Anonymous (ELCA candidate: "Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single, lesbian woman...")

ANONYMOUS
ELCA CANDIDATE

Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single lesbian woman in a family oriented -- homophobic congregation.  Internship was also the most blessed experience of my life as I met the woman I love!  The tragic irony in this is that because of this beautiful woman I survived my internship and because of my relationship with her I may be removed from the candidacy process.  To be ordained I MUST sign a statement of Celibacy my whole life long.  I have to choose either to lie to be ordained, deny my call to ministry, or live in hiding the rest of my life.  Throughout my entire life I've been incredibly supported by my church family and had great experiences in seminary and the candidacy process, but they don't know who I am or my relationship with the woman I so dearly love.

Pray with me that the Church will today accept the gifts I and so many others bring to restored ministry in the "Kingdom" of God.  May we all stand together as one loving family!

Lesbian Candidate for Ministry
ELCA
Wisconsin

We know nothing more about this Lutheran candidate for ministry -- but such an intimate portrait of inner turmoil she has shared with us!  It is as if we've received a phone call from an old friend wanting our advice as to what she should do next.

Pray with her, as she has asked of us -- and pray for the church that continues to create such terrible conflict in the lives of its people!

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006