Tanya Denley
Photos
Stole Text
TANYA DENLEY
Seminarian, McCormick Theological Seminary
Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, PC(USA)
I was born and bred Presbyterian. I never questioned the church until I came out as a lesbian. When I did that, my best friend asked what the church thought about homosexuality. My answer was the church was okay with it, as long as you didn't want to be a pastor. When I received my call to ministry the next year, I laughed at God's sense of humor.
This rainbow stole was given to me in my first year at seminary to wear at my ordination. I donate it with the hope that I may still wear it at my ordination, whenever that will be. As I prepare for my graduation from seminary, I face the uncertainty of the church. The church which has been my home all these years does not want me. I must find a way now to do ministry and stay connected to the church, which has rejected God's call for me.
Contribution Story
Tanya Denley was active in the leadership of Acts 10:15, the LGBT student organization that hosted a large display of the stoles at McCormick Seminary in 2001. Acts 10:15 is also a Student Chapter of More Light Presbyterians.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
Archival Record
Stole Number: 700
Honoree(s): Tanya Denley
Donor(s): Tanya Denley
Geography: Chicago, Illinois (USA)
Faith Tradition: Presbyterian Church (USA)
Donation Date: 2001