Signature Stole (Emmanuel Baptist - Friedens United Church of Christ, Schenectady NY)

DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT

EBC/FUCC

This signature stole was designed by the Senior High Youth Group of Emmanuel Baptist-Friedens United Church of Christ of Schenectady, New York.

(Note: A signature stole is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization.  These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".)

 This was the first stole we received from an American Baptist Church.  It was created by the Emmanuel-Friedens senior high youth group not only to honor the LGBT folk and their allies in the church, but also to encourage LGBT folk -- and churches -- to step out of fear and embrace fully who they are, whom they love and support, and what they believe.

  I was invited to Emmanuel-Friedens for a display of the stoles -- also a first for a Baptist Church -- and to receive this stole at a dedication service.  I was delighted to spend a few days with a lively, inspiring, thoughtful and compassionate group of kids (and adults!) who gave me great hope for the future.  They were all quite proud that their own youth first made it possible for American Baptists to be represented in this collection.

 Martha Juillerat

Founder, Shower of Stoles Project

2006