Solidarity Stole (Action for Reconciling Ministry)

Action for Reconciling Ministry (ARM) is a group of concerned members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who believe that the church’s current policy against clergy who are gay or lesbian must be challenged. ARM members are lay and clergy alike, with the common desire to see the church have the full benefit of all its ministers!

We believe that Evangelical Freedom, an idea that Martin Luther liked a lot, makes it possible for lesbian or gay people to be fully members of our church, not deprived by their gender identity of the possibility of ordination.

We know that ordination isn’t a right, but we also know that our church should not deny competent, caring individuals with a commitment to Christ’s ministry an opportunity to serve!

ARM is gathering, working, and praying for this change, for the sake of the unity of the church. We ask that the church not be deprived of its ministers. We ask the same opportunity for gay and lesbian people as for anyone else. The chance to serve the church in an honest, worthy manner. We think there’s room in the church! Join us in the struggle!

This stole was signed by supporters at the Central States Synod Assembly, June of 1999.

Originally a part of the collection of stoles housed by ReconcilingWorks (formerly known as Lutherans Concerned), this stole was donated by them to the Shower of Stoles Project in 2015.