37 20 857 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/1e8459567abf35efa6089d0870a8ebef.jpg 0a3eba12d5d88d92531ef101c873ee14 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5875685addd91e877b498b39e2bb92b1.jpg bc2d6801f6608730bccabd53b71623fc https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e78cebf7e1633c90e7272fdd599d43a5.jpg a4e945610b0866f7a1ebadd6a17378ca 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 (College of Wooster) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story This is one of three signature stoles from the College of Wooster. This stole is signed by faculty, staff and students of the college. (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 College of Wooster was founded by Presbyterians, and although it it now fully independent the college maintains close ties to the denomination. Wooster boasts a long commitment to progressive values; the first PhD in the college's history was awarded to a woman, Annie Irish, in 1882. The college admitted its first Black students in the 1880's and has always maintained an internationally diverse student body. 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 459 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (College of Wooster) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Wooster, Ohio (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Students and Faculty at the College of Wooster Ally Civil Rights Movement Ecumenical Feminism Irish, Annie Ohio Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/281276ee0b1f3c520f7962ff7805ccbd.jpg 7375ae6a84c528c8518efc17b189696a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f81a20f625fcd4a66f1041368223dbdb.jpg d3adde79439f9a9591c89a9a2007897a 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 (North Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur GA) Stole Text Supporters fromNORTH DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) Decatur, Georgia Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) 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".) In 1997, North Decatur Church donated about a dozen stoles to the collection. A few honored members of the church, a few more were Signature Stoles from the congregation, including this one. The final few stoles were made to honor LGBT persons known to the church (although not necessarily members there) who serve the Presbyterian Church in silence. 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 294 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (North Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur GA) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Decatur, Georgia (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource North Decatur Presbyterian Church Ally Georgia More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b29a5cc317f2fb2c6887f42fbe3af119.jpg 95b461884009b2e423ea8a4838e28e0b https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/57cf6b61eefd7cd3726563abc2c550eb.jpg 5622ab1a28c65b88008ad37fbee74d09 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. Eily Marlow Stole Text EILY MARLOW Associate Chaplain Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 2004 Contribution Story In a denomination that has constitutionally banned the ordination of LGBT persons, Eily Marlow's own ordination was no small accomplishment. An "out" lesbian, Eily spent years sharing her faith journey and call to ministry with her home congregation and pastors, and with key members of Milwaukee Presbytery, until she was received by the presbytery as a Candidate for Ministry. She spent two more years methodically sharing her story and building support within the presbytery until finally, on Feb. 23, 2005, she was cleared for ordination. It was a remarkable achievement both for Eily and for Milwaukee Presbytery, which handled her candidacy and the ensuing debate over her fitness for ministry with grace and decorum, knowing that charges could be filed against them at any time for having taken this action. At a post-ordination reception at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where she had been serving as an Associate Chaplain throughout her long ordeal, Eily was celebrated for the personal effort that made this possible, and for the impact it would have across the denomination. Later, while talking with a few of her Presbyterian LGBT friends, Eily tearfully shared the mixed emotions she felt at her ordination: "I feel as though the presbytery finally was able to push me up and over the barbed wire fence. I got torn up and bloodied in the process, but I got to other side. The minute I landed there, though, I turned around and looked back through the fence and saw all of you there... I swear I will never forget the privilege of being on this side, and I'll keep working to tear that fence down!" 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 996 Title A name given to the resource Eily Marlow Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant St. Paul, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Eily Marlow Clergy Activist Marlow, Eily Minnesota Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) St. Paul https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7707e2d0fc90d930dc69452370445452.jpg 40ef950e033ff9249b38ba7a470eb7b0 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7c8cf009918b338137800f3b1befa21c.jpg 35c07157df53c2d58d3b28c30d7a90df 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 (West Hollywood, CA Presbyterian Church) 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 about two dozen stoles donated by West Hollywood Presbyterian Church. WHPC is the only identified Presbyterian Church in the U.S. in which LGBT persons make up a majority of the membership. 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 291 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (West Hollywood, CA 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 West Hollywood, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource West Hollywood Presbyterian Church Ally California Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/85725df2720fa64bc695189ca0400c91.jpg 7b8391bc25258c3b1c6ab8b8c8426498 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/38f17ccf080f5c55bf29d2a35fb65bdd.jpg e748fee87897ce97d671cb8c3f3ad1b9 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 Student (McCormick Theological Seminary) Stole Text Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord for the singer & The Song for the dancer & The Dance Dedicated in a service of worship at McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois January 14, 1998 Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story This was one of several stoles dedicated at McCormick Seminary in 1998. It is from an anonymous lesbian student at McCormick. 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 390 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Student (McCormick 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 Chicago, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Chicago Illinois Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5d04e09369db5121adce7dad0f0abbe7.jpg cf379897b0ddfbc3f58f769512d06cc0 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/22db75ce7f5b9f1e92be3ac8abbdb772.jpg a463647747b4d8e23d2a9792a9ea55fb https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ddbf9d872bebce050487de316c29dd81.jpg 12ea66af1affe913682a55c904143aa8 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. Brian Cave Stole Text JAMES BRIAN CAVE Born 4/9/74 Charleston, SC Called by God to Serve Fort Hill Presbyterian in Clemson,SC taught me to accept the gay me The PC(USA) will not let me be ordained Philippians 4:12 Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2002 Contribution Story Brian Cave created this stole while a student at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Brian was ordained an Elder and served on the Session of Jan Hus Presbyterian Church in New York. He served on the Board of More Light Presbyterians as their first National MLP Youth and Young Adult Liaison and has also been active in national and regional work for That All May Freely Serve along with a number of other LGBT advocacy groups. Sadly, like so many before him, this immensely talented, faithful young man left the Presbyterian Church in the fall of 2004 to seek ordination in the United Church of Christ. 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 890 Title A name given to the resource Brian Cave Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New York, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Brian Cave Cave, Brian More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York New York City Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) Theology United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/afda5db2ff948aa7af8761452edb791a.jpg 7a9c193787e042ffcfb651fe519f082e https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c7f3a2c2a2f1521ae83434a3ae0f2b78.jpg ad0b8c9a6b3f483f8d205fc79dcd4625 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dd6cbee0e88b14e52b80465d6df8a435.jpg 62bb542d773a756b672a56456b69fa82 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. Bill Capel Stole Text IN HONOR OF ELDER BILL CAPEL Champaign, Illinois In gratitude to God for Bill's ministry. From the Board of the Shower of Stoles Project Easter, 1998 Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Bill Capel has been involved in the More Light movement in the Presbyterian Church for many years. As an openly gay Elder, Bill has served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois and as a Commissioner to the General Assembly. Bill's financial support and skills as a photographer allowed the Shower of Stoles Project to produce some of its earliest full-color print resources. This stole was a gift from the SOSP in gratitude for his generosity. 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 408 Title A name given to the resource Bill Capel Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Champaign, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Board of the Shower of Stoles Project Capel, Bill Clergy Activist Illinois More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/43e393fb297f1fe23840ac99fadd53ff.jpg 3f70f59f556ecda9a025c33fb4edd778 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ecbbd9ad44d07a9bbeb4713d563fe8a0.jpg ae709a873864ce1f77292ca9a3189522 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f101c1c9cc96cbbfe322e612c0a6cf00.jpg d66e3b0300e5afad0e13805f8d4fa83c 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 Sindt Stole Text In Memory of DAVID BAILEY SINDT Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church Chicago, Illinois The movement for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the Presbyterian Church began in 1974 when David stood on the floor of the General Assembly with a sign that said, "Is anybody else out there gay?" Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story In 1974, David Sindt and few gay and lesbian friends stood together on the floor of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. David held up a hand-lettered sign that said, "IS ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE GAY?" With that one bold act, the movement for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Presbyterian Church was born. Countless LGBT Presbyterians have said over the years that we will never know the immense courage -- and the incredible faith -- it must have taken to raise that small sign. Monna Ray stitched David's name and an outline of irises on David's stole. David and his father both cultivated irises; in fact, David had a new variety of iris named for him. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=33">here</a> to read David Sindt's biographic profile on 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 317 Title A name given to the resource David Sindt 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 Monna Ray for Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church AIDS Chicago Church Trials Clergy Activist Illinois More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Sindt, David https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/2edad46813b68db940c6322d08642887.jpg 57b17f61e0d5650dc23acfedb0e88225 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dd0ac6b51259fef152b5e00a5273c77d.jpg 98bbd1a15d65c62ecb98e2031b5fcceb 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 (Lincoln Park Presbyterian) Stole Text (No narrative, signatures only) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story When one visits the "History" page on most church websites, one can expect to find a "bricks and mortar" chronology focusing on capital campaigns and buildings. Not so at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. A visit to their history page reveals a chronology of unparalleled social action. Founded in 1966 through a church merger, this new congregation on Chicago's north side hit the ground running. By 1968 they were deeply involved in anti-war activities and issues concerning civil rights, desegregation, farm workers, hunger and public education. Demonstrators at the Democratic National Convention were provided shelter at the church. And a full year before the Stonewall riot, LPPC was already organizing on behalf of gay and lesbian rights. All this activity certainly drew attention: in 1969 LPPC gained local notoriety when it was discovered that the Chicago Police had been illegally spying on the activities of the congregation and the building's other tenants. In 1972, the Session of the Lincoln Park Church issued a call to David Sindt, an openly gay pastor, to serve as part-time assistant pastor to establish a ministry with the gay community. This action was blocked by the Presbytery of Chicago, but LPPC continued its efforts: In 1974 David Sindt founded Presbyterians for Gay Concerns, now More Light Presbyterians. In 1976 LPPC co-founded the Chicago Night Ministry, a nationally recognized social service organization particularly involved with homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth, and five years later LPPC became one of the first More Light congregations. Their successful defense of a church judicial case involving their reelection of an openly gay Elder ensured full membership rights for LGBT members of the Presbyterian Church 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 397 Title A name given to the resource Solidarity Stole (Lincoln Park 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 Chicago, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church Ally Chicago Civil Rights Movement Clergy Activist Illinois International Human Rights More Light Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Sindt, David https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/43c7574997773268d04d3310b67d9542.jpg 0e75367b50ba71ad6ed20d4ae9ef9424 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/344fd751467e182d61d31eb0a72394a7.jpg b0baf4588957cd44740a2f892c2a37c2 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. Elders and Deacons Stole Text ELDERS AND DEACONS THIRD CHURCH ROCHESTER NY Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story We received about a dozen stoles from members of Third Church over the years. The first five are identical designs with a name and personal symbol added to each. This one honors a significant number of LGBT elders and deacons who have served Third Church in the past. Third Church prides itself on having been in the vanguard of movement and change throughout its history. In 1953, Lilian Alexander brought to the session of Third Church a proposal to ordain women as clergy in the Presbyterian Church. Her overture passed through the session to the local presbytery and on to the General Assembly, where it was adopted, opening the way for the first woman, Margaret Towner, to be ordained in 1956. Third has a long history of peace and justice activism throughout the world. They are a More Light congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the life and leadership of 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 165 Title A name given to the resource Elders and Deacons 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 Third Presbyterian Church Alexander, Lilian More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Towner, Margaret https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/acda8d2cea1f438ca8a1c1c412eb0954.jpg de6f9be3379c68f689e78b867f0a8d59 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/991a0a502bce4caaefdd21d7e7e10b76.jpg 4ce66dc0070752a78ee60661f0cb10e2 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. Laurene Lafontaine Stole Text THE REV. LAURENE LAFONTAINE Denver, Colorado HOPE Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Laurene is recognized as one of the most influential leaders in More Light Presbyterian's history. Along with Rev. Scott Anderson, Laurene presided as national Co-Moderator of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns during its merger with the More Light Churches Network to form today's More Light Presbyterians. Laurene and Scott ushered in an era of greater political influence within the denomination, stronger governance, fiscal accountability and significant membership growth. In addition to her work with More Light, Laurene was Director of Equality Colorado and has been active in LGBT politics on several fronts for many years. 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 405 Title A name given to the resource Laurene Lafontaine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Denver, Colorado (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Laurene Lafontaine Anderson, Scott Clergy Activist Colorado Lafontaine, Laurene More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/1aa2bd9d0496f9e0236713547a3bcf2f.jpg 6b07265710a86ca89c98f10b3ff8bcd9 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b65da4f56e84e822f3be931f0c076564.jpg 3f91462b4a61004b7eea499e0a498678 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 Murad Stole Text DAVID MURAD Chicago, Illinois Presbyterian Church (USA) This stole represents the love and respect that many have for closeted gay and lesbian people. In my (closeted) ministry, I have known people who felt that way about me without knowing that I am gay. Many of those were verbally opposed to a fully inclusive church, yet embraced (the closeted) me as a pastor and friend. When I finally realized that it took more energy to keep a secret than I could endure, I walked away from parish ministry. I still work within a congregation, but not in a called position. I am active in presbytery and currently serve as Moderator of the Advisory Committee of the Presbyterian Hunger Program for the PC(USA). I have been a small group leader at Montreat Youth Conference and have led countless youth mission trips. I was a good pastor. This stole honors the love that is given to closeted pastors who are called to ministry with youth and their families, and I pray for the day when all who are called may freely serve! Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Story David Murad is on staff at Fourth Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian Churches in the nation, located on Chicago's "Magnificent Mile." 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 961 Title A name given to the resource David Murad 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 David Murad Chicago Illinois Murad, David Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/2caa22444f34f9ed7e10e0f78fff6dcf.jpg b1d2dd33b37d188f7da5cb9343d5db11 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/679d3618eb073b8986d34e171418b372.jpg 635037fb862455379aa8aeaa8ad24b0c 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 (Bryn Mawr, PA Presbyterian Church) Stole Text With great hope, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, founded in 1873 in suburban Philadelphia, is one of the twenty largest congregations in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 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 293 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Bryn Mawr, PA 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 Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Ally Pennsylvania Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/1e9197245b2112689a9f0e91df308df4.jpg 6f28942a1386b4c87de108d658e5a038 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9322b9637fc5175182f30907ba08fa70.jpg 744f9cffd6a553c801ea1c272f49d70d https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/69d5d75c525d19aed54c8340d93cd436.jpg 869ec355aa1a93e132e6a4273a3b8c5e https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a0e3ec089a2d645550ca36f720274639.jpg 026c07a4063bfcd699574a05490a29e5 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 Stole Text ANONYMOUS ELDER I was raised in the Presbyterian Church - the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Illinois. I went to Sunday school and sang in the youth choir. I have amazing memories of touring Europe with the teen choir. I can still hear our voices echoing in cathedrals. I can still see the tear-streaked faces in the standing room only crowd at our concert in a Yugoslavian church, and I can still taste the tears we shed with them. My brother sang, too, and my parents were there - they chaperoned the trip. My Grandma was and is a Southern Baptist. She worries about everything, and she prays about everything. I've always figured that if one day passes that I forget to pray, well, she's got me covered. She has been a subtle, yet profound influence on my life. I went to a small Lutheran college, and was involved in the college congregation, so I like to think that my roots are Presbyterian, Baptist and Lutheran. During my junior year of college, Pastor Benson called me into his office for a chat. He asked me if I had ever considered going to seminary, and that perhaps I should. Well, it had maybe crossed my mind a bit. I said I'd give it some thought but... You see, it was during that same year, my junior year of college that I realized I was gay. I never went back to talk with Pastor Benson about it again. It was easier not to have the conversation with him that was going on in my head... "No, see, Pastor Benson, I really can't consider it. You see I can't tell you why I can't consider it. You see, I could consider it... well I would consider it if I wasn't.... well, maybe I will consider it if I can figure out whether or not I'm... You see, they don't let pastors be pastors if they're gay. You see, I don't think churches really even want gay people in them. You see, I can't be gay, because if I'm gay, I can't belong to a church. Or I could belong to a church, but I just can't ever tell anyone... The message I had received loudly and definitely from the church and society was that I wasn't welcome. It was the first time I experienced a thought that love for me might be conditional. I was raised by a family and a church to believe that love is unconditional. God's love is unconditional. "For God so loved the world that God gave his only begotten son, that whosoever... "With God, all things are possible." Enter the asterisk next to these Bible verses. Whosoever, except All things are possible, except... God's love for me suddenly seemed conditional. The result of these thoughts? For ten years following college, I didn't attend church. After attending church my entire life, I just left. I finally decided that my relationship with God could he good - just God and me. That would have to do. That didn't work either. My faith was there, but it was empty and distant. I had no faith family to share it with, and I had no outlet through which to serve. I thought about visiting churches, but somehow the idea of attending and remaining anonymous sitting somewhere near the back because I couldn’t tell any of them about myself didn't seem very appealing. I eventually heard about a couple of gay churches in town, but I wanted to go to a church that's more representative of the world I live in. I want to go to a church that's a bit like the church I grew up in. I’m not a fan of segregation. I just want the whole gay issue to be a non-issue, and all the religious conflict and infighting to be resolved so we can all focus all of our efforts on other issues and people that really need our work. I have a lot of friends who are still turned off by church. I tell them about St. Luke and churches like it, but most don't want to hear about church. Just like me, they’ve gotten the message loud and clear: Churches don't want us. It's tough to undo the damage. They've been driven away from the church, just as I was. These messages don't just exclude, and they don't just drive people away from church; such messages drive people away from the love of God. Is this what the church intends to do? It is what's happening. I celebrate the fact that I was able to rediscover my church home. I celebrate the fact that places like St. Luke exist. I wish I had known of St. Luke and other More Light churches 10 years ago. I wonder if I'd still be welcome at the First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois. I hope I would, but I don't know. You cannot know how deeply I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve as an Elder at St. Luke. To be asked to serve in a leadership role, when ten years ago I thought I wouldn't even be welcome in the building... The opportunity to lead and serve is incredibly precious and humbling. To hold hands with my church family and to sing Amen at the end of each service takes me back to the safe place in the church choir loft that I felt as a teenager. I pray for the eventual, inevitable day when we will have inclusive policies everywhere in every institution. I pray for the day when all God's children know that God's love truly is unconditional, that with God all things truly are possible, and that they too can join hands and sing amen. Will our church hasten that day and proclaim God's love for all people? Or will it continue to drive people away from the love of God? Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story This was the last stole left of the ones I wore during my days in ordained ministry. I gave it to her on the occasion of her own ordination as an Elder at St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Wayzata, MN, in gratitude for her friendship and all that she has done for the Shower of Stoles Project. 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 804 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant St. Louis Park, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Elder and Martha Juillerat Covenant Network of Presbyterians Lutheran Minnesota More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned) Southern Baptist Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a6b6fe8cafcbe735a80d6856ee38def4.jpg b28593a929681a4949503a0edb1674e3 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6a9a2b35949c59df29705e29007532ef.jpg 931c119b8ff0989b7c65060bb5e77a98 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. Teresa Lyons Stole Text Teresa Lyons Athens, Ohio I grew up in a small country Presbyterian church in Athens, Ohio where both of my parents, two sisters and myself were all baptized During the time of my life that I struggled with my identity as a lesbian I drifted away from the church because of my struggle When I returned to my home base, I went to speak with the new minister of the church where I grew up, and he was able to help me accept myself for who I am and to see that God is welcoming to everyone who love and serve Him. After speaking with the minister I again knew the Creator who through love draws the circle which brings humankind in and that it is not our role to say who shall be left out. I again became involved, by beginning a youth group, special music, custodian, my partner and I taught Bible school and special activities. When the nomination for new elders began the committee asked if I would serve as an elder. My answer was yes, I would be honored to serve the Lord and the church. Several members of the church approached our Interim Pastor questioning my lifestyle, and because of that I was asked to withdraw from nomination and those members said that the church would not support me to be an elder My family is no longer involved at that church and have all found other churches. My partner and I have been welcomed to a [new] church. We have been welcomed to the church for what we have to offer which is leadership and spirituality. Our vision for the church is to help work towards all persons being able to freely serve by educating, witnessing, spirituality, and leadership. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story What a sense of betrayal Teresa Lyons experienced in her church! After struggling to integrate her spirituality and sexuality, it was the pastor of her home church that helped her to accept herself and to know that she is loved by God. She and her partner committed themselves to serving God and the church in many ways; their leadership was welcomed by the congregation. That "welcome" changed, however, when she was nominated to be ordained as an Elder. Suddenly her "lifestyle" was more important than her deep faith and call to leadership in the church. This congregation's ignorance, abetted by a change in pastoral leadership, cost them dearly as Teresa's entire family moved on to other churches. Fortunately, all have found a place of welcome elsewhere. 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 227 Title A name given to the resource Teresa Lyons Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Athens, Ohio (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Teresa Lyons Lyons, Teresa Ohio Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/70ec168516ebddad68eb85480e38f699.jpg cbacfdf4e775a6d214556f76a0692e82 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/56c83e197fe821186bcd712ac4eace53.jpg 6136cc6a0b7fa7423320adbc72cf000d 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. Marilyn Nash Stole Text MARILYN NASH Dedicated at a service of worship at McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois January 14, 1998 Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Marilyn Nash made this stole for the occasion of the preaching of her Senior Sermon at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. With a longstanding commitment to diversity, McCormick is the only historically Euro-centric seminary in the Presbyterian denomination in which Whites are now in the minority. This commitment to diversity has made McCormick a relatively safe place for LGBT students over the years, but that same diverse student body -- with large numbers of Koreans, African-Americans, native Africans and Hispanics from a wide range of countries and religious backgrounds -- has kept the conversation lively around LGBT issues. Some students have used these opportunities to come out and tell their stories; others have found it more difficult to do so in such an intense and intimate environment. In 1998, Marilyn Nash invited me to bring stoles to McCormick for the service at which she would be preaching her Senior Sermon. Marilyn, who was "out" and an active leader in the local LGBT movement, had experienced open hostility from a couple of students that year, and she felt it important to have both the public statement and the support of the stoles surrounding her. She received this, along with overwhelming support of the seminary community itself. The chapel was packed for her service, with students and faculty from all walks of life sitting on the floor or standing in every available foot of space and spilling out into the entryway. A talented artist and worship designer, Marilyn returned to school to pursue a doctorate in Liturgical Arts. 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 396 Title A name given to the resource Marilyn Nash 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 Marilyn Nash African American Asian Chicago Clergy Activist Illinois Latinx Lesbian Nash, Marilyn Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5748d36711a8a40e9047079ec723c467.jpg ca1fd2df3fc9ecb34e3f9c50450b5175 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d7b251703caba2e5fb68f82e305aa269.jpg ef7b5bf4f5479b13758fd303004132c1 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. Jeanine Dorfman Stole Text Jeanine Dorfman An "out" lesbian in the ordination process, who is being denied ordination. I pray that this evil will end soon. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story On Jan. 1, 1996, I took one of the earliest displays of stoles to St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Wayzata, MN. St. Luke was one of the first benefactors of the Shower of Stoles Project (see stole #131 for details). Jeanine's mother, Carrie Dorfman, is a member of St. Luke. During the service, Jeanine's stole was laid on the communion table along with two large photos of Jeanine, one of her as an infant and the other taken recently of Jeanine wearing her stole, standing near a shoreline in upstate New York. Just before the sermon, Carrie was invited to come forward and take a moment to talk about Jeanine's stole. Carrie talked about the stole, and about the injustice of her daughter's having been denied ordination. Finally, in tears, she took the picture of Jeanine wearing her stole, held it up over her head and said, "She should be a minister! She should be wearing this stole!," and then she broke down sobbing. Rev. Bill Chadwick, one of St. Luke's co-pastors, came over and held her for a few moments, and then accompanied Carrie to her seat. Bill set aside his sermon notes; instead he returned to the communion table and said, "Sometimes the best words spoken are no words at all. Let's just sit in silence for awhile." And so we sat in silence -- a long, weighty silence broken only by the sound of quiet weeping throughout the room. It was, as one parishioner said later, "the most powerful sermon I've ever heard." 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 195 Title A name given to the resource Jeanine Dorfman Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jeanine Dorfman Ally Dorfman, Jeanine Minnesota Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dfcb9251ef49c8b55068ee7aee10bdb0.jpg 08d720c157bd701014cc2d735d0b3352 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cc4164369ed02ceaef5bca991d73cb5f.jpg 6aac3fe48b932bef77de731d48910aa0 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f424ca71a50438b06113eae57f179f4a.jpg 2650e699b3788c94112ad7d8c9b6eab2 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ac1aa38b1989e091fcefebc9d146198b.jpg 0b3103e385d236f7bcc4d167a26718d7 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. Jocelyn Hasty Rachel Jennings Stole Text This stole is displayed to the Glory of God in memory of Jocelyn Hasty and Rachel Jennings life-long friends, housemates, Churchwomen and Deacons in the Presbyterian Church Jo was a life-long member of a small Presbyterian church in Minnesota when she died. In preparing her funeral, I learned she had never married and had no children and very few relatives. At her burial I was told Jo was being buried next to her parents and Rachel, her longtime friend and companion, with whom she had lived and served the church for over 40 years. -- her pastor Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story "Jocelyn Hasty" and "Rachel Jennings" are chosen pseudonyms for two life-long companions who had served as ordained Deacons in the Presbyterian Church for many years. The pastor came to know "Jo" before she died. Born in an era when two women would have referred to themselves as "companions" rather than "partners," certainly wouldn't have labeled themselves as lesbian, and wouldn't have talked openly about it one way or another, this pastor was savvy enough to create a safe space in which the nature of their relationship could be made clear. 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 430 Title A name given to the resource "Jocelyn Hasty" Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Their Pastor Ally Minnesota Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/da3c7854b266a06ed31d5557b599ab1d.jpg 69e27f90fa35e745cf86740dc515d823 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4f004852b774d175e08594a2793bcbf7.jpg 4b689b979ee446bc4b4b635991891a13 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. Robert J. Moore Stole Text Robert J. Moore I grew up in the Presbyterian Church, graduated at the top of my class, and served parishes for 13 years. But I also had a shameful secret. I struggled with my sexuality for 48 years before actually being able to accept myself for who I am. Looking back, I can see that this needless struggle came about only because of misinformation I received from my faith tradition. Even when I knew it wasn't true, it took years to undo the damage. In 1990, I retired from Church work, so I could continue my struggle in a more supportive environment, and because I had by that time been diagnosed with HIV, and the Church did not feel like a safe place to be, no matter what the outcome of my personal struggle. Today, I continue my ministry with children and their families by working as a school social worker. I give my time to the Church whenever I can, and wherever it is welcome. When I think about the Church's erroneous teaching, and its impact on lives like mine, all I can say is "What a waste!" Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story Robert's story is such a poignant example of the church's infliction of pain and violence on LGBT persons. Robert, like so many others, spent a lifetime undoing the damage done through the church's abuse. As if to rub salt in the wound, following his AIDS diagnosis he determined that the church, the first place he should be able to turn for support, was actually the least safe place he could imagine. Robert left the pastorate and now ministers outside the bounds of the church as a school social worker. The last line of Robert's story speaks volumes: "When I think about the Church's erroneous teaching, and its impact on lives like mine, all I can say is 'What a waste!'" 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 834 Title A name given to the resource Robert J. Moore Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tucson, Arizona (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Robert J. Moore AIDS Arizona Moore, Robert J. Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cfbb4f4f710ca4e4862824cac21dda8e.jpg ff2901b91e17e9b065790e1361e8ed47 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9bc2d1506207fb172e4916673ec17f9f.jpg 2376dbb06e2c3066ee1aa472f5dd3e9f 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 Students (McCormick Theological Seminary) Stole Text To my seminary friends who are serving in silence, I love you. Peace, Marilyn Nash 1998 McCormick Seminary Chicago Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story Over the years I made a number of trips to McCormick Theological Seminary, my alma mater. With a longstanding commitment to diversity, McCormick is the only historically Euro-centric seminary in the Presbyterian denomination in which Whites are now in the minority. This commitment to diversity has made McCormick a relatively safe place for LGBT students over the years, but that same diverse student body -- with large numbers of Koreans, African-Americans, native Africans and Hispanics from a wide range of countries and religious backgrounds -- has kept the conversation lively around LGBT issues. Some students have used these opportunities to come out and tell their stories; others have found it more difficult to do so in such an intense and intimate environment. In 1998, Marilyn Nash invited me to bring stole to McCormick for the service at which she would be preaching her Senior Sermon. Marilyn, who was "out" and an active leader in the local LGBT movement, had experienced open hostility from a couple of students that year, and she felt it important to have both the public statement and the support of the stoles surrounding her. She received this, along with overwhelming support of the seminary community itself. The chapel was packed for her service, with students and faculty from all walks of life sitting on the floor or standing in every available foot of space and spilling out into the entryway. Marilyn was aware that she was further along in her personal journey than a few other LGBT students who remained closeted, and that she was able to provide a strong voice on their behalf. These few students were able to acknowledge that they were grateful for this gift, and for Marilyn's strength and courage. This stole is a part of that gift, as Marilyn gracefully honored her beloved friends who were "serving in silence." 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 398 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Students (McCormick 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 Chicago, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Marilyn Nash Chicago Illinois Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Women and Religion