36 20 857 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/abbfe725226f36e24d5f358984fd77e0.jpg 1c4b9bddca09c00bc0168cc8690c9f19 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b3cb28d6e89f9f1009289c64cef901dc.jpg 930d4cdfdfd150e06d2c2e2aef5c7638 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/85ff414aaaf7ab9721e5d93a97e8091b.jpg 165596cdf5ee5b7252f46c184cf15e7d 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 ("While I do believe that we are an 'Easter people,'... it feels as though the United Methodist Church is still living in LENT...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS While I do believe that we are an "Easter people," I purchased this purple Lenten stole because it feels as though the United Methodist Church is still living in LENT: "pre-resurrection." Until all of us who love our God and who faithfully live out our callings as United Methodists are willing and able in love to open the tombs of those of us who are GLBT (people of color, differently-abled, low-income... and ALL others who are not free to be fully ourselves in the Church) Jesus remains in the tomb as well. May we soon be able to say TRULY as a whole Church, "CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!" From a lesbian clergywoman, ordained for 22 years and serving in the Pacific Northwest. 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 717 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("While I do believe that we are an 'Easter people,'... it feels as though the United Methodist Church is still living in LENT...") 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 Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3b8ad5cfee076de8e83ec7cf2a0cd6c9.jpg 49c4100c27dfa89b85a62ae41c333569 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/fccd71ad2952e14ec45437b69fd4e20d.jpg 1a809c214d0dcdf89ac5dc57e06290ea 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. Judith J. (Westendorf) WestLee Stole Text Judith J. (Westendorf) WestLee Elder, United Methodist Church Minnesota Annual Conference I was raised in a denomination that taught me I had an angry, judging God who was to be feared. I was in my 30's before I heard I had a God who loved me "Warts and all." After a series of events I turned my life over to God. I heard God's call to ministry. I served 10 years in small parishes. All I ever wanted to do was to share in God's love and walk with God's people. After coming to my first appointment, I finally faced my sexual identity. I was 41 years old. I struggled to justify my new sexual identity with my understanding of scripture and Christian tradition. I came out to my bishop and cabinet. I took a personal vow of celibacy. Then I met the most remarkable woman! We fell in love. We had a union service. I am now on Leave of Absence. I constantly miss ministry and serving God through serving God's people. My ministry today is as a volunteer in Affirmation -- United Methodists for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Concerns and in the Reconciling Congregation movement. I make my living today selling water heaters for Sears. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Two lines in this rather compact stole story have caught the attention of many people. The first line always brings a chuckle: "I took a personal vow of celibacy. Then I met the most remarkable woman!" (How many of us could say the very same thing?) The second line stops people cold: "I make my living today selling water heaters for Sears." This is the abrupt ending to her story. In a denomination with a pastor shortage, one that is particularly acute among small and rural parishes, here is a gifted pastor who loved small church ministry -- and who is now working as a retail clerk, simply because of her sexual orientation. Such a loss to the denomination, and to these small churches she served. Judy and her partner, Janet, have been volunteers with Affirmation and the Reconciling Ministries Network for many years. They continue to be an active leaders in a Reconciling Congregation in Minneapolis. They are members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Minneapolis (see stole #518) 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 519 Title A name given to the resource Judith J. (Westendorf) WestLee 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 Judith J. (Westendorf) WestLee Clergy Activist Methodist Minneapolis Minnesota Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church WestLee, Judith J. (Westendorf) Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6585ccf3d4c0e6e5cb1faa6ac6978d32.jpg ddc854ba47a8ae2efcead3c5eb73e3b3 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d7c56158adac38f7bd6470f60afa9acd.jpg 91640632e2fcda3eb3087d8d0088e80d 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. Daniel Robert Campbell Stole Text DANIEL ROBERT CAMPBELL, OSL UNITED METHODIST An Anglo, I grew up in an inner-city Latino congregation in Los Angeles. Most of my spiritual gifters were Hispanic. I served, beginning in 1974, in central-city, bilingual appointments for Latino, Anglo and Filipino folk. Several years were in Phoenix as executive for a nation/regional community center in the heart of the original city barrio. In the mid-1980's I began to confront my sexuality. (Denial didn't work!) Since moving to Kansas City, I have fought for rights issues, too often serving as a pastor at AIDS funerals, working with the area Ryan White council; and been a speaker for seminars and services as an openly gay man. And, as of October 2000, I am a long-term, 12-year AIDS survivor. Thanks be to God! Prayers and promises of faith within the Faith. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Daniel donated this stole to the collection at an ecumenical community display held in Kansas City in 2000. 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 732 Title A name given to the resource Daniel Robert Campbell Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Daniel Robert Campbell AIDS Campbell, Daniel Robert Clergy Activist Latinx Methodist Missouri United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/90603c8b046859078aadb121c0379174.jpg 5c274a1e0e64edcc38401f681db78aff https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/63f07dc883190c941a72757087762c76.jpg 9c1c19cf759949bca3e3058bb03946a2 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 (St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Vacaville CA) Stole Text St. Paul's United Methodist Church Vacaville, CA St. Paul's United Methodist Church is a Reconciling Congregation and a Peace With Justice congregation. We are straights, gays, lesbians, bisexuals; singles, lifetime partners, husbands, wives, widows, youth and children. We minister in support of God's justice and inclusive love. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story St. Paul's UMC is a Reconciling Congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. (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".) 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 827 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Vacaville 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 Vacaville, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource St. Paul's United Methodist Church Ally California Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/fe4c81d0c9ce9fe9ae37ddbe90c5658f.jpg b7c110e6d4e33458bca47befb0568340 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/eba607089d73fbf56ea60d437435f993.jpg 1a59cb993f4cb51ff499a976b2bcbfe4 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. Rebecca Richards Stole Text REBECCA RICHARDS Born in 1948 and baptized at Calvary United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA. Confirmed at Lincolnia UMC in Alexandria, VA. Raised in a loving Christian home, we never missed a Sunday, Church suppers, picnics and activities like VBC and MYF were a must. As a young adult, I joined as a Charter Member of Christ UMC in Columbia, MD. After years of church leadership, including six as a youth group counselor, I knew I must follow the call into full-time ministry. In 1989 I was ordained a Deacon. My first full-time appointment brought me great joy - a two-point, "corn field" charge filled with people who seemed to love me as much as I loved them. But that blessing became an obstacle. My love for these people made it impossible for me to tell the lies necessary to hide my identity and the reality of the life-giving relationship I had with my partner. I made the decision to surrender my credentials, and stood before the Executive Session of AC to say why I must leave. I still love the church of my roots and am a member of St. John's UMC, Baltimore, MD. This church family, affiliated with the Reconciling Congregations Program, has blessed my union with Kathy, tolerated my occasional preaching, and given me hope when I saw none. Thanks be to a gracious God! Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Of all the denominational subsets of stoles in the collection, United Methodists by far represent the largest percentage of LGBT clergy who were forced out of the ministry, or who left voluntarily because they could no longer tolerate serving in silence. Rebecca's stole also reflects the hypocrisy of a denomination concerned with a significant shortage of rural pastors, while at the same time denying ordination and calls to committed rural pastors simply because of their sexual orientation. Rebecca is a faithful servant of God and committed United Methodist to the very core of her being. The grief and loss she experienced in leaving the ministry is painfully obvious in this brief story. Fortunately, she has found a loving home at St. John's in Baltimore, and her grief has in now way diminished her faith in God's boundless love. This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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 651 Title A name given to the resource Rebecca Richards Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington, District of Columbia (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dumbarton United Methodist Church Clergy Activist Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Richards, Rebecca United Methodist Church Washington, D.C. Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ff1bf8ab109bcde1d9ea8470cf3cc6f4.jpg 7821d770bc75a8fc4b16a25142a886a8 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6dbfe22a00f87a9e19f3a4354de93c23.jpg 23896a30bcfc10e8b03c85ef00e9a3e3 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. David Leachman Stole Text DAVID LEACHMAN FORMER ELDER AND CAMPUS MINISTER IN THE IOWA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH David surrendered his orders in 1989 after nine years of membership in the church. He resigned in protest of the growing inability of the denomination to deal with, and now official United Methodist policy against, homosexuals in the church. He now lives in Jersey City, NJ Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This was one of the first United Methodist stoles we received. Along with about two dozen other UM stoles, it was included the first time we brought a display of the stoles to a Convocation of the Reconciling Ministries Network, meeting in Denton TX in 1999. 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 340 Title A name given to the resource David Leachman Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Jersey City, New Jersey (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Leachman Leachman, David New Jersey Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology 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. Thomas Carson Ziegert Stole Text Thomas Carson Ziegert Ordained as Elder PC(USA) and consecrated as UMC student pastor -- 1st of 2 "ordinations" -- will probably never achieve the 2nd United University Church Presbyterian (USA) and United Methodist Church Los Angeles, California A gift from The Rev. Susan Craig and The Rev. Bear Ride Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story Located on the campus of the University of Southern California, United University Church in L.A. has been a safe haven for many LGBT people of faith, including Tom Ziegert. Pastored by Rev. Susan Craig, a bisexual woman, the church has been diligent in finding ways to utilize and honor the gifted LGBT leaders in their midst. Susan and her partner, Rev. Bear Ride, donated six stoles on behalf of LGBT elders and student pastors that serve United University 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 877 Title A name given to the resource Thomas Carson Ziegert Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Los Angeles, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Susan Craig and Rev. Bear Ride Bisexual activism California Craig, Susan Los Angeles Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Ride, Bear United Methodist Church Ziegert, Thomas Carson https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c94fe0ac10135161156504cf05d39d27.jpg 3821d7225f8b209041a00018a76b4935 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5ffc9be4462edf1254dffb8b4ebc11cb.jpg 7d42918cd580d7f72f70c9f565075795 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/df9b40712389bccb03f8a3340d69d874.jpg 4ddeb903d118061a901cdaf0f21c1af1 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. Suzanne Weber Stole Text REV. SUZANNE WEBER I am an ordained Elder who served the Board of Global Ministries and two charges in the Baltimore Washington Conference. I was called by God to preach and serve. I loved the church, and believed the church was the embodiment of God's justice. Out of my love for the church, I pushed the boundaries concerning my sexuality. I was fully aware my relationship with the church was jeopardized by my openness. Was I was not aware of was the affect the church's homophobia would have on my health. After seven years of never being fully included, straddling the edge of a double life as pastor and lesbian, and ultimately burning out, I severed my relationship with the church. Or, I should say, the church left me in the midst of the greatest personal brokenness I have ever endured. I am finally recovering from the years of depression this conflict created in my life. I still grieve the loss of my connection with my church family and community, but I believe this was the only way I could heal. On the other side of this struggle, I am at peace, and pray for the church's peace. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story The toll on LGBT people of faith exacted by the church's homophobia is enormous. Over the years we received dozens of stole stories, letters and e-mails from LGBT folk (especially clergy) who struggled with self-doubt, depression, stress-induced illnesses and exhaustion after years of being forced to live carefully choreographed double lives in the closet, or years of doing battle with the church after coming out. Some have recoiled at the term "spiritual violence," thinking it too harsh. I would say that it barely begins to describe the experience of having one's life torn apart by the church's oppression. This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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 660 Title A name given to the resource Suzanne Weber Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington, District of Columbia (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dumbarton United Methodist Church Clergy Activist Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Washington, D.C. Weber, Suzanne Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/770833e3e25a4a855186e2da09972dad.jpg 9202a4815e4a990e23a8d9b6a1844c10 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3dfd3d3859acbf96b1939b4ea48983f8.jpg 1a0f038d7336a7bc1a09fb3e983ad4b2 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. Students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Stole Text From Dr. Douglas E. Wingeier Emeritus Professor of Practical Theology Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, Illinois This stole is presented in honor and appreciation of the scores of gifted and dedicated gay and lesbian students and graduates of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary during my 27 years of teaching there, who either were denied ordination and thus their gifts and graces have been lost to the church, or else are living a double life while serving "under wraps" and hence unable to be themselves fully and publicly. 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. Dr. Wingeier contacted me and offered to donate one of his own stoles with the hope that it could be used to honor LGBT students at GETS. Through correspondence with Dr. Winger, I encouraged him to think of some specific students that he might want to remember. In fact, he had a long list, "scores of gifted and dedicated students," that he had come to know over his nearly three decades of teaching there. It was quite evident in his e-mails that the thought of all those good and faithful students excelling in seminary, only to be rejected by the church or forced to lead "double lives, weighed heavily on him. In the end, Dr. Wineier chose this simple statement to remember all those many LGBT students, creating a "Signature Stole of memories, rather than names or signatures." 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 517 Title A name given to the resource Students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Evanston, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Douglas E. Wingeier Clergy Activist Illinois Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/14a0480f0aa7f78fb569998a80f467fd.jpg 26c03af43cf3f5906dbd40ce62909034 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d0595bb497bc5597aa9d9be8ae16a62f.jpg e0add04cafc509ebe5b2782d196369b2 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. Solidarity Stole (Cynthia Ogletree) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story (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".) This is one of the first Signature Stoles to become a part of the Shower of Stoles collection. Made by my good friend Cynthia Ogletree, this stole was signed by friends and allies at the 1996 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Cynthia Ogletree made the pattern for this stole by reproducing the construction of what is believed to be the oldest stole in the collection, one given by David Hostetter in honor of his daughter (#40). 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 314 Title A name given to the resource Solidarity Stole (Cynthia Ogletree) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Independence, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Cynthia Ogletree Ally Covenant Network of Presbyterians Missouri More Light Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Ogletree, Cynthia Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5925c14dfb210b136ebb05a38c1c2a69.jpg 9ff593ab9db66890e4f2ba94d63a3e1a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7c81435e41ad2112af69a4346062ad9c.jpg 9ab9c2540cceca5e346859b07ed5a139 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9f134e8ef3183abe273aa51b7b6733ca.jpg 4425fe5c4d2123713ded4aa4d3e4392e https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6a8c8bfa858afcdd1feedafba128de2c.jpg a1c69c7833d52b2638c6ef67d7e508ac https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cd024a5e77fe40db312d8453192a715d.jpg 1952dec5d25fba7aa39a8467e9bfde8e https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/40fcf91b1e44b73ca341ae49a19a41a8.jpg debd3aab3bac3d764cbf7e090469af8c 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 (Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Saratoga Springs NY) Stole Text Presbyterian New England Congregational Church Saratoga Springs New York (On back:) This stole is offered to show our respect and support for those members of the Presbyterian denomination denied ordination solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. We believe that the call of Christ is to all of humanity to serve creation with compassion. Created and designed by Anne Diggory and Cheryl Stanford-Smith and signed by members of the congregation. May 1998 at Saratoga Springs, NY Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ Contribution Date 1997 Contribution Story (Note: A signature stole is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".) A federated United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church, PNECC is a More Light and Open & Affirming congregation working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the PC(USA) and the UCC. About 75 per cent of the church's membership identify as Presbyterian and the rest members of the UCC. In 2001, PNECC called The Rev. Anthony Green, to be their pastor. An openly gay man, Green is a pastor in the UCC. His installation was put on hold after Presbyterians from other churches in the area filed a formal complaint with the Presbytery of Albany. A judicial commission of the presbytery ruled that the UCC portion of a federated congregation had the right to call a UCC pastor under UCC rules (which allow for the ordination of LGBT persons), clearing the way for his installation. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 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 429 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Saratoga Springs NY) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Saratoga Springs, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Presbyterian New England Congregational Church Ally Diggory, Anne Green, Anthony More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Stanford-Smith, Cheryl United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4451d0b6d347a3c0caad544d78488bb4.jpg d79bd5c009fa5cf101172f47d3179dee https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5eb808f110bf2514df3abbdfbe591068.jpg cf35920bd77de3dfb8ef7590ec510eee https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/85064afa03254e44f7b59696627ce1e7.jpg ce97851222f7be3568529ae857b27147 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 (Silver Spring, MD Presbyterian Church) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story SSPC is a More Light congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This stole was given to us in advance of the 1996 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). (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".) 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 298 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Silver Spring, MD Presbyterian 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 Silver Spring, Maryland (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Silver Spring Presbyterian Church Ally Maryland More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/748ffdc863a6e337b8a6c3dc39baa1fb.jpg 820690d7c391ce540769e1151d84f6fc https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e63cce9a17f2fc05939ff88dccd525a9.jpg b237c404642426e878cb7edfbfd41f55 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5e594f9eadaeb19b1b627f3581796a46.jpg 6aa428945b015f4316023bf232d2bf68 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 (Covenant Presbyterian Church, San Francisco CA) Stole Text THOSE WHO ARE IN SOLIDARITY FROM COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SAN FRANCISCO CA Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Covenant Presbyterian is a predominantly Chinese congregation in San Francisco. Names of church members are signed in both English and Chinese characters. (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".) 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 228 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Covenant Presbyterian Church, San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Covenant Presbyterian Church Ally Asian California Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) San Francisco https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/84de4f8629e8259b7040b8a8bd79c1f5.jpg faf0b0de4d9204bb4207c6fb3d4eedf2 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cf690ed42e30a74fa4cfcd9bb3f6dd93.jpg a6865fafe747dca6d0754783df49ae46 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e3e86fd7e0ef68e301f43c799296795d.jpg 777986dae6a943c9e26e1f894fa7ae0f 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. Solidarity Stole (Westminster Presbyterian) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story Westminster is a More Light Church, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and is also a founding member of the Interfaith Advocates for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in Rochester, NY. This stole was given to us at the 1996 More Light Churches Network Conference in Rochester, NY. This was the first large display of the stoles anywhere in the U.S. (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".) 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 211 Title A name given to the resource Solidarity Stole (Westminster Presbyterian) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rochester, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Westminster Presbyterian Church Ally Interfaith Advocates for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c6cd190f9b25d83307803a5b7b1e4be7.jpg e840c63c72bd3a457e4cfe129be3d44f https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ef51f955eb7acb887bc9eceb793fef3a.jpg bc87d03c9cd5804dd014f2ed81c716b1 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dee484ad30152669e117a275a928bb69.jpg 7a3fbcba7318db26114eb07595037dce 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 ("Called Out" Conference, 2000) Stole Text Signature stole from the Ninth Annual "Called Out" Conference held this month at Chicago Theological Seminary. At "Called Out" lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered seminarians and our allies gather annually in prayer, worship, study and fellowship. We are a wilderness people who are traveling in the wilderness and valleys. We are calling our churches out of the wilderness that comes when our sacred scriptures and traditions are used to undergird oppression and prejudice in any form. Denomination Ecumenical Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story "Called Out" was a gathering of LGBT seminarians that met for many years in Chicago either at McCormick Theological Seminary or CTS. Although students from all over the U.S. and from many denominations came to the conference, it tended to attract large numbers of Presbyterian seminarians from the central third of the country. This was due in part to strong Presbyterian leadership over the years, especially Marilyn Nash, who contributed countless hours of organizational work and creative worship design to the conference. (Marilyn Nash's story can be found under her stole entry, #396.) 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 667 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole ("Called Out" Conference, 2000) 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 Called Out Conference Ally Chicago Ecumenical Illinois Nash, Marilyn Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b837a28397ad8b1b606879ef2084b386.jpg a22694341e6954c71d92bc520e8361ba https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8fae68a6700bea2d0010abab7a46bd88.jpg 09db720c02c3149f45553bfbad805fe3 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. Solidarity Stole (Presbytery of Western Reserve) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story The Presbytery of Western Reserve covers nine counties in northeastern Ohio, including the greater Cleveland metropolitan area. This is one of two stoles from the presbytery made in advance of the 1996 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). (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".) 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 332 Title A name given to the resource Solidarity Stole (Presbytery of Western Reserve) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cleveland, Ohio (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Members of the Presbytery of Western Reserve Ally Ohio Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/2e4fcf54f49c8b8c6ffb557fb94e9c1d.jpg aa42454e11b19b93430b002845960246 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ace446e51a95e14fe836622efe2d17b1.jpg b66092cdcea14935ad60e219cdaac280 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 (Student Group at Union College, Schenectady NY) Stole Text STUDENT GROUP AT UNION COLLEGE SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK Denomination Ecumenical Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story (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".) This stole was donated together with matching stoles from First Presbyterian Church of Albany, NY and First United Presbyterian Church of Troy, NY. 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 427 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Student Group at Union College, Schenectady NY) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Schenectady, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Student Group at Union College Ally Ecumenical New York https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/863cbbece75eee92203b89d7d373e1e2.jpg 402f88024ca2eb8cf80633bfb9ac9608 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9b48a9495c364effac5b480cc697cb29.jpg d6fd68ebeec68268460c4ef5f25a818c 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 (First Presbyterian Church, Cooperstown NY) Stole Text One Spirit Many Gifts First Presbyterian Church Cooperstown, NY Signed by straight allies on reverse side. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story 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". 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 300 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (First Presbyterian Church, Cooperstown NY) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cooperstown, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource First Presbyterian Church Ally New York Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/96763c7a0f496cf6d31e28ed83860c90.jpg ff1d31376785884cd7d0377ff3f8ed39 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/09b688cd3e8637498cc9fc5ebc1d8da1.jpg cb9b57b39c6a681e44f52e68b7366f97 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 (Church of the Covenant, Boston MA) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story (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".) Church of the Covenant, a federated United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church, is steeped in history. Located just off the Boston Commons, the Gothic revival building erected in the mid-1800's was one of the first churches built in the Back Bay area. In the 1890's the sanctuary was completely redecorated by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co., including the creation of an extraordinary set of Tiffany stained-glass windows and a chandelier that is said to be the first electrified light installed in a public building by Thomas Edison. Covenant's history of social justice and human rights work is equally rich. When I visited Covenant, I was intrigued to learn that the church was a designated stop along the "Boston Women's Heritage Trail." One of Covenant's members, Abbie Child, was the head of the Women's Board of Missions of the Congregational Church in the late 1800's. Another member, Dr. Elsa Meder, was one of the first women ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth Rice and Alice Hageman, ordained in 1974 and 1975 respectively, were the first women to serve as pastors at a Back Bay church. When they were joined by Donna Day Lower, the church became the only one in the United States with three women clergy. Since opening the "Women's Lunch Place" in 1982, the church has served as a haven for poor women and their children. It is fitting, then, that one of the Tiffany windows is "Four Women of the Bible," including Miriam, Deborah, Mary of Bethany, and Dorcas. Covenant is both a More Light and Open and Affirming Congregation. Their strong and public advocacy on behalf of LGBT persons in the life and leadership of the church has drawn many LBGT persons to become a part of the church family. Their 52 stoles represent the largest subset of stoles given to the collection by any one congregation. 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 791 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Church of the Covenant, Boston MA) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, Massachusetts (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Church of the Covenant Ally Boston Feminism Massachusetts More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology United Church of Christ Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b039d3721d5ecaed44f6c29794ed3543.jpg 84eba1963470a378e17d3b26a1063118 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ad0a4ac3d3f384b1c03602122f9269c1.jpg 35316260e31878a99c7cdedb1c2ac1b1 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 (First United Church of Oak Park, IL) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story (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".) The Shower of Stoles Project owes its very existence to First United Church of Oak Park, a More Light and Open and Affirming congregation working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons into the full life and leadership of the church. First United Church of Oak Park was formed in 1975 by the merger of First Presbyterian Church of Oak Park and First Congregational Church of Oak Park. Both congregations can trace their roots back to the same church, Oak Ridge Church of Harlem. Oak Ridge Church, which met in a small, wood-framed schoolhouse, counted among its thirteen founding members Mr. and Mrs. Anson Hemingway, grandparents of author Ernest Hemingway. The merger between these two churches was a unique and remarkable event. While most mergers take place between small, dying congregations, these two churches were both strong, healthy, fiscally sound churches when they decided to make this unprecedented move. Both congregations had long histories of work on the forefront of social justice causes. Looking for more opportunities for cooperative work between them, they concluded that by merging and selling off one of their two large physical plants they could use their common resources more effectively and put far more money towards mission giving. The result was the creation of a million dollar Special Mission Endowment Fund which has supported advocacy and justice efforts locally and across the globe. By late 1996, my partner, Tammy and I had collected well over three hundred stoles -- kept in plastic trash bags and old suitcases -- and were beginning to get requests for small displays from dozens of churches. At the time we were not incorporated "project" and had no funding; Tammy and I paid for these first displays out of our own pockets. Since we had both returned to school, however, and had very meager income from part-time jobs, we soon hit the financial wall. Two churches, FUOP and St. Luke Presbyterian Church of Wayzata, MN, sensed the importance of what we had in our hands and decided to take a chance. Both churches wrote us a check for a few thousand dollars with instructions to get the stoles out of trash bags and find a way to share them with the world. The end result of their generosity, we believe, is far greater than any of us could possibly have imagined. 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 326 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (First United Church of Oak Park, IL) 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 First United Church of Oak Park Ally Illinois More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ