8 20 857 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Miranda Keefe Stole Text MIRANDA KEEFE St. James Presbyterian Church Bellingham, Washington Miranda Meagan Keefe, a Transsexual woman, was born in 1954 as a male named Randy Keefe. Sunday School, choir, VBS and youth group at St. James Presbyterian in Bellingham, WA shaped her deepening faith in Christ until she felt called to ministry. She attended Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, served as Associate Pastor for youth at First Presbyterian in Prosser, WA, and then as Pastor at Naches Presbyterian Church in Naches, WA. In 1987 she surrendered her PCUSA ordination to pastor Christ Community Church, an ecumenical congregation in Bellingham. She transitioned to her current female gender in 1995, left the pastorate, and returned to St. James. She frequently teaches classes at St. James, preaches once or twice a year, and has served as Deacon. Miranda was married when she was in the male gender and had three sons. In 1991 she became a single parent raising her children with the help of her parents. In 2005 she finished studies at Western Washington University to earn a Masters in Psychology – Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to resume her PCUSA ordination in a validated ministry doing counseling. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 1068 Title A name given to the resource Miranda Keefe Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Bellingham, Washington (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource St. James Presbyterian Church Keefe, Miranda Meagan Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/617531c581b3b5ae22645977308cbe03.jpg fbe5ad2c93084f2e860b4e8ecf06851d https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c84e8142db7401f611a27495006326d7.jpg e83239c426d828eea6e7b1fdbec51354 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. Rev. Jim Chandler Stole Text REV. JIM CHANDLER CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE Denver, CO This is a place where all people, in all our diversity, on all our different paths and with all our individual and unique expressions of life, may come together to celebrate our inherent oneness as perfect manifestations of the One Spirit through the use of Science of Mind principles. We recognize that our thoughts create our journey and by affirming love, faith, compassion, and joy, we attract beauty, peace, and purpose into our lives. We give thanks for our uniqueness and our diversity of life, while we celebrate the One Life that is All Life…… God’s Life! Denomination Church of Religious Science 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 1069 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Jim Chandler 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 Rev. Jim Chandler Chandler, Jim Church of Religious Science Ohio Theology 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. First Unitarian Society Stole Text First Unitarian Society Unitarian Universalist Denver, CO The scales, rainbow and dove represent the principles which include a diverse world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.  To fulfill these principles, the Unitarian Universalist denomination and this church, represented by the flaming chalice, strive for civil marriage as a civil right. First Unitarian has selected Just Marriage as this year’s congregational project. Denomination Unitarian Universalist 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 1070 Title A name given to the resource First Unitarian Society 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 First Unitarian Society Clergy Activist Colorado Marriage Equality Theology Unitarian-Universalist Association 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. Rev. Sarah J. Flynn Stole Text Rev. Sarah J. Flynn American Catholic Church of New England (formerly United Methodist Church) Burlington, Vermont I am sending with this letter a stole bearing the United Methodist emblem at one end of it. I am sending with this letter a stole bearing the United Methodist emblem at one end of it. I wore this stole during my pastoral ministry which began as a student pastor in 1961 and continued as a full time Elder after I was ordained.  I served parishes in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut before leaving pastoral ministry. The reason for leaving was that I had finally come face to face with my transsexual gender identity after having struggled to deny it for about 25 years. I completed my transition in 1978 and started life over, eventually becoming a college registrar and advisor which became my second career. During my second career as a registrar I served for 9 years as a United Methodist supply pastor on weekends. I served on conference committees and even arranged the installation service of an incoming bishop. The bishop who had originally ordained me to the ministry had, after I transitioned, re-issued my ordination papers in my new name at the request of the bishop under whom I had been serving. I believe this was a bold step for a bishop to take in 1978. It was even bolder perhaps to appoint me to a part-time parish which I served on a “don't ask, and I won't tell” basis (but if asked, I would have told!) Why then am I sending this stole? Because 1.) I owed it to the many LGBT people who had helped me over the years to come out and make my witness on behalf of their need for justice, and 2.) I met the woman who became my same-sex life partner. Being out and being in a same sex relationship put me at odds with the United Methodist Church policy banning self-avowed, practicing homosexuals from being appointed to parishes or blessing same-sex unions. I am guilty of being and doing both. So I left the part-time parish I was serving, retired from the United Methodist ministry and have been serving as a priest in an open and affirming church ever since. I left because I did not want to create problems for the liberal bishops under whom I had served. By law, they would be forced to put me on trial even though it would be contrary to their own consciences to do so. I left also because there is much to be done both in terms of pastoral ministry and social justice advocacy for LGBT people and I could not do that work and avoid becoming involved a futile trial proceeding that would lead to my dismissal. Out of respect for the bishops who took such risks I thought it best to leave on my own and continue the work in another church. Rev. Sarah J. Flynn American Catholic Church of New England  Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Story <p>Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=244">here</a> to read Rev. Sarah Flynn's biographic profile on the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery.</p> 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 1071 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Sarah J. Flynn Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Burlington, Vermont (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Sarah J. Flynn Clergy Activist Flynn, Sarah J. Methodist Theology Transgender activism United Methodist Church Vermont 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. Reverend Joe Halloran Stole Text Reverend Joe Halloran Roman Catholic Colorado Springs, Colorado This stole was used in Catholic Masses in many different countries. Denomination Roman Catholic 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1084 Title A name given to the resource Reverend Joe Halloran Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Reverend Joe Halloran Catholic Colorado Halloran, Joe Roman Catholic 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. First Congregational Church (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH United Church of Christ Indianapolis, Indiana Truly ONA It wasn’t until 2004 that FCC Indy became truly ONA, even though the ONA statement had been passed in 1994, ten years ago.  We were in “ONA limbo.” I’m sure there are other churches like ours – intellectually tolerant of diversity, but resistant to advocacy for gay and lesbian people.  A marker of a technically-but-not-truly ONA church is an ONA church with few openly gay or lesbian members.  Have you heard these confusing, diffusing, and alienating statements?  “Open and affirming means welcoming all people – it’s not just about gay people.  How about racism, poverty, and mental illness?”  Or, “Aren’t we supposed to be welcoming to conservative people, too?” Controversy about celebrating our 10th anniversary of our ONA statement was the background for a reconciling dialogue.  The Shower of Stoles surrounded our celebration, and each stole was a witness to the visible and invisible gifts of LGBT believers. We are now a truly ONA church. Denomination United Church of Christ 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 1075 Title A name given to the resource First Congregational Church (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) Ally Indiana Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Ordination United Church of Christ 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. Christ Church United Methodist (Solidarity Stole) Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2008 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 1173 Title A name given to the resource Christ Church United Methodist (Solidarity Stole) 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 Christ Church United Methodist Ally Methodist United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Denomination Roman Catholic Church Contribution Date 2014 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 1172 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 Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Catholic Roman Catholic United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Denomination Roman Catholic 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1171 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 Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Catholic Roman Catholic United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Denomination Roman Catholic Church Contribution Date 2013 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 1170 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 Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Catholic Roman Catholic United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2013 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 1169 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 Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/25e67519c0c5d904ca16101562f78f18.jpg 35071b11d0b2d98a57a1ccadfcada7a3 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4920bae9554d97cf32094e1a185f4b63.jpg 393ae87af9e236617943edc11212b453 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4d7422d426d28c910591a7af6b3a9b4c.jpg 3904416cf6fca1637292f03c7886d62a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6fff3586ff74d3bae34b222e2858479c.jpg d87d6420dc1d7e7939b01e1af815e371 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. Rev. Elizabeth Hall Stole Text The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth S. Hall Presbyterian Church (USA) Troy, NY For 14 years I was a parish minister in two different PC(USA) churches. When I fell in love with a woman, I knew I would have to leave my beloved ministry. I could not with any integrity serve the church, preaching of God's love and justice for all people knowing the PC(USA), and several people in the pew, could not accept me, or worse, would condemn me. Integrity, for me, is the integration of my internal feelings with my external actions. I could have no integrity if I pretended to live one way so that people would accept me, knowing full well this is not who I am. The sentence, "I found God in myself, and I loved her, I loved her fiercely," became my fully integrated self. Outside the church, I have felt this full integration of me, God, and the world. I was, and am, at peace with God. I am still not at peace with the church. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth S. Hall Honorable Retired Spouse Pamela M. Palumbo Dedicated on Sunday, November 16, 2008 First United Presbyterian Church - Troy, NY Given by the More Light Ministries Team *** The Pink Triangle Dedicated to Rev. Elizabeth Hall Designed by Quilt Artist Renee Kroner Hoagland Having been raised to believe we are all equal and should be treated with dignity and respect, it is sad to realize not much has changed in the last 75 years. 75 years ago Hitler started his campaign of terror and hate. Everyone knows about the near annihilation of the Jews. However, few people know the extent of Nazi madness and how many other groups of people were selected for death. As each group was selected for deportation to the death camps, the Nazis needed a way to categorize their captives so they could keep accurate records of their madness. They gave each group a colored triangle to wear on their camp uniforms. Jews wore yellow stars (two triangles), criminals wore green and homosexuals wore pink triangles. There were many others, sadly too many to mention here. I wanted to express my sadness over the fact that we still find it impossible to accept those members of our society who are different. The Bible teaches us that we are all God's children. Why then, do so many of us believe his love is only for a select few? This stole is designed to remind us that we still carry old prejudices and more work needs to be done to bring God's love to all. The dark pieced background represents the rigid attitudes and prejudices towards the sexually disenfranchised. As well as the loneliness and despair they must feel by not being able to fulfill their calling to serve the church and live openly. The "Holocaust" triangles remind us the LGBT members of our society are still discriminated against, even those called to serve God. It is meant to be uncomfortable to look at, thereby forcing us to address our prejudices. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 1168 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Elizabeth Hall Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Troy, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource More Light Ministries Team of First Presbyterian Church, Troy, NY Hall, Elizabeth More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology 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 Ordained Elder Stole Text Anonymous Ordained Elder United Methodist Church I knew I was gay when I felt and answered God’s call to ordained ministry. For over thirty years of ministry and marriage I struggled with the tension of not being able to be genuine and accepted for who I am. I was silent when the church struggled with the homosexual issue, afraid I would become a casualty if I spoke up or out. Living in that tension finally broke me physically, mentally and spiritually. Suspected of being gay, I was placed on disability leave. At the next General Conference, the rules were changed and I became eligible for retirement, so I retired in my early 50’s. For now I still have my orders, but I am not welcome to serve. I am healing and learning that God loves me as a gay man, and I am still struggling with my call. I hope and pray that I live to see the day when the United Methodist Church truly has open hearts, open minds, and open doors. I donate a Lenten stole, purple, with part of John 3:16 on it, because I, we, are members of the world God loved and loves. This stole was made for me by a friend – the friend who offered me a home and family when the United Methodist Church was no longer either to me. Denomination 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1167 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Ordained Elder 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) Methodist Ordination Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Michelle Kanatzar Stole Text Michelle Kanatzar, Deacon Metropolitan Community Church Baptist Louisville, KY I always knew that I was destined to serve God in a public way. Yet, something stood in my way. I was a lesbian in a very strict Baptist church. I decided it wasn’t going to stop me from serving God. I started working with kids at only 12 years old and even decided to get my degree in Biblical Studies. I was able to hide my identity until my mid-twenties, but was finally outed. My studies were over and I no longer could work with the kids or be a member of the church. I never felt like I had lost God, but I felt like I would never have a way to reach others. Then, 15 years ago I found Metropolitan Community Churches. I have been able to work with kids again, interpret services, and most importantly become a Deacon of my local congregation. My story is so much like so many others that are forced out of the church that they grew up in. I am one of the lucky ones that find a place to use my gifts for the benefit of God. I pray that others may find that safe place. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Baptist 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 1165 Title A name given to the resource Michelle Kanatzar Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Michelle Kanatzar Baptist Kanatzar, Michelle Kentucky MCC Ordination Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Juston Stole Text Juston Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY From my earliest memories, I knew God. I wasn't taught that, I seemed to have come into the world knowing that. I grew believing in Jesus, but my relationship was with God my Father. When I reached maturity, I struggled with the God I always knew and the interpretations of “Christians” that judged me an “abomination.” I spiraled closer to suicide. On my darkest night, convulsing in tears, begging God to change me, I fell asleep and awoke, directed by the Holy Spirit to read Matthew 19:11–12. Jesus was affirming that He knew I was born gay and there was nothing about me He wanted to change. Jesus struggled with traditionalists and legalists, and they wouldn't accept Him and chose to crucify Him. The Christian traditionalists and legalists of today are part of the Church and the Body of Christ, and with their best intentions, their words couldn't be further from the example of Jesus. The Covenant of Jesus is inclusive and unconditional love offered freely to all.  Denomination Metropolitan Community 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1164 Title A name given to the resource Juston Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Juston Kentucky MCC Queer/nonconforming Theology 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. Pastor Colleen Foley Stole Text Juston Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY From my earliest memories, I knew God. I wasn't taught that, I seemed to have come into the world knowing that. I grew believing in Jesus, but my relationship was with God my Father. When I reached maturity, I struggled with the God I always knew and the interpretations of “Christians” that judged me an “abomination.” I spiraled closer to suicide. On my darkest night, convulsing in tears, begging God to change me, I fell asleep and awoke, directed by the Holy Spirit to read Matthew 19:11–12. Jesus was affirming that He knew I was born gay and there was nothing about me He wanted to change. Jesus struggled with traditionalists and legalists, and they wouldn't accept Him and chose to crucify Him. The Christian traditionalists and legalists of today are part of the Church and the Body of Christ, and with their best intentions, their words couldn't be further from the example of Jesus. The Covenant of Jesus is inclusive and unconditional love offered freely to all.  Denomination Metropolitan Community 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1163 Title A name given to the resource Pastor Colleen Foley Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Pastor Colleen Foley Ally Foley, Colleen Kentucky MCC 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. Susan Deitrick Stole Text Susan Deitrick Roman Catholic This stole came to me in Mexico City in the summer of 1994. What was especially poignant about this time and place and experience is that first of all, I was to speak to a predominantly Catholic congregation. I, Susan Deitrick, who grew up Catholic, having received my calling in the second grade at St. Joseph’s Church in Canton, Ohio. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest sends laborers.” In my young heart, I knew Jesus was calling me. The problem was that I was a girl called to the priesthood. The Catholic Church still hasn’t heard Jesus, who called His own mother, as well as Mary Magdalene and many other women, including me. In fact, in my visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe, she gave me the message to deliver to this people that had never seen or heard a woman preach. She let them know that they were the new Juan Diego, called to be a church for her son Jesus Christ. The second thing that made this ironic is that I was called to Mexico City to sit on the credentialing committee for some Mexican about-to-be clergy. In the process, I was asked to perform the Holy Union of a Mexico City pastor and his spouse. Last of all, as I was leaving to come to Mexico City, my very special niece was killed in an auto accident. My brother and all her family were devastated beyond consolation. She had just turned 24. I had to choose her funeral or God’s calling. I went where God led me. Denomination Roman Catholic 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1166 Title A name given to the resource Susan Deitrick 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 Susan Deitrick Catholic Deitrick, Susan Feminism Mexico Roman Catholic Theology Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. MCC of Louisville (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 I was cast aside by the denomination in which I grew up, and responded by leaving organized religion for thirty years. Then I discovered MCCL. I found a spiritual home that I didn't even know I was seeking. I found a loving group of individuals who had been rejected by the very institutions that should have embraced them as children of God. I found a place where the Holy Spirit was vibrant. And I found a group made richer by the contributions of other seminarians and clergy who had also been rejected by their original denominations. This is not about me; it is about us. My story is their story. My pain, theirs. And most importantly, my redemption is theirs, too. The incredible richness that they bring to the ministries of our church is beyond measure. Through suffering we have been transformed, and by the journey have become the instruments through which God works to bring about healing and love for all. If the church is the Body of God, then MCCL is its heart. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Contribution Date 2013 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 1162 Title A name given to the resource MCC of Louisville (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville Ally Clergy Activist Kentucky MCC Ordination 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. Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Minnetonka United Methodist Church United Methodist Church Minnetonka, MN The vision of Minnetonka United Methodist Church is to be caring, inclusive, and Spirit-filled in all we do. Our commitment is to follow Christ’s example and, as a Reconciling Congregation, to welcome persons of all sexual identities and orientations into this faith community. This ally stole was signed by youth in our church. The Reconciling Committee presented anti-bullying information to the youth, as part of our discernment process in becoming a Reconciling Congregation in 2010. Let this stole bear witness to our hope for the safety and full inclusion of all God’s children. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2013 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 1161 Title A name given to the resource Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnetonka, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource The youth of Minnetonka United Methodist Church Ally Methodist Minnesota 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. Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Minnetonka United Methodist Church United Methodist Church Minnetonka, MN This ally stole was created in recognition of our church becoming a Reconciling Congregation in 2010. Following a lengthy discernment process, the membership of Minnetonka United Methodist Church voted to adopt a Welcoming Statement by an overwhelming majority. Our statement reads: The vision of Minnetonka United Methodist Church is to follow Christ’s example and, as a Reconciling Congregation, to welcome persons of all sexual identities and orientations into this faith community. We are the 20th church in Minnesota to become a Reconciling Congregation. Since then, our church membership has continued to grow. Let this stole bear witness to our hope for the full inclusion of all God’s family in the life and work of the church. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2013 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 1160 Title A name given to the resource Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnetonka, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource The adults of Minnetonka United Methodist Church Ally Methodist Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church