Teresa Lyons

Teresa Lyons
Athens, Ohio

I grew up in a small country Presbyterian church in Athens, Ohio where both of my parents, two sisters and myself were all baptized

During the time of my life that I struggled with my identity as a lesbian I drifted away from the church because of my struggle  When I returned to my home base, I went to speak with the new minister of the church where I grew up, and he was able to help me accept myself for who I am and to see that God is welcoming to everyone who love and serve Him.  After speaking with the minister I again knew the Creator who through love draws the circle which brings humankind in and that it is not our role  to say who shall be left out.  I again became involved, by beginning a youth group, special music, custodian, my partner and I taught Bible school and special activities.

When the nomination for new elders began the committee asked if I would serve as an elder.  My answer was yes, I would be honored to serve the Lord and the church.  Several members of the church approached our Interim Pastor questioning my lifestyle, and because of that I was asked to withdraw from nomination and those members said that the church would not support me to be an elder

My family is no longer involved at that church and have all found other churches.  My partner and I have been welcomed to a [new] church.  We have been welcomed to the church for what we have to offer which is leadership and spirituality.

Our vision for the church is to help work towards all persons being able to freely serve by educating, witnessing, spirituality, and leadership.

What a sense of betrayal Teresa Lyons experienced in her church!  After struggling to integrate her spirituality and sexuality, it was the pastor of her home church that helped her to accept herself and to know that she is loved by God.  She and her partner committed themselves to serving God and the church in many ways; their leadership was welcomed by the congregation.

That "welcome" changed, however, when she was nominated to be ordained as an Elder.  Suddenly her "lifestyle" was more important than her deep faith and call to leadership in the church.  This congregation's ignorance, abetted by a change in pastoral leadership, cost them dearly as Teresa's entire family moved on to other churches.  Fortunately, all have found a place of welcome elsewhere.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006