Signature Stole (Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Saratoga Springs NY)

Presbyterian New England Congregational Church
Saratoga Springs
New York

(On back:)
This stole is offered to show our respect and support for those members of the Presbyterian denomination denied ordination solely on the basis of their sexual orientation.  We believe that the call of Christ is to all of humanity to serve creation with compassion.  Created and designed by Anne Diggory and Cheryl Stanford-Smith and signed by members of the congregation. 

May 1998 at Saratoga Springs, NY

(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".)

A federated United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church, PNECC is a More Light and Open & Affirming congregation working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the PC(USA) and the UCC.  About 75 per cent of the church's membership identify as Presbyterian and the rest members of the UCC. In 2001, PNECC called The Rev. Anthony Green, to be their pastor.  An openly gay man, Green is a pastor in the UCC.  His installation was put on hold after Presbyterians from other churches in the area filed a formal complaint with the Presbytery of Albany.  A judicial commission of the presbytery ruled that the UCC portion of a federated congregation had the right to call a UCC pastor under UCC rules (which allow for the ordination of LGBT persons), clearing the way for his installation.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006