Signature Stole (Stone Church of Willow Glen, San Jose CA)

(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".)

Most of the Signature Stoles in the collection are from local congregations, and were created through a process that included official recognition by a council or board, the involvement of the whole congregation, and often a formal dedication before being sent to the Shower of Stoles.  Others, including this one from Stone Church, had a more spontaneous history. 

From what I understand, just a few months after we began receiving stoles, a woman from Stone Church heard that LGBT Presbyterians were making stoles and sending them to us as a way to tell their stories.  They also heard that a few congregations with LGBT members were making stoles and signing them in support of those members.  That woman told another woman, who told a couple of others, and they decided to do something to honor the LGBT folk that they knew.  Knowing they would find other kindred souls at an upcoming women's retreat, one of them whipped up a simple blue cotton stole, adorned it with a rainbow colored ribbon, and took it to the retreat where everyone signed it.  It was then put in an envelope, with a wonderful note of encouragement and hope from the women, and sent off to us.

Simple stoles like these are some of my favorite ones.  There is no question that they are a gift from the hearts of true allies.

Martha Juillerat

Founder, Shower of Stoles Project

2006