the World Wide Web
to spread their word.
"It's one of the good things about the
Internet," Krom told The Detroit
News.
In the past year, the number of
hate-related sites on the Web has
jumped from about 50 to as many as
400, experts told the News, adding
that the numbers have doubled in the
last three months alone.
"It isn't that the information, the
hate, the groups are new," said Rabbi
Abraham Cooper, an associate dean
at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a
human rights organization in Los
Angeles that has been tracking Internet
hate.
"It's that it has been taken from the
gutter into the mainstream."
Groups such as the Ku Klux Klan,
the Aryan Nations and Skinheads
have Web sites that vilify racial
and religious minorities and gays.
Some sites openly deny the Holocaust,
others call for race wars. Some
are open recruitment calls for their
groups, the News said.
"It confers a degree of legitimacy to
anyone," said Donald Cohen, director
of the Michigan branch of the AntiDefamation
League. "Because of the
anonymity, it's a wonderful tool for
haters to use."
One of the best-known hate pages in
the country is that of the Detroitbased
Resistance Records Inc., a label
that records the white power music of
such groups as RAHOW A (Racial
Holy War).
Resistance Records' founder - neoNazi
George Burdi - is a Canadian
who avoided his country's censors by
posting .his site through an American
Internet provider, the News said.
The U.S. First Amendment protec.
tions virtually guarantee that it
won't be shut down.
"Canada has stronger hate °laws,"
explains David Hoffmann, who is
tracking the sites for the national
Anti-Defamation League. In Canada,
someone who spreads hate speech can
be prosecuted.
But that doesn't mean that those
who oppose such groups support similar
laws in America.
Although many see the sites as more
of a symptom, not a cause, of racism,
some are worried about the potential
impact on children.
Cohen said he recently received a
Church believes in execution of gays .
ChristiaInd entityle adera mongt hosei ndictedin bankr obberies
By Jennifer Brown
Associated Press. W riter
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Mark Thomas
emerged in the 1990s as one of the
leading hate group leaders in the
Northeast and a major recruiter for
Christian Identity, a white supremacy
group.
The Philadelphia native . is a
Christian Identity minister, Pennsylvania
representative to the Aryan
Nations and head of the Christian
Posse Comitatus.
The Christian Identity church
espouses that Northern European
whites are the chosen people, Jews
are the "synagogue of Satan," people
of color are inferior "mud races" and
gays should be executed. Aryan
Nations and the Posse Comitatus are
branches of Christian Identity.
Thomas' first public contact with
white supremacy.. groups was in 1978,
when he became involved in the Ku
Klux Klan in Allentown, according to
the Anti-Defamation League in Phile
adelphia. Newspaper reports quoted
Thomas as a Klan spokesman
throughout the 1980s.
In 1990, Thomas attended a national
Aryan Nations meeting in Idaho.
Around the same time, he resigned
his office and membership with the
Klan.
Throughout the 1990s, Thomas has
been a "gadfly for young people,"
said Barry Morrison, regional director
of the Anti-Defamation League in
Pennsylvania.
"He has had a string of young peopie
visit and stay at his home where
they have been exposed to hate doctrine,
Christian Identity church
doctrine," Morrison said. "I understand
they have also been introduced
to the use of firearms." ·
In 1992, Thomas held a rally at his
house in Macungie with "hundreds of
young skinheads,'.' Morrison said.
Morrison said that during the early
1990s, Thomas befriended Michael
W. Brescia, 24, .of Philadelphia .
An indictment returned Jan. 30
charges Brescia; Thomas; Peter K:
Langan and Scott William Stedeford,
both of Ardmore; and Kevin W.
McCarthy of Philadelphia with conspiring
to rob seven banks in the Midwest.
Federal authorities said Thomas'
specialty was recruiting young
supremacists.
Though white supremacy groups are
often connected to violence, Thomas
tried to break from the stereotype in
his Internet newsletter, The Watchman.
"I am well aware of the wickedness
done in America by racial aliens, but I
also believe that reactionary hatred
and spontaneous acts of violence only ·
add to . the problem," he wrote,
adding that a Bible-believing Christian
cannot hate black people, 'but
· considers them inferior.
In the August 19% issue of the newsletter,
Thomas describes how a -
reporter asked him what he thought
about the Midwest bank robberies. In
return, Thomas said he asked the
reporter, "How many hundred thousand
times in any given day that
banks robbed people?"
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call from a local woman who worried
that her 13-year-old son was becoming
a Nazi - on the Internet.
Even after the family moved, the
child was able to use his computer to
find others nearby who shared his
views.
Krom said he doesn't consider his
page to be a hate site - an attitude
Cohen said is a common claim.
He said that Krom's page is unique
because it was posted by an individual
tather than a group - but added
that it is typical of what it is about
the Internet that appeals to people.
DEFYING
THE DARKNESS
Gay Theology In the Shadows ·
J. MICHAECLI ARK
ISBN 0-8298-1163-X 120 pp. / Paper-$12.95
"Clark's work is original. .. [he] shows
especially how queer theory and ecolemi·
nism can illuminate each other."
..'..RicHARLD .S MITH
GAY AND GAIA
Ethics, Ecology, and the Erotic
DANIETL. S PENCER
ISBN 0·8298-1149·4 464 pp./ Paper-$19 .95 .
". ..a n importanta nd sophisticatedw ork. It
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COMING
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Struggles and Celebratlons of
Lesbians, Gays, and ■lsexuals
In the Church
LEANNME cCALTLI GERT
ISBN 0-8-298-1150·8 208 pp. / Paper-$14.95
Offers a keen understanding of the power
of homophobia and oppression within the
church.
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ra The PIigrim Press
"' fl Cleveland, Ohio
PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE MAY/~UNE, 1997
Canadiacnh urcbhi shops
discusos rdinatioonfg ays
THE HOUSE OF Bishops of the
Anglican Church of Canada met in
April in Mississauga to review its
1979 guidelines on the ordination of
gays. · -
In November, 1991, the House
upheld those guidelines and said it
needed to learn more about homosexuality
and human sexuality generally,
to do more bible study and biblical
interpretation on the issues, and to
find ways of entering into dialogue
with members of the.·g<1ya nd lesbian
cm:nmunity. Sine~ - that time the
House has. devoted several se~sjons of
its regular meetings to continued study.
The following interim statement
was released at the end of the meeting,
indic ·atfog that the bishops
intend to work at developing a message
to the church in their fall 1997
meeting.
The statement reads; in part:
"For a number of years the people of
the Anglican Church have wrestled
with their understanding of the place
of its gay and lesbian members.
Since 1991, the House of Bishops,
together with others in the church,
have studied and reviewed [existing]
guideHnes, with most of its work
being done in camera. This week,
meeting in Toronto in open session, the
House of Bishops tested its current
position with three options, with the
fo!iowing results:
1. Ten members wished to retain the
.1979 guidelines in their present form;
2,- Eighteen members wished to
retain the · original intention of the
guidelines, but update them in the
light of new pastoral awareness.
3. Six members wished to retain the
guidelines in force while a task force
worked on new ~idelines.
The House of Bishops thereby commits_
itself to . retaining the 1979
guidelines in principle, but intends to
express them in a wider context of
theological understanding . and pas:
toral sensitivity. The House aims to
rec·eive the first draft of a message to
the church at its Fall 1997 meeting.
Later we hope to undertake a wider
study. of human sexuality. within the
wider church.
We seek to support all persons,
believing ?-II, regardless · of sexual
orientation; to be eqμal before God.
We ask for the ongoing prayers of the
whole church."
- Anglican Communion News Service
Churcohf Swedenel ects
firstw omanb ishop
STOCKHOL.M, Sweden (AP) - Overcoming
opposition from conservatives,
Lutheran minister Christina Odenberg
was elected on April 17 Sweden's
first female bishop.
Odenberg, 57, had appeared on television
programs to defend· her candidacy
against clerics who maintained a
woman could not become a bishop in
the Church of Sweden.
Her victory is a milestone in this
country, where complete equality of
the sexes is a major nation.al goal.
Odenberg is well known for her sense
of humor and her fondness for race
horses . · In addition to her church
duties, Odenberg is a member of the
Swedish Jockey Club, according to the
Swedish news agency TT.
The national government has the
final say before she takes up her
duties in the southern city of Lund,
but that is a mere formality. Culture
Minister Marita Ulvskog has said
the time was right for the first
female bishop.
The 960 clerics in the Lund diocese
took part in the voting.
A hardcore group oftraditionalists
has said it will regard the Lund
diocese as being without a bishop
after Odenberg takes over there. She
has served as a minister for 30 years.
PAGE 18 ;° SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
Anglicabni shoprse commend
dialoguwe ithg ays
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (ALC) - The
seven diocesan bishops and the
primate of the Anglican Episcopal
Church of Brazil (IEAB), recommended
that Anglicans receive people
of any race, culture, social class or
sexual orientation with love.
The recommendation is part of a
pastoral letter signed by bishops at
the end of the 27th IEAB synod
whid1. ended April 13 in this city.
The 27th IEAB synod, which ended
with a worship service in Holy Trin-
. ity Cathedral of Porto Alegre,
approved three motions to be
addressed to state authorities. Anglican
Episcopalians have been in Brazil
for 104 years and have 100,000
baptized members.
One motion was in support of the
march held by landless campesinos in
Brasilia, demanding that Agrarian
Reform be sped up. Another,
addressed to the Justice Ministry,
asked that police who violate human
rights. should be judged in civil as
opposed to military courts. The third
called on the National Congress to
place.more emphasis on investigating
government corruption.
The pastoral letter alluded to the
1988 Lambeth Conference, recognizing
that the sexual issue, which touches
on all aspects of social and individual
life, is not completely resolved.
"Studies about the factors which contribute
to different understandings
regarding homosexuals continue. As
bishops we recommend dialogue,
prudence and pastoral concern for people
with a homosexual orientation in
the faith community," said the
Bishops' letter.
Anglican bishops stated that they
cannot assume definitive positions
about the ordination of gays and lesbians
or marriages between people of
the same sex, as the issue is not
defined within the Anglican Communion.
They argue that while the
Bible condemns homosexuality in
some passages, the Holy Book was
not dictated by God~ but rather is
God 's revelation which carries the
interpretation · of its authors who
bring the influence of their culture
and their era.
Gay rights activists invade
Archbishop '_s palace
LONDON (AP) - Gay rights activists
scaled the walls of Lambeth Palace,
residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury,
to confront him over the
Church of England's stance on gay
priests.
The Most Rev. George Carey, spiritual
head of the Anglican Church,
was meeting with 16 senior clergy
.from around the world when 10 demonstrators
clambered over the walls
and interrupted a photo opportunity.
The protesters from the group OutRage
accused Carey of consistently
failing to meet repre~entatives of gay
Christian movements and of victimizing
gays and lesbians in and out of
the church.
OutRage leader Peter Tatchetl said
the group objected to Carey ruling out
any future role for members of the
clergy involved in gay relationships.
Witnesses said Tatchell seized the
archbishop's arm to grab his attention
and brief scuffles ensued.
After 10 minutes, Carey told them:
"I find your manner offensive. That is
enough. I'd like you to leave my
grounds."
· The protesters left peacefully.
Tatchell said the protest was timed
to follow Carey's comments in a television
documentary, restating the
official church view on gay clergy.
In the television documentary,
Carey ruled out the possibility that
the Church of England would sanction
or bless same-sex relationships. He
said that the church is clear that
"practicing homosexuality is not to be
condoned in the priesthood." While
they may be ordained, clergy "should
live a celibate lifestyle ... Homosexuals
are people loved by God, have
gifts to offer, but the discipline of the
church has not changed," he said.
"The discipline of the church is that
we recognize two lifestyles. One is
marriage and the other is celibacy,
·and there can't . be anything in between
and we don't recognize same-sex
marriages."
The General ·synod, the church's .
d.ecision-making body, only recognizes
celibacy or faithful heterosexual
marriage for priests.
"This view tacitly endorses the victimization
of people both in the
church and in the wider society,"
Tatchell said.
r·················!:· ····..·.·.·.· ..... ·.;.·.·.· ... · ..... ····.···.·.·.:.:.·.:.-..... ·.·.· ... ·.·.· ..... :.1.:····.· .......... :· ... ·.·.:.·.·.·.· ..... .:.:· ..... ·.· ................... ;.;.:.;.1: World News
Antigay camJxlignprompts church to withdraw from Harare
By Edmund Doogue
Ecumenical News International
GENEY A - An antigay campaign by
Zimbabwe's president, Robert
Mugabe, has prompt ed a Dutch
church to announce it will not take
part in the n ext assembly of the
World Council of Churches (WCC), to
be held in Harare, the capital of
Zimbabwe, in September 1998.
"The main reason [for the decision
not to attend] is that in Zimbabwe
there is a violation of human rights,
according to our vision," Rene van den
Berg, an official and former secretary
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
(ELK), told ENI April 7.
He said that the church's decision,
taken by its synodal commission in
March, followed correspondence and
discussion with the WCC, of which
the ELK is a member . In a press
release, the ELK, which has 20,000
members, said it ·had taken its decision
"on account of the very unfavorable
climate for homosexuals in Zimbabwe
. ... The synodal commission
intends with its decision to send a
clear signal -of protest against the situation
in Zimbabwe."
There has been widespread interna-
Retired Chwch of F.nglilnd bishop
speaks supportively of gays
THE FORMER BISHOP of Salisbury,
the Rt .. Rev. Dr . John Baker, has
called for gay marriages to be sanctioned
by the Church of England. The
Bishop was giving a lecture entitled
"Homosexuality and Christian ethics
- a new way forward" at St Martinin-
the-Fields Church in London. The
Bishop chaired the group which produced
"Issues in Human Sexuality"
the Church of England report in 1991
which reinforced th~ celibacy rule
for gay clergy. The Bishop now feels
"obliged to dissent from that
judgment."
"I cannot see _that married heterosex~
al clergy have a right to deny
their homosexual brothers and sisters
the potential spiritual blessing of a
sexual relationship when they themselves
enjoy that blessing. A · public
Christian act should not be refused, if
desired, because to do so would be to
fall back into the old condemnation of
such relationships on principle," he
said.
· The Archbishop of Canterbury, the
Most Rev. George Carey, said of the
lecture: "Bishop John Baker's conclusions
suggest a very significant departure
from the Church 's current mind
and discipline as set out in the General
Synod Resolution 0£1987 and the
i991 House of Bishop's Statement.There
is no question of any sudden
change in the Church' s officiaI-posi- ·
tion regarding homosexual practice,
and Bishop Baker will be well aware
that very many of his colleagues and _
friends, including my~elf, will disagree
with ru,m about the way forward
he proposes. Nevertheless, his
lecture . deserves to be read with
respect and care as a contribution to
continuing debate:"
-Anglican Communion News Service
Vatican statement shows greater
·comJxIBSion toward gays
VATICAN CITY - In an article about
homosexuality, the Vatican newspaper
has urged Roman Catholic s to
respect gays, saying they too can
achieve sanctity in the church if
they abstain from sex.
The article in L'Osservatore
Romano broke no new ground on the
church's teaching that, while homosexual.
tendencies are not . wrong,
homosexual acts are sinful.
But its tone was far more compassionate
and accepting of gays and lesbians
than the church has been in the
past.
The article, the last of a 14-part
series of reflections on homosexuality
and Christianity was at times stunning
in its ·openness toward gays, calling
for the "acceptance of people in
their diversity."
The article said gays should have a
role in the church and that role
should be a full one, including participation
in the sacraments, if they
remain chaste .
Arci Gay, Italy's largest gay rights
group, praised the Vatican for drawing
attention to gay rights in the
church but criticized it for continuing
to insist that they remain chaste.
"The repeated interventions of the
church are a recognition of the homosexua
l question but the opinions
expressed are heartless and cruel,"
said Arci Gay President Franco _Grillini.
- Chicago Tribune
tional publicity about the views of
President Mugabe, who has said publicly
on several occasions that gays
are not welcome in Zimbabwe, that
their behavior is comparable to that
of animals and that homosexuality is
a Western import.
The WCC assembly is held every
seven years and, as t~e most important
event in the life of the organization,
attracts thousands of Christians
from around the world . Questions
about the venue of the next assembly
were raised during the last two
annual meetings of the WCC's Central
Committee without, however,
any formal proposal being made to
change the assembly site. The issue of
homosexuality is highly sensitive for
many of the WCC's 332 member
·. churches. ·
The wee has negotiated a
"Memorandum of Understanding"
with the Zimbabwe government
which guarantees that the WCC can
conduct the gathering without interference.
"For us it was obvious that Mr.
Mugabe will allow the WCC to gather,
but only under strict conditions," .
van den Berg said. His · church was
concerned about the situation for people
in Zimbabwe outside the assembly
site .. "Would the Wee have met
in South Africa [tinder apartheid]?"·
van den Berg said . "I don't think so."
He said his church "has a vision of
·homosexuality in the church . . We.
accept gay relationships and we
accept gay people as pastors. ·We
would not feel free to send· a delegate
who is homo sexual to the assembly."
He said there w ere homosexual rnembets
on the synodal commission and
about a third of the church's clergy
are homosexual.
The WCC was aware of the decision
of the ELK, van den Berg said . A
WCC staff member had told him
that some American churches were
■ A wee staff member
said that some
American churches
were also . planning
to raise the issue of
homosexual rights ...
■ also planning to raise the issue of
homosexual rights during the assembly.
A spokesperson for the WCC told
ENI: "It is always a matter ·of .regret
when any member church dqes not
take part in a WCC assembly. This is
especially the case with the Eighth
Assembly, which will be faced with
important decisions regarding the
churches' common understanding of
ecumenism and their vision for the ·
future of the wee."
Asked about the ELK's concern over
the "violation of human rights," the
spokesperson said, "Generally the
holding of any WCC event in ~ny
location should not be seen as making
a comment on any of the policies of
-lhe government - of the country in
which they happen to be meeting."
UNICEF renews complaints about
treatment of women
GENEVA (AP)-The U.N. Children's
Fund renewed criticism of Afghanistan's
religious rulers, saying that .
excluding women and girls from public
life would have "catastrophic" c_onsequences.
The Taliban religious army controls
two-thirds of Afghanistan, including
the capital, Kabul. It has imposed a
strict version of Islamic law, includ-
. ing a ban on girls attending schools
and women working.
"Afghanistan is a nation of
widows," said Carol Bellamy, Executive
Director of UNICEF, in a statement.
"Women are not only vital
members of the work force but are frequently
the only-bread-winners of the
family."
"If they cannot earn a living, they
will not be able to feed their children.
The consequences will be catastrophic."
'
With an estimated 30,000 widows in
Kabul alone - and only a tiny proportion
of them permitted by the Tali
·ban to work in the · health sector -
many have been forced to beg in the
streets.
UNICEF has suspended ·its aid to
education programs in protest at the
exclusion of girls and women. It has
been the most vocal of all the U.N .
agencies in protesting Taliban
policies; ·
Meanwhile, the U.N. High Commissioner
for Refugees said it was
concerned about the influx of refugees
fleeing fighting between Taliban and
former government forces in valleys
north of the capital.
An average "800 people a day
entered Kabul over the past three
weeks, straining the city's scarce
resources, it said. Since UNHCR set
up a checkpoint on the edge of the
city in January, some 140,000 people
have entered.
PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, ·1997
AIDS Warriors & Heroes
Duke doctor finds
~ for children
with AIDS/HIV
By Kay McLain
The Herald-Sun
DURHAM, N.C. - Pediatrician
Samuel Katz is • an op.timist, even
though he spends his days watching
children walk a -fragile line between
life and death.
When someone asks him, "How can
you work with children who have a
fatal disease?" he cites the survival
rate today, compared with a decade
ago, of children infected with HIV .
"In .1986, those children died in 6 to
12 months. Now, children 10 to 12
years old are doing well," said Katz,
who works at Duke Medical Center .
"It's still tragic when children are
infected with HIV, but the outlook
for survjval and for these children to
have happy, healthy years is so
much better."
Others believe Katz's optimism is
well founded, too. In October, the
Durham doctor was honored nationally
for his work with infectious disease
of children and presented with
the 1996 Medical Award of Excellence
by ,Ronald McDof!ald House
Charities.
The $100,000 award, given each
year to a physician who has contributed
to child health, can be used by
the recipient to benefit an organization
of his choice. Katz put the money
into a fund -at Duke to be used for
work on HIV/ AIDS. In. recognition of
his award, the Medical Center gave
an equal amount to the fundraising
effort for a children's .health center
at Duke,
Th'e ped.iatrics AIDS prqgram began
at Duke University Medical Center in
1986. .
Katz wasn't involved with the program
at the time, but his wife,
Catherine Wilfert, who is also a doctor,
'and her colleagues were the first
to use AZf, the first anti-AIDS drug,
to treat children. Today, there are
seven licensed drugs for children and
others are being studied.
"It's both interesting and frustrating,
because while there are tens of
thousands of adults who have
HIV/ AIDS, the numbers for children
infected are in the thousands," Katz
said. "So pharmaceutical firms · have
been less aggressive, understandably,
in developing drugs for children."
Duke was one of three locations
where clinical research on AZf to
treat children was conducted. Studies
showed that the drug could reverse
instances of developmental .retardaUon,
which is' one ' of the ways children
manifest infections.
Katz came to Duke in the fall of
1968 from Harvard Medical School
and Children's Hospital in Boston. ·
There, he worked in a laboratory
with viruses and infectious diseases,
including measles, and with John
Enders, another doctor, he developed
the measles vaccine that's now used
throughout the world.
But in addition to research, Katz
was interested in educating people
about children's health problems .
Katz became chairman of pediatrics
at Duke in 1 %8, a post he held until
1990, and he saw the collaboration
he'd envisioned with other groups \on
campus come to pass. , ·
Joint appointments for doctoral fellows
in history and· pediatrics, the
Divinity ·school's chaplaincy program,
a program in the Law School
that helped the families of children
with HIV and AIDS, and a strong
biomedical engineering program that
applied microtechnology to the needs
of children with congenital heart
disease - th_ese all contributed to
children's health during his years as
chairman. ··
"They were wonderful years, and
these collaborative programs have
been extremely productive and
"rewarding," Katz said. "But when I
SEE HOPE, Next Page
PAGE 20 • SE(;OND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
'The Science of HIV''
New national cmiculumaims to
. slow spread of HIV among teens·
By The National Science
Teachers Association
Special to Second Stone
NEW ORLEANS - A new tool to slow
down the spread of HIV where it is
increasing fastest - among teens - was
unveiled April 4.
"The Science of HIV," a 184-page
· teacherS' guide and 30-minute video,
is the first science program designed
to teach students nationwide about
the human immunodeficiency virus,
how it causes AIDS, and how to
avoid it, according to the National
Science Teachers Association.
"The research community has made
encouraging progress in treating
AIDS, but the only 100 percent effective
treatment we have is prevention,"
said James Gallarda, a senior
research biochemist for Abbott Laboratories
. "By teaching the science of
HIV and AIDS, we hope to give students
a better understanding of how
this disease is prevented and treated .
Abbott believes strongly that education
is the missing link in stopping
the spread of AIDS."
Gallarda, who h~lped put together
the Chicago Museum of Science end
Industry's AIDS •exhibit, said that
work prompted Abbott .to ask the
NST A about developing the program.
It is vitally important to educate
young people about HIV and AIDS,
NSTA executive director Gerald
Wheeler said.
A new report from the Centers for
Disease Prevention and Control found
that new AIDS cases among 13- to 25-
year-olds infected through sex and
drug needles rose 20 percent between
1990 and 1995, he said. One quarter of
all new HIV infections are among
people younger than 22.
Even science teachers in the audien.
ce murmured in surprise at the
results of one demonstration designed
to show how quickly a virus can
spread.
Author Michael DiSpezio passed
out clear plastic rups of clear liquid to
the two dozen teachers and reporters
who attended the breakfast meeting.
Four of the cups were "infected"
with an alkali and ·would turn bright
pink when the right chemical was
added.
He had each person turn to· a neighbor,
mix the contents of their cups
together, then divide the mixed liqui<;
I back between the two cups. Then
each person turned to a different
neighbor and did the same thing.
.DiSpezio went down the aisles with
a vial and eyedropper, adding the
telltale chemical to each cup. Every
single one turned bright pink.
Sharon Nelson, a biology teacher at
Waunakee High in Wisconsin and an
advisory board member for the project,
told the group that when she
used the demonstration in her class of
22 students, two cups remained clear -
and one was held by a student she
had asked to abstain from mingling
fluids.
"I was just - 'Wow! The kids will
really go for that! That is very
emphatic,"' said Willa Ramsay, a
■
"By the time they
get to us at ninth
grade, they're
pretty well educated
the wrong
way. I think we
need to get to the
students in sixth
grade."
■
high-school physics · teacher, science
department chair at James Madison
High in San Diego and member of the
NSTA's Committee on High School
Science Teaching. ·
DiSpezio said he thinks that
teaching HIV as science, rather than
morality, will help the curriculum
avoid th.e fate of safe-sex_ education
programs. A committee named by the
National Institutes of Health
reported in February that moral and
government objects are bJ9cking safe
sex ~ducation programs.
Ramsay was impressed .by the pro
·gram's adaptab,ility. The teacher . in
Madison's advanced placement physiology
class "will go wild for it," she
said - but she also expects .the regular
biology teachers to use it, too.
She asked if it could also be used in
middle school, and the developers
said yes.
"By the time they get to us at ninth
grade, they're pretty well educated
the . wrong way," Ramsay said. "I
think we need to get to the. students in
sixth grade."
Mountain.c~bing helpsm an conqueAr IDS, hemophilia
By Byron Hensley
The Daily News Journal
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Having
not one but two life-threatening,
incurable diseases can weigh heavily
on the mind.
But it's hard to think about death
from hemophilia or AIDS while
hanging from the side of a cliff.
That's why David Tignor, who has
both diseases, has chosen rock climbing
as a hobby.
"With hemophilia or AIDS, just
getting out and doing stuff makes you
feel better," said Tignor, 21. "There's
a lot out there to see and feel. You've
got to live your life, get out and do
HOPE,
From Previous Page
turned 60, I decided that Duke and I
were ready for a change. I decided to
focus-on the AIDS program, working
with children. Now, I spend a major
portion of my time with children and
in the area of infectious diseases."
Some of Katz's time is spent in the
pediatric infectious diseases outpatient
clinic two days a week.
Katz and h,is cqlleagμes see children
·from all over the state, as well as
from South Carolina, Virginia and
TeMessee.
"The children are very appealing,
and they love to come to the clinic,"
Katz said. "But this is not a simple
doctor/ patient relationship. It's a
real team effort that includes nurses,
social workers, nurse practitioners,
physicians assistants, a pharmacist,
a riutritionist and psychologist."
Not all of the children have to
travel to Duke for treatment.
Wilfert, Katz's wife, was instrumental
in getting a National Institutes
of Health grant that made it
possible to set up North Carolina
AIDS Network satellite treatment
centers. In addition to Duke, children
are seen at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina
University in Greenville, Bowman
Gray in Winston-Salem, and
Charlotte Regional Medical Center.
"Families don't have to travel as
far to get care. Our physicians and
nurses go out to them," Katz said.
"It's very gratifying."
But the treatment is costly.
"People say, 'Why so much money
for AIDS? There are more people
dying of heart disease and cancer,"'
Katz said. "But with AIDS, it's when
they die. AIDS is the biggest killer
of males aged 25-44, so they're dying
in their most productive years with
what you can while you have time.·
"When I climb, I get a feeling of
accomplishment," he said. "If I sat
around the house, being inactive, my
self-esteem would probably be so low
I'd want to die."
As a hemophiliac, Tignor lacks a
protein necessary for the clotting of
blood. The lack of natural clotting
makes death by bleeding easy for
hemophiliacs. However, by taking
precautions, it is still possible to lead
an active life.
"You have to know your limitations.
Sometimes, I don't always know my
· own limitations," Tignor said.
A benefit of rock climbing for hemophiliacs
is that it strengthens the
AIDS, and we're losing the young
population."
Preventing children from becoming
infected in the first place concerns
those who treat children infected
~ith HIV.
He said the best study to date on
mother-to-infant transmission of HIV
was done under the AIDS Clinical
■
" ... while HN / AIDS
brings out the
worst in some people,
it brings out
the best in others.
And that's what we
should concentrate
on and emphasize."
■
Trials Group, which is made up of 21
centers around the country that study
children with AIDS.
"By identifying women with HI,Y
infection who are pregnant, it's possible
to treat them during pregnancy,
labor and delivery and reduce by twothirds
the transmission from mother
to infant," Katz said. "But it's a very,
very fragile area, because a developing
fetus in utero is a vulnerable target,
and we don't want to give drugs
that will damage the fetus;"
There's also a question of whether
the women should be screened in'lhe
first place. Even with such . good
results from treatm,ent, there are only
a few states, including North Carolina,
that say a woman must be offered
the opportunity to be screened and
given counseling. Other states don't
SEE HOPE, Page 28
muscles and joints, which are prone lo
deterioration because of the disease.
However, in doing so, it also causes ·
more internal bleeding t? the joints
and muscles.
There are many ways to lose blood
while rock climbing, such as by the
cuts and abrasions through the friction
of skin against rock. Such surface
injuries, however, are not the sort
that can threaten most hemophiliacs.
A common misconception about
hemophilia is that hemophiliacs
can bleed to death from minor cuts,
Tignor said.
"I've had some major cuts before,
and I just did what you're supposed to
do, apply a bandage and pressure,"
Tignor said.
A. more serious threat is internal
bleeding. A hemophiliac can bleed
internally without being aware of it,
causing serious damage to joints and
muscles over a period of time.
"If a normal person jumps off of
something four feet high, he can burst
a blood vessel. With a hemophiliac,
blood builds up in the joints," Tignor
said.
One effect of internal bleeding is
gradual loss of cartilage, as Tignor
has, particularly in the ankles.
Dealing with the physical pain
caused by the cartilage loss is probably
the biggest problem he has with
his sport.
"In the ankles, I've probably lost a
good percentage of my cartilage. It's
like bone on bone," he said.
"When I finish, my legs are in so
much pain I have to crawl around in
my apartment for a day to recover.
But I love it so much. A lot of people
thirik it's crazy, but I love it, and I'm
going to do it."
body.
He sometimes uses clotting factor to
relieve the internal bleeding caused
by the hemophilia, often as a precaution
against the bleeding he can cause
through strenuous physical activity.
"I have to take factor to clot the
blood through IV or a shot," Tignor
said. "Now, since I'm so active, I
infuse quite a bit, maybe twice a
week, since I'm doing so much stuff."
Tignor said he wanted to play football
in high school. But the physical
■
"When I climb, I get
a feeling of accom-·
plishment. If I sat
around the house,
being inactive, my
self-esteem would
probably be so low
I'd want to die."
■
strain of hemophilia kept him off
the field, a fact that may partially
explain the fervor with which he
has ta.ken up other sports.
"I couldn't play in high school," he
sai.d. "In college I wanted to do
something exciting." While a student
at Motlow State Community College,
Tignor joined an outing club and participated
for the· first time in whitewater
rafting. Friends he made during
those outings introduced him to
rock climbing. .
"I've been loving it ever since," he
said. "I'm not going to let HIV or
hemophilia get in the way of doing
what I want to do." ·
Getting up and down mountains
alive is a matter of knowing one's
limitations, he said. One of those
limitations is created by AIDS,
which Tignor developed after being
given a transfusion with HIVinfected
blood as a child. Tignor has worked as a counselor for
Some 80 percent of severe hemophil- five years at Brandon Springs, a sumiacs
have been infected with HIV as mer camp near Land between the
a result of infected blood given in Lakes for hemophiliac children. He
transfusion or infected supplies of is majoring in social work at Middle
protease inhibitor. Tennessee State University. The
''That changes a lot of lives," Tignor career choice was influenced by his
said. "Dealing with hemophilia own experiences as a hemophiliac.
damages the muscles and joints over "A lot of social workers don't know
time. Then HIV deteriorates the what it's like," Tignor said, . ''They
immune system. Normal stufHike the can empathize, but they don't really
flu can set in and be life threatenirig." understand. I thought I could relate
Tignor was infected with HIV in better, being a hemophiliac." ·
1989. He was diagnosed as having In the meantime, Tignor has taken
AIDS in 1992. He now controls the on other activities such as .mountain
virus through use of protease irihlbi- .biking and caving,.
tors that work effectively enough to "Next on my agenda is probably sky
remove almost any trace of it from his diving," he said.
PAGE 21 • UCOND STONE• MAY/JUNE. 1997
Church & Or anization News
UFMCC ~ largest-ever
Pacific Rim gay/lesbian
religious conference
LOS ANGELES - The largest iniernational
gay and lesbian religious
gathering ever held in the Pacific
Rfm will take place in Sydney, Aus0
tralia July 20-25, according to the
Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator
of the Universal Fellowship of
Metropolitan Community Church es
(UFMCC).
''This is the first pf UFMCC's bien°
nial General Conferences to, be held
outside of North America, and
reflects our growing commitment as a
truly international community · of
faith," said Perry .
This year's General Confen,nce will
feature a public rally at Sydney's
historic town hall, keynote addresses
by internationally recognized ·human
rights ·activists and theologians,
Ecumenkal & Inclusive
'•'.' tiy i ,;!,:' :-iii
t r'.v:,. ,_ ;Ul~!f lr·· '\ . .~ ~ l 'k·; '.;
_,,\ · . i~-'il , , ·~· \ /: {.
1_ t : in _.f
We are a Christian community of men
- and women from various Catholic and
Protestant traditions involved iii minstries
of love, compassion and .reconciliation.
We live and work in the world,
supporting ourselves and our ministrie s
- and are inspired by the spirit of St.
Francis and St. Clare. We are not
canonically affiliated with any denomination.
Join us on retreat June 27-29, 1997 at
Emmaus House, Perth Amboy, NJ.
Vocation Director
Dept. 55, PO Box 8340
New Orleans, LA 70182
Mercy of God Community
business and planning sessions, an
international AIDS luncheon, and an
extensive list of social and sightseeing
options.
Workshops and seminars wiB
explorn -gay sexuality, spirituality,
activism, gay parenting, outreach to
the g/1/b/t comi m1nities, addressing
the faith concerns of the gay community,
AIDS ministry in a new era, and
the use of technology on behalf of gay
spirituality.
The international theme of
UFMCC's General Conference XVIII
is taken from the words of Christ,
"You are the light of the world."
Additional information on the General
Conference is available by writing
UFMCC, 8704 Santa Monica Boulevard,
2nd Floor, West Hollywood,
CA 90069; by phoning (310) 360-8640,
and by e-mail at
UFMCCHQ@aol.com.
Cleveland HRC
recognizes United
Church of Christ
THE UNITED CHURCH of Christ
was honored for its longtime support
and recognition of the lesbian and_gay
community as the recipient of the
Torch Award at the 4th Annual
Human Rights Campaign Cleveland
dinner. The award was accepted by
the Rev. Dr . Paul H. Sherry, president
of the UCC, on April 19.
"Dr. Sherry was on the front lines,
campaigning for -social justice before
it was th e popular thing to do," said
Elizabeth Berrey, co-chair of the
Cleveland HRC dinner . "He 1s testified
before Congress, discouraging
'Don't Ask, Don't .Tell' policies for
the U.S. military , and has addressed
the World Council of Churche s, educating
other leaders of Prot estant
denomination s about gender-related
issues ."
PAGE 22 SECOND 'STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
· ,.__
Events
Announcements in this section are provided
free of chargi as a service to Chrislian
organizations. To have an event listed, send
information to Second Stone, P.O . Box
8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to
(504)899-4014, e-mail secstone@aol.com.
Never Turning Back:
13th·Annual More Light
Conference ·
MAY 23-25 , Lewis and Clark College in Portland
, Ore., is the setting for this Presbyterian
conference which features as its keynote
speaker Rev . Dr . James Alexa nd e r Forbe s,
Jr., senior l?astor of Riverside Church in New
York City. This conference, a celebration of.
inclusion in Christ's community, will provide
support for the newcomer as well as
stimulation and challenge for the longtimers
in the movement for inclusion. Ten
-workshops are planned. For-information call
Dick Hasbany , (541)345-4720.
Writing retreat
JUNE 2-4, "What God ls Up To ... In So Many
Words,' a retr .eat led by Donna Schaper,
author of ·"Shelter for th e Spiritually
Homele ss." The sessio ns will involve writing
and comment. Ail participants will
enjoy each other's work into being. Results
should include better listening, a. better relationship
with words, and the making of
speaking, writing, preaching , and thinking·
more truihful and beautiful. For information
contact Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor.
PA 18013-9359, (610)588-1793.
Gay, Lesbian and Christian:
Giving Praise
JUNE 5-8, This 21st annual even t al the
mountain retreat of Kirkridge explores issues
of sexuality in the context o( Chrislian faith
and pra_ctice and includes daily worship, presentations
, small group sharing, workshops
, play and celebration. Leader s are
John McNeill , Virginia Ramey Mollenkott,
Mary Hunt and Rev. Rainey Cheeks. Cost is
$300. For information contact Kirkridge,
2495 Fox· Gap Rd., Bangor , PA 18013-
9359, (610)588-1793.
Friends for Lesbian and
Gay Concerns Gathering
JUNE 6-8, 'Spiritual Fruits and Nuts of the
Quaker Fami ly Tree: Whal Are the Roots of
Our Calling as Queer Quakers?' is the Iheme
• of this meeting of Friends (Quak ers). For
information contact Sam Elwonger
(206)246-8482, Pat Matthews (206)789-
4275 or Margaret Sorrel (206)632-9566.
American Baptists Concerned
National Retreat
JU NE 28 - JULY I , "Rooted in the Word" is
the theme of this yea r's biennial meet(ng of
the American Baptist Church /USA and AmeriCan
Baptists Concerned. The retreat will be
held at the w3.ycross Conference and Retreat
Center in Beanblossom, Indiana (near Indianapolis).
Fee is $200. Promi sed is a wonderful
time o f community building , wor ship,
and play . Fo r information contac t ABC. P.O.
Box 16128, Oakland, · CA 94610 , (510)530-
. 6562 , ambapl ists@aol.com.
Soul Force Seminar
JUNE 14, Rev. Dr. Mel While hosts this
training session in Gandhi and King techniques
for use in peace and justice activism.
9:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. at _MCC-Los . Angeles,
8714 Santa Monica Blvd. , West Hollywood.
This is a hands-on, 'doing justi ~e more effectively'
training session and all are welcome
to attend. For information contact MCC-LA
al (310)854-9110.
UCCLGC 1997
National Gathering
JU NE 30 - JULY 3, The United Church Coalition
for Lesbian and Gay Concerns is celebrating
its 25th ann .iver sary during _ this
meeting to be held al Ohio Stale University
in Columbus. This. gathering will inch,de
affinity groups, worship, a dance, a talent
show , an Open & Affirm ing _dinner at North
Congregational Church, and many opportunities
10 share s tories and make friends. For
information call 1-800-653-07 99.
ConnECtion '97
JULY 3-6, Chapman University in Orange,
Cal., is the setting for llus annual gathering
of Evangelicals Con~emed. ·•weaving Com- ·
munity from Diversity: Discovering our
Unity in -Christ" is the theme. Activities
include w.orship', keynote addresses, workshops,
small group interaction, lime to play
and talk , and time to · renecl. Keynote speakers
include Dr. Ralph Blair, Rev . Marchiene
Rienstra and Dr. Donald Dayton. For information
contact ECWR. P .O. Box 66906 ,
Phoenix, AZ 85082, (602)893-6952.
The Disarming Heart:
12th Gathering of the
Baptist Peace Fellowship
JULY 21-26, 'Pa rt conference, part rev ival,"
this event at Eastern Mennonite University
in Ha rrisonburg, Virgini a, marks the 12th
gathering of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of
North America. The conference promises a
rediscovery of peacemaking _ heritage, special
programs for children and youth, louring
in the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley
, and a festival of music, preaching, s tudy
and recreation. Registration fee i s $95. For
information contact the Baptist Peace Fellowship,
P.O. Box 280, Lake Junaluska, NC
28745 , (704)456-1881.
Gay and Lesbian Parents
Coalition International
18th Annual Conference
JULY 24-27, 'With Liberty and Justice Fer- ·
All" is ·1he theme of the GLPCI and Children
of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere gathering
to be held a t the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia,
Pa . The organization invite s all lo
experience the fellowship of families from
a;ound the wor ld. Workshops include "Our
Families and the Schools" and "MultiCultural
FamilieS." Guest speakers include
Dr. April Marlin, author of 'T he Gay and
Lesbian Parenting Handbook . " Cost is
$350, which inc lude s registration , acco mmodations
and seven meals. For infonnation
contact' GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360 . Washington.
DC 20091, (202)583-8029.
"Claiming the Promise"
Christian Community News
New curriculum guides study of homosexuality and the church
A COALITION OF eleven lesbian/
gay-affirming Christian groups has
published "Claiming the Promise: An
Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study
Resource on Homosexuality." The new
curriculum challenges traditional
Christian interpretation of the Bible
as exclusively condemnatory tow,ird
lesbian and gay persons .
The new resource condenses. the best
modern biblical schoiarship on homosexuality
into a study book accessible
to lay persons. The curriculum goes
beyond simply interpreting a few biblical
references about same-sex conduct
to looking at the larger context of
what it means to be Christians claiming
God's promise that all persons are
heirs of God.
"Claiming the Promise" was written
by Dr. Mary Jo Osterman, Christian
educator and editor of "Open Hands"
magazine. It is published as .a sevensession
study series for use in church-
Events
Water of Life: Rites
of the Gay Male Spirit
AUGUST 1-3. Ken White and John Linscheid
facilitate this Kirkridge weekend retreat for
gay men. The gathering is an exploration of
the use of ritual to foster gay spiritual
growth. For information contact Kirkridge.
2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor, PA 18013-
9359, (610)588-1793.
Retreat:
"God's Amazing Grace"
AUGUST 1-3. Holy Spirit Fellowship of
Long Beach, Cal., hosts its annual retreat at
Mt. Calvary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara.
For information contact Pastor Duane Moret,
P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809,
(562)435-0990.
Gay and Lesbian
Family Week
AUGUST 2-9, Gay and Lesbian Parents Coal.
i tion Inlernational sp~msors a \Yeek of
relaxation and entertainment for gay and lesbian
families in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI
will host a bfach b.arbecue and provide an
information sh,eet at the Provincetown
Chamber of Commerce Building suggesting
daily activities. No ree. For •information call
. (202)583-8029.
Sisters in a Strange Land
AUGUST 22-24, A retreat for Christian Lesbians
to be held at a center near Lake Michigan
.in southwest Michigan. Contact Leaven,
P.O. Box 23233. Lansing, Ml 48909,
(517)855-2277.
National Association of
Catholic Diocesan Lesbian
and Gay Ministries
Fourth Annual Conference
SEPTEMBER 4- 7, Sheraton Hotel, Long
es, in study groups, or by individuals.
A 48-page study book is supplemented
by a 60-page leader's guide, including
a youth adaptation.
The curriculum was developed over
18 months with critical review by 15
respected scholars in the bible, theology,
and ethics, along with readers
from the different publishing groups.
• It was also tested in 25 churches
before publication. ·
''The uniqueness of 'Claiming the
Promise' is that it speaks directly to
the typical Christian in our
churches," said publisher Mark Bowman.
"The prevalent understanding
that the Bible condemns homosexuality
has been disputed by a growing
number of .Biblical scholars over the
past 20 years. However, this new
understanding has not filtered down
into our churches.
"We published 'Claiming the Promise'
for the many Christians who are
Beach, Cal. Plenary and workshop sessions
on gay/lesbian and family ministries, youth
and campus ministry outreach, spirituality
and retreats. Eucharist, reception and banquet
with Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los
Angeles. For information and registrB.tion
materials, call 510-465-9344, fax to 510-
451-6998, or e-mail to
NACDLGM@aol.com.
Parents, Families and Friends
of Lasbians, afld Gays 1997
International Conference
SEPTEMBER ll-14, PFLAG members from
around the country will gather at the Clarion
Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., for 'Love Takes
Action: The PFLAG Family Adventure." For
information · contact The Balcom Group,
360'o 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20008,
(202)234-3880, balcomgrp@aol.com.
Cultivating the Spirit:
21st Annual Quaker
Lesbian Conference
SEPTEMBER .25-28, A camp in beautiful
Bucks County, Penn., is the setting. Sliding
scale. For info.rmation contact QLC'97,
6906 Sherman St., Philadelphia , PA 19119,
QLC'97@aol.com.
Christian Lesbians OUT
4th Biennial Conference
OCTOBER 2-5, This gathering will be held at
a beautiful retreat center in the rolling hills
between Portland and Mt. Hood; Oregon.
'Called On The Journey: Sacred Spaces Of
Our Lives ' is this year's theme. Promised:
worship, workshops, speakers and play! For
information call (503)281-5405 or e-mail
mamadyke@aol.com.
uncomfortable with homophobic
policies and practices in our churches
and society but stjll believe that the
Bible defines homosexuality as sin.
This curriculum may well J?e a. major
■ "The prevalent
understanding that
the Bible condemns
homosexuality has
been disputed by a
growing number of
Biblical scholars .. ;''
breakthrough in opening more-do.ors .
to lesbian, gay and bisexual persons
and their families ."
"Cl'¼iming the Promise" is also
unprecedented in the scope of its ecumenical
sponsorship. It is published
by the Reconciling Congregation Program
(United Methodist) in cooperation
with Affirmation: United Methodists
for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
Concerns; the Asso.ciation of Welcoming
& Affirming Baptists; Dignity/
USA (Roman Catholic); Integrity
(Episcopal); Lutherans Concerned/
North Americ<); Mote Light Chμrches
Network · (Presbyterian); The Oasis
(Episcopal); Open and Affirming Pro-
. gr~ of the United Church Coalition
for, t' esbian/Gay Concerns; Open &
Affirming Ministries Program of the
Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples
Alli.ari~e; anq the Supportive 'Gongre- .
gatiom, Networ~ ' of t-he Brethren/
Men.nonite Coundl for Lesbian . and
GayC01J.cerns·.· ·
'The ' consulting scholars ' to
"Claiming the Promise" are: Dr. Bernadette
J. Brooten, Dr. William Countryman,
Dr. George Edwards;,Dr. Victor
Paul Furnish, Dr. John Goocli, Dr.
Daniel , /JC Helmirtial,, Dr. Mary T .
Hunt, Dr. Theoi:lore Jennings, Dr.
Ralph Klein, Dr. H. Darrell Lance,
Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Dr.
Stephen Reid, Dr. Sharon Ringe, Dr.
Roy Sano, and Patricia Washburn,
M.A.R.
Copies of "Claiming the Promise"
can be ordered from the Reconciling
Congregation Program, 3801 N.
Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641. Cost
is $5.95 for the study book, $9.95 for
the leader's guide, $3 shipping.
Names Makin News
Stritch College honors
Bro. Stephen Braddock ·
THE CARDINAL STRITCH College
Alumni Association has honored
· Camillian BROTHER STEPHEN E.
BRADDOCK as the recipient of the
1997 Alumni A ward for Professional
Distinction. Before receiving a doctorate
in pastoral counseling, Braddock
completed und·ergraduate and
graduate studies at Stritch in religious
studies and theology. Braddock is
the founder and director of. St. Camillus
HIV/ AIDS Ministry in Milwau~
k.ee. "While not possessing the
patience of Job, he is still able to
understand and take people where
they are at the present moment. and
respect them," said Fr. William. Cronin,
head of the Order of St. Camillus
North American Province, referring
to Braddock's staunch defense of the
dignity of sexual minorities.
Jim Sauder named
director of BMC
JIM SAUDER has been named the
first Executive Director of The
Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian
and Gay Concerns. Following a
search process which elicited excellent
candidates from both the United
States and Canada,· the search committee
brought forth a unanimous recommendation
that Sauder be offered
the position . At its February meeting
in La Verne, California, the BMC
Board approved the search committee's
recommendation "with acclamation."
Sauder brings eighty.ears of experience
serving as BMC Coordinator to
the new position as well as a strong
passion and commitment to the work
of BMC.
In accepting the position, Sauder
said, "I look forward to the additional
responsibilities placed with
the Executive Director; while knowing
that only with the support of the
Board and other volunteers will the
work be accomplished."
Transitions
VALERIE RUSSELL, longtime friend
and advocate for the interests and
concerns of the United Church Coalition
for Lesbian/Gay Concerns,
recently passed away. She was the
executive director of the UCC Office
for Church and Society. Russell gave
the keynote address at the Coalition's
Open and Affirming Program's
"ONA 90 East" in Worcester, Mass.,
in 1990. Her friends in the UCC are
already missing her passion and commitment
for justice, tinged at times
with a touch of "holy irreverence."
PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
Bocl{ guides gays arrlleslms into cy~
'GetOn Withlt'
Books
THE INTERNET HOLDS a wealth
of material for the gay and lesbian
community, and even the closeted gay
person can gain self-esteem and pride
by accessing and using these abundant
resources. With mor~ modems per
capita than any other group, gays
and lesbians are two of the most connected
segments of society. According
to "Out " magazine's online survey,
about one-third of user-generated
America Online chat rooms are
geared toward the gay community,
receiving almost 2 million visits, or
"hits" a month .
Richard · Laermer, author of
"Native's Guide to New York" and
"The Gay and Lesbian Handbook to
New York City," has written the
first book to fully educate users about
the extensive gay and lesbian Internet
and its social implications.
"Get On With It: The Gay and Lesbian
Guide to Getting Online"
(Broadway Books) is a user-friendly
r.esource guide , appropriate for all
levels of ' internet savvy, providing
easy shortcuts on how to tap into the
wealth of resources available to the
gay and lesbian community .
In doing research for this book,
Laermer spent over a year scoping the
World Wide Web, contacting everyone
from legal and public relations
officials of the major online services,
to the individual · site creators . As a
result, "Get On With It" provides
extensive coverage of every step of
the process of getting "wire?," from
buying a modem and setting up email,
to navigating cyberspace with
sophistication .
Laermer takes a serious look at one
of the most pressing problems facing
the Internet today - the inevitable
collision of censorship, pornography,
and privacy - and shows how a
number of gay-targeted Web sites are
frequently balancing user desire for
provocative and racy content with
demands for self-censorship and evertightening
federal legislation about
what constitutes decency on the Internet
.
Graham reveals his personal
struggles in new autobiography
THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM, whose
advice on Christian parenting has
been heeded by hundreds of millions,
told Hugh Downs in a recent
interview that he would still love a
son that turned out to be gay.
Graham, who has resisted pressure
to align with the Christian Coalition
and other organizations of the
religious right, said he believes
homosexuality is a sin, but doesn ' t
think it should be set apart as a sin
greater than any other,
But when asked by Downs if he
would still love a gay son, Graham
replied, "I'd love him even more."
And for those intimidated by the
images of the Graham family
projected in some of his TV specials -
a modern-day version of the Waltons
- "Just As I Am: The Autobiography of
Billy Graham," _published by
HarperCollins, offers more personal
insights into how one of the nation's
most respected men of God had to
struggle through family tensions.
In his new autobiography, Graham
frankly discusses the ways his
religious calling took a toll on his
family life, and tlie tears thatlilled
his eyes more than once as he
prepared 19 board a train or plane for
preaching assignments throughout
the world.
His job-related travel took him
away from his family for months at a
time. Once, after a long business .trip,
it took him several minut~s to
recognize ·his own son.
Both his boys eventually went
through rebellious periods in which
they experimented with drugs .
Graham, like m·any religious
leaders whose job requires a lot of
travel, often found it necessary to
preach to . others what he had
difficulty practicing himself: the
need for fathers to spend time with
their children .
Given his own family situation,
Graham writes that he has only
respect and sympathy "for the
courageous and committed single
parents who .. . have to carry the
SEE GRAHAM,. Next Page
PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE . • MAY/JUNE, 1997
Resowce 'guide/or ~accidental,' grief counselors
GRIEF JS AN inescapable part of our
lives and has many causes,
"Responding to Grief: A Complete
Resource Guide" is designed to prepare
anyone to be responsive to those
who ar e suffering deep loss and pain.
The book's author, Dick Gilbert, is a
speciaiist in the field of grief and
has more than 20 years experience as
a hospital chaplain, consulting to
businesses, leading workshops, counseling
individuals and teaching. In
this directory, he shares with readers
his extensive bibliography of over
a thousand books, brochures, and
audio and video tapes that pertain to
grief.
BOOK
BARGAINS
Save as much as 50%1
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SONGLINES: Hymns, Songs, Rounds, and
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causes of grief, "Responding to Grief"
directs the reader to just the right
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in boxes and hav e a paragraph
of description. Author Gilbert
offers a "Top 12 List" of books that
have been most helpful in his own
grief counseling. The directory
includes over 30 pages of connections
to a large network of organizations in
North America that specialize in
grief issues. For information on
"R esponding to Grief" readers may
phone (888)224-7685 or fax an inquiry
to (510)236-1979.
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by McKinley and Delaney. Har¢<Ner.
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WOMEN PASTORS t,,, Stokes. Paper.
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~~if:~~~ By Rev. HowardH. Bess.
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Guided mediation casselfe !ape by Rev. Deanne
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HOW TO READ R2R: Listings are in
alphabetical order by state, then by
city. If a mailing address is given in a
listing the zip code appears in the
listing. NNG = No name given.
S=single, C=committed . G=gay,
L=lesbian, T =transgendered,
B=bisexual, S=straight. M=male,
F=female . . Age, religious affiliation,
occupation, contact information.
CALIFORNIA, BREA
BARB HUNERDOSSE, CLF, 44, EVANGELICAL,
BANK OPERATIONS OFFICER, 2394 RAINBOW
LN 92821, barteeh@aol.com
CALIFORNIA, PASADENA
BARRY DIXON, SGM, 40, WORLDWIDE CHUA
GOD, TECHNICAL WRITER, dec4th@aol.com
FLORIDA, PANAMA CITY
ROBB DOYLE, SGM, 38, CHARISMATIC ACC,
MEDICAL MESSAGE, 1139 EVERITT AVE 32401,
mg~y4jesus@aol.com
FLORIDA, BRANDON
ROBERT MORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAIJ
APOSTOLIC, FLIGHT ATTENDANT"'1INISTER,
2023 CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505.
ITALY, NAPOLI
PAOLO LANNI, SGM, 39, PENTECOSTAL, PHYSICIAN,
PO BOX 11, 80100 NAPOLI, 39-81-TT61534.
LOUISIANA, BA TON ROUGE
PAM GARRffiSON, SLF, 31, WTHERAN, GRAD
STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU
LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS
JIM BAILEY, SGM, 42, LUTHERAN, PUBLISHER,
.secstone@aol.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE, MANCHESTER
ROD, SGM, 42, INSURANCE UNDERWRITER,
hotnho9258@aol.com.
NEW YORK, YONKERS
JOHN PRATHER, CGM, 71, EPISCOPALIAN,
COMPUTER SPECIALIST, 7 BELL PL., 10701,
914-964-0079,
OREGON, FLORENCE
JOE NOLAN, CBM, 59, EPISCOPALIAN, GARDENER,
PO BOX2263,541-997-1752
TENNESSEE,CHATTANOOGA
CHUCK THOMPSON, SGM, NONDENOMINATIONAL,
PASTOR, 3623 FOUNTAIN
AVE., #109 37412, 423-624-9824
TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE
MEL, SGM, 42, PROTESTANT, PUBLISHER,
bnamelman@aol.com
TEXAS, BEAUMONT
MICHAEL DAVID, SGM, 42, PAINTER, PARALE·
GAL, 648558 MARK STILES, RT. 4 BOX 1500,
mos.
TEXAS, GALVESTON
WOODRPW COPPEDGE, SGM, 33, CATHOLIC,
PSYCHIATR'.tRESIDENT, 409-744-1444,
basse1ag@aol.com
TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO
AL EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERVICES,
PO BOX 12754 78212,
MOCHICA@FLASH:NET
VIRGINIA, RICHMOND
MICHAEL KEITH HALL, SGM, 39, BAPTIST, PRO·
GRAM SUPPORT/SCREENWRITER, 2201
FOURTH AVE., 23222.
NO LOCATION GIVEN
NNG, CLF, 39, BAPTIST, gosep@aol.com ................................ ';::J"·: .................... ........ . ·: Reauer. I
toReader I
IIIIIIIDIRECT CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~
A section of profiles of active subscribers who waptJo .meet other gay
and lesbian Christians acFOss town or across tq~··c.ountiy - To have
your . profile published simply send your lnfo~iofi "·to _Second Stone,
P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, e -~one@aol.com,
or FAX to (504)899-4014.
1. State, City--------"------"--------'---
2.Name--~----------------==--~--
CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female
6. Aga,__ 7. Religiousaffiliatio ~---------------
8, Occupation. ___________________ _
·;
~ i
I :,
!
!
._;
!
NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: ¥our maning address,.your e-mail ,!:,
address, or your telephone number.
9. Contact informatio,.. .... ---~-----------,,,---- !
, 10. Conlact information . . i
■------------·························-···············-······················· ' ••••••••••••••• GRAHAM,
FromPage24
burden alone."
One of the incidents he remembers
most vividly is his youngest son
coming up to greet him following an
extended absence.
"As we drove into the yard, I saw a
beautiful little child wandering out
to greet us . Even after I got out of the
car, it took some minutes before I
realized it was Ned," Graham
recalled in the book.
His oldest son, Franklin, is a
successful evangelist and the
successor-in-waiting to his father 's
ministry. Ned leads an international
ministry that has had success
distributing Bibles in China.
Except in emergencies, Graham said,
he and his wife, Ruth, never let a
day go by without Bible reading and
prayer in the home.
-AP and staff reports
MAY /JUNE 1997 OUTREACH PARTNER REPORT
Almost 2000 c~pies ·or the May/June issue of Second Ston e were distributed by Outreach
Partners, including our first shipment to South Africa.
The Outreach Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their
gay and lesbian communities by providing free. copies to distribute at gay pride
event s, at P-FLAG meetings , in bars, etc, The local ministry receives free advertising
space in Second Stone, inviting everyone who reads a copy to visit for worship.
It's easy to become an Outreach Partner.
First, you detennine the number of copies you can c!istribute in your community.
Most churches place a flier or brochure for the church in ·every copy they distribute. .
And remember how advertising ·works. Most often it takes 100 people to ·see yoμr ad
before you get your first response . . And remember how outreach works. You may not
get a response right away . You are planting seeds.
. Next, you send us your camera-ready ad, (There is no charge to run your ad.) We need
to receive your ad at P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Ad size: 2 1/2' wid·e X
3' tall.-Be sure to include in -your ad your logo, address and phone, service or meeting
times, and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at... " or "Call for infonnation
about .. "
The deadline for the July/August, 1997 issue is June 15. ,
The Outreach Partner program is a community fund wpich looks _like this right now:
MARCH/APRIL '96
MAY /JUNE '96
JULY /AUGUST '96
SEPI'EMBERIOCTOBER '96
NOVEMBER/DF.CEMBER '96
JANUARY/FEBRUARY ' 97
MARCHI APRIL ' 97
Celebration of Faith
Other Sheep (Richmond)
Third Lutheran Church
Safe l'jarbor/Joyful Sound
Abiding Peace Lutheran Church
Other Sheep (St Louis)
. .Park Avenue Christian Cjiurch
Lighthouse Apostolic Church
Community Gospel Church
Dayspring Christian Fellowship
Heaven's Tableland Church
Outreach Partner bad check/bank fee
TOT Al.EXPENSES
EXFENSES
15() copies
150 copies
50 copies
200 copies
250 copies
75 copies
50 copies
90 copies
100 copies
200 copies
100 copi es
CONfR!BtJrlONS
Balance forward
Holy Spirit Fellowship
Abiding Peace Lutheran Church
MCC of Las· Vegas
Heavep ' s Tableland Church
Other Sheep (Richmond) ·
Community Gospel Church
Dayspring Christian Fellowship
TOTALCONTRIBUTIONS
_83. 11 .
272.29
279.86
323 ,72
328.58
308.77
49 .09
41.38
15.89
50,94
70 .36
22,09
16.79
27,47
~ 28.28
52.26
28.28
54 . 10
2053,26
2079.29
SO.OD
70.36
50.00
29.00
50,00
26.00
50.00
2404 ,65
COi'ITRIBtJrlONSINEXCESSOFEXPENSES 351.39*
(*Does not include printing an d-shipping expenses for the May/June '97 issue. $100
• is designated for distribution in South Africa)
Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If
your church or organizat ion would like to participate in this program, pleas~· follow
the guidelines above. For. information call (504)899-4014, write to P.O . Sox ~340,
New Orleans, LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com.
PAGE 25 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997
SINCE
1988, A
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FOR THE
JOURNEY
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Father of a gay son has to
'eat some crow'
By Garnett E. Phibbs
Guest comment
1 AM THE "Proud Pop" of a gay soh -
and two straig ht sons. I'm a retired ·
Christian minister and was an ecumenical
executive for 30 years in the
United Church of Christ, founder of
the Charlotte Interfaith Network for
Gay and Lesbian Equality, and for 20
years a member and officer of Parents,
Families and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays (PFLAG).
As recently as 1976, when I was
approached as a lifelong advocate of
human rights to sigri onto a petition
for a city ordinance adding sexual
"preference" to the ·list of forbidden
discriminations agaihst race, religion,
gender, ·etc., in good conscience I
refused, because, I said, "There is a
fundamental difference - blacks don't
choose to be so, but homosexuals do."
Within a few short months 1
leatned that I had not only a gay son,
but a gay nephew and lesbian niece as
well. So I've spent these last two dee-
SECOND STONE Newspaper. ISSN
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ades learning just how totally wrong I
was. (And eating gobs of crow!)
My one mission in retirement years
has b ecome simply to share with as
many people as I can just what I have
learned in these 20 years of researching
all aspects of gayness and living
among thousands of gays and lesbians.
And now, of course, I know gays cannot
choose or change their sexual orientation
(any more than we straights
can), so it i_s not caught, taught or
recruited. Reputable scientists have
said for 2_0 years that sexual orientation
is not chosen . If you can be talked
into or out of it, you never were gay.
The most idiotic insult which
anyone can add to the injury felt by
my intelligent gay son, niece and
nephew is to try to convince them
that they knowingly "chose" a
"lifestyle" for which -t-lle whole
world would beat hell out of them as
long as they live! ·
I watched my own gay son go to work
every day for 14 long years, scared to
death 0£ being outed and fired by the•
openly homophobic owners of the
large retail chain where he worked.
And he was their acknowledged top
manager. _
The reason one third of all teen
suicides and two thirds of alJ-runaways
are .gay - and why many wrestle
mightily with alcohol, drugs, unsafe
sex, and low self-esteem - is not the
fault of the gay "lifestyle" but
rather due to their desperate efforts
to escape our judgementalism and
rejection, based on our ignorance, fear
and hate.
I wonder; then, how gays can possibly
be threatening our family values -
when they are th e ones often rejected
by all the u sual support - family,
peers , school and church - and at the
same time being denied the legal
right to form any family of their own.
■
There is no such
animal as a "gay
agenda" except
the one which
we should all
. share: to achieve
basic rights for
daily living
which all of us
heterosexuals
take for granted.
■
There is no such animal as a "gay
agenda" - except the one which we
should all share: to achieve those
exact _ same (.not "special") basic
rights for daily living which all of us
heterosexuals take for granted.
The ·only real "agenda" out there is
that of the homophobic preachers
and politicians to keep gays hidden,
controlled or punished.
Many world renowned Bible
scholars, without any gay bias, are
now proving that what we know as
homosexuality today is not in the
Bible - not even in that old favorite
story ofSodom, which ironically has
erroneously carried gays' very name
of derision ever since. Instead, these
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c,~ Pontius' Puddle
SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey
favorite Biblical proof-t exts refer to
rape, prostitution, pedophilia or dis.
carded antique "holiness" codes - not
to committed, same-gend er fove relationships
.
Even if gayness was m entioned irt
the Bible, there is just no way the
authors could have known anything
about its origin, as no one else did for
another couple of thousand years.
So does this mean th e Bible is
wrong? Of course not. Rather, . it
means that it is just as irr elevant to
this discov ery as it is for any oth er
discovery, like gravity, electricity,
computers or nuclear fission.
All Biblical writers, creatures of
their own times, assumed their universe
to be geocentric and that their
flat earth would destruct within
their own lifetimes. Their only
explanation for illness was sin by the
patient or parents if physical, or an
invasion of evil spirits if mental.
As the wars rage on in cities across
America regarding 'gay rights and
same-sex marriage, my own recommendation
for a community standard
befitting a city too busy to hate would
be:
"We affirm both the right of every
person to be ·whoev er he/ she was
created as a child of God, regardless
of sexual orientation, and the responsible
freedom to live that life accordingly."
We welcome your
letters and opinions
.Write to Secone Stone. All letters must
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Clearly indicate if your name is to be
withheld. We reserve the right to edit.
Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or
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(504)89.9-4014.
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GENERAL INTEREST
RESEARCH: Were ·you raised in a Southern
Baptist home, church? Are you gay, lesbian?
Your help is needed! Gay, lesbian former
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PAGE 28 • SECOND STONE MAY/JUNE, 1997
rn 1:: s:; ::r
CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you
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Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship,
P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA
90809. 4/97
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay
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2-night stop in deligh_tful Amsterdam.
$2,469.00 per person. Contact Second
Stone, P.O.· Box 8340, New O rleans, LA
70182, secstone @ao l.com
ORGANIZATIONS
Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni
of Principia Upper School and/or College,
HOPE,
From Page 21 .
want to deal with a potentially controversial
issue, fearing that women
who are screened arid found to be
infected will be treated ·negatively .
· The public's attitude toward HN
and AIDS is changing, but slowly,
Katz said : Those in the pediatric . ·
AIDS •:Ifmgram at Duke spend a lot of
time taiking with a wide rang e of
people, - including teachers who are
afraid of having HIV-infected children
in. the classroom and members ef
various religious groups.
"AIDS communicability is not like
measles or smallpox - it's sexually
transmitted or by blood transfusion.
And - because AIDS was first recognized
in gays and injectabl e-drug
users, it' s thought of as a sex uall y
transmitt ed . disease. It takes a lot to
get throu gh th e homoph obia a nd th e
disease being seen as 'd irty. "'
Katz and his colleagues meet regulsirly
with civic, community a nd
school groups, an d the y pay particular
a tt e nti on to junior hi gh sc h oo l
students.
"There's a 10-year incubati on from
infection to AIDS, so we ne e d to educate
te ens and preteens, who are at
the ag e when high-risk b eh av iors
begin," Katz said. "So our c oncern
with education programs begins with
10- to 11-year-olds."
Although children with HIV/ AIDS
· are looked upon as "innocent victims"
who des e rve help because their disease
wasn't caused by their b ehavior,
Katz said nega tive attitud es toward
the di sease are still hard on
familie s.
The goo d news is there's support for
families available. Sev era l gro ups
help by providing respite care for
parents of HIV-infected children,
and there's a network o f foster
families who pro v id e a n amazing
amount of un se lfish care.
· " All of our childr e n, if th eir own
for information write: David, Apt. 124, 2900
Connecticut A venu~. N.W., Washington, DC
20008. E-mail: Mrblanc@aol.com. B
WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE:
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Persons cashing altered checks or
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parents can't care for them, are with
other family members or foster
families . And these foster families
are amazing," Katz said. ' 'They take
on children who have to take as
many as eight .kinds of medication a
day, and some ·families have adopted
<ohildren even though they have a ,
disease that may be fatal.
"So while HIV/ AIDS brings out the
worst in some people, it brings out the
best in others. And that's what we
should concentrate on and
emphasize." .
There have also be en policy-making
efforts that are cause for encourage·
ment, Katz said. North Carolina
state government has been open and
relativ ely progressive in co ntrast to
some other s tate s, and the fe deral
government approach is increasingly
mor e an intellectual rather than an
emotional one.
Even if states are successful in preventing
infection from mother to i nfant
, however, there's another factor .
that adverse l y affects the children's
futur es. Because many of the mothers
ha ve AIDS, they'll eve ntu ally die -
leaving th eir children behind.
"Many of these children will be
orphan s, arid that's frightening,"
Kat z said.
But Kat z is optimistic about the
future of HIV-infected childr e n . He
cit es increasing research on preventing
transmission from moth er to infant,
new drugs that can be given
safely t o children, and types of
immunological v accin es that are very
much on the research front line.
Katz hopes the national award he
received will help children who,
despit e being the larg es t uninsured
group, have riot receiv e d th e emphasis
on their health that has b een
given to other groups.
. And, for Katz, that's just one more
rea so n to continue his work on children
's b e half.