William W. Cottle

WILLIAM W. COTTLE

Was baptized when a baby in Augsburg Lutheran Church-Toledo, which he still attends and is a member of church council. In his early years when in High School he wanted to dedicate himself to the Lord's Service.  But World War II was in process and, having enough credits to graduate, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. While in the service he played a field organ for Sunday services on Guam. When the war ended he was discharged and immediately went on to pre-theology study at Wittenburg College. While there he preached on many Sundays in various Lutheran Churches in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana during the summer months to relieve the pastors for their vacations. However at the time he became confused about his sexual orientation and couldn't reconcile his orientation with the ministry, realizing that it is viewed as incompatible. Though he set aside his dream of formal study and ordination he never lost his faith, personally continuing his studies, counseling and service to his religion and his community. He served in various capacities, in the Church and other religious organizations such as Dignity/Toledo- a Catholic organization for Gay & Lesbian understanding, and Lutherans/Concerned- a like organization to give the Christian Community a better understanding of the GLBT Community.  "After all," he explains, "We are Baptized Christians too!!!"

God's call to William W. Cottle (Bill) to serve the church was like a stream of water flowing down a hill.  The Church's refusal of God's will impeded the stream, diverted its flow, and obstructed God's call, but it could not halt it.  God's will has been done as Bill has found other ways to serve the people of God.  His service has been passionate and perceptive, persnickety and patient.  The will of God, in Bill's life, has not flowed as freely as God intended, but his call has not been thwarted.  Thanks be to God!

Thus, members and friends of Lutherans Concerned Toledo, and Dignity Toledo, honor Bill Cottle by adding this stole to the voices of God's faithful from the silence.

I met Bill at an ecumenical conference in Toledo.  Over the years I have come to know the stories of thousands of LGBT people of faith whose calls to service were denied by the church, but I remember being especially struck by the feeling of "what could have been" after only a brief conversation with Bill.  Perhaps he reminded me of all the very best I remembered of pastors from my childhood churches.  A proud veteran, wearing an American flag pin on the lapel of his sport coat, it seemed that WWII was the only thing that could delay his pursuit of a call to ministry that he had known since childhood.  But his coming out to himself was the thing that finally ended that formal pursuit.  As his friends noted in his story, though, he has lived out his call in every other way, continuing his studies and becoming an active leader in the church and community.

Bill's call to ministry -- even to this day -- is so clear, his faith so strong, his pastoral skills so visible, it struck me deeply to think what great gifts and loving kindness the church had missed out on by failing to embrace his call.  It is a testimony to his rock-solid, steadfast faith that he has managed to be in ministry to a diverse and grateful community despite the church.  Indeed, "Thanks be to God!"

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006