Stephen Charles Toth

Stephen Charles Toth

United Methodist Church

Anderson, SC

This stole was presented to me when I was ordained an elder in the South Carolina Conference. From 1994-2008, I served the church as a pastor and even served on the District Committee on the Ordained Ministry. In that position, I served as the District Registrar and the Candidacy Registrar for several years. Despite my faithful service, the church refuses to change, and so finally I took a leave of absence because I had to make a decision. I had to choose whether to continue to serve the church in silence or be with the man that I loved. I chose love, and I weep for the church as it continues to call us incompatible with Christian teaching. On National Coming Out Day – October 11, 2010 – I surrendered my credentials to my District Superintendent. It was painful, but I find great freedom in finally being able to be the person that God created me to be.

Love Conquers Hate!