In-care & Ordination Process
The ordination process takes time as candidates go through different examinations and meetings. The correspondence and papers on this page review the journey these women took to their ordination.
Click on an image below to view artifacts through a sildeshow format
Initial Statement of Intent
The original five women formally put forth a declaration stating that they wish to seek joint ordination. They have grown together and though they have varying ministries, they wish to support each other and rely on others in the group as resources for further ministry work.
In-Care Process
Article II of the Constitution and By-Laws of the No. California-Nevada Conference outlines the requirements for the In-Care process. At the time, the language was not inclusive but eventually was changed to indicate that women also were candidates for In-Care.
The handwritten “AARGH!” comment in the margins is relevant as the women discussed how to best meet the requirements of the process. The 1500 word statement outlining one’s personal Christian experience, call to ministry and person theological beliefs presented challenges to the collective nature of their request. How could they comply with the process but also honor their call to collectivity? If they each submitted their own statements, it would be no different than three individuals requesting individual ordinations. So Jody, Stacy and Loey decided that it was appropriate for them to each write their own statements of personal Christian experience and call to ministry but would submit a collective statement of theological beliefs. (That collective statement is found elsewhere in this exhibit.) For some on the Committee on Ministry, this collective statement initially presented a challenge. How could “collective” theology be acceptable? Who wrote what parts of the statement? Do you each believe everything written here?
February 1977
The Rev. Bill Eichhorn, pastor to the five women, wrote a letter of support to the Committee of Ministry, chaired then by the Rev. Mary Eakin. In it he recommends all five, (Cherry Morton and Susan Cutshall, are also seeking to be part of the group ordination at this point) for in-care status. Eichhorn acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of the group and their respective ministries. He writes that Stacy is creative, open, and professional with a background in mental health. Cherry Morton has a sociology background and a compassionate spirit and Eichhorn is sure she will bring lots of love to her ministry. Susan is sensitive and wants to help build up communities. Loey is perceptive and good with communications and media and will no doubt work for social justice through her ministry. Jody is professional and has a clear understanding of faith and how it plays into the larger picture of society.
Eichhorn goes on to recognize the struggle the group faces through a sexist structure but that the ordination of these women will lead to exciting ministry opportunities. He concludes by paraphrasing Paul, stating that suffering turns to strength and strength turns to courage and courage turns to hope.
March 7, 1977
In this early letter to the Rev. Mary Eakin, Chair of the Committee on Ministry, Loey, on behalf of the five women. Loey understands that they are breaking new ground and that it will be a new undertaking for everyone. Loey asks that they be informed when advisors are assigned as they all wish to start meeting informally. Loey also reminds Rev. Eakin that the group has written a joint statement and urges the Committee to reread their submission before they all meet again.
April 1977
April 8, 1977 - letter to Loey from Rev. Mary Eakin from Committee on Ministry
Rev. Eakin apologizes for the delay of response as it took some time to confirm a meeting date with all members. Rev. Eakin suggests that the joint statement the group provided needs some refining and suggests that a concise statement should be no more than 1 page in length. Rev. Eakin concludes by providing a list of possible Committee mentors for each of the five candidates and suggests that individual meetings be arranged.
April 11, 1977 - Rev. Geddes to 5
The Rev. Geddes is impressed by the commitment the group of five has to each other and acknowledges that it is good to be part of a group to share in similar ministry experiences. He also hopes to see sexism rooted out in the church and beyond through the ministries of the five women.
However, Rev. Geddes expresses concern that the joint ordination seems to almost be of more importance than performing some ministerial tasks. Ordination is a lifetime commitment and Geddes questions if all five women plan to be together forever, even going so far as to express his doubt that they’ll all still be a group within five years time. Again, he reiterates that he feels too much focus is on the concept of joint ordination and not on the ordination of each person performing the tasks of ministry in full time service.
May 1977
May 10, 1977 Letter to Loey from Rev. Mary Eakin
This letter serves to inform Loey and the others that Committee on Ministry members who will make a recommendation for in-care status.
May 19, 1977 Committee on Ministry letter to Eichhorn
The Committee on Ministry informs Rev. Eichhorn that the Committee has been unable to come to a recommendation because of inadequate time for deliberation. A subcommittee was established and they will give their recommendation soon. The question of joint process is a difficult one for the Committee to answer as there are a lot of questions and concerns.
June 3, 1977
Loey’s application for in-care status was accepted in June 1977. Read Chatteton assigned as mentor. Please note that Loey’s in-care status was accepted in June but confirmation was not sent until December 1977
September 1977
September 14, 1977 GGA Board agenda
The agenda for the Golden Gate Association’s meeting. There is mention of the joint ordination in Topic 5, Section A, #2. This is also the first reference to the group as the “Marin Four” since they were located in Marin County. This is also one of the first indication that Cherry Morton had dropped out of the original group of five.
September 16, 1977 letter to GGA Executive Committee from Community Church Board
Board President, Julia Polanshek and Rev. Eichhorn wrote to the Executive Committee, suggesting a vote to ordain and that if the vote is affirmative then a date for December 1977 was suggested to hold the ordination service. The first vote to take all four women into collective in-care status was December 1976. The letter also assures the Committee that the collective nature of this service does not mean that any requirements will be waived. These women heard their calls individually but want to seek joint ordination in the vein of Christian community. If any questions remain, they hope to be answered at fall meeting. It is also advised to allow 2 ½ to 3 hours for the Ecclesiastical Council to examine candidates.
October 1977
October 13, 1977 letter to Church members
This statement from the Board to its congregation serves to inform them of what is happening in the ordination process. At this point, Susan Cutshall has now also left the group; leaving Stacy, Loey, and Jody. The Board writes that it voted in December 1976 to sponsor the group for collection in-care status. However, Stacy’s employment history has been challenged by a conference member. This person claims that Stacy is “theologically unprepared” to serve. However, it is believed - and stated in the letter - that the actual reason from this challenge is Stacy’s homosexuality. The Board remains supportive of the remaining three women. It is also noted that Rev. Eichhorn and his wife Ann has received criticism for their role in this process. Lastly, members of the Board will be available after church, along with Loey, Stacy, and Jody to answer any questions that church members may have.
October 14, 1977 Eichhorn to the Committee on Ministry
Rev. Eichhorn writes to the Committee on Ministry to clarify the term “collective” ordination. He also questions what the proper process should be for a joint ordination paper and that the group is currently using the outline set forth in the Conference manual. Eichhorn closes by thanking the Committee for their help and for answering questions.
October 14, 1977 Eichhorn to GGA Registrar
Rev. Eichhorn sent a letter requesting a meeting of the Golden Gate Association in Eccesiastical Council in November to examine the three candidates. This meeting will also allow for members to further discuss the group ordination. Eichhorn asks about when would be best to meet, when the Credentials Committee would be meeting, and what the proper paper format is for the group ordination statement.
November 1977
November 3, 1977 letter of concern to Susan from Cleveland and Hunt
Peggy Cleveland and Mary Hunt wrote a letter to Susan Cutshall after Susan had left the group and the ordination process moved ahead without her. Both express their disappointment at Susan leaving the covenant that she had been apart of since the beginning. Susan’s decision to leave is described as a blow to feminism and feminist theology. They also state that lesbianism (the thought that women can love and support one another, especially through sexual expression) is the biggest threat to the patriarchy. Susan’s inclusion in this group ordination could be an opportunity to witness on a large scale. They end by saying that the road to ordination in the UCC is long and treacherous.
November 4, 1977 letter to Committee on Ministry from the 3
In a joint statement to the Committee on Ministry, Loey, Jody, and Stacy confirm that each is asking for ordination and not as a “collective”. Each will fulfill all the requirements necessary for ordination individually but wish to perform the ordination service together, as a group. They have made a covenant with each other to all be ordination jointly and they will wait until all of them meet the needed prerequisites in order to make this happen.
January 1978 - Letters of Call
The Center for Environmental Action sent a letter to Loey, extending a call to her as Staff Associate. The CEA is ecumenical ministry of the church.
Jody’s letter of call came from the Northern California Interfaith Committee on Corporate Responsibility where she was serving as Executive Director. NC-ICCR developed from an ecumenical corporate responsibility project of the Northern California Council of Churches.
Stacy's letter of call came from the UCC Northern California Conference to serve as Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adults for the 110 churches in the conference.
February 1978 - Meeting with the Committee on Ministry
February 11, 1978 Committee on Ministry decision letter
The Committee on Ministry sent a letter to Rev. Eichhorn regarding the Committee’s November meeting. The group met in November and is now ready to give its recommendations. Loey, Jody, and Stacy were all recommended to the Golden Gate Association for examination for ordination. The collective nature of this process has expanded the view of many, according to the Committee.
February 1978 Eichhorn to GGA Executive Committee
Rev. Eichhorn thanks the Executive Committee for working with everyone to make the process happen. Eichhorn also confirms that the three candidates will meet with the Credentials Committee on March 10 and then the Council on March 12. The Golden Gate Association will meet in Ecclesiastical Council to examine candidates to make sure each person meets the necessary requirements; this process will be done individually and not collectively.
February 28, 1978 CEA notice to hire Loey
The Center for Environmental Action sends confirmation that they are hiring Loey as Staff Associate.
Group Ordination Paper
As part of ordination, candidates are required to write an ordination paper that states their beliefs and the direction their ministry will take. This written statement is one of the most important pieces of the ordination process. Loey, Jody, and Stacy submitted a joint ordination paper as part of their process, where each of them were involved in writing their statement. The ordination paper ended up being one of the biggest hurdles for the group, as many in the church had difficulty understanding the notion of a collective ordination paper.
The paper focuses on women and the oppression of women and other minorities. They describe the Bible as a book of liberation and the Christian call to liberate the oppressed. The three write that they are “covenanted together” for ordination and ministry and will strive to spread love to all people as Christ did.
A theme of their ordination paper is a theology of mind and body wholeness. In this, the needs of the body and spirit must be met. This theology is important to women especially as women were (and are) often seen as lower beings and objects.
Their statement ends with the idea that grace makes forgiveness, and all things, possible.
March 1978
The agenda for the Ecclesiastical Council meeting; on it, there is listed the reading of corporate paper and the presentation of the candidates.