1 20 857 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8126f0b174be671861596949e1710579.jpg 971903c4df322554101dfc263ae2b1bc https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/86aee6c43ca8718ae905da057a831864.jpg fd777656938afce3017af947ff76894d 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. Madison (Infant son of Valerie Nelson and Diane Gira, who was denied baptism in his United Methodist Church) Stole Text For Madison "A Stole In Honor of Our Son" We present this stole in honor of our son, Madison, who was denied baptism in Evergreen United Methodist Church in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Our son's birth was treated differently than the other babies born into our church family. Our pastor would not announce our son's birth from the pulpit, would not include his birth information in the Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter, and even initially said he was too busy to come to our home to meet Madison (but did find time 2 weeks later). The final act of injustice, however, was when our pastor denied our six-week-old son baptism because "we could not provide a Christian home for him" and because "baptism is for the parents, not the baby!" At that point we knew we needed to find a different church and with hearts heavy with pain, we left. We weren't a couple who attended church on a whim or only on religious holidays. We were leaders in our church who attended every Sunday. At the time we left, we were: secretary to the administrative council, adult Sunday school participants, communion stewards, ushers, singer in the choir, Vice Chairperson of the Trustees, coordinator of a project that provided winter outer wear to needy children in our area, member of the evangelism committee, substitute Sunday school teacher, on the adult Sunday school curriculum committee, and a member of a committee which was in the process of writing a mission statement for the church. None of this mattered; in fact, our love for the Lord wasn't even enough for this pastor. All that mattered to him was that we were gay. Our son is a wonderful 22 month old toddler, a blessing from God, and the pastor and church that rejected him have no idea what they are missing out on! Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Valerie and Diane left the United Methodist Church and joined a Lutheran church where they were welcome and, more important, where they could have their son baptized. They sent this in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. It was their hope that, with the telling of their story, the church might begin to look beyond the issue of ordination to see just how deep discrimination runs -- affecting even a six week old infant. In a denomination that believes baptism should be freely offered to the children of those who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ, this stole sparked much discussion at the General Conference and beyond. From the day I received it, Madison's stole became one of six that I took with me everywhere I went for the next six years. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 641 Title A name given to the resource Madison (Infant son of Valerie Nelson and Diane Gira, who was denied baptism in his United Methodist Church) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Wahpeton, North Dakota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Valerie Nelson and Diane Gira Clergy Activist Gira, Diane Lutheran Methodist Nelson, Valerie North Dakota Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7032ee894b30d33bf6c39b5731e5e1fb.png 4195367a19cb2d04fd60bc4b6f78ad68 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b2a89723467dc9665dfbd67b578a8f24.png 7cc6774b30eb9044d5d916904c69dc41 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 ("Un Ministro Gay e Hispano... A Gay and Hispanic Minister from the North") Stole Text Porque Dios me amó primero; sólo quiero ser fiel a Él me llamó a servir. Un Ministro Gay e Hispano del Norte Because God loved me first; I just want to be faithful to him and to the Church He called me to serve. A Gay and Hispanic Minister from the North Denomination #NAME? Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story People occasionally ask about the number of stoles representing people of color. I know that there are quite a few, but it is impossible to establish an exact number. Although a handful have self-identified as people of color, most (especially those who are ordained) have not; as a result the collection has grown to be relatively "colorblind." In many instances the reason is obvious: The mainline Protestant denominations are overwhelmingly White. For example, if an anonymous Presbyterian ordained lay elder were to reveal their race, in a denomination whose membership is 98% White, it wouldn't take much for someone with ill intentions to make assumptions. At a national church gathering a few years ago, I received a stole in a rather clandestine manner. I had slipped into a large meeting room to take a quick look at a video presentation. It was very difficult to see in the darkened room, so I remained standing against the back wall. Soon, however, someone came up next to me and whispered that he knew who I was, and was hoping I might be able to help him find a way to tell his story. I couldn't make out his face, but he had a distinctly Hispanic accent. He said he couldn't risk identifying his denomination or city; in his tight-knit community would certainly lose his pastorate and would fear for his personal safety. After a quick conversation I thought of a simple way he might "locate" himself without revealing too much: I suggested that he pick a general direction -- east, west, north or south -- to add to his story. He thanked me and disappeared back into the room. The next day I arrived at our information table. On my chair was a paper bag with my name on it, containing a thin red stole. A pink triangle was sewed on one side; on the other side was a rainbow flag with the earth on it. Below these appliques were two statements: <blockquote> Porque Dios me amó primero; sólo quiero ser fiel a Él me llamó a servir. Un Ministro Gay e Hispano del Norte Because God loved me first; I just want to be faithful to him and to the Church He called me to serve. A Gay and Hispanic Minister from the North </blockquote> 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 461 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("Un Ministro Gay e Hispano... A Gay and Hispanic Minister from the North") 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 Latinx 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. Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop Stole Text When she was five years old, Nadean felt called to go to Nigeria as a missionary, later realizing that only women missionaries were allowed to preach by Southern Baptists. Forty-five years later she matriculated at Pacific School of Religion, and received the M.Div. degree in 1985 and became pastor of the Northside Community Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a closeted lesbian. When she was called to pastor the University Baptist Church in Minneapolis in 1992, she became the first "out" ordained American Baptist LGBT person to be called to a pastorate. During the intervening years, Nadean had married, had four children, completed a Ph.D. in Victorian Poetry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, divorced, taught at Eastern Michigan University for 25 years, and recognized that she was a lesbian. As the American Baptist campus minister at the University of Michigan, she began to counsel with LGBT persons, and this became a major ministry while she was pastor at UBC in Minneapolis. Nadean's donation of a spangled party dress is to exemplify that her life as a lesbian pastor and counselor has not been a hardship but has been like a party. In June of 1996, she and her partner, Sheryl Palmer, expressed their commitment to one another in a service at University Baptist Church, complete with communion and anointing with oil. They share a home on a ten-acre horse farm in Stillwater, Minnesota. Denomination American Baptist/USA Contribution Date 2006 Contribution Story This is one of my favorite pieces in the Shower of Stoles collection. It is made all the more unique when one considers the donor -- a distinguished, snowy-haired grandmother. It is, though, a perfect reflection of Nadean Bishop. Though the path she followed had its share of rocky places, Nadean has embraced life to the fullest, and her ministry has exuded grace, compassion, steadfast love, and much positive energy. The emotional and spiritual weight of this collection -- the bigotry and oppression, the loss of careers and dreams, even the loss of life in a few cases -- can be overwhelming. This whimsical piece does not allow us to rest in victim hood, but moves us on to a place of faithfulness, love and joy. 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 1065 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop American Baptist/USA Baptist Bishop, Nadean Minneapolis Minnesota Ordination Palmer, Sheryl Theology Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d720bf393bb6d8e4b7afc1eec9970b10.jpg 64fb0eb62aa00f64ed33e558bfab82c6 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/38c9f633ac9092a40be4e5a852410996.jpg 7431bc577e023b7810a3a7872ae3cfdc https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5ba2fbd3ff43d3329c16d68aa61941c8.jpg b0b3669bffc54d0a30c5ac7cf51d6f00 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. Ralph Lesley Johnson Stole Text In loving memory of RALPH LESLEY JOHNSON And his supportive sister, LAUREL ANN BERRY A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 Ralph Johnson did not need incentive like getting his hands on the family car to attend Epworth League. He was a faithful participant from the start. As a young man, he stretched his spiritual wings, feeding an enthusiasm for youth ministry, certifying as a lay preacher and, for a time, even considering a call to the lay ministry. However, when, after a long struggle, he accepted his sexual orientation and met his life partner Cedric, he decided on a different direction in life. They built a life and a successful floral business together and enriched the lives of our family with love and support. Ralph remained a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, serving God through music, numerous acts of kindness and, of course, flowers, until his death by homicide in 1989. Because he was gay, his death was investigated both as a hate crime and as a crime of opportunity. His assailants were never caught, so the reason for his senseless death is known only to them and to God. What we do know is that we miss him very much. Given by Laurel's family to honor her wishes to share her brother's story and to support the ministry of the Shower of Stoles. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story Ralph's stole is green linen, with flowers embroidered down the center of the entire stole. The United Methodist Church's red and black "Cross and Flame" symbol is on the bottom of one panel, and on the bottom of the other panel is a photograph of Ralph and his sister, Laurel, each with an arm around the other, standing on the front steps of a home. The stole was given to us by a member of Ralph's family when I was in Toledo, Ohio a couple of years ago participating in an ecumenical conference. Ralph, I'm told, was a remarkable, faithful, man of God, and was a very active lay leader in the United Methodist Church from high school until he was murdered. Although Ralph's assailant was never caught, and therefore the motive was never established conclusively, I was told that the evidence overwhelmingly suggested that it was a hate crime and that it was treated as such. (Note: Epworth League was a youth ministry of the United Methodist Church) Ralph is one of three gay men represented in the Shower of Stoles collection who were murdered in hate crimes. This is one of the six stoles that I took with me everywhere I went. 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 969 Title A name given to the resource Ralph Lesley Johnson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ohio (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource The family of Laurel Ann Berry (Ralph's sister) Ally Berry, Laurel Ann Johnson, Ralph Lesley Methodist Ohio Theology United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9d267e459d9d6f8846a2bd3c74b26d27.jpg 37f667b8d33d2830ceb63226cb6ca6e7 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/785fbb322d9d8c63eabf15c4736032d3.jpg 68656fda936f99d48122214e7f7c7bb5 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. An Anonymous Father (First United Methodist stole: "LET THE SHAME STOP!") Stole Text ANONYMOUS My gay father (in the closet until his death in 1988) and my mother were founding members of their church in Ohio. As a youth I received my call to ministry in that church. This stole is given in memory of my father, and because even now my heart is heavy at the continuing shaming of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. We who are children of the closet have suffered yet unstudied painful consequences of the discrimination and silence that our parents endured. Perhaps you can use it despite its Methodist cross and flame. After our recent General Conference one needs to make witness that we are slipping backward on this issue and losing some of the brightest and best. LET THE SHAME STOP! Denomination United Methodist Church Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story This stole, given to us just after the 1996 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, was the first United Methodist stole given to the collection. It is a simple design, a narrow, deep red, raw silk stole with the United Methodist "Cross and Flame" embroidered in gold at the bottom each panel and edged with gold fringe. It was sent to us by a woman, who is an ordained United Methodist minister, to honor her father. The letter said that her father, who was an active lay leader in his church, couldn't live with the knowledge of the church's condemnation of gays, and after many years of trying to live a "straight" life as a husband and father, he eventually took his own life. The story that she chose to put on the stole itself does not mention these facts directly; I share this bit of the story from her letter when I talk about the stole with groups. This is one of six stoles that I took with me everywhere I went. 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 224 Title A name given to the resource An Anonymous Father (First United Methodist stole: "LET THE SHAME STOP!") 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 His Daughter Clergy Activist Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology United Church of Christ United States Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/949756d538cb93710923f8965476f3f7.jpg a8577241fc70daee247a5645db879e4a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ed28ae7d82b9b1214707b7abbb5e39da.jpg 1812ec78e5eb3eb5752a3dedd7afeb32 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 (Advent Stole) Stole Text Anonymous I send you an advent stole, because I am one who waits "in lonely exile here." I mourn for my church and for my sisters and brothers who also wait in exile... waiting for God to restore the Temple where all may freely serve. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This is the first entirely anonymous stole we received. The note included with the stole included no information other than that which is contained on the stole. No name or return address was given. In addition, the envelope's postmark was smudged, so we don't even know what part of the country it came from -- and I suspect that we never will know. In many respects, this one stole came to represent all of the anonymous stoles in the collection. It was one that I highlighted in many of my programs. 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 16 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Advent 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 Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Covenant Network of Presbyterians More Light Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ae2f54ed7aeed9798d5fa124849f794e.jpg 0fdff8f589ccef0f9b6b4571a5892d6e 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 (Free Will Baptist necktie) Stole Text ANONYMOUS FREE WILL BAPTIST Student Preacher and Youth Director In keeping with my Baptist tradition, which does not include such things as stoles, please accept my usual Sunday "liturgical garb" -- a necktie. Denomination Free Will Baptist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This whimsical "stole" was given to me by a young man I met at a national conference in Texas in 1999. He was overseeing child care and youth activities for the conference, a task for which he was well suited. His enthusiasm, good humor, and zest for life were matched by his deep faith. At the time that I met him, he was in the process of coming out to his church. Although he was keenly aware that this would preclude him from any possibility of ministry in his denomination, his sense of call was clear and he remained convinced that God would help him find a way to follow that call. In 1999 he was in search of a church where he would be welcome. The church that eventually does open the door for him will find itself blessed abundantly by a gifted pastor. 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 744 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Free Will Baptist necktie) 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 Baptist Church Trials Free Will Baptist Church Ordination Theology United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/fbac09f737eb037878fa8252a595bff5.jpg b8cc5f5fb61842147b8aa2ee84dafc49 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/da41eb3d77788766cb1720a2cc7391aa.jpg f650547a99db2ae59034ba768251dd7a 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. Mimi Goodwin Stole Text MIMI GOODWIN ALASKA BROKEN COVENANT STOLE <blockquote> Spirit Dove sits and weeps on a weathered Baptismal font. We put our hope in the Lord; who inclines towards us and heeds our cry. Our God lifts us out of the miry pit. Our God sets our feet upon a rock, steadies our legs and makes our footing sure. Our God gives us firm places to stand and makes our steps secure. Our God puts new songs in our mouths, songs of praise to our God. Many will see it and stand in awe, and trust in the Lord. adapted from Psalm 40 </blockquote> I believe it is God's grace and wisdom that guides many followers of Christ to commonly baptize infants. For as we gaze into the eyes of a child, all of our being celebrates seeing a sacred, precious little one created in the divine image of God. It is with joy that we celebrate being in covenant with each baptized child. The vote on Amendment B in the Southeast Alaska Presbytery was 20 in favor and 21 opposed. At this time, I was serving as an ordained Deacon with the Presbyterian Church in Alaska. I was also in a discernment process concerning ordained ministry. As with others, I had many questions. Part of this process is with which denomination to serve. Do I stay with the Presbyterian Church or do I return to the United Church of Christ in which I was raised? Alaska is currently the only state without a UCC congregation. I see denominations as vessels holding our lay and ordained ministries. Divisions in denominations around "the issue of homosexuality" are cracking and breaking the unity of being One Body. It is with celebration, joy, honor, integrity and sorrow that the United Church of Christ is again my home denomination. I am grateful for the welcome I find here as a Lesbian. I am currently in seminary. "Broken Covenant Stole" is sewn one stitch at a time in solidarity with all people who do justice, love kindness and walk humbly (and boldly) with our God. As we gaze into the eyes of all God's peoples, may we cherish and celebrate for we are, with a sacred and precious one, created in the divine image of God. Amen. Mimi Goodwin, Spring 1999 "Broken Covenant Stole" has traveled with the Shower of Stoles since the spring of 1999, when it was dedicated at the United Church of Christ in New Brighton, MN during our celebration of five years being Open and Affirming. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) United Church of Christ Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story (Note: "Amendment B" refers to the measure passed by the 1996 General Assembly and a majority of presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church (USA), which made the church's ban on the ordination of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals" a binding measure in the church's constitution.) Mimi Goodwin's gifts and calling lie in the fields of creative worship and liturgical arts, areas in which she displays great talent. It is no surprise, then, that her stole is an extraordinary work of art. Most of the materials used to create the stole are from Alaska; the material is hand woven, and the branch in the dove's beak is made from thin braided strips of bark from a tree that is found only in the area around Mimi's home town of Sitka. It is also reflective of the pain and inner conflict Mimi faced in leaving her denomination for one that is more welcoming; silver beads form tears falling from the dove's eyes, filling the font to overflowing. 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 487 Title A name given to the resource Mimi Goodwin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Sitka, Alaska (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mimi Goodwin Alaska Goodwin, Mimi Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f4f1e541d98b5586cf03fe85c75ddbb2.jpg 9af44924339eed7ac0147ecf5f60ea30 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b80c8a103c8b563d08bbe188c9cf6492.jpg b7d9f401875412223562ce5e1af01663 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8d4f35f0c55e0fbc7ce52837676d1fb1.jpg c890471641d35c5adea71152fa0c0999 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dc1d239265097aea29b0363066e6bcad.jpg bbfa72aa69cc50ad1ba1e15270fa43c6 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/41ad26ebdc50f3690e97749763ec3617.jpg 73f2c1e62c586d7ea8de9e4a71b2bca1 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3e1a1d32000e0a4602b0bb1feac33d9b.jpg 3b9825a59ed07955d257a525f3bfe0ec 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. Elizabeth (From her mother, Helen Fisher Andrew) Stole Text Six years ago, my daughter, Elizabeth, "came out" to her father and me as a bi-sexual woman. Although we were reeling from this information, confused, and full of questions, we knew, immediately and deeply, that Elizabeth was still Elizabeth -- the daughter we had longed for, nurtured and cherished for twenty-five years. That she had come in touch with something about her sexuality that we had never anticipated, could not change the love we held for her. We felt honored that we were one of the very first with whom she shared her long-fought struggle and discovery about herself -- that, even though she was quaking inside, she had enough trust in the love we shared to come to us. As I worked my way through the next few weeks and months, anxiety and fear began to take over. How difficult would her life become? What would this mean for her career? What sort of rejection would she experience? What sort of rejection and scorn would my husband and I have to face? Elizabeth assured us that she was okay -- and we soon learned that courage was a quality she possessed -- in addition to those of which we were already aware -- honesty, creativity, spirituality, sensitivity. Elizabeth has been fortunate in many respects. Even before she was fully aware of where her struggles with her sexuality were to lead, she became a member of the Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Minneapolis -- a church that has for years been an inclusive congregation. So she was able to "come out" to her congregation, knowing that she would be affirmed, upheld, respected and loved for who she is. I still thank God daily that she has the support of this caring, supportive community. I have not been as courageous as Elizabeth. It was only two years ago during a Lenten Study at our church in Tarrytown, New York (the congregation in which Elizabeth grew up) that I -- hands shaking, stomach in knots, and scarcely able to breathe -- shared with those whom I considered my extended family that Elizabeth is bi-sexual. God's presence was there as I was embraced -- even by the women who had just said that "they" (homosexuals) shouldn't be teaching in our schools. These people, too, knew Elizabeth and loved her -- now "they" had a familiar face. I made this stole in a crazy-quilt pattern, which symbolizes, for me, the wondrous, rich, colorful diversity God chose for creation. The signatures have been gathered from the two churches I have mentioned, as well as from my family (two of my sisters are Methodist pastors), friends, and the Women's Spirituality group I belong to at Christ Episcopal Church in Bronxville, New York. Every stitch on this stole was made with love, and with the prayer that, in the near future, all God's children will know justice, acceptance and love in all walks of life, but especially within Christ's church. I dedicate it first to Elizabeth and secondly to the churches that have expressed God's love through their love: Prospect Park United Methodist Church, the Tarrytown United Methodist Church, and Christ Episcopal Church. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole, truly, is a labor of love. Many of the stoles in the Shower of Stoles collection have been donated by family members, especially parents who have given stoles to honor their sons or daughters. As one would expect, parents have often included long notes with their stoles, telling us about their children. The story on this particular story is unique, sharing thoughts not only about a daughter's coming out to her parents, but also about a mother's struggle to "come out" to her church and community. At displays across the US and Canada, quilters have been awestruck by the work that went into assembling this stole. Not only is every piece of cloth different one from the next, but the various stitching patterns used to sew on each tiny piece each are different as well. The breathtaking beauty of this stole, the labor and care with which it was created, and the poignant honesty of the story accompanying it have combined to make this one of the most impressive stoles in the collection. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 649 Title A name given to the resource Elizabeth (From her mother, Helen Fisher Andrew) 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 Helen Fisher Andrew (Elizabeth's mother) Ally Andrew, Helen Fisher Bisexual activism Clergy Activist Minnesota Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3571873e20959e5968240b966227f353.jpg b9f7aa9684015fefac27948bff0dd676 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/250c474a5bbfa89b769f5041fd267ea1.jpg cf473d3cc3d9e1ffb6f7cd3ec82542e2 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/795b2b455a6779b413c3f93adf74dea7.jpg 4f31b3425d9e4a995369f5d5e6d82c43 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 (Middle School Group of Wallingford United Methodist Church, Seattle WA) Stole Text Middle School Youth Group of Wallingford United Methodist Church Seattle, Washington We are the Middle School Youth Group of Wallingford United Methodist Church. We made this stole because we feel that the church has treated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons unfairly. We know how this feels, because sometimes we as youth are treated unfairly. We know how this feels, because sometimes we as youth are treated unfairly. We don't think it's right for people to be excluded from the church. It feels good to speak up; to let other people know how we feel, and to know that this message will be heard throughout the country. We want to let you know that God loves everybody, no matter if you're straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered, and that you can come to our church and be happy being who you are. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 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".) We received this stole just before the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. An adult youth group leader from the Wallingford Church told me this story: The Wallingford UMC middle school group saw the stoles when they were on display in Seattle. Disturbed by what they saw, they decided to make a signature stole as a show of support for their LGBT friends. Each of the students contributed small blocks of cloth with their names written on them, and these were sewn together. Then the youth told the adults to leave the room, because they wanted to hammer out their own story, in their own words. The result was a simple, eloquent statement of affirmation and hope. But the story didn't end there, with the creation of a stole. These middle school youth decided that their own church could use more diversity. To that end, they organized a "Bring a Friend to Church Sunday," and asked everyone in the congregation to reach out to someone who might not have felt welcome in church, and invite that new person to come to Wallingford. Then they arranged a potluck lunch after the service, "so that everyone could get to know each other over the table." A profound metaphor for our church... These youth represent our future, and and our hope. The presence of their stole at the 2000 General Conference provided a breath of fresh air and optimism during an otherwise depressing time. I told the group's leader to let the kids know that their wish would be fulfilled; that I would indeed see to it that "this message will be heard throughout the country." This is one of the six stoles I took with me everywhere I went. In 2005 I was honored to meet three signers of the stole, who are now in college. All three remain active in the United Methodist Church, and engaged in the pursuit of justice for their LGBT friends. 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 522 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Middle School Group of Wallingford United Methodist Church, Seattle WA) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Seattle, Washington (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Wallingford United Methodist Church Middle School Youth Group Methodist Seattle United Methodist Church Washington https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/9cb7eca875e92c905185a5d645cff23e.jpg 2381a54ae0f8058d0fd5f5ba034a226a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/189f2adafc8a98311cf2687239dced64.jpg a5f054f911e3b25f793d9bac136a38d1 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. Martha Juillerat Stole Text MARTHA GRACE JUILLERAT September 16, 1995 This stole was given to me by my parents and my sister on the day I was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry. Today, as I set aside my ordination, I am giving away this stole as a symbol of something much more precious that I have chosen to give up for the sake of dignity and justice. I work and pray for the day when all of us can reclaim these stoles, in this denomination. For what does God require of us? Only this: To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. (On back: 2-21-87 MGJ) Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story In late 1992, my partner, Tammy Lindahl, and I were serving five rural churches in Heartland Presbytery, the regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church covering western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Over the course of a few months we began coming out to the church, first to trusted friends, and later to the whole presbytery during a church-wide "dialogue" -- a public action which effectively ended our careers in the ministry. Two and a half years later I was forced to "set aside" my ordination before the presbytery. The intervening years were extraordinarily difficult for Tammy and I. We volunteered to participate in other dialogues taking place in presbyteries across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Arkansas. As two of only three people in the central states who were involved in dialogues at this level, we often felt like we had targets painted on our backs; we received death threats and endured a constant barrage of opposition. Since we had come out publicly and I was to lose my ordination publicly, friends across the country sought a way to support us in an equally public, tangible way. As a part of this effort, eighty gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Presbyterian pastors -- many of whom had been caught in the same net as Tammy and I -- sent us their stoles with letters of support. On Sept. 16, 1995, we pinned the letters to each stole and hung those 80 stoles in the church where I would stand before the presbytery. After making my final statement I took off my own stole, added it to the others, and left the church. Thus began the Shower of Stoles. And as I would come to realize over the years, I gave up my ministry only to discover the greatest ministry I could ever hope to have. 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 1 Title A name given to the resource Martha Juillerat Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Martha Juillerat Clergy Activist Juillerat, Martha Lindahl, Tammy Missouri Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8bd859254765f99244acfa1f95d17e41.jpg 838ad15c1e0a14e2a874c155ce765e33 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f74965061d0b37e0c5047115f4ee4987.jpg d41006a49873bbf5a9bf5890e0c67536 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3029be44d9681330ca7e56599ccbb00d.jpg ba6241d05cccbb8b34e538c3fdb9220c https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a621db9dd499e052e6a625b812b1e401.jpg 2bca7ce2a68a283bfcd9c9995e78b52b 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. Scott Anderson Stole Text SCOTT D. ANDERSON Ordained January 9, 1983 Ordination set aside April 3, 1990 This stole was given to me on my first anniversary as Pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, California. The stole is handcrafted with traditional Hmong stitchery and includes symbols of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the World Council of Churches. Approximately 15% of the membership of Bethany Presbyterian Church are Southeast Asian refugees. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This remarkable work of art was one of the original 80 stoles that were on display on Sept. 16, 1995 when I set aside my ordination before Heartland Presbytery (see stole #1 for details). This hand-stitched stole was a gift to Scott from a Hmong family in his church. The geometric designs are traditional Hmong stichery, and a Hmong couple are dressed in brightly colored clothes of celebration. Scott's commitment to the ecumenical movement are reflected in symbols that represent the Presbyterian Church (USA), the celtic cross of the reformed faith and the World Council of Churches. Scott was "outed" by a member of his congregation, and was subsequently forced to set aside his ordination. The vast majority of his congregation supported him, though; when Scott stood to make his final statement before his presbytery, thirty members of his congregation rose and came forward to stand with him. Fortunately, Scott landed on his feet. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of the California Council Of Churches -- as an openly gay man in a committed relationship -- and later accepted the same position with the Wisconsin Council of Churches. 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 47 Title A name given to the resource Scott Anderson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Sacramento, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Scott Anderson Anderson, Scott California Church Trials Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e0371613c0e6b95594d3729947022662.jpg bf1070638a7a332e4c2f66653d85ae04 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/88c8972a9eaad5e27c0febe5ca554e0c.jpg f7730612815562293af82d274a405af6 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. Various members of Noe Valley Ministry Stole Text NOE VALLEY MINISTRY San Francisco, California Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This stole, honoring a number of LGBT members of Noe Valley Ministry, is one of the more tactile in the collection. Each of the small bags sewn onto the stole contains items from the church grounds, including pebbles, dried leaves, flower petals and other bits of nature. 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 49 Title A name given to the resource Various members of Noe Valley Ministry Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant San Francisco, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Noe Valley Ministry California Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) San Francisco https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d813a411b7abf84eb78e7633ef627f59.jpg 0ddcfdc92eb16e82ca82e3ae85b254ce https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3d522386f01b934797cb12842eb54ecc.jpg bef17866915dc63f6412c41603716425 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. Rick Fisher Stole Text RICK FISHER DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Rick Fisher, who lost his position as a full-time church musician after "coming out" to the church's pastor, dedicates this stole "On behalf of the many gay musicians who serve and have served the church." Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This stole was one of the original 80 stoles that were on display on Sept. 16, 1995 when I set aside my ordination before Heartland Presbytery (see stole #1 for details). Rick Fisher was the well regarded full-time Director of Music at a large church in New Jersey when he came out to the church's senior pastor; he was fired shortly thereafter. This devastated Rick, a man of great talent, immense integrity and deep faith He was unemployed for a time before finding work in Missouri. He managed to keep his sense of humor, though. That Christmas he and his partner, Randy Hite, sent their friends a letter with several photos of either Rick or Randy standing next to the "Wecome To..." sign for every state they crossed driving from New Jersey to western Missouri, including a couple of unflattering shots taken in the middle of the night for which one or the other had been rousted from nap. Rick's artistic talents and business acumen have been welcomed in Kansas City. He is now the Executive Director of the Heartland Men's Chorus, one of the most highly respected smaller-city choruses in the United States. Rick's stole has a unique place in the Shower of Stoles collection for several reasons. Shortly after being fired from his New Jersey job, Rick sent us a stole of the sort that would be worn with a choir robe. It was the first stole received from someone who was not an ordained pastor or elder. It is significant that Rick chose not only to represent himself with this stole but also to dedicate it to all gay musicians who have served the church. Because it is obviously the stole of a musician it has caught the eye of other musicians; as a result the collection now has over two dozen stoles from professional church musicians. 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 57 Title A name given to the resource Rick Fisher Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rick Fisher Fisher, Rick Hite, Randy Missouri Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ad709bf300c36cd432943769329a2436.jpg 32ba2b10423fb494f5bc7b260f3e0f34 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cf8fffa591e9d417e46bbf6bad8f7c23.jpg 9f46b09e1899b9fa52598cefe2e54bd4 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. John Cole Stole Text This is for John, who passed away in May, 1995. John was an ordained minister in the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, as well as in the Church of Northern India. He lived and served in India as a missionary for many years. The "stole" selected in his memory is a rope, because his ecclesiastical garb was simple and monastic, with a rope as the sash. When he first came to our church, we asked, "Who's that stranger in the white robe?" When he died, we recalled the passage from Hebrews 13:9: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Upon returning to the United States after his retirement, John continued to work with the church serving as a volunteer associate pastor in a town near the church retirement community where he lived. John was loved by his many, many friends throughout the world. Upon learning of his illness and coming death, the Christian ashram in India where he had lived and served was renamed in his honor. John was a gay man. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Episcopal Church Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This stole was one of the original 80 stoles that were on display on Sept. 16, 1995 when I set aside my ordination before Heartland Presbytery (see stole #1 for details). Two of the 80 were from missionaries, including this one that honors John Cole. This "stole" is actually a cotton rope sash cord of the type that is worn around the waist over an alb. As the story states, John's tastes were simple; he chose to invest his resources in those he served in India and the U.S. instead of expensive vestments or other accouterments. 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 73 Title A name given to the resource John Cole Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Baldwin Park, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Sonnie Swenston for First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin Park California Clergy Activist Cole, John Episcopal Church India Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7c8ac90ebbed25cbae324a29fc804bea.jpg 13fb77e707633b73584af2045c29e7c5 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/49768858a69583570fe840f229f57b6b.jpg 37b43e46ac253acac9254d44598c7189 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ae1d8ee41e56a79a1ef130afaa2b2084.jpg 78199f01c90aaf0f381dc72218c595c4 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 (Madison Avenue Baptist Church, New York NY) Stole Text This stole from Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City honors the struggle for justice of all GLBT people. To highlight our hope for the future, we asked our children to create it. It is a fun, colorful piece celebrating the diversity of life. We draw your attention to the words in the center: "We are all family. It does not matter who you are, we all love each other. JOY!" We hope this stole truly does bring joy to those who see it. Most importantly, we hope it inspires the important work of creating open and affirming spaces where all may worship. Denomination American Baptist/USA Contribution Date 2003 Contribution Story (Note: A "signature stole" is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".) The Shower of Stoles began in the Presbyterian Church and then expanded into other mainline Protestant denominations, churches which are familiar with stoles. In later years items were added to the collection from faith communities whose traditions don't include stoles, but do have many other important symbols. This towel, decorated by the children of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York, reflects the foot washing rituals practiced in many Baptist, Mennonite and Brethren churches among others. Madison Avenue Baptist Church is one of the older Baptist congregations in New York City. Its current building in midtown Manhattan is one of several "Skyscraper Churches" that were built in Manhattan during the 1920's and 1930's. These churches leased their prime locations to builders who in turn constructed commercial buildings that incorporated the church in its design. In 1930 Madison Avenue Baptist Church leased its property to allow a new 15-story hotel to be built, with space at its base for the church. In subsequent years, this arrangement has enabled MABC to remain a vital, inclusive presence in the heart of New York. 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 968 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Madison Avenue Baptist Church, New York NY) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New York, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Madison Avenue Baptist Church Ally American Baptist/USA New York New York City https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e8f017acb60f2108100a4db1bae179a6.jpg c40a3f7be280e2d87a3c2dddfc25e31d https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/0efd9e8f4731a9acb3bd9154891c71b9.jpg 601d036e26a2f60de2136b903f91edc6 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. Erin Swenson Stole Text Erin Katrina Swenson was ordained in November 1973 by Atlanta Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.), as Eric Karl Swensen. Eric served as a chaplain at the Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta before moving to Dalton, Georgia to become the Minister of Education there. Eric returned to Atlanta in 1977 to become chaplain at the Georgia Retardation Center, finally becoming a pastoral counselor in 1982. Eric has held professional positions with the Atlanta Psychiatric Clinic, Brookwood Center for Psychotherapy, The Center for Pastoral Care, and St. Luke's Training and Counseling Center. In 1995 Eric underwent a gender transition, and after many months of examination had her ordination sustained by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta on October 22, 1996. She is currently practicing in Atlanta and is Parish Associate at Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story Erin Swenson broke new ground within mainstream Christian Protestant faith groups on October 22, 1996, when the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, by a vote of 186 to 161, sustained her ordination as a Presbyterian minister. Erin had transitioned from male to female in 1995/96 after 23 years of ordained service, and with the Presbytery's vote in 1996 she became the first mainstream minister to make a gender transition while remaining in ordained office. In 1999, Erin co-founded, with Raja Qasim, the Southern Association for Gender Education, Inc. (SAGE), an interfaith educational agency devoted to providing gender education for colleges, universities, medical groups, and faith organizations. Through SAGE Erin has presented her program across the country since 1999 in settings both large and small, from Massachusetts to San Francisco. In 1991, she was elected to the Board of More Light Presbyterians, an organization devoted to the full inclusion of GLBT people in the life and ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Erin continues to maintain warm relationships with her former spouse and their two daughters as well as her extended family. In 2003, Erin became the chair of the Health Ministries Committee of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. According to Erin, "My ministry is about bringing full understanding and compassion not just for people who are differently gendered, but for everyone who lives in a culture where rigid gender roles impose unhealthy and unrealistic expectations for abundant living." Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 The LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's oral history with Erin Swenson can be accessed <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Interview.aspx?ID=40">here</a>. 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 388 Title A name given to the resource Erin Swenson Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Atlanta, Georgia (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Erin Swenson Atlanta Clergy Activist Georgia More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Qasim, Raja Swenson, Erin Transgender activism Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f07b1a8362f4e385b17997c2f6e6535b.jpg cf46dc54a342f345e61362daef0a1c97 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b4007babe5397351d28e73d2c0db6ae5.jpg 0f70810230907f18254eee1f25c4cb7c 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 ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran seminary...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS "T, B & D" We are three gay students at a Lutheran seminary. Although our voices are silenced, we stand together in the faith that God has called us to ministry, and in the hope that one day soon our gifts will be honored by this church. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three identical stoles honoring three students at a Lutheran seminary. The three were given to me in 1999, when I was visiting another seminary in the same city. All three young men are now ordained pastors serving Lutheran congregations. 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 438 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran 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 Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Education Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Theology United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f65394ee0d112eba7f6b78f329897fe1.jpg cf46dc54a342f345e61362daef0a1c97 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a9d9d670aaa13b4a66ce2f2da5637e73.jpg 0f70810230907f18254eee1f25c4cb7c 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 ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran seminary...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS "T, B & D" We are three gay students at a Lutheran seminary. Although our voices are silenced, we stand together in the faith that God has called us to ministry, and in the hope that one day soon our gifts will be honored by this church. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This is one of three identical stoles honoring three students at a Lutheran seminary. The three were given to me in 1999, when I was visiting another seminary in the same city. All three young men are now ordained pastors serving Lutheran congregations. 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 439 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran 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 Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Education Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Theology United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e8b9ee7dfdd40219935fd1f7b4049210.jpg cf46dc54a342f345e61362daef0a1c97 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4857268f99051ec62e98609c10f7bf2a.jpg 0f70810230907f18254eee1f25c4cb7c 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 ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran seminary...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS "T, B & D" We are three gay students at a Lutheran seminary. Although our voices are silenced, we stand together in the faith that God has called us to ministry, and in the hope that one day soon our gifts will be honored by this church. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This is one of three identical stoles honoring three students at a Lutheran seminary. The three were given to me in 1999, when I was visiting another seminary in the same city. All three young men are now ordained pastors serving Lutheran congregations. 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 440 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("T, B & D -- We are three students at a Lutheran 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 Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Education Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Theology United States