17 20 857 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stole (Wesley United Methodist Church, Fresno CA) Stole Text Allies and Supporters at Wesley UMC, Fresno, CA Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of six Signature Stoles given to us by Wesley UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (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".) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 528 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Wesley United Methodist Church, Fresno CA) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fresno, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Wesley United Methodist Church Ally California Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous ("I have found that having AIDS has made me even more sure of God's love for me and for all persons...) Stole Text Anonymous I have found that having AIDS has made me even more sure of God's love for me and for all persons. But as a UM pastor I felt unable to share this experience, even with those who had chronic or terminal illnesses, and was thus unable to share the stories with which I could most effectively witness to my faith and to God's love. Because of this, I found it increasingly difficult to preach and teach that if we Christians were truly open, if we truly loved one another unconditionally as the Lord commands us, we would be able to share our problems as well as our joys with each other. For some years I was able to live with the church law against homosexuality, even though I knew in my heart that it was un-Christian. But, because of the denomination's increasingly harsh stance against some of God's children, which is so foreign to my own experience of Jesus and his message, I finally found it necessary to leave the pulpit. I felt forced to choose between Christ and the Church. Strangely, while many will say my homosexuality is a sin, what I really wonder is if in fact my real sin is my refusing to serve God in the way that was clearly God's will for me. Unfortunately, even having given up the pulpit, I feel it is necessary to remain anonymous. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 523 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("I have found that having AIDS has made me even more sure of God's love for me and for all persons...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous AIDS Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Jannine Jennings Stole Text I am a child of God Jesus loves me. This I know, for the Bible tells me so. God created me… Just as I am and that creation is good! Gen 1:27, 31 Jannine Jennings Former Elder, Wapato Community Presbyterian Church, Wapato, WA Member, Wallingford United Methodist Church, Seattle, WA Elder - Clerk of Session - Trustee - Sunday School Teacher - Co Chair, Pastor Nominating Committee - Youth Leader - Chair, Finance Committee - Turkey Carver - Chair, Christian Education Committee - Friend - Confidant - Single Woman And then came Amendment B - The Presbyterian Church said that I was no longer welcome to serve. Even though no one in the local church knew I was a lesbian, I knew. And I knew I could not lie to God about my sexuality or defy Church law. So, I left the church, wondering if there would ever be a place where I could serve in Christian community and be accepted for all of who I am. Fortunately I've found a Reconciling United Methodist Church where I can freely worship and serve God. Here I am accepted. Here there is no fear. Here my wounds are healing. Here I've grown to accept myself more fully. However, I know this does not exist at every church. Both clergy and laity are still suffering and discriminated against. The tears will not stop flowing from my heart until all God's people are allowed to worship and serve openly, without the fear of being rejected or violating Church law. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 521 Title A name given to the resource Jannine Jennings Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Seattle, Washington (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jannine Jennings Jennings, Jannine Methodist Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Seattle Theology United Methodist Church Washington Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Lesbian Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church) Stole Text ANONYMOUS Lesbian Candidate for Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church This stole is dedicated to the ones who have served the United Methodist Church (and the larger collection of Christian churches everywhere) in silence. The strong silent ones of the past, of the present, and of the future. May I learn their strength. May I share their sorrow. May I inherit their hope. And many I never back down in my commitment to this holy ministry of reconciliation. We WILL overcome… someday. This stole is not perfectly made -- that is apparent. The transparent fabric is symbolic of my hope to be transparent to all with whom I come in contact; I do not like hiding things. You see the everything that would not otherwise be seen, and it's not made with expert hands. Like many of the things I do, it's a work in progress -- like me, all of God's children, and the church we serve. Together, striving for perfection, it will all come together. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This anonymous stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 520 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Lesbian Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stole (Wesley United Methodist Church, Minneapolis MN) Stole Text Wesley United Methodist Church We the people of Wesley United Methodist Church of Minneapolis, MN declare in unity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we oppose the language that excludes anyone in any way from God's Church or God's Calling. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Founded in 1852, the historic Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Minneapolis was the first United Methodist congregation established west of the Mississippi River and boasted the first pipe organ in the city of Minneapolis. In September, 1940 Wesley hosted the first state meeting of the Women's Society of Christians Service (WSCS) with 1,000 women in attendance; WSCS was a forerunner of today's United Methodist Women. In 1986, Wesley became the first Reconciling congregation in the state of Minnesota, and is counted among the first ten churches in the nation to declare themselves part of this new movement to work for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (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".) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 518 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Wesley United Methodist Church, Minneapolis MN) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Wesley United Methodist Church Ally Methodist Minneapolis Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Donated by Kelly Turney) Stole Text Anonymous I studied alongside this insightful, gentle spirit during our M.Div. Years and I knew he'd make a great pastor. I wasn't so sure of myself but he knew from an early age that he was called and pursued a church vocation all his life. He was a leader in his local church growing up - at every age level - then served with distinction at the denominational level in Nashville. When he became a candidate for ordination, his West Virginia conference was so pleased. They needed pastors, true, but this was a boy they had raised to love God and serve the church and they were so proud. But at school, he began to draw away from his conference, trying to shield himself from the pain of rejection he knew he would face. His secret, his sexual orientation, would change how the conference perceived their golden son. He "came out" to his Board of Ordained Ministry right before the vote. The Board asked him to withdraw the statement. "Take it back and we'll pass you." As he recounted that moment to me, you could see how the pride for the UMC was knocked out of him as immediately, completely and shockingly as having the wind knocked out of your body. "They wanted me to lie! If I would just lie to them they'd vote me in." What a bizarre concept he thought - they admitted he was qualified (even a gay man) but they wanted him to be dishonest. Yet living a lie was completely incompatible with the theology, integrity and understanding of being a child of God that the church had taught him growing up. He's now a respected and valued leader in the Episcopal Church and has a lovely home with his partner. They have a beautiful life together serving God. Denomination United Methodist Church Episcopal Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story A number of people who have read this story at displays of the Shower of Stoles have commented on its appalling irony -- that the United Methodist Church should directly encourage someone to lie, and then punish him for choosing to maintain his integrity and tell the truth. It is fortunate, indeed, that this young man decided to leave a church that would ask such a thing of him, and instead offer his considerable gifts in service to a church that has wholly embraced him. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 516 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Kelly Turney) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kelly Turney Clergy Activist Episcopal Church Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Turney, Kelly United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Gay United Methodist Pastor, Michigan) Stole Text Anonymous Gay United Methodist Pastor Michigan After years of self-hate and doubt, I have come to believe the truth that God loves me just as I am and accepts me as a whole person just as I am. However, my church currently does not. As a result I remain closeted and anonymous. I pray for the day when my congregations will know me as I fully am…a whole person. I pray for the day when hatred ceases and we are truly a UNITED Methodist Church which welcomes all people. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This anonymous stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 514 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Gay United Methodist Pastor, Michigan) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Michigan (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist Michigan Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Richard Rossiter Stole Text This stole is given and signed by members and friends of Coloma United Methodist Church in Coloma, Michigan. It honors the Rev. Richard T. Rossiter, who served as their pastor from 1992-1996. His last 2 1/2 years he served as an openly gay UM pastor. He relinquished his ordination on Feb. 4, 1996. In Honor of Rev. Richard T. Rossiter Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Richard Rossiter and his partner, Perry Wiggins, were both ordained United Methodist ministers. Richard relinquished his ordination in 1996, and now serves as a pastor in the Metropolitan Community Church. This Signature Stole, donated by Coloma, MI United Methodist Church, was made to honor Richard. Colma UMC was the last United Methodist congregation that Richard served. In addition to this Signature Stole, Richard has given his own stole to the collection (#511). Perry, who also gave a stole to the collection (#510), is attempting to retain his ordination in the UMC as retired clergy. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these "stoles." In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 635 Title A name given to the resource Richard Rossiter Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Coloma, Michigan (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Coloma United Methodist Church Clergy Activist Methodist Michigan Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Rossiter, Richard United Methodist Church Wiggins, Perry Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Richard Rossiter Stole Text Rev. Richard Rossiter My name is Richard Rossiter, and I am a former United Methodist pastor who served congregations for sixteen years in the Colorado and West Michigan Annual Conferences. I chose to relinquish my credentials on February 4, 1996. After serving nearly three years as an openly gay United Methodist Pastor in Coloma, Michigan, I needed to "let go" of my childhood church in love. The United Methodist Church would not honor my blessed relationship. During those difficult days, it felt like I continued to be part of an abusive relationship… it was time to let go and live authentically with myself, my life-partner and God. Today, I have reaffirmed my ordination with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) and am serving again as pastor! My spiritual gifts and talents are being used in a denomination that affirms and celebrates my gay soul and my relationship. What a blessing UFMCC is to the world! Today is the fourth anniversary of my choice to relinquish my United Methodist ordination. How appropriate that on this day I would write this letter and send this stole. I rejoice in the mystery of it all and pray often for the United Methodist Church. I live with my life-partner, the Rev. Perry Wiggins in Oak Park, Illinois. He and my children, Elizabeth and Matthew Rossiter, continue to be precious gifts to me. Denomination United Methodist Church Metropolitan Community Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Richard Rossiter and his partner, Perry Wiggins, were both ordained United Methodist ministers. Richard relinquished his ordination in 1996, and now serves as a pastor in the Metropolitan Community Church. In a poignant note, Richard mentions that this stole was made on the fourth anniversary of his relinquishing his ordination -- clearly this was the UMC's loss and the MCC's gain! In addition to his own stole, a Signature Stole honoring Richard was donated by Coloma, MI United Methodist Church, the last United Methodist church that Richard served (#635). Perry, who also gave a stole to the collection (#510), is attempting to retain his ordination in the UMC as retired clergy. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 511 Title A name given to the resource Richard Rossiter Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Oak Park, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Richard Rossiter Clergy Activist Illinois MCC Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Rossiter, Richard Theology United Methodist Church Wiggins, Perry Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Perry Wiggins Stole Text Perry Wiggins This stole was contributed by Perry Wiggins, a United Methodist pastor who took an early retirement in 1998. Perry served for twenty-five years in local churches, on a district staff, as a hospital and hospice chaplain, and in social service agencies. Despite deep roots in the denomination including a grandfather and great-grandfather who were Methodist preachers, Perry decided that he could no longer serve with integrity as an active United Methodist clergy person and a gay man. He hopes the "retired relationship" will allow him to relate to the denomination (or not relate to it!) on his own terms rather than the church's. This stole was made for him by his mother, Jane Wiggins, in 1971, the year he was ordained a deacon and served during the summer as a "minister in training" at his home church, First UMC in Redlands, California. Perry and his life partner, the Rev. Rich Rossiter, live in Oak Park, Illinois. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Perry Wiggins and his partner, Richard Rossiter, were both ordained United Methodist ministers. Perry is attempting to retain his ordination as retired clergy. Richard, who relinquished his ordination in 1996, also gave a stole to the collection (#511). He is now a pastor in the Metropolitan Community Church. In addition, a Signature Stole honoring Richard was donated by Coloma, MI United Methodist Church, the last United Methodist congregation that Richard served (#635). This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 510 Title A name given to the resource Perry Wiggins Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Oak Park, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Perry Wiggins Clergy Activist Illinois Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Rossiter, Richard Theology United Methodist Church Wiggins, Perry Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous ("To the family of Jesus Christ: If by chance you are reading this letter...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS To the family of Jesus Christ: If by chance you are reading this letter, I want to thank you for your courage to be here and to read these words. What ever it is that has brought you here, I ask a special blessing upon you. As Peter followed Christ, Christ has brought you here. It will be your choice to choose how to respond. First, regardless of your own sexual orientation, being gay is not the worst thing that can happen to you. For myself, it has not been the curse I was taught it to be. Not everyone that is gay has HIV or AIDS. The gay community is a diverse community within itself. For myself, it has been a blessing that has opened many more doors than I ever thought possible. While some doors have been closed, I have been blessed with the most loving and kind people I could ever have hope to have met or have known. Second, while my orientation was not a choice, it was my choice to choose how to respond. I could have chosen to lie. But I decided to practice what I was preaching. I made the choice to embrace what God created and I decided to love. As our culture continues to open up and accept homosexuality, the lack of inclusiveness, openness and integrity of the church will continue to fall into question. As Jesus said himself, "What so ever you do to the least of each other, so you do unto me," can be seen as an indictment against how the church is responding to this issue. As a minority group, the gay, lesbian, transsexual and transgendered community will never become a dominant force within any particular denomination. It is not a question of forcing an agenda or converting people to a different lifestyle. It is about being inclusive and opening doors to everyone and allowing everyone to have a voice to speak. It is about opening all biblical texts and being open to all images of God that are contained in scripture, not just the ones we like or embody what we want to believe. It is about practicing the family values of love, trust, honesty, and dignity of all people. It is no accident that the gay community chooses the rainbow as a symbol and sign of our community. As the rainbow was a covenant between God and humanity, it has become a sign of inclusiveness for all. We may not be able to choose our orientation, but we do have the choice to choose between love and hate, to support or tear down. We can become victims of our own bigotry or we can open our hearts, minds and souls to a loving God that works through many people of all types, shapes, colors and sexual orientations. God has indeed given us a choice. I for one, choose to love. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This anonymous stole, with its thoughtful, provocative "open letter," was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 509 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("To the family of Jesus Christ: If by chance you are reading this letter...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Clergy Activist Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Karin Lamberson Stole Text Karin Lamberson Newport, Oregon I grew up in the Trinity United Methodist Church in Toledo, Oregon, nestled in the lush forests of the Coast Range. I have always been active in church activities, such as Sunday School, choir, food share, Christmas pageants, youth group and especially camp. As soon as I was old enough, I went to summer camp at Suttle Lake (near Sisters, Oregon) and from there I was hooked. Throughout the years, I have participated in camps as a camper, counselor, and summer staff member. I have a feeling that camp will always be a big part of my faith journey and personal ministry. I am now 20, and about a year ago I came out to myself, and then to some of my friends and family, as a bisexual person. Although I am not out publicly to my home congregation, several of the members know about me. It hurts me that under the current rules of the United Methodist Church, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people cannot be ordained. I hope that through discussion and prayer, we can change this injustice for the good of all. My younger sister, Julie, has been one of my biggest allies in my coming out journey. Since she is a much more accomplished seamstress than myself, I requested her assistance in making this stole. It's not that good, I know, but it gives me great pride to look at the stole, constructed of scraps I found in my house, and think that I made it. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Karin is one of several United Methodists women who made this a "family affair," enlisting the help of a sister to make their stole. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 506 Title A name given to the resource Karin Lamberson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport, Oregon (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Karin Lamberson Ally Bisexual activism Lamberson, Karin Methodist Ordination Oregon Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Kevin Johnson Stole Text In Honor of Kevin Johnson From John and Ginny Kruse Kevin was a United Methodist pastor who was "outed" by a member of his congregation and subsequently removed from membership in the Wisconsin Annual Conference despite exceptional gifts for ministry. We knew Kevin when he was in Middle School. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of two stoles donated by John and Ginny Kruse in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (See stole #504) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=23">here</a> to read a biographic profile of Rev. Kevin Johnson in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 505 Title A name given to the resource Kevin Johnson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource John and Ginny Kruse Clergy Activist Johnson, Kevin Kruse, Ginny Kruse, John Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Daughters of John and Ginny Kruse Stole Text From John and Ginny Kruse Parents of two daughters who are lesbian and in healthy and supportive Holy Unions. Since the recent Judicial Council decisions we feel we can no longer participate in a United Methodist congregation. John maintains his membership in the Annual Conference and will officiate for Holy Union services. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story John and Ginny Kruse donated this stole to honor their two lesbian daughters. Even though John is an ordained United Methodist Pastor, the UMC has lost the active participation of this entire family because of its discriminatory practices. However, John and Ginny continue to provide strong support to the Reconciling Ministries Network, a national organization working to create a United Methodist Church that is welcoming of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This is one of two stoles donated by John and Ginny Kruse in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (See stole #505) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 504 Title A name given to the resource Daughters of John and Ginny Kruse Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource John and Ginny Kruse Clergy Activist Kruse, Ginny Kruse, John Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Perry R. (Rick) Newbury Stole Text PERRY R. (RICK) NEWBURY ORDAINED ELDER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Illinois Great Rivers Conference Rick is an ordained elder of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (formerly Southern Illinois). He served most of his ministry as a missionary teacher and pastor in the Red Bird Missionary Conference in Appalachia. At the age of 44, in early 1993, Rick came out as a gay man. At the time he was Superintendent of the Red Bird Missionary Conference. His bishop in Illinois refused to continue to appoint him and told him to surrender his ministerial credentials. Rick refused. He was finally allowed to "retire" under the provisions of the Discipline's 20-year rule. However, he continues to serve as a missionary under the General Board of Global Ministries. He presently teaches at an inner-city high school in Chicago. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 496 Title A name given to the resource Perry R. (Rick) Newbury Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Chicago, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jade Dell Chicago Church Trials Clergy Activist Dell, Jade Illinois Methodist Newbury, Perry R. Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Donated by Laurie Clark) Stole Text ANONYMOUS From Rev. Laurie Clark These two stoles honor two ministers. Two of the most important, most faithful United Methodist ministers in my life are also gay men. I am thankful for their caring, wisdom, preaching, teaching, and prayers that have shaped my life in Christ. I look forward to the day when these two ministers can be who they are, and wear their ordination openly. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This is one of two stoles given to us by Rev. Laurie Clark in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (See also stole #492) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 493 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Laurie Clark) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Laurie Clark Clark, Laurie Clergy Activist Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Jonathan James Vigne Stole Text JONATHAN JAMES VIGNE Colorado From Jean Vigne I am sending the much used communion stole of my late husband, Pastor Bill Vigne (William G. Vigne, Troy Conference, UMC) in honor of our gay son, Jonathan, who had hoped to follow in his father's footsteps. On my advice he decided not to go to seminary. He ministers everyday as a teacher of the deaf at the Colorado School for the Deaf in Colorado Springs. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story The brief narrative on this stole barely begins to tell the story of a young man who embraced the faith of his parents and whose father inspired him to consider the ministry. Knowing, however, that her son would face a world of pain and rejection from the United Methodist Church that he hoped to serve, his mother encouraged him to offer his gifts in the service of those who would embrace him. No son or daughter should have to face this kind of discrimination; no mother should feel such urgency to protect their child from the church! This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 486 Title A name given to the resource Jonathan James Vigne Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jean Vigne Ally Colorado Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church Vigne, Jonathan James https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/596db6b164177c9d3f046866d29444e8.png d3d1da9b1b092dd39e81345a05700ca9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (United Methodist Elder, California) Stole Text Anonymous United Methodist Elder California Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This intricately cross-stitched stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 484 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (United Methodist Elder, California) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Withheld, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous California Clergy Activist Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Louise (Weze) Davis Stole Text LOUISE (WEZE) DAVIS 1982 Local Pastor, South Indiana 1984-87 Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary 1985-87 Student Pastor 1987-1990 Deacon, South Indiana 1990-1996 Left Church Completely 1996-98 Church Member 1998-99 Christian Educator -- Conference Grant 1999 Church Member Desire Church Position But the Church is not open to ALL of me 2000 ??? Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This was one of the earliest United Methodist stoles included in the Shower of Stoles collection. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 480 Title A name given to the resource Louise (Weze) Davis Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Indiana (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Louise Davis Clergy Activist Davis, Louise Indiana Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Tim Tennant-Jayne Stole Text TIM TENNANT-JAYNE I received my Master of Divinity degree in 1980 from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH. I was ordained an Elder in 1982 in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 1985 I went on leave of absence as I came out as a gay man and moved to Minneapolis, MN. Then in 1992 I was place on administrative location with Iowa. Since then I've earned a Master of Arts in Religious Leadership in 1995 from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, Minnesota. I have now begun my own ministry of friendship to the male prostitutes in the Loring Park area, called Legends Street Ministry. The call doesn't end just because the organization doesn't want you. This Pentecost stole was designed by me and made by my ex-wife and myself. I wore it at my ordination. In the photo, I'm in the back row, second from the left; the one in white in a sea of black. Perhaps even then I should have known that a normal life was not for me… Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Tim Tennant-Jayne's stole was among the first United Methodist stoles donated to the Shower of Stoles collection. The picture attached to the stole is a photograph of the class ordained as Elders by the Iowa Conference in 1982. Everyone in the photo is wearing a black pulpit robe except for Tim, who is garbed in white. Tim tells me that the Bishop took exception to his choice of color; from that point on ordinands were required to wear black robes. Although Tim has not served in an official capacity with the United Methodist Church for over twenty years, he has carved out an important ministry on the streets of Minneapolis, working with those who are routinely overlooked and unwelcome in the church. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 479 Title A name given to the resource Tim Tennant-Jayne Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tim Tennant-Jayne Clergy Activist Methodist Minneapolis Minnesota Tennant-Jayne, Tim Theology United Methodist Church