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Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 56 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1998 Publication Date The date the issue was published Jaln/Feb 1998 Text Any textual data included in the document SECOND STONE PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70 182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERJAL 11,.1.. 1. . 11. .. 11.1. , l,l. . , , , 111 SERIALS DEPARTMENT GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL UNION LIBR 2400 RIDGE RD BERKELEY CA 9470 9 ~D Ffe 1 ? 1998 GlUUBRARY Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID New Orleans LA Pem1it No. 511 I _V i.sit a . .. Second Stone - Outreach Partner Our national directory of Outreach Partners begins on Page 11. Distriblllio11in these cities •· f provided by Second Stone's Outreach Partners: Davton, Ohio Hav-ward , California Long Beach, California San Jose, California Memphis, Tennessee Kansas Citv, Missouri Williamsburg, Virginia Michigan City, Indiana Issue #56 LI VING INTHEEMBRACEOF A Lov 1NaAN0JusTGoo January/February 1998 ''EVl-----·--g· I needt o knowI learnedfr om .watchingD isney'' BY MICHAELCATLETT RoBERT fULGIIUl\1 told the world that everything he needed 10 know he learned in Kindergarten. With apologies to him and to you, I might say that almost everything I needed to know I learned from watching Disney. I have discovered the gospel from time lo time within their celluloid frames of animation. I have heard the gospel pronounced by some unlikely characters. The gospel is not relegated to specific places and times. ff we will but listen we can hear it spoken all around us. Sometimes we hear Ilic gospel through sermons and worship services - and sometimes it's through ch.il<lren' s stories contained on VHS tapes with a mouse-eared logo. Dumbo was an elephant with huge cars Almost c11cryone made fun of the pint sized pachydcnn with the ten gallon audi tory ornaments . The other animals laughed when he tripped and fell over them They pointed winj?~ and hcaks and fi lll!crn al hi 111a nd <·alh-<I1 1111a1 freak! Tlll'y ma<lr IJmnbo feel \'cry ~ad, and he felt like he was all alone. A mouse became his best friend, and everyone knows that mice and elephants don't usually gel along. But they became friends because the mouse was willing to sec that Dumbo's liabilities were acnutlly his assets. With the whispered encouragement of his friend, Dumbo learned that he could llap his huge ears and fly. His ears enabled him to soar above those who once criticized him. No one bas ever seen an elephant fly, but then no one had ever known an elephant like Dumbo. Just because some persons are different, it docs uot make it right to make fun of them. No one should be ostracized hccause he or she is tutique. Jesus never told a story like Dumbo, or did he? Do you know the story of Zacchcus? I have no i<lcu if he had big cars, ,Ulcl I am certain he could not fly. However, I do know of a time when he climhcd up a tree to sec Jesus. I suspect that others made fun of him, 1101 only SFF DISNEY, Pagl' 2 JimmyC reechs' supporters ptt)te.5etx tendeds uspension OMAHA, Neb. - An Omaha pastor suspcmkd afl cr pc rfom 1in~ n lcsb i:u, coiu. mitment cere mony was supposed IO be back behind the pulpit Jnnuary 11. His name was even listed on a church program as preacher for the day's worship services. Instead , about 75 supporters of the ReL Jimmy Creech gnthcred outside Omaha's f-irst United Methodi st Church to protest the pastor's absence. Creec h was not at church because Nebraska United ~lcthodisl Bishop Joel Martinez indefinitely e.\tended Creeeh's suspension - al least until a statewide church conunillcc finishes its im·esliga lion. "I wish I could stand here flus morning and tell you that I understand why (the bishor.) felt it was necessary to do this, bul l can't," said William s Jenks, who JL-u the pn:,.('rccc h rally Jenks. cha i nuun of the 011rnh:1 church's srnff parish rela tions committee. said man} felt "aba ndoned, dismissed and even betrayed" because the committee mel with f,.forlincz and had "adrncatcd strongly" against extending the suspension. "Ile ga,·e us nothing we feel we can point to as a clear and conrincing reason for taking this action," Jenks said. When asked about his response to the extended suspension, Creech told 1cle, ·ision stalion KETV that the "church is infected with society' s general higotry toward this issue." Creech said he has not hccn told when he c1m return to work. (Al') A Supportive Congregations Network church Blaze destroysh istoric Indianac hurchb uilding NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - A fire that destroyed one of this northern lndi ana city's largest churches did more than just cause millions of dollars in slmctuml damage . It also left a hole in the community. "I keep thinking about all the sacra mcnts that took place inside this building," the Rev. Susan Boyer, pastor of the Manchester Church of the Brethren, said . "Baptisms, child dcdicatwns. funerals ,md weddings The way people have met ( 'hnst in this building ." A lite on Ian 7 s\\allow,:d the roof, •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds ''EverythinIg n eedt o knowI learnedfr omw atchinDg isney'' From Pagel because of his height, but because he was in cahoots with the Roman government. He was a freak, a traitor, who made his living by extracting money from his fellow Israelite s for his personal enrichment and the enri.chment of the Roman govemment. Yet Jesus convinced him that he believed in him, and his trust transformed Zaccheus' liabiliti es into assets. Jesus offered Zaccheus salvation, and when Zaccheus received that gift of trust and faith, be began to soar; he began lo believe in himself. He gave away half of his money, and whatever he had stolen from others he repaid four times over. Those who once thought him rather short were surprised to discover how tall he had become. Those who once thought his money bags much too large were befriended by Zaccheus' generosity. You've seen about everything when you see a tax collector give to the poor and repay those who have been cheated! "Today salva tion has come to your house," Jesus declared, and Zaccheus began to fly. In "Beauty and the Beast," an ugly monster, imprisoned by an evil spell, falls in love with a beautiful young lady . She had willingly taken the place of her father who was held capti vc in the Beast's castle, offering her life in place of his. At first she is afraid of the ogre. But soon she recognize s that there is more to this creature than meets the eye. She treats him with kindness, and he reciprocates. The beast became less beastly. lllltil suddenly the beauty no longer secs him with her eyes, but with her heart. She fell in love with the ogre, and her love transformed him. humnui1..ed him, and the spell was broken. The facade of the beast was stripped away and he became a handsome prince . The truth is that he was always a handsome prince. Jesus never told this story. but he did tell the story of a beast of a man who hved on 1m island, i~olatcd from other tolks. solitary because others saw him 2 JANUARY•FFBRt;ARY 199K as hideous. Often the townspeople would try to bind him with chain s. but the chains would not hold him, and he would terrori ze the countryside . again. Jesus met the man and treated him with dignity and released him from the demons that tormented him. The man was restored , clothed, and was made whole. Then everyone could see what Jesus had been able to see, that the Gadarene demoniac was a man. It was the love of Christ that transfon ncd the demoniac, the same love tl1at enabled Jesus to sec him not as a beast, but as a brother. In 'The Little Mermaid," the merpeople, those who lived beneath the sea, believed that their existence was far different from those who lived above the waler. Much of the movie dealt with the misconcept ion that each group had fonned concerning the other. Bits and pieces of human society had made their way beneath the waters, and the merpeople grossly misunders tood the purposes of the simplest of human articles. Ariel, the little mermaid, fantasized about living on the surface as a human. Her father could not understand why she would want lo live with those others. He wanted her to follow bis traditions , to embrace life as he understood it, and he could not fathom why she would go her own way, especially if her way led her out of his milieu and his control. Ariel was willing lo embrace those who appear to be different from her, and her father could not understand why. Jesus could. That's what Jesus con stantly taught and believed. It's what Jesus lived out each day. To lepers, those who suffered from a hideous disease that always put them on the fringe of society, Jesus offered acceptance, and the grace and love of God. In the homes of tax collectors, like Zaccheus, Jesus would dine and have fellowship. Rcligi, ms types would have nothing 10 do with those outcasts l'iccause they were unclean and sinners . But Jesus loved 1hem and said lhcre was no basis for !heir exclusion . "lie even cals with si1mers!" the religious leaders shouted iu order lo criticize Jesus. Jesus implied that if a pcr~on refu sed lo cal with sinners then he or she would perish from hunger because all di1mcr companions are sinners. Y cars after Jesus' death, the Apostle Paul would write that "in Chri st there is no Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free." He wrote those words because that's how he understood the kingdom of God. That's how Je~ ad lived o~L that kingdom. ~ ,. • Once a la\'fyer, a ~c~. ..~. ~J~~ how one should live~ ~ I - Jesus answered lhe man's question by posing one of his own: "What do you think you arc supposed to do?" The lawyer responded that he w,as "to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and love his neighbor as him se lf." Jesu s told him that was the right respon se. Then the man asked if Jesus would qualify the term "neighbor." Apparently the man hoped it would mean only those folks who were like him, or those who-he perceived were like him. Jesus' respon se was tl1c story of the good Samaritan. He did not give an edict, nor did he offer a philo sophical treatise. Jesus told a story, and asked the man to look at the story and discover tl1c gospe l in it. Through the story the man discovered that a neighbor was anyone in need. He also tcnrncd that compassion and Jove cut across racial, etlrnic, and social divisions. It was a Samari tan, the man from a race despised by the Jews, who offered to help the Jewish man in need. Jesus lold the story to point out that all of us have a responsibility to care for all of humanity ." No mail er what arbitrary barriers we may think divide us, those barrier s do not separate us from our duty, our obligation, our opportunity to demon stra te the love of God by giving and receiving compassion and grace. I don't think Victor Hugo would be enti rely plea sed with Disney 's adaplalion of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Disney used the story as the basis of its presentation, but chose not lo be strictly faithful - to the dark story - line that Hugo penned. Howe ver, the meaning of Hugo's work and the adaptation by the animators at Disney is clear: oulcasts arc people, too. The gypsies, a marg inalized people who dwell on the fringes of society. are represented by the character &meralda, a beautiful womai1 who befriends and is befriended by another outcast, Quasimodo. Quasimodo, a hunchback, was dcfonned at birth and raised within the sanctuary of Not re Dame. The man responsibl e both for the death of Quasimodo's mother, his deformity and his education is a govenunenl official who takes every opportunity to remind Quasimodo that he is differen t, that he is defonned, that he ca1rnot be accepted by society . Quasimodo rings the be ll s of the ca thedral, telling all the commun ity that the services are about to begin, that all need to come lo worship, that all arc welcome witltin lhose walls . Everyone but Quasimodo. The townspeople ridicule the hunchbac k, awarding him the honor of Chief of Fools in their ammal celebration, only to respond witl1 anger SEE DISNEY, Next Page Christian music stars reflect on WWJD movement BY DAVID BRIGGS IN A NEW BOOK lhal expands upon the growing popularity of the "What Would Jesus Do?" movement - expressed in millions of bracelets, T-shirts and other items with the WWJD iogo - Christian music stars reflect on how they respond to die question in their own Ii ves. 'The Christian life is not a painless life. It wasn't a painless life for Jesus," said composer Dana Key, who compiled the stories in the "WWJD Interactive Devotional" from the Grnnd Rapids, Micb.-bascd Zondervan Publishing House. "Pain is part of a Christian experience." The WWJD movement , which now has ils own album and Bible in addition to the popular bracelets, asks youths lo consider what Jesus would do in a broad range of situations in their lives. Some of the examples in the new devotional are self-promoting stories of lhe impact of their music, bul in others the musicians attempt to reflect on how they handl ed incident s in their own Ii ves that chal lenged them spiritually. Michael Tait, a black perfonner for de Talk, tells of stopping in a country store in rural Tennessee and being stu1med when an older man said . "You don't belong around here boy." The man went on to say. "You stick around here after dark and we'll bang you.'' But Tait didn't lose his composure. Instead, Trait said he calmly told the man that racism was not acceptable anymore. .. I was even surprised myself al the restraint I showed," Tail recalled. "I knew Jesus would not have lashed out. And lo tell you tl1e truth, l think my calm made that man madder than anything else I could have said or done." After each personal story, there is a biblical text and a section calkd "lhc point" that attempts to intc~rnlc 1hc Bible with the lives of readers . (1\1') FAITH IN DAILY LIFE A time to act: Callf or Rene~als' SecondA nnuaPl entecosAt gainsPt overty PENTECOST COMMEMORATES the day Christians believe the Spirit of God empowered the early believer s. It marks the crea tion of the church . In 1998, Penteco st Sunday will be May 31. Faith communitie s have al re ady started plannin g their activiti es for Call to Renewal 's second ru.mual "Penteco st to Overcome Poverty ." Acts 2:42 sa ys the early church devoted themselves to praying. teaching, and sharing their bread with the poor . In 1997, 55 loc a l actions and reli gious services in 26 states were made up of these elem ents - praying. teaching , and sharing. Churches gathered in their houses of worship for a Pentec ost servic e , then gathered at state capitol s, mwlicipal buildings, and other location s with other churche s. Churchgo ers learned about the issues critical to welfar e and pov erty in their communitie s, pray ed for tho se in need, shared a community meal, reaffirmed that as church and societ y we are respon sible for how we treat the most vulnerable among us. These events included a variety of speak ers, brin ging them tog ether to develop strategy for new partner ships an d programs that will work toward t11ee limination of poverty. lu wors hi p services and in other events, this day foc uses on increas ing awareness, educati ng people about the effects of welfare refonn on individ ual commwuties and the na tion as a whole, and working for jus tice for people made poor in our society. "Pentecost to Overcome Poverty" can bring together Chris tian values, experience, and comm unity in au effective public witness. In most areas of tbe country, it is safe to say that a year into welfare reform "we l fare as we know it" no longer exists. What does e,i;ist is a crazy quilt of inconsistent policies varying from Prayer link for social justice THE METHODIST Federation for Social Action bas established a Social Justice Prayer Network. Interested volunteers are asked to make a prayer commitment in support of social justice and peace issues, which are suggested biweekly via mail or e-mail. At the same time, volunteers muy submit indi vidual requests for prayer. To participate, write to MFSA, Alln· George McClain, 76 ('Jinton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301, gmcclain@igc.org. state to state, and in some cases from county to county. While there are some early succe ss stori es to report, the tmly difficult work still lies ahead. Those most emplo yable, and on welfare for the shortest periods of time • the easiest to move from welfare to work - are gener a ting impressi ve stati stics in several states . Long term welfare recipi ents - those who are the lea st emplo yable - are still waiting to make anyone's chart s. There is also the huge unanswered question about the fate of people after tliree months of work when most follow-up ends, and those dropped from welfare rolls but still unemployed. We have a long way to go before welfare as we knew it is truly tran sformed into a decent living standard for all. The role churche s will play is still emerging. Some communitie s have relied heavily on local faith communities, others have depend ed solely on secular social service agencies , and still others have managed to combin e the DISNEY, FromPage2 and horror when they discover that be is not wearing a cos tume, that be really is defo rmed, and that he is nothing like them. His life is spared by Esmeralda wbo bas compassion for him . She had always been an outcas t, and she unde rstood his pain and his need for acceptance and love. Her act ions place her at odds with the village officials, so she lit erally takes sanctua ry in the church, lliding there. She real izes she is now an outcas t more than ever. She knows that Quasimodo is an outcast too. The beautifu l windows of the cat hedra l shine wilh the radia nt love of God, and Esmeralda sings a song entitled "God Help the Outcasts:" "I don't know if you can hear me or if you're even there. I don't know ir you would listen to a gypsy's prayer. Yes, I know I'm an outcast. I shou ldn 't speak to you. Still I see your face and wonder were you once an outcast too? Gcxl help the outcasts, hungry from birth. Show them the mercy they don't find on earth. God help my people, they look to you still. God help the outcasts, or nobody will. I ask for nothing. I can gel by, but I know so many less lucky than I. Please help my people, the poor and downtrod. I thought wc were all the children of God. God help lhe outcast children ofGod." best gifts of both. In some place s the poten tial offer ed in the charitable choice prov ision of the welfare law is being maximized. No matter how your commu1uty is responding, the Call to Renewal 's sec ond annual "Pentecost to Overcome . Pov er ty" off ers an opportunit y for orgaru ziug. If faith -based communiti es are actively participating in shaping and implementing social polic y, activ itie s can be used to celebrate that while continuing to call governm ent to do its share . If there is a need for increa sed invol vement on the part of the religious community in your area, this is an opportunity to call them to accountabil ity. "Pentecost to Overcome Poverty" offers churche s an event around wliich to come together to talk about the way poverty and social policy impacts communitie s, and to find ways to act together. Tllis can be an important first step to openin g dialogu e among group s, con- Ca n you h ear th e gos pel in that so ng'? For years we' ve listene d to "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and heard within those words and music the assurance that God cares for us, no matter how insignificant we may feel. In some ways, isn' t that what Esmeralda's song is about ? God loves and cares for margi nalized people, and we have a respo nsibility to love and ca re for one another as well. Many folks in churches and cmsades have heard "His Eye Is On The Sparrow ," but cow1tJess millions have watched the video, and taken their children to the Disney movie in which Esmeralda sang of the love of God that knows no bounds, the grace of God that is ex tended to all peop le. Isn't that gospe l, too? There are othe r gospe l lessons that can be gleaned. Even little children know that it is not right to hurt others for one's pleasure. They may have picked it up from "IOI Dalmations." They know it isn't right to hurt those puppies just so Cruella DeVille can bave a spotted coat. And perhaps they will come to realize that great power of Aladdin• s final wish, which is 1101 for riches, wealth, or fame - but to lift the yoke of oppression from someone's shoulders: to set the Genie free. That sounds like gospel to me. If there is a theme that connects many of the Disney cartoon works, it is love. grega tion s, and people where none has previou sly existed. Actions could includ e: an interd enominati onal service focu sing on poverty and the special needs of poor people in your area; a community meal for poor peopl e held in a public plac e such as a county welfare office or a sta te building; a teach-in on the impact of welfare reform; a job fair for welfare reci pien ts making the tran sition from welfare to work; a concert and canned food drive; or a volunteer fair that enables church member s to find exi sting agencies with which to ,york. All of the se take months to plan, so beginning work now is importan t. A Pentecost organi zing packet , including an organizing ~uide , worship resources, and a new " Pledge to Overcome Poverty" is avail able from Call To Renew a l, 2401 15th St. NW, Washington OC 20009 , (202)3 28-8842 , Call_to_Renewal @convene. com. ac ceptan ce nnd ap prc c iali o u of those who are difTerent from us. whatever "us .. may mean. Whether it is "Pocohontas .. and t11c issue of Native America ns and those who came to conqu er, colonize and ignore their traditions; or "Bea uty and the Beast," and the recognition that beauty and bestiality are a part of all of us; or "T he Littl e Mermai d," and the insight that we seldom really understand those whom we pe rceive as different from us; or "The Hunc hback of Notre Dame," and the realization that outcasts are people, too, there is an implied declaration tha t we have a moral responsibili ty to Jove and care for one another. The barriers erecte d to demonstrate our differences are artificial constructio ns. Everyo ne is my neighbor. I believe that is the gospe l. That means tbat tl1e 10,000 messeng ers to 1b.e Southern Baptist Convention who voted for the resolution to boycott Disney are also my brothers and sisters, and also my neighbors. If I choose to belittle them, or if I determine to make them outcasts because they have done something I would have preferred they not do, then apparently I haven't watched and listen ed to those Disney movies or paid ancntiou to the gospel of Christ. In Christ there is no liberal or fwulamentalist, nor moderate or conservative. We arc all one in Christ. SECOND STONE 3 FAITH IN DAILY LIFE Forg aym an,o ttlinatioan 13-yeajro urney BY ALLEN V. HARRIS GERRY BRAGUE was ordained into the minist ry of the Chri stian Church (Discip les of Christ) on Nov. 16 in a ceremony marked by hum or, tear s of pain, and thunderou s applau se. Guided by such words such as "prophetic," "patience," and "joy" hundr eds of folks gathered in the sanc tuary of First Christian Church, San Jose, Califomia to commemora te the thirteen year joumey toward ordination which Gerry has traveled After graduation from seminary at Andover Newton Theological Schoo l near Boston Gerry soug ht ordination in the Presbytelian Church (USA). Gerry moved to New York Ci ty in 1991 to be with his partne r, Allen Foste r. There he joined Park A venue Chri stian Church, where Allen was already a memb er, and began the proces s toward ordin at ion in the Chri stian Church . Gerry and Allen moved to Nor them Califomia in 1995 following the refus al to endo rse Gerry's ordinati on by the Commissio n on Ministry of the Northeastern Region due to its policy against ordaini ng m1yone who "openly communicates their homosexual lif eslyle," a policy in s ti lut ed in 1992. They first attended Forest Hill Christian Chur ch in Ecumenical & Inclusive We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps. picas~ write us: Vocation Director PO Boll 8340 New Orlcan\. LA 70182 Join us on retreat May 1-3, I 998 al LaSale!le, Attleboro, MA Mercy of God Community 4 J A N lJ A R Y • F f, B R U ,\ R \' I 9 9 R San Francisc o hoping to fi nd a congrc galion supporti ve of hi s or din ation. When th.is became unlikel y, they moved their member ship to Fir st Christian Church, San Jose, an Open & Affirm ing Congregati on. Followi ng a year of study and pre paration , Ge rr y was approv ed for ordinati on last spring by the Eld er_s of Firs! Chri stian Church, San Jose, and the Recognition and Standing Co mmilte e of the Northern California-Nevada Region of the Christim1 Church. Two signific ant co ngregat ions that nurtured Gerry along his faith j onmc v were Church of the Coven ant (United Church of Chri st/Pre sbyteria n Church USA) in Bos ton and Park ;\ venue Chri~tian Church in Ne,~ York City . Both sen t strong words of commenda tion to the service. The Rev. · Crai o Ho~fman and the Rev. Allen Hanis, re1~ resentativcs from Park Avenue Christian Chur ch, the ~ongreg ation which sup ported Gerry for ordination in the North~ aSlem Regio n, brought words of greetmg and support from lhe ciders of 1hat congregatio n. A commis sioning service was celebra ted at Park A \'enue Chris1inn Church on Sunda y, October 12 for his Eas• Coa st com muni ty. Gerry served as Admini stra tive and M.inisle1ial Assistant at the church, as well as in the volunteer position of Pastoral Partner for Con temporary Culture . Com munio n was celebrated at the ord ination service using three sets of communion ware symbolizing imp or tant period s of Gerry 's lif e. One sci was sent from friends in South Australia where Gerry studied for one of his yea rs in seminar y. Another set was from the office s of the Nort hern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ , where Gerry currently serves as Admi nistrati ve Mini ster for Sear ch, Plac eme nt , and Authori zati on. The third communi on set was commi ssioned by the Elder s of Park Ave nue Christian Church in hono r of Gerry 's ordinati on. Jim Gaynor , an arti st in New York City and member of the congrega tion , fashioned the chalice and paten from "found" items, rep rese ntin g sy mboli ca lly the close connections between salvaging and salvatio n. A native of Dallas. Pennsy l\'a nia , Gerry was j oined hy many family mem · hers, in cl uding hi s mothe r, Doris Brague; his sister, Linda Ross O'Nei ll . and her hushand: Gerry's nephew, Jonathem Ross; one of his two bro thers, David Brague, and his wife. and their childre n. llis paru1cr, Allen Foster, was an integral part of the ceremony, haYing helped de sign creative elcmenl s such as the banner proclaiming Micah 6:8 -9 "Wha t d9cs God require of you'! Do ju stice, Love mercy , Walk humbly with yo ur God," splendid flower arrangement s, and a ph oto di splay of Ge rry 's life shared during the reception . The Rev. Dr. Jane I Icckle s and the Rev. Dr. Kathle en Greid e r provided Gerry with his mini s terial charge. Using the creative invit ation lo 1he ordination that Gerry a nd Allen had fashioned , which was pr in ted 0 11 reused maps, i\ls. Ilcck.lcs and t-.ls. Greid er explored the journey Ge1ry had been on, and con templated whe re Gerry mi ghl want lo go in his mini stry . Eventually they came to the co nclu sion lhal Gerry was following God's call within himself, where all of us ult imatel y listen for God's urgin g mid dir ec tion. A tran sformati ve moment occ urred when member s of Forest I !ill Chri stian Church of Sa n Fra ncisco stood and tcarfull y share d their persona l pa in and regre t that their church was not willing or able lo endor se Gerry's requ est for ordination at that point. T he Rev . Chu c k Bl a isdell, regional minister and pre sident of the North ern Califomia -Nevada Reg ion , offered the pra yer of ord inati on as the community laid hands on the ordinand . Following the act of ordin at ion , ex tended app la use met Gerr y as he ro se to his feet. The now Re ve rend Brague pre sided at com muni on and gave the hen cd ic tion mid final charge . Gayg roupr aisesfu nds for Baptisct hurch IN THE AFTERMATH of the Bapt ist boyco lt of Disney, it seems nnthinkab le . Gays and le sb ian s raising mone y to help n Baptist church? It's tm c . As Mickey Mouse faints and Jerry Fa! well hisse s, a group of gay and lesbian Baptists in Dal las have embarked on a fund rai sing c-ampaign to support Austin 's Univer sit y Bapt ist Church. Two years ago the church ordained an open ly gay member as a deaco n. As word filtered to the larger Bapti st communit y, a fire stonu of controve rsy erupted . · The official Bapti st response was publ ic and punitive as the Austin Bapti s t Ass ocia tion revoked UBC' s member ship and the Bapti st Ge neral Conve ntion of Texas sci into works a mechani sm to refuse sea ting UBC' s me ssen gers to its annual stale conv entions. UBC found itself isola ted and alone, but not without friends. " It's sad that , in the Bap tist church , we sa y that everyo ne is welcome when they' re not ," said Bria n Burt on, president of Honestyffexas, a support , educa tion and advocac y gro up for gay Bap tists. '' Like proph ets thro ugh the ages , UBC is suffering fo r doing th e right thing.'' Pastor Larry Be thun e said that, in terms of members hip and finances, the decis ion to ordain a gay person was costly. "We lost key families who either left over the decision or because of the glare of the nega tive publicity," he said. Carter Wheelock, deacon chaim1an at llBC, said that while the church is smal ler, its sp irit has improved . "There is a higher spir itu a lit y. Doing what we feel is right has lift ed our spirits and made thing s better. " he said . Recently Bethune welcom ed 32 gay mu.I le sbian Bap ti sts who ga thered for a weekend retreat ho sted by UBC. "It was the first time most of them had been ope nly accepted by a Bapti st mini ster in a Bap ti st ch urc h, " reca ll s Wheelo c k. "There was har dl y a dry eye among them." Pam Van Dyk e , vice pre sid ent of Hones ty. said that the idea to rai se fund s came af ter the retreat. "W c found out the UBC needed to re furbi sh their ex teri or sanctuary doors." The beautifully carved wooded doo rs are worn and graffiti is scrawl ed on two of the impres sive stone doorway s. According to Van Dyke , "As we dis cussed our option s at our November meet ing of Hone sty, someo ne in the group said , ' I like the sy mbolism of refurbi shing those doors. " ' In the fir st week o f the camp aign, Hones ty rais ed $ 1,400 towar d its goal of $2,500 . "P eo ple fe lt powe rle ss when UBC was bein g cru ci fied two yea rs ago, " Burton sai d. 'T his gives folk s an op portllllity to say 'Th anks fo r standi ng up and speak ing the truth with. grace and cou rage. T hank s for open in g your doors for us."' Donations for this ca mpai gn, payable to llniversity Bap tist Chu rc h, may be sent to Open the Doo rs. c/o Brian Bur ton, P .O. Box 191021, Dallas TX 75219 . FAITH IN DAILY LIFE Strmght pastor shapes church's ministryt o gays iriot a natitJnaml odel BY CLARK MORPHEW ST. PAUL , MINN. -A Luth eran chur ch here began a mi nis try to gay men and 'lesbians in 1978 , the same yea r a citywi de re fe rendum denying th em ci vil rights was passed. Backed by fundamentalist chur ches, the meas ure repealed earlier leg islation that outlawed discrim ination in hous ing, emp loyment and education to all St. Paul residents. As the deb a te grew in int ensity, one small chur ch , St. Paul Reform ation Luth eran , stood out from the crowd as an ad vocate fo r ci tize ns' ci.;,il rig hts regar dless of their sex ual orientation. Tod ay that congregation has become a nat iona l mod el of inclu sive mini s try . St. Paul Refonna tio n church will bar no . person from worship and has a history of ad\'Ocacy for anyo ne in nee d. The Rev. Paul T idemaiu1, pastor of the congrega tio n since 198 I , has endur ed the wra th of those who wan t gays m1d lcshia ns set apart from the traditional churc h. In one way, Tidemann , who is heterosex ual, didn't have much choic e . He became pa stor of St. Paul Reformation ju st as the newly me rged congreg ation was taking shape . By then, membe rs alr eady had isola ted several issues tha t would id entify their mission ever since. Memb e rs wanted to: foster closer involvement with the African -Americ an com mun ity ; part icip a te in di alog ue about apartheid in So11tl1A fric a; become an inclu s ive communit y in rega rd to wome n; open their congrega tion to refugees; advocate for people with di sabilities, and become a welcoming church for gay men and les bian s. Tidemmm had come to the same concl usio ns abo ut mini stry. Il e had served as a pas tor in inner city chur ches and as a miss ionary to Guya na dwin g the Jim Jones massac re. He also had twin brot hers who were gay and who both died of AIDS. Ti demann was no stranger lo controversy. By the time he arrived in 1981, the congregatio n already had become a gathering place for Lutherans Concerned. Within a year of his arrival, Tidcmann and otbers had founded Wingspan, a ministry with and for gays and lesbians. Wingspan became one of the premier advocacy groups for gays and lesbian s in the Twin Cities. working with the Minnesota Cou ncil of Churches and other ecumenical agencies. l3y 1983, Ti<lemmm was faced with a decision he suspected would nwke his ministry much more controversial. I le had been asked · to bless a committed relationship between two lesbians. "That was the big co ntrover sy," Tidemann said. "I expec ted a sma ll pri vate se rvice, but when I arri ved, about ISO people were the re . Within weeks , news of the blessi ng service was all acros s the countr y. And pe opl e were calling the bishop demanding that Tidcmann be disciplin ed. So, we' re a long way from that flO\ \'." Tidem arn1 was not disci plin ed. Since then, he has perfor med more than 20 union serv ices . Such cere monies, ca lled ■ The Rev. Paul Tidemann ... has endured the wrath of those who want gays and lesbians set apart from the tradition al church . ■ blessings. he said, arc nol lhe equi\'alcnt of church weddin gs because of prevai ling laws and society's reaction. "lf we can bless an elepha nt walking down tl1e aisle of a cathedral on the feast day of St. Francis, we ought to be able to bless the committe d re lation ship of two gay or le sbian peop le ," Tidc mmu1 said. · Now after nearly two dec ades of being on the front line with gay and lesbian peopl e and witnes sing eonnt less reports and studie s. Tidernam1 thinks it's time for the c hurch to move in n new directio n. "\Ve',·e s tudied the mailer to deat h," Tid emmm said . "Now we ha ve it all wri llen down - all kind s of s tudie s and reports - and there isn't much roo m for the lloly Spiri t to move." Still in the years ahead, Tidemmm and Wings pan directo r Anita Hill will continue to pnsh for the full par ticipation of gay a nd les bian peo ple in the Evan gelical Lutheran Omrc h in America. Now Tidemrum says there is only one issue for the church to consider - will the denomi nation ordain gay mid lesbian cm1didatcs, who are in a committed mid blessed relationship, into min.istry'? "We've made some progrcss,"Tidcuuum said. "But it's wearying and wearing. And over the years I haYe become so fed up listening to hate mongering and all the rest." (St. Paul Pioneer Press) Since 1988, a friend for the journey. Subscribe today! 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Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of the subscription expiration date. Supply old address label here and prinl new address in top section "Individual Subscription" . HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail completed fom1 to P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70 182 FAX : This form may be trimmed at its border and tnuismilled by FAX. Dial 504-899-40 14. Press 3* when prompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested lo secstone@ao l.com SecoSntdoe n THE STONE THAT THE BUIWERS R£JECTED BECAME THE CORNERSTONE· Mark 12:10 SEC'OND STONE 5 - ' • - ' ' .. _ ::,--~- .- ~ ·:-:_ ~ -~❖. ..~. -- ·---_-: ~ ·~· .· .. ~ .... ·,,., . ~~ A . ..•· . ! .- ... ~ .,., ,.... M . N : ...· N.·;· .,-.~.i / ".·'.•· .\.t~~ . . '. - . ,. - . . ... ,J ' ' . . . • BY REV.D ONNAE . SCHAPER A meditation on . . boundaries Spirit of the Edge, draw near. Let us look both ways, out fr01n where we arc and in to ·where we arc and across the table at the one some. think of us as other. Let us sec ourselves in others and let others see themselves in us. Amen l hear the word boundary everywhere but don't think we know what it quite means. My hunch is that, among feminists/womanists, white women like boundaries and women of color don't. There may be two border theologies afoot at the moment. Post-modernism has not only split our consciousness but also our community. It is nothing to sit in a meeting with white women and hear the loud tongue clicking about the men of the Achilles Penis se t. "They have no boundarie s ....... that's what is wrong with tl1em. " Solution: get men more bounded. The other popular . topic among clergy is overwork: I work too hard is the theme song of this lament. Solution: get more personally bounded. Structure your time; take care of yourself. There is a clear pro-boundary movement among white, middle class clergy. Right next to these kinds of thoughts arc those that are basically pro. immigration . We want immigrants; we want multi-culturalism. We :•pprove of "mixed" couple s. We welcome the stranger who crosses the boundary to come to the United States. In "Rethinking Borders" by Trin Min Ha, we arc brought to realize how "thoroughly hybrid ... things arc. Other is between us, not out there. Cultures arc far from being unitary. We no longer have clear border s. One constautly threads the fine line between Dyoo kun otwhe~ ixlteha dicnagu o~fde e atahm ong 15-24-yeainrt- hoeUl dn\ it\etadt ei? YOUR CONGREGATION CAM TALK TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HIV/AIDS. \'BROKENNESS TO WHOLENESS" AN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 15-18 A Project of the LutherJn IIIDS Network supporccd by lhc ~ ntcra for Disease C.Otnrol c.ndP r1..c-nv1lon and 1he AIDS Nc1tirm3I Interfaith Network I-or f-unhcr information about the curriculum. caiU 1hc Lurhcmn AlDS NciworkO 41S.9l8 7770 CXI 4 "[Jhb! trri<IIIOU)f ll!llt l<hibmlt omtnn [alr hkb( briltiy1oungn p iopultn ]m pond .If hlU!Iw lt(mb noUtI UilO~p (ton dilm1ii1lli n 8 iblt-lbltd, ~ilhm vrmi tnt•. JillI MilltllJ llm!t\l tdil 111PBn pn C.clldUlii lmly--l/llDR!ln 6 JAN UARY • FEBR t lARY 19 9 8 positioning and depositioning: One trav els tran s-culturally while engaging in the local habitus which links inhabit• ants." Chung Yung Kuhn joins her in a basic appreciation of the post-modern mixt-up-edncss. At the Auburn conference on the p1,1blicv ocation of women's theology, she teased her public detractors, "You don't like my synchretism ■ encourage sexual experimentation or the breaking of marriage vows? No:· But we .should encourage promise on the right theoretical foundation. Promise is less about keeping boundaries than it is about accepting the call to be more Christlike and to break some of the bondage of our humanity . Promises and covenants do more than humans normally can do. We are unbounded in our Promises and covenants do more than humans normally can do ... Promise is less about keeping boundaries than it is about accepting the call to be more Christlike and to break some of the bondage of our humanity. but you do like the synchretism of orthodo:,i; Christiaruly ... T One theologian likes boundaries; t11e otl1c.r enjoys mixing things up. What can personal bow1darics mean theolooicall y. under these circum stanc~? 0 Does "boundary theology" have any• thing to do with Christianity, which mixes God and human iu a way that makes it different from all other world religions? Can we imagine Anselm being opposed to t11e boundaries that God chose to cross? Or any of the original Trinitari:ms thinking U1at God did not mix and blend the self of God? When we decide not to mix boundaries, we go against some central doctrines of the church . We decide that God's self -disclo sure to God's self is more than we can bear. We try to let God be God and us be humans. We make tirings clear , way too clear . God will mix them up, I believe. By way of personal disclosure, I am both white and very human. I actually think that "taking care of ourselves" and "keeping strong personal boundaries" are middle class, white values. They do not compute to the alien. the stranger, the traveler or tl1e poor: they want to move. We do not want them to move. These ,,aJucs do not compute with the kind of God we know, a Go<l that is on the move, even within the very self of God. Docs tit.is boundary crossing at the heart of God mean that we should ■ love for our intimate partner: not bow1ded, but unbounded by ii and lo ii. Simi larly, we do not need so much to "protect " our time as to relea se it to God. God will protect us in our self. giving. There is a mathematics to generosity : the more we give, the more we are able to give . Again, the theoretical premise of bmmdaries is dangerous. It turns us stingy. Peggy Way onoe described Christianity as the "freedom to choose one's own bondage ." I believe she is getting close to tl1e paradox and virtue of boundary theology . We need to explore this paradox in racial and class terms and see what could come of it , for use ·by both people of color and wltite people. We need to reacquaint ourselves with the Trinity - and ask the interesting question of whether the Trinity was not postmodern before post-modentity . We need to refocus on the multitude of textual material about the strnnger. the exile, the alien: what are tl1ey called by God to do? I believe they are called by God to break out , uot to stay put, and I believe tha t lib era ting motion is at the very heart of the one we dare call , by three names . God. Tlte Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Mi nister witlt the Massachusetts Conference of the United Cl111rclo1f C11rist. Her new book is "The Sense In Sabbatl1: A Way To Have Enough J'ime," t,misf ree. MANNA Travel that can change your life BY REV. DONNA SCHAPER Kottler, published by Jossey -Bass, 1997. $20.00. IF YOU ARE GOING more places, and enjoying them less, it may be time to read this book . Here you will find out how to read a new city, how to find yourself in a foreign place, and how to use travel for personal renewal, rather than personal exhaustion. Transfonnation is the word used most often here - and the author both promiscs and delivers a deligluful set of recipes for precisely that. Kottler develops the theme of travel as both necessity and luxury and shows us how to blend the two. Joining the Dutch architect and intellectual, Rem Kool has, Kottler shows that we Ii ve in a time of nows, not just space, and movements, not just "getting there." We increasingly need lo develop a psychology and spirituality of flow. The capacity to live an interior life in a strange place is the destination of this God's Lover by Kathleen Kopitsky The story is like this: There was a woman. A deeply spiritual woman, who stood before God and gazed into God's eyes. "Amma," she whispered. "Ask," God answered. "Show me Jove," the woman queried. God peered into the woman's eyes, down to her soul, and saw her need, her longing to understand and to know. "We will send you a Jover." The woman went away happy, for she knew her God would not let her down. As the sun was beginning its journey down from it~ height s, the woman noticed someone on the horizon. "It must be my lover coming to me," she thought. Her lover's hair was dark. Her lover' s eyes were blue. Her lo ver's stride was strong. Her lover 's hips swayed. Her love r's rob e flowed. And when her lover spoke , she sounded like the univ erse sighing . Toge th er they raised one voice in a song of praise. Togeth er they danced in to the night, thanking God for the Pr ese n ce. God smiled and was happy. "Blessed are yo u, 0 Woman. You remained op en to Jove, and I came to you ." book. It almost ar.rives. Slight ly repetitive, it assures us that we can be at home anywhere while minimizing the difficulties many actually experience as time zones change and bodies don't. As practical as the book is, it might have paid more attention to the actual practicalities of travel, like what to pack, how to gel rest when you can't rest, and the like. For those of us who want to get home when we are away, and to get away when we are home, this book is a shade short of helpful. It doesn't appreciate paradox or agony as much as we do - and pays more attention lo lhe pleasures than the pains of traveling. Typical of travel Ii tcrature, it shows us how the best thing that can sometimes happen on a trip is the loss of one's purse or luggage. Auschen bach, the tragic traveler of the German Novel, "Death in Venice," told the story of losing one's baggage the best. But this book is a good rival. Surprise is part of most itineraries. With Pearl Buck, the daughter of Chinese missionaries, who said that she knew the "joy and the anguish of being homeless on both sides of the world," this book is clearly written by someone who loves travel and wants others to · love it as much as he does. Whether your next destination is exotic or plain, this book is a good companion for the bed table and the carry on bag. It might even transform you, if you want lo be trausfonned. "' lesbian and gay · New&s Entertainment for 'New Orleans since 1977 TravelM oviPe olice TheatreG ayH istory WickeSdt age Directory LesbiaVno icesP olitics QuarteSrc enes. Book,s. pbooe : 5().11944-6722 or 8881944-6722 fax: 500944-6794 & more. gaymail@impa.cctonmew s www.impac.clollmeW S The Un Time -Management ·Book Sabbath Sense This is your invitation to pack your spiritual baggage and move to the neighborhood called ENOUGH - en ough time, enough rest, enough play. The reality of "sa bbath " as a day of rest and been lost am idst our to-do lists, day-organi zers, and endless err ands , but the sens e of sabb ath, as spiritu al leisur e, is very much nee ded in our tim e-st arved world . • Turn not-enoug h time in to ENOUGH time; • Uni fy fragmented time through RITUALS; • Weave a pattern of SACREDNESS into your life; •DECLUITER, simp lify , and slow down. A Spiritual Antidote for the Overworked by Donna Schaper $11 .95 paperba ck 6X9 128 pages ISBN 1-880 913 -25-9 Available in b ookst ore s or call l nnis fr ee Pres s l -80 0 -367-5 8 72 to or d er. l Press lnnisiree - SECO ND ST O NE 7 'PagorJ eff'i n forefronot f challengteo ELCApolicy BY MARTHA IRVINE SAN FRANCISCO - He hardly looks the part of a renegade, I.bis clean-cut pastor who hums to himself as be walks through Lhe sanctuary of his tiny church with his black lab Murphy trotting at his side. But there is something about the Rev. Jeff Johnson that many church leaders would rather most people didn'L know - something that led them to reject Jolmson and the 55 members at San Francisco's First United Lutheran Church. John son is openly gay. He also THE OTHER Side Strengftohr t hej ourney Books on topics of interest to you are available by mail from The Other Side. Browse our catalog -- or special order just what you are looking for. We deliver! 1-800-700-9280 www.theotherside.org 8 JANUARY•I-EBRUARY 1998 refuses to take a vow of celibacy. And that is unacceptable in the eyes of the leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - and the majority of faiths. Christian and otherwise, in this country and many others. "As far as they're concerned, I no longer exist," says Johnson , one of a growing number of pastors who are challenging their churches' stances on homosexuality. Leaders in many faiths are stmggling with this question : what does it mean to be gay or lesbian and a person of faith? The question seems particularly precarious when applied to pastors and rabbis. 'Twen ty or 30 years ago the bold move would have been for a white church to hire a black pastor," says Rita Nakashima Brock, a religious expert and director of the Bunting Institute at Radcliffe College in Massach usetts. "These days, it's the church that hires an openly gay or lesbian pastor that is scrutinized." Until recently, it was the norm for lesbians and gay men, both pastors and parishioner s, to hide their sexuality or to leave their faiths altogether. These days, a very few lesbian and gay pastors - in the United Church of Chris t, Metropolitan Community Church and some refonned Jewish synagogues - have the church 's blessing to be openly gay without requiring celibacy. Other pastors and rabbis are willing to come out to their congregations. But the majority maintain a "don't-ask-don'ttell" policy with the higher ups, knowing that divulging too much would have swift and costly consequences. Even those who consider themselves the equivalent of married rarely tell their bishops or other church elders. "If I crune out publicly - for example, in the press - I would be fired," says one Protestant pastor, who doesn't hide her long-term relationship with a woman from her San Francisco congregation and peers, but has not discussed it with church leaders. Living openly has not always been UnitedM ethooisct lergys up):X)rt Creech,e xpressd isagreement withc hurchJ :X)Sitioonn g ays IN AN ACTION OF support for the Rev. Jimmy Creech, the Ontaha. Nebraska, United Methodist pastor who has been suspended by his bishop for conducting a covenant service for two women in his.congregation, the coordinator of "In All Things Charity" movement has made public the names of the hundreds of United Methodist clergy who signed the foundation statement, "In All Things Charity." More than 1300 United Methodist clergy have signed the statement since it was first circulated in late 1996. Signers of the statement of conscience "affinn appropriate liturgical support for covenantal commitments between samegendered couples" ru1d join the protest initiated by the 15 Methodist bishops who during the 1996 United Methodist General Conference disse nted from the church's official posit.ion that homosexual practic e is "incompatible with Christian teaching ." "We feel this is a moment for our · movem ent to go public in support of Jimmy Creech and all United Methodist clergy who seek to extend pastoral care to persons without discrimination as lo sexual orientation," said coordinator Greg Dell, pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Chicago. According to the statement, "The Church has called itself to be in ministry to all persons regardless of their sexeasy for the 35-year-old Jolmson mid his church without moral - 1101 to menuon financial - support of the greater Lutheran church. They receive financial suppor t from a Washington-based nonprofit that supports gay and lesbian Lutheran pastors. But, if they have any regrets over supporting him, his parishioners don't say so. "He is who he is, and we love him for it," says 75-year-o ld May Vignola says of " Pastor Jeff," known as much for his ready laugh as his ability to quote any number of Biblical passages at will. Vignola, a member of First United Lutheran Church for more than 45 years, was one of several members who stood behind Johnson when the ELCA ordered the church to fire Johnson or be thrown out. "The few people in the church who didn't agree, well," Vignola says , pausing, "They left." That was in 1995. But Johnson's troubles began long ual orientation. To withhold rituals of support and accountability for committed relationships is unconscionable.' ' The original 15 signers of "In All Things Charity" are Gilbert H. Caldwell, senior pastor, St. Mark 's United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY; Minerva Carcano, Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, TX; Ignacio Castuera, pastor, North Glen<lale United Methodist Church, CA; Susan P. Davies, district superintendent, Omal1a, NE; Gregory Dell, pastor, Broadway United Methodist Church, Chicago; Victor Paul Furni sh, professor, Southern Methodist University, Dalla s, TX; Sidney G. Hall III . pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church, Austin, TX; William A. Holmes, pastor, Metropolitan Memorial United Methodi st Church. Wa.shington; Takayuki Ishii, pastor . Metropolitan-Duru1e United Methodist Church, New York City; George McClain, exec utive director, Methodist Federation for Social Ac tion. Staten Island, NY; Richard S. Parker. pastor, Island Park (NY) United Methodist Church; Sharon Rltodes-Wickett. pastor, Westwood United Met11odist Church, Los Angeles, CA; Tex Sample. professor, St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO; Eugene Winkler, pastor. First United Methodist Church, Chicago; J. Philip Wogaman, pastor, Foundry United Methodist Church, Washington, DC. before in 1987 when he and two lesbians decided to come out to their bishops while in seminary at Berkeley. "It was gut -wrenching," Johnson says. "As far as we knew, no one had ever come out and survived." His bishop at the time was the Rev. Lyle Miller, a man Johnson had known since his childhood days in Simi Valley. CaJif., and who was a close personal friend of Johnson's parents. "Part of the reason I became a pastor was because of him," Johnson says of Miller. That made it all the more painful when, in 1988, Miller called Johnson into his office to ask him to sign a lifelong vow of celibacy. "What about unconditional love, unconditional grace?" Johnson asked Miller, who had spread newspaper clippings about the three seminarians across his desk. "There was no religious motivation behind what hi! was doing ," Johnson SEE JOHNSON, Next Page NATIONAL NEWS ABCw on'ts how 'NothinSga crede'p isodea boutg aypr iestw ithA IDS LOS ANGELES - An epi sode of the ABC series "Nothing Sacred" about a gay Catholic priest with AIDS is being withheld by the network out of "cowardice," the drama's consulting produccrsaid . Richard Kramer co-wrote the episode in which Father Ray (series star Kevin Au~.erson) discove rs that a friend , a fellow priest he knows to be secretly gay, I• JOHNSON, From Previous Page said. "He wanted to save his political butt." Discus sing the matter is still difficult for Miller, now a Lulheran pastor in Tacoma, Wash. He has recently rekin dled his friendship with Johnson's parents but not Jolmson. "It was very painful and Jeff is a fine person .... He has good gifts and is a dedicated person," Miller says. "But if a person is gay, he or she is not to be sexually active as a gay person. Sexual activi ty belongs in the commitment of marriage." Sex outside of marriage has, iu fact, hecn the focus for many faiths when it comes to gay clerg y, making for often contentious church convention s and disciplinary hearing s as a growing number FIRE, From Front Pagl' back and parts of the sides of the I I 7- yea r-old church , whose 700 member s make up what is believed to be the lar gest congregation in this town of 6,600. A police office r on patrol spotted the fire shor tly after 2 a.m. The fire was thought to have started in or near the boiler room . No one was injured in the fire. The Manche ster chur ch is one of the 19 cong regatio ns of the Supporli ve Congr ega tions Networ k. a group of churches that have made a public state ment welcoming gays and lesbia ns. Suppo rtive Congrega tion s Network churches de signated Jan uary 25 as an "Ecumenical Sunday of Welcome ," and as a symbo l of solidarity, SCN has designated half of the Ecume nical Sunday of Welcome offerings collec ted in support of the work of SCN for the rehuildi ng of the Manchester Church of the Brethren. An investigation into the fire's cause ha~ hcgun. A federal requirement man dat,.; s that ATF in\'cstigntors look into c\'cry church fire nationwide, said Norlh is ill with AIDS. Father Ray tries to persuade his despondent friend to stay in lhc priesthood. "ABCs decision to bury ii was based on cowardice, cruelty and co-option of the religiou s eight's agenda," Kramer told the Los Angeles Times . fonncrly the series' co-executive producer, Kramer wrote the script with Father Bill Cain, a Jesuit prie st. The of pastors - both gay and straight - break their silence. There also are a growing number of straight pastor s wh9 are speaking on behalf of their gay and lesbian counter part s. One of those is the Rev. ·waiter Bock, a retired Lutheran pastor in San Francisco who has spoken on Johnson's behalf. "I don't think it's fair or right," Bock says. "A Christian mini stry of word and sacran1ent is still being carried on and it has nothing to so with their sexuality. "And we're losing a 101 of fine people beca USC of i I." It was that sort of opinion that led a small group of San Francisco pastors to ordain Jolmson and the two lesbian pastors he grad uated with in 1990 again st Manche ster Fire Chief Jack Fetrow. More than 100 firefighter s hauled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. Their efforts were hampered by a broken natural gas main that fed the fire. Damag e to the church is expected 10 be in the million s of doll ars, he said. The foundation of a $1.6 million addition that had been started was in the mbhle. No one was injur ed in the fire. And in that, Boyer found comfo rt. "The church is the people ," said Boyer. "We're all OK." Sunday services were planned to be held at a high school auditoriwn, accord ing to church member Bob Gross . The church, whose origi nal structure was dedicated in 1881. was a complex of se,•era l rcmodelings and additions, including 11 $1.3 million education annex that was still under constniction. ''It's going to be a pretty dc,·astating lo~s to the town," said fetrow . " fhcy arc II large part of the community." (AP and other rcpons) episode was filmed in July and had been intended lo air as "Nothing Sacrcd's" second hour, after the pilot. David Manson, producer of the freshman series that has drawn critical acclaim as well as allacks from some Catholic groups, said the unaired episode is abont religion rnthcr lhan homosexuality. "It's not about this man's sexual prefthe church's wishes. The church still considers the ordinations illegal. In another move of defiance , Lutheran pastors in San Francisco have con tinu ally elected Johnson as their dean to rep resent tl1em in the Sierra -Pacific Synod - - 218 Lutheran congregations in Nortl1- em California and Ncrnda. "There's a very clear intention lo send a messa ge to the church, " says Bishop Robert Mattheis, who now oversees the Sierra-Pacific Synod. Mauhci s - who calls Jolmson "very gifted and capa ble'' - says the synod has not cha ll enged Johnson' s elect ion , though he cannot participaie in official church business, such as ordinalion s. But, beyond that, some sense a shifl ing in the synod's views on the matter. Unlike his predeces sor, for example , Matthei s opted not to puni sh St. Paul Lutheran Church , a large congrega tion in Oakland whose pastor is openly gay and in a long-tem1 relationship. "I cho se to say I'm just going to not deal with lhat and let it take care of itself," Mattheis says . "My sympathies lie more on the open and accepting side. The issue is not settled for roe but my sympatlues are there." The issue is also hardly seule d for the ELC/\ or any other number of churches, - both in lenm of clergy and pari shioners. Last year, for exam ple, the Ameri can Baptist Churche s of the West, voted to expel four churches in the San Francisco Bay area for a policy of welcoming gay and lesbian members without auempt ing to rcfonn them. With all the discnssion and the infighting has come change - albeit slow movi ng - for some ch urche s, including the Chicago-based ELCA. '"I sense that there is less and less resistance ... and more of n willingnes s to think seriously about lhc question," Mattheis says of his faith . "It won't happen tomorrow .... "But God's 1i111111sgu rpri ses us. almost always ." erences but about the nature of tolerance nnd compassion and about trying to get a mnn who doesn't feel worthy lo come back to the table," Manson said. (AP) Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns "For all Presbyterians who care about lesbian .and gay people and their full membership in the Presbyterian Church(USA) " Boston/Northern New England 802-229-5438 SouthernN ewE ngland 203-442-5138 New Jersey 908-249-1016 GeneseeV alley 716-663-9130 Pittsburgh 412-683-5239 ~ 1~ Philadelph ia 2 15-699-4750 o,stricl of Columbia 202-488-4220 Ballimore 410-254-5904 EasternV irginia 804-497-6584 Norlhem Ohio 216-932-1458 Central Indiana 317-931-9553 DelroiVSoutheasteMrnic higan 313-255-7059 WinnebagWo,i sconsin 414-731--0892 Twin Cities Area 612-884-6908 Chicago 312-751-0250 SI. Louis 314-822-3296 Central Arkansas 501-224-4724 Louisiana 504-344-3930 Nebraska 402-733-1360 Oklahoma 405-848-2819 Houston 713-440-0353 San Francisco 510-653-2134 Oregon 503-6526-508 Seattle 253-859-5686 I SFCONI) STONE 9 1, NATIONAL NEWS S~ers ong ayt opiar;e movedf romd iversitcyo nference STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - The State College Arca School District dropped two speakers who were to address homosexual issue s at an emplo yee diversity work shop after a local Christian group objected. "We were not prepared for the contro versy that was generated by having those people invited ," said David Hutchinson, chairman of the district's diversity committee. "There was a concern on our part that we might end up jeopardizing the whole diversity day if we went ahead with the original plan." A program for the January workshop lists a keynote speech by Milton J. Bennett of the lntercultural Communication In stitute and a choice of 16 session titles, including "Steeples, Temples. and Minarets: Te aching and Working in a Religiou sly Diver se Americ a ," "Communicating Respect" and 'The State of Hate in Pem1Sylvania." The committee eliminated pre senta tions by Sue Rankin of the office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity at Penn State , and Penn Sta le psychology professo r Tony D'Augcll i. In an unrc - lated move, another 13 speaker s, who were not speaking on homosexual issues, were eliminated from the program when the district narrowed the workshop 's scope. D'Augelli , a research psychologi st. said his speech was going to focus on some problems gay and lesbian children experience adjusting lo a lifestyle many don't accept. "I can't remember ever in my profe ssional career being disinvited to a professional presentation ," he said . . Ms. Rankin. a diversity planning analyst at Penn State , said she had plrumed to speak about such issues as how students feel about anti-gay mune calling . She received a leller on district station ery from a diversity commiltec member, saying that "due to budget constraints and other unfore seen circumstances , we have redesigned our program to provide a more general overview or cultural diver sity and its impact on schoolin g .... We regret that we have eliminated your session." The di ve rsity work shop , mandatory fo r the di strict' s estim a ted ·600 PresbyteriaCnh urchw ill hear dispute over gay man's appointment as elder CINC INN ATI - The Pres byterian Ch11£ch (U.S.A.) will bear an appeal in a 2-year-o ld dispute over a gay man' s appointment as an elder. The General Assembl y's permane nt j udicial commission probably will hear the case in August, Jerry Van Marter. direc tor of the church's news age ncy, said. A church member com plained after Knox Presby terian Church in Cincinnati ordained as an elder a man it knew was gay. The member said the local session, which governs the 1,300-member church, improperly allowed a homosex ual to become an elder. The comp laint sent the issue to the Cincinna ti Presbytery's permanent judi cial commission, which declared the ordination invalid by a 4-3 vote. The regional Synod of the Covenant in Columbus overturned that deci sion in October, and the member who filed the complaint appealed to the church's headquarters in Louisville. The church has not publicly identified lhc gay man, who ii; curren tly holding the position of cider, or the complain - 10 J1\N IJARY • rEl:lRll/\RY 1998 ant. The church did not immediately comment after the ju dicial commi ssion decision in Cincinn ati. The re is continuin g disagree ment witllin tl1e church about whether its constitution forbids the ordina tion or homosexua ls, said the Rev . Sam Roberson, general presbyter of tl1e 86-church Cincinnati Presby tery, which includes Knox Presbyteriru1. While church offic ials have welcomed gay and lesbian membe rs, the assembly's po licy has been that "selfaffinning. practicing homosexual per sons" are ineligible for ordinatio n. However, the ban has never been placed in the church's "Book of Order," or constitution . It gives the responsibility of ordaining deacons and ciders to congregations and the authority to ordain mi1listers to presbyteries. In recent years, some pastors have told their congregations they arc gay, while others were ordained after coming 0111. There arc about 20 openly gay pastors in the church. (AP) employee s, was scheduled for Jan. 21 at the Pew1 Stater Hotel and Conf erencc Center. The school district draws nearly 7,400 students from 150 square miles. The commiltee removed the two speakers on gay and lesbiru1 issues after obj ections from a group or some 60 people led by Mitch Smith, pastor of tl1e Christ Community Church & Worship Center of Stale College , who met with Superintendent Willirun Opdenh off. Barry Kroeker, editor of the Communicant, a local Chri stian newspaper. had wriuen t11at members of the group. Citizens for Excellence in Education, feared the workshop would provide a fonun for local homosexual advocate s. The district appointed Smith to the diversity committee after his group met with Opdcnhoff. Smith s~id he brings the view of "traditional values" to the comm.illee . "Because we live in a university town," Smith said, "there is a push from the university lo have our elementary kids act as college students in tcnns of making decisions about their sexual ity." . Opdenhoff said some member s of the group feared Ms. Rank.in and D'Augelli would try lo influence the district's curriculum . But the superintendent said the two would not have pre sented material to be used in the clas sroom. John Bell, a member of the local gay SEE DIVERSITY , Page 17 Survey finds clergy amiss in providing comfort to dying BY DAVID BRIGGS AS AMERICANS consider their own mortality. they are concerned thal God may not forg i vc them or that they will be cut off from God or a hig her power al the time of their death . Acc ordin g to a Gallup Poll on spirit ual beliefs ru1d the dying process, near ly nine in 10 peopl e get comfort in the beli e f that they will be in the loving presence of God or a higher power after death. Yet, barely more than one-third of the respondent s said the clergy co uld be comfortin g to lliem in man y ways when they were dyin g. "The surve y is a wake- up cal l for the cle rgy," said George H. Gal lup Jr. "Not man y see the clergy pro vidi ng broad spiri tual suppo rt in th eir own dying days." The George H. Ga llup ln tema tional Institute, in a study spo nsored by The Na than Cum mings Founda tion and Fetzer lnsti lute, surveyed 1,200 adul rs ages 18 and older by telephone in a nationwide random sample in May 1997. When people think abou t their own death , spiritual concerns are central issues for a large part of the population. For example, 89 percent of the respondents said they would be com forted during the dying process by believing they will be in the loving presence of God or a higher power. When they think about their own death, 56 percent said they were con ccmed about not being forgiven l>y God 1111d 51 1>erce111 worried they might be removed or cut off from God while dying. . In contra st. only 19 percent womed about having someone go through their possess ions after they died and only 13 pe rcent sai d they were concemed abo~t what will be said a bout them at t11e1r funerals. When asked what kind s of support from another person - other than medi cal attention - would be import a nt lo them if they were dying, ha.If the respo nden ts said hav ing some one pray for them would be very import ant. For ty -four pe rc~nt said it would be very important to hav e som eone help t.hem become spiritually a t pea ce. the same percen tage that sai d it would be very im po rtant to hav e someo ne pray with them. Thi rty -two perce nt said it would be very importa nt to have someo ne read them spirit ual or inspiratio nal materials, while onl y 13 perce nt sai d it would be very important to have someone read them something oth er than relig ious material . Doctors are expected to give dying patients more than their technical exper tise. Two -thirds said if they were dying, they would want a doctor who cares about them. Two in five respo ndents said they would want a physician who is spiritually alluned to them . However, only 30 percent said tl1ey would expect doctors to be comforting to them in ways other than medical aucution if they were dying . SEE CLERGY, Page 17 Alaska PALMER(9 07) Chllch of the Co.enant P.O. Box2 888, 99645.7 46-1al9. Ho.YatHd . Bess, pastor.A Welcominga ndA ffirmingA men:anB aptistC ongegaliln. Arizona PHOENIX(6 02) CasaD e Cristo EvangelicaCl hurch, 1029E . Turney,8 5014.2 65- 2831. EvangelicalsC oo:emedW A,P O Box6 6906.( l:J3)657-359. 3 Olive Tree Ministries, PO Box 47787, 85068-7787 . 861-3424. http'}{fVlll.oom/olivet.r ee TUCSON(5 2l) CornerstoneF ellowshp2, 902 N. Geronimo, 85705. 622-4626S. unmy, 9 a.m., 10:30a.m. . Wed"lesday7.p .m. Players elVicela stS un. of the month, 6p.m. Rada Schaff,p astorC. HAISTFORA@LLjlnJo.com. Fust ChristianC hurch, 740 E. Spee<t,ya6y5, 719. 624-869.5 Sun., 8:15a.m., 10:30am. PasklfNciliKaneko. FAYETTEVILL(E5 01) Our l.aOfo t Guadal~ CatholicC hurchP, O Box8 32, 72702-0832. 444-960.7 Sat, 5:30p.m. at St Maritn's EpiscqlalS tudenCt enle.r 614 W. Maple. Fr. Joseph Paul Smith, pastor. Californi a fAVlNE (714) . . IrvineU nited Churcho f Christ 4915A ltonP kwy., 92714. 733-022. 0 An Open& Alfirming Congegition, prCXJdptri 011essiw. intenlionally indusiw. LA CRESCENAT ( 626) Evangelicasl CoocemedW omen'sM inistly, PO Box9 4302, Pasadena, CA 91109. 568-4803. ecsocal@aol.com. Weektj Btlle Stu> ies, monthly potluck and rap sessions. LAGUNA 8EACH (714) Christ Chape,l PO !lox4 950, 92652. 376-~. EvangerJClsa ConcernedP. O 8(111( 452.9 2652-1452. 451-37n. Tll!S., 7:30p.m. LAGUNAN IGUEL(7 14) Sewnth-dilyA cmnlist Kinshp lntemaoona~P O Bae7 320,9 26n. 248·1299.F or Seventh-dilyA cmntJst lesbians, gaym en, bisexulas. their famiies and friends. SAN JOSE , CALIFORNIA Jvt.arslia Stevens lntemationally known singer afld com pose r. auth or o f 'For Those Tean t Died', will be at our Valentines Day dinne,- and frtt conce rt ... ".'A. Time of Love" Saturday, February 14 6 pm - Dinner ($15/ person) 8 pm - FREE Concerti • call for Info and tickets • (Q,,oki~lb-tf/ j •. j.\ -.",/. \•ll•A•I ••• Marsha will also be at our J_,..141., Sunday Service on Feb.15th Non-Denominational . Bible Centered Sunday Services - 10:30 am at The Billy DeFrank Cen te,- 175 Stockton Ave .. San Jose, CA Pastor David Harvey • (408) 345-2319 http ://www .lodesys .com/ce lebrate / LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Weary?? C Ol.YIE ~O'M: E!! /,~ ~~QliiL J fm.n lrfLllOtr Jiu!f or lOMQ Dr.d!Ctl .J. .... .,.I .. 111,...JL',c u"J .. Classes Retreals Counseling I Sacral Activities "Spiritual Support· Group 1 Mid-Week "Prayer & Praise· Services I Saturday, 6:00 PM "Worship" : North Long Beach Christian Church I 111 ( ;i2)c5t:;{t)39 90Ci A. -E-Mall PaslorDLM@aol com LONGB EACH( 562) FirstC ongegibOnaCl hurch, 241C edarA ve. . 90802. 436-225.6 An OpenandAttirmirgCongegitiCJloIl lle Un~edChllcholChrisl Holy Spirit FellcM'shp , PO Bax 91272, 90809. 435-0990 . Christianity asy oua lwaysh q)ed it couldb e. LOSA NGELESA REA( 213) Crescent Hei!1)ts UMC, 1296 No. Fai~ax Ave .. West Holly,Yood. 90046. 656-5336 . UniledC hurchC oaltionl a LesbiarvGayCax:erns,S oulllemC alflania Chapter. 241 Cedar Ave .. Long Beach. CA 90802. Rev. Ll:fy Tigler and Rev. Dan Brink (562)436-2256 . NEWPOTR BEACH(7 14) Evangelicals Concerned, 460-6998. ecsocal@a.oclom. Bi-weekly Bble sit.des. fun. le!laNsh". PASADENA(8 18) Evangelicals Concerned. PO Box 94302, 91 t01. (626)568-4803 ecsocal@aol .com. Weektf Bble stuoes, run, lelk1Ns h". FirstC ongegalionaCl hll ch, 464 E. Walnut St, 91101. 795-069.6 An Opena ndA ffirmingc ongegitJonw ithin the UnitedC hurch of Clvist E-maU:l amtrllfcc@ao.cl om. SANF RANCISCOBA YA AEA(415) LutheransC oncerned.5 66V allejoS t , #25, 94133-403. 3956-206.9 A<M!nl SAN JOSE (408) Celebration of f'a,lh Praise and Worshp Center, PO Box 5765. 95126. 345-231.9 Sun. 10:30a.m. al TheB illy DeFrank Cenler1. 75 StocldonA ve. First ChristianC hurch, 80 S. 51hS L, 95112. 294-294.4 RichardK . Mdler, pasla. Gay, Lesbian. andA ll"mingD ~ . c/o FirsI Chrisran Church8. 0 So.51hSt , 95112. 294.2944_ SANL EANDRO(5 10) FailhFaJIGospelFello,vshp, 15781M alilertAw. . 94576. 4819-933. faith2lelloNshp@hotrnail.com. SANL UISO BISPO(8 05) MCC of the Central Coast PO Box t 117. Grover Cily, 934l3·1117 481-9376 . Sunday, 10:3<2.m. Rev. Randi A. Lester. pasla . WESTH OLLY WOOO(2 13) Evangebcals Concerned, 833-6418. ecsocal@aa.com. Weekly Btlle studes, fun. lebYShp. WHITTIER(3 10) Good Samarit an MCC. 11931 E. Washington Blvd. 90606-2607. 69&-6213R. ev. Gm Chapmanp.a sbr. DENVER(nl) EvangleicalsR ecoooled3. 31· 2709. District of Columbia DISTRICOT FC OLUMBIA(2 02) Olg1ty, PO Bax 5:3001 . 20009. 367·4516. Florid a FOAT MYERS ADS ainlSC ongegaloi n (lnoopendenl),2 756M cGreg:iBr lvd. Mad: 1830 MaravillaA ve., #12, 33901. allsainlS@worsRh)er.com. Rev. Michael Balfour , pasta . INTERLACHE(N00 4) BetheEl vangehslleM inislries, Inc., PO Bax1 n a. 32148. KEY WEST (3)5) MCC. 1215 PetroniaS t. 33040. 2948-912. Sunday9, :30. 11a.m. . Wed. 7p.m. Rev. StevenM. Torrence.p aslo.r MIAMI/COCONGURTO VE( 3)5) PlymootCh ongegalional UmlecCf hu/cho f Christ 3400D evonA d, 33133. 444-6521. Sun., toa.m. Aedobroa<i:ast on FM 93.1. AIDS ootreach ministly, memorial services. tdy LlliOO.S All welcome. www.krealive.com/plymtohu. PANAMCAI TY( 904) Famtt ot God Worshp Center, 1139 Ewrilt Ave., Cedar Grove. 32401.7 84-4815.S un., 10:3<2m. . soottt,gic@aof.oo.m TAMPA(813) Pentecoslals of Tampa Bay, 2023 Gallleman Dr., Brarxtin. 33511 651-1505 Georgia ATlANTA(919) Evar!!J!llcaClSo ocerned.2 86-7314. DECATUR (404) St. Ae~adP ansh, Sts. Sergus and BacchusB yzanllneM lsston. ECC. PO Bax 3191, 30031. 315-6544 Rev. Fr. Joe Ciou. actninlslrabr. Illi nois CHICAGO (173) lnle!Jlt\tCtucagP:,.O Bax3 232O. akP ark. IL 603(0-32323.4 1Hi362. JACKSDNVILLE (217) SI. Millcim1haKno lleC athoocC hurcho l !he AmericasP. O Box t345,62650-1342S4. 3-4539S un. s·:J:Jp.ro. Indiana INOIANAPO LIS (317) HolyEUchraislChurch2, 070E .5 41hS.L Sie. 7. 46220. 251-452.6 LAPORTE(2 19) NewL i1eC ommunity Church of Hqie, POB ox9 212, Mlclligna City. 46360. 778-933. 2Fullg :ispe,l evargelicaVcharismalic.P aslorR aoo,, Duncan. • Iowa DESM OINES{5 15) WordotG od Minitsries, P.O. Box4 396, 50333. 264-151.5 MeelSa l SL Mark'sE piscqlalCllJl'cl3l, 120E . 241hS L,D esM ooles. URBANDALE(515) UnitedC hurcho f Christ 35307 0thS l , 50322.2 76-0625F.a x. 276- 2451A. nO pen& Affirming( ONA) Congegaoon. Kansas TOPEKA(9 13) MCCP, OB ox4 7766. 6604-077263. 2-6196S.E l ndanaA vea t25lh WICHITA(3 16) Wdll la Praisea ndW asnpCente,r 1607S . 8/oao,ya,y 67211. 267• 6270. ChuclB< leckerv~ pasta. Kentucky LOUISVILLE (S02) Third LulheranC hurch, 1864F ranklorA1v e., 40206. ~ -Sure day, 10:30am. TLCX2@ecunelorg LDuisiana NEW ORLEANS (504) Firsl Jesus NameC hurchP. .O. Box5 8362,7 0158,836. 2An Acts 2:38o ongegliaon. St Thomas Aq.rinasC atholicC hurch of the Americas, 717P attersoo, 70114. 263-5412. Massachusetts CAMBRIDG(6E1 7) Old Cambrq)e Baptisl Church, 1151M assachusettsA ve. . 02138. 864-8068. Irving Cummings, paslor. A Weloominga nd Affwming AmericanB aptist congegalion. WAL THAM (617) LutheranCso ncernedd.o RaraibR K.: e1081/2ChestnU1S0l,2 154· o«l6. 893-2763 Michiga n ANNA RBOR(J lJ) GuildH ouse CampusM ,us11.y 602M onore.4 6104 662-5189. Rev Diane CtrlSl ~ r.m DETROI(T1 110-) MCC, PO Box 836. R{1f31O ak, Ml 48068-083. 6(248)399-7741. MeelS at Oray1a, Pr~ eren Chllch. Sun. 10a m • 7p.m. FLINT( 810) Redeemre MCC. 1665 N. Chevrolle Ave., 485043-164. 238-670.0 Sunaiy, 11a.m .. (61).m. second and fourth Sun. ea ma,th excepl Aug). Rev. Lilian R.F er!JlSOOpa,s tor. FT.GRATKlT(810) AnS oos' AJx)sloliCca lholicC hurch,4 653D esmonBde ach. 4805.9 385-9242. ~ Eochalisl Sun. 11a .m. LANSING(5 17) D1g1ty . PO fl(II( t265, East Lansirg, 48826. 321-4841 Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS/.S PTAUL( 612) AUG ods Chikten MCC. 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneapol,j s55407. 824-2673.W na:Jioi l Wellness CounsebnCg enter offers pos11M! affkming Chri stian oounselmg for homosexuals . LutheransC oncerned1.0 0N OXfadSL. St Pau.l 55104-654. 8066- 8941. Wing;p.n1 Mns11,y 100N . Ox1ordS.t PaUI5. 51042. 24•3371 Mississi ppi JACKSON(6 01) SafeH aroorF amilyC oorch. 2147 HernyH II Dr., Ste. 203, 39204- 2000. 961-9500. Rev. Jame, H. Becker , paslor Wkmy: 359-o604 : E\/8·8 25-ll05.6 Sun,. 5p.m.. A<ill SundaySchoa6,1 ).m Missouri KANSASC ITYA REA( 816) Abldng PeaceL utheranC hutch, 5090N E ChouteauT rafflCW,a y 641l 9. 452-122. 2Canngfo rpeqllla ndaeatx:nM al'{Gerlia,n conlact personA Reconcilfel dC llrislo ongegiuon ST. Lours P14) TheAgapeCtuc. h2109SoulhSpmgA.1, 6138110-351676 +3588 agapechur@actc:om Distribution of Second Stone in some com1nunitics is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit thetn for worship. Montana LIVINGSTON(~ Affrmation(U nrtedMettmsls)5, 29N .8 thS t, 590472. 22-443. 6 Nevada LAS VEGAS(7 02) MCC1, 119S . MainS L, 89104-102. 3684-2325. New Hampshire MANCHESTER (603) . PFLAGN H, PO Box3 86. 03105. 536-5522o r8 00-750-252(4N H only.) Monlhly support gro14>m eelins in conC01dP. lymoul.h Stralham, Laooniaan dL ancasle. r New Jersey JERSEYC ITY( 201) ChristO.n TeacherGalhoicChurocfh t he America,s 2191s1S t, #1, 07302·286383. 3-1094b. ejcity@aof.com. NEWB RUNSWIC(!KD l) PLGC. POB O>3I6 , 08903-003P8i.b : MoreL i!111 New Mexico ALBUQUERQU(E50 6) MCC2, 404S anM ateoP L,N E.8 7110. 881-908.8 Rev. Dr. Frede. Winiams. e3stor. Sun., 1oa.m. Rivero f Life HealirVJM initsries. 134O Lincy. NE.8 7108. LASCRUCES(505) HolyF amilyP arisho f the EvangellcaAl rgicaCnh urchin A merica, t 701E . MISSOOfi.A, 8\/880015. 22-711. 9An indusivepraish qien lo all KOlllOr,i a2162D oraoDor. . 8801t. 521-149.0 Gayandlesbianspriltuakly !Joup. New York NEW YORK CITY AREA Manhal1an/NeYwo rkC itya rea( 212) BlessedV ir!j n Mal'{M iss1011'12,3 E . 15S t, 10003. 226-089.8 Sun, 1:1r,p.m. ChrislianS cienceG rOl4. )c/o4 443 1dA \/8.. #4.1 001.6 532-8739. Gay, Lesbian& Alfillnlng Oi!4JleSA lliance. c/oA llen Harris. 1453A LexingtlnAw .. 10128-250208 93-019. lnle!JitylNewYork, PO Box 20067, 10011. 691-7181. Gayftesbian Episcq)alians. Meets every Wed, 6;30p.m. MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA Pastor Randy Duncan Sunday Scr,i e,?: 11 :30 am :I carmg church (or a h11rt111rgo rld 1·<here El 1:.1ff0.\IE1s welcome' • Fu/1<,ospel • Christ centered • Bible hased P.O. Box 9212 t-.lid1igan City. IN 46360-9212 (2 I 9) 778-2803 • (219) 778-9332 Email: innulife,gn dnit.: o.net DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O.! DX 163-4• DWTONO, I1 45401 DISCOVER YOUR Dlfil1NY! ALL ARE WELCOME mt>ets5:4 6 XeniaA ve. lliyton, Ohio SundaylOam E-11', /\ll.R; e.&unue!KCci>aol.com VlSit our Wch Sit:d h~ / ;...,'\\WJ-1.:'>V1;'..;.1<>l..ronv'""'lilmuelk 937-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR I New York ParkA venueC hristina ChUrch~ ol Clvisl),1 010P arkA ve. at 851hS L. 100282. 88-3246A. vbanL aeawe. anda verseo ongegatial comminedl:>extenclthneg 1 cMo! t Clvistt oaapeqlle. Potluckd, o AllenV . Hanis.1 010 ParkA ve. . 10028-099218. 8-3246. FOU1Fhr iday7, p.m. UCCUGCd. o Craig Hottman. 1453AL exingtoAn ve.. 10128. 289- ~16. Queens(718) · QueensL esbian& Gay ChristiansP. O Bax4 154. Collegi Pc:int 11356. 353-394 1. Ni: Tte GoodShep)erd NIAGARA FALLS (716) OneressN xls1lllGico speCl hurch1, 646N iagaraA ve. . 1430.5 284- 4500. Bro. t . Rdlerts, pas1a. PLATTSBURGH(5 18) SL MarysE cumerica!CalhoflCChurPcOh, B ax1 59,C llaZ,y 12921. 493-327(2V Oicea ndF AX.} Rev. Fr. MchaelR .F rost ROCHESTE(R71 6) PLGCd. o Caner, 111M tJurnSL, 14607-291287. 1-764.9 CHARLOTTE (704) • Chadottlen tertaithN etwor1k0 G1 ay,\.esbiaEn~ 1ty, 5945R e<tlnan Rd, '205.2 8212-166~4. -GarnetEt .P titbl . ronlactp erroo. GREENSBORO (910) UnitarianU niversatisCt hUlcho l Greensbor,o 5603 H~lop Rd. . 27414. 856-033.0. M eetsa t GTCC-JamestowSnu, nd3yS choo,f 9:30a.m .. Service, 10:30a.m. Barbara Cooke. pastor. ~:Jlmeml:Els.ad.co:n/wcg TRWIGLE ~ (9\9) PulenM emmat Ba!)\15C1l 'IJtth,1 60\ lillstxxoughS L, Ra\e1!1'- 27605. 82&-0a79. M. M!hanSiler.Jt., pas10. 1 Ohio AK~N(Dl ) cascaooC ommunitCy hurch,1 190/119I6n manS L. 44306. 773- 5296. Sundly. ~m . Plb: CascadeN ewslett.e r CINCINNATI( 513) lnEgtly.4 905ChaletD..r # 11, 45217-144. 2542-729. 7 Mt. AuburnP resbylerianC hurch, 103 WnhamH ov;ardT ait Rd. 45219. 281-594, 5~AX2 81-2664. Rev. O.t HaroldG . P011epr.a sl0.1 A Meteli gll congegalio. n COLUMBUS (614) Diglity, POB ax8 2001, 43202. 451-652. 8 lambolGodAngicanCh11.c PhOB ox1 6447,2 43216 DAYTON (9:17) • CetnmunitGy ospeCl hurchP, O Box1 634, 454012. 52·8855S pmt filled,C hnslc enteied.M eetsT hurs.. 5p.m., Sun. 1oa.m a15 46 XeniaA ve., Day1oSna mueKl ade,r paste.t GRANVLILE(614) FrrstB aplls_t Church, 115W . Broac!,va, y43023·117. 9587-033.6 GeorgWe1 niamsoJnr. ,. past0.1 A WeloomlllQan dA lfrrmlngA mer\canB aotisCt ongegatlo.n MANSFIELD (419) • Centerr or PasroraCl are, 3180G erman Church Rd. 44904. 756- 297,7 774-537F7.A X7 74-98.0 S5undayN IUrg/, f0:15am Pasloral oounseknrge.t reats Oregon PORTLAN(D5 03) Evaf9!1icCaol1sc emedT.T S-338268, 1· 2764. MetaraPae aceConvnuni1yut.2e1. 16NE1 8thAY.B. 9 7212·4 600. 281-389. 7 Pennsylvania ELWYN(6 10) PdgimF etlONs~Churt:hP, .O. Bax4 306,1 90632. 37-136.7 MeelS Sun.a t Phlla Ailpcr1C om10I1n1n. LEHIGH VALL Y (&10) Graooeo..enanF1e lloHstl,4 2)47N . 101hS l , Aftentown1.8 10.2 740- 0247. Sunda~1y0 :458.m. 8l'yUI Ro.Y.e past<>T' homR itte,r music mlrllste.r Se the Lellig\ Valle.y PHILADELPH (215) Eva!l!JllicaClSo ncerned7,2 5-799. 9 UntiedC hurchC ootitlotno eL esbian/GaCyo ncerns, PO Box6 315, 1913.9 724-124. 7 Rhode Island PROVIDENC(E40 1) St. Pete(s & St. Araew's EpiscopaCl hurch2, 5 PomonaA ve• . 02909-525. 2572-964. 9Rev. JanN unle,y reC1oarn dC IHXlfMlOoOl I lntegil',fflhoi3 IslandW ea rea •rarixlwcongeg.1tooo'f Cttnslians from al walks of tile, with an act,ve lnleglly chapter, heallng and AIDS mrisuy. Se habla Espana. South Carolina COLUMBIA(8 03) Gay1t8sbiCane tnmuni1yCent1e1r,0 8W ClXto.YSTt Tl-7713 LutheranCs oncernedM eetsth id fn . 7:~ .m., at PALMC ente,i USC. PO 8ox 8828, 29202. MCCC olumbiaP, .O. Be,( 6753, 29202 256-215.4 Meetsa t 1111 8eflewlwSL , 12. Sun.• 11a.m. Rev. PatooaV oell'.e, 1, J!s10. r PFLAG. Meets third Th11s. ewry month, 6p.m. at Community HouseS, L Mar1Jn's-ln-1h&-FEfeplic,clsq )alC lu.lch,5 220C lemson AW. GREENVIUE(8 64) t.«::C3. 14UCr,dSL2.9 601-14,0 2833-0919S.t ll.. 11am . . ~m Rev, t.ti Hinsonp. aslof, Tennessee CHATTANOOGA/423) ~ SoundC tv,slJanF et>wstipC hlleh. PO Box8 506 37414. 894-6224.R ovC. tllck D Thorrp:on. PIIS~ StJ1. Sp.m arIll eU nltarlln UllMiflarisl Cho!ch 3224 NavapOr MEMPHIS(9 01) HolyT rn1YC etnmunrtCyh urch, 1559h '~011, 38104 726-9443 Prod&tm,nGgo dsl rM)f a aa~ NASHVILLE(6 15) Cl'r!Jfdlo1f h0L MngV/atc. rPOB oe1 312. M,1ct;01T1N, 3 71181-312. 8(,6,.2679 SUn.~m 12JANIJAR\'•FEl:lRl/ARY 1998 OUTREACH PARTNERS HotyTrmt1yCOlnmuintyChUrchP, O Be,( 2188223, 72213. 27·4551. Meetsa t UnityCenklr3, 0281.roanoPnik e. lntegify.P Oilo<1 21172, 37212·117323. 3-7509. Texas AUSTIN(5 12) Joan Wakefetd MinistriesI.n c. . 9401G rouseM eaoowL n.,7 8758- 63488. 357-354. DALLAS/FORWT ORTHA REA( 214) Alfirmation( UnitedM eloodists)P. O Box 191021. Daftas.7 5219. 52&-491. 3 GtaceM ilislries, Inc.,4 307-AH ollan:7!.5 219. HolyT rinityC etnmuncCy hurch4, 402R oselmdA ve., Dallls.7 520.4 827-5088".A homel o! 11verhye art"s erving1 heD allas lesbiana nd gayc ommunityt011y8e ais. SilenHt arves1MnisUiePsO, B e,( 19051.1 75219-051512. 0-665. 5 EL PASO (915) MCC,9 828 Montana7, 9925.5 91·4155S. un.. 10:30a.m.. 6p.m.. Wed, 7p.m. Unitarian Universalist Communi!)'. 4425 Byron. 79930. 562-4001 J~ ,j/!/J,fP/ . GALVESTON(4 00) Unitarian UnillersalisFl e!M~. 502C hurchS L, mso. 765-833. 0 AUl aithsa ooepledS.e xuael ti?ntaliorne spected. TYLER(903) SL GabrieCl ommun,tyChUlc1h3, 904C ountyR d 193.7 5703!.x ii· 6923. PastorD onnRa .C anp:,eU. Utah LOGAlll_ VO\) MCC. PO Box 4285, Ml23. 7~5026 Sun.,\ 1a.m. SALT LAKE CITY (001) SacredL gtl cl ChnstM CC6. 23S . 600E . 84102·35075.9 6-0052. Virginia FALLSC HURCH(7 03) TelosM I1s111nestB apttsts. )POB ox3 390. 220435 60-268.0 MANASSAS (703) Bull RunU nrlananU nrversaltS. tPsO Box2 416. 361-626.9 A UUA WelcomnCg oigegallon RICHMOND (804) HonestyMr~nia. 315 Strav,t>errSy t , 23220-341.2 354-680.4 honeSt.yv a@Jlln.coon. GayB aptisst i.qxr1g QU.-1) WILLIAMSBURG (804) Foundauonosl StoneM intStrsie. 149N elsonD r., 23185. 229-063. 2 Teachings.e minarste, treats, revivals. Heaven'Ts ablelanCd hurchP. .O. Bax2 674. 23167. (757)887-37.1 9 Rev Adelle L Bar.r paslo.r MeetsS un. 8o1JldarSyt . LtJrarya t ,:30 ~m . Washington SEATTLE(206) lnllgil;. PO Bax 200i3. 98102. 525-4668. UniversitCy oogegabonaUl ntiedC hurcho f Chnst 45151 6thA ve. • NE. 981055. 24-232'2O. penlygaypeqllea taul evelso f le»Jrshp. Wisconsin APPLETON (920) Angelso f Hq)e Mee.1 10S . LocusSt t. 991-0128S.1 n, Sp.mR. ev. KenH Uiip, aslo.f GREEN BAY (920) Angels of Hq)e Mee, 614 Fetest SL. Green Bay. 54302. 432-0830 . Sun..1 1a.m.7, p.m. Rev. KenH ul.l paslof MILWAUKEE (414) l.UlheransCoooernPeOd,B ox1 676. 53201-167468. 1-966. 3 ~~Ills HIV/AIDSM inistry1, 0101W . Wiscons1A1v e., 53226. Nationa l ADVANCEC HRISTIANM INISTRIES, 4001-CM aillAe w .. OaHa. s TX 75219. 1214)522·15.2 F0AX. (214)528-10.7 '0ThomasH osch. cirec10. I AFFIAMAT ION/UnrtedM elhodstsf ol Gay & LesbianC oncerns P.O. Bax1 021. Evanslo,n IL 60204. (708)733-95. 90 ' AMERICANB APTISTSO ONCEANE, D13318C la~epoinlWe ay, Qal<JanCdA, 9 4619-353(15.1 0/465-a65V2o. k:cel t heT ~ AMERICANF RIENDSS ERVC E COMMITTEE(Q uaker2) 249E . BurnsidSet . POltlandO, R9721.4 (503)230-94. 27 APOSTOLICC ATHOLICC HURCHIN AMERIC,A a naoona'll lYlrlerd/ c)JnominatioBni.s htpP aulD aviCd . StrongO. SJD.P OB <»< 81005S. earoeW. A9 8108-100(52. 06)763-24. 0a0pcalhchSaolcorn. ht1>1lmermers.aolcan/ap:altdt ASSOCIATIOONF INDEPENDENMTI NISTRIE, SPO Box8 506. ClilttanOOgTl,N 3 7414. (423)8~4 a (205)833-35. 01 ASSOCIATIOONF WELCOMINAGN DA FFIRMINGB APTISTS, P.O. Box2 596,A ttlebOlfoa ll;, MA< rl763-069. V4fF( 508)226-0945. WABaplists@a.ccolm. httpJuser.aso.toornlwabapti.s Ats netwol1(o f chulcheS, et'jlntlatk)ns andi nciwlJalsw ltow eloomaen da <M>cea t fet ihe lull pa~tlon ol lesblan, gay. andb isexuapl eqll8 w,1/11n 1heA mencanB aotisCt hU!ches/USA. BALM MlNISTf'.UE, SP.O.Bor 1961, COSlaM esa, CA 92628, (714)641-896. 6Marsha Stevens, slngerlsongrvterrr. Suzanne Mcl(eagm. anagJr BRETHREN/MENNONPITAER ENTSO F LESBIAN/GACYH ILDREN. B ox1 708U, ma, OH4 5802 BRETHREN/ M ENNONITEC OUNCILF ORL ESBIANA NOG AY CONCERN.S Box 6300, MlnneapolisM, N 55406-0300(6. 12)722· 6906 BMCounol4'aol.C. hX~lJffllM\',v,v.ebcorn.com/bnlSC~I tor Bretlvene ndM onnontler, ry, lesbian. andb isexuapl ecple, and too:rp arents.S fl(llmS , relalf'.esan d fnend.s Pl.llhcatm Dt.l~ CHI AHOP RESS.A spcctnlwak Oft hOU FMCCM oAUantiC[), :;brcl PiJllrshOoI t rol,{jOUSbo oks and matemt.s P 0. Bot 7864, Ge~herwur, gt.t)20696,( 001)670-18.5 9 COMMUNICATION MINISTAVI,N C· Dlilklg.leo nds ""°r, !JOI.Cl torr ;pya nd 18S1>c1:a1lnl1 oalleer wa nd religiousP. .o Box6 0125, CIICIJg>IL, 6 06©0125. Pl.tlfQ!bOCn etnmlin1caoon CONFERENEC FORC ATHOLICLE SBIAN,$ P.O. Bar4 36P bnotarllllSl to.,N 111Y1 ork.N Y 10024( 718)921-04.6 3 CONNECTOINS• SPIRITUAUL NKS• Stlmlnras, workshq)Gc,o nternnaieo n! Jlol Ondb ere.tvemenRl O.Y Rdl.1rdB Gtllort.C ilOCICJ 1504t i Cl~ 8L, va~Dl$0 , Ill '-6385 (2l9)484-81$3F;A X, (219~1-2230. DIGNITY/USA15. 00M assachusetAtsv e. . NW,S le. 1t . WashIngl:>n. DC2 0005. (202)861-0017F, AX (202)429-980. 8Gay and lesbian Cathoicsa ndt teir ttiends. ECUMENICALC ATHOLICC HURCH,P .O. Be,( 32, Vi la Grande, CA9 5486--00. 3(7207)88·71020, FAX.( 7071887-70. T0h3eM ostfleV. MarkS . Shirilau. Ph.D. PIJlllCalio: nTte Taliel ECUMEINCALO RDERO FC HARITYP. OB ox2 57.D esM c:in.e IAs 50301.( 515)251·825.4 An ectJ111eniicnacll,1 1Sirveelig ious0 1deor l mena ndw omenm iltSteringo n 1hec utting~ ol 1he! P51)L8 W~ site: www.~rramp .nE:V-dlraily. E-ma:il blitMOY@a.coel tn. EROSPIRIRT ESEARCIHN STITUTEP,. O. 8ox3 893.O alclandC,A 94609. (5104)28-906.3 Networok t g.rya ndl esbiane cslali:so tlenog classesa rd videosi n erotics ptrrtuhaty. EVANGELICAALN GLICANC HURCHIN AMERICA2. 401 Attesia Blvd..S te. 106-213A. edonooB each.C A 90278. (310)798-672. 0 EACA2AIACS@aol.c. eNtnatx>naolf ficeo l aUE ACAc hurch·c om· mun,tte. s EVANGELICALCSO NCERNEDdo. Dr. Ra\:)1B1l air, 311E asl7 2nd St , NewY Oik,N Y 10021. (212)517-31.7 P1ltlicalo,s : Rev,ewa nd Record THEE VANGELICANLE TWORKB.e ,( 1610.4 Proemx, AZ6 501\ . (8l2)265-2831 fe.?ER;(f,fJ(l(lYlJ RBf.fI f@ f'f1(ffl(J1(J{({ '1flll.f-$I .NO GAV S,I NC. P.O. Be,( 27605, WasllngtonD, C2 0038.(2021638-42. 00 Send$3.00 ta packect l inf01mati:ln. GULFL Ov.£RA TLANTICD ISTRICTol theU niversaFl ello!,sh~ol MetropoIlal n communityC hurche.s 1379T ullie Rd. Atlanta. GA 3032.9 (404)325-137. 2Rev. Jay Neely.c isUIct coordnaIo.r E-mad: GLADMCC@a.cootm. Wet:iste: httpJ/wwN.geocitie.osom/WestHot,woco'1.4 90 FRIENDSF OR LESBIANA NDG AYC ONCEflNS(O Ual<e!S1) 43 Camp:,el Ave .• l\llaca, NY \4650. l607)272-\024. FAX \607\212:< Sn. GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTSC OALITIONIN TERNAt10NAL P.O. Box5 0360. Wastingto,n DC2009.1 (202)583-60.2 f9'lillrcalion' NelWOk.' GAY, LESBIANA ND AFFIRMINGD ISCIPLESA LLIANCEp O Box1 9223l.n danapohsIN, 46219-022. 3(319)324-6213. Fa ·mem: bers ot the ChrrsbanC hurch (Disapleso l ChrtSI.) Pul)ilcalion: Crossbeam. s GAYELLOWP AGES• P.O Ila( 533.V tltagi S1n. NewY etk, NY 1CXJ14-0.5 (23132)674-012. 0 GAEAT LAKESD ISTRICTo l the UniversaFl ellowshpo l MeUqxihlanC ommunitCy hurches1. 300A mbrdgeD r. . loulSVll,le KY4 0207. 2410. (5028)97-3821'I,O ICeandfa. JxUC,,,Da. oleoordnaett. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN. 1101 14th SL. NW, Ste. 200. Wasl1nl gon, DC2 0005. (202)62!1-41. 00 INTEGRITYI.N C. . P.O. Box 5255,N ew YOik. NY 10185-525. 5 (201)868·248. 5Plbl,caloo: TheV c:iceo l lntegIty NATIONAL . SOCIETY OF THE FRANCISCAN SERVANTS Of THE POOR An Ec umen ica l Communit y o f Men & Women In Gosp el Service to the p oor . negl ec ted & disenfra nchised In t he spirit of Sts. Francis and Clore of ASSisl For More Informa tion Co nt act: Minister Guardian, FSP 133 Pav onl o Ave nue. 335 Jersey City, New Jersey 073 1 o EMall: sfsp@be llat la ntlc.ne t /1 ~/l J ~~ HAYWARD. CALIFORNIA Faith Full Gospel ·Fellowship Worship: Sunday 5p.m. 15781 Maubert Ave . San Leando, CA 94578 ( SJ 0)481-9933 E-rnnil· faith2fellowship@hotmail com web site; http :t/www2.nctcorn coml~i lsamc / failhfcl lowsh1 p. html INTERWEAEV, 25 BeaconS t.. Boston. MA 02108 16177142·2100 A lay org.,mzal!Oofl UmtauanU mversalisls lor lcsblan, b,sexua. l gaya ndt ransg,ndeor onoorn. s LIVING STREAMSP. .O. Box 178. ConcordC A 94522·0178B e monlhtyp co6cat!O. fl LUTHERANCSO NCERNEID N ORTHA MERICAB. ax 10461F. or, DearborSn tatm Chk::lg:,IL. 60610-046. 1Plblrcation: TheC oocord METHODIST FEOERA TION FOR SOCIAL ACTION. a gayalfirmingm. ulti-issuen eM01k7,6 C 11nloAnv e. . Slatenl slari:l.H l301· 1107 (718)273-MFS. PAiblrcati:o Snoaal OuestlOIIBSu lleUn. MERCY OF GOD COMMUNITY, PO Box 41055. Provdence, RI 02940-105. 5(401)722-313. 2Christian. Ecumenicaal nd 111Clusrve communitoyl sisters. brothersa nda ssoaate.s http:lJmg:.etgmg:. Merc-,Comm@aol.com. WILLIAMSBURG , VIRGINIA HEAVEN'S TABL ELAND CHURCH ofW illiamsburg, Virginia P.O. Box 2674 Wi\ha msburg,, \litg,inia B \ '67 (757) 887-37 19 I ffab lct.m<l@aol .com dasmu llcr@jtmo.com Services held · Sunday at I :30 P.M Williamsburg Regional Libra!), Please call for further infon na tion ALL ARE WELCOME AT T HE LORD' S TABLE . MEMPHIS , TENNESSEE HOLTRYIN ITY COMMUNCHITUYHR EC~ INT ENNSSEE MEMPHIS-- 1559 Madison Ave. 90 I /72 6-9443 Sunday: IO a.m. Sunday School I I a.m. Communion Rev. Timothy Meadows, M.Div., Senior Minister NASHVILLE-- 302 8 Lebanon Rd. (in the Unity Center) 615/ 83 7-242 4 Sunday: 6 p.m. Worship Service Rev. Cynthia looper, M.M. Proclaiming God's Love For All People KANSAS CITY , MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at. ... ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 641 19 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (Ncr!h of the River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am b11p.l/www.sound.m:1/~picklc Welcome! ff YO\ I FOUND this copy of Second Slone al a gay pride event, a P-FI .AG meeting, or some other event or loca tion. there· s a Second Stone 0111reacl1 Partner in your area . They arc a Christian church or orgm1ization with a spc cilic outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting . In the mean time. you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow . After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you. but God never has. God' s nature is to draw you clo ser to Him, not to reject you. The church is achninistercd by pastors, bishops, lay people, cornrnillec s; people like you and me - sometime s connected wilh God al work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run t11e church , because of fear. selfishness or oilier reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In tlie past, the church failed lo speak out against tlle Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's pres e nt failure to affirm gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong . Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means tlle church needs you prob ably more than you need 1be chur ch .) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhocxt. There are National MOREL IGHT CHURCHES NETWORK6,0 0 W. Fulerton Pltwy., Chlceg,> IL6 0614-2690,( 773)338-0452A.8 SOllopea cke~$ 12. PtblicaoonM: cfeL i!tlCt hu'cheNs etv.akN ewsener NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATHOII.C DIOCESALNE SBIAN AND GAY MINISTRIES, 433 Jetf8fSOSOt , OaklandC, A 94607. 65·9344. Newsletler and national conference. @aof.com . NA NALC OUNCLI OF CHURCHES4,7 5R iYersidDe r., New YOik,N Y1 0115. AIDS Task Foroo, Room5 72, (212)870-24.2 1 HlM11Saellx ualitOy fficeR, oom70 8,( 212)870-2151. NATIONACL OUNCILO F CHURCHESW, ashing1oOn1 fic.e 110 MaMJndAYON.E, , Washil!tOOD,C 2 0002.( 202)544-2350. OPl:N& AFFIRMINGM ll'IISTAIESG, ay, Lesbiana ndA ffinning Ois~s AllianceR, ev.A llenV . Harri,s do 1010P ar!(A ve., New Yor1N<.Y 1 0028-099. 1(212)288-324N6u. rtureandec1Jcab1'c1xan-l 118!),llloannsd o therm inistrieso f theC hnStiaCn hurch(~ of Christw) hichs eekt ow eJoomaen da fluml eslim, gay, andb isexual pelSO. OS OPENA NDA FFIRMINGP ROGRAMU.n itedC hlial Coaitionfo r Lesbiar-.'GaCyo ncerns. PO Box 403, Hoklen, MA 0152(}()40. 3 (508)856-93. 1P6lbllcatiorOr NAC anmlllQJ8 - THEO THERS IDEM 11Q,1,Z 3in0e0W . ~ SL, Phiaoo~ia, PA 1914.4 (2151849-21. P78tillishesa rticleso f 1111erloe sptr ogessiYO Christian. s OTHERS HEEPM ulllculuralM llllsr1iesw rlhS exuaMl ,nonhes,3 19 N. Four1'h9 02, SL Lcui.s MO6 3102·193.6 (314)241-240.0 FAX (314)241-240E3- maQ: gherzog@oal.com. ThcolOgeanl de c1Jca, lklnall l'!Jk kx:.11, .nyaliOl'ra, lalyndi ntemaliOl'ra~Sl 4ll)OltrngJ X)ilSive Wta l siwort for! JlY5a ndl esbfanisn theC lvisUn., chucrh ORTHODXO CATAOUC CHURCHO FA MERICA, P.O. Bolc12 22, l!Wr\aiXlfl,S IN463l6-122. 2(317)251-4526 PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN& GAYC ONCENRS, PO Boe 38,I -lowOrull!Wllc,i tcl.108903-oo:l&(9 08)93-72501, (Q0)8249-1016. Pu>blbn: Morot. vitU pcilll> • OUTREACH PARTNERS many Christian churches and organiza tions around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people . Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted , places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir master s, lay leader s. and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people . How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you ' ve never set foot in a church or tllought much about God, you were created by a loving God who seeks you out. If tllere's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility . Blackaby and King in "Experiencing God" say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: 1. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal . 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. G~ speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circum stances, and tlle church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God 's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing . 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. I would like explore further. What can I do now? While tllere are many good books and videos available, there's something AECON9ILING CONGREGATION PROGRAM, 3801 N K le :\~~:,,! 60641. (773)73565-26. FX( m}736-S47.· 5~'. RELIGIONW A_T~H. P.O.B ax6 52, Nonh Belmor,e NY 1m o newsle!Er montta1ngtr erdl TnC Ol1!8fnporraefryg on · A TELOS MINISTRIES (Bapbsls), PO Bax 3390, Fa.ls Church VA 220435. 00-268. F0ax, ~15 .teloorrin@er.closm ' SILENT HARVEST MINISTRIESP O 80< 1905i1 Dallas TX 75219--0151.( 214}S20-6655. ' · , SPIAITSONGM iNISTAIE, SPO Boe5 204.D eerfieldB oachF L 33442. (9541418-837.2 DeannaJ awookl,s i~r/song,'lriler: Jiff Anctew, ms ana!J!r. SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONSN ETWORKM ennonttaen d Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300 . SCNetworka@otoom. A net.voorkf M ennonitGe eneraCl onleronce MeMCJliaten dCh1c1ho t the BrathreCn Ol9'fl9illrowl'Bh ichw etoome <JJYle,s bina andbisexul ma embe.r s UNITARIAN UNIVEASALISOTF FICEF ORL ESBIAN/GACYO NCERNS2,5 B eacoSn t, BostOIM\ A02Itll. (617)7421-020. UNITEDCH URCHC OALITIOFNO RL ESBIANG/ AYC ONCERNS 18 N. CollegeA. then,s OH 4570.1 (614)5 93-7301P. ublicaoo: n' waves UNITEDC HURCHO F c_HAISTO,l fklef orC hurchrn S ociety1,1 0 Ma~ndAw .. NE, Washin!tODOC. 2 0002(.2 02)S<l-15.1 7 UNIVERSALF ELLOWSHlOl>F METROPOLITACNO MMUNITY CHURCHE8S7 04S antaM onicBaM l, 2ndF ~.W esHt aly,YOoCdA, 90069·454.8 (310)360-864, 0FAX (310)360·8680E. -mai:l ulrTVY'Mlill.oaomt W ooirles: hl\'.1)NNrW.ufmo.:oom. P~ilxi :K . rnTouch THEW ITNES00hed t,,;t heE piscqxCil hurdPl ~hmg Co.. 1249WaSl1nglonB,M SII.B.3 t 15, De~aMt l 48226-18.6 (3813)962· 2650 WOODSWOME-NA <mnturotr awl for wome.n 26Y I. Oiamooo l.DkeA d, Mom8ojlOlisM, N5 5419. (600)279--05. (56512)822-3809, FAX(612)822·381d powcrf ul in being "where two or more argea thered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area witll a specific outreach lo gays and lesbians , including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be . what you're used to, but tlle point is to connect witll gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (fhere is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will connect you to I.he people yoil need to know - if you take the first step: Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who arc happy. whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about tlleir sexuality because of tlleir job or other circwn stanccs. (fhe day will come when I.hat 'is no longer the case .) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality witll tlle rest of tlleir being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one 's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or witll straight - friends, and tllen to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience . An inability to weave your sexuality into tlle fabric of your life in a way tllat inakes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with otl1ers is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. January/February 1998 Outreach Partner Fund Report Second Stone' s Outreach Partner progran1 helps local ministries make Christ known in their communities . Par!,icipating mini strie s arc assisted, when needed, by the Outreach Partner fund. As of January 5, 1998. the Outreach Partner fund: 1998 EXPENSES Heaven's Tableland Church - 60.00 Holy Trinity Community th urch - 60.00 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 115.00 Society of the Franciscan Servants of the Poor - 60.00 Faith Full Gospel Fellowship - 60.00 New Life Community Church of Hope - 87 . .50 Community Gospel Church - 60.00 Holy Spirit Fellowship - 60.00 Celebration of Faith Praise and Worship Center - 60.00 Total 1998 Expenses - 622.50 CONTRIBUTIONS Balance forward - 2492.76 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 72.47 Holy Tri nity Commun ity Church (Memphis) - 92.79 Mt. Aubum Presbyterian Church - 58.14 Safe Harbor MCC - 60.00 First Congrega tional UCC - I 15.00 Holy Spirit Fellowship - 50.00 Holy Trinity Church (Dallas) - 23.47 Community Gospel Church - 30.00 New Life Community Church of Hope - 30.00 Anonymous subscriber contributions - 85.00 Rev. William Regan - 25.00 Rev. Dr. Paul Gillespie - 25.00 Allan Michaud - 25.00 Richard Leclair - 25.00 Ann Amidco - 25.00 I. Woldeguiorguis - 25.00 Total Contributions - 3259.63 Contri bu lions applied toward 1997 expenses - 3075.64 Conlribulions applied toward 1998 expenses - 183.99 FUND BA LANCE ( 438.51) SE C OND ST O NF 13 NATIONAL NEWS An open window: ChUICihn stallgsa y-themewd indow BY RICHARD D. MOHR CHAMPAIGN, 111-. A local Presbyterian church recently dedicated a gaythemed stained glass window, becoming the first mainstream church in the United States to do so, according to area residents. Built at a cost of $10,000, the window was dedicated in honor of Carolyn Worley. a long-time bead of the church's social concerns committee who is currently suffering from late stage Parkinson disea se. The window was donated by her brother, Mark Jucrgensmcyer, a professor of sociology at the l . n.ivcrsity of CaJifomia-Santa Barbara. .. I wanted to do something impressive for my sister - and something before she died." Juergensmeyer said. "When the hoard of directors informed me that the remaining :wailab le window slot had been reserved for a gay-themed work, I was delighted." The classic 5-by-12-foot cathedral -arch window installed at the McKinley Presbyteriai1 Church features a pink triangle set against a white Celtic cross and blue background . Immediately below the triangle is an abstrac t rainbow flag and, beneath that, a red AIDS commemorative ribbon . At mid-window left, are two male hands clasping passionately, and, on the right, two female hands holding each other . In tum, each couple's hands are embraced by a pair of hands representing, according to Pastor Charlie Sweitzer, either the congregation or God. The window also contains the flaming heart symbol of the compassionate Jesus and two peaceful landscape.panels, which echo the tone and palette of a Tiffany Studios pastoral window placed nearby. A scroll on the left contains verse from Galatians 3:28: "In Christ tllere is neither Jew nor Gentile, sJa\'e nor free , male nor female ." On the right, a scroll quotes the parting words of Jolm Robinson to the pilgrims as they left the Netherlands: "The Lord has yet more / The Erotic Contemplative Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian By Michael B. Kelly A SIX VOLUME STIMULUS FOR LIVING, LOVING AND PRAY.E R: l) Our Experience (75 min) 2J Revisioning Sexuality (80 min) 3) E.xodus and Awakening (75 min) 4) The Desert and the Dark (88 min) 5) Liberation (84 min) 6) The Road from Emmaus (63 min) The six volume video set is $199.00 Order through: EROSpirit Research Institute P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans LA 70182 .. The Erotic Contemplativ e is the most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of. I have watched 'The Road From Emmaus" (tape 6) three times and still find new riches." -- JOHN J. McNEIL, PH.D ., author of The Church and the Ho111oesx11a/. "In my theology classes, both gay and straight seminarians benefit from Kelly's integration of sexuality with Christian mysticism." -- ROBERT Goss, PH.D., author of Jesus Acted-Up . "An excellent resource ... a worthwhile investment." •• BONDINGS, a publication of New Ways Ministry. ''The Erotic Co11te111platviivdee o course has helped gay men and lesbians who grew up as Christians move toward healing the wounds of the past." •• JosEPH KRAMER, M.D1v., EROSpirit Research Institute. "This work should be consicJercd essential 10 anyone ~erious ahout their sexuality/spirituality ancJ mandatory for anyone who in any way acts as a spiritual director for gay and lesbian pec,plc." -- More Light Update. I ·M«~1c,k 1uiled mfonnalmn nbnul each video i, ,1vJilnbk upon requcJt. Also av:ulnbtc in Pal =-;;,; -1 Eurnpcanl/\ustrnUun lormar Calif.lrn1a rc'1\lcm, n,J~ K:25% snlcs 1ax lJS ,hipping charge: S~ 00. Jn1crna11unla ~h1pp1g1 1char&,; S:IVIO E) 1997. EROSpm1 Research l11~11u11c ... - ---- •-------- ~ -- 11 .1/\NIJJ\RY•FEBRI IARY 199R light and truth to break forth from God's word" The phrase "More Light" is set in capitals to mark the church as one of the Presbyterian More Light ministrie s, which are dedicated to social and religious ju stice for lesbians and gays. The McKinley Presbyterian Chur ch, which has been a More Light congregation for 18 years, has been one of the most consistently gay-progre ssive in stitutions in Champaign. Next spring, it will host a national conference of the More Light Church es Network . (Windy City Times) Gay deacon whose ordination was protested becomes a priest KALAMAZOO, Mich. - When gay divinity school student Thoma s Drown was ordained a deacon during a ceremony last June. two Episcopal priests rose to object. But Brown was undaunted. The 27- year-old recently graduated from divinity school and returned to Episcopal Church of Christ the King in January to be o, lained as a priest. Brown, formerly of Kalamazoo, says people in his hometown parish have been less openly critical of him as time has passed. Brown now li• 'es in Califor - nia but frequently returns to the Kalama zoo area. "Of course, in the wake of my ordina tion, people knew who I was. If they didn't alr eady know me, they were able to figure out, 'That is the homo sexu al."' Brown told the Kalamazoo Gazette in a recent story. "But I was touched by how welcom ing many people were .... I think that' s a tribute to the Episcopal Church in Western Michigan and Bishop Edward Lee for helping us maint ain that type of unity ." After Brown is orc!ained a prie st, he will be eligible to lead a parish of Iris own. Right now . he is the dir ecto r of alumni and church relat ions at the Church Divinit y Schoo l of the Paci fic in Berkeley, Calif., and a pan-time clergy associate at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in San Francisco . SEE DEACON, Page 17 Gay deans uess chool.filesc omplaint withH umanR i,ghtsC ommissi,on NEW HAVEN. Conn. - A gay dean , who was dismissed by Albertus Magnus College , has filed a law suit against the school, charging it with breach of contract, slander and libel. Michael Hartwig, 43, filed a lawsuit against the school, which is affiliated with the Roman Catho lic Church, and the school president Dec 12. Ile has also filed a complaint with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. In his complaint , Hartwig claims he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation and religious beliefs. "No faculty member should have to fear discrimination because of their personal beliefs or relational commiunents. 1 want to assure that what haJJJ)Cllcdt o me, won't happen to my colleagues," Hartwig said in a prepared statement. Hartwig was placed on paid leitvc in October, soon after he wrote an op-cd piece for a newspaper identifying himself as a pric.~I "on leave." Under Roman Ca tholi c Church law, priests can never be abso lved of their vows, but they can lea ve the active minis try in good standi ng provided they undergo "laicization." Har tw ig was never laicized. The college has said Hartw ig's dismissa l was' the result of conflicting accounts he had given about his status as a priest aud not because of his sexual orientation . School officials maintain Hartwig told them he was no lon ger active in the ministry when he applied for the joh six years ago. Bul according to court documents. his resume said he took "a permanent leave of absence from active ministry " for personal reasons at lhc end of 1987 Ilartwig's l11wsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages, a retractwn of uJI alleged defamatory st,llcmcnts <1hout Hartwig made by school officials and llartwij,!'s rcappoint111cn1 to the faculty (AP) NATIONAL NEWS Rev.P erry,A rchbishoTp utu meetinJohamiesburg A MEEflNG OF historic significance to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities took place on Dec. 12 as two internationally recognized human rights activists met in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Rev . Troy D. Perry, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churche s, met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Johannesburg for a wide-ranging discussion of human rights issues . Others in attendance for this historic meeting included the archbishop's wife, Leah; Rev. Perry's spouse, Phillip DeBlieck; and the Rev. Andre Muller , UFMCC area coordinator for South Africa. The meeting began with cordial greetings, following by Archbi shop Tutu's request that the group open in prayer. The archbishop led the group in a prayer of welcome and affinnation. During the meeting, Rev. Perry expressed thanks to Archbi shop Tutu for bis work to include protection s on the basis of sexual orientation in the new South African constitution. Perry shared how this accomplishment has helped to mobilize the American gay rights movement in seeking protections from the United States Congre ss, including laws that would ensure basic rights to lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual citizens to work for a living without the fear of discrimination. Both Archbi shop Tutu and Rev. Perry discussed the roles that religion plays in the ongoing debates surrounding sexual orientation. Archbishop Tutu noted that Gay chorus, black Baptist choir sing together THE TURTLE CREEK Chorale of Dallas and the Male Chorus from Hamilton Par k B a pti st C hurch haven't appeared in the president's national dialogue on race . But they make a pretty strong argument for reco ncili ation on all level s. First Baptis t Church of Hamilt on Park is a predomin antly black Bapti st church. The Turtle Creek Chorale is a predominately gay men's chorus. Many of its members have avoidet.! mainline churches, particularly Bart. st on es, becau se of painful experi ences with them. These two choirs could have shied away from each other. And yet the choirs are sang together at the Meyerson Symphony Center and sold out all five j oint con certs. The audi ences were as mixed as any in the history of the hall. The co1obi11ed voices made amazingly powenul music. (Dallas Morning News) Protesters warn of 'presence' at Gay Days at Disney parks BY MIKE SCHNEIDER KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Cri ticiz.ing the gay-friendly policies of the Wall Disney Co., about 75 pro testers said they may try to estab lish a "presence" at Disney World. The protests on Dec. 29 led 10 traffic j ams as protesters passed out leallets and carried signs that read "Choose Jesus over Mickey." Three people were arrested, including a leader of the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue , the Rev. Flip Benham. They were charged with obstructing public streets. The protesters, mos tly people attending a youth conference al a church in Palm Bay, listed many of the same reasons as the Baptists for their boycott: Disney's granting of health benefits to same-sex partners of employees, allowing "Gay Days " at its theme parks and having Ellen DeGenercs, the star of the ABC show "Ellen, " 10 come out as a lesb ian. ABC is owned by Disney. Benham said the protesters may establish a "presence" at the theme parks, most noticeab ly during the next Gay Day in June . The pro testers will buy tickets to get into the parks. pass out litera ture and read from the Bible, Beu. ham said. Disney spokesman Bill Warren said the protesters will be asked 10 stop if they do that. "We discourage anyo ne coming in with a personal platform or agenda, whether it's holding a political bruu1er or setting up something for a statement," Warren said. "It's not a place for making s1atcme111osr political causes ." (AP) religious fundamentalists have questioned the right of the government to add sexual orientation to the South African Constitution and want simple answers to life's hard questions . "Some people .always tiy to take the Bible literally and legalistically," he said. The Archbishop further stated, "Parents mnst love their children . It is a shame that fathers still teach their sons not to cry as though that would make them seem like a woman. Fathers teach their sons not to have real feelings . Every human being should rejoice and celebrate both our masculine and feminine sides." Rev. Perry and Archbishop Tutu also reviewed a range of otl1er human rights issues, including their common opposition to the death penalty. Archbishop Tutu discussed his work as chair of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which will conclude its work in June of 1998. At that time, Tutu will become a visiting professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Rev. Perry extended an invitation for Archbi shop Tutu to addres s the 1999 General Conference and World Jubilee of CALLED OUT WITH Stories of Solidarity the Universal Fellowship of Metropoli tan Community Chnrches in Los Angeles, California , at which the denomination will dedicate its ne,v $5 million UFMCC World Center com plex. The archbishop indicated his residence in the US at that time makes ii more likely that he might be able 10 accept the invitation . The meeting finished with Rev. Perry assuring the archbishop that he is surrounded with the prayers of all MCCers for continued good health after his recent bout with prostate cancer. Doe to the international attention focnsed upon the -archbishop's work with the South Afri.can Truth and Rec- . onciliation Commission, the meeting almost did not take place . A message 10 Rev. Perry from the archbishop's staff initially noted that the meeting needed to be canceled because of "the exhausting hearings involving Mrs. Winnie Mad.ikezela-Madela and the State Security Council ,'' which ran a week over the time scheduled for it. However, on Dec. 8th, and aide to the archbishop phoned witl1 the news that a scheduling change had made it possible for Archbi shop Tutu to mee t with Rev. Peny . Sylvia n,orson-Smith , Johanna W. H. van Wijk-Bos , Norm Poll. William P. Thompson, editors l'af'<" S 16.00 n suppon of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons. Inspiring 'Stories of heterosexuals who have stood In support of justice and inclusion of sexual minorities In the church. Each person's story is a testament to the struggle to live out one's personal faith In a public world. WE WERE BAPTIZED Too Claiming God's Gracef or Lesbiansa nd Gays Marilyn Bennett Alexander and James Preston Paf'<"S/7.00 With a foreword by Desmond M. Tutu, this book challenges the church 10 take seriously Its understanding of b.1pusm and communion a.s a means of grace, fusti~, and liberntlon and 10 rememl>< •• It~ pledge to accept, love, forgive, and nurture newly baptized members . UNCOMMON (A LUNC. A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church Chris Glaser P,1p,r S20.00 . (]laser describes Ills personal journey of coming out to Im family, friends, and church-.lnd to himself. By openly and honestl y idling his story. \llaser demonstrates how g3ys, lesbians. and blsexuals ore real p<.-Opslelr uSJ!llngt o stny faithful. COMIHC. OUT AS PARENTS You and Your Homosexual Child David IC Swltttr P<1pJ,rJ 2.00 In a complete wvliion of his bcst-selllng Parm ts of Iii, Hom~rxmrl, Switzer helps P3rents undcrstJnd their feeling, and «•at'.11011> and darifl,.., wh,11 it means to be homosexual. He explores recent sclentlllc, social, anti bibllu1I Information about homo1Cxuallty and cmpha>iw the n,,'<f for 1<-cnnclllatfo.n At your book\tor..-, your Cokesbury bookstore or ,a ll toll-free (800) 227-2872 ____________________________h ttp://www.pcus11.oprgp/c/ __,uo SECOND STONE 15 Archbishop of Canterbury responds Don'ta cto uto fi gnorancaen d fearS, JX)ngurgceosl leagues EPISCOPAL BISHOP John S. Spong of Newark , New Jersey, has sharply criticized the Archbishop of Canterbury, . Dr George Carey, and other Anglican bishops for their negative statement s about homose,mality . In a letter sent to the leaders of the world-wide Anglican Commwnon Spong expressed deep concem for the gay and lesbian population of the world. He also sent Anglican leaders an eight-page "white paper" he had written, called "Message to the Anglican Communion on the Subject of Homo sexuality," and an earlier "Koinoni a Statement" along simi lar lines, signed by 73 bishops. Homosexuality is likely to be a major focus tins summer at the Lambeth Conference, the 10-yearly meeting of the world's Anglican bishops. Bishop Spong's letter of Novembe r 12 to the Primates of the Anglican Communion: Dear friends: . I write to lay before you my deep concern for a significant part of both our communion and the human race; namely, the gay and lesbian population of our world. I an1 fearful that when we meet at the Lambeth Confe rence in 1998, we will act out of our longstanding ignorance and fear, instead of out of the Gospel imperati vc and thus deal one more violent blow to these victims of our traditional prejudice . My fear s have been enhanced by recent statements issued by Lambeth Palace, tile General Synod of the Church of England, the incredible and ill- ... : ::;·•;' t: • ExcitingA rticles& Features ?/:;.;;·• ColorP hotosT hatT ake YouT here • lnfonnat ive Monthly Departments • USA& WorldwideD estinations f . J;Gti·wiW • Exclusive Travel Listings OURW ORLDis the recognizedm onthly magazine for travel enthusiasts. Unlike other publications, you'll find everything you need to kn:iw about gay and lesbian travel in our 56-page. all-glossy format - including color photography. It's all here: from New York lo L.A.; London lo Moscow; Thailand to Tahiti; , the Caribbean to the Amazon; and Key West to Alaska. So don't be left out, join 50,000 other readers and subscribe to OUR WORLD mugnzine ~ you go! 1 year (10 issues) $35. Send check, money order, or VISA, MasterCard to: OUR WORLD, 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Tel: (904) 441-5367 Fax: (904) 441-5604 Internet: http:ttwww. ourwortdmag.com Mon.y-bldgcu1 11n1NF 'nl - mae1n 6 ...,.. 11p lao,..,.,.. Ou!Sldl U~ •n d Uss.5 (IWllaoJo °'u ss,o( 0111»1'1) infonned diatrib e that came this pa st year from the Archbi shop of the Southern Cone (South America) and the much publicized, hostile and threate1nno Kuala Lumpur statement , signed by ~e rtain - bishops of Southeast Asia. All of these negative messages were widely disseminated through U1e press. My concern is that if U1ose are the only voices raised in the public domain, then a distorted picture of the status of this debate will be seen. The facts are, I believe, that tl1ese religiou s voices are significantly out of touch with the knowledge revolution that marks our generation . It is on that basis that I offer to you the following white paper which is designed to set these issues into a proper context and to challenge the prejudice and ignorance that I believe has been inflicted upon this Communion. I commend tins paper to your serious consideration. This comes with every good wish. The Arch bi shop of Canterbury's November 24 reply to Bishop Spong : Bishop Spong: I acknow ledge receipt of your letter addressed to Primates of the Anglican Communion and I am also copying this brief reply to them . I am saddened by the hectoring and intemperate tone of your statement which appears to lea ve little room for the dialogue you demand. You claim the high ground of science and reason; you argue that the view of those who disagree is 'tired and threadbare' and tl1eir leadership lacks integrity. Furth ermor e, you attack personally those of us who disagree with your opinion and in doing so you distort the theologie s and reasons why we are led to conclude that there is no justification for sexual expression outside marriage . I would invite you, Bishop. to reread my Christmas letter in which I express my hope that bishop s coming to L·unbeth will come to "give" and "receive." I assure you that there will be open and honest debate on all issues that concem our Communion . I expect that to characterize the discussion on the issue of homosex ualit y. I understand that you feel passionately about this and that you have the support of a significant number of bishops. However I would ask you in turn to reco gni ze that a very large nwnb er of bishops fro m all ove r the world disag ree with you with equal passion. You seem to be under the impression that the Kuala Lumpur Statement is the work of SoutJ1 Asian bishops. Tins is not the case. It was agreed by a conference of some eighty participants represe nting the majority of Anglican provinces iu the southern hemisphere. The most recent Dallas stateme111, which expresses similar sen timents on sexuality. also drew bishops from many parts of the world. I draw your attention to these facts because I want lo be sure that everyone fully reali zes the divide potential of this. not just for the Com - mmnon, but for people more generally . If bishops come to Lambeth wanting a showdown on this issue, I am quite clear that there will follow a very negative and deslructive conflict which will put even furtJ1er back the cause of tl1e . people you represent. I have no wish to lay furll1er burdens on any group s, but the tone of your paper. ironically, risk s creating such a situation. If we each come to listen to others in the spirit of our Lord whom ,ve all try to serve, then we shall all benefit from our collllno n discussion. I hope tJlat the bishops will ask me to set up an International Commission to con sider these issues. The Conference will be less inclined to do so, however, if you, or, indeed, other s on the opposite side of the argument, intend to spli t the Conference open on tms matter. Do come in peace , do come to learn, come to share - and leave belnnd any campaiginng tactic s which are so inappropriate and unproductive , whoever employs them. I urge you to come in a construeti ve spirit. Bishop Spong's reply to the Archbi shop of Canterbur y. November 26: Dear Archbishop : Tiiank you for your letter received by fac simile and dated Novcm~r- 24th . Your response was quite hclplul m tha t it illu strated more clearly than I could ever have hoped the nature of the problem faced by this Communion . You characterized my statement as "intemperate " and as " leaving little room for dialogu e. " Yet I do not recall your issuing any critici sm. much less similar har sh word s, about the Kuala Lumpur Statement . the Dalla s Stat ement , or the Statement hy the Archbishop of the South ern Cone . Those statements made ass ertions about gay and le sbian people that were not ju st intemperate, but offensive, rude and hostile . Tho se statement s went so far as to thr ea ten schi sm if their point of view did not prevail or to break off commun ion with pro vinces of our Communi on who di sagreed with them. You do not appear to have sugg es ted that they left "little room for dialo gue." The se statements also threatened to withdraw financial suppo~t fro m the work of the Church unless the Churc h's lea dership endorses their po int of view. Tha t strikes me as a form of ecclesiastica l blackmail. By your silence in the face of these affronts, you reve al qui tc clear! y where your own convic tions lie . That makes it quite diffic ult to have confidence in your willingness to handle this debate in an evcn-l11u1dcd way . Gay and lesbian Christians arc at great risk if these altitudes prevail nt u1moolh. You suggest that tlw prohlcm for our Communion lies in the fart that !here SEE SPONG, Page 17 Spong, Archb ishop exchange letters FromPage16 are deep divi sions among the bishops on the subject of homo sexuality . · May I respectfully disagree. We have bad deep divisions before over important issues like slave ry, segr,egation, apartheid and the full humanity of women and their right to pur sue equality in both church and society . The Church can live with divi sions . Th e issue is not that these d ivi sion s e xist, but who is ri ght. Church unity is imp ortant to me, but it is not au ultimat e value . Truth and ju stic e a re. A Church unified in racism, chauvini sm or homophobia ca nnot be the Body of Chri s!. Our task as God's Church is to di sce rn truth and to proclaim j ustic e, a nd if that disturb s the unity of the Church, then so be ii. In our effort to discover tmth , however, we caimot clo se our mind s• or ignore new in sights that challen ge even the liter al truth we quote from holy Scripture . I am aware, as I am ce rtain you are, that church peo ple have used biblical quota tion s, as well as wha t you have called " theologies and reasons" for centuries to ju stify altitud es that today are univers- DIVERSITY, From Page JO comrmm.ity, said distric t employees need to und ersta nd the prob lems of gay and les bian students to better address their needs. "h isn't turu.ing them gay ," he sa.id. "This wasn't somet hing like going in and indoctrina ting all the students." Shirley Steinberg, a Staie College res ident and professo r of educa tional studies at Ade lp hi Universi ty who is scheduled to speak al the diversi ty program, called the deci sion to drop the speakers a "denial." 'The diversity seminar is certainly not any k.ind of encouragement of homosexuality within the schools. We don't want kids to have leukemia, but when they do, we have counselors they can go to to deal with it," she sa.id. Her husband, Penn State education Professor Joe Kinchloe, who will also CLERGY, FromPagel0 Somewha t surprisingly, just a slightly higher percentage - 36 percent - would expect a clergy member to be comforting during tl1e dying process. The Gallup Institute says the study suggests that religious communities should encourage and train more people to pray with the dying, and to "appropriately" share their beliefs about ally rejected . Why do we not recognize that quoting an ancient text to try to solve a complex nioral or scientific is sue is as irrelevant today as it was when the book of Joshua was quoted to condemn the discoverie s of Galileo? I am amaz ed that this is not clear . It certainly is to so many ii;t the secul ar world who have rejected the Church as no longer viable for their live s. How many more moral debates will we have to und ergo in the Christian Church before people recogni ze that the literal Bible was wrong on the seven day creation story, wrong on epilep sy being demon possession , wrong on sickne ss resulting from sin, wrong on the sun rotating around the earth, wrong on slavery , wrong on defining women as inferior people, and is now wrong on the origin s, ca uses and me anin g of homo sexuality ? How many irrele vant rea r guard battle s must we Chri stians lose before we give up this tactic? How much longer will we pretend that this is about divisions in t11e Church? Perhaps we need to remind ourselves - lead a ses sio n at the work shop, sai d his interest isn't pure! y theoretical. "O ur k.ids have so many gay friends (at State High) ... I ju st sit sometim es and listen to the stories that they tell me with tc::arsi n their eyes," he said. Opdenho ff said the divers ity commi ttee still feels the homosex uali ty issue is impo rtant. "It is unfortunate to tit.ink that tit.is is not one of t11e diversi ty issues covered," he sa.id. "We have an obligation to provide infor mation on this issue. The diversi ty committee is unanimous on that." He said the dis tric t hopes to ta lk about homosexual divers it y issues in the future. Two more district-w ide diversity workshops are planned - one in 1999 and the other in 2000. (AP) the afterlife. People value touching, hugs, expres sions of love, as well as reminders of God's Jove for them, in their final days, the study indicates. "Old people getting sick need to cow1t on the faith community to which they have belonged," the institute reported . "Too often they caw1ot do this." (AP) that Anglicani sm has never identified the word of God with the literal words of Scripture . The living word of God for us is rather found underneath t11e literal words of Scripture and in the perso"l of Christ, whom we have called tra<l,uc,nally the "Word of God Incarnate ." In the living word of God we hear it proclaimed tliat all per sons are created in God 's image , loved by God through Jesus Chri st and called lo the fulln ess of life inside God's Holy Spirit. Our task as Christian ethici sts today is to apply that "Liv ing Word" lo the complex moral issues of our day with minds infonned by knowledg e developed in the secular and scientific world. We can.μot slop the world becau se it no longer affinn s our prejudice s. If we are uninformed by availabl e scientifi c data , we have no business trying to pre scribe for the live s of million s of people . Finall y, you seem to assume tliat my intention is lo seek to impo se a solution to this issue upon our Commun ion. Perhaps if you would rerea d my statement, you would disc over that is absolutel y not what I said or what I DEACON, FromP age 14 "I feel called to my work at the seminary and my work at St. John tl1e Evangelist," Brown said. "I aspire lo serve a parish full -time in the next one to two years." Still, there are some in the church who hope t11at doesn' t happen. The Rev. Raymond Bier lin , one of two pries ts who stood to obj ect when Brown became a deacon in June, said he plans to attend Brown 's ordination into the priesthood. 'There will be an objection to his ordination," Bierlin said. Brown said he feels people like Bierinte nd. · I spea k tod ay as I do only bec ause of the silence of leaders like yourself in the face of tlte abuse present in the public statements of the Southern Hemisphere bishops, the Archbishop of the Southern Cone and the Dallas signatories who do seek to impose their solution on the Church. They are the ones threatening the Church . I se1:k, and will continue lo do so in tl1e future, to stand between tl1e gay and lesbian Christians I ant privileged to serve and the negativity and abuse of one more insensitiv e statement issued on this subject by those who, while quite sincere , are not wcllinfonn ed. I do not wan t our Church to be embarra ssed yet again becau se we are so slow in embracin g ntw knowl edge and new way s of perceivin g reality . Your leader ship in this endea vor is crucial. I will come to Lambeth guided by tl1c motto of my tlteol ogi cal semin ary, "to see.k the truth of God come when ce it may, cost what it will." I hope you and all the oth er bishops of thi s Church will do likewise. Jin are the exce ption. " I feel like I have been rece ived really well," he said. Brown grew up in the Upper Peruusula and graduated from Western Michigan Unive rsity in 1992. After his graduation, he worked in the Kalamazoo area for two years as a teacher at Plainwell High School and as an educator and trainer for Planned Parenthood of Soulb Central Michiga n. The Episcopal Church of Christ t11e King sponsored Brown when he entered the Church Divi ni ty School of the Pacific in 1994. (AP) GAYELLOWP AGES™ INFORMINTGHE L ESBI,A GNAYB,IS EXUA&L T IWSIGEIDERDEC OIIIIUNITYSI NCE19 73 All edHHI S MWla cludt I SEPATREAW OIlIE'S SECOTNI Compgleat-eyfr ien~d resouracnedbs u sinessaeas::o mmodabtlirosbn,os o, kstodreenst,i, s dtsoctorlas,w yers, therapiIsmtse,l9 8IVlcpersi,n teorrgs,a niDtiomnesd, lilal~, lougrso uphse, llpin e&sI IV/A1I8DSSO U!CeS. Lisint gsb rokdeonw bnyS ta&leC ityI.n de&xf ista ccepshs onHSeI U. PADTEADN UNALYL. USA/CANAD$A16:b yf irst classm all Includeasl l states andp rovincesn,a llonahl eadquarteorfs o rganiztaions, mall orderc ompanieest,c , SOI/TH/SOUTHEMRIDNW EST$1: 0b yf irstc lass mal ~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~ OK,P R,S C,T N,T X,U SV lrglnl s, VAW, V. GREATENRO RTHEA$S1T0 b yn rstc lassm all CTD, CD, EM, EM, DI,I AN, H, NJ,N Y, OHP, AR, I, VAV, T, WV. Findu sa t gay-frlendlJs toresll ke LAMBDRAIS ING80 0-621-6969 A DIFFEREUN&TH TB Nl-343-400a2n dm anro thers Fora na pr;:icaHtoo nbe llsled(n oc harge)e, tm 1t1.d ltton1t1 1pdr ica, tllllUngll bels, etc.p, lelse aenda self-addreuasdta mpeedn veloptoe R enaissanHcoeu ll, POB ox 53S-SSV,iI lageS tationN, llwY u!tlN, Y1 0014 \.. 212-674-012F0a x:212-421H1G2A6 YEU.OPWAGES@juno.comhttp://gayellowpagea.)c om SECOND STONE 17 HIV-{mtiveJ XX,Jfien d variouwsa yst oc o~ withs tre§ BY WAKA TSUNODA NEW YORK - One screamed. Another · couldn't believe the test result and demanded to see the report. Yet another accepted the news calmly, but he walked home in a daze, almost bumping into trees and poles. Even with recent medical advances, AIDS is a disease without a cure, and being diagnosed with mv or Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes AIDS is nothing less than devastating. "I just sat there," recalls Wilma Smith. 'Then, suddenly, I just started screaming at the top of my lungs and sobbing uncontrollably. I was totally lost." HIV is far more than a death sentence. It still canies a certain social stigma, and HIV-positive men and women face additional hardships such as rejection by society and famiJy and loss of jobs. They also must watch their fellow patients - friends and even family - die one by one as their own hea!th deteriorates. How are they coping with these overwhelming stresses'! Smith, a 41-year-old former drug user, and 37 other HIV -positive men and women, all under pseudonyms, tell their stories candidly and articulately in a just published book , "Being Positive, The Llves of Men and Women" by Robert Klitzman, M.D. Dr. Klitzman, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, has found from their narratives that there are six broad patterns of handling the stress of HIV: Fmding camaraderie in the community of HIV patients; finding solace in religion; finding meaning and a sense of purpose in work or volunteerism; and trying to forge closer tics with family. Two other, and less desirable, modes of adaptation are: minimizing or denying the seriousness of their condition; and finding temporary release in sex and su·bstance abuse. George Sullivan, a 55-year-old gay man and former Wall Street executive, is one of the men who has found "some security and safety" in "HIV-land," or the HIV community. "l have a Harvard edncation and used to go to work in a suit," he says. 'Then I got the virus. I went through various self-improvement and transformation games ... to raise my self esteem and not feel like a second-class citizen. But I felt outside the financial world where I worked. All those people were straight and HIV negative. It was very difficult to get along there as an openly gay - never mind HIV-positive - man." Gregory Colson, a Vietnam veteran who spent time in jail because of drug use , tnmed to rugher powers for help. After being tested positive in 1986, he explains , "I started really believing in God and the Bible." He attributes rus continued existence to God's will. "God wants me here for a reason: to do good," he says. "He doesn't want me to die. He wants me to help other peo ple, to be a messenger, and spread the word - about how to protect yourself from HIV, and how to live with it if you've already got it, and how not to give it to somebody else." Maurice Bradford, a 44-year-old former hospital administrator, on the other hand, finds a sense of purpose in rus part-time work as a consultant. " ... work has always been extremely important to me," explains Bradford, who is gay. ''I was never a person who watched the clock and worked only nine to five. I always put in a lot more time - uncompensated - than I had to. It was an important part of defining my life." To counter the destruction and stigma of HIV, many patients try to reconnect with kin, Klitzman points out. Trus goal allows men and women to "live on" after death through future genera tions, but the es tabli shment of such bonds can be difficult, the psychiatrist says . Jenny Singer, a 38-year-old ItalianAmerican nurse who used intravenon s drngs, says, "the worst part of HIV is not being able to have a child now .... I know there 's a chance I could have a scroncgative child , but it would break my heart if I gave birth and then had to watch the child be sick for years and die from AIDS. I couldn't inflict that kind of pain on another human being. Instead I jnst bought a cote little baby dog. It's nice to see her growing and changing every day. No matter what I do or say, she always loves me. " Leonard Barber, a 31-year-old gay man, is one of those who choose minimization or denial to cope with his HIV status. "I practice conscious denial," he says. "I pretend I'm going to live forever.,, Klitzman is an experienced hand in studying epidemics that cause massive death. Even before he entered medical school, he conducted research on the medical epidemiology and medical anthropology of kuru , a viral disease in Papua New Guinea, which killed 90 percent of the women and two-third s of the entire population of a "Stone Age" group and its neighbors. "HIV raises in bold relief issues that each of us will one day confront." lie says in conclusion. "We will all face death, though we rarely think about it. ... Those with HIV - mostly baby boorners - have had to face these issues before others of their generation, and have illustrated what does and does not impede and help." (AP) Advocatesw orrieda boutp ublicb elief thatm edicationc uresA IDS BY AMY BErH GRAVES COLUMBUS, Ohio . The killer in Michael McDonald's body is silent. The AIDS-infected man has lived with the deadly HIV virus for 12 years. A year ago his viral load, the measure of HIV in the blood, was more than 1 million. Today, it's undetectable. The reason is simple: McDonald is one of 150,000 people laking a powerful cocktail of AIDS drugs called pro• lease inhibitors. Brought back from the brink of death, McDonald, 38, is planning for a f'uture he never thought he would have . Dreams of going to medical school are real again and his living will is tucked away in a drawer. There's only one problem - the cocklllil is not a cure. The virus still lurks in hf.~ body. AIDS advocates are alanned by what they say is a growing public belief that the treatment cures AIDS. "People think the AIDS epidemic is 18 J A N U A R Y • FE 8 R U A R Y I 9 9 8 over," McDonald said. "That's scary because it's not." The more people believe that, the more risks they may talce - risks that could lead to a resurgence in the nwnber of HIV cases. "We are a talce-a-pill society. People seem to think the drugs are a cure. I'm constantly amazed at the level of ignorance. HIV never leaves the body," said Randall Russell, director of AIDS Task Force of Alabama. AIDS groups are seeing a large increase in the number of HIV and AIDS cases involving women and minorities, said Thomas Bartenbach, director of Indiana Cares, which works with 12 AIDS centers in Indiana. A new federal study found the number of AIDS cases among women is rising more quickly than among men. From 1.99 l through 1995, the number of women diagnosed with AIDS increased by a whopping 63 percent, compared with 12.8 percent among males. And for the first time, more women are being infected through heterosexual contact than throngh drug use. The study also found AIDS cases diagnosed in 1996 rose 19 percent among heterosexual black men and 12 percent among heterosexual black women. "Younger people think they can participate in risky behavior again. They have no fear." said McDonald, who gives speeches to schools and businesses for the Columbus AIDS Task Force. "Heterosexuals still think this is a gay disease and not as their disease, too." Education about AIDS is more important than ever, said Daniel Zingale, director of AIDS Action, a national organization that represents 2,000 AIDS groups. "lt11 be a tragedy if people start walking away from prevention," he said. "The worst is not over. The drugs aren't · a cure and don't work for many people." Zingale said protease inhibitors fail for at least 30 percent of patients who take them. The cost - $10,000 to $15,000 per year - is prohibitive. Another question is bow long the drug cocktail will be effective. Russell said some patients show no sign of HIV for a year or two. But then for some unknown reason, the virus and infections return, killing them. McDonald knows all about that. "I still live with the fear in the back of my mind that tomorrow I could become sick again. That the virus will grow again," he said . "For the past 12 years, I have watched all my goals crumble in front of my eyes. I was on my way to osteopathic school but didn't go because of my impending death. Now that I have hope, I'm thinking of going to nursing school. I just have to make sure I don't overdo it." (AP) AIDS WARRIORS AND HEROES Littlesvt ictimso fA IDS thrivein K enyanh ome BY KARIN DA VIES KAREN, Kenya - Joseph Angelo arrived at a home for HIV -infected orphans, new I y born and covered in dirt . His mother, alone and dying of AIDS, had buried him ali \'e- because she assumed her son would not live . Rescued by a policeman, Joseph joined 49 other youngsters at Nyumbani , or "home" in Swahili . Three months later, Joseph sucks gustily on a bottle and laughs when tickled. . · Joseph is just one of 7.8 million children living in sub-Saharan Africa who are orphan s because of AIDS, according to figure s released by the United Nations. Many inherited the immune-stripping dise ase-from their mothers, including at least 530,000 African children born last year - 90 percent of the world total. Often those children are abandoned the fate of an estimated 150,000 in Ken: ya. Dr. Angelo D'Agostino, a Jesuit priest and surgeon from Providence, was upset that some of those children were dying alone along the potholed streets of Kenya's capital, Nairobi, or in a poorly run govenrment hospital . In 1992, he opened Nyumbani, in a lush suburb 10 miles southwest Nairobi. Nyumbani is a noi sy, cheerful place where 50 youngsters, from infant s to a 15-year-old, thrive on a recipe of the best nutritional , medical , psychiatric and spiritual care, plus lots of love. D'Agostino said if the . orphans were not at Nyurnbani, "they would just die on the streets." He is ups et by the urbaniz ation of Africa, wh.ich has broken down a tradi tion of villag ers caring for one another. "In the city, peopl e with AIDS have no one." D'Agos tino join ed the Jesuits in 1981. They didn't need a surgeon, so he studied psychiatry. He now sees private patients to earn a living. Abou t 60 percent of his time is devoted t~ the orphanage. The yoW1gsters live in groups of five to nine in cottages, looked after by livein surrogate mothers . Walls are brightly decorated with handmadaquilts. Older childr en climb into bunk beds at night , while babies have cribs . They play hide -and-seek beueath lotsized T-shirts and pants fluttering dry on clothesline s, ride bicycl es in a rainmuddied yard, and study in a new school. Thanks to good care, the children arc fairly healthy despite their fragile immune systems. Raspy coughs arc common, and some children aretro ubled by skin problems - open sores or disfiguring warts. Another Providence doctor is talciug a year away from the University of Massachusetts in Worcester to do volunteer work in Africa. Dr. Lorin Mirnless said most of the children are small and behind for their ages from the combined problems of being HIV positive and orphans . Many of the children are neglected before they get to Nyumbani because the people around them are afraid of contractino .the disease. Left alone, they fail to dev~lop social skills and language normally, said Mimle ss, a professor of psychiatry. As children get older, they begin to ask what it means to be HIV-positive, ■ Many of the children are neglected before they get to Nyumbani because the people around them are afraid of contracting the disease. ■ said Sisler Mary Owen. She recalled a 12-year-old whose AIDSinfected friend died. Aware that he too had the disease , the boy asked if he was going to die. "I answere d him truthfully - that he had a very serious illn ess, and his life might be limited, hut no one could know by how much ," the sister said. Protus Lumiti, program director, said he has learned to hem in his grief. "The children look at me. If I am strong, they will be strong . But if I am brooding, they will, too," he said. Behind the cement -block school, beyond a garden crowded witli !arrots and spinach, is a growing cemetery . Six small crosses mark graves - the youngest, a girl,. lived for just 10 months . The old est, a boy, died montlis short of his 10th birthday. Flmeral s are conducted in a converted bam, where the youngest children spend most of their time. "We say goodbye. They arc sad, but tJ1ey_ und erstand that tl1eir friend will be with Jesus - he will be happy and he won't be sick anymore," said D'Agosti - no. It costs about $10,000 a month to nin the home, money collected from small donations. D'Agostino scowls at people and agencies willing to give millions lo protect Africa' s wildlife, but notJling to care for its children. Sometimes, a child gets lucky. Children born to women with AIDS test positive at birth because they are filled with their mother's antibodies. But one out of four babies at the orphana ge has later proved to be HIV-free. D'Ago stino is hoping baby Joseph will be among the lucky, and can be placed in an adoptive home. But if Joseph , too, is HIV-infected, he will have a place in D'Agostino's heart and home. For more information about N}1unbani, its ·website is at www.nyumbani. com. Or write to D'Agostino at P.O. Box 21399, Nairobi, Kenya . (AP) Fliers posted all over town draw people to speech .W omant akesc hurchp ulpit to~aboutAIDS EDEN, N.C. - Rosalyn Jackson · walked to the pulpit and spoke from her heart as one more voice hoping to chase AIDS out of the shadows. "To me, the sickness comes from the ignorance," Jackson told the friends, family and strangers who were drawn to Antioch Church of God in Christ by the flier she had posted all over &!en. She read from a speech she had been Writing for several weeks. She clasped and unclasped her hands. Theq she stopped referring to her notes and began speaking. She cried at times. Jackson is 30, and her son is 4. Both have tested positive for HIV. the virus that causes AIDS , and both receive treatment at clinics at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem . Jackson believes tJmt a man she once dated infected her through sex , and she unknowingly passed the disease on to her unborn son. Jackson stressed the basics: People who engage in unprotected sex or inject drugs expose themselves to HIV. Then she focused on what it is like to live with being HrV-positive. At first, she had nightmares in which she saw herself in a hospital bed dying . She has left those visions behind. She tells herself that AIDS will not kill her. Four years after testing mv -positive, the only adverse physical effect she experiences is occasioual shortness of breatli, she said. A large woman, she said she has yet to lose any weight. Nor ~ her son experienced adverse physical effects, Jackson said. The drugs that mother and son take are helping, their caregivers say. It is the stress from secrets and igno rance about AIDS that bothers Jackson more· than anything, she said. She believes that people gossip about her and her son. AIDS to her is a whispered mmor , a face quickly rumed away. Her audience responded with claps. amens and shouts of "You go, Rosalyn!" Dara Gamer-&lwards, an HIV social worker at the pediatric infectiou sdiseases clinic at Baptist Hospital who helps Jackson's son, was at the church. In three years on her job, she is accustomed to patients telling a few family member s' about their· illness . But she had never seen such an event as Jackson's. "'She's pretty amazing," Gruner - . &!wards said. "It's a big risk thal she's taking . It could turn out positively for her, she could get lots of support, but it could also twn out negatively. " Gamer-Edwards applauds Jackson's work to fight AIDS. Jackson sees it as her duty . "Until people realize that AIDS is real, the fight to save our children will be a never-ending battle," Jackson said. She began attending Antioch church about three months ago and joined it soon afterwards . She told the Rev. Joe Edward Garrett Jr. about her condition as soon as she met him. During subsequent worship services, she told the congregation about her illness. They have been supportive , she said . Garrett took the pulpit after Jackson and spoke of tlie importance of love for Jackson and the rest of the world . Behind Garrett, Jackson sat in a chair. holding her small son in her lap and dabbing her eyes with a tissue. At the pastor's invitation, the crowd ill the sanctuary contrib uted to an offer ing for Jackson. They walked single file up the red carpet to the front of the church and placed cnunp led bills in a collection plate. Many of the donors then walked to the. pulpit and hugged Jackson or kissed her on the cheek. • 'Among those people, Jackson said, were ones who hnd once gossiped about her. (AP) ~F.CO ND STON E 19 Mercy of God Community celebratelsO years BY BR. RONALD FRANCIS MGC A DECADE AGO, it was only ·a dream . Now it's a reality with unique opportunities for Christians who feel called to religious life but who seek · something different or whose circumstances make them reluctant to approach traditional orders. The idea of an ecumenical and inclusive religiou s community started in 1988 as the Brothers of the Mercy of God (BMG), when Br. Gerald William and a few followers gathered in Hartford, Connecticut, for prayer, camarad erie, and planning. In 1992, the community expanded to include women and changed its name to the Mercy of God Community (MOC). Since then, the commllllity has received inquiries from coast to coasat nd has growns teadliy in numbers and commitmentto its foundingp rinciples. They now have member s and associates in 17 states. Thi s year, MGC celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Mercy of God Community is a group of ordinary but fervent folks, who gratefully receive and dutifully extend God's mercy. Their lives are rooted in prayer, and they commit to three vows: living in the spirit of the Go sp el, detachment from material things, and responsible sexuality. The commllllity is guided by a scripture-bas ed rule, bylaws, and a democrati c governance . They take their lives and ministrie s very seriously, but they also exude joy and make a point of enjoying life and one another's company . The community is in spired by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, but is not officiallyF ranciscan.H oweverB, r. Jon Bankert, of the Society of St. Francis (SSF), Li ttle Portion Friary, Mount Sinai, New York, who led a day of recollection at the community's Conf er- Church&Or anizationNews Reconciling Congregations Program grows in numbers, activity TWENTY -ONE congregations and four camp us ministries in the United Methodist Church publicly declared themselves "Reconciling Congregations" in Im. The Reconciling Congregations Program, a grass roots movement seeking to counter anti-gay policies and practices in the second -largest Protestant denomination in the United States, now encompasses 140 Reconciling Congregations, 20 Campus Ministries, 6 regional conferences, and numerous other reconciling groups. In addition, 12,500 Reconciling United Methodist individuals have enlisted in a collective witness to "open 1hc doors of the United Methodist Church to the participation of all people, regardless of sexual orientation." A major highlight of the Reconciling Co ngregations' year was a national gatheri ng of 500 RCP members and 20 J A N U A R Y • FE B R IJ A R Y I 9 9 8 friends in Atlanta in July for a spiritfilled weekend of worship, study, training and celebration. 'The Reconciling Congregation movement not only grew in numbers this past year," said executive director Mark Bowman, "but we've seen a dramatic rise in local activity and organizing in every area of the country." The rising visibility of the Reconciling Congregations program has also stirred up those in the church who oppose the work of the organization. "Anti-gay groups in the church now regularly rail against the RCP in their communications and fund raising activi ties and seek to discredit us," Bowman said. "But we are succeeding in redirecting the church's attention from casting judgment upon lesbian and gay persons to inviting them to be partners in faith." Members of the Mercy of God Community attend an investiture ceremony: Sr. Molly Grace, front, and, left to right, Br. John William David, Br. Thomas Jude, and Br. Alberto. ence '97 la st October and who observed the group closely, found that they truly have the Franciscan spirit, manifested by their sense of family and their handson ministries to people who repre sent Jesus to them. Events A11110c1e1m1e111tsi 11t his section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian orga11izatio11s.T o have a11 event listed, send i11formatio1t1o Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340 . New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)899 -4014, email secsto11e@aol.co111. CharismaticC onference JANUARY 23-25, 1998, Holid ay Inn Long Beach Airport, Long Beach. is the setting as MCC Long Beach hosts this conference, them ed "Lift up your hi:ads ... that the Ruler of Glory may come in.• (Psalm 24:7) Guest Speakers include: Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry: Rev. Elder Donald Eastman; Rev. Elder Freda Smith, River City MCC Cathedral of Promise, Sacramento, CA; Rev. Pat Bumgardner. MCC New York, NY; Rev. Bradley Wishon, Gentle Shepherd MCC, Phoenix, AZ; Rev. Janet Parker, Maranatha Fellowship MCC, Houston. TX; Rev. Lee Thompson, Abundant Grace Fellowship, Covington, LA: Rev. Joan Wakeford, Joan Wakeford Ministries, Austin, TX; Rev. Sandra Turnbull, MCC Long Beach, CA; and Chadash Ministries, Riverside.CA. For information or registration, contact MCC Long Beach. 3840 Cherry A venue, Long Beach, CA 90807, (562) 426-0222, Fa~. (562) 426- 8321, E-mail: MCCLB@aol.com Friendsf or Lesbian and Gay Concerns Midwinter Gathering FEBRUARY 13-16, The Northern Virginia 4-H Education Center in Front Royal, Virginia is the setting for this gathering of gay and lesbian Quakers and their friends. ''Friends Meeting on the Mountain: Different Paths, Common Journey" is the theme In comfortable accommodations in II beau tiful location. a time of worship. work- Members of the Mercy of God Community are self-supporting and remain in their own homes, as relocation is not necessary, but they travel to two Continues Next Page shops, entertainment, fun and good food is promised. For information contact Kari, (301 )527-89 29, alexank t@weslat.com - o r Kevin, (202)362-5683. dc.kevin@worldnet.all.net. Marsha Stevens concert FEBRUARY 14, Celebration of Faith Praise and Worship Center sponsors this concert by Chri stian singer /songw riter Marsha Stevens. "A Time of Love" will start with a dinner at 6p.m. followed by a concert at 8p.m. at the Billy de Frank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 175 Stockton Ave., San Jose, Cal. The concert is free; dinner, $ 15 per person. For information contact Celebration of Faith Praise and Worship Center, (408)345-23 I 9 . Evangelical Network's 1 J th Annual Conference FEBRUARY 27-MARCH I, The Evangelical Network (TEN) gathers for its annual conference at the Phoenix Airport Hilton. TEN is dedicated to helping gays and lesbians rediscover the promises and gifts of Jesus Christ. The organ ization is a network of Bible believing churches, ministries, Christian workers and individuals bound together by a common shared faith, united in purpose and witness and established as a positive resource and support for Christian gays and lesbians. The conference theme is "Here Am I! Send Mc!" In addition to the conference, Dr. Joseph Pearson of the Christ Evangelical Bihlc Institute will lead II special one day seminar on March 2. Conference registration is $50 per person plus $25 if attending the Monday seminar. For information, visit the TEN website al www psn.net/-tcn/home.hlml or call (602)314-9628 . CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY NEWS 10 years of Mercy From Previous Page national meetin gs every year, in spring and fall, and convene regional gathering s as often as po ssible. They have recognized Ne w England and Midwest regions , se veral other member s and associates in Atlantic coast states, and a small group recently assembled in Califomia. The community's events have been likened to "Brig adoon," the 1948 Lemer and Loewe musical about a town in Scotland, which in response to a powerful prayer come s into being only once every one hundred years . They gather much more often, but like Brigadoon the mystical plac e, their meeting s have a certain magic; then they di sper se to th.cir re spective routine s, where , in their own small ways, they endeavor to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The entrance criteri a are that the indi- . vidual be a baptized Chri stian, at least 21 years old. and sense a vocation to religious lire , A six-month contact period, participation in at lea st one meeting , and a pe rsonal interview are requiredb efore an applica tion for candid- Events Connecting Families Weekend MARCH 20-22. Pastors Debbie Eisenbise and Lee Krahenbuhl will facilitate this gathering al Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mount Pleasant, Penn. "Building Bridges Across A Chasm Of Silence" is the theme. The weekend has been planned by families with gay and lesbian members to be a safe, relaxing time to share common concems regarding gay issues in the family and in the church. For information contact Gwen Peachey, registrar, 242 Cats Back Rd .. Ephrata PA 17522, (717)354- 700 1. National Gay Pentecostal Alliance Spring General Confe rence APRIL 17-19, Lighthouse Ev angel Tabernacle hosts this confere nce, themed "Restoration," at the Quality Inn in I-laze) Park, Michigan. For information contact Lighthouse Evangel Tabernacle, PO Box 20428, Ferndale Ml 48220, (248)544- 4442, lighthse84@aol.com. More Light Churches Conference MAY 22-24, "Honor the Past. I 978-1998, Transform the future• is the Iheme or the 1998 More Light Churches Conference, to be hmted by McKinley Memorial Church acy can be approved . There is a two -year formation program, provided as self -dirccled study under the guidance of a vowed member paired as a mentor. The firs! year leads 10 novitiate, and the second year culminates with profe ssion of first vows . Wearing of a habit is option al but encouraged for liturgical services. Other s, including non-Chri stian s. who wish to identify with the community, but who do not pronounce vows, can become associat es who support the community in prayer, help in various ways, and arc welcome to attend all . activities . Members arc engaged in various ministries of love, compas sion, and reconciliation, including education, coun sel ing, health care, hospitality , pastoral work and church music . They mainJy serve people who are poor . marginal ized, and oppres sed . They select their own ministries, which are affinned by tl1e community in an annual missioning service. Paula Gailagher, a Master of Divinity student a t the Divinit y School of the in Champaign, lllinois on Memorial Day weekend. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Beverly Harrison, from the faculty of Union Seminary, New York City. For in formation , contact Richard Spro tt, (510)268-8603, rasprott@ix.netcom.com or Tim Shea, 217-3 55-3 413 , tms2@jun o.com. GLAD Alliance Gathering JULY 16-19. the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance (GLAD Alliance) will gather for retreat, respite, and \'isioning at their annual GLAD Event. The setting will be the Benedict Inn. a retreat center in Beech Grove, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. The event is open to all interested persons. especially to folks in the Christian Church (Di sci pies of Christ). The facilitator will be the Rev. Melanie Morrison, co-director or Leaven, a nonprofit organizat ion that prov ides education and resources in the areas of spiritual development, reminism, anti-racism, and sexual justice. She is also author of the book "The Grace or Coming Home: Spirituality, Sexuality, and the Struggle for Justice• puhlished in 1995 by The Pilgrim Press. Morrison is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and leads retreats for women and men across the church. For additional information, conlact GLAD Alliance at P.O. Box 19223, Indianapolis. IN 46219-0223. Univer sity of Chicago, who is studying new and emerging religiou s communi ties, attended the community ' s Spring '97 relreal and observed that MGC is unique in the way they nol onJy minis ter to alienated persons, but also welcome them into the community, and hence minister to one another . They • Members are engaged in various ministries ... including education, counseling, health care, hospitality, pastoral work and church music. ■ base this on the parable of the Great Fea st {Luke 14: 12-24) which teaches what it means to actually invite "the poor, maimed, blind, and lame, " metaphorically speaking, to join. The Mercy of God Community is decidedly ecumenical and inclusive . Among the current 21 members and 48 associate s, there arc Catholi cs and Protestants; ordained clergy and layper sons; women and men; married or commiued , and single; heterose,mal s as well as many who are gay or lesbian , bisexual , or trau sgendered; a range of ages, a mix of racial and ethnic origins , some who are physically challenged, and of various socioeconomic background s, education al levels, and work histories. MGC is not, and_does not seek to be, canonicall y affiliated with any denomination . The community' s next major event will be its 7th annual Religiou s Life Retreat, to be held May 1-3 at the LaSalette · Christian Life Center, Attleb oro Massachusetis. The retrea t speaker will be Sr. Barbara Fiand, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) , author of several book s on religiou s life , who will develop the theme "Building a Covenanted Community ." Anyone who would like to spend a weekend living and praying with the communit y and discerning their vocation is welc ome . The registration deadline is April 10, 1998. Further information is available on the community's web site at http :// mgc.org /mgc. Inquirie s may be addressed.to: Mercy of God Community , Dept. 55, Post Office Box 834 0, New Orlean s LA 70182 . Names Makin News Founders of Shower of Stoles project receive 1998 Lazarus Award MARTHA iUILLERAT and TAMMY LINDAHL, two Presb yterian mini sters who found ed the "Shower of Stol es" projec t recei ved the 1998 Lau'UUS A ward on Jan. 17 in Pas adena, Calif. The award is pre sent ed annually by the Lazarus Project of Wes t Hollywood Pres byterian Church . The project is a ministry of reco nci liation betwee n the Presbyterian Church and its gay and lesbian members. Thr ough a fl yer Juill era t and Lindahl distributed a t the 1995 Genera l Assembly of the Presby terian Chu rch (USA), the couple began encouraging Presbyterians to create litnrgical stoles lo represent the hw1drcds of iudi\ •iduals who, because they are "se lf-acknowledged" gays or lesbians, are being denied ordination in the PCUSA. The response lo the flier was overwhelming. They received 80 stoles from all over the cowttry in Jess tltan six weeks . By May, 1996, they had over 200 stoles to display at the More Light Conference in Rochester, New York. Seven weeks later, at the Gen er al Assembly in Albuquerque, there were 350 stoics. In 1965, aft er 15 years in mini stry, Juilleral set aside her ordination . Since this deci sion was based primaril y on her outra ge over the Presbyterian Church's treatment of ga y, lesbian, bi sexual and tran sgendered member s, she wanted to make it clea r to her Presbytery that the dec ision was one part of a much larger stor y of oppr ess ion in tliat denomin ation . To help make this point visible, Juill erat and her pa rtner, Lind ahl , begilll the stoles proj ect. (For in formati on abo ut Showe r of Stole s, Martha and Tamm y c an be cont ac ted at 13033 Ridgelake Dr., Minnetonka MN 55305.) Martha Juillerat, Tammy Lindahl SECOND STONI:: 21 - - - ly." Gospel According to Matthew or the Nag Hammadi texts. Ones implea npenterc ollects thes ayingos fa nother When conversation turned to the historical Jesus, the two decided Mayotte should produce a book collecting all the sayings attributed to Jesus by early Christians - not just those collected in gospels of Matthew , Mark, Luke and John. There's been an explosion of scholarship about the historical Jesus in the last half-century. It was given a big boost with the discovery at Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945 of a fourth century library of Gnostic gospels and other renderings of teachings attributed to Jesus but not included in the traditional, or canonicaJ, Bible. "I wanted people to look at all the sayings," Mayotte said. "I wanted them all to have equal weight." The chapter on "Teachings and Proverbs" begins with lhe Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:3-12, but doesn't say in the text that's where it comes from. To check the reference requires turning to the appendix for the Bool<s chapter. BY DAVID GRAM SOUTH ROY ALTON, Vt. - Ricky Alan Mayotte is more than a humble caq,enter. His grandmother gave him a King James Bible when he was 12, and be read the whole thing in a year. "I said, 'I'm going to investigate this.' And I'm still doing that today," he said. The result, so far, is a book, "The Complete Jesus," which Mayotte · designed as a collection of all of Jesus' sayings - not jnst those handed down in the four gospels that begin the New Testament Mayotte, a 38-year-old Worcester, Mass., native, was working as a carpenter and sign painter for Tom Powers, 22 J A N U A R Y • J--E B R U A R Y I 9 9 8 a South Royalton landlord and partner in Steerforth Press, a small publi shing house, when the two got talking about a mutual interest: the history of religion. One day, when Mayotte was repairing a porch on one of his buildings, Powers had a question. "I was curious about the Talmud," the collection of ancient rabbinical writings that is the source of religious authority in Judaism. "I asked him what is the Talmud," Powers continued. "He said that was not a simple question, and he would have an answer tomorrow. The next day, he gave me a three-page, typewritten description of what the Talmud is." Powers concluded he had found a diamond in the rough. "He's an absolute autodidact, completely self-taught. He has no formal higher education. His father's the same way. There's just sort of a streak of real talent and interest in intellectual !lungs that runs in his fami- "The Complete Jesus" is a listing of sayings translated by other scholars that is divided up under broad headings, . including "Commandments," "Parables," "Warnings and Admoni tions," and several others. Mayotte said his aim was to begin each chapter witl1 the most familiar sayings - those from the canonical gospels - and proceed to the most strange and obscure. To find out the source for a specific saying the reader has to go to a series of appendices at the hack of the book; in the main part of the text, the sayings lack labels, and thus are given the same standing, whether they came from the gay esbian le!" ..... .• The same chapter contains this on its last page: "He that believes in me will also do the works that I do, and will do greater works than these." A notation shows it is from "The Epistle of Titus the Disciple of Paul on lhe State of Chastity," which was discovered in a Latin manuscript in 1896. Mayotte says he was not trying to prove or disprove anything by reaching beyond the teachings of Jesus accepted by most religious authorities. Rather, he said he sees Jesus as a puzzle and his book as an attempt to give readers as many pieces as can be found. "Although the puzzle may never be complete," he wrote in the introduction , "each new piece brings us one step closer to understanding the whole." (AP) ' Musico f spiritQaJiatyli,v e In today's contemporaryr eattty. - Rev. Elder Troy • Perry, Founder. MCC Churches' Masha Stevens is on a ron, musicallya nd spiritually Prophetic, versatile, and appealing acrossg enerationaanl d theo10g1cat lines. What a gift! - Rev.N ancyW ilsonA, uthor# OurT ribe God'ss pirit movesy ou threug1t1h e wordsa nd musico f this lesbian ChristiaAnc tivist. - Rev.M el WhiteA, uthor,S peaker assette $10 .... ... .... ..... . Manhas tevensk eepsP IISl'tlntgh e boundariegs,i vingu s COfflPelling, comfortinga, ndc hallenging mpact0~$15 Christianm usic• se add'l! .so shipping der: • or.www?~~~~c~!~!- or. P.O. Box 1981, Costa Mesa, Ca 9~?.8 . : • ·-Rev.S teveP ietersA, IDSA ctivist As a gift to your heart, you owe it to yourselft o discoverM a,5118 Stevens!n - OutS otJndsG, ayM usicG uide Between gay son and church, niothers' choiceis clear gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans gendered, then what is really -·happening in. this family is denial. Silence is not golden when a per son's sexual orientation is ignored . This leads to ignoring one elem ent in tl1e makeup of tl1e whole person . The very creation families of love and accept ance. As we face the end of one millennium and the beginning of another, we have a wonderful opportunity . we live in this unique time in history to unseat fear within our famili es and work for true love and family values BY CAROLYN MARTI NEZ GOLOJUCH DURING A RECENT sermon al St. Andrew Episcopal Cathedral in Honolulu, the Rt. Rev. Richard S.O. Chang a~dre ssed fear in our Jives, referring to the biblical theme of 'Be Not Afraid .' · · As I sat in the pew listening , I thought of the new year ahead. Could it be that 1998 will be when everyone in Hawaii is respect ed and treated with dignity regardle ss of their sexual orientation? The night I sat in the Epi scop al church, I remembered why I wasn't sitting in the church of my childhood , a _Roman Catholic cathedral . A couple of years ago, I chose love for my gay son over love for the Ca tl10\ic Chur ch of Honolulu headed by its current bishop , Francis X. Dilorenzo. I have no reg rets for choosing my son over a church that demands that I sacrifice my son. If I had sacrifi ced him and my love for him , I would have destroyed ----- SECON D STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70 182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright 1998 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSC RI PTIONS , U.S.A. $19 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only . ADVERT ISING, For display advertising information call (504)8 99- 40 14 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising information is found on the classilied page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements, church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Bo,; 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped. self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of nny material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay. lesbian and bisexual people. Pt Jnl .l$HRR/EDITOR: Jim Bailey ~every fiber of our family . In my eyes , I chose love over mies dictated by men who have lost sight of tl1e greate st commandment of all, "Love one another." I -guess that Catholicism taught me about love better than it taught me about hate. For that I am grateful. I have no regr ets for leaving the church Bishop Dilorenzo heads. My family is more important than the acceptance of a church or a man in vestments. Later, in the Episcopal service , during the Prayer s of the. Faithful, I was touched by the prayer that "there be peace and ju stice on earth ." TIJ.isp rayer was speaking to my hopes for many famili es in our community and around the world . Thes e famili es are too many in number, who are fragmented by trying to fo llow the dictat es of misguided churche s and segments · of our soci ety that m·andat e hatred for gay relative s. Even when these dogmatic instructions are encased with sugar-coated words, the true meaning is hate and non-acceptance. The old saying that "pr etty is as pretty does" has much to say when it comes to the double talk that is currently pl aying into the family dramas related to their relation ships with tl1eir · gay relatives. No matter how many times it is said that they love their relatives, it is meaningless , if their actions aren' t loving. If there is silence in the f amities after relatives share the information that they are L.f&P.o.n. tius' Puddle · ■ In my eyes, I chose love over rules dictated by men who have lost sight of the greatest commandment of all, "Love one another." process is also being denied . When families ignore a relative 's sexual orientation, we free ourselves to not only deny part of their identity but their equal rights a~ well. The silen ce surrounding a person's sexual orient ation also gives some people the freedom to discriminat e. Discrimination has noth ing to do with traditional marri age or family values. At the same time that rights are denied to any minority, we send out tl1e messag e that they as persons are nonexistent, not dese rving of our respect, and thus, we can deny their rights. To deny rights is to oppress people. When we consider the oppression of any minori ty, we are then able to understand the fear they live in. Thi s fear can be understood when we reflect on the closets people are forced to Ii ve in when fear surrounds them. The · time that stands in front of us gives us the opp or tunity to create ■ based on love. The choice is ours. May Bishop Chang' s words guide each family struggling with fear to love each of their relatives and overcome fear so they can live in lo, 1e . May there be peace and justice for all in I 998! Caro lyn Martin ez Go loju ch is the mother of a gay son and memb er of PFLAG. This commentary originally appeared in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. We welcome y.our _lettersa nd opinions Write to Second Sro11e. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be wit/r/reld. We reserve the right to edit. PO Box 8340, New Orleans LA 70182, secsto11@e aol.co11, f1 a.x, (5 04)899-4014. Pl-E~SE, <l,Ot>, ·n:t ~t,lS.(;'OR'"'''°'\ tSA~. tJ IM'TO A KINDER A.t-lO W\SE~ C.~E~'TCJRE-1 \ NO ~~ ,TE.~ WMA"f rr 'f'AkES, SECOND STON E 23 -,, BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY, a List of Resources for Gay Men, Lesbians and Bisexuals. 35-page list include s over 300 book titles, plus directory of religious organizations and their publications, other organizations, newslette~ . and journals. $6 postpaid from GLBTF. Clearinghouse, c/o Office for Outreach Services , American Library Association, 60 East Huron St., Chicago IL 60611. 2/98 'The Walking Wounded" is a love slory. The story of love within a family, the story of love and devotion between two young men, the story of living and loving during a time of crisis. Beverly Barbo wrote this tesiament after her son, Tim, died and added the epilogue after Tom, her son-in love (Tim's partner), joined Tim in their better place ... To order contact Bev Barbo at I 08 N. Main St., Lindsborg KS, (785)227 -3276, FAX (785)227-3360 . B "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY,' ' Hea.rtily recommended," 'Phi losophica lly intriguing.• 'Excellent.• Why do reviewers highly esteem CHR ISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Chri stians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive . Subsc ribe for onl y $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*N EW AGE QUARTERLY , P.O. 8 011 276, Clifton , NJ 07011-0276 . ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process , the inside story of how a Baptist church in Jesse Helms' hometo wn decided ns a congre gation to offer .rituals of blessing for gay and lesb ian couple s. The chu rch's histor y with gay issues, discu ssion within the congr e gation. reaction from out siders, e11pulsion by follow Saptists, celebrations of cove nant , and consequences for the church arc shared by lesbian Pat Long , the only ' out ' deacon during the process. Send $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK. Pullen Memorial Baptist Chur ch, 1801 Hill sbo rough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF GENERAL INTEREST THE GOAL OF Religious Life is the search for God; the goal of our Order is the restoration of people to the image of God (redemption). The Ecumenic al Order of Charity blends the best of traditional and contemporary relig ious life. Our 100 year old history was renewed 9 years ago. Our special charism is ecumenism in terpreted as inclusivit y. We have a contemporary Rule of Life, non- traditiona l vows, are married, single, celibate. Residential/nonresidential. Explore a voca tion for the 'Sake of the Kingdom.' Write: Brother Micah. O.C., P.O. Box 257. Des Moines IA 50301-0257 . 6/98 CANT GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spi rit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809. 2/98 FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV / AIDS. If you or someone you love want to take supplement s. but can't swallow pills, get sto mach upset from pills or your body won't absorb what yo u need from pills, I may have the answer ... Oral Spray Vitamin s ... 90% absorbed within 20 seconds . This is a revolu tionary new delivery system from a company with integrity . Vitamist is listed in the prestigiou s Phy sician s' Desk Reference and is patented b·y a family owned pharmac eutical company . While my son. Tim, was sick, he would have given any - ·classified ad · oruer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ )May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships I ]Genl Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations I ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate { ]Retreats I )Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name __ _ _____ ....._;.___ _______ _ Address~--- --- -- -- - - -- ---- City/State /Zip ______ __ _ ________ _ _ Your ad COPY-------- - ----- - -- - How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to Second Stone, PO Box 8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182 . Minimum 20 words All classified ads must be prepaid. Deadline. 15th of the month prior to cover date We'll sand you a copy of the Issue(s) In wtueh your ad appears TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL. SEE THE INFORMATIONO N PAGE 26. 21 J ,\ N I I A I~ Y • I· I· B f~ t I A R Y I 'J ') X thing to have this product. For more information about the produc t or how to become a part of the company, contact: Beverly Barbo, 108 N. Main St., Lindsborg KS 57456. Phone: (785)227-3276. FAX: (785)227-3360. B CHRISTIAN PILGR IMAGES - Meet new gay and lesbi an C hristian friends from acros s the nation as you tour one of the most sacred places in the world: Christian Pilg rimage to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam . Visitors often remark that this trip to Israel was the journe y of a lifetime! This 12-day trip through this ancient and holy land includes a 2-night stop in delightful Ams terd am. $2,469.00 per person . Contact Second Stone. P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@ao l.com ···Rea.aer· ···;················ toReader· IIIIIDI IRECT CONNEC ·TI IIIIIIIIIII A section of profiles of active subscribers who want to meet other gay and lesbian Christians across town or across the country - To have your profile publish ed simply send your information to Second Ston e, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 , e-mail to secstone@aol.com, or FAX to (504)899-4014. 1. State, City _ _ ____ ___ _________ _ _ 2. Name __ _ ____________________ _ CIRCLE: 3. Singleo r committed4 .Gay, lesbian,t rans,b i, or straight5 . Male or female 6. Age,__ 7. Religiousa lfiliatio. __ ________ ___ _ _ 8. OccupatiO_')_ _ ___ _ ______________ _ NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: Your mailing address, your e-mail address, or your telephone number. 9. Contact informatio ------ - --------- --- -- ' 10. Contacti nformation ____ ________ _____ _ • • • • • •••••••• • •• ■ •••••• • ■ • ■ •••••• • ••••••••••••••••• ■ •••••• • • --- -- • • • • • •• ••• - -- · ••••• • • • ••••• HOW TO READ R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by state, then by city. If a mailing addr ess is given in a listing the zip ~ode appears in the listing. NNG = No name given. S=single , C=committed. G=gay, L=lesbian, T =transgendered, B=bisexual, S=straight. M=male, F=fcmal e. Age, religiou s affiliation, occupation, contact information. CALIFORNIA , DOWNEY THEODOREC RANFORDS, GM,6 7, UFMCC, RETIRED, PO BOX 1307, 90240-0307, 562-928· 4489. CALIFORNILAY , NOOOD JOSEPHE STRAD, ASGM, 37, HOLY SPIRIT FELLOWSH,I PHOMECARWE ORKE,R PO BOX5 2, 902625, 62-626-1776. CALIFORNIAP, ASADENA BARRYD IXON, SGM,4 0, WORLDWIDCEH UA GOD, TECHNICAWL RITERd, ec4lh@aol.com FLORIDA, BRANDON ROBERTM ORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAU APOSTOLICF, LIGHTA TTENDANT/MINISTER. 2023 CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505. FLORIDA, INTERLACHEN REV. D. RODGER, CLF. 56, NONDENOMINATIONALM. INISTER, POB OX1 778, 32148. REV.B ARNIEW ENTWORTHT,F .5 4,N ONDENOMINATION, A MLINISTE,R POB OX 1778. 32148. ITALY, NAPOLI PAOLOL ANNI.S GM.3 9, PENTECOSTA, L PHYSICIANP.O B OX 11. 80100N APOLI3. 9 81 TT61534 MICHIGALNA, NSING NNG, SGM, 46, METHODIST , SELF EMPLOYED , 517-224-2415. NEWH AMPSHIREM, ANCHESTER ROD,S GM,4 2, INSURANCUEN DERWRITE, R hotnho9258 @aol.com. NEW YORK, ROCHESTER DAVID, SGM,4 5, EVANGELICACL,O UNSELORP, OB OX 68005, 14618. 7162-34-0549. NEWY ORKY, ONKERS JOHNP RATHERS. GM,7 1, EPISCOPALIA, N COMPUTERS PECIALIST7, BELLP L., 10701, 914-964-007. 9 OREGON, FLORENCE JOEN OLANC, BM,6 0, EPISCOPALIANG,A RDENERP. OB OX2 263,j nolan@winfini.tcyom. PENNSYLVANISAE, WICKLEY NNG,S GM,4 7, PROTESTAN, TRELIGIOUS PROFESSIONAPLO, B OX3 2, 15143. TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO Al EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERVICES, PO BOX 12754 78212, MOCHICA@FLASH.NET VIRGINAI, RICHMOND ED HARRIS, SGM, 63, CHRISTIAN, RETIRED, OORK FOR NON-PROFIT. 315 STRAWBERRY ST, 23220-3412. 804-354-8804. edbharrisj@juno.com. MICHAELK EITHH ALL, SGM, 39, BAPTIST, PROGRAMS UPPORT/SCREENWITERR.2 201 FOURTHA VE. . 23222. WISCONSIN, MENASHA RICHARDR OLLERS, GM,6 2, CATHOLIC, RELIGIOUSB ROTllfR, 522 SECONDS l . 5495? b<hk1ole1r@.lalo.com. 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 Second Stone #56 - Jan/Feb 1998 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c06aa4952528fb07cc73409bf71b429c.pdf 6d5894540d3a81ff532abd1155ad97cd 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. 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 Second Stone - Pages from Unarchived Issues https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5b8df4f232da3dcdc2974bfbae6f7d46.pdf 56a27205e352f5490324a56f57289e75 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 55 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published Nov/Dec 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document SECOND STONE PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Visit a Distrih111io11 in 1hese rilies pro .. ufed by Serond Sume 's OUlreochl)armers : ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL New Orleans LA Pennit No. 511 Second Stone Outreach Partner Davton, Ohio Ha\ward California Long Beach, California San .lose , California Memphis, Tennessee Kansas Cit\' , Missouri Williamsburg, Virginia lssue#55 For many, Christmas is a time of anxiety and depression - of grief over lost loved ones and estranged family. While greeting card scenes of Christmas may not be a possibility, peace and hope can be found this season. Our national directory of Outreach Partners begins on Page I I. UVI NGlNTHEEMBRACEQ:;ALOVINGANDJUSTGOD . November/December 1997 How to renew the joy and hope of Christmas AFfER I WAS OUTED in 1981, I resigned from Bap (i s t College and moved .to Atlanta. I began to dread the holidays. I worked for a delivery service and put myself to work every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Y_ear's Day. I did not want to spe nd a holida y thinking about and grieving over m y lost family and children from who I had been separ ated. I kept as busy as possible. I even had a hard time going to church on holid ays. MCC in Atlanta was a lot of help to all of us who were lonely and depressed during the holidays. They had special eve nt s, meals at church, and a lot of BY DR. REMBERT S. TRULUCK plea san t fellowship was available. But I was still lonely and depressed. Holidays can be a painful tim e of remembering lost friends and family and departed comrades. Separati on · from ou r parents and · other relatives can hurt more .than usual during the holidays, espe. cially when you are told , "You can come , but don't bring Steve!" Because I did not want to face the lon eliness and separation of the holiday s, I did a lot of holiday drinking. Once, in 1988, when I first tried to quit drinking, I went to an AA meeting in August, took a white chip and becam e sober. I did okay until Christmas, when I began to drink ~gain, and soon I was more nnder tl1e control of alcohol than before. I learned tl1e hard way tl1at one drink is too many and a thousand drinks are not enoug h. I kept drinking until the next August 8, 1989, when I went to anotl1er AA meeting and started over with ano ther white chip, and with God's help to live "on e day at a time" I became sober and have staye d sober for 8 years, th re e months and one week today! I know better than to use alcohol to try to h andle conflict and stress. SEE CHRISTMAS, Page 16 Peny among religious leaders invited to White House breakfast WASHINGTON, be - The Rev . Troy Perry, founder and moderator of tl1e Universal Fellowship · of Metropolitan Community Churches, join e d 120 religious leaders for a breakfast meeting with President C linton on Nov . 20. The event, scheduled lo last t wo hours, stretched to three hours a s the President and Vice President took questions from the assembl ed group. Threats by religious right groups turned out to be simply that - threats. Despite a national media campaign attacking Perry and the UFMCC, no picketer s were present as Perry entered the White Hous e. This was in stark contr as t to Perry's White Hou se visit earlier in November when members of Rev. Fred Phelps group hurled in su lts al Perry as he entered the White House Conference on Hate Crimes. During the breakfast meeting, Perry had a one-on-one discussion ,vith V ice President Gore, and commended the Vice President for his support of the gay.lesbian , bisexual and transgendered communities . The Vice President, in turn, commended Perry for both his spiritual and civil right s work, and indicated his familiarity with UFMCC's ministry. Pe rry said, 'Two weeks ago, I was invited to the White House as a civil right s activist for the gay and lesbi a n communit y. Tod ay, I was inv ited for my role as a spiritual leader. Bo tl1 roles are important _ to me, and are vital to furtl1ering the cause of social and spiritual justice for all our .people." Prior to the breakfast, Perry received call s from two White House aides assuring him that the President wa·s not swayed by the protests from the religious right groups and confirming tl1at the President was honored to host Perry at th.is event. •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds Finding meaning in prayers . that go unanswered BY DAVID BRIGGS IN STUDY AFTER study, the benefits of religion: on a person's health are being increasingly well documented. Findings reveal that people who pray and attend church regularly are more likely .to live longer, recover from surgery more quickly and handle depression better . About 30 medical schools offer courses on religion and spirituality, and some doctors even feel comfortable praying with patients for a favorable outcome. This may not be startling news to many Americans. In national polls, about 80 percent of respondents say they believe in the -heali[!g power of prayer. But what happens when prayer does not work the way the.petitioner .intends? When the tumor is malignant, and the patient dies. Or a marriage fails . Will the tempiation grow even greater to ask, as the . disciples did of Jesus in the Gospel of John when they encountered a blind man : "Rabbi , who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" In the fall issue of the Journal · of Religion and Health, theologian Paul P . Parker addresses the mystery surrounding suffering, prayer and miracles , or why bad things still happen to good people. He finds the answer in Jestis' reply to his disciples : "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was bom blind so that God's works might be revealed in him." Parker contends that suffering has a purpose, and that purpose for bystanders is not to find fault with the person suffering. · Rather, he says that religious indi vid, uals are called by .the travail of others to repent of their own sins, and to take responsibility for alleviating the suffering. "God is good. God does not cause , ordain or justify suffering, " says Parker. "For the sake of human freedom, God 2 NOVEMBER•DECEMB E R 1997 allows suffering that is caused by others and suffering that is part of the natural world, and then uses it to call humanity to repentance, beneficence · and ultimate reconciliation - voluntarily." In other words, Parker says, when a person contracts AIDS, believers should not raise judgmental questions of drug ■ God uses suffering to call humanity from evil to good : ■ use or 'irresponsible sexual activity , but should instead examine their own selfindulgent behavior. When the faithful read about the Bosnian- Serbian war or the fratricide in Northem Ireland, they would be best served to "move away from the poten. tially murderous consequeuces of their own family bigotry , religious intolerance and nationalistic loyalties." God uses suffering to call humanity from evil to good, according to Parker, assistant professor of theology and religion at Elmhurst College in Illinois . "If individuals and society embrace their solidarity with and their responsibility for those who suffer, then much suffering will come to an end," he !Yrites. "But so long as human beings deny their fundamental unity with all others ; suffering will not only continue but will grow to unimagined dimensions . " Miracles still happen , Parker says, and they are to be celebrated . But one cannot expect God to answer every prayer. J "Who would be genuinely fre e to love God or not to love God if faith paid off in the everyday world?" he asks. (AP)( 'Baking with Brother Boniface' To renefit abrey, ~year-old monk reveals lifetime' sreci~ secrets BY BRUCE SMITH MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - If bread is the staff of life, nowhere is that mor e true than at Mepkin Abbey where for decades Brother Boniface Schnitzbaucr . . baked yeast breads, supper bre ads, cakes . andpastri~s. Now the recipes collected over 45 years by the diminutive monk w!i.o turns 90 in .January will be shared with the world beyond the abbey cloistered amid ~noss-shrouded oak.s along tJie Cooper River . .,, · The recipes in "Baking with Brothet: Brother Boniface · started out as Boniface" are as much a part of life rd:,. the 30 Trappist Cistercian monks as is " rising in the middle of the · nigJii f9r worship, prayer, meditation and workiq g ;_: · · a barber at the abbey but "landed in the kitchen and got stuck between the pots · and pans." on the abbey's poultry farm. · ,:,t,y : The monks are vegetarians and bread ~is an important part of their diet. Supper , ' and breakfast are generally breads ; frui ~ andcheese . . ,., Royalties from the book, to · ·~e released in December by Wyrick ·& Company of Charleston, go to the ,· abbey. The publisher says Brother Bo1u; face may be one of the oldest peopldl'i ever publish a cookbook . · "That's what they.are <;!aiming. I d9ti't · know that," said Brother Boniface, ·;a . humble, cordial man with a wry sense , of humor. "I have to bend over. That's not my hun1ility, that's my arthritis," he says as he stoops to shake your hand. BTOther Boniface was born in Germany and worked as a barber . and coowned an ice cream parlor in New York before coming to the abbey in 1952. He first was a barber there, but got interested in baking after another brother sho!Yed him how to make whole wheat bread "Gradually I landed in the kitchen and got stuck between .the -pots and pans,' ·' he says. The original recipes came from rela tives, friends, magazines and cookbooks, but have evolved during the years. "Oh yes, I put my own touch to it," Brother Boniface says . "I had to multiply them . The recipes were small f~ily size." Since most people do not cook fo{ a community of 30 monks, the recipes had to again be reduced in size and tested before they could be publislied. · Brother Boniface's favorite recipe is one for pistachio cake . "It would mak~ a nice thing to cook . A nice cake," he said. . . He believes the recipes are good, . I . . , although it i.s hard to tell at an abbey where conversation, while itot forbidden, is disco~aged. · . . · · "They (the monks) make .. a sign to : you that the bread was good," Brother Bo1riface said. "Nobody came and .jctually complained, unless th_ey kepi it to .tliemselves. '.' (AP) Recipe for pistachio cake from monk's cookbJok Recipe for pist11cluo .~ake frqin · the · cookbook "Baking with B~other ,Bo11i. face' ' ptibHshed in December, · Ingredients for batier: I Dltllcan Hines Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mjx 1 · cnp vegetable oil 1 cup sour cream I 3 112 oz .. pacJ\age pistachio instant pudding mix . 4eggs · Ingredients for topping: i cup chopped pecans 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon sugar Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using a wooden spoon, stir and thor- . oughly mix the dry ingredients with the .eggs, oil and sour cream . . Pour. half the -mixture into a greased ·9 by 13-inch baking pan . Sprinkle half the topping over ilie batter. Pour ·the remaining batter over the filling and sprin:kle with remaining topping. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Yield: I rectangular cake . FAITH IN DAILY LIFE Are gay ChristiansU ncle Toms? BYCANDACECHELLEW GAY CHRISTIAN. It's a phrase any self-respecting member .of the Religious Right would immediately identify as an oxymoron. As the founder and editor of "Whosoever: An Online Magazine For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Christians," l get letters everyday from conservati,ves who tell me it's impossible to be both a practicing homosexual and. a Christian. The tones of the messages range from loving to hateful, but the message is always the same, "turn or burn." I've developed a thick skin to these messages and Jimi hardly ever shocked or surprised by their content. But I did receive one message that set me .back on my heels. It read in part: "You are weak and terribly interested in being liked and accepted . You remind meof ih~ patheuc sheep who belonged . to ihe ·Pep Chib iii high schooL Why play a game that you can'rwiri?" · · The message itself was not as shocking/ is wlfo it was from:· a reader ,'named . David; who ideniilied himself as a 36- . year old gay .man. It was the first time I ha<e!v er been attacked by a member of the gay community fqr my religio~s beliefsL To D'avid, I imi weakfo r wanting to be part of; a religiot1s systein that obvioils,ly doesn't want me. Apparently, David is not alo1ie in his . criticism of gay; lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people who ·also wish to remain Christians. In his essay, "Is Gay Spirituality. Really Masochism?" gay ·atheist leader Don Sanders portrays GLBT Christians ·as:traitors to the larger gay commwtlty: "Under Christianity, homosexuals have beell" the niost persecuted of all minorities for almost 2,000 years. Ii is witl1 amazement that I look upon gays who, today, seek accommodation within the parameters of 'its various institutions. Is it at all logical for ils to .expect the church to say it has been wrong all along? To admit to snch an error would be to undennine the very authority by which it holds mitliomr of followers 'n thrall:" Sanders even goes so far as to equate gay Christians with Jewish Nazi's and black KKK members. To Sanders we are working · for tile oppressors, becoming their pawns, and trying to fit into a system that will' only use and abuse us. I have an answer for both David: and Don. David's accusation is the most stinging, I believe. Nobody likes to be called weak and patlletic. It goes right to the heart of your self-worth. Bui, as Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, our weakness is power when it _is perfected tlrrough Christ: '"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon • me. For the sake of Christ ; then, I am content witll weak, uesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am ·weak, then I am strong." Just as tlie old. Sunday School verse tells us, "We are weak but He is . strong:'' By ourselves we cannot change thousands of years of church dogma and abuses of the Bible and Jesus' message. For Christ's• sake · we are weak, bombarded by .insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities .. . not only from inside the church, but from within our own C\)mrnwtlty from people like David and Don.-But God's grace is sufficient. · As Paul .assures us in Phillipians 4: 13: "I can do all tliings . in him · who str.engtllens me." Through tile grace of . God we are made strong in our weakness. Subsequently, GLBT Christians are becoming a force . to be reckoned · with within ilie church. Aside from being weak, David also accuses GLBT Christians of playing a futile game by trying to win the acceptance of tile mainstream churches. He says it's a game we'll ultimately lose . Don echoes this criticism, calling it illogical to expect the church to admit it is wrong to exclude GLBT Christians from its fellowship. I don't see why they're so pessimistic. Everyday more and more churches open tl1eir doors to accept GLBT Christians as fuil members. More and more denominations are mm'ing toward ·ordination of GLBT Christians. If it's a game, tllen we seem to be winning! However, I don't see our struggles in the church as a game. It's a very real battle for the heart of the church . All GLBT Christians seek is for the church to truly embrace the teachings of Jesus that they say ilieir faith is founded upon. Jesus' ministry was one of inclilsion, not exclusion. GLBT Christians are here to remind the church of its origins. Alone we will not succeed, but witl1 the grace of God, perfecting our weaknesses, . we sliall one dayo vercome. But why do we even want to succeed? Why be part of a church society that oppresses our GLBT brotllers and sisters with such zeal? Are we as GLBT Christians really Uncle Toms to our commwrity at large? I fail to see how working to open tile doors of a major institution in our society to GLBT people could be seen as selling out or working for the opposition. It's merely an attempt to work within the existing system. We are no more Uncle Toms than African Americans who work to be elected to office so they can alleviate some of the suffering of their constituents. By working within the church structure, GLBT people are having a profound affect on church doc• trine . Our victories help alleviate some of the suffering of our · brothers and sisters who otherwise would have walked, if not run full speed, away from the church and God. If we stood outside the church .door and :shouted our demands we'd never be heard or accepted. By coming into ilie church, showing our deep faiili-and love for Christ, we are moving ilie stony hearts of the congregations . It is through our genuine love and faith, that we prove we too are members of God's eternal family. There have been many setbacks and disappointments tllat have forced many GLBT people out of tile church and subsequently. out of iheir faith. Some GLBT people persist in their faith however, undaunted by the rejection. Why · do they keep coming back to tile church, even after _taking untold amounts of abuse? Is it' a misguided and pathetic .attempt to be accepted, to ·reel more "normal?" I. don't believe it is. I think there is someiliing stronger tllat pulls us to the churcli. I believe many GLBT - people see tllemseives in -tile words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who wrote in 'The Strengtll To Love:" "Many continue to knock on the door of the church at midnight, even after the church has so bitterly disappointed tllem, because they know tile bread of life is tllere." It's not the acceptance of the Pope, the priest, the ·preacher or the parishioner ihat GLBT Christians ultimately seek. We knock al the door ·of a church that has abused us over and over again simply because we know the "bread of life is there:" We know the bread of life is for everyone, without exception, and we seek .that bread from the church. Often we encounter a church that has lost tile meaning of the bread, and has become selfish. The church is blind to big picture of the all inclusive message of Christ. In its myopia, the church has set itself in tile place of God giving tl1e bread to only ihose who meet its narrow set of requirements. Many GLBT don't even see the point in approaching the door, let alone knocking on it. "They'll only turn you away, they'll call you nan1es, they may even force you to change to come in." Yes, all of these tirings have happened to GLBT people who have knocked upon the church door. Yet, some of the more persistent GLBT-Christians continue to knock. We hope against hope that one day the door will open, and we'll be welcomed wiili the unconditional love of Jesus. King says that is the basis of the faith that keeps the church's outcasts knocking. "Faith in the dawn arises from the faitll that God is good and just. When one believes this, he knows that the contradictions of life are neither final nor ultimate . . He can walk through the dark night with the radiant conviction tllat all ihings work together for good for those who love God. Even the most starless midnight may herald the dawn of some great fulfillment." To the world our attempts may seem foolish, born of a great weakness to be liked or accepted . If we look foolish, then so be it! What better reason to be a fool than to be a fool for God? Our foolislmess, our weakness for God, is made .perfect tlrrough Christ, .and as Paul tells us in I Corinthians 1:27-31, that foolishness. equals power. "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, · God chose what is weak in the world the shame the strong, God chose wha! is low and despised in ilie world, even tl1e things that are not, to bring to nothing tirings that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus , whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, 'Lei those who boasts, boast of the Lord."' One day the doors will open. The weak, low and despised GLBT Christians will be used to shame the strong. Our foolish persistence will be used to shame the wise. When that day comes my gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans gendered brothers and sisters, let us not boast of our own righteousness. Instead, let us boast only of the Lord and the great things God has done in and tlirough our lives. Candace Chellew is the editor and founder of Whosoever: An Online Magazine For Gay. Lesbian. Bisexual and Tra11Sgendered Christians. The website is located at: http://www.whosoever.org and the e-mail is editor@whosoever.org. SECOND STONE 3 FAITH IN DAILY LIFE Retired bishop asks, 'Can't we all just get along?' BY ERIC FRAZIER CHARLESTON, S.C. - These days, it almost seems as if people of faith spend as much time fighting over theology as they do applying it in prayer. They argue over how to interpret the Bible. They fight over homosexuality . They _ battle over whether the Ten Commandments should be posted in public buildings. . If the Right Rev. Hugh Montefiore had his way, believers might differ ori such issues, but they'd never fight over them. "Conflict in the church has been there ever since (the apostle) Paul withstood (the apostle) Peter to his face because (Peter) was in lhe wrong over what food we should eat," he said. "Conflict can be creative. It can be J)egative and destructive. And tliat's not what Christianity is all about. It's about _· loving one_ another despite . differences, and finding away through them." Montefiore, the retired Anglican bishop of Birmingham, England, visited Charleston the first week of November. If anybody knows · about religious conflict , Montefiore does. His family is i.·,.., .......... 1 r.,,., ~·c,,, un"'! ,,,,,,...., ~~§§~:f;;;;;~:~~, ... -- one of Europe's best-known Jewish families. Two of his ancestor s, Claude and Sir Moses Montefiore, are near-legendary Jewish tltinker s whosl: biographies can be found in the Encyclopedia Britamtica. But none of that stopped him from converting to Christianity at 16. He told his family that Jesus had appeared to him _in a vision and had given ltim a simple, unavoidable directive: "Follow me." His family reeled from tl1e shock. Other Jews called ltim a traitor. · Decades later, rabbis refused to work with him when he tried to bring a Holocaust exhibition to Birmingham . Now 77 , Montefiore has written rQ!)_ghly two dozen books, and is one of . the more · prontinent . Christian tltinkers in Great Britain. Much of his work deals with the question of reconciling Christian faith to a deeply secularized modern cuhnre ruled by science and reason. He looks at modern scientific findings such as Darwin 's theory of evolution and stil_l sees _the imprint of God's hand on the wiiverse . · "Incredible coini;idences take place" in such t!teories, he .said . "In my view, the GAY 'IHEOL()GICAL JOURNAL "Homosexual Hermeneutics on Religion and the Scriptmes" covers the entire spectrum of spiritual issues confronting Gays and Lesbians. The Journal includes insightful features, commentaries, news affecting religious Gays and Lesbians, resources, reviews, and listings of affirming and inclusive congregations. Subscriptions are $20/year (individuals). To ~ubscribe, just complete and return this form to ... GTJ, P.O. Box 1129, Manassas, VA 20110.* 0 YES! Sign me up for a year's subscription to GT J. 0 $20 check, payable to Mentor Press, is enclosed 0 Please bill $20 to my credit card: 0 MasterCard O Visa Account Number __ __ ___ _ _ ExDt_ . Signature of Name on Card ________ _ Mail to: Name __ _ __ ___ _ __ _____ ~ ------ -- - c/o ------ --- - - - -- -- ------ -- Address City ________ _ __ State ____ Zip ___ _ 4 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 data of science can't prove tlie existence of God, but tliey make God probable . "It's always possible it was random intellectually speaking but it seems _to me very improbable" that it all happened by chance, he said. He actually seems to apply a scien tist's thirst for inquiry to his own approach to questions of faith. He admires the passion and conviction of fundamentalist s, but doesn't have much patience for wha t. he sees as their narrow view of faith and Ute Bible. "It's almost as if people arc too frightened to tltink; therefore, they have to accept tliings on authority," . he said. "Blind faith isn't what Christia1tity is about. ... It 's a leap of trust , leading to a commitment of the will to follow the way of Christ." · He doesn't see why people can't get along despite their theological differences . He believes the time they spend arguing could be time spent in pilslting a Christian etltic for saving the environment or stopping nuclear proliferation. "It doesn 't worry me if I kneel to receive Holy Communion next to someone who holds different views from me," he said. ''After all, the basic thing is that we should love one anotlier, not hate one another because we hold different vie,vs . That's unchristian _." (The Charleston Post and Courier) Study: Going to church is good for your health! BY ESTES THOMPSON A WEEKLY TRIP to religious services is good for the healtli of older adults, ·according to a new study. The study of 1,718 older adults in North Carolina found blood levels of the undesirable immune system protein interleukin-6 (IL-6) were lower in people over age 65 who attended services at least once a week, according to tl1e study of 1,718 older adults in North Carolina. The presehce of high levels of IL-6 in the body has been linked to a wide array of age-related diseases. The study, part of the largest national survey ever conducted on aging, was _published in the October issue of the International Journal of Psycltiatry. Previous studies used only anecdotes about the relationship between attending a religious services and good health, said Dr. Marcia Ory, chief of social science research on aging at ilie National Institute on Aging, wltich helped finance the Duke U1tiversity study. "It's incredibly significant, because it's one of the very first studies that tries lo look at tl1e biological linkages," Ory said. "This is really one or"-the pioneering studies." The National Institute on Aging has sponsored research on the com1ection between the healili of older people a_nd their religious commitment. Blood levels of IL-6 were lower in people over age 65 who attended services at least once a week, accotding to the study of 1,718 older adults in North Carolina . Sixty percent of the adults attended services regularly and the rest went rarely or never. 'Those who go to church or synagogue regularly are physically healtltier , · mentall y healthier and they have healthier immune systems ," said Dr. Harold Koe1tig, a Duke psychiatri st and ·lead autl1or of tl1e study. "It certainly appears that they are healtltier .. " Not everyon e believes · going to church can necessarily lower unliealthy substances in the body. The Rev. Scott Benhase, rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Durham, said he .believes church-going people simply lead healthier lives. · "It' s not a surprising finding ai all," "Benhase said. "People who go to church reguiarly a_re more likely to take carti of tl1emselves." " One of the reasons ,ve did this study was that the findings previously" showed that people involved in religious activi ties · cope better with stress and have less depression and stress and don't drink as much alcohol and have healtltier live s," Koenig said. . The new findings also can help substantiate alternate medical ilieories· about well-being, said Cohen. "We've got some biological evidence finally," Koenig said. 'This is a study that looks at an association ," he added. "Frequent church attender s have healthier immune systems, but we don't ·know whether the church attendance is causing the IL-6 levels to drop." (AP) FAITH IN DAILY LIFE Minister in disguise tri~ to understand city's homel~ BY DA YID HOLDEN HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - About 5 p.m. ·every day, homeless men, women and children straggle into the Downtown Rescue Mission for their evening meal. Several times during two weeks in early October , the Rev. Walter Peavey, disguised as _a homeless person, has been among· them. Choice, ~ot circumstance , drew Peavey into ihe shelter. An ordained Primitive Baptist minister, he wanted to ellperience what homeless people feel and how people react to them . He 1vouldn't do ·it again because of the pain and anguish it brought him. "I learned my lesson, " Peavey said this week. "Be thankful to God for whatever you _have ,-no matter how little it might be." . - Peavey received pennission from the Rev. Darwin D. Overholt, director -of the mission, to hang around with the residents at the shelter. ;•r wanted to do something that would put me in touch with ... how a homeless person really feels ," he said. A woman down on her luck sparked Peavey's interest in the plight of the homeless . She and her two children were abandoned by her husband and she requested help from the Antioch P.B. Church, where Peavey has been the pastor for 18 months . The woman is doing fine now, after getting food, clothing and other help from church members, along with a job and an apartment . As a homeless man, Peavey wandered tl1e streets from dusk until dawn seeking a reaction to his presence. "People rolled up the windows and thumb-bolted the locks on their car doors as I passed ," he said. "Women got out of the way and hugged their purses a little tighter." The hostility and abuse heaped upon him made him cry, he said. He now un<lerstands why so many on the street resort to drugs and alcohol. "On the street, you are like a man without a country, and it hurts," he said. "I was just playing a role . If it had been for real, I don't think I could live with that kind of pain ." Peavey said he was walking across a hotel parking lot when a man yelled at him to get away from his car. He was accosted by an irate storekeeper for look: ing at magazines. "It was just the perception that I didn't have any money that made him angry," he said. "H e told me to get out of his store because I couldn't buy anytlung." Another night he was walking on Jordan Lane when four boys in a car threw empty beer bottles at him . "I could have been killed," he said. Those who make up the ranks of the homeless have changed over the past 30 years, Overholt said. "Thirty years ago, the average homeless person was a 50- year--0ld man who was an alcoholic ," he said. "Now the average age is 28 to 32 years old and the age is steadily decreasing." Aud the number of women and children in dire straits is increasing. Current! y, the mission houses about 75 men and a dozen or so women. Most of the people who live · in the niission are transients who will be there a few days or a few weeks or a few months , Overholt said. They leave when arrangements for permanent homes and supplemental incomes are made through social service agencies or they simply move Oil. Most of tl1e city's homeless don't live at tl1e niission, but tl1ey aud others may stop by at least once a day for a meal. Many have lost hope tliings will ever get better . Roger B., 53, is a minister who at one time was on the staff at the mission. He and ms wife and children Ii ved in Scottsboro until things turned sour. "If you don't know anybody , you can't get anywhere," he said. "I had a drinking problem and ended up in a shelter." Roger has lived at Downtown for the past 10 months. He has a job at a mghtech company in Madison and is getting ready to rent his own apartment. He hopes things will go smoothly this time as he ventures out on ms own . "I'm going to turn it over to Jesus," he said. Peavey said his report to Overholt will address the food at the mission, lack of help for the mentally ill and lack of counselors for people who need help, residents acting as supervisors and little safe shelter for women and children . Overholt concedes he is rull!ling the shelter with a small staff. But other agencies help tl!e mentally ill, offer professional counseling and provide job training, he said. Of the nussion's residents, Overholt said, "I don't think they have lost hope. Some have been hurt , bruised and broken . But I think love and caring is all they need a lot of times to get their hope back." (The Huntsville Times) Since 1988, a friend for the journey. Subscribe today! INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION [ I 3 yrs, 18 issues $45 [ J 2 yrs, 12 issues $32 [ J 1 yr, 6 issues $19 [ I Envelope mailing add $2 per yr [ J International, add $10 per yr Your Name_~------------ A,aaness.. __________ _ City, State , Zip+4 __________ _ □ NEW □ RENEWAL SUBTITTAL GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS · Please fill in the section above, entering your name as you want it to appear on gift cards. All gift subscriptions are mailed in envelopes. 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Supply old address label here and print new address iri top section "Individual Subscription" HOW TO GETYOURORDERANDOTHER INFORMATION 10 US MAIL: Mail completed form to P. 0 . Boll 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 FAX: This form may be trimmed at its border and transnutted by FAX. Dial 5()4.899-4014. Press 3* when_prompted or at any time during tl!e message. When you hear tl!e tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com Second Stone THE STONE THAT THE BUILDERS REJECTED BECAME THE CORNERSTONE - Mark 12:10 SECOND STONE 5 MANNA BY REV. DONNA E. SCHAPER When times get tough The grandness of Gcxl' s grace I TEND TO IMAGINE that other people are sinners and that I am not. I have lengthy lists of excuses for why I am not all I could be. I repeat over and over again a snippet of poetry, "All that I had hoped to be / I was not." I don't know the author anymore . What I have learned at middle age is that it is important to give our sins a name. If we don't, we can't get rid of them. They remain on the excuse list rather than the forgiven list. Before we can confess our sins, we must know what they are. Before we can receive God's forgiveness, we 11111st be prepared torepent. We mnst be sure that we will stop, or try to stop, our involvement with our own trouble. If we don't know what causes our trouble; we can hardly confess it . I have needed words for general confession and particular confession.. r have bad to face the possibility that some of the trouble I have faced in my life is my own fault. The Book of Common Prayer makes general confession with ihese lilting words, "We have left undone those thipgs which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us." St. Paul divides sin into at least two categories, sins of ·commission and tirings of omission. He also understands the mriversality of human cciniplicity with our own trouble . Neither the common confession or St. Paul allows us to distance ourself from our own trouble. Blaming and whining a.re not allowed. Extentalizing is · banned. Instead we are ·inviied to confess our sins, to take our sins upon ourselves, to be "responsible" for them, and to ask for and receive confession .. Some people divide the world in a much less responsible way. Some people have a long tally sheet, which has on one side "my fault" aitd on the other, "not my fault." People with these lists are highly tempted to victim status; they/we understand the world as beyond our moral control. We place other people in charge of sin and us in charge of tallying. For example, we fail lo raise our own children and blame the "media" or the "schools" as the fault of our not being able to raise. them. In the tally life style, others a.re in charge. We a.re not. And, if we a.re not in charge, 6 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 we can hardly be sinning. Tallying is a sophisticated excuse. _It is not confession. Nor has it anything to do with repentance. Here we take the costume off of some of the excuses we use to refrain from confession and repentance. In the very popular book by Stephen Covey, ''The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," the world is divided into spheres of influence and the territory outside our spheres of influence . In the sphere of influence, we place our families, our jobs, our selves. Outside of the sphere of influence, we might place something distant, like peace in Jerusalem or abolishing racism. Healthy people, Covey says, work in their sphere of intluence and don't stray outside it very often. They work to expand their sphere of influence but they make most of their investment inside that sphere. For example, a father may try to raise children who understand racism and who are prepared to make simple stands against it. He may or may not write an affinnative action plan for his town. People who work in their sphere of influence take small bites out of the great, global responsibility which surrounds us all. I have found useful confession inside my sphere of influence . I've had to repent the anger and viole1ice I inherited from Donald, without blaming Donald. I've had to repent tl1e lust I have for food and drink and putting things in my mouth without blaming Lena's hunger. I've had ·10 stop compensating with being a workaltolic goody two shoes for an emotionally hungry childhood. I've had to become me and not them. I've had to figure out where I stop and they start. I am not implying enormous levels of evil, or responsibility, or any other grandiosity, within my8clf. Rather I an1 preparing for confession within my sphere of influence, that there I may repent and do the tirings I should do and refrain from doing tltose tirings I should not do. A lot of people know ''something" is wrong but we don't know what it is. We live with a feeling, a foreboding, a repetition, a shadow in the deep recesses of our hearts. Here we make friends with that feeling; we become less afraid of us. We meditate and confess our way lo intimacy with our own sin. Here we prepare for the confession of our sins by tlrinking about what sin is - and how il might really be a part of our lives and not just "those other people's ." Because of that funny monring I had with the iced np car, long ago, now I see the process of sin and confession with the glare of the ice and the glare of that Ash Wednesday in my mind. I drove all the way home that morning staring at any absolutely gorgeous ice storm, tree after tree. Nothing was exempt. The iced made me think of the . Puritan understanding of sin. They thought it had the world j1retty well cov ered. They also thought God's love covered more. No matter how serious our sin, God can still forgive us. No matter how many of our organs the sin's cancer has spread to, we can still be saved. God has a power larger titan sin. It is• love . It, too, covers, everytlring. I recall how one of the Tai Chi postures is about ice becoming water ■ "Sin is known by the pain it causes." ■ becoming gas in the process of healing. The stage towards water is when the sages imagine sickne~s digging in, unless it melts quickly . ht my own church, the United Church of Christ, one of the great controversies is about the confession. Many other people, in other churches, have similar reactions. Half our churches won't even use one, up here in rock·y New England, because now we a.re more like the people of the tally and -less like the Puri• tans. We don't tlrink sin or ice as everywhere. The other half of our churches use a confession but siick to tlte sin part and forget the melt or absolution. When the sun came out that Wednesday, and the ice melted, all I could imag ine was the- grandness of God's grace. The way it washes away our sin. The way it warms us. The way it forgives us. The way it changes us. . There was a lot of damage in tlris ice storm. But as great as tlte damage, even greater was the healing . As strong as the ice, even stronger was the sun. I count on such a melt down for the church. The Puritans changed from being a dour people to being a happy people. Maybe we have become too happy , now that we deny the possibility of confessing our sins or just confess them without receiving, genuinely, absolution. The Clrinese help us in the Tai Chi theory: melt quickly, they warn. Or you will get very sick. The sickness will dig in. ''.Sin is known by the pain it causes." So said Julian of Norwich. The first task in trouble is to find out whose ox is gored and why. Who won? Who lost? What pa.rt did we play in it? Have we sinned? Where does our sphere of influence stop and where does another begin? What if our spouse is beating us? Whose "fault" is that? What does it matter whose fault it is? Don't we have to stop letting ourselves be beaten? What if our spouse ·is harassing us and not supporting us? Whose "fault" is that? What does it matter whose fault it is? Don't we have to ·stop letting our spouse do that? One definition of sin is tliat sin is when we miss the mark of our true humanity . Every day we spend outside of the wannth of the melting winter sun, and stuck in our ice cubes, we· are getting more nul1ealtl1y. We are getting further from the grace of God. Every day we spend leaning towards the warmth, like a house plant on a shelf, we are getting closer to the grace of God. We are becoming healthy , If we have difficulties in our marriage, we may, should and must get help. We dare not wlrine or blame or externalize. In tl1ese behaviors, ,we become partners with the sin. When we get help, we disassociate with it. Help is an act of repentance. Sin is also understood ,as the process of tunring in on ourselves - "Incurvatus . -in Se" - and tuming away from God. The more we avoid our own trouble, the more we curve in. That is one reason ·for the dark feeling in the ·deep recess of our hearts. We a.re looking inside. We ·are getting colder and darker by the. minute. Sin is also disobedience of God. God requires that we love Him and each other. When people love each other, they don't let each other stay stuck. God has also told us to love our .enemies. Sin is our enemy, .We have to love it and ourselves, and God, if .we want a melt down. In tlte great words of the Book of Common Prayer, we also ask for forgiveness for our sins in thought, word and deed. I find tlris holistic understanding of sin and tlte sinner to be very use ful. Often it is our attitude that nothing can be done that is the most sinful tiring. It shuts God out. Often it is our sinful thoughts that lead to sinful noninvolvemenl. Likewise words can carry the sin. The more time we work on onr tally CONTINUES Next Page MANNA When times get tough From Previous Page . sheets, "my fault" and "not my fault," the more we use words to curve in on ourselves. Why not take responsibility for things for which we don't feel responsible? Why not take peace in Jerusalem on to ourselves instead of spending so much time trying to get rid of it? Why not do one little thing for peace every day? Why no.I trust prayer and trust God's intentions for Jerusalem? Why not align ourselves with God's forces in history and personal life, both, not either? When we use words to protect ourselves from God's power, we begin to freeze up, to jam, to turn inwards. When we use words more optimistically, in a more "yes" way, or a more prayerful way, we align ourselves with God's power. Thoughts and words come before deeds. As we prepare for confession, it is a good idea to explore our thoughts and words as well as our deeds. Even confession is complicated. That v is what middle age is teaching me. Someone has framed a prayer of confession using these words: "Forgive us the things we have doi1e and the things we have done poorly." Those words are eloquent. They make good sense . We ·get only part of the way to confession if we think we have to deal i.n blacks and whites instead of grays . We should also be praised for the bard tilings we have tried and failed at. Confession is complicated because we are judged morally for our excellence in affairs oflove. We love poorly. That is our confession. It can also be our s.alvation, to love anyway, even if poorly. God understands this and will give us absolutiou for the poorness in our love · and also give the encouragement we need to try again. The way beyond trouble is to move out of the world it has caused and to move into ,a new one. Alice went to Wonderland - not because of sin - but because "it was there." How did she get in? She had to shrink. She had to leave everything outside .. There -is a method - here for moving beyond -trouble . It is a form of repentance, to make o.urselves small, our shame manageable, our embarrassment a gift lo God. Mercy, Madeleine L'Engle remembers, is a Ii ve coal in the sea. TJ1e sea is God; the sin is the coal . Get that proportion right-and you can find mercy. - One of our best pastors said, '1' o move fast on tllis corner requires standing still most of the time ." Often repentance is a slow, daily ac.tion, not a once and for all thing. It may invofve therapy and getting over past hurts t)lat cause us to tally and then tally some more. It may even involve failing with three therapi sts only to find one who can help us! Patient endurance is repentant. It lasts. It wait s out it s own trouble. T. S. Eliot said ;" You bring me news of a ·door that.opens at the end of a corridor, sunlight and singing, when I had felt sure that every corridor only led to another , or to a blank wall ." Those who have made friends out of their own trouble know what he means . We have come to know the dark places within us and we have seen tl1eir door s and windows. I have become intimately a_cquainted with the bottom of my stomach. It opens! But not until it is ready to open . Pain takes its own good time . But God, who Eliot is addre ssing here, can be counted on to show up at tl1e bottom of tl1e bottom of the bottom of the trouble '. and there to open a door . Folk wisdom tells us that "God never shuts a window not to open another." I remember being in a church once where all the windows were open and a service was being conducted. A gusty wind blew 11p ·on both sides of the church. The ushers shut all windows all, very ■ of confession, or the open window at the bottom of trouble; we ·are talking about movii1g into a certain spiritual zone. Alhletes speak of being in their zone when they play well. Repentance is becoming extra-dependent and able to "play" again. It is when ive let God love us. Repentance is when God accepts our offer to "watch over." Once we know our sins, and can take responsibility for them , in thought or word or deed or all three, we find God helping us manage their weight. We don't really hav e so much to carry after all. Tllink of a cllild at a park and a mother. The child circles the mother. The child goes further and further away from the mother but touches base as part of the circle he or she makes . We. are like that with God. Worship is · touclling base. Those who don't worship don't touch base. They die of their trouble , of the sheer weight of carrying it. John Wesley, the famous Methodist, said the Catholic spirit involves asking tl1e right questions of each other. We can avoid trouble by getting to the right question. Not, said he, "whether in the The way beyond trouble is to move out of the world it has caused and to move into a new one. Alice went to Wonderland ... because "it was there. How did she get in? She had to shrink. She had to leave everything outside. quickly. Air pressure opened one back up! The whole congregation smiled. We knew that God uses air pressure to make a point. People come to church on Sundays after they have been in charge of their week all week. They come looking . for a door or window to open . They come looking for "someone to watch over me." They know they're in trouble, if not for sin, then for the real weight of carrying themselves all the time. Religion exist s to manage "extradependence" well. Extra-dependence is the mature part of dependency. h1tradependence is the area of doing, of work, of mies well played, of la,li. Extra dependence is the area of being, of play , of essence, of grace. Lloyd Ogilvie advi .ses such people, "Le t God Love Yon." Lean on the everlasting anus. When we talk about the melling ice ■ administration of baptism, you agree with me · in admitting sureties for the baptized ; in the manner of administering it: or the age of tllose to whom it should be administered? Nay, I ask not of you , whether you allow baptism and the Lord's supper at all? Let al l these things stand by; we wiH talk of tl1em, if need be, at a more convenient season; my only question at preseni is tllis, "ls thine heart right ,. as my heart is with tl1y heart?" Repentance is getting our heart back right. When we sin, our hearts get out of whack. Reperitanci: restores our hearts to a good position. The most difficult tiling about repentance is knowing that we may sin again. We may get right back in our own rut again. I drove to one of our churches with an old friend . We came to a dirt road that was full of .spring mud and rut s. A farmer came out of his house and said , "Do you rea lly want to go down _that road?" We sa id yes , it was our favorite back way to the church in Chester. Carol Ann has a Ii tile cottage deep in these ,voods; we were on our way "by it" up to Chester. We. proce eded down the rutted road as far as we could go - and we had to tum back' We had to back out the whole way missing the ruts we had already missed . There was no way we were going to make it through. We both had quite the laugh . We realized we had never turned back before a dangerous road before. We had taken way too many foolhardy risks together . (She and I developed the new UCC Inclusive Language Hymnal long .before others figured out how wrenching tllis issue would be.) so · we had a new experience on the way to Chester . One that we will both have 10· muse on for a long time. Is this age? Or wisdom? Or practice for a longer season of repentanc e? Or all three? See what you tllink. At least we know how to recognize mud season when we see it. Repentance is an anvil on which we are forged to maturity. When · we learn io be friends with our sin, and our complicity with sins that are not our fault , we place tl1eI11 on an anvil. We ask to be forged, and reforged, over and over .. We ask .to be remelted, reshaped, repositioned for life. We change our shape . If we can't name our sins, we stay clear of the meltdown and the reshaping. We get bent "out of shape" and we .stay tllat way. But when we name them, we find a way to become ourselves. We become the selves God intended ns to be. We move towards our true humanity . Edward Bouverie Pusey tells the story of bis grandmother putting her tears in a bottle. She would catch her tears and seal the m up. But once, as her mother · and fatl1er lay dying of yellow fever, Pusey says, they refused to let her capture their tears-in her little crystal vial. "Remember our smiles instead ," my great grandparents taught t_heirchildren. One translation of Psalms 56, 57, and 58, speaks of God as the One who has SEE MANNA,Page lo The Rev. Danna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the Massachusetts Conferenc.e of the United Churcli of Christ. Her new book is "The Sense In Sabbath: A Way To Have Enough Time, " Innisfree. SECOND STONE 7 Fmocy University will pennit some gay ceremonies in ~I BY STEVE VISSER ATLANTA - Methodist-affiliated Emory University will allow gay couples to say commitment vows in its chapels under strictly limited circumstances that effective ly exclude most campus gays and lesbians, including Methodists. The policy, approved Nov . 13 by the board of trustees, requires that a religious leader from one of the 24 religious g~oups on campus perform such ceremonies, chaplain Susan Henry-Crowe said. Of those groups, only the Reformed Jewish le.ader and the United Church of Christ leader now perform ceremonies for gay couples, she said, acknowledging that gays of other _faiths who want to use campus chapels are out of luck. Lindsey G. Davis, bishop of the North Georgia United Methodist Conference, said he was pleased that Emory's new policy "makes it unlikely that same-sex ceremonies will be conducted in !he university chapels." But Ms. Henry-Crowe, a Methodist minister, denied the new policy is designed to dodge a ·church-university controversy by making the issue largely moot . The board, which includes five Methodist bishops, approved the policy with- , out dissent, said board chairmruiBradley Currey Jr. "I am a Christian, happen to belong to the . Episcopal Church, and I believe the actions thai have been taken by the board today are completely consistent with my religious faith," Currey said. The only gay commitment ceremony ever performed at an Emory chapel was in 1995, Ms. Henry-Crowe said. Emory became !he.center of a controversy over whether the private university should permit exchanges of vows after the dean of Emory's Oxford College, a satellite campus 30 miles southeast of Atlanta, denied permission for a gay ceremony in May. Oxford dean William Murdy cited church policy, Georgia law and community standards when he canceled the chapel reservation of Chris Hamilton, who was then director of student development at Oxford, and his partner, Jack Hamilton. University President William M. Chace said ihe dean violated Emory's nondiscrimination policy in banning the ceremony. North Georgia United Methodists disagreed and asked the school trustees to study the matter. (AP) Winans sisters stand behind anti-gay gospel song. BY JIM PATTERSON BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - Gospel duo Angie & Debbie Winans enjoy the ''Ellen" teleyision show, and they know lots of other people do, too. That 's why they felt it importrull to address the April episode where the character played by comediru1 Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian . The way the Winans sd, it, homosexuality is a sin. Debbie, 26, and Angie, 29 - the younger sisters of gospel stars BeBe rutd CeCe Winruts - decided to respond with a song called "Not Natural" and are refusing to back off, despite some criticism. "It was a holy anger that came, 8 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 because if your kids only see that, they're going to mimic that," Angie WinrutS said Oct. 21. "Janet Jackson is singing about a (se,mal relationship with a) yow1g lady on her riew project ('Free Xone' on the singer's 'The Velvet Rope' CD). I'm sure you heard about that. "Why can she say that and we can't say anything? Wh11t's up with that?" The premise of "Bold," the duo's sec- . ond CD, was to make a gospel album tltat didn't shririk from issues. The song "No t Natural' ; from the CD talks about homosexuality, violence , premarital sex and using sex to sell products. In each case, the sisters conclude: "It's not natu- SEE WINANS, Page 17 Church members adjust to new, gay pastor ROY AL OAK, Mich. - Some of the 300 members of St. John's Episcopal Church welcomed the Rev. Linda Northcraft when she became the new pastor in September. But other parishioners - at least four families - have left the suburban Detroit church after learning the 52-year-old, Yale-educated former schoolteacher is a lesbirut. Many Episcopalians, including Northcraft, believe they have reconciled the issue of homosexuality within a faith that_preaches against sex outside of marriage. "Within the Episcopal faith, what it affirms is faithful, committed relationships," Northcraft told the Detroit Free Press. "In the Bible, few references address human sexuality. We liave to look at it in its historical context. "In Genesis, everybody looks at Sodom and Gomorrah and assumes they were punished for homosexuality, " she said. "In fact, they were punished for inhospitality. Paul's references to homosexuals refer to the cultic prostitutes. Jesus ·never talked about homosexuality." Others see things cliff erentl y. Marion Bririkel, a member for nearly 70 years, said she hasn't decided what to do about her membership in the church. "I thirik she's a ·very nice person, even though I haven't met her personally," Bririkel said of Northcraft. "What troubles me is her lifestyle and being a leader of the church." Helen Browne, a member for 40 ; years, said she doesn't "really like" the fact that Northcraft is a lesbian. Still, Nor!hcraft does have supporters. "She's the best candidate ... and is, frankly, more of a leader !han I expected her to be," said Doug Oliver, a member of the governing board at St. John's. "I see no reason for her not to. be our new rector," said Marilyn Barker, a parish member for 73 years a11d daughter of founding members. "I know there's going to be some major changes taking place in the church because of her arrival: Bnt Royal Oak has changed in the last 15 to 20 years. It's · not the small town it used to be. Everyone has 11 right to their own opinions and lifestyle. I don't thirik this is going to change things in the eyes of !hel..ord." Bishop R. S~ewart Wood Jr., who SEE ADJUST, Page 17 q1iscoμtl diocese approves measure supporting ordination of gays TACOMA, Wash. - Western Washington Episcopalians have approved a resolution that says homosexuality is "morally neutral," and supports ordaining gays and lesbians. The resolution was approved Nov . . 14 by delegates to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia by a 244-190 vote. The same measure was defeated in 1995 and was tabled last year. Passage this year is a sign that tl1e Episcopal Church is moving toward full inclusion of gays and lesbians, said .the Very Rev . Frederick Northup, dean of St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle. Northup said he was pleased with the vote, but one of his .own parishioners said she was disappointed. Dr. Edith L~wrence said the delegates, by approving a resolution supporting gay relationships, were going against biblical teachings. Before the vote, several evru1gelical Christian street preachers spoke out against the measure .outside tlte Tacoma ·Convention Center, where the meeting took place. About 800 Episcopalians attended the two-day meeting. Among the resolution's major points: "We believe · that some of us are created heterosexual and some of us are created homosexual." "Gay a11d lesbian clergy already are serving the Episcopal Church .. . with effectiveness and integrity." Gays and lesbians in relationships "marked by faithfulness, love and life-giving holiness" should not be excluded from becoming clergy. Gay a11d lesbian relationships that are "faithful, monogamous, committed , life-giving and holy are to be honored." The statement offers .«our support, our pastoral care, our prayers and our recognition" to committed gay and lesbian couples , "in whatever form is deemed appropriate." At least four other Episcopal dioceses and 72 bishops have approved tlte resolution, called the "Statement of Koinonia." Bishop Vincent Warner, leader of the 34,000-member Olympia Diocese, hasn't signed the statement, but he said he supported ihe measure. This summer, a measure approving the blessing of same-sex w1ions was defeated by one vote at tlte church's General Convention, the national policymaking body for the · 2.4 millionmember den01nination. (AP) NATIONAL NEWS Panel at Skidmore says .religion slowly accepting gays SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -A gradual acceptance of gays and lesbians by organized religion is occuning but the process is slow and varies greatly from one religion to another, a panel of experts said Oct. 20 at Skidmore . College. For example, in the Roman .Catholic Church the: official edict is that any sex. ual act that can't be procreative is wrong and ·homosexual acts are considered "unlawful," said the Rev. Ronald Boccieri, Skidmore's Roman Catholic chaplain . B.ut in September U.S . Catholic bishops advised pai:ents of gay children in a groundbreaking pastoral letter to put love and_.support for their sons and daughters before church doctrine that condemns homose)lual activity, he said. The •bishpps said homosexual orientation is not freely chosen and parents must not reject their gay children i!1 a society full of rejection and discrimination. Rabbi _ Linda Motz.kin, ti)e college !s Jewish chaplain , said Judaism's view of homosexuality is not as "monolithic" as the Catholic Church's view . She said the four main branches of Judaism range from an acceptance of homosexuality (the Reformed sect) to condenmation of . homosexuality as "a horrible, awful sin (Orthodox Judaism) ." "There is a spectrum - at one end it 's an abomination, at the other end celebrates the riclmess and diversity of all human life," Rabbi Motzkin said. . The panel discussion on "Homosexuality and Religion" also included members of the Presbyterian Church and Skidmore fac1ilty members and a representative of Four Winds, the .private psychiatric hospital in Saratoga Springs. Patricia Ferraioli, assistant professor of govermnent, started the program in the college's Wilson Chapel by noting that in the early part of the 20th century "homosexuality was considered a crime against nature" both in and out of the court system. She said changes started happening in the ·mid-1950s when a widely accepted scientific study concluded that homosexuality was not a mental disorder. By the mid-1990s sodomy laws between consenting adults had been repealed or declared unconstitutional in many states. But ·13 states still have laws that declare sodomy between consenting adults a felony, Ferraioli said. Skidmore Chaplain Kathleen Buckley noted that the Presbyterian Church (USA) has support groups for gays, Jes- . bians and bisexuals that are listed on the Presbyterian Church home page on the Internet. But she said there is a "serious gap right now in Protestantism" regarding acceptance of homosexuals. She said some Lutheran and Methodist clergy would be fired if they were to openly declare they are gay. But things are changing, becoming more tolerant, she said. "It's a change, but a slow kind of change," she said . "Human sexuality is an . enonnous mystery ... There are new vistas opening that we didn't see before," Boccieri said. Skidmore English Professor Terence Diggory said his Presbyterian church in Saratoga Springs took a stance opposing a nation.μ ban on gays and lesbians, preventing them from becoming church leaders. "We protested and joined the More Light movement," Diggory said. He said his local church feels that "sexi1al orientation is not an issue for religious ordination." Mason Stokes, a visiting Skidmore assistant English professor, said the general feeling among young people is that organized religion says homosexuality is wrong. "Religion says 'I'm sick' to a 12-or 13-year-old kid [who is homosexual] ," Stokes said . The panel discussion was sponsored the Bglad, a student organization at the college, said Carrie Welt, Bglad's copresident. (Schenectady Daily Gazette) E;piscopal traditionalists moving toward separateprovinces BY JAMESSOLHEIM TRADITIONALISTS BOTH IN 'the United States and in England are lllOVing . towards separate provinces for the Episcopal Church and The Church of England .. · The Episcopal · Synod of America (ESA) has clarified its goals in the wake of the 1997 General Convention in Philadelphia. It will now seek to estab lish an Orthodox Province of the Anglican Commumon in North America . "We will no longer speak of a mission to be the church within the Episcopal Church for we have concluded that the institutional Episc .opal Church has lost the will to be reformed," said ESA president Peter Moriarty . The ESA has made it clear it will minister to individuals and parishes without regard for diocesan boundaries or the permission of diocesan bishops. It bas sent a Jetter to parishes in what it regards as "hostile" dioceses where the bishop is ·not of "orthodox conviction," inviting them to apply for oversight by an ESA bishop. In a letter to diocesan bishops October 2, Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning . said that he bad received phone calls from bishops alerting him to the packet sent by ESA to "seuior wardens in 25 dioceses whose bishops had signed the Statement of Koinonia." (The statement, presented by Bishop John Spong of Newark to · ibe HollSe of Bishops dur - . ing its debate on sexuality in 1994, says that sexual orientation is "morally neutral,'.' that "faithful, monogamons, committed" relationships of gays and lesbians should be honored and that gay clergy could serve as "wholesome examples to the flock of Christ.") Browning said that theissue "will need to be dealt with locally by diocesan bishops as they arise," but he expressed his · "tremendous support for those bishops who are in this difficult situation." Bishop Allen Bartlett, Jr. of Pennsylvania wrote to his clergy September 18 to warn that snch art invitation from the ESA "is a clear invitation to schism and anarchy." If a parish extended an invitation to another bishop "that parish would violate the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church." In what could be regarded as the first step in implementing the strategy, Moriarty and Bishop Edward MacBurney, the retired bishop of Qnincy, visited St. Paul's Church in Brockton, Massachusetts, September 28. According to Moriarty, the parish separated formally from the diocese a year ago and was the first church to respond to the invitation issued in the Good Shepherd Declaration, published by the ESA after its post-General Convention meeting. Speaking to the congregation, Moriarty said that the ESA was offering episcopal oversight "on an interim basis, until the ESA council meets in November." Sources in Massachnsetts said that the diocese was aware of the "unauthorized visit." The Rev. Ed Rodman said that it was_ "a very serions matter," adding that the bishop and standing committee were looking into the situation. The rector of the parish has been convicted of misconduct and the case has been appealed. in the meantime, the parish is still under the care of the diocese . Moriarty said in August that the synod was likely to respond to a request from St. Paul's and added, "We expect that there will be other such visitations as appropriate requests from parishes come in:" The ESA also expressed the hope that, by the time its bishops arrive at the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops ne:i1t summer, it would be clear ihat ' an orthodox province .in North America would be a reality . "We will take our case to the Lambeth Conference of bishops next sununer and to other provinces throughout the Communion who are supportive of our cause," the ESA said in a statement. Moriarty said that "we are not sure . what that province will look like," bnt .he said that ESA was "working closely" with English traditionalists because they share a "general convergence in moving toward an orthodox objective ." Five hundred traditionalists met in London in late September at the fourth annual Forward in Faith conference and agreed to work towards an independent and autonomollS province in the Church of England by the next century. E,i;ecutive Director Stephen Parkinson said that one option would be a nnilateral declaration of independence, creating a province that would follow Anglican rites but seek affiliation with another confession. Bishop Edwin Barnes, of the "flying bishops" who now minister to traditionalists in the Church of England, suggested that an affiliation with one of .the Orthodox churches might be a possibility. A spokesman for the .Church of England said that a third province (York and Canterbury are the two provinces now) · in the church would need approval of the General Synod and, since the Church of England is an established church, it might need the approval of the British Parliament. "A global province might not be entire! y feasible," Parkinson told Ecumenical News International. Traditionalists were more likely to fonn a series of linked provinces instead, although he said that the support was strong enough in England and the U.S. to merit separate provinces. (ENS) SECOND STONE 9 · NATIONAL NEWS Cl'eeeh srn~nded with JllY, church members divided OMAHA, Neb. An Omaha pastor who performed a lesbian commitment ceremony in defiance of Methodist church law has been suspended for two months with pay. The Rev. Jimmy Creech safd his suspension was not punitive, but was taken to provide a "cooling down" period for his 1,900-member congregation, many of whom opposed the ceremony. Nebraska United Methodist Bishop Joel Martinez imposed the suspension. "He (Martinez) said he hopes it would be a time of prayer, dialogue and reflection for the congregation," Creech said. "It's intended · to be a way of facilitating resolution." The Rev. Don Bredthauer , the church's associate pastor, will be acting senior pastor. Martinez's 60-day suspension of Creech started November 10. Creech said the suspension means he won't perform any pastoral duties such as sermons or hospital visits . He will continue to receive his salary and benefits. More than 400 members of the congregation went public in_ their opposition to the commitment service Creech performed on Sept. 14. The ceremony was prohibited by church rules. Some members of the congregation have withheld their weekly financial offerings, and an Ogallala lawyer has organized a protest movement within the church in Nebraska. Factions in the congregation have already drawn the line in the sand. "We want to keep the.direction of the ministry .and our ministerial staff intact," said Mike McClellan, a leader of a new group called Supporting the Vision. · · "We think we're at a point where we United Methodist Church Judicial Council will hear case can change the ministry and get it back to what is in accordance with Methodist beliefs," said Bob Howell, a leader of a gronp that opposes Creech's actions. At issue is a mission statement adopted by the church's congregation at an all-church meeting in December 1996, six months before Martinez appointed Creech to the pulpit. "We welcome and celebrate the diversity of God's children," it says, in part, including those associated with all •sexual orientations. ''An integral aspect of otir congregation is the mtitual respect we .have for one another in onr diversity," it says. Creech has said that the ceremony he performed is consistent with the statement, even though Martinez ordered li.im not to perform the ceremony because church rules forbid it. In the church newspaper, Creech said again that those rules, set down by the national church, discriminates against gays and lesbians. McClellan agrees with Creech. He said that the mission statement sanctions "inclusivity without conditions" 'and that the congregation gave it its imprimatur when it approved the mission statement. Howell said the congregation was misled as to the true intent of the statement. The congregation has always welcomed gays and lesbians, he said. Affirming homosexual sexual relations is another matter. "To accept that vision statement as a basis for this action is ridiculous," he said. McClellan said his group will work to ensure that Creech's vision prevails and that the 53-year-old pastor returns to the pulpit. (AP) Pastor's action will test denomination's 'Social Principles' BY BOB LEAR PROPELLED I)'ITO PROMINENCE by a "simple and meaningful" ceremony in Omaha, Neb., a 20-word sentence adopted in 1996 by the United Methodist Church's top legislative assembly arguably is on its way to benchmark status in the denomination's continuing debate on human sexuality. Approved by a General Conference vote of 553 to 321, the sentence declares: "Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions · shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches." The words seem clear enough . Their inclusion in the denomination's Social Principles instead of in the part of the Book of Discipline that is accepted as binding church law raises sharp! y questions of their effectiveness. First adopted by Methodist bodies early in this century, the "Social Principles" today are introduced as "a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation ... " and are " .. .intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit." The status of the principles so far as binding church law is concerned never has been before the Judicial Council, the <lenomi~ation's high court. The 20 words were brought sharply 10 NOV EM B ER•DECEMB ER 1997 into focus Sept. 14 w_hen the Rev. Jimmy Creech, pastor of the 1,900- member First United ·Methodist Church of Omaha, Neb., conducted what he termed "a very simple and very meaningful" covenanting ceremony for two lesbian members of the congregation. He said the occasion was "a very intimate and worshipful experience." Several ofthe 10 specific charges for which a clergy person can be cited deal with sexual issues ("harassment, misconduct or abuse,» for example}, bnt none of the 10 deais directly with samesex covenanting ceremonies. There is. a chargeable offense for "disobedience to the Order and Discipline' -' of the church, and another for "dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of the church." The Social Principles state the . church considers the practice of homosexuality _ "incompatible with Christian teaching." Although the precise status of the Social Principles as binding law has not been determined, there are several Judicial Council decisions that might be seen as bearing on the issue. During debate 011 the _20 words in 1996 the court was asked to rule whether the principles was an appropriate location for the -statement. The court responded that placement was a legisla 0 tive decision outside the court's jurisdiction. In 1993 the Judicial Council ruled that an annual conference "has no authority to alter -the official rites and rituals" of the church. (The 1996 Gen, eral Conference refused by a vote of 628 to 190 to authorize same ,sex commitment ceremonies.) The 1993 court decision also held that "it is the responsi_bility of pastors in charge to perform their duties in compliance with the Discipline and be obedient to the order and discipline of the Church." There is a substantial body of decisions relating to the issue _ of homosexuality. Where individuals have been involved in these cases the court has gone to considerable length to see that due process of law is observed and the individual's rights protected. A specific part of church law prohi bi ts the ordination or appointment of "self-avowed practicing hoiμoi,exuals" as pastors. When the 20-word statement.on covenanting ceremonies was introduced in 1996, the Rev. J. Philip Wogaman, Washington, said "I doubt there's anybody in this room who fully agrees with everything in all <if the Social Principles." Wogaman said adding the 20 words to the principles was an attempted juridical action relating to "teaching tools." The Rev. Jackson Brewer, a Kentucky Conference district superiiltendent, .called the proposed wording "an enhancement" - of the Social Principles, and an "issue of great _ concern to lay people in our churches." The 20-word statement originated with Grace United Methodist Church in Newport, Ky., a part of Brewer's district. More recently a veteran - pastor and church _ official observed wryly to a reporter "there are numerous inconsistencies in practice · where 'the Social Principles are concerned" on the - part of bishops, clergy and laity alike. Reports on the ceremony in Omaha have sparked substantial -discussion on various electronic web pages. The ,Rev. J. Richard Peck of the"lJ~te<J Metlioqist Publishing House staff said it has been the liveliest topic so far on the fledgling -- Newscope web forum with a majority of the comments siding with the view that the Social Principles are not binding church law. Beyond the ·discussion, some groups are taking action : Earlier this year, a Covenant Relationship Network (CORNET) to support the right _of United Methodist , clergy to · celebrate same sex covenant relationships was formed by Affimiation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual -Concerns. Clergy are invited to sign a state ment protesting the 19% addition to tl1e Social Principles. The Rev. Jeanne Knepper, Portland, Ore., a co-spokesperson for Affirmation, said in late September an up-to-date tally of signers was . not immediately available. In contrast to Affirmation's action, Eastern Pennsylvania's Ladd voiced the opinion that "the concern of the whole society will not be resolved by confrontation and argument, but, hopefully, with God's overpoweriilg love helping us solve it." Alaska b~~E; fa,,.,,,.n\ P.O. Box 2888, 99645, 746-1WJ. HclNard H. Bess, pastor. A Welcomirg aoo Afmnirg Ameri:an Baptist Coogegaooo. Arizona PHOENIX (602). Casa De Cristo Evagfical Cllorch, 1029 E. Tumey,_ 65014. 265- 2831. Evangaooais Coroerr<>d WR, PO Bo< 66906. (:ll3)657-3593. Olive Tree Mi1istries, PO Box 47787, 85068-7787. 861-3424. ~=~ .. COmeralorle Fel""511p, 2902 N. Gerooimo, 85705."622·4626. Sun- :.vn:::-:.:a~ :=~P.6"(Riar~i:,s:,of First Christian Cliurc!i, 740 E..Speedtlay, 85719. 624-8695. Sun., 8:15a.m., 10:30am. PasllfNdliKaneko. FAYETTE'l1LLE(501) . OUr Ladt of Guada""9 Catholic Churoh, PO Box 832, 72702-0832. 444-9607. Sat, 5:3q>.m. at St Marhi's Episocllal'S1Udent canter, 814W. Maple. Fr. JosephPaliSmitq,asta. · California IR\IINE(714) lr.ine Ullted ChlKch of Chris\ 4915 Afton Pkwy., 92714. 733-0220. An Open & Affirming Corgegalion, proudl( prngessivo, i1tenlion- ~ =NTA (628) . . . Ewngai:als Concerned Women's Minislly, PO Bo< 94302, Pasadena, CA 91109. ~ .. O!'SOClleaotoorn. Weekly Bille sluj. ~G~ ~tap sessions. Chris1 Chapel, PO~ 4950, 92652. 376-2099. Evangaicals Concerned, PO Ba< 1452, 92652·1452. 451-3777. Toos., 7:~ .m. LAGUNA NIGUEL (714) Saventh-dav AcMlntis1 kins"" International, PO llCDc 7320, 92677. 248-1299. ~or Sewoth<l>y AcMlntist lesaano, g,,J men, bisexuab, 1hei'tamiiesaoo-. SAN JOSE. CALIFORNIA Non-Denominational • Bible_ Centered Sunday Service• - 10:30 am at The Billy Defrank Center 175 Stockton Ave .• San Jose, CA Past->r David Harvey • (408) 345,2319 http://www .lodsys.com/celebrate/ LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA Weary?? 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An Open andAflirmlngoongegaticilwi1hin 1ne United Churoh of Christ E-mai: lambdefoc@aol.com. SAN fRANCISCO BAY AREA (415) Lu1herano COncorned, 566 Vallejo SL, #25, 94133-4033. 956-2069. A~I . SAN JOSE (408) Calebralion of Faith Praise aoo WOJShi> canter, PO Box 5765, 95126. 345-2319. Sun., 10:308.m. at Toe 8lly Defrank Cents,, 175 Stockton Ave. First ChristianChUtch, 80 S. 5th St, 95112. 29+2944. Richard K. ~r= aooAffirming~. cloFirslChristianChuroh, 80 So. 5th St , 95112. 29+2944. SAN LEANDRO {51~ Fai1hfLlf G~I ~~- 15781 MatllertAve., 94578. 481-9933. ta~hotmai.oorn. SAN LUIS OIIISPO ca) MCC of Iha CenltalCoas~ PO Bo< 1117, Gr0\/81 City, S3483-1117. 481-9376. Slnl!y, 10:30am. Rev. Rardf A Lester, pas1a. WEST HOLLYWOOD (213) Evargelicals Conoemed, 833·6418. ecsocal@aof.com. Weekly lli:lle·studes, fur\ 1alowshi>. WHITTIER (310) · Good Samarilan MCC, 11931 E. Washilglon Blvd., 90606-2607. 696-621a Rev. Giro Chapman, pasllf. Colorado OENVER('J03) Evangali:ab Aeconciled, 331-2709. D1Str1ct of Columbia DISTRICT OF COLUIIBIA (3)2) Oiglitf, PO 8a<53001, 20009. 387-4516. Florid a FORT MYERS Al Saints Coogegation (lndeperdent), 2756 McGreg:x Blvl1 Mai: 1830 Marmie Ave., 112, 33901. alsaints@worsh~.com. Rev. Mi:hael Balfctr, pes1a. . INTERLACHEN {!IM) Be1hef Eva~tict.linistries, Inc., POB<Dc 1778, 32148. KEY WEST · MCC, 1215 etraia St, 33040. 29+8912. Sunday, 9:30, 11a.m., Wed, 7p.m. Rev. StevenM. Tooenai, pes1a. ~~~i=Cluch of Chris\ 34000.,,,,,, Rd, 33133. -1 . Sun., 10&.m. Ra<i>brolict:aston FM 93.1. AIDS outreach minisby, memorial Sffiices, holy llions.-All wifc:ome. www.faeative.oornlpl,moulh. PANAMA QTY (SO() . Familf of God WIYShj) Center, 1139 Everitt Ave., Ceder G,ove, 32«l1. 784-4851. Sun., 10~m . scotttgx:tlaol.com. TAIIPA(813) · Pentecos1als of Tampa Bay, 2023 ca111eman Dr., Braooon 33511. 651-1505. Georgia ATLANTA(919) :c=~mod. 286-731◄. St Ae~d ~rish, Sis. Sergus BOO - Byzantine -. ECC, PO Bo< 3191, 30031. 31-. Rev. Fr. JoeCirou, aanirisl! allf. lllmo,s CHICAG0(773) l~P08G<3232,QakPark,IL603tll-3232.34&-6362 :cMax!~n K.t7)ca1hofic Chllrch of lhe Ameri:as, PO Bc,c 1345, 62650-1345 243--1539. S111., 5:30p.m. Indiana INllfANAPOLIS (317) . HolyEtx:haris1Clv.llch,2070E. 54thSt,Ste. 7, 46220.251-4526. LAPORTE (219) · New Life Community Church of Hope, 5257 cameroo Dr., 46350. 778-9332. Fuft gospel, ewngalicaVcharisma1ic. Pastor Rardf o..,. can. Iowa DES MOINES (515) Word of God Ministries, P.O.'8a< 4396, 50333. 264-1515. Meets at SL Marl(s EpiscqlalCtlJrch, 3120 E. 24th St, Des Moines. URBANDALE (515) Uri1od Churoh of Chris\ 3530 70th St, 50322. 276-0625. Fax, 276- 2451. An Open & Aflrmirg (ONA) Coogegalion. Kansas ~~~ 1:.31.ns, 66604-0776. 232-6196. SE lndaro A1eat25th WICll!TA(316) WIC!Jita Praise aoo Worshjl center, 1807 s. Bloadllay, 67211. 267• 6270. ChtJd< Breclenridge, iJl!Sla. Kentucky LOUISVILLE(li02) Third Lulharan Chu/ch, 1864 Frankfort Ave., 40206. 896-6383. 5..,. .<lly, 10:304.m. TLCX2<tecunetorg Louisiana NEW ORLEANS (504) Frsl Jesus Name Cliun:h, P.O. Bo< U362, 70158-8362. An Ac1s ~T=~• Calholc Church of the Ameri:as, 717 Pa1ter• !O\ 70114. 263-5"12. Massachusetts CAMBRIDGE (817) OldCambndge BdslCluoh, 1151 Massacf'<lsetts Ave., 02138. 86+8068. Irving Cummings, pas1or. A Wefcomng aoo Affrmlng •Amero,n Baptist oongegalion. WALTHAii (817) LulharansConcerned, do Rard!N Rice. 1081/2Ches1'1U1SL, 02154- 0«>6. 893-2783. M1ch1gan ANNARIIOR{313) . &.":\t':~~ Milislly, eo2 Monroe, 48104 662·5189. Rev. DETl'lO!T (810) MCC, PO Bo< 836, R<¥11 Oa~ ~ 48088-0836. (248)399·7741. Meetsa1DllymP~nClmh, Sun., 108.m., 7p.m. FLINT(810) R- MCC, 1665 N. ChlMofel Ave., 48504-316-t 238-6700. S~1a .m., A5V,m. second aoo w1h sun .. ea month except ~t.g~ro~~~ erflJO(Jl,pas!a. Al sat/ Ajxlstofi: Catl'dic Cliun:h, 4653 Desmond Beac11 48059. 38W22◄. Ha{Eucharis1Sun.11a.m. LANSING(517) Oigity, PO Bt,c 1265, Eastl.llnoirg, 46826. 321-4841. Mmnesota MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (512) ~2:J.: ~~3=-~~me:i:~·i!t; affimirgCliristian caJlS8irg fa tanooexuals. LulharanoConcemed, 100 N. OX!ordSt, St Paul, 55104-6540.1166- 8941. . Wrg,pan Mirislly, 100N. Ox1ord, St Paij, 55104. 224-3371. MISSISSIPPI JACKSON(601) Safe Harlla Family Cluoh, 2147 Hen,y Hi Or., Ste. 203, 39204- 2000. 961-9500. Rev. James H. Becker, pasllf. Wkday.-359-6604: Eve:~. Sun.. Sp.m., Ac1JIISundeysctm, 61).m. Missouri ~ ~-::! t~~tuoh, 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway, 64119. 452-1222. C8Jlng fa peq,18 aoo aeation. Mary Gert,an, 001> :f ~A~ r, Cl10Sloongegalion . The Agape~ 2109Soulh Spring Ave., 6311o-3517. 664-3588. agapocluOaolcom. Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. Montana LIVINGSTON (406) Affima1ion (lmifadMetfms1s), 529N. 8th St, 59047. 222-4436. Nevada LASVEGAS(702) MCC, 1119S. Main St: 89104-1026. 384'2325. New Jersey t;':~{~6.thd~Churohof the Americas, 2191s\St, #1, 07302-286& 333-1094. bepy@aol.com. · · NEW BRUNSWICK (9!)8) PLGC, PO Bo< 38, reoo:l-0038. Plb: More Lig1t New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE (506) . MCC, 2404 San Mateo Pf., NE, 87110. 881·9088. Rev. Or. Fred C. Williams, pastor. Suo., 108.m. River of Ute Healing Ministries, 134 CltJincy, NE, 87108. LASCRUCES(506) Holy Family Parish of Iha Evangelical Aaji::an Church r, Amero,, 1701 E. MisswiAve., 88001. 522-7119. An indusivopenshq,en to all. Koinoria, 2162Doraro0r., 88011. 52H490. GayaoolesbiansprituailJ! Jlll4l. New York NEW YORK.CITY AREA ~Y0<1<Cffy1t11{212) BfessodV<{jn Ma,y Mission, 123 E. 15 SL, 10003. 228--0896. Sun., 1:15p.m. ChristianSdeooa Gr014>, clo4443rdAll9., 14, 10016. 532-8379. Gay, Lesoian & Affirming Oiscl:>les ARiance, clo Allen Hanis, H53A l.Bl<inglJnAw., 10128-2506. 2119-3019. ln!Bgi¥New Yoric, PO 8a< 20067, 10011. 891-7181. Gayttesbian Episocpoians. Meets eve,y Wed, 6:30p.m. ParxAvenueChristianChurch (Discjllesof Chrisij, 1010 ParxAvo. a185thSt, 1002a 288-3246.A Ylnnt,aealM!, aooclverseconge, ra~~i-=~-~=,01~ :.:f!~~=88-3246. Fwth Friday, 7p.m. HAYWARD , CALIFORNIA Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Worship: Sunday 5p.m: 15781 Maubert Ave. San Leando, CA 94578 (510)481-9933 E-mail: faith2felfowship@hotmail.com web site: http: //www2 . netcom .com/-itsame/faithfel lowship.html DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNIIY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O. !OX 1634 • D\YION, 00 45401 DISCOVER YOUR DIST/NY! AU ARE WELCOME meeis: 546 XeniaAve. lliyton, Ohio Sunday 10am. . E-MAll; RevSamuelK@aol.m VISit our Wro Site hnμ/ /www.h:lireaoLrom/revSllllUelk 937-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR SECOND STONE 11 New York UCCUGC, <:Jo Craig Hoffman, 1453A lex"',l100 Ave., 10128. 289- 3016. ' Queans(718) . · ;\"~ 1 n ~"{i;~'.:~~r9"' 4154, College Point NIAGARA FALI.S (716) Oneness Apostol~ Gospel Church, 1646 Niagara Ave., 14305. 284- 4509. Bro. C. Raierts. pas1a. ~J~:,call1olicClmll, POB0< 159, Chazy, 12921. 493-3272 ('IOiceandFAX). Rev. Fr. Micha<!I R Frost ROCHESTER (716) PLGC, r/oCartar, 111 Milum St, 14607-2918. 27H6'19. North Carolina g~~~;:rt~:::'L.1,/a'< laGay,lesbian E(!Jality, 5945 Reainan Rd., #205, 28212-1664. 568-6669. Garnett E. Phttls, oontact per.100. GREENSBORO (910) . Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensbao, 5603 H1Utop Rd., 27414: 856-0330. Mee1s at GTCC-Jamestown, Sunday School, 9:30a.m., Service, 1 o:30a.m. Barbara Cooke, pastor. h~:/hnembers.aol.oom/UUOJ TRIANGLE AREA (919) . . Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 H1llsoorough St, Rale,g,, 27605. 828-0897. M. Mahan Siler, Jr,, pas1a. Ohio AKRON(330) cascade Community ChUrch, 1190/1196 Inman St , 44306. 773- 5296. Sund!y, ,l).m. ?lb: cascacla Newsletter. CINCINNATI (513) lnlagity, 4905 ChalelDr., #11, 45217-1445. 242-7297. ~21~u~1~ls'.is"o/J~~19~chR;~ Drw~~a~rt:e;~~:~: ~~M~~cm'll'lion . Diglity, PO Boe 82001, 43202. 451-6528. lamb of Goo Argi::an Chu-ch, PO il<>< 164472, 43216. DAYTON (937) Community Gospel Church, PO il<>< 1634, 45401. 252-8855. Spint !lied, Chr~t centered. Meets Thurs .. 5p.m., Su~ 10a.m. at 546 Xenia Ave., Oayt~.Samuel Ka~r. pastor. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Safe Harbor Metropo litan Community Church Pastor: Greg Bullard Worship: 11:00 AM, 7:00PM Meets at: 2117 Union Ave. Join us as we Worship, Celebrate, Praise and Serve Jesus! POBox41691 Memphis, 1N 38174 Phone: (90 I) 458 - 050 I safehmcc@aol.com WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA BEA VEN'S TABLELAND . CHURCH of Williamsburg, Virginia P.O. Box 2674 Williamsburg, Virginia 23187 (757) 887-3719 Services held: Sunday at 1 :30 P.M. Williamsburg Regional Libracy Please call for further information. ALL ARE WELCOME AT THE LORD'S TABLE. l2 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER _l997 OUTREACH PARTNERS GRANVILLE (614) Fi"'( Baptisl ChUrch, 115 W. Broadilay, 43023-1179. 587-0336. Geage Willamson, Jr., pas1or. A Welcomir>;lardAff,mingAmerican Baptist C,orgeg,tioo. MANSFIELD (419) Center 1or Pastoral Care, 3180 German Chu!ch Rd., 44904. 758- 'lfJ77, 774-5377. FAX 774-9805. Suooay Hturg,>, 10:15a.m. Pastoral oounseliog; retreas. Oregon PORTLAND (503) Evarg,IK:als Cmcemed, 77.5-3386, 281-2764. Melar«lia PeaceCommunityUMC, 2116 NE 181hAve, 97212-4609. 281-&97. Pennsylvania ELWYN (610) Pilgim Feaa.vs~· ChUrch P.O. Boe 4306, 1.9063. 237-1367. Moels Sun alPhilada 1aAirpa1Com1ortlm LEHIGH VA (610) GraceCovenanJFebshi>, 247 N. 10111 SL, Anenta.vn, 18102. 740- 0247. Sunday, 10:45am. B!)<ll1 RC>Ne, pastor. Thom Ritter, music minister. Seriing lhe Lehig, Valley. PHILADELPHIA (215) Evarg,lalsConcerned, 725-7999. Unrted. Church CoaHtioo for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, PO il<>< 6315, 19139. 724-1247. Rhode Island PROVIDENCE (401) St. Peters & St. An<tew's Episcopal ChlKch, 25 Panona Ave., 02909-5255. 272·9649. Rev. Jan Nunley, recta and eo<00veoor of lnlegitylRhocla Island We are. a 'rairlx>Ycoogeg,tioo" of Christiars 1rom all walks of Ufe, with an active fntegi1y chapter, healing ard AIDS ministry. Se habla Espanol South Carolina COLUMBIA (803) Gay,tesbian CommunityCenter, 1108 WoocrONSt 771-7713 Lutherans Concerned, Mee1s third F~. 7:30p.m .• at PALM Center. USC. PO Bo< 8828, 'lfJ202. MCC Columbia, P.O. Boe 8753, 29202. 258-2154. Mee1s a111'11 Belle...wSt. il2. Sun, 11a.m. Rev. ParoaVcelker. ,.,tor . PFLAG, Mee.ls 1hird Thurs. every mon1h, 6p.m. al Canmunity House, St. Martin's•irHhe-F~lds Episcqlal ChUrch, 5220 C~mson Ave. . GREENVILLE (864) MCC, 314Lk>,dSt, 29601-14l8. 233-0919. Sun., 11a.m .. 6p.m. Rev. Mick Hinson, pasta. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA(4Zl) Joylul Sound Christian Fellowship ChlKch, PO B"' 8506, 37 414. 894-6224. Rev. ChJck. D. T~ pasb". Sun., ~.m. al ttie Unj.. tarian Uni\lefSalist Church, 3224 Navajo Dr. MEMPHIS (901) HolyTnnityCanmunityChuroh, 1559 Macison, 38104. 726-9443. Proctaming Gods love tor all people. ~~.;~Vlo\ittwater. PO il<>< 1312, Madson, TN37116-1312. 865-2679. Sun., 4p.m. Holy Trinity Community Church, PO Boe 218822, 37221. 327-4551. ='.~~ef:i';n2l1~1~:.~1~ Texas f~f:.t1 12d Minislries, Inc.; 9401 Grouse Meacb.Y Ln .. 78758- 6348.835-7354. DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA (214) Affirmation (United Melhod•ls) •. PO B"' 191021, Dallas, 75219. 528-4913. Grace Mllistries, Inc:., 4307-A Hollarxl, 75219. HolyTrinityCommunityChurch, 4402.Aosel!rdAve .. Dales, 75204. 827-5068. 'A home lor every 11earr servi<lg ~ Dallas leso~n ard gay community tor 18 yea"'. Silent Harvest Mnotries, PO Bo< 190511, 75219-0511. 520-6655. ELPAS0(915) MCC, 9828 Montana, 79925. 591-4155. Sun., 10:3Da.m., sp.m., Wed.,7pm. Unitarian Universalist Community, 4425 Byron, 79930. 562-4001. Sun, 10:30a.m. GALVESTON (400) Uni1anan Universal•! FelfONtl!), 502 ChlKch St, 77550. 765-8330. AH 1aiths a<J:epted. Sexual alentatioo respected. TYLER~ . St Gabriel CommunityChUrch, 13904 County Rd. 193, 75703. 581· 6923. Pas1or Doona R. Gampbell Utah LOGAN(801) MCC, POB<»<4285,84323. 750-5026. Sun., 11a.m. SALT LAKE CITY (801) 5acmdl.ig,ldChrist MCC, 623 S. 600 E, 84102·ll07. 596-0052. Virginia FALLS CHURCH (703) Telos Ministries (Baptists), PO Box 3390, 22043. 560-2680. MANASSAS (703) . Bull Run Uni1anan Unlversal•1s. PO Boe 2416. 361-6269. A UUA ~e&';;~~~~ . Foundations of Stone Ministries, 149 Nelson Dr., 23185. 229--0832. Teaching. seminars, retreats, revivals. Heaverls Tableland Church, P.O. Bo< 2674, 23187. (757)887-3719. Rev. Aclal~ L Barr, pastor. Mee1s Sun. Bouldary St lllrary at 1:30 p.m. Washington SEATTLE(206) lnllgily, PO Boe 2Qi63, 98102. 5:15-4668. UnlversityOrrgeg,lional UnitedChoo:hof Chris\ 4515161hAw., NE, 98105. 5:14-2322. Openty99Ypeoplea1aHlovels<illeade"'hi>- Wisconsin APPlETON(9211) Argabo1Hq)eMCC, 110S. locuslSt, 991-0128.Sun., 5p.m. Rev. ~~E~1:~}%20) Arg,~ of Hq,e MCC, 614 Forest St, Green Bay, 54302. 432-0830. Sun., 11am.,7p.m. Rev. Ken Hui, pasta. MILWAUKEE (414) I.U1heramCm:emed, POilo< 1676, 53201-1676. 481-9663. St camb HIV/AIDS Ministry, 10101 w. Wiscons~ Ave., 53226. 259-4664. . Natrona! ADVANCE CHRISTIAN MiNISTRIES, 4001-C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219. (2141522-1520. FAX, (214)528-1070. Thomas Hirsch, arecta. ~il~~\Wt~a"r:ion'.'1t=~(~)~9~-n Ca-cems, AMERICAN BAPTISTS CONCERNED, 13318 ClairepoinleWay, _ Oakland, CA 94619-3531. (510)465-8652. Vooedlhe Turt~ AMERICAN FRIENDSERVICE COMMITTEE (Ouake0 2249 E. BumsideSt, Portland, OR97214. (503h230-9427. ~.J;~t~~~:~~~A~~;:: MS~~ 81005, Seatle, WA98108-1005. (206)763-2469. apcallch@aol.oom. h~://merrbers.aol.ccrn/apcattdt · ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT.MINISTRIES; PO Box 8506, ~~fflo~~4~~=ti~~:1 BAPTISTS, P.O. il<>< 2596, A111eboroFal~. MA 02763-0894. V/F (808)226-0945. WABaptisJs@aol.com. h~Jusers.aol.oom/wabaptists. A network ol churches, organizations and indvidJals who welcome aOO advocate tor 1he full perttj)ation of lesolan, gay, and bisexual people wilhin :tJe~rs~:~:~=~~1. Costa Mesa, CA 92628. (714)641-8968. Marsha Stevens, singer/song.itriter. Suzanne ~J'il'R~/:t·NONITE PARENTS OF LESBIAN/GAY CHILDREN, Boe 1708, Lima, OH 45802. BRETHREN/ MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBIAN AND GAY CONCERNS, Box 6300, Minooapolis, MN 554-06-0300. (612)722· 6906. BMCooncil@aol.oom. h~:/IMwl.v.ebcorn.oom.txn<:J S,w,rt for Brethren ard Mennonile g,y, ~sbian, ard bisexual people, ard tooir paren1s, spooses, rela11ves ard lriends. Piblation: D~logJe C_HI RHO PRESS • A_ special WOO( of lhe UFMCC MiA::~~ : CO StWOrtgCJl!l 1or gay and lesbian P.O. Boe 60125, ~~re~~~~ CATHOLIC LESBIANS, P On Boe 436 Planetarum Stn., NewYort<, NY 10024. (718)921-0463. CONNECTIONS. SPIRITUAL LINKS. Seminars, workshcps, conlereoo, s on giel ardbereavement Rev. R~rd B. GitJert, cirecta. 1504 N. CamJbell St, VaiJaraiso, IN 46383. (219)464-8183, voice ardlax. DIGNITY/USA, 1500MassachusettsAve., NW, Ste.11, Washingtln. DC 20005. (202)881-0017, FAX (202)429-9808. Gay ard lesbian calholcs and 1teir 1riends. ECUMENICAL CATHOLICHURCH, P.O. Bo< 32, Villa Granda, CA 95486-0032. (707)887·1020, FAX, (707)887-7003. The Most Rev. Marks. Shirilau, Ph.D. Ptblication: TmTaliet. ECUMENICAL ORDER OF CHARITY, PO il<>< 257, Des f,,bines, IA 50301. (515)251-8254. An ecumenical, Inclusive reli!jous 0fclar of men ard women mnistering on lhe cutting ocg, of 100 gospel Website: www.cvt,erramp.neV"-Ctlaritv. E-mail: bkinnov@a(;tcom. EROSPIRff RESEARCH INSTliUTE; P.O. Bo< 3893, Oakland, CA 94609. (510)428-0063. Netwon<ol gay andlesbianecstaocs atenng classes and videos in erotic spirt!Uality. EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AMERICA, 2401 Artesia Blvd., Ste. 106-213, Redonoo Beach, CA 90278. (310)798-6720. EACA2AIACS@aoloom. National office ol aH EACA church oommunilies. EVANGELICALS CONCERNED, <:Jo Dr. Rapl, Blair, 311 East 72rd St, NewYort<, NY 10021. (212)517-3171. Pibli::ations: Review and Record THE EVANGELICAL NETWORK, Box 16104, Phcent<, AZ 85011. (602)265-2831. . FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GA I'S, INC. P.O. Boe 27605, Wastinglon, DC 20038.(202)638-4200. Serd$3.001a pad<e1 a inlonnation. GULF LOl'v£R ATLANTIC DISTRICT of ~ Uriversal FeUO.Shi> o1 ~!)~l~~~h~~~ 88~7J.!~~~::n::m~ GLADMCC@aci.com. Wetstte: h~1/w\wl.geocities.r:om/Westltot,wood'1490. FRIENDS FOR LESBIAN AND GAY CONCERNS (Cuakers) 143 GamJi,en Aw., Ithaca, NY 14850. (607)272-1024, FAX (607)272• 0001. GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS COALITION INTERNATIONA~ P.O. Bae 50380, Wastington, DC20091. (202)583-602S. Pltbtion: Net,,ak . GAY, LESBIAN AND AFFIRMING DISCIPLES AWANCE, P.O. Boe 19223, looanapolis, IN 46219-0223. (319)324-6231. For members of lhe Christian Ch"ch (Disciples ol Chrisl). Plbicalion:, Crossbeams. GAYELLOW PAGES ; P.O. Boe 533, Village Sin, New York, NY 10014-0533. (212)674-0120. GAEA T LAKES DISTRICT of lhe Unlvernal Felk>Ysh\J ol Metr<μ;f tan Community ChUrches, 1300 Ambri:ge Dr .. Louisv,lle, KY 40207· ~V/1BfJ:~fs21 6A~t~~~1 ~:~::· ~i":J~ste. 2QO, Washirgon. DC20005. (202)628-4160. . INTEGRJTY, INC., P.O. Box 5255, New Yort<, NY 10185-5255. · (201)868-2485. Ptb/catioo: Too Voce o1 lnl,gify INTERWEAVE, 25 Beaa,o St, Boston, MA 02108. (617)742-2100. A lay organizalm of Uni1arian U~versaro1s for ~sbian, bisexual, gay and transgenclar ooncerns. LIVING STREAMS, P.O. Boe 178, Coocord, CA 94522-0178. B• :m~~=~ERNED / NORTH AMERICA, Boe 1~1, Fort llearllomS1ation, Chicago, IL60610-0461. fllijicatioo: TheConcord ~~~D~s.,1_~~~~~/~~~~§,;;Ji'~~ ~c&f. 1107(718)273-MFSA. PLilliealor1: Social Questions Bulletin. MERCY OF GOD COMMUNITY, PO Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940-1055. (401)722-3132. Christan, Ecurneni::al and incluslve community of sisters, brolhers and associates. h~://mg,.orgmlJ). ~rC)Comm@aoL.com. NATIONAL Society of the Franciscan Servants of the Poor A Vowed Con1munity-;'· of Men and W~11 ' . il\.,,Go!pel Serylce, ::< .. · ·.· to tlie'J:hurch Univeisal' Mirli~~t!'" the-P.;_,tif~ed and .Dis~~frilnchis,~f.j;S~iety Follo(i1¼)11 !!.,a.Spipf of Saints fra~i:i,_.~!!J>Pqrf'o( Assisi For Mor• lnfor~ lipn\c,,;nt~ct Minister G\/afdi~n. FSP · . ., ·' t t 3 Pavonia . ..;~~,:3,s Jeis,y Oty. New Jersey 07310 EMail: CCAI f 96@ AOL.com KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at. ••• ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (Ncr1h of the River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am http: //www.sound.net/~pickle LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA FIRSf CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1.t.1 LONG BEACH . + UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST {.(:9) ·-··"' An Open and Afflrmin9 Con9re9ation We welcome you to worship in a nurturin9 environment. 241 Cedar Ave• Long Beach CA 90802 (562) 436-2256 • Fax (562) 436-3018 http:// users .ao!.com / revmek/index. htm 1 OUTREACH PARTNERS Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other evimt orloca, lion, there's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your area. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. After all the _rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? ': · Your church may have rejected you, but God never has. God's nature is to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes conuected with God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affirm gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. Does this meant .shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church.) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. There are manyChristian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although someiimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on . . Many mainstream churches across the . country have moved into positions of . welcoming and affirming gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't-reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility. Blackaby and King in "Experiencing God" say there are seven realities of a relationship_)Vjth.Q\>(I: I. God is always at work ar~uiid you. 2. ' God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. S. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He.is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. . I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something National RECONCILING CONGREGATION PROGRAM, 3601 N. Kee~r MORE LIGHT CHURCHES NETWORK, 600 w. Fullenon Pkw'{.,. ~·&.,~if.r.:li 60641. (77 3 )736-S526. FX (773) 7 36- 5475 · Ptillca· Chicago, IL60614-2690, (n3)336-0452,~ _pi,::l<e~ $12. ptl,. RELIGION WATCH, P.O. 8"' 652, North Belknore, NY 11710. A ~1-fc\~W'ci6i~Net<mN~rn~CESBIAN fE'r'~l1a~~:f~~=i:1sr~~X,i';i~11s Church, VA AND GAY MINISTRIES, alc!and, CA 94607 . . ·220,1;3. 500-2680. Fax,5000015. telosmin@erds.com. (510)465-9344. Newsletter nal conference. SILENrHARVEST .MINISTRIES, PO 80< 190511, Dalos, TX . ="J~a;CIL OF CHURCHES, 47; Riversi:le Dr, New iWiimb1tig'~=s. PO Bae 5204, Deertielc! Beach, Fl Yori<, NY 10115. AIDS Task Force, Room 572, (212)870-2421. r::.,t~~:r8372 . Deama Jaworsij, singet/songwriter, ~i :~18~"t~uii'ft·~J~d~Wf7t:;~i~ton Office, 110 SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONS NETWORK, Mennonite aoo Marw,ooAve., NE, Washingoo, DC 20002. (202)544-2350. Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. OPEN & AFFIRMING MINISTRIES, Gay, Lesbian end Affirming SCNetworl<@aot.a,m. A network of Menoonite, General COOfererce DisciJles.AHiar<e, Rev. Al~n V. Harris, c/o 1010 Parl< Ave., New Mennooite aoo Ch11ch of the Brethren corgegaliors which welcome Yori<, NY 10028-0991. (212)288-.1246. Nurtureaooedx:alion llrcoo- gay, lesbian aoobisexual members. i,egalions and other ministries of the Christ~n Church (DisciJ!es ol UNITARIAN UNIVERSAUST OFFICE FOR LESBIAN/GA y CON· Christ)whichseek to welcome and affirm lesbian, gay, and bisexual CERNS, 258eaoonSt, Boston, MA02108. (617)742-2100. persons. . UNITED CHURCH COALITION FOR LESBIAN/ GAY CONCERNS. .OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROGRAM, United Church Coolilion 1or 18 N. College, Athens, OH 45701, (614) 593-7301. Publication: Lesbian/Gay Concerns, PO Box 403; Hoi:len, MA 0f 520-0403. Waves (508)656-9316. Plilllcalion: ONA Cornmunkμ!. T9H1~T(~1~R1J~2~ raarj,~·he300s awr1ic1e· ~s ot•,Y,J •. lfthtio•prde~s•sr! UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 01lice 1or Church in Society, 110 Christians. ~.. . - -,..,- "' 000 ~- '" ~m~s\~/c~Q.i~~"d~~i/o21f1~~ -~tMUNITY OTHER SHEEP Mutticultural Minisl!fes wtth Sexual Minorities, 319 CHURCHES 8704 Santti Monica Blvd, 2nd Fir, West Hof~ CA N. Fourth #902, St Louis, MO 63102-1936. (314)241-2400. FAX 90069·4548. (310)360-8640, FAX (310)360·8680. E-mail: (314)241-2403. E-mail: {jhef?og®aol.a,m. Theological and edJca· ~=?~~t'o/'~~1tww.v.u1ma:..corn. ::!.f"'1' loca~ naliooalo/, and ~tematiooalfy sLllfl(lrting positive THE WITNESS, Plillishe<I by the Episcq)al Church Pltllishing Co., OAT~ATll"dM~=t/:Mi~r~~~~ 1222, ~5049WashngtooBlvd, Sta 3115, Detroit, Ml 48226-1868._(313)962· lndanaμ,lis, IN 462()6.1222 (317)251-4526. GU PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN & GA y CONCERNS, P.O. Box WOODS WOMEN • Acllenture travel for women, 25 W. Diamooo ;;8tbl~,!~=t~=:ooe (908)932-7501, (908)249-1016. r:(~~j~~:~is, MN 55419, (800)279-0555, (612)822·3609, powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbiaJ)S, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (fhere is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances, (The day will come when that Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? is no longer the case) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends; and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. Some gay and lesbian people who are November/December 1997 Outreach Partner Fund Report Second Stone's Outreach Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their communities. Participating ministries are assisted, when needed, by the Outreach Partner fund. As of November 4, 1997, the Outreach Partner fund: 1997 EXPENSES JANUARY /FEBRUARY ''fl - 308.77 MARCH/ APRJL ''fl - 456.93 MAY /JUNE '97 • 767.38 JUL/AUG ''fl - 466.26 SEF'f/OCT ''l7: Safe Harbor MCC - 70.26 Community Gospel Church - 39.00 Holy Trinity Church - 36.23 Celebration of Faith - 62.59 Holy Spirit Fellowship - 40.64 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 72.47 Faith Full Gospel Fellowship - 42 :52 NOV/DEC''fl: Heaven's Tableland Church - 60.00 Faith Full Gospel Fellowship . - 60.00 First Congregational UCC - 115.00 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church • 115.00 Franciscan Servants of the Poor - 60.00 Celebration of Faith - 60.00 Community Gospel Church - 60.00 Holy Spirit Fellow s hip - 60.00 Safe Harbor MCC - 60 :00 Total 1997 Expenses - 3013.05 CONTRIBUTIONS Balance forward - 2035.15• Safe Harbor Family Church - '1:7.56 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 58.14 Community Gospel Church - 35.00 Holy Spirit Fellowship - 50.00 Heaven's Tableland Church - 60.00 Celebration of Faith Praise and Worship Center - 166.91 Society Franciscan . Servants of the Poor - 40.00 Total 1997 Contributions - 2472.76 · FUND BALANCE - (540.29) SECOND STONE 13 NATIONAL NEWS Church a refuge for gays for a decade Gay-affinning Mennonite church shrnmed by conference BY GEORGE HA TZFELD GERMANTOWN, Penn. - In a meeting marked by civility, anger, historic significance and high drama, Franconia Conference leaders presented the outcome of the conference's controversial mail-in vote on sexuality and the position of Germantown Mennonite Church to the Germantown congregation on Tuesday night, October 14. Before it ended, by their own symbolic requests, a member of the congregation would be escorted _ outside by the conference modemtor, and the pastor of the congregation would be similariy removed from the meetinghouse by the conference pastor . Franconia Conference .delegates, moderator Donella Clemens and conference pastor Jim Lapp told the congregation, had voted 178-40 to eject Gennan,own on the basis of its stand on covenanted gay and lesbian membership, a source of debate and discussion for the past three years, effective January I, 1998. Reading from a letter approved by conference council, Clemens said the larger body took this action asking God "to continue to work among us and raise _new life out of the ashes of this time." But members of Germantown pointed · out that their real issue this time was less about sexuality and more about how conference leadership had submitted to pressure and agreed to use extraordinary tactics to avoid bringing up the issue again at Conference Assembly. A straw tally taken at last spring's assembly failed to produce enough votes to bring the question to the floor, which in effect kept Germantown in its associate member status, imposed in 1995. Since the spring non-decision, conference leaders said they had heard a "great deal of dissatisfac .tion»from many congregations unhappy with the failure to move Germantown out of the conference. The ballot-by-mail -approach was adopted, they said, to "help the conference move past this issue," and was not designed to avoid confronting Germantown delegates in the next assembly. ' The report in Germantown took place in its 1770 meetinghouse, now part of the Germantow ·n Mennonite Historic Trust and site of the oldest continuous in a secret ballot mailed from the safety of delegates' homes and offices. They expressed their dismay and disappoint ment that a decision of this magnitude could be made in such a inanner, after a joint committee of conference and congregation leaders had worked for two years to author a "third way." That way , a proposal to allow individual churches to decide for themselves on the issue of membership for covenanted gay and lesbian persons, was rejected by the conference council and was not presented at the spring assembly. Instead , the straw .vote was taken that resulted in a hung delegation. After spirited comments from throughout the assembled group, a . member of the congregation, Ken· White, asked Donella Clemens, as representative of the conference's action, to physically escort him from the meeting- Mennonite congregation in North Amer- house to express "in the only way I ica, dating to 1683 . There, on hard know how, what the conference is doing board benches .~fitting the difficult to us." At first Oemens demurred, but issues at hand gathere4 some 35 mem- finally agreed and led White to the door hers of the congregation ; old.and yolJ!)g, : as ·many members of the group wept. Pastor Richard Lichty then asked his conference supervisor, Jim Lapp. to conduct him outside as well, noting that the conference would be sending Lichty's pastoral credentials to the congrega tion when the vote takes effect in January. Lapp also was reluctant to perform this symbolic act of expulsion, but finally agreed. Clemens and Lapp then left the premises . The congregation continued to process the evening's events and closed with some hymnsinging. Lichty rejoined members of the congregation, but White would not re-enter the tiny historic sanctuary , preferring a seat outside near the burial site of a church pastor from the mid-1800s, and accepting hugs from exiting · Gennant~ wners. Some people confessed that they had wanted to come outside, find the exiled White and bring him back inside the meetinghouse . With a free-spirited wave, he brushed the idea aside. " I like it out here," White said. "I like it out here just fine." straight and gay. After the meeting was . ,,,- . · ,s-;. ..,,..---"-"-=----,---,----------------------- called to order by pastor Richard Lichty, ·" ' • :- ,-.~ Donella Oemens read the letter to the So · ·h '. · h. · 1-,._:_ eddin congregation . Ji1n_Lapp followed with [t).e C . l.1lC . es l.l1lllllg w . . gs comments on the conference's ·action and its interest in moving on. In quiet but moving statements, what followed was a dialogue that began with Germantown members' incredulity that a three-year open process had been ended tQ_proreg lxln on·gay ceremonies BY VICKI BROWN She complies with her bishop's wishes by conducting gay weddings off church property . On Refoonalioo Smlay Churches nail ninety-five 'Theses of - Resistance'' to door of Manhattan Church NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Suzanne Prince married Hunter Allen at a friend's .home. That.wasn't the plan, but the couple had no choice . because their <:hurch - &lgehill United Methodist - doesn't allow marriage ceremonies. The Edgehill congregation decided that until the United Methodist Church allows gay marriages, no marriage ceremonies of any kind will be _perfonned in The National Council of Churches has no information on how many indi, vidual churches perform gay marriage ceremonies, or refuse to allow traditional marriages to protest bans on gay · marriages. Southern Baptist Convention spokesman Herb Hollinger said he knows of no Southern Baptist churches that recognize gay unions or have refused to allow traditional weddings. Theology is left to local churches, but convention principals prohibit promoting or affirming homosexuality. he said. NEW YORK - On October 26, Reformation Sunday, local clergy and laity rallied at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church to reverse a hotly qebated law barring sexually active but"unmarried persons, including self-affirming gays and lesbians, from serving as ordained ministers or church officers. The action was taken -in response to a controversial addition to the Presbyterian Constitution, enacted at the denomina tion's General Assembly in June. that requires all ordained persons to be married or celibate. The Rev. Clifford Frasier, advocacy and outreach associate at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, stated that "Almost half of the 2.5 million members in our denomination are deeply troubled and opposed to the measure, as it becomes . increasingly clear how very painful and 14 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 divisive it is." For the Reformation Rally, ordained clergy and lay leaders · from churches across New York City, in the spirit of the great reformer Martin Luther. nailed their resolutions of dissent to the church's front door. Presbyterian Welcome, ''a network of New York City churches . and individuals supporting those who in good conscience must resist all efforts to deny God's calling or ·grace," pledged to keep these dissents in place until the current law is either neutralized or superseded . The rally also affirmed the numerous churches in the Northeast that have recently passed policies disavowing discrimination against gays and lesbians and reaffinning that the church indudes all people in open and affirming fellowship. their chapel. . . "If the United Methodist Church wasn't going to allow gay people io get married in the church, I agree that straight people shouldn't either ," said Prince, who's been married nine months . The Rev. Jan Nunley, rector at St. Peter's and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Providence, RI ., will preside over church weddings for straight couples. But she won't sign marriage licenses for them . "l was in considerable anguish over the fact that I can create a legal relationship for mixed-gender couples, but couldn't do that for same-_gender couples who've lived together for 25 years," she said. . The United Church of Christ allows individual churches to set their doctrines , so gay marriages can be performed. But .any church that opposes such unions may bar them , said Hans Holznagel, a public relations officer for the church. The Roman Catholic Church does not allow priests to perform gay marriages, while the Episcopal Church general convention hasn't clearly spoken on the issue, so the policy varies from diocese SEE WEDDINGS, Page 17 NATIONAL NEWS Resigned after speaking at gay conference · Catholic priest's farewell draws emotion, applause RICHMOND, Ky .• A Catholic priest who resigned from his parish on the heels of a controversy urged his congregation during ·his farewell Mass to have faith that all will tum out according to God's plan. The Rev. Kenneth Waibel had been pastor of St. Mark Catholic Church and the Newman Center at Eastern Kentucky University . He told a crowd of .about 500 people gathered for worship on the evening of November 8 that he did not want the parishes to suffer from the controversy that led to his resignation. "The di vine director will make it all work out," Waibel said. "We know that to be true. We have to hold on to that truth." The controversy arose after Waibel attended a National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries conference Sept. 5-7 in Long Beach, Calif. · Some parishioners read a story in the Sept. 18 issue of The Wanderer, a Catholic weekly newspaper based in St. Paul, Minn. The story said Waibel, during a session at the conference, "told his Major Refonn synagogue installs gay man as seniorabbi LOS ANGELES . When Temple Judea of Tanana installed Donald Goor as senior rabbi, the 900-farnily Reform congregation will be the largest mainstream synagogue to have an openly gay man as its spiritual leader. "I'm a rabbi· who happens to be .gay," said Goor, 39 ,' "but the congregation and · I have been ;able to.build a relationship . !Nhere fr isn't the primary issue." Goor was installed October 13 as senior rabbi. Although ihe liberal Reform branch of Judaism allowed ·gay and lesbian rabbis seven years ago, few have been chosen to fill assistant or senior pulpit posts, rabbinical estimates show . Goor insists his sexuality is secondary to his position, yet he . does not dodge gay issues. ''I'm 9omfortable discussing homosexuality . There's nothing that's hidden," said Goor, who has lived with ' the same companion for 12 years. Officials of the Tanana congregation' said Goor, whose father is a rabbi in New York, was an easy choi~e to replace ~utgoing Rabbi Akiva Annes, who retired July 1. "He's exactly what clergy should be · sensitive · to older congregants and involved with the youth," said temple President Michael Rudman. "He is not a one-dimensional rabbi." Only two or three out of about 350 people in focus groups involved in the selection process expressed displeasure about Goor being chosen, officials said. More than a year before Annes retired, Goor had been chosen as the future sen-. ior rabbi by a unanimous voice vote of tl1e congregation. · 'Temple Judea should be commended for looking beyond prejudice and stereotypes to keeping an outstanding rabbi," said Rabbi Janet Marder, the regional director of Reform Judaism's Union ofAmerican Hebrew Congregations. "He's a very, very gifted rabbi with strong social-justice concerns and Torah knowledge who happens to be gay." ,And when .Reform rabbis hold their . national convention in Anaheim next year, Goor said he will urge colleagues to approve commitment ceremonies for Jewish gay and lesbian couples. The issue was controversial at last year's meeting. Orthodox and other traditional Jewish leaders say homosexuality violates Jewish law, and tlius · cannot be 'integrated into the synagogue. Among these critics is conservative talk show host Dennis Prager, .who is .Jewish. ''I would have intellectual respect for ilie gay movement to .equate homosexual reiations wiili heterosexual relations if that movement took ·a different position on bisexual behavior · • because bisexuals have a choice," Prager said. 'That the homosexual movement supports bisexual behavior ... means that ilieir position is not at all based on the argument that homosexuals have no choice. "Rather, it is an attempt to undo the 3,000-year-old Jewish battle to make heterosexual, monogamous love the humanideal." Some moderate conservatives, however, have pushed for a more sympathetic view Of homosexual Jews. At the Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, for instance, a support group was formed five years ago for families of gays and lesbians. (AP) .audience he does not believe it is possible for a 'straight man' to fall in love with Jesus because of his inherent homophobia . "How can they fall in love with Jesus, who is a man?" the newspaper quoted Waibel as saying . The story goes on to say Waibel "also told of a priest friend of his who, when he was dying of AIDS; claimed he was visited by ilie Blessed Virgin Mary. She affirmed his homosexual lifestyle ." Waibel tendered his resignation to Diocese of :Lexington Bishop J. K1:ndrick Williams on Oct. 31, said Kathy Schmitt, Newman Center pastoral associate. "For his own good, he decided it was best to step aside," Schmi It said. "He felt that he did not have the strengili to · fight anymore ." Waibel took over the parishes in 1994 after serving as an associate pastor at St. Flizabeth Ann Seton in Lexington. Waibel said in an Oct. 26 letter to parishioners iliat "The only truili in ilie · article was that I attended the confer ence." He called the story a "bastardization of my message." In his letter, Waibel wrote that he was invited to ilie conference "because I have a master's degree in Spirituality and iliey felt iliat I could offer some insight for those ministering to gays and . lesbians as to how to · help iliem see Christ in · ilieir life and know that they are still welcome in ilie Cailiolic Church." "Perhaps I should have told you that I was, going to California to attend this conference," Waibel wrote. "I didn't because I was afraid of the repercussions that fear and prejudice around this subject often produces. I was· obviously justified in my fear but feel a need to apologize to the gays and . lesbians of our congregation for my lack of courage on your behalf . · "Before I left on my vacation I was asked to bless dogs, cats, turtles and fish in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Because I was willing to do this I got a pat on ilie back . Because I went to California to minister to those ·sisters and broiliers of ours who feel abandoned by ilie ·church and God I get stabbed in the back. I don't see ilie justice in this." Waibel went on vacation following ilieconference. When he returned he found that The Wanderer's story had been circulating in his parish and oilier churches, Schmitt said. "Because of this article my sexual orientation has been questioned, I have been accused of being a sexual pervert and some members of our assembly have even removed ilieir sons from ilie servers list in fear that I may be a 'child molester,"' Waibel wrote in the letter. Other parishioners hold an opposite view. "We believe Failier Ken," said Richard Jackson, a deacon at St. Mark. Schmitt said Bishop Williams will send Waibel on sabbatical for five or six months after Waibel leaves Richmond .' Masses will be covered by guest priests. Some parishioners cried during Waibel' s final service. Gifts were piled on a table, next to a bank with a sign reading "Going-away money for Fr. Ken." He used his sermon to make a request of ilie crowd "What I'd like you to give me as a going-away present is a promise iliat you will not leave this parish," he said. Many of iliose present responded with applause and a standing ovation Waibel, who appeared to wipe away tears at some points during ilie service, · also directed some remarks to the young men in the room, urging them to consider entering ilie priesthood. "Do not be afraid of ilie priesthood," . Waibel said . "It's the greatest thing I've ever done, and I can't imagine doing anything else wiili my life oilier than being a priest." (AP) Ecumenical & Inclusive :,~.,~.·.:,N\~'.t ,·~>'f' ·. :~ • lf\ l~ .:: _,' 'f ~. 'llJi ; .... . t-).1 .. ,1..: i '11\ '. i m.:, .. I!, We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconcili• ation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries •and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. · For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Fooisteps, please write us: . Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 · Mercy of God Community SECOND STONE 15 - ·--- - - --- . -- -- - - Churcohf Noiwayb lockasp irinting of gaysto churcohf fice OSLO - The Church of Norway General Synod, which gathered Nov. 9-14 in Trondheim, said that persons living together in homosexual cohabitation cannot hold church positions as consecrated pastors, deacons or catechists. The Synod asked the bishops to take this decisiqn into consideration in their ministry and asked the church bodies to follow up on_jt in their _appointments. It recommended the saine practice when it comes to other church positions with mostly preaching, teaching and/or liturgical functions. The Synod agreed with the Bishops , Conference that appointments can be MANNA, FromPage7 kept count of my tossings, the One who has put my tears in your bottle. Better to let God count on our tears. That way they evaporate - and we can go on to remember better things. So far we have talked of confession and repentance as a very fluid, water like process. We have used words like melt and ice and warmth and change. Confession also takes a harder form. It is rock certain. Repentance is something that. God accomplishes from strength as well as in process with us. The forgiveness of our sins is certain . I think of what Psalm 31 says, to God: "Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me." We need 10· be kept safe from our sins. The world needs to be kept safe 16 NOVEMBER•DECEMBERJ997 looked upon differently depending on local conditions, questions of confidentiality and unity or the conditions of a possible split locally. At its 1995 meeting in Bergen, the General Synod stated that it does not find enough convincing theological reasons for the Chnrch of Norway to change its present practice in regard fo the appointment of individuals who Jive in hoinosexual cohabitation. Neither did the Church of Norway find grounds to suggest any liturgic arrangement for a church intercessory ceremony for people . wholive together in a homosexual relationship. (LWI) · from our sins. we · need to keep each other safe from our sins. One of my sins is my temper. The people I love need· fo be kept safe from it. As part of my ongoing repentance, I need to collllt on God to keep me safe from it. I need the crag and the stronghold. I need to go in there and stay. I don't necessarily have the strength on my own to keep myself or others safe from my · temper. But through God, I do. I can borrow strength. When we sing the words that beg God to create in us a clean heart, we follow with "restore llllto us the joys of thy salvation." How do we know if our sins are forgiven? We know when we enjoy the joys of God's salvation. We know by the lift in our walk. The energy in our vision. The expansion of our sphere of influence. The feeling capable of making peace and justice. The hllllger for ways to be useful. The grace in our eyes. Our willingness to refrain from whining or accusing or tallying. We are restored to the way God wanted us to be in the first place. One of the loveliest old prayers, author llllknown, called in my life a Pilgrim Prayer, concludes a day with these words, Save me, I pray, for I am still afraid. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God 1 trust; I will not be afraid . Yon are my hiding place Yon will protect me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. CHRISTMAS, From Pagel How can we handle the conflicts and stress of the holiday season in constructive and positive ways? Does Jesus give us any help? Yes! Jesus endured his greatest stress and the ultimate test of.his purpose and mission in life during a holiday. He was betrayed, abandoned, tortured and mur. dered during the holidays! The Passover was the biggest holiday of the year in Israel. The population of Jerusalem swelled to over 2 million people during the Passover season . People were everywhere, just like Christmas shopping mall mob scenes today! In the midst of the celebration of Passover, Jesus went apart to be alone . in the Garden and prayed, "If it is possible, let this cup · pass from me . Nevertheless, not my will, but Your will be done." Whatever stress you face, Jesus has already faced it and handled it well. This is why the presence of the Spirit of Jesus in you will guide and empower you to handle your pressures and disappointments. Holiday time can be a time of spiritual growth and an opportunity for outreach in love and ministry for Jesus in the lives of the people arolllld you. Remember that other people are hurting and rieed you. Reach out to others. Give yourself"in phone calls, visits, writing letters, sending e-mail, and giving your time and your attention to people who need you. Most of all, share Jesus with others. If you are prepared to share your experience with Jesus, God . will give you the opportunity to give the greatest gift of all: the ·gospel of the · good news of God's love. Sue was a deacon at · Golden Gate MCC in San Francisco when I was pastor there. She met David at a homeless shelter and encouraged him and became bis friend. David had AIDS and was seriously ill. At about midnight one night, David called Sue from San francisco General Hospital and told her that he needed to see her because he was afraid. Sue went to see David and as soon as she saw him, she knew that he did not have long to live. David said, "Sue, I am afraid that when I die I will go out somewhere into limbo or something." Sue told David that he could have Jesus in bis heart and life if he just invited Jesus to come into his life. David asked Sue to help him pray . She did. David fell back on his pillow and looked up and smiled and said, "I think I have my purple angel wings now!" After a couple of hours, David asked Sue., "Can I go home now? I want to go home." Sue said, "Yes,. David, you can go home." David shut his eyes and died at 3:00 a.m. David was 16 years old. A week later, Sue called David's mother. for David had given her the • phone number . David's mother told Srie, "As far as I am concerned, David died 6 months ago!" That was when she had learned that her son was gay and had AIDS. Somebody needs you to be the family that has abandoned them because they are gay or lesbian. Your greatest gift to others is to be the loving hands and voice of Jesus to touch people who are ■ Somebody needs you to be the family that h~s abandoned them because they are gay or lesbian ... You may be someone's · ·only hope. wounded and in pain because of the homophobia and religious abuse and oppression that prevails in our society . Yon may be someone's only .hope. David is still out there. Look for him. He needs your Jove this holiday season. Jesus knew what it was like to be misllllderstood by his own family. He showed us how we can select the people who are to be our spiritual family and how to make good choices about who we let be close to us. See Mark 3:20- 21 and 31-35, . where Jesus said, ''Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." I encourage you to look at my web ·site on "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" at www.truluck.com for information that will equip you to llllderstand and help others with the encouragement and love of Jesus. If you write e-mail to me at: rembert@slip .net, I will answer your mail. Merry Christmas to you and to all a goodnight! WINANS FromPage8 ral. Just because it 's popular, doesn't mean it's cool. It's not natural. No, that's not the way God planned ." The sisters are getting heat about the song. "It is objectionable when you try to compare the gay lifestyle to violence and murder and general low morality," said Maria-Elena Grant, chairperson of the Lavender Light Gospel Choir, a_ gay gospel choir in New York City. WEDDINGS, FromPage14 to diocese.. The Rev . Robert Warren Cromey of Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco performs gay weddings, though his bishop opposes them . "I don't obey a bad law," he said. "Allowing an immoral law to dictate the conscious of the clergy is going right along with the rest of society in discriminating against gay people." The United Methodist Church bars its ministers from performing gay weddings, and they can face discipline if they do not comply. Edgehill's policy was -drafted when a pastor in Atlanta was disciplined for blessing a gay couple's wedding, said . Kathryn Mitchem, who chaired Edgehill's Administrative _ Council that adopted the policy. "We didn't · feel we were taking something away, m_ore that we were making a public witness to the denomination," she said. Deen Thompson, a gay congregant at Edgehill, said it makes gay members feel supported by fellow parishioners. "It's ·a feeling that the church is .making a statement about a wrong within the church," he said. Before 1996, some Methodist ministers conducted weddings for gay members. But the 1996 church general con- ADJUST, FromPage8 leads the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, also said he stands behind Northcraft. Four families resigned from the parish but four new families joined the parish and five families who hadn't attended recently returned , said the Rev: Catherine Munz, an assistant minister at St. John's for the last four years. "There has been a I ot of pain in the process," said Alan Giles , a vestry member. "But what I'm proud of is that "It's clear they don't have a clue about or understand the gay lifestyle, if they're getting their impressions from a television show. To write a song and attack a community they don't know, it's tiresome, and they're not coming up with anylhing original." Gospel station WPGC-AM in the Washington suburb . of Greenbelt, Md., has announced it will not play the song because the station has a policy not to program anything "that is offensive to any person or group of people." ference adopted a prohibition against ministers conducting same-sex . unions iii Methodist churches. "By every standard_ we know, marriage is a union of male and female, made valid in the sight of God by blessing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," said the Rev. Riley Case, pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Ind. O1Se is a member of the United Methodist Church Good News, a group that says it supports "traditional scriptural views." "If your primary loyalty is to the gay . and lesbian agenda and not to the scrip; ture or the care of persons who want . marriage ... I would question if they should call i\iemselves Christians," he · said. . The Rev . Jeanne Knepper of Portland, Ore., a spokesperson for Affirmation, a United Me.thodist mi1)istry of outreach to gays and lesbians, disagrees with the church's policy on gay marriages. But she does not believe individnal churches . should bar all marriages as a protest. "My sense would be not to take from those who can, but to give to those who can't," she said. Prince said she believes a change in United Methodist Church policy will come o!)).y if straight people demand it. "I think it's time for us as straight people to put our money where our mouth is," she said. "That sacrifice is how we're going to change the world." (AP) I think, as a group, the movement is not to condemn those -people that have left, but to love them." Part of the struggle reflects a congregation coming to grips with a difficult subject. Said Northcraft: "It appears to me that part of our call is shedding light on the issue of human sexuality." "It is my opinion that all the instruction in the world cha~ges very . little," Northcraft said. "What char1ges people is when they see you at work . No one ever asked me when they were dying what my sexual orientation was." (AP) In mid-October , a boycott held the crowd down to 125 people at Greater Bethany Community Church in Los Angeles at a service featuring the sisters . The church normally attracts up to 2,000 people. . Angie Winans says a young lesbiari ~rontedher after a recent performance in Washington . "She was very angry. She said, 'I don't appreciate you trying to make money off of dogging us."' Winaris said they didn't come to an agreement with the womari, but did convince her about their motives for the song. "We don't look at our job as a career," she said. "It's a ministry." In other selections of the 12-song album, the sisters talk about other ,issues. They encourage women to dress modestly in "Never Gonna" and take a stand against drugs and alcohol on "Rebuke the Devil." The "Bold" CD has been an hnmediate success, entering the Billboard gospel chart at No. 4 earlier this month. "I'm not worried at all about the ~ople who don't like it," Angie Winans said. 'They don't hear it, but that little girl that's 10 years old ihat's confused, she probably receives it, and it can change her life. u (AP) GAYELLOW PAGEr IIFORMIIII THE LESIIAI, Ut IISElllAL & · 11IAIIS8EIDERED COIIIIUIITY IIICE 1173 . All NltlHs -IICIHn SEPIIIITE WOIIEll'S SECTION Complete gay-friendly l9SGllltlS and busineSles: mmmodllious, bin, baClblolls, denllsls, doctols, iNyef1, therlplsts, Imel services, priders, organiDtions, media. religious groups, help lilesl IIY/AIDS !1SGUlttS. Llstillgsbru down by State & Cly. lndexlfal ICCeslphonelst. UPDATED ANNUALLY. USA/CANADA: $16 byflrst class mall Includes all states and provinces, national l)eldqlla,._ of (!rganlzatlons. mall order companies, etc. SOUTH/SOUTHERN IIIDWES'r. $10 by first class mall ~-~~DE,~-~~~~~~~~~ OK, PR, SC; TN, TX, US Vl1Vln I,, VA, WV. GREATER NQRTHEAST $10 by Jit1t class mall CT,. DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV. Find us at gay-friendly stores llke LAMBDl:RISING 800-621-69&9 . A DIFFERENT LIGHT 800-343~ '.a11if many others For an app:lclttori to be lltled (nqchlrge), CUllll1I ~ lild ~ ,ffllillng labels, etc., p1eue send a seff-addrnaed sllmped ll1Vllape to RenlllSIIICe Hou'1', PO Box 533-ss, VllllgeSlatton; New Voit, NY 10014 212-674'0120 Fax:212-420-1126 GAYELLOW_Pi\GES@juno.com hltp:/~com • Exciting Articles & Features • Color Photos That Take You There • lnfonnative Monthly Departments • USA & Wol1dwlde Destinations • Exclusive Travel Ustings OUR WORLD is the recognized montlμy magazine for travel enthusiasts. Unlike other publications, you'll find everything you need to know about gay and lesbian travel in our 56-page, all-glossy format It's all here: from New York to L.A.; London to Moscow; Thailand to Tahiti; the C1111bbean to the Amazon; and Key West to Alaska. So don't be left out,join 50,000 other readers-and subscribe to OUR WORLD magazine l!!;m you go! - including color photography. 1 year (1 O issues) $35. Send check, money order, or VISA, MasterCard to: OUR WORLD, 1104 North Nova Road, Suiie 251, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Tel: (904) 441-5367 Fax: (904) 441-5604 Internet: http:/twww.ourworldmag.com Money-b&dt guarantee. Firs! iuue mails in 6 :weeks in plain envelope. Outside USA 11md USS45 (suliace) or USS70 (airmai) SECOND STONE 17 ... .. ---- -. -- .....: Man drives thousands of miles to help AIDS Jxttients BY V A:LERIA SKOLD BEAUMONT, Texas - Vern Mastin .has missed most of the late-night TV shows the past seven years. In bed by 9 p.m. and up by 5 a.m., the 62-year-old native Kansan and former school ·bus driver has been slipping quietly out of his Port Arthur home 1vhile ,his wife, Charlott e , lies asleep inside, Before the rest of the neighborhood can get a chance to ha,·e their morning coffee, Mastin is starting up his old blue Dodge pickup for his daily 400- mile journey across several county lines. "I go to. places people don't realize I go," said the silver-haired senior. It's all part of his job as the "TAN Van Man'' for the Triangle AIDS Network. He picks up HIV . and AIDS patients all over Southeast Texas who would otherwise have no fiscal or physical means to get to their health _ care appointments at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "It's very _ .critical," Mastin said. "Some of them don't have any families or are disowned. It's di s couraging sometimes for both of us.". Mastin is known for more than his early rising and chauffeur duties. He is the group's first permanent paid driver since TAN started the transportation program in 1991. And as such, he has indirectly become a personal witness to the changing face of the fatal illness on the Southeast Texas population. "There has been a big turmoil in the last three years and i t's not getting better," he said. "We've e,ven got babies and pregnant women with HIV. I transport them, but it breaks my heart." When Mastin first started working for TAN in 1991, the group's white Ford minibus was brand new with 800 miles on it. He was traveling only twice a week to Galveston . And there were only a few patients on his pickup route. Now, with 174,000 miles added to the · odometer, Mastin is traveling three times a week with a full load of 13 patients . And there are more women and non-white passengers in his blis titan before. Mary Fisher helps launch 'Gospel Against AIDS' DETROIT - Mary Fisher took her fiveyear anti-AIDS crusade to an inner city church, telling worshipers to understand, not condemn, those witll the illness . Fisher, daughter of Michigan financier and philantliropist Max Fisher, began her anti-AIDS campaign after she was infected with the HIV virus by her exhusband . "At many churches , people learn more about judgmentalism tllan grace," Fisher said Oct I 9 at a packed Perfecting Church in Detroit. "God's children have not always behaved like God's children." Fisher was on hand to help launch "Gospel against AIDS." The program, scheduled for up to 20 cities across the country, is a joint effort of Fisher's Family AIDS Network and Perfecting Church's gospel choir. 18 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 Fisher, 49, contracted AIDS from her ex-husband, who died from the disease in 1993 . She lives in Nyack, N.Y. , with her sons, Max, JO, and Zack, 8, who are free of tile virus. She got a rousing welcome from Pastor Marvin L. Winans. "People have said I've been courageous . I just did what I think needed to be done," he said. "As a church, we want to help those who are sick . We want those who are dying to know they can come here for help, not judgment." Fisher made an analogy between the suffering of blacks and the suffering of AIDS patients - two groups originally shunned by many churches . "Men, women and children with AIDS have been stigmatized ," she said. "Either we're in this . together or we 're not in it at all." (AP) Although Mastin has seen the disease spread to different segments of tl1e population , his pa ssenger li st also reflect s the positive effect s: the increase of AIDS awareness, early intervention, and the medical brea k throu gh s tl1at of ten extend the life of AIDS patient s. Mastin' s day typically begins around dawn at 5:45 a.m. He drives 22 miles to the TAN office in Beaumont where he find s a blinking light -on an answering machine notifying him of any cancellation s. He cross-checks the names against a list of passengers to pick up that day. With the day 's itinerary in hand, he switches over from his Dodge picl...-up to T AN's Ford. In the past six to eight montlls ; tile minibu s has almost always • been full, ~aid Sherridan Tutt, executive director of tile Triangle AIDS Network. Mastin , along with volunteers who drive two minivans on a part -time basis, try to meet tile transportation needs of TAN' s 330 clients, but it's not easy , said Jock Hinrichs, transportation coordinator. Not only do they make three trips to UTMB each .week, but they provide daily transportation for clients who have errands to run such as picking up medication or paying bills , Hinrichs said. The TAN van is the only free transportation service exclusively for AIDS visits to UTMB in Galveston, which provides everything from primary care to experimental drug treatnlents under clinical trials. Jefferson, Liberty and J aspe r counties also provide transportation , but tlleir vans quickly fill up witll non-AIDS cases , Hi1uichs said. The hardest part of Mastin' s job is not the driv e. He said he was used to putting 30 ,000 miles on a pickup ever y year while putting up h ay on his farm in Kansas. When he wasn't driving his trusty pickup, he was behind the wheel of a school bus. The hardest thing about his daily 400- mile road tours is he can put in 40-plus hours in just thre e days. That means sometimes walking through the door of his Port Arthur home as late as mid night after having stayed with a patient undergoing an infu sion or chemotherapy · treatnlent. Wailing time is ju st part of the job, Mastin said. He's the only one who will. The tliree county vans tha t provide transportation to UTMB for indigent care patients leave at either 3 or 4 p.m. on the dot, with or without the patients. Mastin, on the other hand, rounds up tile group , taking tllem to the different floors, · making sure they are where tlley're supposed to be, and staying until he has to. " If you don't get them in, you don't get them out," Mastin said "The _ county van would leave them if they're not done . I only do that if they're goofing off . You only have to do it once, then tlleyremember." "If they'll let me, I'll drive til' I'm about 65," added the now SocialSecurity eligible Martin. "I'd miss . it. " (Beaumont Enterprise) Christian church leaders need to do more to fight AIDS, clergy say BY OLIVER TEVES MANILA, Philippines - Christian churches should do more to help the global fight against the spread of AIDS; participants in an international conference on tile disease said Oct. 28. Speakers at a session on the response of religious organizations to AIDS said ordinary members of the clergy are often lJlOre active tllan high church officialsin promoting AIDS awareness programs and the use of condoms, which are opposed by the Catholic hierarchy and by some Protestants . "By and large the response of the churches has been inadequate and has in some cases even niade the problem worse," said Sister Emmy Frances , secretary · general of the Council of Churches of Fiji. Sister Emmy, a member of the Catholic Sisters of Compassion, was addr essing the 4th International Congre ss on AIDS in Asia and t_he Pacific held during the last week in Oct~ber in Manila . About 2,500 delegates from 65 countries attended. Sister Emmy said some churches have be.en slo,.;, to respond to tile problem of AIDS because of their "ignorance and 1mease" in discussing human sexuality and a traditional emphasis on spirituality. "Through their silence, many churches share the responsibility of tile fear that has spread all over the world more quickly tlian the virus itself ,0 she said. Eliza Fung of the AIDS program of Anglican St. John's Cathedral in Hong Kong said there has been "no clear direction" from the leadership of Christian churches in Hong .Kong on how to respond to AIDS. She said a recent survey among Christians in Hong Kong showed a high awareness of tlie disease, but found tllat many believe tha t AIDS is "a punishment from God ." (AP) AIDS WARRIORS AND HEROES BlacksmustcrusadeagainstAIDS, fonnnμnticiμmtsronclude RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK , N.C. Blacks must mount an all-out crusade against AIDS, a group of poli ticians, educators, physicians and others concluded during an unprecedented forum . " An alarm needs to be sounded in our community," said Brenda CrowderGaines, a North Carolina state HIV prevention worker. "We as African Americans live in perilous time s. AIDS is killing us." Although blacks make up only 22 percent of this state's population, they are far more likely than whites in North Carolina to develop AIDS . The more than 150 people who gathered for the forum concluded that too little is done to stop the spread of the disease, which can be preveuted. Forum participants - most of whom were black - endorsed three preventive measures that focus · on the need for change in local schools and the state legislature : -School boards should override a state rule that limits sex education lo lectures on abstinence. Sexually active teenagers urgently need explicit information on how to protect them selves from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. -The state should legalize monitored needle exchanges - taking HIVcontaminated needles out of the hands of illegal drug users by trading dirty hypo dermics for clean ones. Twenty-five states already permit such programs . -Lawmakers should invest $1 million in community-based intervention programs to reduce AIDS. The state now spends only federal money on such efforts. Ryf:_ n w_ hite Foundation announces rec·pients of 1997 angel awards , INDIA APOLIS - Miss America 1998 Kurth , who play s Ned Ashto n on Gen- Kate S hi ndle is among those who will eral Hospital , also will recei ve an award be pres:ented with an angel aw ard from during the 1997 Ryan's Angels Celebra- The R an White Foundation for her lion on Dec. 5. · efforts in promoting AIDS education , , The band did a four-city concert tour officials said. to benefit the Ryan White Foundation Shindle will trave l across the country and a local pediatric AIDS charity in speaking on HIV /AIDS prevention edu- Boston , San Diego, Cleveland and Chication .I Her platform is titled, " On th e ca go . The tour raised more than Wa y to a Cure : preventing HIV Trans- $100,000. mission in America." The 20-year-old Northwestern Uni versity senior has endorsed controversial AIDS prevention tools such as condom distribution in schools and providing clean needles to drug addicts. White died of AIDS in 1990. While battliq.g · the disease he contracted through a transfusion of blood products, the lncliana teenager kept a guardian angel night light by his bed as a symbol of . hope. He would have been 26 in December. Kurth & Taylor Band, featuring Wally Other honorees include "Kurth & Taylor Tour for Kids " national chairpersons Anne Bonner and Bien Marie Rossano, Dick's Last Resort, Kahlua, Phi Theta Kappa and the DREAM Team from Shrewsbury High School in Shrewsbury, Mass. . Ryan's Angel A wards are presented annually by the Ryan White Foundation to recognize those persons or organiza tions that have been special angels to the foundation or . its mission of youth HIV/ AIDS education. (AP) Trainer of AIDS workers presented Rosalynn Carter award AMERICUS, Ga. - Ronald Sunderland, who devised a plan to train volunteers to assist people with AIDS, was presented the Rosalynn Carter Caregiviug Award on Oct. 30 . Sunderland, 68, vice president of the Foundation for Inter -Faitl1 Research and Ministry in Houston, was honored at the annual conference of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development at Georgia Southwestern University . The former first lady presented tlie award to Swxleiland, a -native of Australia, who established a program that has trained more than 3,500 caregivers in teams . More than 1,700 people ,vith AIDS have received help. Sunderland also has iniiiated a griefbereavement care team .project. (AP) "W e must turn up th e heat on our elected official s to get them to face this and what needs to be done," said state Rep. Thomas Wright, D-New Hanover . Wright knows better than anybod y how delicate that chore could be. In spite of support from top state health officials, including health director Ron Levine, Wright was unable to get a needle- exchange bill passed during the last legislative session. Lavonia Allison, a member of the politically influential Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, told forum participants !Bat they must think like politicians when grappling with this issue. That means lobbying their local school board members and all state legi slators , she said. "Bected offic ials are the re to represent your inter es ts," she said . "If you are not there talking, they don 't know wh a t your interests are. " While the numbers of ne w reported HIV cases dropped slightly in the pasi three years , thousands of North Carol inian s are still getting infect ed. Sta te . publ i c he alth offi cials counted 3 .3 78 new cases between 1994 and 19%, compared to 3,697 in the previous three years. Nationally, blacks make up the largest singl e ethnic group among new cases of AIDS . In North Carolina, blacks make up the majority. Eighty-three percent of women and 73 percent of men newly diagnosed with the vjrus are black , according to state figures . AIDS is now the most frequent killer of black men between the ages of 15 and 44 in North Carolina . The vast majority of HIV-positive women who give birtl1 to infected children are black. Not all blacks are equally at risk, said Evelyn Foust , who runs the state's HIV ' prevention unit. The virus spreads fastest among the poorest , she said. "Many persons who are minoritie s live in impoverished conditions," Foust said. "Thi s virus takes advantage of people who don' t have strong economic support ." T he forum was sponsor ed by the Washington - b a sed Joint C enter for Political and Economic Studies, which a ttempts to increase black involvement in public issues . (AP) Do you know the sixth leading cause of death among 15-lll~year-olds in the United \tates? YOUR CONGREGATION CAN TALK TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HIV/AIDS ·. "BROKENNESS TO WHOLINESS" AN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 15-18 A Project or the Luther.111 AIDS Network supported by the Centers for Disease Control .and Prevention and the AIDS N:irion:il Interfaith Ner.~ork Fo r further infonnnti on about th e curriculum, call the Luthcnm AIDS Network @ 415.92 8 .7170 ext. 4 "ITM~l aotntOOllk-•n f■ wllio:k'OO!!A1)1111 l!lflt GI] m!ffd ti ~ll!!llli:i rtNtlllll/11(111 dil<lllill ii I li!Hllri, Ilia minlllttt." Jotll.lllidaf lil<llilldllw.tl'nlr,III C.11nlllilillnly-l/llolli1 SE C O N D STONE 19 UFMCC adopts new mission, vision statements LOS ANGELES - The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) has announced adoption of a new mission and vision statement. The new statemen .t was adopted during UFMCC's recent General Conference XVIII in Sydney, Australia. The new UFMCC mission statement reads: ''The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is a Christian Church founded in and reaching beyond the Gay and Lesbian communities. We embody and proclaim Christian salvation and liberation, Christian inclusivity and community ,and Christian social action and justice. We serve among those seeking and celebrating the integration of their spirituality and sexuality." "With the adoption of this new mission statement, UFMCC became the first Christian denomination in history to proclaim the "intepation of spirituality and sexuality" as part of its intrinsic mission," said the Rev. Troy D . Perry , • moderator of the denomination . The new vision statement enacted in Australia reads: "The vision of the UFMCC is to embody the presence of the Divine in the world, as re ve aled through Jesus Christ; to challenge the conscience of the uni versa! Christian Church; and to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of each person. As we move toward this vision, by 2003 , the UFMCC will be comprised of at least 70,000 mem - I· The Erotic Contemplative Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian By Michael B. Kelly . A SIX VOLUME STIMULUS FOR LIVING, LOVING ,\ND PRAYER: 1) Our Experience (75 min) 2) Revisioning Sexuality (80 min) 3) Exodus and Awakening (75 min) 4) The Desert and the Dark (88 min) S) Liberation (84 min) 6) The Road from Emmaus (63 min) The six volume video set is $199.00 Order through: EROSpirit Research Institute P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans LA 70182 "The Erotic Contemplative is the most powerful and insightful study of gay spiritualjty that I know of. I have watched "The Road -From Emmaus" (tape 6) three times and still find new riches ." -- JOHN J;McNEIL, PH.D., author of The Church and the Homosexual. "In my theology classes, both gay and straight seminarians benefit from Kelly's integration of sexuality with ·christian mysticism ." -- RoBERT Goss, PH.D., author of Jesus Acted-Up. "An excellent resource ... a worthwhile investment." -- BONDINGS, a publication of New Ways Ministry . "The Erotic Contemplative video course has helped gay men and lesbians who grew up as Christians move toward healing the wounds of the past." -JosEPH KRAMER, M.D1v., EROSpirit Research Institute . "This work should be considered essential to anyone serious about their sexuality/spirituality and mandatory for anyone who in any way acts as a spiritual director for gay and lesbian people." -- Mox:e Light Update. • More detailed informatiori about each video is available upon i-equest. Also available in Pal • the Europeao/Australlan format. California residents add 8.25% sales tax. U.S. shipping charge: $5.00. International shipping charge: $35.00. © 1997, EROSpirit Research Institute. 20 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 bers and adherents who are all called and equipped to minister with excellence. This diverse global body will be widely recognized as a prophetic light and driving force for an inclusiv e Christian spirituality which celebrates the integr ation of spirituality and human sexuality. Through our strengthened local churches, we will meet the justice and faith needs of people in increasing numbers of countries and cultures." "Four points in this vision statement are especially noieworthy," said Perry . ''This new document calls us to. impact · the universal Christian Church w ith our message of hope and affirmation for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender ed persons. It calls us to fulfill our vision to double membership in a decade. It calls UFMCC to establish spiritual outposts in addit i onal countries -and cultures. And it reemphasizes our commitment to the positive integration of sexuality and spirituality." Names Makin News Sosa confirmed fourth non-U.S. UFMCC elder, first from Mexico THE REV. JORGE SOSA has been appointed to the Board of Elders of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Sosa has served as Senior Pastor of l.C.M. Reconciliacion (Reconciliation MCC) in Mexico City since 1991, and is UFMCC Area Coordinator for Mexico and Central America. "The Rev . Jorge Sosa has made vain- Events Announcements in this section are provided free of.charge as a service to Christian organizations . .To have a11 event listed, send information to Seco11d Stone, P.O. Box 8340, . New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)899,4014, email secsto11e@aol.com. ' Surfacing Our Souls: A Study of Families, Fear, and Faith NOVEMBER 28-30, A weekend retreat to e11plore: how we grow and develop in family_ systems; how our faith and spirituality grow in s.tages; and what the Bible says about homosexuality. To be held at the Bishop Booth Conference C~nter in Burlington, Vennont. Cost is $155 - $195 per person. For information contact Triangle Ministries, Rev. Chrfstine S. Leslie, M.Div., 14 White Birch Lane, Williston VT 05495, REVCSL@aol.com (802) 860- 7106, http://members.aol.com/revcsl Weekend Retreat; "Having The Holy In Our Holidays" DECEMBER 19-21, A· weekend·retrea.t for members and friends of the gay, lesbian, bisel<ual and transgender community . Gather ·to explore naming and claiming The Holy in your Holidays. The Bishop Booth Conference Center in Burlington. Vermont, is the setting. Cost per person $155~$195. For information contact Triable contributions to the people of Mexico, and to the larger work of UFMCC," · said the Rev . Troy D. Perry, moderator. "From his work in founding Accion Humana por la Comunidad (Human Action for the Community) to his service in establishing support programs and home health care training for persons with AIDS, Jorge .Sosa · has demonstrated the love of Jesus Christ to the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities ofMe,tjco." Sosa is the first non-elected elder in the denomination's 29 year history, and the fourth from outside the United States . He will fulfill the unexpired term of the Rev. Wilhelmina Hein. angle Ministries: A Center For Lesbian & Gay Spiritual Development. Rev. Christine · S. Leslie, M.Div., 14 White Birch Lane Williston , VT 05 .495, REVCSL@aol.com, (802) 860-7106. Charismatic Conference JANUARY 23-25, 1998, Holiday Inn Long 'Beach Airport, Long Be~ch, is the setiing as MCC Long Beach hosts this conference, themed ."Lift up your heads ... that the Ruler of Glory may come in. • (Psalm 24:7) Guest Speakers include: Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry: Rev. Elder Don, aid Eastman: Rev. Elder Freda Smith, River . City MCC Cathedral of Promise, Sacra-. mento, CA: Rev. Pat Bumgardner, MCC New York, NY; Rev. Bradley Wishon, Gentle Shepherd MCC, Phoenix, AZ; Rev. Janet Parker, Maranatha Fellowship MCC, Houston, TX; Rev. Lee Thompson, Abundanr Grace Fellowship, Covington, LA; Rev. Joan Wakeford, Joan Wakeford Min, istries, Austin, TX: Rev. Sandra Turnbull, MC<;: Long Beach, CA; and Chadash Ministries, Riverside,CA. For information or registration, contact: MCC Long Beach, 3840 Cherry A venue, Long Beach, CA 90807 , (562) 426-0222, Fax, (562) 426- 8321, E-mail: MCCLB@aol.com. CHRISTIANC OMMUNITYN EWS Names Makin News Connecticut woman is new leader of UCC' s lesbian/gay coalition THE REV. MITZI N. EILTS of Guilford, Conn. has taken office as national coordinator of the United.Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. Eilts, 45, was ·elected to the staff position at the coalition's annual gathering this past snmmer in Columbus, Ohio. The UCCL/GC is one of 20 ·national special interest groups in the 1.5-million-member United Church of Christ. Eilts sees the coalition as "an essential and critical ministry for renewal of the United Church of Christ and within Protestant Christianity." "The issues of sexual orientation and identity require us to become biblically and theologically literate, not just about sexuality and spirituality, but more broadly, to claim our faith critically both in the context or our covenanted worship community and with an ear to the wider circle of those who are stranger to us, yet one within God's circle," Eilts said. For the past five years, Eilts has been Rev.· Mitzi N. Eilts coordinator of church-college relations for the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, the U.S. ministries ann of the UCC. "My hope and intention is to work with the membership of th~ coalition, and with local churches, ecumenisal partners, and persons active in the gay and transgender movement to transform society's and the church's understanding of how faith and sexnal identity critically inform each other," she said. Church&Or anizationNews New religious community dedicated THE SOCIETY OF the Franciscan Servants of the Poor was dedicated on October 4. The non-canonical religions, charitable, non-profit community of men and women in service was dedicated on the Feast of St. Francis as Assisi. The mission of the new religious community is "to bring renewal to the church a.t large by serving all of God's people, especially the poor, neglected and disenfranchised from all walks of life." While the new community is not affiliated with any denomination, its members seek to be at peace with all and draw advisors and mentors from other Franciscan communities in the Catholic, Roman and Independent branches, and the Anglican/Episcopalian traditions. The FSP community has a two and a half year period of inclusion for the individual. wishing to join the vowed community. Affiliate options are also available for meii and women who do not desire vowed membership. Currently members minister in the areas of HIV/AIDS, liturgical/sacramental ministry and police chaplaincy. For information, readers may contact: Minister Guardian, Society of the Franciscan Servants of the Poor, 113 Pavonia Ave. #335, Jersey City, NJ 07310. SECOND STONE 21 'Murphy's Commandments' pokes good fun at church life Books BY DAVID BRIGGS "LEf SLEEPING dogmas lie." "If you can't walk on water, don't rock the boat" · "The more a pastor works for change in a congregation, the more likely the congregation will change pastors." You have heard of Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will." These are "St. Murphy's Commandments," observations about church life collected in a new paperback book by the Rev . Ron Birk, consulting°editor of the Joyful Noiseletter in Portage, Mich. · Birk, a professional speaker and go11t rancher who served ·for 20 years as Lutheran campus pastor at Texas A&M and Southwest Texas State University, has been around long enough to know. things are not always what they seem in• church life. And sometimes it is easier to laugh than be frustrated by the foibles of religious folk. "It's not the way it ought to . be. · It's the way it is," ·Birk said in an in_terview. "We talk about the _ communion of saints, but it's also the communion Of sinners . And you've got to accept that fact." In the book from LangMarc Publishing of San Antonio, Texas, illustrations by David Espurvoa accompany Birk's humorous advice to remind pastors and laypeople that everyone falls short of perfection. For example, there is "The First Myth of Organized Religion: Religion is organized." And St. Murphy 's Commandment: "Anything a preacher says that can be misunderstood will be misunderstood. " And "The I-Move-We-Adjourn Axiom: One of the major causes of church meetings is church problems." Its corollary: "On~ of the major causes of church problems is church meetings ." Birk said he hopes readers laugh and have a good time , but also use the humor to reflect on how to avoid or correct the problems the book satirizes. "This is a 'ha-ha' book, but it's also an 'ah-bah' book. It's my own personal hope people will not only enjoy it, but people will stop and think why that situation happens in the church," Birk said . "If I have an author's hidden agenda, it is to make people think ." (AP) Kennedy CD well foryoursoul Music "THERE'S NO PLACE like home," says Don Kennedy of his new CD, "Come Home," a compilation of eclectic music for the soul. The Dallas resident has recent! y completed and released this, his first CD. Disco, jazz, contemporary gospel , classical, folk, simple standard hymns, one love song and a symphonically arranged version of "It Is Well" included on this recording are typical of the range of the artist's vocal versatility. Kennedy produced the CD himself ..yi\h most arrangements done by Danny Ray, also of Dallas. "I have aspirations of being the first openly gay Christian gospel singer carried by a major label," says Kennedy. though he doubts the label will be from the gospel music industry itself . "I think the publicity it would generate could be beneficial in letting many gays and le.sbians in our community hear for the first time churches do exist 22 NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 for the spiritwil welfare of our community," Kennedy says. Kennedy studied music and majored in Don Kennedy 'Courage to Love' author recollllts heresy trial BY DEBBIE WOODELL RELIGION NEED NOT be the enemy of the gay community. Just speak with Barry Stopfel and Will Leckie - two gentle men of spirit and grace. Each is an ordained clergyman - Stopfel a1J. Episcopal priest; Leckie , his partnel", in the United Church of Christ. Both are gay . . Stopfel's ordination as a deacon in 1990 eventually led to a failed attempt last year to bring heresy charges against the bishop who ordained him, Walter Righter . Now, they have shared their private moments from that public ordeal in a book, "Courage to Love" (Doubleday). "We had to get our story out - the whole story - because it was important that people know the depth of what we went through and not just what was in the press," Leckie said in July as the two visited Philadelphia for ihe Episcopal Church's General Conference. The book details their life together and how their love toward each other and of ·God withstood the firestorm of controversy . Their story has toilcbed many. "I think to the extent that people see . themselves in our story, the book is a success," Leckie said. "We get letters every week from strangers - strangers - that say. 'Thank you for . writing this book.' voice at-the University of Texas in Austin. His singing actually began at an early age at the encouragement of his maternal grandmother. He began singing solos in church in his early teens. Not knowing what to pursue upon entering college, he sang in several choirs and studied voice for pleasure. His . introduction · to classical vocal music hooked him on art song and opera. The rest is history. His natural love of gospel music which includes Black, Bluegrass and Southern expanded to a larger spectrum of music including musical theater, pop ·and ballads, which be continues to love and participate in. Kennedy bas performed the role of Tolemeo in "Julius Caesar," Figaro in ''The Barber of Seville" and Sid i11 "Albert Herring." .. His impetus for the CD was spawned by request from numerous friends he has met through Metropolitan Community Churches and GLBT friendly churches across the U.S . They have enjoyed his vocal beauty and innate gift of musical heartfelt communication. He also felt "We didn't tltink it was going to be li\ce that. We were just telling our story. and I think that's the beauty; when yon just tell your story and people's lives get changed." Stopfel love~ being a parish priest. but says his congregation at St. George's Episcopal Church in Maplewood, NJ., is urging him to keep fighting for gay people's rights in church. "I'm really interested in going to other cathedral churches around the country and finding other advocates and begin to speak to people about shifting the debate from what it is that we all do with our genitals to 'Where is it that we place the commitment of our lives; and what do we find holy?"' he said. ''That really interests · me. This non- . sense in politics and religion about what we do with our genitals is a fetish, and it's a destructive fetish and a polarizing fetish. It still goes on, when you can go to a church and heai a priest or a pastor list the people that God cares about, that God embraces, and we don't show np. We don't show up on that list - ever - and it's one of the ways we've been kept invisible. "More and more, our straight advocates include us on the list of who this culture needs to think about as oppressed" (Philadelphia Daily News) compelled to produce a recording that would capture the gospel music be loves so much himself. The resulting product is a combination of his love for the songs be chose and his desire to provide a musical experience that so many of his friends have expressed a desire to have permanently for themselves. Kennedy has been involved with the UFMCC since · 1980 . He has a keen interest in communicating to the GLBT · community his message of hope and well-being there is to be found in a return to the "First Century style" of Christian philosophy and theology. His greatest interest is to see the reclamation of the healthy innate spirituality of gays and lesbians, the inborn spirituality that provi .des a healthy choice and alternative to the destructive habits and shallow activities Kennedy sees as "so common among people in the gay and lesbian community." For information about "Come Home" write to Conejo Blessings, P.O. Box 568601, Dallas TX 75356 or call · (214)522-7408. The truth unspoken is often a lie created me to be, or the circumstances I find myself in, is to slowly, but surely kill the God-given gifts of my integrity, my sense of wholeness, my covenant with the Creator. And because I believe I find it ironic that in a pacifist tradition, the church has adopted the same attitude as the armed forces: Don't ask, don't tell! this, I am not willing . to stand by silently while the church expects you to be silent about who · it is that God created you to be. In silence, 1 will die ... the church will die. We will all be less tl1a11 our Creator intended . Our silence will not protec t us from death. Ultimately , however, we find strength and comfort in that which is far greater than silence. We firid that we are beckoned not by silence and death, but. by tl1e truth and life that could not,' and cannot , be smothered. The truth will rise. BY EVA O'DIAM JESUS KNEW THE connections between silence and truth. When teaching, healing, or performing miracles, he took time away for reflective silence . Shortly before his arrest, he went to the garden to reflect and be alone in the silence. When he was arrested and charged, he did not respond to his accusers but answered in silence, knowing they would assume his guilt. There is a button I carry with me on my backpack (my version of carrying a briefcase). It states simply the words of poet Audre Lorde : "Your silence will not protect you ." It · is true that sHence may give us the space and lhe time to know ourselves, so that we ma)' voice the trnth. Being silent within o~elves may . allow us to hear the still small voice of God so that we have the courage to stand - even aloile if need be. Silence may allow us to hear God's message of justice · to be proclaimed. But .will silence protect us? If silence SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month· by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box .8340. New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright I 997 by' Second Stone, .a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, u.s.A·. $19 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only . beconies the ending, not only will it not protect us, it will surely kill us. Jesus knew the power of reflective silence, Reflective silence.led to healing, to disobedience against the unjust mies of the faith community, to anger against the religious systems which tried to stifle the trnth. Reflective silence led him to act again and again for justice. If our motivation in keeping silent is preparation to do justice; then we should embrace the silence, that we may step forward to speak and act on God's simple trnth . But let us remember that no injustice - not even torture . and execution - could ultimately silence Jesus. Many within the church believe that if you know yourself as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, you should simply be quiet and nothing will happen . I find it ironic that in a pacifist tradition, the church has adopted the same attitude as the anned forces: Don't ask, don't tell! Keep silent! Truth cannot and will not be silenced . Whether that trnth concerns gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people in the church , or people who have suffered sexual abuse, domestic violence, addictions, or bigotry, truth - the simple truth -- will have voice! Silence will not protect the church as an organization , Silence will not protect my integrity or that of my gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered sisters ap.d brothers . Silence will not protect a position of ordination, or a position in local church leadership. I believe that to be silent about who it is that God Keep silent! Eva O 'Diam is pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit in Harrisburg. She was formerly ordained in the Church of the Brethren until her ordination was revoked in 1995. This article first appeared i11 "Dialogue," Summer, 1997. Biblical. .. but notChristian? The following letter, on the shunning of the Germantown Mennonite Church, appeared in the Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kansas. Dear Editor: The story in The Hutchinson News on the Germantown Mennonite Church raise s a question: Is it possible to be biblical and not be Christian? Are the two ways always the samef Is there any evidence that Jesus Christ ever pushed people away or even scolded them on account of their age, sexual gender or sexual orientation? Did Jesus have a right to draw a line between Himself and the Old Testament? Did He have a right to say, "You heard it said, • An eye for an eye,' but I say unto you ... " Is the New Testament necessary, and are the words of Jesus and His example of love and caring relevant to our faith? The .Roman Catholic bishops in their recent letter urged parenis to love their gay children, saying, "God does not love someone any Jess simply because he or she may be homosexual." A recent Notre Dame University state- · ment says , "We ~elcome all people, regardless of color, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class and nationality ... precisely because of Christ's calling to treat others as we desire to be treated." Perhaps some of us Mennonites are too judgmental based on the Old Testament. We may be biblical, but maybe (just maybe) not as Christian as we think we are? Sincerely, Harley J. Stucky We welcome your . I etters and opinions Write to Second Stone. All letters must be original a,uJ signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. PO Box 8340, New Orleans LA 70182, secstone@aol.com,fax, ( 504)899-4014. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)899- 4014 or write to P,O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 7.0182. Classified advertising information is fourrd on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. 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SECOND STONE 23 ;;;::rf:!~!~" !::t~:"''·: ~•.!:~: ~,::!::--:1-:-~-:·;:R! eaaer-··------------ committed .in serving a full-time parish. R · d BOOKS/PU BLI CAT IONS ·interested in friendship. . long. term rela- · . . ea. ·. er RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY, a List of tionship. I'm unable to relocate. Reply c/o to Resources for Gay Men, Lesbians and Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New . . Bisexuals. 35-page list includes over 300 Orleans LA 70182. 12/CJ7 · · book titles, plus directory of religious organizations and_ their publications, other organizations, newsletters; and journals. $6 postpaid from GLBTF Clearinghouse, c/o Office for Outreach Services, American Library Association, 60 East Huron St., Chicago IL 6061 L 2198 'WONDERFUL DIVERSITY,' 'Heartily recommended,' 'Philosophically intriguing,' 'Excellent.' Why do review_ers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. GENERAL INTEREST CAN'f GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation . to Holy Spirit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809. 12/97 IIIIIIIDIRECT. CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIII A section of profiles of active subscribers who want to meet other gay and lesbian C:hrlstlans across town or across the countiy - . To have your profile published simply send your Information to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, e-mail to secstone@aol.com, or FAX to (504)899-4014. 1.State,City _________________ _ 2. Name-------------------'---- CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female 6. Age....._ 7. Religiousaffiliatio,.__ _____________ _ 8. Occupation_ __________________ _ NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: Your mailing address, your e-mail address, or your telephone number. 9: Contact informatio"'-------------'-----~--- 10.C ontact information_ ________________ _ ..... ..... .... CHRISTMAS OR HANUKKAH gift for families deahng with HIV /AIDS: 'The Walking Wounded' is a love story. The story of love within a family, the story of love and devotion between two young men, the story of living and loving during a time of crisis. Beverly Barbo wrote this testament after her son, Tim, died and added the epilogue after Tom, her son-inlove (Tim's partner), joined Tim in their better place. .. To order contact Bev Barbo at 108 N. Main St., Lindsborg KS, (785)227-3276, FAX \785)227-3360. B THINKCHRISTMAS ... HANUKKAH. A .gift of health for people with HIV/ AIDS. 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B TRAVEL BERMUDA GUESTHOUSEand Creole Cottage on Cane River.. Very private. Horseback riding, canoeing, fishing. Each house accommodatesa t least four comfortably. Rest. Relax. Romance. Reservations: 318-352-4950. 4/98 classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]SepiOct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Gen! Interest [ . ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name_. __________________ ~ Addr es...__ _____________ ___ __;__. City/State/Zip. _______________ _ _ Your ad COPY- ----- --'------------1 How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Minimum 20 words. All classified ads must be prepaid. Deadline: 15th of the month prior to cover date. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 26. 24,NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 1997 HOWTO READ R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by state, then by city. If a mailing address is given in a listing the zip code appears in the listing. NNG = No name given. S=single, C=committed. G=gay, L=lesbian, T =transgendered, B=bisexual, S=straight. M=male, F=female. Age, religious affiliation, occupation, contact information. CALIFORNIAD, OWNEY THEODOREC RANFORDS,G M,6 7, UFMCC, RETIREDP,O B OX1 3079, 0240-03075,6 2-928- 4489. CALIFORNIALY, NVl'OOD JOSEPHE STRADAS, GM,3 7, HOLYS PIRIT FELLOWSHIPH,O MECARVEl 'ORKERP, O BOX1 5049, 0262-15045,6 2-626-177361, 0-638- 4683. CALIFORNIAP,A SADENA BARRYD IXONS, GM,4 0, WORLDWIDCEH UR GOD,T ECHNICAWL RITERd, ec4th@aol.com FLORIDAP, ANAMAC ITY ROBBD OYLES, GM,3 8, CHARISMATIACC C, MEDICALM ESSAGE1, 139E VERITTA VE 32401, mgay4j~us@aol.com FLORIDAB, RANDON ROBERTM ORGANS, GM,3 6, PENTECOSTAU APOSTOLICF, LIGHTA TTENDANT/MINISTER, 2023C ATTLEMADNR .,3 35118. 13-651-1505. FLORIDAT, AMPA LANCES, GM,5 0, UNITYS, OCIALS ERVICES, 8311R OYALS ANDC IR# 115,3 36158. 13-249- 4877. ITALY,N APOLI PAOLOL ANNI,S GM,3 9, PENTECOSTAL, PHYSICIANP,O B OX1 1,8 0100N APOLI3, 9-81- 7761534. LOUISIANAB,A TONR OUGE PAMG ARRETTSONSL, F,3 1, LUTHERAN, GRAD STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU LOUISIANAN, ATCHITOCHES CAROLANNB RIANC, BF,M ENTALH EALTH THERAPISTS, PECIALE DT EACHERB, ER· MUDAG UESTH OUSE1, 259B ERMUDRA D., NATCHE7Z1 4563, 18-352-495500, 4-561-101..4 MICHIGANL,A NSING NNG,S GM,4 6, METHODISTS,E LF EMPLOYED51, 7-224-2415. MISSISSIPPJI,A CKSON ALLENS HIRLEYS, GM,3 2,I NDEPENDENT-AIM, 5136G ERTRUDEA,P TA , 39204 MISSOURKI, ANSASC ITY JOSEPHS TUCHELS, GM,3 6, CATHOLIC, COMPUTERP ROGRAMME4R0,0 6 OAKS T., #6, 64111j,g stuchel@aol.com ·· NEWH AMPSHIREM, ANCHESTER ROD,S GM,4 2, INSURANCUEN DERWRITER, ho1nho9258@aol.com. NEWY ORKY, ONKERS JOHNP RATHERS, GM,7 1, EPISCOPALIAN, COMPUTERSP ECIALIST7, BELLP L, 10701, 914-964-0379. OREGONF, LORENCE JOEN OLANC, BM,5 9, EPISCOPALIAGNA, R· DENE R,P OB OX22635, 41-997-1752 TENNESSEE.CHATTANOOGA CHUCKT HOMPSONS, GM,N ON· DENOMINATIONAPLA,S TOR3, 623F OUNTAIN AVE.#, 1093 74 12,4 23-624-9824 TENNESSEEN,A SHVILLE MEL,S GM,4 2, PROTESTANPT,U BLISHER, bnamelman@aol.com · JACKD . GREGORYS, GM,5 4, INTERDENOMINATIONALC, LERK1, 002D OZIERP L, 37216. 615-227-3261. TEXAS, BEAUMONT MICHAELD AVIDS, GM,4 2, PAINTERP, ARALEGAL, 6 !1855M8 ARKS TILESR, T.4 BOX1 500, 77705. TEXASS, ANA NTONIO Al EISCHS, GM,5 3, CATHOLICS, OCIAL SERVICESP, O BOX1 27547 8212, MOCHICA@FLASH.NET VIRGINIAR, ICHMOND MICHAELK EITHH ALL,S GM,3 9, BAPTIST, PROGRAMS UPPORT/SCREENWRIT2E2R01, FOURTHA VE.,2 3222. NO LOCATIONG IVEN NNG,C LF,3 9, BAPTISTg, osep@aol.com 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 Second Stone #55 - Nov/Dec 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e23781817e27b54ec57fb4e31d6dce48.pdf fddde09d177429732120ae7c3e96d00f 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 54 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published Sept/Oct 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document SECOND STONE PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TWE DATED MATERIAL Bulk Rate U.S. Postage · ~AID New Orleans LA Permit No. 511 Visit a Second Stone Outreach Partner Our national directory of Outreach Partners begins on Page 13. /Ji·aYlhutiun 111 rlu·sc Clites pttJ\'tded hy ,\'ec·,mcl St,,ne 's f Ju/rear·J,J>armcr.,·: Da\lon . Ohio Hay\\anl, CalJJ'orma · Long Beach. California San Jose, California Memphis, Tennessee Kansas City, Missouri Issue#54 UVING INTHEEMBRACE Q, ALoVINGANDJUSTGOD September/October !'.J'n Boys, burning and bridges Generation X . .,,.. ...... ~ . ,...-•-- .,.-<-"'"--'-_,...,._ in . search of spirituality BY REV . DONNA SCHAPER AT BREAKFAST AND LUNCH, church and hall, tongues are clicking. The first week in August three · boys burnt down the oldest covered bridge in Massachusetts. We are left with what to do when our tongues stop clicking. What meaning do we make of those who were meant for good? Whose names were meant to be etched into old bridges and to remain there for centuries more, expanding with the aging wood and becoming more of themselves rather · than less? . These boys saw little shelter in history. Like many generations before them in this century, they saw little u~e for what people · had thought or done before. They felt "new." In my sixties, we burnt down other kinds of bridges. "Nothing like us ever was," we announced . We .seemed to believe it ourselves and some of the statement was true . No other generation had as much birth control available to it or as much money. The fact that the money faucet stopped midstream threw us for a pretty good loop. We had only been formed by money; then the money disappeared. Or, rather, instead of schools being built for us and highways being built for us and Sunday school wings being added for us, we had to tax ourselves to do these sorts of things. Even some of the real bridges collapsed, so little were the taxes we were willing to pay. The seventies generation made a fairly clean break with the old sexual morality. The eighties generation made a fairly clean break with the traditional work ethic . . In the ninc;ties Generation X widely describes itself as despairing. Whether they actually are as despairing , one' by one, as their press, surefy they are being raised to hope in less future than I was·, Or my parents were. Even though one of my parents only completed eighth grade, still he thought the world was his oyster . He would and . could make good. It is. the rare adolescent today' who leaves adolescence with that confidence. Instead they wonder which of their parents' sins will kill them. Ozone or chemical pollution, , vanished topsoil or populati _on explosion, urban violence or lead paint: take your pick of enemy. They prey on both SEE GENERATIONX, Page 6 Parents urged to accept gay children Catholic-bishops: Sexual orientation not a choice BY DAVID BRIGGS Charles Curran's license to teach moral theology at Catholic Univ~ r~i~y in NEW YORK- U.S. Catholic bishops ·wa sh in gl'Qf!'; ,~ .Gu!'ran had sa id • ·~- _ are advising parents of gay children to homose xual a~ts if:, so~~,m ora!iy,. ~ put love and support for . their sons and acceptable. · . ' • }t ·•~ 'o/ ,., -! . ':' · daughters before church doctrine that . But the mounting uirm<:>il and pain• · .' condemns homosexual activity . felt by Catholics tom between church In a groundbreaking pastoral letter, teaching and love for their gay children the bishops say homosexual orientation prompted several bishqps to request is not freely chosen and parents muSt guidance from the bishops' Committee not reject their gay children in a society • .. on Marriage and Family. The committee full of rejection and discrimination. began studying the conflict in 1992. "All in all, it is essential to recall one Five years later, the bishops in their basic truth. God loves every person as a l.etter describe parents who suffer guilt, unique individual. Sexual identity helps shame and loneliness . because their . to define the unique person we are," the children are gay and report that "a sliockbishops say. "Go!! does not _ love ing number" of gay and lesbian youth someone any less simply because he or are rejected by their families and ·end up she is homosexual ." on the streets. The document, titled "Always Our . The parental rejection, along with the Children," was approved by the Admin- other pressures faced by young gays and istrative Board of the National Confer- lesbians, place them at greater risk of enc .e of Catholic Bishops early in Sep- drug abuse ~d suicide ; the bishops said. tember and released Sept. 30. Why the form .of a pastoral letter from In the last two decades, with almost the churt:h's spiritual leaders? every other cllurch struggling over gay "Primarily to get them to accepi the ordination or efforts to ease condemna- fact. that their son or daughter is gay or tory church doctrine, the Roman lesbian, and that their child was not Catholic Church has siood firm, teach- damned forever," Bishop Joseph Imesch ing that homosexual activity is morally of Joliet, ill., chairma,n of the Commitwrong. tee on Pastorii!, Practices, said in an In two high profile cases in the interview. 1980s, the Vatican disciplined Seattle · The Vatican, in the new Glltholic CatArchbishop Raymond Hlinthausen for echism and in the pronouncements of allowing a group of gay Catholics to meet at St. James Calhe~ and revoked SEE BISHOPS, Page 8 Subscribe today! See page 26 for information . •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds UFMCC offers 'Disney SupJX)rtKit' BY THE URvtCC COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT SOME WEEKS AGO, the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protes- · tant denomination in the United States (mote than 15 million members), announced a boycott of the Disney Corporation - primarily because · it extended p;utner benefits to its gay and lesbian employees. · Now, the well-financed, anti-gay Focus On The Family organization has thrown its support behind the Disney boycplt. David Smith, senior strategist for the Hum.an .~ _gq!s' ,t;:\1!¼1paign°~ ot~d ,' "We mu~t ljlke this [boycott] very seriously because its underlying intent is to punish . a company fo( treating its employees fairly :" · The following media kit can help your church counter the rhetoric of.intolerance . in your cmnmnnity .and to help make your voice bean\. Action you can take to support Disney Step one: -Adopt a resolution in support of Disney Have your church. or 'Board of Directors adopt a Resolution of Support for Disney . Send a copy to Disney .· ·and mail copies of the resolution along with a news-release to the gay press, mainline press; and religion editors in your · area. (Sample resolution_ follows.) . · Step two: Adopt a visible activity A visible .activity can (.1) generate media · cove~age for your. ·church, .-(2) ·give yqur members a tangible way_ to express their support for Disney and (3) provide 11· u .ni .fying ev .e_nt for your . church's members and friends. For . example, ro~e . churches have set aside 2 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 one Sunday as Disney Recognition Sun: day . Some congregations have invited their members to wear clothing with the Disney logo or Disney characters to a certain service, take a group photo and mailed the photo to Disney. Others have announced a community-wide collection of Disney toys for distribution at a local children's hospital or for a Christmas children's project. Step three: Announce your activity to the media Send a news release prior _ to your event or activity. Invite reporters to cover the "other side" .of this issue . (Sample news release follows.) Step four: Call your local talk radio shows Tell them about your planned event. Invite yourself to be a guest. Have two or three articulate members prepared to tell how discrimination hurts all people . · Step five: Send a post-event news release Report on the success of-your event! Lev.erage your accomplishment. Don't depend on the media to tell your story - tell it in your own words from your perspective. Be proactive! And include photos of your event. Step six: Build bridges to the .g[l/b/t communities Send letters to every g/1/b/t/ organization in your area. Invite them to join hands with you for this project. Invite their presence and participation in your evep.t. . Step seven: Why not invite a dialog with Baptist ·churches? · Want to build genuine bridges of understanding to other parts of the body of Christ? Send a letter to each South. ern Baptist Church in your area. (Remember, there , are many different Baptist denominations; only the Southern Baptist churches have endorsed the Disney boycott.) Share your story and ministry, and invite an open dialog . Who knows? Miracles may happen! (Sample letter follows.) Step eight: Publicly recognize other gay-friendly corporations Other international corporations already offering domestic partner benefits include IBM, Eastman Kodak, Harley- Davidson, Hewlett Packard, GlaxoWelcome, Microsoft, and Time-Warner . Proposed resolution 'wHEREAS the Disney .Corporation has provided outstanding entertainment for generations, and WHEREAS Disney has provided domestic partner benefits to its gay and lesbian employees, and WHEREAS Disney has demonstrated corporate responsibility and social conscien 'i!l by providing equal benefits to all employees, and · WHEREAS Disney's gay and lesbian employees are affirmed and empowered by their employer, and WHEREAS we oppose the boycott of Disney by the Southern Baptist Convention, Focus on the Family, and oilier Religious Right organizations, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members and congregants of [Y ourCity church] do hereby express and pledge our support . of Disney, salute Disney for its commitment to justice, and recognize Disney for courage in the face of threat. Sample news release Here is the suggested text for a news release for your church. Simply retype this inform11tion on your church letterhead and be sure to replace all information in brackets with your local information. [YourCity] - The boycott of (he Disney Corporation by the Religious Right is . beginning to backfire. [Y ourCity church] has joined ii grow ing number of churches and religious organizations who have come to the support of Disney. Disney, which provides domestic partner benefits to its gay and lesbian employees, .has been hit with boycotts by the Southern Baptist Convention, the largesf'Protestant denomination in the United States, and Focus on the Family, a well-financed, anti-gay Religious Right organization. Now, [Y ourCity church] has adopted a resolution of support for Disney. "FQr our members, this was simply a matter of justice and fairness," said [Pastor's Name], senior pastor of the congregation. ."We are not content to stop with a resolution of support , " [Pastor' s Name] added. "We're putting our fai(h and convictions into action," she added. [YourCity church] meets each Sunday at [time] at [location]. Media Contacts: [Pastor's Name], [phone number] [Local church justice lay leader], [phone number] Sample letter to Southern Baptist churches Dear Friends: Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I am writing on behalf of the friends and members of YourCity church. We have followed with interest the decision by ihe Southern Baptist Convention to boycott the Disney Corporation because • of Disney's benefit policies for its gay and lesbian employees . We understand that some Southern Baptist congregations have endorsed this boycott while others have not. We also understand that every situation has a variety ·of perspectives. The members of [You.C-4tr~hurcb.} - - have a different perspective on this story - a story which has generated national attention . Because many of our members are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christians who have experienced the pain of discrimination, our congregation has given strong support to Disney . While some might use this issue to divide ilie Body of Christ, we welcome the opportunity to build bridges to fellow Christians. We would welcome an opportunity to initiate a dialog which might foster a spirit of mutual understanding. As a minister who embraces Jesus Christ and who respects the authority of the Scriptures, I would welcome an opportunity to share our mutual stories - whether by phone, through a one-onone meeting, over lunch or dinner, or even in a mutually agreeable public forum . · If this bears witness with you, I invite you to call me at the church office at [phone], or to drop me a note at the address on the above letterhead .. With so may issues dividing the Church of Jesus Christ, perhaps together we could take a small step toward greaterunderstanding . Yours in Christ, [Pastor's Name J Ed. Note: Thanks to James Birkiti, Jr., UFMCC CommuRications Department, for sending this material to Second Stone . Faith 1n Daily Life "On the night that Jesus was betrayed ... " Jesus' lesson on betrayal by trusted friends BY DR. REMBERT TRULUCK AT 4:00 P.M. ON Tuesday, March 3, 1981, the president of the college where I had taught for eight years called me to his office. He handed me a piece of paper and asked me to read it. It was a typed statement that had been written by my former Jover and given to the trustees of the college. It described in vivid detail the relationship that he had with me over a period of several years. The trustees had lield a secret meeting without even informing the president and had decided to request my resignation but made no written record of any of their proceedings . I signed a one sentence statement resigning · "for personal reasons" from the faculty and staff of the Baptisl College of Charleston. Thus ended 28 years in the Southern Baptist ministry as pastor and professor. Ministry, family; career, income, possess sions and all of my accumulated professional connections and friendships ended One of the best friends I had ever enjoyed in my life had used his intimate knowledge of me to destroy me. , Betr.iya.¼ 1•0ne's best friends u ually is less dramatic than my experience, but in the gay and lesbian community, our vulnerability to being wounded and betrayed by people wh..9 really know us offers an ever present risk. Being betrayed by someone you love and trust is always traumatic. It hurts. It throws us into depression and despair. In the gay and lesbian environment it can even mean loss of job, home, family and much more . The betrayal of Jesus by Judas gives us a chance to see how Jesus handled being let down and betrayed by one of his best friends. All four gospels tell of the betrayal. In fact, when we celebrate communion, we introduce the sharing of bread and wine by saying, "On the night that Jesus was betrayed, He took bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to his disciples." Eating together was considered an act of personal commitment'between people and indicated a sharing of life and love. To be betrayed by someone who .shared your table was the height of treachery. At the last supper, Judas was sitting next to Jesus, for Jesus dipped into the bowl and handed it to Judas. Jesus knew what was in the heart of Judas all along, but he gave him opportunity to Son of atheist says life without/ aith was a misery HOPE MILLS, N.C. - Evangelist Wil- . liam J. Murray says it wasn't easy being raised by a mother who called herself ''the most hated woman in America." Murray, 51, is son of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the operator of American Atheists, Inc., in Austin, Texas. O'Hair and other members of the family disappeared two years ago. · "I was not raised in an intellectual home/ he said Sept. 14, his voice lowering as he fingered the pieces of a Nativity scene at Southview Baptist Church . "I was raised in a really dys. fllllctional environment." By the age of 30, Murray said he smoked two to three packs of cigarettes and drank a quart of whiskey a day. He entered a 12-step program, but found himself searching for something else. "By one means or another, I came to discover that unknown. God was indeed Jesus Christ," he said. "I turned my life over to his care." Murray said it has been 20 years since he has spoken with his mother, brother Jon . Murray, or daughter Robin MurrayO'Hair. The three ran American Atheists, and William Murray was once president of the organization. Since their di~ppearance in 1995, $627,500 was reported missing · from a New Zealand trust account of American Atheists and United Secularists, the two non-profit organizations headed · by O'Hair and her family. "Over a period of years, she raised many millions of dollars," Murray said. "One of her specialities was talking people out of their estates when they die, to build great atheist libraries that were never built." Murray believes either .someone murdered his family members to get at the money, or his mother died of natural causes and Jon and Robin afC in hiding with the funds. Murray's . family had accused him of selling out when hi;,,_ became a Christian . . "I drive a 10-year-old Bronco," he said. He drove to Hope Mills from his ·home in suburban Washington. "I live in a rented house, and my take-home pay is $'158.70 a week." The rights to his book, "My Life Without God," have been sold, and he said a movie is in the works. 'There is no money to be made. in this country doing what is right or saying what is right," he said. "You don't make money promoting Jesus Christ." (AP) change. Judas didn't. In John 13: I-17, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and gave them an example of humble loving service. Then in John 13: 18, Jesus said, "I do not speak of all of you. I' know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, he who eats my bread has lifted up his heel against me ." (Psalm 41:9) The full quotation of Psalm 41:9 is "Even my bos.om friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted his heel against me." The place of Judas in the setting of the last supper is of great interest. William Barclay says in a description of this setting, "It is quite clear that Jesus could speak to Judas privately without the others overhearing. Judas must have been on Jesus' left, so that", just as John's head was in Jesus' breast, Jesus' head was in Judas.' The revealing thing is that the place on the left of the host was the place of highest honor, kept for the most intimate friend." (Barclay, 'The Gospel of John") John 13:20-30: Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who receives whomever I send receives me; and the one who receives me receives the One who sent me." When Jesus had said this, he became troubled inspirit, and testified, and said, ''Tmly, truly, I say to you, that one · of you will betray me." The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one Jesus was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus' breast one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved . Simon Peter therefore gestured to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he is speaking." He, leaning back thus on Jesus' breast, said to him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus therefore answered, "That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel, and give it to him ." So when he had dipped the morsel, he took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. And after the morsel, Satan then entered into him, Jesus therefore said to him, "What you do, do quickly ." Now no one ofthose reclining at table knew for what purpose Jesus had . said this to him. For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, "Buy the things we have need of for the feast" or else, that he should give something to the poor. And so after ' receiving the morsel, he .went out immediately; and it was night. One remarkable feature of this incident is the ignorance of the other disciples regarding the character and purpose of Judas. Jesus had perfect insight into the minds and hearts of people; · so the treachery of Judas was no surprise to him. The rest of us, however, are usually as surprised as we are stunned and dismayed by the betrayal of a trusted friend. Jesus did nothing to stop Judas. The Scripture was being fulfilled, and the destiny of Jesus had been decided long ago. But Judas made his own -decision to be the betrayer. Thougli ·Judas knew that'Jesu~ was aware of his plqt, . he went through with it anyway. jesus demonstrated a calm assurance · in his own successful mission no matter what the people around him might do, He knew : that he must suffer and die, but he also knew that he would be raised from the dead and vindicated-in all of his works and teachings. Our wil!ing~ess to identify with Jesus and the ministry of the gospel can give to us also a sense .of purpose and strength of character to handle all kinds of stress. Jesus demonstrated his approach to the betrayal by a friend in several .ways .. He recognized from the beginning that Judas had the character that could lead to trouble. As -we get involved with other people, we are not as careful · as we should be in learning what may be in them that will lead to misunderstandings and disappointment. · Jesus let Judas know that he waS' aware -of his unfaithfulness. Jesus ·confronted Judas with what was happening and gave Jndas; s~~~falJ tI ~!~niti~s'to tum: back:' We 'often gfoss ·over obvious negative behavior in people '·'we·'ibve i " We seem to hope •it will just go away and everything will be fine. Profound misunderstandings, however, seldom just go away. It' is not easy to confront your lover or best friend with liow you see some of their potentially destructive behavior, but sucli confrontation is a necessary part of a truly honest relationship. · · · · Jesus was prepared to accept the consequences of'loving people who did not love hi_m. Jesus was strong enough to absorb rejections and betrayal. I am not! . My strength of character and my emotional stability fall far short of being able to ride peacefully above lhe betrayal or abandonment by people I love. Jesus took the long view of things . He saw his place in life in the context of the eternal plan of God for the ages . He recognized God's control and the ultimate triumph of the will of God . even in the most puzzling and tearful of experiences. Jesus cared. He loved , He had compassion, which means -to feel the pain and stress of others. He wept. But Jesus remained objective ·. He was not caught by surprise · by human · behavior. We are. Our insight into other people is -blurred by our own sins ·and frailty. We need forgiveness and the light that God gives to us by the Spirit. SECOND STONE 3 Faith in Daily Life Gay ~rwon'tresign, fights for change in church policy BY THOMAS R. O'DONNELL AMES, IA. - Lord of Life Lutherau Church is a small church - so small iμid unobtrusive that first-time visitors often 1 have difficulty finding it. But the Ames church , a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has become the focus of national and statewide attention. The church's pastor for the past 12 years, the Rev. Steven Sabin, 38, is gay - and is living in a rural Ames home with his partner Karl von Uhl, 35. Church policy says gays and lesbians may be ministers, but must remain ceti : ba te . Bishop Philip Hougen of the Southeastern Iowa Synod asked Sabin to resign seven months ago. Sabin has refused. " My call as a pastor is to look out for the best interests of the church," Sabin said. "I think the church is wrong and in need of reformation ." Right or wrong, Hougen said it's bis · duty to uphold church doctrine . "We ' re not free as bishops not to follow the policy," he said. Hougen said his own views on the policy or homosexuality are irrelevant. Sabin, a Mason City native, has served his entire career at Lord of Life. He and his wife arrived in 1985 and began raising a family of two daughters. But something had never seemed right, he said. At age 30, after wrestling with the issue and undergoing therapy, he concluded he was gay. Sabin and his wife divorced in 1990 . Two years'Iater, he met von Uhl via the Internet. Von Uhl, a writer and bookstore employee who had been living in Sail Francisco , moved in with Sabin two years ago .. Von Uhl said he and Sabin told a few church members about their relationship, but "a majority of the congregation kind of intuited what was going on." People from outside the congregation figured it out, too, and called it to Hougen's attention soon after he took office on Aug. 1. When the two met in Marshalltown in January, Hougen asked . Sabin if he was gay and in a relationship. When Sabin said he was , "I told him ... I was obligated to ask him to resign," Hougen ·said . Sabin asked for time to consider the I The Erotic Contemplative ~Reflections on the Spirit-ual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian By Mi chael B. Kelly I A Six VoLUME STIMULUS FoR LIVING, LOVING AND PRAYER: 1) Our Experience (75 min) 2) Revisioning Sexuality (80 min) 3) Exodus and Awakening (75 min) 4) The Desert and the Dark (88 min) 5) Lib.eration (84 min) 6) The Road from Emmaus (63 niin) The six volume video set is $[99_00 Order through: EROSpirit Research Institute -P.O.BrnL8340 New Orleans LA 70182 "The Erotic Contemplative is the most powerful and insightful study of gay ·spirituality that I know of . I have watched "The Road From Emm aus" (tape 6) three times and still find new riches." -· JOHN J. McNEIL, PH.D., author of The Church and the Homosexual. "In my theology classes, both gay a nd straight seminarians benefit from Kelly's integration of sexuality with Christian mysticism." -- ROBERT Goss, PH.D., author ofJesus Acted - Up. "An excellent resource ... a worthwhile investment." -· BONDINGS , a publication of New Ways Ministry. "The Erotic Contemplative video course has helped gay men and lesbians who grew up-as Christians move toward healing the wounds of the past." •· JOSEPH KRAMER, M.D1v., EROSpirit Research Institute. _ "This work should be considered essential to anyone serious about their sexuality/spirituality and inandat ory for an yone .who in any way acts as a spiritual director for gay and lesbian people ." -- More Light Update. I Meire. detailed infonnation about each video is available upon request. Also available in Pal - the I European/Australian format. California residents add 8.25% sal'5 tax. U.S, shipping charge: $5.00. International shipping charge: $35.00. © 1997, EROSpirit Research Institute. 4 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 issue . In a letter to Hougen two days later, Sabin contended that he was con forming with church policy. He quoted church doctrine, writing, "I live infidelity with my spouse, giving expression to sexual intimacy within a marriage relationship that is mutual, chaste and faithful ." That wasn't a claim of celil>acy, Sabin wrote , but "at the same time, an y further . description of my relationship w i th my partner is none of your business. " The following Sunday, Sabin told the congregation about his meeting with Hougen and that he had refused to resign . Th.en he introduce(\ van Uhl as his partner. Jan Melby, president of the church's congregation council, said she had suspected Sabin was gay, but "I was unsure how widely it was known ." Some were surprised, but they also were supportive, she said. N9ne of the congregation's 30 to 35 families has left the congregation, Sabin said, and a resolution supporting him passed without dissent a week later, when Hougen spoke at a church service and attended the regularly scheduled annual meeting. Hougen appointed a "consultation committee" of three clergy members and two lay people to meet with the parties involved and discuss the issue . The committee has made a confidential, nonbinding recommendation to Hougen. "The decision I have to make ... is whether or not to bring charges that would lead to a disciplinary committee ■ "I think the church is wrong and in need of reformation." ■ being called," Houg en said. If such a ·committee is conve 1 d, he said, the matter would be out of his hands . The one thing on which Sabin and Hougen seem to agree is the need for the discussion . "This is not about me as a person," Sabin said, but " the dialogue needs people who will make it first -person ," rather than a faceless concept. He's willing to play that role if that's what it rakes, Sabin said . ~ugen said "It ' s been good for Lutherans in this part of tlie·stan: to talk about it," but he added that whether it will have been a healthy exercise remains to be seen . (Des Moines Register) Religion, spirituality classes come to medical school BY TARA MEYER ATLANTA - Along with taking a patient's pulse and drawing blood, aspiring doctors at some of the nation's medical schools this year will learn how to take a "spiritual history ." They 'll go on rounds with chaplains, help make funeral arrangements for deceased patients and learn how to work with hospice organizations . The National ·Institute for Healthcare Research and the John Templeton Foundation on August 26 gave $25,000 grants to eight medical schools, including Atlanta's Morehouse School of Medicine, for courses on the role of faith in medicine. Two Illinois schools - Loyola University of Chicago . Stritch School of Medcine and University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine - also are among the eight schools. "Religion and faith are very important to many, if not all, patients, " said Dr . ·Dale Matthews, a professor at Georgetown Medical School. "We in medicine should be open to di scussing this with our patients." Iii the 1950s, docto r s were di scouraged from discussing religion or sex with their patients, but now "we talk about everything except religion . Th e time has come," said Dr. David Larson, the institute's president. Pamela Petersen :Crair; a medical student at the Univer s ity of California at San Francisco, said she thinks students will accept the classe s. "I think we. will expect to see more of these," said Ms. Peters en-Crair, who is a student trustee for the American Medical Association . "There's a trend · to make sure we are addressing all of the different needs of our patients ." Some of the classes will teach potential doctors how · to include a "spiritual history" in their diagnoses, asking patients not only how they feel but how they cope with illnes s and how their beliefs influence their lifestyle . SEE MEDICAL SCHOOL, Page 13 RJ Faith in Daily Life Our Shepherd Thes μriasl ignificanocfe P salm2 3t og aysa ndlesbians BY REV. SAMUEL KADER THE LORD IS our Shepherd. Most people have come across Psalm 23 at some point in their life, even if only at ·a funeral, on the back of a memorial card for iheir loved one. But this Psalm has some significant promises and present day truth for the Iesbigay Christian movement in the midst of our generation. Recall the familiar words: (Ps 23: 1-6) The Lcrd is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides rue in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk · through the valley of the shadow of death , I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thon hast anointed my head with oil; My cnp overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me aH the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of ,fo~ b:i'd =x'orever. (NAS) I focus specifically on verse 5 which in the Living Bible says: (Ps 23:5) You provide delicious food for me in the · presence of my enemi_es. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! (fLB) God's people have always had enemies. Elijah had Ahab and Jezebel. Jesus had ·the Pharisees. The first cen• tury Apostles had enemies both with the religious establishment of their faith tradition and the Roman government. It seems whenever God is doing a new thing in the earth, setting captives free, there is some organized group opposing · what God is doing and proclaiming they have a comer on. the truth, calling God's new move a move of Satan. So it .is today. It will soon be an identified thirty years since God began calling gay people to freedom in Christ. Yet it _has not . been without struggle. The latest wave of attacks on the gay community from the religious establishment, boycotting corporations that dare give our homes and relationships recognition and health benefits was both predictable' and disappointing. Yet in the midst of the church screaming for God to save Western culture from great moral decay [read: homosexuality], lawmakers keep passing laws, and courts keep ruling in our favor. Slowly but continuously, our spousal relationships are moving closer toward legal status. Employment and housing protection are also making advancing legal strides. This is not because we are a well organized, wealthy, powerful lobby on Capitol Hill. As a people, compared to others·, we are anything but an organized, wealthy, powerful lobby. The religious right in one mailing, decrying the horrors that await our society if the "militant homosexuals" have their way, get more financial response from their homophobic appeals than can any of our organizing efforts. They have more financial clout; look at the state of their bank accounts, property holdings, television and radio ·air time, versus ours. Yet in spite of their well oiled and organized operations, we have advanced further over the last thirty years than we ever could have imagined. I am old enough to remember when we were the love that dared not speak it's name. I remember dingy Mafia bars being our only social meeting places. It was not '<lll that long ago when there were no welco ming churches, college organizations, hotlines, or even anyone to call for help. There were no funds to draw upon, no colleagues to solicit. But in ·our generation God has and is raising more churches, Bible study groups, and places of worship, faster than any updated listing can keep current. More and more clergy are being raised among us, to shepherd this great people of God. Though some of our churches 'hltve been fire bombed, spray painted, vandalized, desecrated and victimized, nothing is stopping this mighty sweep of God in our community. If God be for us, who can be against us? When the Sanhedrin wanted to martyr the Apostles to stop the newly formed Jesus movement in their midst, (Acts 5), the advice of Gamaliel essentially was "be careful what you do to these religious upstarts." He said if what the Apostles . were doing was of human origin, it would come to an end on it's own . But if it were from God, they would find themselves fighting not twelve Apostles, but against God Almighty! Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to arrest the believers in this new movement. He encountered Jesus on the way, who said "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" Jesus did not say "Why are you persecuting My people", but He took it personally; asking "Why are you persecuting ME." This move of God in our midst is moving forward at record breaking speed, not because we have the clout, but because we have God. The Lord is our Shepherd. Our hope is not in Washington; it is in the Lord. God is fighting this battle for us, while we just remain faitliful to the call of the Gospel. In Psalm 23 the promise is tliat God alone provides delicious food for us in the presence of our enemies. This drives our enemies crazy! While we are simply enjoying the fellowship and companionship of our· Savior/Shepherd, dining with Him, and He with us, it is as if the enemies are outside the window; picketing, raising funds, throwing rocks, calling names, jeering, weeping and gnashing their teeth. What a shame and waste of their energy. Our Shepherd is not paying any '<lttention to them, because His loving gaze is attentive to our needs. I can hear Him ask, "Would you like another piece of pie, my beloved?" "Can I get you anything else?" "Gee, thanks, Lord, but I am so full, and my cup is already running over!" Outside, they are screaming for God to burn the house down, demanding Sodom's reward upon us, judging us and waiting to see if the house will fall upon us. They poll one another. They call tl1eir legislators. Jesus arises from the table and our Shepherd takes us for a walk after our full and satisfying meal. He leads us besides still waters.· He makes me take a nap in green pastures. Life with Jesus is full, and getting better. The angry, hateful crowd rants and raves! "Kill them, Kill them, Crucify them!" "God hates them!!" They reassure each other. "We need another million dollars to stop their agenda and save our children!" they threaten. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil. He is with us. His _rod and staff, they comfort us. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our· lives. I can't say what will happen to those outside, raising funds, and missing out on this fresh move of God's Spirit, but as for us, inside at His banqueting table, the promise echoes through the halls, He restores my soul. I am at peace with the Prince of Peace. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. He personal ly invited us to his banqueting table, and we shall dwell in His house forever. Rev. Samuel Kader is the senior pastor and co-founder of Community Gospel Church in Dayton, Ohio. Previously, he founded Reconciliaiion MCC in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and pastored other MCC churches in Dayton, Ohio, and Melbourne, Australia. Rev. Kader is the founder/president of S.K. Ministries, has been a conference speaker and has written several articles in the gay press since 1975. GA¥. .~. ~-~· ·1HEQLQGICAL JOURNAL "Homosexual Hermeneutics on Religion and the Scriptures" covers the entire spectrum of spiritual issues confronting Gays and Lesbians. The Journal includes insightful features, commentaries, news affecting religious Gays and Lesbians, resources, reviews, and listings of affirming and inclusive congregations. Subscriptions are $20/year (individuals). To subscribe, just complete and return this form to ... GTJ, P.O.Box1129,~ VA20110.* 0 YES! Sign me up for a year's subscription to GTJ. 0 $20 check, payable to Mentor Press, is enclosed 0 Please bill $20 to my credit card: 0 MasterCard O Visa Account Number _________ Ex Dt Signature of Name on Card ________ _ Mail to: Name ________________________ _ c/o -----------------~-------- Address _______________________ _ City ___________ State Zip_~-- SECOND STONE 5 Faith tn Daily Life GenerationX in.s·..e: t H uav' J:;'1/r a.,qrj:. ct l ih1m.-1. o f spm .-ty F~om Page 1 the bodies and the spirits of children today. Sheltering those who · have no innocence is different than sheltering those who do. We can make promises to innocence; lost innocence needs proof. Where will the proof of spiritual promise and spiritual shelter come froni1 for Generation X? I fear it will have td · come from them, themselves. From inside them. I doubt that it will comt from those of us whose credibility is as lost as the ozone. . Those boys who burned down their bridge are now faced with a possible ten years in jaiL Three lives may be in the process of being destroyed along with a town's memories. Lots of initials gone up in smoke. Lots of first, second and third kisses. Lots of pretty pictures. All for the thrill of lighter oil's impact on , old dry wood. - Why? We really need to know why. ··We need a diagnosis of why children On these pages Second Stone ca"iesfort.h the work of the excellenjto urnal "Manna," which is no longer in publication. 6 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 actually destroy some of what might be shelter for them. Not just bridges and not just history but the companionship of religion or promise. Why are so many children throwing out relationship with the "former things" on behalf of themselves and their peers? Boys have been boys for as long as that bridge has stood and longer. One person suggested in the last century that the whole prison problem could be solved by just locking offenders up until they turned thirty when "something" seemed to happen to calm them down. If you visit in a prison today, you will see cause for a similar solution. It is young men who inhabit prisons. Young men who damage communities, young men who lose their tempers and young men who drink too much an_d drive too fast. Not older men so much. And rarely women. I remember facetiously suggesting at my college that they lock up the men and let the women go free. We had to be in at midnight; they could roam. It was an odd injustice, based on the facts of who was more likely to pull up the tulips on the town common and more likely to burn down the bridges. We can also imagine that these boys were once the apples of their parents' eyes. That some parents actually did try to shelter them. We can imagine that tears have been shed over their skinned knees. That they were like every other boy at the shore and skipped stones with great glee at their own prowess. We can also imagine that they rejected the protection offered to them in early adolescence and also that they really wanted to be able to accept it but didn't know how. I remember asking a boy in my yonth group once years ago why he had thrown the .stones that broke all the >windows on the new house being built rtext to him. His mother was raising three children by her f. The $1500.00 she had to pay back for the windows took all her savings and $500.00 more .. His response was an honest, "I don't know." He really didn't know why he had done it. The stone that should have been skipping was hurling. He really didn't know why. Nor lfear do the people who burnt the bridge. Whoever they are, they probably don't know what weird violence took over and let them deliberately destroy. Those of us able to be more rational about burnt bridges are left with the question of how we can prevent such "I don't know-ism." How we can deal with the needs of teens for protection they don't want. For structure they don't want. For futures they don't have. For shelter which they don't want but which we want desperately to give them. Clearly we have social as well as personal responsibility to protect our bridges and ourselves from out of control young men. We need to solve this recession so that children today can have something like the future most of the rest of us were raised to expect. And we need to make divorce and one parent homes less acceptable than they are now. We had a three year old child visit us last weekend. He is being raised by his mother. The child said at dinner, "The most interesting person I met this summer is my father." We all gasped. As would his father if he ever heard what the child had said. Clearly for adults to shelter children, divorce has to become less acceptable. Or at least it has to become one of the freedoms we place very closely in our personal account book next to _sheltering our children. When we get our own towns and our own ·homes back in order, then we can begin to work on the systemic issues of ozone and topsoil, chemically fast growth and the other public threats to our children's eventual shelter. Each of these ".big" things has its root in our "small" values. You don't like this wife; get another. You don't like this house; get another. Move up, move on. Doing so quickly is better than doing so patiently or slowly. You want potatoes in sixty days: grow them faster with this chemical. So what if the soil can't be used for twenty years. Most American public behavior is routed in American private behavior. It as though we looked around at our public life and our land and poured kerosene on it and lit it. That's how serious has been our destruction of the safety net and the social fabric, all because we · wanted something "now" instead of later. Children hear these values. They see them. They do what we do not what we say. What can young people do to shelter themselves? They can rebnild the bridges. Slowly. They cart commit to each other if not to us. It would help society a lot more - and cost it less - to ha~e those three young men rebuild that bridge themselves. Forget prisoμ. It will just ruin what is left in them to be ruined. If they did it, let them fix. it. There might even be some fathers in town who might want to help. To rebuild the broken society they have inherited so that it can shelter them, young people have a lot to do and a lot to be. They need to take over the spiritual institutions that now actively exclude them as well as rebuilding the physical infrastructure that surrounds them. Every church I know wants to kuow why young people don't come to church any more. Some of that cry is phony: young people have always left church for a while in this country. But now fewer and fewer are even getting the religious preparation as . youth that might allow them to return intelligently to spiritual life at a later life. Res.,,,;.chers tell us that youth today make a serious distinction between "spirituality" and "religion." Religion is in an institution; spirituality is pure. It is outside. Individual and quick fix values win again. Young people live the values we teach them. The problem with · shelter for children today is that our values don't shelter. They trick. As hard as it is to find spiritual shelter in . institutional "religion" today, it is that much harder to find it outside, all by yourself. What we find out there is the accompaniment of God. But not each other. The God of Christians al ways sends us back to each other to test the "spirits" in_ "fruits." In real life. Younger people today don't even have good sites for testing each other. They have a reduced institutionally based work life - is McDonald's or another conglomerate an institution or just an overgrown cell? They have a smaller school life - is attending .'!. ,.miversi,ty with 20,000 other students an insti.tu: lion or a maze? They mistrust the law and medicine as much as they mistrust religion. Their level of aloneness is frightening. To shelter young people, we need to teach them how to take over .these institutions. For example, in the church, Bach and company need to be unseated musically. Someone asked the difference between an organist and a terrorist: "with the terrorist you can bargain." What we know about churches is that we actively exclude younger music. We say it is for their own good but it is not. It is selfish. (I love Bach as much as anyone but Bach has beco.me a batterer of younger people's faith the way · we have used him in the church.) To shelter young people, we need to be able to speak about sex in different ways. We destroy our credibility to. shelter our children by taking sexually ethic mumbo jumbo. If we have any chance to sacralize covenanted relationship as a sexual value - and _I hope we do - it will have to be in the context of sexual honesty. At one of the churches I care for, a conflict erupted over homosexuality. The church called a major meeting and all the recent confirmands were encouraged to come. (The "Opeu and Affirming" of homosexual participation in church life needed their votes.) As is typical in our denomination, most of these conferments had disappeared right after they had joined the church. One SEEG ENERATIONX , Next page String too short to be saved One warning BY REV. DONNA SCHAPER One warning is necessary before we get . too delighted with finding our keys in our pockets. Shelter is a place from which we can go out. It is not a place where we just stay. There is a subtle difference between self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction. Finally we take our keys out of our pockets and put some direction into them. I remember when we first moved back to Amherst. My three children had spent most of .their grown life in the 900 square feet of a Long Island cottage . . Here we were looking at the 2500 square feet of a rambling old farm house. The first few weeks came and went and I realized that they had set up camp in the living room. Daily more toys and blankets and pillows arrived in that small room . Daily I picked them up and put them in their rooms. Finally I asked our eldest why the children weren't !iv: ing in their own rooms. Finally each had their own room and, as a card carrying middle class parent, I thought of this as a major life victory. _ Isaac told me that they couldn't find the light switches. And that they were staying put. I respect such fear in children. · And find it almost quaint. But to respect . such confines in an adult is not wortl1y of the adult. Befo re you laugh too much at the childre11, ask yourself what form your stuckness takes. Gladness that there is one small room where you can be safe? One ethnicity where you can feel at home? One class or sexual orientation from which things make sense? One point on the Meyers Briggs Scale or one point on the Enneagram? Are you glad for safety in your own living room? Or does our shelter need a jolt, a scary slide on the wall of a room we haven't entered yet, in search for tl1e light? As the children remind us on car trips, we are going some place in our life with God. When, they want to know, desperately, are we going to get there? ■ the confines of your tent. Repent of your own smallness. Enlarge the limits of your hom~. spread wide the curtains of your tent: let out its ropes to the full and dri v~ the peg s home ... then you shall break out of your confines right and left. 11 The keys in your pockets at home will be your keys on the way_ also .. · Some · of you know Donald Hall's poem "String Too Short to Be Saved. 11 Think about it for a minute. He writes tile poem because he finds a box in his Are you glad for safety in your own living room? Or does our shelter 11eed a jolt, a scary slide on the wall of a room we haven't entered yet, in search for the light? When will the shelter we know just by being be available to all the people of tile world? On tile Croatian and Rowanclan borders, for example. That shelter will be availabl~ when those of us with too much bread learn to let go of a little of it on behalf of a larger banquet. Our living rooms are too cramped. Too small. As thai awful cliche puts it, "I can't even be safe in my own living room." Of course not. That is a ridiculous middle class goal. Remember God's words in tile Psalm? Break out of ■ grandfather's aitic, marked in an old hand, "String too short tci be saved." But of course his grandfatller has saved it anyway . I suppose God will do that. God will save those who _have locked themselves in their living room and refuse to acknowledge their sin or take tile risk of finding tile light switches on the new walls . God will save tile literally tllousands of white people who moved out of central cities. God will save. But God will bless - and not just save - those of us who want tile adventure of salvation. The breaking o\it of GENERATION X, From Previous Page sixteen year old girl rose to speak. "Finally," she said, "finally , · I have come back to church and found somebody talking about something important. Like sex."- To children sex is important. Music - - especially their music - is important. · In most churches I know, even the better ones, these languages are prohibited . · If that is not a selfish withholding of spiritual shelter for children, I don't. know what is. One more fence is being built between us and our capacity to shelter children, or to be sheltered by them. It is the new language of the screen . It is not funny that sixth graders are teaching seniors computers · in some American high schools. Or that my eleven year old son is in charge of electronics in our house. Young people need to be useful! They need to be needed. They need to be used. They. need to rebuild 'the bridges themselves . When all ·we can find -to do is to click our tongue over television or hand held games or screens, we further distance ourselves from a generation that is, for better or worse , fast on its way to being visually !iterate in ways that we are not. . We can't expect tile quality of this culture to be Enlightenment level: thirty years after Gutenberg, great _books weren't being written either. We also have to watch, if Protestant, our Roman Catllolic prejudice. The culture before we became so book and print oriented, so "plain, 11 so verbal, was a beautiful image culture . A Catholic culture, one full of pictures, not words. That young people today are heading pell mell towards a picture world is not evil in and of itself. It's just not a place where most of us can feel at home. To simply judge it , rather than to try to understand it, is yet more prejudice against youtll. We cannot be a shelter for that which we disdain. l heard a poignant story about a grandfather who took his granddaughter to see Snow White at the movies. He had been looking forward for a long time to the experience. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a dwarf!" The girl fell asleep. The grandfather . was devastated . "It was too slow," she said . The same grandfatller watched his son's six minute movie. The son was a filmmaker. "It was so fast," said the older man, "it gave me a headache . 11 The son, "Oh, God, here I thought it was still moving way too slow, " Slow and fast are different to different Faith 1n Daily Life the confines of our tent. God will bless tile barren and the deserted even more than God will bless those who stay scared and stuck in tlleir own fear . Those who refuse the risk of finding the lights on the new walls. · In true sufficiency, true shelter, we. link tile strings . We don't make the string larger . We link the strings of our sufficiencies and our insufficiencies. Each is too short to be saved. Togetller they can build a safety net. A web. Toiether tlley can trap a tiger. Fot tile American middle class ; those of us wqo acknowledge our _spiritual homelessness, the .tiger is the Ii ving room The privatism . The barrenness of so much of ciur music, the stinginess and ugliness of so rnucn of our public culture. The packaged food that has become a kind of packaging l!fOWJ.d us. The way it doesn ;t really mai\ er what town you have .thanksgiving in .because · they all look the same anyway. That I · believe, is our suffering. That is our tent. McDonalds and Kentucky Fried, mini vans and nintendos , children increasingly tied to the dominant culture no matter our best efforts to unplug them . • If the tiger is -th,.i pervasive and large, what each little string does is quite impon imt. Tlie ' a y it uft{iackage s its life. For example . Unti·es itsel from the phone bread and attaches itsel f' to tile good bread. S01it e risks will be necessary to find the good bread. · Our keys are in our pockets. And sometimes we will have to take them out and go some place with them. generations, raised on different screens. This is not a moral issue. Fast is bad sometimes and slow is bad sometimes; each also has tlle capacity for good. To shelter young people, the shelter will have to come spiritually fast. And then last a life time. To shelter young people today? Let and live their world. Get out of ti; , • way so they can build tlleir own briag.::s, their own roofs, tlleir own houses. Trust tllem. They want to be SP.iritually sheltered too. But they will have to do it tlleirway. The Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ . Her new book is "The Sense In Sabbath: A Way '[o Have Enough Time," Innis~ free. SECOND STONE 7 ... •.:. ::::: I:;;::::;::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::·:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::-:-:-:-:-:-::::::::::.:-:-:-:: .. -:-:-:-::-:-: ::::I l)eclaration will not affect diocese stance on gay rights PORTLAND, Maine - A declaration by Roman Catholic bishops affirming the church's acceptance of gays and lesbians does not signal a shift by the Diocese of Portland.in favor of Maine's gay rights bill. The statewide diocese has remained neutral on the measure, which is expected to go to referendum before April. The open letter by the bishops will not affect that stance, said Ma.re Mutty ;a diocesan spokesman . The primary concern of the diocese is whether the bill endorses homosexual relations, Mutty said. If so, "the church is very much opposed," he said. Tue bill was approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Angus King last spring. But conservative Christian groups were able to stop it from becoming law by submitting petition signatures demanding a statewide vote. Mutty said the bishops' letter urging parents to accept and support their gay children will not alter diocesan attitudes because the church has for years told parishioners that being homosexual is not incompatible with being a good Catholic. ''This is not an earth-shattering, historic document," Mutty said. (AP) City ~r challenges Billy Graham's comJrlQllt..on. homosexuality SAN f'MNCISCO - A city supervisor condemned . the Rev. Billy Graham's remark that "homosexuality is a sin." Supervisor Amos Brown told the _ Board of Supervisors that "at · some appropriate time, we should issue a resolution appealing to Mr. Graham to back off his statement." Graham, in Northern California for a series of evangelical crusades, made 'the comment when prodded by reporters. Graham referred to homosexuality as a sin and said, "It is wrong ... it .needs to be dealt with and needs to be forgiven." He then tried to soften the condemnation by saying, "But why jump on that sin? There . are bigger sins." Brown, a minister himself, ·likened Graham's remarks to those of the Rev. Eugene Lumpkin, a San Francisco min _ ister and former member of the city's Human Rights Commission. In 1993, Lumpkin said "the homosexual lifestyle is an abomination against God. ".He was later fired from his commission post for the remark. "I welcome Brother Graham to San Francisco," Brown said. "But, Brother Graham, you deserve the same kind of whipping as Eugene Lumpkin if you feel homosexuality is a sin." (AP) {j I o/'E 'YO 'll 1\_:f 'RJ'E'J..[_'lJ S .9L S'ECO'l{'lJ S'TO:Jf,E (j I !PT S'll 'BSC1<_1¥II 09{_ 'T:Jf IS C:Jf 1\_ISPJvf.9LS. •'Too uscfu(to6efcu;gottcn •'Too appreciatetf to be returned • (jfrien not 011c.e, but a([ year long • 5rnt 7/litfi. an attractive g~ft carif signetf in your name. See page 26 w orifcr. 8 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 iz --, · :x t ':' M&-;,,-fi§i"':15t ,fiihiii&&ii@NJ§!:i§SfiMi#iiiiiiP#MiMiiSit&i&iii¼ki&,~+-0 o i fiRi 'Black-list' bishop agrees with Catholic statement on gays LINCOLN, Neb. - A statement by U.S. Catholic bishops advising parents to love and support their gay chil dren is in line with church doctrine, said ihe bishop w.ho last year threatened to excommunicate members of groups that "contradict and imperil Catholic faith." Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz said the statement "seems to say what the Catholic Church has al ways taught, namely that we must hate sin and still love the sinner." He went on ·to say that the church's condemnation of sin "does not permit. us, either fignratively or otherwise, to shoot our wounded." The U.S. Catholic bishops statement represents the position of a committee, BISHOPS, From Pagel Pope John Paul II, has staunchly held . that sex is morally acceptable only · within the bounds of heterosexual marriage. And the U.S . bishops' letter in no way abandons Catholic doct rine. It states clearly that genital se;,;ual activity between same-sex partners is immoral and that the letter is not to be understood "as an endorsement of what some would call a 'homosexual · lifestyle ."' It draws a distinction, however, between homosexual orientation and sexual activity. In the letter, the bishops urge parents . to encourage their ·children to lead a chaste life and, at times, to challenge aspects of their children's lives they find objectionable . But the bishops also tell parents that maintaining a relationship with their child should be their primary goal. "First, don'.t break off contact; don't reject yonr child," the bishops say. Instead, they say, create an atmosphere in which a child would be willing to discuss his or her sexual orientation .· "This child, who has always been · God's gift to you, may now be the cause of another gift: your family becoming more honest, respectful and supportive," the bishops said. Among their recommendations, the bishops urge parents ·to "do everything possible to continue .demonstrating love for your child." That includes remaining open to the possibility that even after counseling, a child may still be "struggling to .. .-accept a basic homo sexual orientation." The document also encourages priests to welcome gays and lesbians into par - Bruskewitz said. "Most of the Catholic bishops in the United States were not . consulted nor involved in its production," he said. John Krejci, state chairman of Call to . Action, a group black-listed by Bruskewitz for seeking refom1s in the Catl1olic Cllnrch, said the committee's statement represents a "big policy shift" on the • part of bishops who earlier had held that homosexuality is a matter of choice. Krejci added that Call To Action nationally "sees gay rights as a part of human rights and the right of nondiscrimination. This is a fine pastoral statement that shows progress is being made on this issue." (AP) ishes, to help establish or promote support groups for parents of gay children and to let people know from the pulpit and . elsewhere that they are willing to talk about gay issues. When they lead chaste lives, homosexuals should be given leadership opportunities in the chnrch, the bishops said. "Generally, homosexual orientationis · . experienced as a given, not as something freely chosen," the bishops said. "By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be considered sinful, for morality presumes the . freedom to choose." "The basic hope here," said Bishop Thomas O'Brien of Phoenix, chairman of the Committee on Marriage and Family Life; "is that parents will accept their children, regardless of their sexual orientation." Mary Ellen Lopata, co-founder of the Catholic Gay and Lesbian Ministry in the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y ., said many parents struggle with the · conflict between loving _ their child and their understanding that chnrch teaching condemns that child. "For them to hear the bishops say to love the ir child first is very important and can go a long way to help them resolve those conflicts and begin some healing," she said. Imesch, head of the Pastoral Practices committee, said the church is nowhere near even discussing whethe r it could ever consider homosexual acts morally acceptable. In the meantime, however, gay men and lesbians "still need t o be acc epted as people," he said. "The judgment part is left to the Lord ." (AP) . . . -~ . . Gorep ledgetso fighot n behalof fg aysa ndl esbians OffilM,@liii¥i❖i¥i BY JENNIFERROTHACKER WASHING TON - Gays and lesbians , "certainly have my commitment to work as hard as I can" to stop anti-gay hate crimes, find a cure for AIDS and end workplace discrimination, Vice President Al Gore promised Sept.15. "It is time for all Americans to recognize that the issues that face gays and lesbians in this country are not narrow, special interests, they are matters of basic human and civil rights," Gore told the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force at its annual awards ceremony. The task force honored Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil.rights leader Martin Luther King; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; and the Mautner Project, a service organization for lesbians with cancer. Speaking before about 200 people who enthusiastically cheered his comments, the vice president - a likely contender for president in 2000 - vowed to ensure that .gay and lesbian issues «al ways have a place on our agenda." "There's a lot said about having a seat at the iable, and you have a seat at the table, but it's not enough for you to have a seat at the table," Gore said. "Everybody's got to realize that as full members of the American family it's your table too." Among . those areas Gore vowed to . fight for was passage of an employment nondiscrimination act and increased fnnding for AIDS research. He said a White House conference in November would focus attention on hate crimes and attempt to find ways to prevent them. "Some of the -greatest challenges we face are not challenges oflaw, but challenges of the heart," Gore said. "Please be assured, you certainly have my commitment to wo_rk as hard as I can nntil the day we do reach those goals.'' (AP) HatvardU niversityc~ l will allows ame-sexc eremonies CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Gay and lesbian couples are now allowed to have commitment ceremonies in Harvard University's Memorial Church . The decision by the church . to allow same-sex ceremonies was hailed by gay advocates, and criticized by conservative clergy. Harvard students, alumni and employees of the same gender will be able to take part in commitment ceremonies in the church, under the decision, and clergy of all denominations will be welcome to officiate. The .Rev. Peter Gomes, pastor of the nondenominational church on the Harvard campus, publicly acknowledged he is a homosexual in 1991, and has been a champion of gay and lesbian rights. "I am pleased to be able to extend the hospitality of the university church to all members of the university," Gomes Christian group says gay day at park okay if nobody else is there BY KEVIN O'HANLON CINCINNATI - 'The ieader of a Christian group has no problem with a Gay Day at Paramouni's Kings Island amusement park ... as long as no one else is there. Cincinnati's Gay and Lesbian Com0 munity Center rented Kings Island for the private party on Sept. 19. The Christian Family Network, which has members in 40 states, says that while it does not condone homosexuality, the private party is better than the informal Gay Day events of the past 13 years. On those days, the gay community has come en masse to Kings Island when the park is open to the public. · "By holding a Gay Day at a time when the general public is not present ... families are safe from unwanted, unsolicited subjection to homosexual activity, which at times has been reported to be quite explicit ," said Don Jackson, president of the Christian Family Network. Spokeswoman Susan Lomax said ·Par, amount has a non-discrimination policy and there have been informal Gay Day events at an its parks over the years. (AP) Minister who picketed against gays ticketed for loitering FORT ATKINSON, Wis. - A Monroe minister who was part of a picket line expressing opposition to homosexuality was ticketed by police. Ralph Ovadal, director of the Wisconsin Christians United , was asked by police to move so that his picket did not block the sidewalk, Lt. Dave Fromader said. Ovadal refused and was ticketed for violating the city's loitering ordinance, Fromader said, and also for failing to comply with an officer's order, another ordinance violatio~ : In a news release issued by his organization, Ovadal said there was plenty of room on the sidewalk for others to pass. Ovadal said he told officers he was engaged in constitutionally-protected Christian ministry. To Ovadal supporters who have called questioning the tickets issued Sept. 10, Fromader said that even clergy are not exempt from city ordinances. "If a clergyman were speeding through town, we'd give him a speeding ticket just like anyone else," Fromader said. (AP) told The Boston Globe. "Our staff will do all that we can to assist in the development of these services," he said. Three years ago, Gomes turned down a request from .a gay student to have a commitment ceremony at Memorial Church, saying there was no policy. "It sets a wonderful precedent," Mark O'Brien of Pride Interfaith Coalition, which represents gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people in Greater Boston, said of the decision. "To have one of the nation's great universities make room for something I consider to be immoral and contradictory to biblical authority is terribly disappointing," said the Rev. Grant E{skine of the Church of God, a fundamentalist congregation in the central Massachusetts city of Worcester. Chaplains serving the campus will not be compelled to perform commitment ceremonies, said the Rev. Thomas Chittick , president of the United Ministry, the organization of chaplains at HarvardandRadcliffe. "This decision does not tell campus ministers what to do. Clearly there are chaplains within the university who would be opposed to doing it," said Chittick, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America · The Rev. Thomas Mikelson, chairman of the Harvard board of ministry , which oversees religious life on the campus, said the decision to allow the cornmi trnent ceremonies was based on justice, not theology. "The core value, which was the basis. for this recommendation, was diversity ■ "The core value, which was the basis for this recommendation, was diversity ,L'\ .Sand ,basi<:,1 t . human rights !' and basic human rights," he said. ■ He is pastor at First Parish in Cambridge; a Unitarian Universalist church. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Reform and Reconstructionist movements of Judaism .are the only major Christian _and Jewish denominations that officially permit same-sex commitment ceremonies. (AP)· ~ KlRKRI~ ::ta~e:!r ' "lt!'e••tc, Sucu -I "'"""'' · y SIS'IERLYC ONVERSATIONS'9 7: Cun-eiCtto ncems Among Lesbianso f Faith Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Sue Fulton, Le Martin September 19 - 21 AGAPE:I N11MATET RANSFORMATIONS(F or YoungA dut.s1 8- 30) Grace Fala · and Brad Colby · October 24 - 26 IN11MACYw rrH GOD: MATURE SPIRITUAUIY John Mctlelll and Scott Alexander Januaiy 8 - 11 Located on the beautiful Kittatlnny Ridge of eastern PA, 85 mi. from NYC and Phlla For further information on these events orour personal/group retreat facilities, contact KIRKR/OOE, 2495 Fox Gap Rd. Bangor, PA 18013. Tel. (610) 588,1793/www.kirkrldge.org SECOND STONE 9 National News FllmmakeSro:u therBna ptistuss eB ibleto snubw omen NASHVILLE, .Teim. - Conservatives who control the Southern Baptist Con. vention are using the Bible to keep men in charge and control women, a documentary filmmaker says. "The leadership says: There's a role for women in the kingdom - where 'we' decide," David Lip.comb said. "What V Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns "For all Presbyterians who care about lesbian . and gay people and their full membership in the Presbyterian Church(USA)" / Boston/NortheNrne wE ngland 802-229-5438 SouthernN ewE ngland 203-442-5138 New Jersey . 908-249-1016 GeneseVea lley 716-663-9130 Pittsburgh .412-683-5239 Philadelphia 215-699-4750 . ' Dislroifc'Clb ruttib'i ·a ' . . 202-488-4220 Baltimore 410-254-5904 EasterVn irginia 804-497-6584 NorthernO hio 216-932-1458 CentraIl ndiana 317-931-9553 DetroiUSoutheastMericnh igan 313-255•7059 WinnebagWo,is consin 414-731-0892'' TwinC itiesA rea 612-S84-6908 Chicago 312-751-0250 St Louis 314-822-3296 CentraAl rkansas 501-224-4724 Louisiana 504-344-3930 Nebraska 402-733-1360 Oklahoma 405-848-2819 ·' Houston 713-440-0353 San Francisco 510-653-2134 Oregon 503-652-6508 Seattle 2S3-859-!i686 PTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 kind -of a pompous, self-righteous .attitude is that?" In his film, Lipscomb studied the rise of conservatism in the largest Protestant denomination in the United States. His documentary "Battle for the Minds" aired . in June on many PBS stations around the country. In the documentary. he examines how Baptist conservatives teach that women cannot be senior ministers based on certain Bible verses, including the story of Eve tempting Adam in the Garden of F.clen. "They're punishing women who feel called . by God to be ministers," said Lipscomb, a Knoxville, Tenn., native who now lives in Los Angeles. Fewer than 20 of nearly 40,000 Southern Baptist churches are .pastored by women, a decision left up to local churches. But some local churches who have picked a woman as minister have been ousted from their local Baptist associations . Conservative leaders say they discourage women from taking leadership roles over men but say female enrollment is strong at their seminaries and that women are needed in other ministries . "He's just trying to sell his video," David Porter. a spokesman for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky .• told The Tennessean newspaper. He said Lipscomb uses "classic propaganda techniques to slander the seminary's leadership" in the documentary. Much of "Battle for the Minds" focuses on attitudes and controversy at the Southern Seminary. Lipscomb interviewed teachers and students on both sides and features administrators w.ho have overseen changes to ensure a conservative view prevails in teachings. Lipscomb said his mother attended Southern and felt unwelcome at the seminary: Penny Cruse, 30, a third-semester divinity student at Southern, said she's · not interested in being a church pastor. But she's not uncomfortable at the seminary. "If there were a sense of repression · here, I wouldn't be here,» ~he said. The Southern Baptist Convention has ordained 1,150Women. The president of Baptist Women in Ministry said the Southern Baptist climate is repressive for women. "What if there's a little girl in the congregation who God wants to call to ministry. but she never feels encouraged because she never sees a woman preach?" asked the Rev. Kathy Findley, pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. (AP) VermonCt atholibci shops aysc hurchc an'ta lln.,sva me-serxn, arriage BURLINGTON, Vt. - In the wake of a lawsuit to force Vermont to recognize same-sex unions as marriages , Bishop Kenneth A. Angell of Burlington said that "there canbe no confusion" about the Catholic church's opposition to that idea 'The church's position on marriage ·is absolutely. clearly defined as a 'faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman, established by God with its own proper laws,"' Bishop Angell said. "The church's opposition to same-sex marriage has also been vocally and adamant! y stated." But another Burlington church body, The First Unitarian Universalist, voted to endorse same-sex marriages. The 500- member congregation voted at its recent annual meeting to support a 1996 reso- 1 ution by the Unitarian Universalist Association general assembly in calling for legalization of marriages between gay couples and lesbian couples. Bishop •t\rigeI.t made his statement on the issue July 23 . .J he previous day three same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses sued thestate of Vermont and ·the towns of Milton, Shel- . burne and South Burlington for the right to marry. The couples said the state's refusal to let them marry denied them access to rights of heterosexual married couples such as spousal pension and medical benefits. The suit challenges a 1975 state attorney general's ruling that a state ·law defining marriage as a union between a "bride and groom" prohibits marriages between same-sex couples . Within the past three years, largely as a result of a court challenge to the ban on such marriages in· Hawaii, at least 23 states have amended .their laws to add an explicit ban or to strengthen existing bans on recognition of same-sex unions as marriages. Bishop Angell said the church's . teachings on marriage and its defense oT those teachings "should in no way be misinterpreted to encourage disrespect for or prejudice against our brothers and sisters ofliomosexual orientation." He said that along with their defense of marriage, the U.S. bishops have also insisted that people of a homosexual orientation "have a right to and deserve our respect, compassion, understanding and defense against bigotry, attacks and abuse." (Catholic News Service and AP) Bishopb irsr etreatforpirenotfsg ays BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - A religious retreat for Catholic parents of gay and lesbian children has been canceled by Bishop Edward M. Egan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. The session was to be held in October in Stamford at a diocesan facility. According to diocese spokesman Tom Droh_an, Bishop Egan was concerned about a nine-year-old investigation of New Ways Ministry, the sponsoring organization, by Cardinal. Adam Maida of the archdiocese of Detroit. More than 50 parents of gay and lesbian children from Connecticut and around the Northeast. had planned to. attend the retreat. (AP) ,Sports the key to becoming straight, Mormons are told SALT LAKE CITY - A Mormon Church leader advocated a controversial form of therapy for gays and lesbians by suggesting they immerse themselves in the doctrines of the church to heal themselves. .. Jay E. Jensen, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy in . the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter 0 day Saints, said gays must allow the faith's theology to "inoculate" them against homosexnality. About 300 gay men ~d women · gathered with their families to listen to Jensen and participate in workshops with titles such as "Resisting the Strug 0 gle and the Temptations," and "Meeting Female Emotional Needs." Organizers . of the workshops believe that sports are key. Many sexually confused men never were good at team sports and were teased for being sissies, they argue. Mastering basebal{ and basketball promotes masculine self-esteem and helps men see other males as pals, instead of potential sexual partners. The reparative approach described by Jensen has been discredited by most mainstreanHherapists. (AP) National News Complaintfiledagainst~wh¢on nedoommitmentcerernony OMAHA, Neb. - A United Methodist bishop cut short his vacation in Spain to come home and deal with an unauthorized lesbian commitment ceremony opposed by at least 129 church members. One of the members of the First United Methodist Church filed a complaint against the church's pastor, Rev. Jimmy Creech, for conducting the ceremony. Members have also signed a statement of concern about Creech's "open defiance" of church policy. The Rev. Joel Martinez, the church's Nebraska bishop, returned the last week of September to look into the complaints that have been filed against Creech and to oversee a confidential review process into the complaints. Rev. Creech, senior pastor of Omaha's largest United Methodist church, performed the ceremony Sept: 14despite warnings from Bishop Martinez that such an action would probably trigger a complaint and possible disciplinary . action. Church meinber Bob Howell mailed a formal complaint to Martinez on Sept 16. He charged that Creech had violated church rules that prohibit Methodist pastors from performing union ceremonies and from allowing them to be performed on church property. The two women who took part in the ceremony are member's of the central Omaha church's 1,900-member congregation. Howell's complaint is expected to u:!gger a review process that could result in disciplinary action against Creech. The complaint will go to the Nebraska conference's committee · on investigations. It reports to its Board of Ordained Ministries, which handles all personnel matters. Possible sanctions include suspension, leave of absence or surrender of ministerial. credentials. Martinez said the matter is one of high priority made obvious by his decision to cut short his vacation by three weeks. The bishop had been studying the effects of the Reformation in Spain in the 1600s. Among those who signed a statement of concern, which was sent to Martinez on Sept 25; were several prominent and longtime church members, including former U.S. Sen. David .Karnes and his wife, Liz. Virginia Semrad, an opposition organizer, said"the statement is intended to · let people who oppose Creech's actions know that they are not alone. "We want to get our message out," Semrad said. "We don't have the pulpit. We don't have the church newsletter for our message." Several lay leaders at Creech's church said they supported the ceremony for the two women. Joan Byerhof, head of the church council, and Bob Maline, chairman of the board of trustees, said tlJat under the Methpdist system, Creech has the right to determine what goes on in his church. E_ven though Creech does· answer to the bishop, Mrs. Byerhof said, cou- Focus on the Family president backs Disney boycott COtoRADO SPRINGS, Colo. - James Dobson, president of Focus on the Family, is calling for his national radio audience to join the boycoti of Disμey products launched by the Southern Baptist Convention. Dobson asked his estimated 3 million to 5 million listeners to write the com- . pany to express their objections to what he believes are offensive books, television programs, movies and music, Focus on the Family officials said. "We won't bankrupt Disney, given their enormous resources, and we may not even damage them financially," Dobson said. "But we can certainly let our constituency _know that Disney is no longer friendly to the family and call attention to the immoral material they are now producing." Walt Disney Co. spokesman Tom Deegan responded: "While we respect the Southern Bap~sts andFocus on the Family's right to protest what they feel is in conflict with their beliefs, we also feel strongly that their attacks on us are unwarranted, unfair and inappropriate." Dobson said he will also urge .his supporters to state in their letters how . much money the entertainment company will lose as a result of the boycott. Dobson, a psychologist, founded • Focus on the Family in 1977. His radio program is the centerpiece of the $ 100 million-a-year Christian ministry. '' Deegan said the boycott lau:n' ~hed by the Southern Baptists does not appear to have had much impact. '.'If you look at our finaricials, I don't think we have suffered financially from any of those threats," he said. "We will remain coJlJ.mtii ed lo certain values in our everyday life," Deegan said, "values that include tolerance and compassion and respect for everybody." (AP) science also matters. Mark Bowman, executive director of Reconciling Congregation Program, Baid he knows of no cases under the new church rule where a pastor was disci plined. In 1996, the Methodist Church decided to prohibit pastors from conducting ceremortles that celebrate same-sex unions and from allowing such ceremonies to be performed on church property. Although the United Methodist Church supports the civil rights of gays and lesbi_ans and has committed itself to ministering to gays and lesbians, it also • says that the lifestyle conflicts with Christian .teaching. (AP and other sources) Baptist committee: Godsey's book 'punctuated with heresy' ATLANTA - Controversial views of ' Mercer University President R. Kirby Godsey "deviate from orthodoxy," and his book is "punctuated with heresy," a Georgia Baptist Convention committee says. The committee, which was appointed to examine Godsey's .views, studied the book "When We Talk About God ... Let's Be Honest." It also submitted written questions to him and interviewed him in person. In the book, Godsey affirms Jesus as the center ofboth his own life and the Christian faith, but critics point to his suggestions that everyone will eventually get to heaven, that the Bible is not infallible and God is not all powerful. "The committee's opinion is that Dr. Godsey's book and his Written answers to these questions dramatically deviate from orthodoxy," said a report in the Christian Index, the Southern Baptist newspaper in Georgia. "That being true, it is our opinion that it is punctuated with here~y." the • report said. "It is the committee's opin- . ion that Dr. Godsey has thus failed his . spiritual fiduciary responsibil,ity as · leader of Georgia Baptists' largesi institution." The committee head, the Rev. Nelson Price of Roswell Street Baptist Church irt Marietta, presented the ·report to the convention's executive committee Sept. 9. A second commit .tee was appointed by the convention to study the relationship between the convention · and the 7 ,000-student university. In a written statement released Sept. 5, the university said it "has . tried to respond fully and cooperatively with the inquiries" and is disappointed by the committee report. "We are more fOC\)sed upon finding constructive an4 wsili.:Y,fFR,l,/ndations for sustaining and strengthening the 165- year relationship between Mercer and the Baptists of Georgia," . the university statement said. (AP) Gays can 'come on down' to farmer strip club turned Pentecostal church JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The owner of a former warehouse who once offered nude dancing, sizzling steaks to gays and lesbians and a nightclub scene to teens has answered a higher calling. Courtney Krause's Coliseum in Jersey City is now the venuHor Sunday services for the Rev. Margaret Davis' small Pentecostal congregation. Just as an assortment of customers have walked through the Colisellm's doors, Davis said she welcomes anyone seeking spiritnal guidance. "I want everyone to come as long as they're coming with the thought .that they want spirituality in their lives," Davis told The Jersey Journal. · Davis preaches for St. Paul's Holy Church of God in what was once an adult entertainment club. Overlooking th.e Holland Tunnel, the huge building later became Plato's Alternative Steakhouse; serving up sizzling dishes to gay and lesbian customers. It's sizzle fizzled after less than iwo months of slow business. Krause and her spokesman Gus. San• torella then said they would lend free space to almost any community group that asked. So when Davis showed up on their doorstep, they said yes. Davis and her late husband began the church around 20 years ago, but they had their "ups and downs" keeping it going, she . said. Davis promised her spouse before he died six months ago that she would keep at it. The congregation has only seven . members now, but Davis- is hoping to Change that, welcoming anyone who is , interested in spirituality. · The Coliseum's pru;t.incamations do not bother her. "I'm not going to say to anyone, 'Who do yo_u sleep with?' You have to work that ·out with God. That's between the person and God," said Davis. "Who sleeps with who - that's not what I'm about.. If you're gay, well, come on dow.n." (AP) SECOND STONE 11 National News Discipleosf C hrisset ekd iscemmentgoany si nt hec hmch BY REV. ALLEN V. HARRIS MEETING IN DENVER, Colorado July 25-29, the over 8,000 delegates and visitors to the biennial meeting of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) voted to accept an item calling on the denomination to be in a "period of discernment regarding the place of lesbian • and gay persons in the church." With a clear margin in favor of the item; the delegates to .the church's General Assembly added this as a . third topic to the denomination 's new process for dealing issues in the church. Two years ago Richard Hamm, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), proposed a different way of dealing with difficult issues facing the church. · Rather , than voting up or down on oftentimes divisive and complex issues, the ·denomination was presented with an option for such perplexing subjects, . which was then approved at the 1995 Assembly, meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This "Process For Discernment" seeks to intentionally incorporate the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, theological reflection, and dialogue. Subsequently the General Board of the denomination named racisni and the nature of biblical authority as the church's first two topics for discernment. · A-document ·entitled "A -canF or Reflection On The Participation Of Gay And Lesbian Pers 9_ffilI n The Life Of The Church" was -~pproved by voice vote at lhi!kyear's assembly. The document noted that, based on the denomination's ~tnphasis on a simple confession of faith as being _the only requirement for baptism, '.'there can be no exclusion of persons ffum the church on the basis of sexl)ll! orientation: : -The item also .. named the . two strong -statements · the assembly has made in belialf of the civil rights of lesbian and ,gay persons, first in l'/17 and then again in 1993. Nonetheless, the :document acknowledges that "agonizing . 'di~isions continue w1tbili t4e -f hurch·; the body of Christ" oyer ,thi ifissue. -~ . ' . '~ ''M!ifgaret Rice, moderator of Park Avenue Christian Church in New-York City ,-,thh ongregation submitti~g · the item ; -pre sented it on the floor o( the assembly :. She affirmed cthe enomious 'po~i,i tial ~ ,newpr!JCess f~di ~ mmetit ~l\s for - bringing Christiarts - of goql will together on -thel.to,pic. ' Rice ·conf es~ ; ·however / that the congrega, tion ,She serves was not unanimous on the i~in. sin~ several elders and members of the New York ~ngregation felt that ·the'.·resolution was "ioo little, too late.' 1P1ll')(A venue .Christian Church is an Op¢n &. Affirming Congregation, one of thiirty-three in the denomination 12 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER !997 which has publicly proclaimed itself to be open to and affirming of the full participation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual . persons in the life and leadership of the congregation. The opposing viewpoint was offered by the Rev . Thomas Albin , of Union City, Indiana . He shared his concern that too much time and energy was being spent on the issue of homosexuality in the church, and offered the example that the booth for the Gay , Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance (GLAD Alliance) was the second largest in the Assembly's exhibit hall. Richard Hamm took to the microphone to explain that no monies from the denomination's Basic Mission Finance, the general fund given to by local congregations and individuals, was used to fund the GLAD Alliance. Leaders of GLAD Alliance later pointed out that, in fact, the advocacy and education group actually gives money to the denomination through Basic Mission Finance in that each time the organization takes an offering, half of all monies collec.ted go . to the denomination's general fund. The' other half goes to a local gay-friendly charity. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a North American-born denomination with just over a million participating members in the United States and Canada. The headquarters of the denomination are in Indianapolis, Indiana. Formear ffiliatoef Focuso nt heF amily3 {X)logizfeosr organizationco'sn denmationf g aysa ndl esbians COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A man who calls himself a co-founder of Focus on the Family publicly apologized to women, ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, religious groups and the media during a blitz to promote his book. Gil Alexander-Moegerle claims he was one of seven people who co-founded Focus on the Family, a $100 million-ayear Christian organization that counsels people seeking advice in dealing with family struggles. In his book "James Dobson's War on America," Alexan,der-Moegerle <;riticires the group's well-known leader and his followers, accusing them of veering from -their original mission of helping people raise their children and preserve their marriages. The author believes Focus has become too political and said Dobson has. made "a harmful foray into big-time politics." "I apologize to lesbian and gay Americans who are demeaned and dehumanized on a regular basis by the false, irresponsible, and inflammatory rhetoric of James Dobson's anti-gay radio and print materials ," said Alexander-Moegerle . "I am ashamed of my former colleagues for their attacks on you and for their pattern of slamming the doors of reasonable access in your face," Alexander- Moegerle said in a written statement. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people have long been a favorite target of Focus on the Family," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National .Gay and Lesbian Task Force . ''Their politically charged rhetoric has become more forceful as James Dobson has increased the organization's reach and influence," Alexander-Moegerle, who lives in Los Angeles, made the comments in a news release prior to . his appearance at the Colorado Springs offices of the gay and lesbian activist group Ground Zero. He said his book is the first insider critiqueof"the character, style and political agenda" of James Dobson, who cofounded Focus on the Family in Arcadia, Calif., in l C/77. While at Focus on the. Family, Alexander- Moegerle was the executive producer of "Focus" radio and editor .of "Focus" magazine .. In addition to the apology, he called upon Dobson to step down from political activism. Paul Hetrick, a Focus on the Family spokesman, denied Alexander-Moegerle helped found the nonprofit organization , saying the author worked for a Chicago advertising agency and served only as a consultant before becoming an employee in 1980. Hetrick speculated that AlexanderMoegerle was still angry over a lawsuit he lost in Pomona (Calif.) Superlor Court in which he sued Focus on the Family for allegedly firing him inappropriately after seve11 years. Hetrick said Alexander-Moegerle voluntarily resigned from the organization after divorcing his wife and marrying his secretary. Hetrick said Alexander-Moegerle accused Dobson of interfering with his personal life after Dobson suggested he and bis first wife avoid divorce by getting counseling . Focus on the Family, founded in 1977, has become the largest right wing organization in the United States. Their 30 state affiliates do grassroots political organizing on anti-choice, anti-gay, and ·anti-sex education issues. Psychologists debunk 'reparative therapy' CHICAGO - Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and doesn't need treatment, . the nation's largest group of psychologists has declared in an attempt to quell controversy over so-'called reparative therapy . The American Psychological Association, by a vote of its major policysetting board, also called on mental health professionals to "take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with homosexual orientation ." The association first declared in 1975 that homosexuality isn't a mental disorder, saying it supported the American Psychiatric Association in remo ving it from the official list of mental and emotional disorders. The newest resolution said lack of information, ignorance and prejudice puts some "gay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning individuals at risk" for seek. ing "conversion" or "reparative" therapy, which is aimed at reducing cir eliminating homosexuality. There have been no well-designed scientific studies to test such therapy, the association said in a stat~nrent. But it hasn't been conclusively shown to be harmful, "extensive clinical experience suggests that such therapy feeds upon society's anti-gay prejudic es and is likely to exacerbate the client's issues of poor self-esteem," the association's office said. Kim Mills, a representative of the Human Rights Campaign, a lesbian and gay political group, said the resolution "reaffirms the fact that since there is nothing wrong with homosexua lity, there is no reason that gay, lesbian or bisexual people should try to change." Robert H. Knight, director of cultural studies for the conse _rvati ve Family Research Council, said "homosexual behavior entails inevitable phys ical and psychological risks" and maintained that homosexuals have been successfully treatedfotfordecades . (AP) r DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPELC HURCH P.OI. DX1 634 • D\YIONO, H4 5401 DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY! ALL ARE WELCOME meets 546 XeniaAv~ lliyton, Ohio Sunday 10 am. E-MAll.R: evSamuelK@aol. VJSiot ur Wro Site httwI Wl'IW.h:me.aol.coml~ 937-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR LONG BEACH. CALIFORNIA W~a.ry?? COl.VIE :HOl.VIE!! ~ nm. T Jfl~IT rtlLOIT Jm, • Of LONQi'l :#ICH Jb.. l. 'lll,,,J,,d '.,J.,,, Classes . Retreats . Counseling Social Activities "Spiritual Support" Group Mid-Week "Prayer & Praise" Services Saturday, 6:00 PM "Worship" North Long Beach Christian Church 1115 E. Market St., Long Beach, CA. ( 562) 435-0990 E-Mai/:Pa!itorDLM@aol.com · Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored hy our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA · riJJ Come ~~l ( · ./ Celebrate • ,) r With Us •1\•a r-,~• - The New lifeln Jesus! g>m,i,,,J-o~/ ~ (w,1£12) Non-Denominational - Bible Centered Sunday Servlces - 10:30 am at. The Billy Defrank Center 175 Stockton Ave .. San Jose, CA Pastor David Harvey • (408) 345-2319 " 'http://www.lodsys.co ,rn/celebrate/ MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE _ Safe Harbor Metropolitan Community Church Pastor: Greg Bullard Worship: 11:00 AM, 7:00PM Meets at: 2117 Union Ave. Join us as we Worship, Celebrate, Praise and Serve Jesus! POBox41691 Memphis, 1N 38174 " Phone: (901)458-0501 safehmcc@aol.com MEDICAL SCHOOL, KANSAS CITY MISSOURI FromP<!ge4 "That can be done carefl!lly or it can be done in a way that offends palients," said Matthews. "That's where we need the me.dical schools. Students need to be trained on how to do this so it doesn't offend people." Dr. Valencia Clay, an Atlanta internist who will teach a class at Morehouse, said the courses aren't meant to force a particular religion or set of beliefs on a doctor or patient. Doctors must know where treatment might conflict with a patient's beliefs, she said, "A Jehovah's Witness is against blOod transfusions," she said 'There are some Christians who don't believe in birth control. We have one whole class on religious beliefs that may act as barriers." Morehouse's course also will pair students with terminally ill patients from the day they are diagnosed to the : day they die. They will even be involved in funeral arrange~nts. At Loyola, students will go on rounds with hospital chaplains. At Brown University School of Medicine, students will go on a retreat to explore their own faith and beliefs and learn how to include hospice groups in their care of a terminally ill patient. Dr. Myles Sheehan, a physician and Jesuit priest who will help teach the course at Loyola, said the class is a rediscovery of something that has been taken for granted among physicians. "Doctors who miss the experience of the human spirit are like readers who skip several chapters in a book," Sheehan wrote in a recent newsletter for Choice In Dying, a patient's rights groubpa sed in New York. The courses · are also .prompted by recent surveys and studies that highlight patients' reliance on faith . A survey of 268 doctors at an American Academy of ·Family · Physicians meeting last year found 91 percent had patients who asked a priest, rabbi, minister or faith healer to help with their illness. A 1996 survey of 1,004 people by the Roper Center at the University of Connecticut found 64 percent want their doctor to pray with them. (AP) Come share your ministry with ns at..". ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouleau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (Ncnh of the River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am . http:/l wwvv.s ound.net/ "1liclde To receive Second Stone's online updates, e-mailyour address to secstone@aol.com HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Worship: Sunday 5p.m. 22294 City Center Dr. #5108 Hayward CA 94541~2810 (510)886-7332 E-mail: faith2fellowship@hotmail.com web site: · http://www2.netcom.com/-itsamelfaithfel lowship.htmi MEMPHIS TENNESSEE HOLYTRINITY COMMUc_NHIUTRYC HES INT ENNESSEE MEMPHIS-- 1559 Madison Ave. 901 /726-9443 Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday School I I a.m. Communion Rev. TimothMy eJdowsM, .Div,S, eniorM inister NASHVILLE·- 3028 Lebanon Rd. (In the Unity Center) ,,( 61518,37-2424 . Sunday: 6 p.m, Worship Service ' Rev. Cy'!th~/ ooper, M.M. ProcfilimingG od's love for All People SECOND STONE 13 About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listed below are resources for gay /lesbian/bisexual/ transgendered Christians. Accuracy of an organization ' s listing is the responsibility of the organization. We apologize for any omissions or errors. Corrections may be sent to P .0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 oremailed to secstone@aol.com. In most cases area codes are listed in the city heading only. · National ~j1~9E g~~~~~IN;~~\~f41:S'.;~7~~-=•· ~~~: drectO'. AFFIRMT/\I ON/UnitoMd elhcxlslsfo r Gay& lesbianC oocems, P.O.B ox1 021E, vanston.6IL0 204(.7 08)733·9590. AMERICANBA PTISTSC ONCERNE1D3, 318C larepoirrtWe ay,• ~R~~mi=ti~s1~~m~ra-1:rr ~49 E. BurnsidSet , PonlanOd,R 9 7214(-003)230-9427. APCSTOIJCA T HOIJCC HURCHIN AMERICAa, nationagl ay- 1riendcym ominalioBois.t q,P a~D aviCd. S trongO. SJDP, O8 0< ~~meSeaWlAle9,6 1(»-100(52.0 6)763-246a9p. callch@aol.can. ASSOCIA ISTRIESP, OB ox8 506, ASSOCIA ON OF WELC NG AND ~=\lAPTISTS, P.O.B o<2 596A, tt1eboFraol s,W . 02763-069V4.lf .(506)226-09. 45 WABaplis1silaa.chatn1.) :/•a<i(~ts. A nelwOol!fc cllllohas,O IQllllllatiaonodsin <Milawlsh ow elcomaen da ct,ooale •ll!,=rficile~gay, andbisexualpeq,we ithin BALM MINIS=. P:O.Bal 1961, Costa Mesa, CA 92628. (714)64H968. MarshaS leV!lfis' ,singer/songt1JlteSr.u zanne t:r""tiir~·NOiilTE PARENTOS F LESBIAN/GACYH ILDRENB, ox1 708L, ima.OH45 802. BRETHRENM/ ENNONITCEO UNCIFL ORL ESBIANA NDG AY CONCERNSB,o x6 300;M ilneapoliMs,N 5 5406-030(06.1 2)722· 6906.B MCooociOaohl.to1o):m/-..V MlCOm.can.bSnlcW/ (lrt for_ er.livaennd M eMOrgit,.o'f , leslliana,n d -..1 peq,le, and therparenlS, spousesr,e la- end-. Nbllln: lllllogJe CHIR HOP RESS·_· -A speciwloi r!(olt he uFfkMci d-AUlnlDici s• 1ricl Nlfmher <1r elijioubs ooks~ndm aleria~,P .O.B ox7 864, ~~~rrw.riic,o~ and~ - . for g,.'f and-n Ga-clerg,, andr elgoUsP. .O.8 o<6 0125, Chioo(pI,L 6 0000-012N5l.l i:ation; Communication· · CONFERENCFEO RC ATHOLILCE SBIANSP,. O.B ox~ Planetariln 5111N.,e wYa1N<,Y 1 0024(.7 18)921-046!. CONNECTION··SSP IRITUALLI NKS• Seminarsw,o rl<shqlcs,o n- oogie1a ndben!awmentR evR. icharBd .G iblfl,< hckr . 1504N . C.rnp,ellS t, V81JaraisIoN, "6383.( 219)464-618w3ic, e . and1ax. • . DIGNTYIUS1A5,0 0Massach!Jse11$Ave.,NW\,YSalesh.1in1g,l :ln, g:=J2a~· FAX·(202)429-980G8a. ya ndl esbian .E CUMENICACLA T HOIJCC HURC;HP.O. Bo<3 2,V i~ Grande, , ~m=u. ~$=~~~~t7003. TheMootRev. ECUMENIC.AOLRDERO FC HARITYP,O B<»2c5 7,I les l.tlinesI,A 50301.(.5 15)251-825A4n. ecumenicailn, olusivree ligiouos rdero f ~!:,~,.~=lhe~~~Wrt,. EROSPIRftl:'ESE'ARINCSHT 'l¥JE,P .O.B ae3 893~, nd, CA 94609.(510)428-9063.NalwOl!colga;,and-...,.tali:soffe!ing -andYideQ8ilierollcsplri1ual1y, EVANGEIJCA~ANGIJCCAHNU RCHIN AMERICA2,4 01A rtas~ Blvd, Sle. 106-21,3-Beacll, CA 90278.'(310)798-6720. EA~IACS@aol.can. Na1ionoa1l lioeo f anE ACAc hurcho ommunities. . . ~~=v~~~~~1~s1~~-,~~i=i/J.!!k=!~ Record · . THEE VANGELICANLE TWORKB,o <1 6104P, lumb<A, Z85011. (002)265-2831. FEDERATIOONF P ARENTASN DF RIENDOS F LESBIANASN D GAYSI,N C.P .O.B o<2 7605W, aslingtmD, C2 0038.(202)fil8-4200. Send$3-001poard <e1iontf oonalioo. · GULFL OWERAT LANTIDCI STRICoTt l!leUniwrsaFl elloNshoi>f ~wr~)~,~~~"J~ .. ~1 :.:~~I:n~:m~• GLADMCC@aol.com. Wernlteh: tip;llwwN.gecxities.com/WeslHot/W000'1490. ~~= :~~ 1~!'.A~ ~~~~i~i~-~~f4~ ~~ar:0112w 0001. 14 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 GAYA NDL ESBIANP ARENTSC OALITIONIN TERNATIONA~ P.O.I la( 50360,W asl-ingtoDoC, 20091(2. 02)583-802l'9L.t ll""11i011 Ne1work GAY,L ESBIANA NOA FFIRMINGD ISCIPLEASW ANCE,P .O. Box1 922,3 lnclanapoiiIsN, 4 6219-022(33.1 9)324-623F1o.r m embers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Pt.tilication: Crossbeam. s · GAYELLOWPA GES•P .O.B ox5 33,V illageS in,. NewY01~N Y 10014-053(231. 2)674-0120. GAEAT LAKESD ISTRICoTf Ille UniwrsaFl ellaNshopl MelrqJ>ol tan CcmmunityChurches1,3 00A mbroJeD r., LouisvilleK, Y 40207. 2410. (502)897-38w21ic, eandf ax.Jua,,Da~c,o orclnalor. HUMANR IGHTSC AMPAIGN1,1 01 14th St. . NW, Ste. 200, ~~1~~~N~:b 202 :1~ir·New York,N Y 10165-52.5 5 l~=~.~~.i:1 ~~ ""l~'i..~ %8. (617)742-2100. A lay organiZatioonf UnitarianU niversalisftosr lesbianb, isexu,a l 11'?i\1~~m ''?. o'°~178 ,C oncordC. A 94522-01.7 B8f . moolh~p lillcation. · LUTHERANCSO NCERNEDN/O RTHA MERICAB,o x1 0461F, ort Oeai1loSolla OOCI\ hica!1, IJL6 0610-046l1'L. troalioo: TheC oocoo1 METHODISTF EDERATIONF OR SOCIALA CTION,a gay. affirmingm, utti-issuanelvo7a6kC , finfonAveS.,t alents~nd1,l ll01· ui~g!i~~St~~: it~°":f~~ =~. RI 02940-10.5 5(«>1)722·31.3 C2hristianE, cumen""1a1n di nclusive communiotyf s~ters., b rolhersa nda ssociates~. ://mg;.01g'ITl9). MerCj(:orrJm@aol.com. MOREIJ GKTC HURCHENSE TWORK60, 0 W. FullertonP kvo.,y Chicag,I,L 60614-269(07,7 3)338-04. R52esoocep acke\ $12.P tb- 1""1tionM: omU g,tC lltrchesN etv«lkN ewslltter . NATIONAALS SOCIATIOONF CATHOLIDCI OCESALNE SBIAN ANOG AYM INISTRIES43, 3 JeffersonS t ,'OaklandC, A 94607. =10 465-9344. Newsle11er and na1ional con1erence. @aot.com. . . NATI NALC OUNCILO F CHURCHES47, 5R iversideD r., New Yori\ NY 10115A. IDST ask Force,R oom5 72,( 212)870·2421. HumanSexuali1y01Rficoeo,m 7 0S(:2 12)870-2151. NATIONACL OUNCILO F CHURCHESW, ashingto0n1 1ice1, 10 Mar,landAvNeE., ,W astirgonD, C2 000.2 (202)544-2350. NA1IONALG AY PENTECOSTAALL LIANCE(a: ~o Pan1ecostal Bille lnstitule( Minlsleria1ll alningj)P.OB.o x 1391S, chenecla<lf, NY 12301-1391. (518)372·6001. NGPA0concen1r~.nel ,~"T.~.='.. r i~1=t·c:.'~~~~lfirmi'g OiscjllesA lliance,R ev.A lenV '.Hanis,c lo 1010P ar1A<v e.,N ew YorkN Y10028-099(211. 2)288-32~tb.l lnandewcetonb'conll"( llltioos• nd-mlnlslrleosl bl Clris1Cialunch (lliocilolet s Cms1) wl1icsho ek1 owelconea ndiflinn lesllianr;,J ff,a ndb isexual ~A NDA FFIRMINGPR OGRAMU,r iledC luch Coalitio1no r L8'blan/GayC 9ncernPsO, Box «l3, Holden,M A0 1520-0403. t5:=6 s:;;r"~300cw .munq,eSt, Philadel,llP1iAa , 19144(.2 15)849-217N8J. lishesa r1i~cles 10p rogessive Cl1rlstians. OTHERS HEEPM ,jJjcuHuMrainJ istrwieis1 hS exuaMl ir)ori113e1s9, N. Foor1#1910 2, St i.ll<isM, O6 3102•1936(3. 14)241·240F0A. X (314)241-240E3-.m a:i gilem)geaolcoTmh.e ologcaal nde c1Jca- 1mllwor1lo<o allyn,a ~. andi11emationatf~positive ~~~c~~~ =:,'~ 122Z lnda1111XINl14is6,: !l6,1222(3. 17)251-152!1. PRES8YTERIANFOS RL ESBIAN& GAYC ONCERNPS.,O .B o< 38,N ewarun..;:kN, J089(XHXJ38, (00!)932-750(19,0 8)249-1016. Nbtion• Moml. ig,tUpdale RECONCILINCGO NGREGATIOPNR OGRAM3,8 01N . Keeler Ave.. Chicag:)I, L60641(.7 73)736-552F6X.( 773)736-54N75il. cation: OpenHards RELIGIONW ATCHP, .O.B ae6 52,N orthB elmore,N Y 11710A. newsle11mero ni1airg trendsi no onlemporarreyi gion. TELOSM INISTRIE(SB aptists)P, O Box3.3 90,F als ChlRtll,V A 22043. 561).268F0.a x,- 5. \elllSmin-.can. SILENTH ARVESTM INISTRIESP,O Bae· 190511D, allas,T X ~~il,,~~j~~GATIONS NETWORKM, ennonitaen d Bre1hren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. SCNalwOl!c@aol.cAo omo. 1Woortk M ennonGieten,e raCl 0nlerence MemooileandChtrchofttieBre1ivencorg"!JltiorBwl1ichwebJme ©ir~~~= r,_i~-rmlCE FORL ESBIAN/GACYO N· CERN;S 25B eaocnStB, ostonM, A021~.( 6,n742-210. 0 UNITEDC HURCCHO ALITIOFNO RL ESBIAIN G AYC ONCERNS, 18 N. College,A 1hensO, H 45701,( 614)5 93-7301P. ullliallion: Wwes UNITEDC HURCHO F CHRISTO, ffice1 orC hlRtlli n Socie1,y 110 ~m\;1s1mr~c~~~r=~f:~k.«iN1TY CHURCHE8S7 04S arrteM onicBa Mi, 2ndF~W. esHt ollyNcoCdA. 90069-454.8 (310)36o-8640,F AX (310)360:8680E. -mail: u1rno,tqilaol.canw.. tlslte•h t1p:/ltlww.u1mcc.can. t:t~k~~~ 1heE p;scq,aCl hurchP tblishinCg o, 1249Waslil1gton8MS11,e 3. 115l,l elroiM\ l 48226-186(381. 3)962· 2650 WOOOSWOME• NAc lienluretr avel1 orw omen2, 5 W. Diamond LakeR d, Minneepol'•M. N5 5419(,8 00)279-055(651, 2)822-3809, FAX (612)822·3814 Alaska ~~~E;~&,..,nan\ P.O.B ox2 8689,9 645.7 46-108H9.o NardH. Bessp, astorA. Welcominagn dA 1f,minAg mericaBn aptisCt oogegaloo. iliifWf,fi##iiiiii&&i4iiiW5 Arizona PHOENX1'(602) :f DeG ris1oE v~I ChU!cl\1 029E . Turne,y 850142. 65- 0live Tree Minis1rie, sPO Box4 7787, 85068-77878.6 1-3424. ~:/fMTI.oom/-. TtJcsoN(Sl!J) Corne!stonFee lloWsh2p9, 02N .G eronimo8,5 7056. 22-4626S. unday, S S•m.,1 0:308.mW., e<tesda7y,p .mP. r!l)'!rs ervicela s1S uno. f Ille moolh5, p.mR. adaS cha,f fpastorC. HRISTFORALL@juno.can. Frst ChristianC huro,l l7«l E. Speec!Na8y5, 7196. 24-8695S.u n,. 8:15a.m., 10:30amP. asllrNcbKi anek.o FAYffiE\/1LLE(501) . OurL aoo/f Guadail.lJCe sthooCo hurchP, OB ox8 32,7 2702-08.32 1 444-96-0S7a. l, 5:30pm. . al St Martin'sE piscq,aSl tudenCt enter, 814W . Mapl,.F r.J oseph PauSl mithp, askr. California HAYWAR0(510) FaithF etla.Ysh2~2, 294CilyCenterDSrt.e, .5 1089, 45418.8 6-7332. IRV1NE(714) IrvineU nitedC hurcho f Chris\4 915A ltonP kvoy9.,2 7147. 33--0220. . An Open& AffirmingC ongegaOOpIr\o udlyp rogessivein, tentionally inclusive. LAGUNBAE ACH(7 14) Evangeo:alCs oncernedP, O Box 1452,9 2652-14524.5 1-377. 7 Tues.7, :30p..m. LAGUNAN IGUEL(7 14) · ~:;~.,..,:=~~~~~";"=r:i~:olli,,,~~: l!leir1 amHiaensd m ends. LONGB EACH(5 62) Firs1C oogegaliooCafh urch2, 41C edaAr ve.,9 0802.4 36-2256A. n Opena ncAf ffirm'l/Coogegaliooof 1heU niledC htrcho fC hrist HolyS piriFt ellaiishpP, OB ox9 12729, 08094.3 5-099. C0hristianity as)<IUat.\ovl'sq ledltoouldte. LOSA NGELEAS REA(2 13) CrescenH1 eig,!sU MC,1 296N o. Fairtax Ave. . WestH ol!IWood. 90046 656-5336. UnitedC hurchC oalitio1no Lr eroian/GayGaicemSso,o lhemca m01- niaC hapler,2 41C edarA ve.,L oogB eachC, A9 0802. Rev.L tily ~fs'£J~~~Brinn<( 5 62)436-2256. FirstCoogegatiorBIChlr4c6h4, E.W alntrtSt9.,1 1017. 95-0696.An Opena ndA f!inningco rg"!Jllionw. ithinIl le Unil3dC hurcho tC !1r51. E-mai:l ambde1oolla01.c.a n SxAN:F RnANsCIS CBOA >Y.R E(A41 5) Coocemed, 586 ValtejoS t, /1259, 4133-403935. 6-2069. ~:i:;i<~:Ja ilh Pra~ea nd WornhiJC ente,r PO Box5 765, ~3f,!319. Sun, 10:30.am. at The Silly_DeFrankCente17r,5 FirstC hris1laCnl rurcl\8 0 S. 51hS t, 951122. 94-2944R. ichardK . Miller,pasl:lr. Gay,~ n. andA ffinni'gD iscples,r ioFi oitC hrislilnC htKch8,0 SO. 51hSl,951122.9 4-2944. SANL UISO BISPO(8 05) MCColf! leCentralCoesP~O Box1 117G, ,_Clty, 93483-1117. 481-937S6U. nday1, 0:30.0m.R ev.R ancA:1 L/. eslepr,a stor. WHlmEJ;(310) • . . l' GoodSemari1aMn CC1, 19~1E . WashirigfoBnM !, 00606-2607. 69&<i21R3.e v. Gila CliapmMp, asb'. . District of Columbia DISTRICOTF C OLUIIBIA(2 02) lliJi1y,P OBox5300210, 0093. 87-4516. Florida FORT MYERS ii·::~~'1~'.~~~S:.=l.':;=.= ~~!::· BetheEl va,geosiMic inislioIsn,c .P,O B a<m s.3 2148. KEYW EST{3 05) MCC1, 215P erooiaS t, 330402. 94-8912S.o oday9, ~, 11a.m., ::~~tiT~~~,past>. l't,ffloo1Cho ngegationaUl niledC hlrcllo 1C hris~3 400D awnR d., 331334. 44-6521S. un.,1 0a.mR. adobroaooastoFoM 9 3.1A. IDS oo~each !11inisllym, emoriasl erw:ehso,ly unions.A Hw elcome. www.foea1iYe.~ PANAMAC ITY(9 04) Famtf 01G odW orshpC en1er1, 139E verittA ve.,C edarG rove,· ~~~_;~Su1n..1, 0:300.msa. ittt,g,cOaoloom. Penlecos1aolsf TampaB ay,2 0C2et3tle maDnr. ,B ra3n3w5n1,1 . 651-1505. Illinois CHICAG0(773} lnllgi1\IChjcagP>,O B o<3 232,O .kPark,I L60303-323324.8 -6382. JACl<SONVIL(lE21 7) S1.M aximiianK olle CalholicC oorcho 11heA mericasP, O Boe 1345,62850-1345.~.Sun ,5:~.m. Indiana lNCWIAPOU(S3 17). ' HofyEucharis1Cluch,207504E1. hStS., 1e7. , 462202.5 1-1526. )owa DESM OINES(5 15) Wordo l God MlnlslliesP,. O. Bo<4 3960, 03332. 70-2709M. eetsa t St Mar1<sEpiscqC,alul ch, 3120E .2 41hStD., esM ome. s URBANDAL(5E1 5) UnttedC !'il'ch of Chris~3 5307 0thS t, 50322.2 7!Hl625F. ax,2 76- 2451A. nO pen& A11nnir(gO NAC) ongega1ion. Kansas TOPEKA(913) MCCP, OB <»47c7 66, 6604-0n62. 32-619S6.E l nclareA vaa 1251h WICHITA(316) . . WichitaP raisea ndW orshpCente1r,6 07s . Broad,va6y7, 2112. 67· 6270C. huckB reckenridgpea,s lo.r t ii# iiM &i&i WWifi iiiiiNiiiiiiW ;•M d Kentucky LOUISVILL(E5 02) ThwdL u1heraCn1 1tl!ch1,8 64F rankfoAr1v e.,4 02068.9 6-638.3 Sun< lly,1 0:308.mTL. CX2@ecunel·O !!J Louisiana NEWO RLEANS(5 04) Firs1J esusN ameC hum~P .O.B ox5 83827, 0158-636A2n. Aels 2:38rongogalion. St ThomasA q.,inasC atholicC hurcho f the America,s 717P atterson, 701142.6 3-5412. Massachusetts CAMBRIDG(E61 7) OldC smbrkt,JBea ptisCt hurch1, 151M assachuseAttsv e., 0213.8 864-8068I.r ving•C ummingsp,a sta. A Welcominga nd Affirming AmericaBn aptistc ongega10. 0 WALTHAM(617) Lu1heransCoocemdoe dR,a ndaRll ice1, 081/2CheslnSutt, 02154- . o«l6. 893-2783. Michigan ANNA RBOR(3 13) GuildH ooseC ampuMs mistry8,0 2 Monroe4,8 1048. 62·5189R. ev. O~ne Chris1qn,rson. DETROIT(810) MCC,P O Box 836, R<>JaOl ak, Ml 48068-08361.2 48)399-4717. Meelsa 1O raytcrP, re,cyteriaCnh trchS, un,1 O am. ., 7pm. . FLINT(810) RedeemeMr CC,1 665N . ChevroleAt ve.,4 8504-316243. 8-6700. !:;l"i¥~.,i~i ~,:~.: ~: tourthS un.e a moolhe xcep1 FT.GRATIOT(810) All SoulsA' poslof~C sthol"C~ hurch4,8 53 DesmonBde ach,4 8059. 385-9224H.o lyEucharis1Sun.11a.m. LANSING(517) Di1Ji1yP,O B ox1 265E, astL ansing4,8 826.3 21·4841. Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS/SPTA.U L(612) All GodsC Mcl'enM CC3, 100P ar1A<v e.s .,M inneapoli5s5, «l7. ' 824-2673W. lrKiJwo f WellnesCs ounselinCge ntero ffersp ooilive affinninCg hristiacno unseling1 orh om058Xuals. LutheranCso ocemed1,0 0N . OdordS l , St Paul5, 5104-654808.6 - 8941. W,tg;panMlnlslr1y0, 0N .O x1ordS, l_Paul,551042.2 4-3371. Mississippi JACKSON(ll01) . SaleH artorF amilyC hurch2, 147H enryH ilfDr,; Ste.2 03,3 9204· 2000.9 61-9500R. ev.J amesH . Bect<epra, s1oWr. l<day3:5 9-6604; Eve:8 25-0056S. Un.5, p.m.A, <ill1SundaySch6oJol,m . Missouri KANSACSIT YA REA(8 16) AbidngP eaceL lllhera~C hurch5, 090N E Choo1eaTura ff.,,.,ay, :19,452-~~~~=== MaJyGetlenc, oo- ST.=-(314) -~ -, ,,,. . . TheAll'IJ8Ctuoh,2109SoolhSpringA,6ve3.110-35:16764-3588. ~•a01.com. Montana LIV1NGST(O40N6 l • . • A11imatio(Un niledMelhcdst5s2),9 N.'81hSt,5 9047. 222~ ' Nevada New Jersey JERSECYI TY( 2111) . Chris0t .. Te ed,er Gattdc Churcho l lheA mericas2,1 91 S IS l, #1, ~=-=~~tio;ivila·o tcom PLGCP, 080<38,0 89(XHX)38N, !: Moral.911 New Mexico • ALBUQUERQU{5E0 5) MCC·2,« l4 SanM eleoP l., NE,8 71108. 81-9086R.e v.D r.F redC . - WliamPs;. "SES1'·1 1.1, 00.m. Rivero l life HealirgM inistries1,3 4Q uincyN, E,8 7108. . LASC RUCE{S5 05) Hd/ Famt,-Parisho l lhe Eva~I AnglicaCn huaii n Ame<ica, 1101E .M iss<UiAve8.,1 1015l12.2 •7119.An-parisl1'4l8fll'.> all . Kolnoria2,1 62D oraoollr.8, 80115. 21-1490G. ayandlesllionspirluai\ f-. New York ALBANY/CAPAITRAELA (518) Ug,lhooseA posl'.>licctuchP, OB ox1 391S, cheneot1a2<3l0f,1 · 13913. 72-600. 1BroW. .H .C .rey,pastor·. ' NEWY ORKC ITYA REA --Yor1<Cl1y1191(212) BtessedV•gMn eryM ission1, 23E . 15S t, 100032. 28-0898S. un, U5p.m. Chri!tlanS ci!mcGe fOll',r fo 4443 rdA ve.1, 4,1 00165.3 2-8379. Gay,~ n & Affirmi'gD iscplesA lliancerf, o AltenH arris1, 45311 ~..::c::.~ar-~olChrisQ, 1010Par1<Ave. al851hS t, 100282. 86-32~A. vbant crealivea,n dciversceo nge- ~" ":~' "=:.: .0f1~ ~ f_ ;~~~""1""288-3246. F0111Fhri <By7,p .m. UCCUGCr,f o CraigH offman1, 4531L1e xingtoAnv e.,1 01282. 89- 3016. 0"""'11(718) Queens lesbian& G"XC hris1ianPs,O Box4 154,C ollegeP ain\ M:A~Lis~heG:6ood)S heple!d =~==:;hurch, 1646N ia!JlraA ve.,1 43052. 84- PLATTSBURGH(518) St Mar/sEcumenicafCstholicChuPrOchil,o <1 59C, hazy1, 292.1 493-327(2w ice andF AX)R. ev.F r.M ichaeRl .F rost. ROCHESTER (716) . PLGC,doC.r1er, 111 t.lb.JmSt, 14607-:!918.271-7649: North Carolrna g::,~;:;rJA-ic for Gay,tesbian E<JJ811Y, 5945 Ae(l;inan Rd, 1205, 28212-1664. 568-6669. GamlttE. Pttb , <mtactper.,,n. GREENSSOAO (910) . Unltariln Uniw!sal~t Church of Greensboro, 5603 H~lop Rd., 27 414. 856-0330. Meels at .GTCC-Jamestown, Sunday School, 9:30a.m., Servi~. 10:30a.m. Barbara ·cooke, pastor. hl\>1/members.aol.oom/uucg , TRIANGLE AREA (919) Pullen Memolial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillslx,oogh St, Aateig,, 27606. 828-0897. M Mehan Siler, Jr., pasta. Ohio AKAON'(330) cascade CommunHyChurch. 1190/1196 Inman St, 44306. 7r:;. 5298. Sunday, 2p.m. l'lb: cascaoo Newse11er. CINCINNATl(513) lnll!Jity, <l!IOSChatetOr.,#11, 45217-1445. 21!2-7297. ~21~':~~8"1J"~1~~chi1~ 03 0rw~~~ ~~.~~~ft!: Af.tlnll.ig,toongeg,lion. COLUMBUS (614) g~~~ 82001, 43202. 45Hi528 Ganmlllily Gospel Cluch , PO Ba< 1634, 45401. 252-8855. Spirit filled, Chnst oentered MeelS nus .. 5p.m., Sun. 101.m. al 546 Xenia Aw., Daytoo.Samuel Kader, pasta . GRANVILLE (614) =:~~~~Jr.'. \!!B~~=~~~~:~:; can Baplisl Coo(Jeg,tioo. • MANSFIELD(419) Center for Paslaal Care, 3180 German Church Rd, 44904. 756- 29TT, TT4-53TT. FAX TT4-9805. Sunday ituigy, 10:15a.m. Pastaal ~rolreats . Oregon PORTLAND (503) Melaroia Peace Community UM::, 2116 NE 18lhAve., 97212· 4600. 281-3697. Pennsylvania ELWYN(610) . . Pigin =· .. ChuR:h, P.O. Ba< 4306, 19063. :!37-1367. MeelS Stn at · A,pcr1 Comfor1 Im . LEHIGH VALL (610) . GraceCMnantF~247N.10lhSt,Allenloon, 18102 711!- :~~o:-~ 8r."lao,<Rowe, pastor. Thom Ritter, musk: PHIL.ADELPHIA (2151 Urited CoorchCoali1lon for Lestliar>'Gay COncems, PO Ba< 6315, ' 19139. 724-1'247. Rhode Island PIIOVIOENCE (401) · St Pater's & St An<t9W's Epsoopat Cluch, 25 Pomona Ave., ~iJ.7:~ai.~==~ :r.fl wab ot lifo, wilh an active lntO!Jity chapla!, hamg and AIDS m;;ny. se - Espanol · South Carolina COLUIIB!A~ ' . ~°::"~~~rl~m~\~ 7 ~~ 3 Crilc, USC.POl!o<882&,29(1Q!. t.«:C Cdll!ul, P.O. Boe 8753, 29202. 256-2154. Meets at 1111 -St,'2.St.n, 111.m~fw,. PillricllVoab,pasb'. PRAG, Meets>thid Thlis, Mry mootli, 6p.m. at Corl\murily HolBe, St M111in'Hl-lhe-Flelds J;plscq)al Cluch, 5220 Clamson Aw. Gl&NVILLE (884) MCC, 314Li1¥1St, 29!1JM«J8. 233-0919. S111., 111.m., l!p.m. ReY. Mi:A<Hilson,pasb'. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA(4ZI) . - . -- . Joyfu Sound Ctmtiln F-.;p Chtleh, PO Bo< 8506, 37◄ 1'. =~~~~~-S11t,6p.m.1tlllelnMEIIPHIS (901) HdyTrililyCominunityChulch, 1559 Maclisa,, 38104. 726-9<143. Proi:lalmilg Gcxls kMI for 11 pe(llie. NASIMLLE(S15) · Cluchoflho~Wala!, POilo< 1312, Mads011, TN37116-1312. 1165-2679. Slit, o4p.m. Resource Guide Texas AUSTIN(512) Joan Wakeford-Ministries, Ire., !M01 Grouse MeadJW tn. , 78758- 6348. 835-7354. . ~~~:~~~:'~=/~ Boe 191021, Danas, 75219. 528-4913. Graoo Mi1is1ries, Inc., 43/ll-A Holland, 75219. HolyTrinilyCommunilyChlKch, 4402AoaebndAve., Dellas, 75204. 827-soae. 'A hana lor fN8f'f hear!' S8l'ling !ho Dallas leobian and ~a:::.=:v~::~ll<»<190511, 75219-0511. - . ELPAS0(915) t.«:C, 9828 Mootana, 79925, 591-4155. Slll., 10:30a.m., 6p.m., Wed,7Jlm. Unitarian Unive,salist COmmlllily, 4425 Byron, 79930. 562-4001. SIJ1,10:3Ja.m · GAL VEST ON (G) Unilanan Un~lisl Fellowhi>, 502 Church St, 77550. 765-,133(), AR faitt5 aa:epled. Sexual Cl'lentalion raspacted . m:.<.,1~mlllilyCht.rch, 13904COunlyAd 193, 75703. 581· 6923 Pastor Ooona A. _Garr¢el. Utah LOGAN(801) MCC, PO Bac.4285, 84323. 750-5026. Sun., 11a.m. ~~ ~~~'ri:tkc, 823 S. 600 E, 84102-3507. 596-0052. Virginia · FALLS CHURCH (703) Talos ~ (BaplislS), PO Ba< 3300, 22043. 560-2680. · MANASSAS (703) . · Bull Run Unilafian Unlve<salis1s, PO Bae 2416. 361-6269. A UUA· ~~1ru~1m Fourd!liooi ol Stone ~~tries, 149 Nelson Or., 23185. 229-0832. Taacmng, seminars, relrealS, revtvais. Heaven's Tableland Cluch, P.O. Ba<2674; 23187. (757)887-3719. ReY.AdellaL Barr, pasta. MeeisSun. BollldarySl t.lnryat 1:30 p.m. Washington SEATTLE(:1116) . lntagity, PO Bo< 20663, 98102, 525-4668. · , University C<J9e0ltiooal Uniled ClUch of ctlls\ 451516111 Aw., NE, 98105. 524-2322. Opentygaypoq,laa1al-of lmlJShi>. Wisconsin Become a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your community. Get listed in our next National Resource Guide Churches and organizations with a specific outreach t,o gays and lesbians will be listed free. Ministries not maintaining a current subscription t,o Second Stone must update · their listing every six months. HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE GUIDE: ChurchlGroup Name·--------~------------~- Address __________________________ _ Phone __________________________ _ Other inlormatio,~---------------------Please contact us about [ ] advenising [ ]becoming an Outreach Panner MAIL TO : Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)899-4014 OR E-MAIL TO: secstone@aol.com September/October 1997 Outreach Partner Report . The Outreach Partner program helps local ministries make Christ . known in their gay and lesbian communities by providing free copies to ' . distribute at gay pride events, at P-FLAG meetings, in bars, etc. The local ministry receives free advertising space in Second Stone, inviting everyone who reads a·copy to visit for w9rship. °It's easy to become an Outreach Partner. First, you determine the number of copies yon can distribute in your community. Most churches place a flier or brochure for the church in every copy they distribute. In determining the number of copies you ·need, consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pride events, PFLAG · meetings, gay bars, etc. Multiply every location you think of by at least 15. Next, you send us your camera-ready ad. ([here is no charge to run your ad:) We need to receive your ad at P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Ad size: 2 1/2" wide X 3" tall. Be sure to include in your ad your logo, address and phone, service or meeting times; and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at ... " or "Call for information about. .. " And last, give us a street address to which UPS can ship your copies. Printing and shipping expenses are billed to the Outreach Partner Fund. You. can contribute the amount of your expenses - or more - or Jess - or nothing - to this fund. The deadline for the Nov/Dec issue is October 15. The Outreach Partner program is a community fund which looks like this right now: . EXPENSES JANUARY/FEBRUARY '97 MARCH/ APRIL '97 MAY/JUNE '97 JUUAUG'97 Other Sheep Safe Harbor Family Church H,f>!)'. Trinity Church (Memphis) Holy Spirit Fellowship Celebration of Faith Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Faith Full Gospel Fellowship · Community Gospel Church lighthouse Apostolic Church Third Lutheran Church Church of the living Water 100 copies sent to South Afri~ TOTAL 1997 EXPENSES CONTRIBUTIONS Balancefo1ward First Congregational UCC · Community Gospel Church Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Safe Harbor MCC First Name Jesus Church Holy Spirit Fellowship Faith Full Gospei Fellowship Other Sheep 1997 CONTRIBUTIONS FUND BALANCE 308.77 456.93 767.38 45.30 27.56 44 .32 58) 4 34:94 32.33 20.i5 21.30 54.08 (,(),80 1999.34 1593.51 31.64 30.00 30.00 75.00 100.00 ,50.00 100.00 45.00 2055:15 55.81* *Does not include printing. and shipping expenses for the Sept/Oct '97 issue. Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like to participate in this program, please follow tlie giii~lin~i A¥ f e . For information call (504)899-4014, write to P.O. Box 8340. New:Orleans, LA 70182 oremail secstone@aol.com. SECOND STON E 15 Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in yoar area Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organiz..._.,n with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting, In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual per- . son who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only · teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program'cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember Iha~ most ex-gay church.counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "tr9ltment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should . I even care about God? ,,, · Your church may h!tve rejected yo,u, but God never iμw, God's nature i~ to .draw .Y,_Qu closer to Him, not . to~ject :yo_ui,~s hur<;g,is ~stered by pastc;irs,. bish,ops, lay people, committees; people like you and me -sometimes connected with God at work among · us, and someti~ 11,ot Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed to speak out against the HoJ0, canst and slavery . . At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affirm gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the.church is afollowc:r of society, not a leader. · Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? · Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably Iii.ore than you need the church.) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. There are . many Christian churclies and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and s.o c1' Many mainstream churches across the country have · moved into positions of welcoming and affirming gay and lesbian people. · How do I know that God doesn't rejectme? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God 16 SEPTEMBER.•OCTO{!ER 1997 who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: 1 .. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continning love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become.involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer. circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways . .5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If yon've never really · believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor . to ~l_!t ~o you. He or _she may he able to recommend a reading r<"source, a video, a Bible study _group or a church. And don't be afrai!l or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us. If you've never read . the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - _either gay or straight - is a good, God-given.part of your being. A homosexual orienta-' lion is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: The sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.]Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and l Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy l: 10. All these texts are concerned with something other than homosexual activity itself ... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself i: good or evil... they will have to loolli elsewhere for ai answer ... The Bible never addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately unconcerned about it. lwould like explore further~ Whal '•btn, I do now? ·, · · · While there are many good books and videos available, there• s something powerful in being "where twc or more are gathered." You may ·want to check 0111 a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can-have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (there is no '"one true church." There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work .around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the ~e.) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate the se~uality with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into the fabric of your life iD a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with . · someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. IIH•J1GIIIM❖Q "Small steps" taken &l far Gay group says Notre Thune policies need finther change BY NANCY ARMOUR SOUTH BEND, Ind . - The University of Notre Dame's decision to release a statement of inclusion specifically mentioning gays and lesbians was a positive sign, the leader of a gay and lesbian srndent group said But its refusal to include sexual 01ientation in its nondiscrimination clause shows there is still work to be done, said Karl Eichelberger, co-chair of Gays and Lesbians of Notre Dame and St. Mary's College. "These are small steps," he said August 29. "If the university was serious about addressing the needs of gays and lesbians ... they need to do something substantive to back up their words . of 'statement of inclusion ."' · Notre Dame has had a very public struggle with the issue of gay and _Jes- . bian students since 1995, when GLND/SMC, a student group that had been in existence for nine years, was told it could not meet on university property. The group has never been recognized by the university. A group sanctioned by the university - Notre Dame Lesbian and Gay Students - was created last fall, but it is not an official student organization. An ad hoc committee created to study the needs of gay and lesbian students made 12 recommendations in March i 996, and 11 had been accepted before this fall. The 12th was for the university to consider including sexual orientation in its nondiscrimination clause. But in an open letter to the universi- -ty, the Rev. Edward Mailoy, Notre Dame president, said that was not possible. The Roman Catholic Church makes a distinction between sexual 011entation and homosexual conduct while society often does tiot. he said. By including ·sexual orientation in a legal and binding nondiscrimination clause, the university could be forced to accept society's broader definition, he said "This ... might jeopardize our ability . to make decisions that we believe ileces- ., sary to support church teaching," Malloy wrote. "We don't pretend that our . beliefs in this regard match the prevailing secular point of view, and that is precisely why we're unwilling to cast our position in legal terms. " ... But we call ourselves to act in . accordance with what we regard as a higher standard - Christ's call to inclu- . siveness, coupled with the gospels' call to live chaste lives ." · Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum challenges Alveda King WASHINGTON, D.C. - The head of the nation's largest black lesbian and gay organization - has challenged Alveda King, founder and CEO of King for America, to come clean about her organization's connection with the religious right and sharply criticized her organization for misrepresenting the views of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keith Boykin, the executive director of the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum, accused King for America of being "willingly manipulated by the white religious right that wants to divide the black community based on sexual orientation." Boykin said that King's words are being "bought and paid for by rightwing zealots of the religious right." Boykin's remarks follow a series of anti-gay comments made by Alveda King during recent media appearances. King compared gays and lesbians to "liars; thieves, murderers [and] child . molesters" and warned that protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination would "give a death sentence to civil rights." She also claimed that Dr . Martin Luther King Jr. would have opposed gay rights legislation. Boykin spoke .with Alveda Kirig by phone and:reminded her that discrimination against gays and lesbians is still legal in 39 of the 50 U.S. states. "Alveda King is simply trying to cash in on her uncle's name, and she ought to be ashamed of herself for doing so," Boykin said. He also noted that Co.retta Scott King, Dr. King's widow, lias been very supportive of civil rights for gays and lesbians, "and I think she would know better than anyone the true meaning of Dr .. King's dream," he said. In addition, Dr. Joseph Lowery, who succeeded Martin Luther King as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has supported civil rights laws that protect lesbians and gays. Dr. King himself warned that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," and one of his closest advisers, Bayard Rustin, was a gay man, Boykin said. Instead, th~ university will have a statement of inclusion that welcomes all people, regardless of color, gender, religion . ethnicity or sexual orientation. Harassment of any kind will not be con- ■ hoc committee and director of th~ university counseling center, said he hopes the statement will be enough to make gay and lesbian students, faculty and staff feel COlofortable lllJd safe. "If the university was serious about · addressing the needs of gays and lesbians ... they need to do something substantive to back up their words ... " doned, it says. "We value gay and lesbian members of this community as we value all members of this community," the statement reads. Dr. Patrick Utz, a member of the ad ■ 'The administration is trying to deal with its Catholic identity and how that's defined, and its responsibilities to all members of the community," he said . "I guess I see it as sort of a compromise position." (AP) Murdered Episcopal priest, Integrity convener, eulogized as caring BY JOHN CHAMBLISS THE REV . CHARLES MARTIN DA VIS, who was shot to death at his home in mid-July, was praised for his .t kindness towar<ls'\,others during • funeral services July 19. - Members of the Episcopal clergy, friends and relatives smiled and cried as they remembered "Father Marty" during his funeral at Grace Episcopal Church - just a block from where he was killed on Sunbeam Avenue. The .35-year-old priest was eulogized by the Rt. Rev. Robert Tharp, bishop . of the Diocese of East Tennessee. "We .are here to celebrate .his three and a .half decades oflife and his six years of ordination," Bishop Tharp said to an . overflow crowd. He said Davis came through immense adversity in his own life to help the less fortunate in the community. "Marty was about community. He would bring people into the community who ·were social outcasts," Bishop Tharp said He said that it would be easy for the community to be angry with his "cruel death ." Instead, the Bishop said, "If you commit yourself to random acts of human kindness you will be remember- · ing Father Marty." Dan Akerman, 20, worked with Davis at Camp Billy Johnson in Monteagle at the DuBose Conference Center. At the camp for underprivileged children, eai;h counselor is assigned a child at the camp . "It is a chance to develop a oneon- one relationship," said Mr. Akerman . "Because it was an -unorthodox camp, his unorthodox ministry fit very· well. For me,_his special gift was how light lllJd fun he could make everything." Another friend s.aid Davis had the "enthusiasm of a teenager. His real passion iii life'was-the calnp :''' he saill: The friend, who visited with Davis-'af his hom~ shortly before his death, said the priest "could not wait for the camp to start. "Marty was not a power person, who probably never really wanted his own church, mici I think he enjoyed that camp more than anything." Bob Boatwright, a semi-retired . priest for the Fpiscopal church, said Davis was a "real driver in helping the homeless." Davis was a board member of Chattanooga CARES; the _local organization that helps in the prevention of AIDS and assisting people who have.HIV :and the AIDS •virus. He was alm.tilocal chairman of Integrity. Authorities are still searching fot -thesuspect, described as a black man in his 20s, weighing between 180 and 200 pounds and about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall. · Witnesses told police a black man asked "where does the reverend live?" and then entered · his home. About 20 minutes later; a concerned neighbor went to the priest's home and found him dead with multiple gunshots to the head. Contributions may be given to the The Camp Billy Johnson Memorial Fund and may be sent to any of the area Episcopal Churches or to the Diocese of East Tennessee. (Chattanooga Free Press) SECOND STONE 17 l··········.: ,?·-Y?·'··\·············•. T T····T·'i'??h'l"i•t•i•H'tf-:=·····:·:··•n7-.-•.•nn-·····n=r ···················· ······+······1 Church ofFnglanQcallsfcr ~onto study sexuality THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND at its General Synod meeting in York in midJuly voted that the church's present . policy on homosexuality was "not the last word on the subject." The church's current policy _ is expressed ·in a bishops' statement of 1991 that homosexual relationships are acceptable for laity but not for clergy . The -ruling general synod voted heavily , in favor of requesting further discussion on the issue of human sexuality by clergy and .congregations across the country. . The decision was welcomed by gay rights suppofters. It dismayed opponents of the ordination of non-celibate gays. Leading figures in the-church, however , claimed that the vote was simply a call for further study and reflection. , During thi; debate; the Archbi~hop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Ge,orge Carey - who spoke put against "sexual activity outside marriage" - put the issue of homosexuality center stage in thb wo~ldwide Anglican Communion. He announced that next year's Lambeth conference · - the ten yearly meeting of Anglican bishops worldwide - would be asked to set up an international commission of inquiry _into human sei1;uality. . The general synod was not required to vote on the proposal for an international commission, but supporters of gay rights believe that _it will strengthen their position inside the Church of England. · A delighted Richard Kirker, general secretary o( the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, told Ecumenial News International: "It's game, set and match to us . I didn't predict and wouldn't have predicted that synod would vote as it did. "We floated the idea of an international commission two years ago. Jt has the seeds of being helpful, but it will need among its members self-affirming lesbians and gays, not homosexuals who play the establishment's game by denying their identity.'' Hqwever , leading figures in the• church maintained that the motion was simply a call for further study and reflection . Archbishop Carey said : "I do not share the assumption that it is only a matter of time before the church will change its mind." He declared: "I do not find any justification, from the Bible or the entire Christian tradition, for sexual activity outside marriage. Thus, same-sex relationships in my view cannot be on a par with marriage." Before the vote the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement released the results of a survey that claimed 19 serving or retired Church of England bishops had knowingly ordained non-celibate gays. (Anglican Communion News Service) Australianch\nch says sexual orientation no bar to ordination BY BRUCE BEST PERTH - The national assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia has agreed that a person's sexual orientation is in itself no bar to ordination and that presbyteries (regional councils) can provide some recognition to same-sex relationships. The assembly, which took place- in Perth, July 5-12, did so by agreeing to "note" - and not to reject - the decisions on sexual orientation made by the chnrch's national . executive committee over the last 15 years. The new president of the chnrch , Jolm Mavor, spoke of an inclusive church in which gay and lesbian people were "very welcome." According to a Uniting Church ·media release, the current policy of ti\e church is that "the sexual orientation of an applicant or candidate (for ministry) is not and has not been in itself a bar to ordination." The policy also states that · the suitability of a candidate may depend, however, on the "manner in which the applicant or candidate's sexuality is expressed ." But the assembly decided' not to vote .on recommendations concerning homosexuality contained in a major report on sexuality, six years in the making, drawn up by a national church task force. One recommendation w·as to · "affirm" the existing policy, not simply to note it. Another was to ·set up a group, including gays and lesbians, to recommend how the chnrch could recognize life-long, faithful gay relationships. The issue of homosexuality is. a · con° troversial issue within the Uniting Chnrch, which wali formed in 1977 by a . union of Methodists, Congregationalists and most Presbyterians. Three major groupings within the church - the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), the migrant-ethnic congregations, and Evangelical Members within the Uniting Church (EMU) - opposed the recommendations of the task group on homosexuality. However, the debate on sexuality meant that the little 0 known policies of the church on gay ordination and part · nerships received attention throughout Australia, especially after a number of people at the assembly declared themselves in saine-sex relationships. Early in the debate, the clinrch's national mission director, the Rev. Dorothy McRae McMahon, told the assembly that she was "one of the people whose ordination is in question." She said later in an interview that this was her way of declaring herself to be a lesbian. In its final resolutions, the assembly recognized "with sadness" .that it could not proceed any .further on the task group's proposals about homosexuality. It agreed to "acknowledge the disappointment of those who were looking ... for greater clarity and direction" and to "continue in dialogue about -these matters." Three of the assembly's former presidents have been asked to recommend further action.But other proposals from the task group won approval from all members of the assembly . One was a description of sexuality as "God's good gift." Another has given the Uniting Church its first ·ever statement on marriage, separation, divorce and remarriage in its 20 year history . The statement'saicl marriage was intended to be mutually faithful and lifelong, but,when it did break down irretrie".ably divorce might be "the only creative and lifegiving direction to take." (Ecumenical News International) Canadian bishops defend gay rights ANGLICAN BISHOPS from the Church of Canada in the Province of British Columbia have sent the followirig letter to the province's premier,-the J:on. Glen Clark: "As ·bishops of the.4Jiglican Chnrch of Canada in British Columbia, we · write to express our support for the provincial · government's proposed amendments to the Family Relations Act and the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act. "It is a matter of fundamental equality and human rights that homosexual people should have the same obligations and protection under the civil law as 18 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 other citizens of British Columbia. 6nr support for the proposed changes in this Province is consistent with positions taken by the Qeneral Synod'of the •Anglican Church of Canada and the national House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada in recent yeats: ·«we affirm that homosexual persons are entitled to equal protection under the law with all other Canadian citizens." (Guidelines of the House of _ Bishops, Mississauga. 1979) "We condemn ... bigotry , violence and hatred directed toward any due to their sexual orientation." (General Synod, Ottawa, 1995) ·'This House ofBishops ·supports the proposed amendments in the House of Commons to .the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.'' (House of Bishops, Mississauga, 1996) · "Religious organizations have a particular responsibility to safeguard the freedom, dignity and responsibility of every person, and to work for an end to discrimination. While we are aware that many people cannot yet accept homosexual relationships as equal in dignity with heterosexual relationships. never, theless we have an obligation to safe, guard the right s of same-sex partners as a matter of justice . Equality must be supported in substance, not just by . rhetoric. "We do not believe the proposed legislation will weaken the family structure, which is central to the well-being of society. On the contrary, by ensuring . the same benefits and the same respo~i bili ties for homosexual families as for heterosexual families, it will strengthen all families in their diversity and encourage long-term, stable relationships to the benefit of children, spouses and society as a whole." (Anglican Ccimmuncion News Service} Acaseof Jmic justice per," headed a letter I wrote in reply, "Mr Higton. got his facts wrong." . Would that the complaint to the police . was similarly short.lived. A couple of weeks after the Bath visi• talion, myself and Ri~hard Kirke;, gen• eral secretary of LGCM, were requested for interview at Charing Cross Police. • Station . We of course complied, accompanied by our solicitor, Angus Hamilton. The interrogations l•ted about an hour each. It was an unpleas• ant, humiliating experience. But that would have been redeemed by a swift closure to the investigation, which I A web site hypertext link leads to a police investigation of a member of London's Lesbiana nd Gay ChristianM ovement BY MARK VERNON ED. NOTE: WHEN MARK VERNON . created a hypertext link to a US.based web site for his own LHsbian and Gay Christian Movement site, little did he realize it would lead to an 1 B•month police investigation . . Here he tells his story. IF IT WERE NOT so serious itwould be just ridiculous, that I was sat, unde.r caution, in a windowless room at Char: ing Cross Police Station, being inter• viewed by Inspector Bell of the Vice Squad. The cause ofhis investigationis · as astonishing as it sounds archaic. I was . accused of publishing a bias• phemous libel on the Internet. What actually happened is mundane when set alongside so florid an interpretation, but it arguably raises serious issues no less. At the beginning of 1995 I had estab• lished a World Wide Web site for the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM). On the pages could be found information about the organization, comment . on relevant current events and hypertext links to other Web sites of interest, including bibliographical lists, related organizations and other religious resources. The site was frequented by about a thousand people per month and provided a useful publicity tool for the movement as well as valuable informa• lion for lesbian and gay Net users. phemous libel when the magazine printed the poem, in a prosecution brought by the veteran campaigner Mary Whitehouse. It was the first criminal prosecution for blasphemous libel to succeed-in ·the British courts in 44 .years. Though clearly aware of this history, ■ thought likely. · It all seemed too bizarre. I am a pri • est, and wild speculations with friends on how I might become the first min• ister of religion to be tried for bias• phemy in several hundred years, served as a reality check on the situation . But The poem was at the center of a high-profile Old Bailey court case 20 years ago. In 1977, Denis Lemon, editor of "Gay News," was successfully prosecuted for publishing a blasphemous libel when the magazine printed the poem ... the informal legal advice we received at it did not stop there. Six months later, the time was that a hypertext link would we heard that the police had visited Dur· notcontlict with any court rulings. In ham University computer department, October 1995, as part of the routine taken statements and -seized back.up updates, the link to the poem was taken tapes. Apparently, a second wave of down. I thought little more about it. investigation was underway. And sure · That changed six months later with a enough, I was called back for another telephone call from a friend at Bath Uni• interrogation session. versity . The police had been to visit the Then in November of last. year, computer department. (The pages had Reform saw a further chance to exert . been moved to Bath when the Internet political pressure. LGCM was celebrat• Feedback on the pages was notable for account at Durham University, where ing its 20th birthday with a festival at anappreciationofthecontactitafforded the site was originally held, lapsed .) It Southwark Cathedral. Reform was not to otherwise isolated individuals. Keep• transpired that the police had received a happy. Philip Hacking, the chair of the ing content up•to.date is important for complaint from three individuals , group, wrote to Sir Nicholas Lyell, then any site; and so the hypertext Hnks and including the Rev Tony Higton of the Attorney General, claiming, "We our• other materials were regularly refreshed. evangelical pressure group Reform. selves are also now being asked why And as part of this turnover, for about nothing has been done by the secular six months, a link was provided to the Of course the Church of England is authorities over what is perceived as a U.S. servers of the Queer Resources currently engaged in a lengthy debate criminal matter," and demanded know!• Directory. At this site, the poem ''The over homosexuality . The momentum is edge of action being planned by Sir love that dares .to speak its ruime" by for progressive change, but in the mean• Nicholas, claiming that the ·poem had Professor James Kirknp could be found, time conservative organizations attempt been "republished" But still no official a piece possibly of interest to lesbian to resist steps forward . Having been noises came from the police or the and gay Christians because it is an tipped off about the Web site, Reform · Crown Prosecution Service. attempt to explore the relationship bet· saw another opportunity in its attempts My MP, Glenda Jackson, became ween spirituality and sexuality. to discredit LGCM. Three months earli• involved in January of this year. She The poem was also at the center of a er, Rev Higton had initiated a brief let• wrote to Dame Barbara Mills, the Direc• World News it might be "in the near future ." Six months later she wrote again , And at last an end came into sight. The police had submitted a final report in April, 16 IIlonths after the original' com• plaint. Another two months later, .. the CPS concluded that there was nothing to go on. I finally heard from the police myself just at the end of last W\:Ck. The threat of prosecution had been lifted after 18 months. But the story is not ended quite here, for it raises a number of important ques. lions. In the first instance, how much public money has been spent on this absurd case? And what were the reasons for so drawn--0uatn dt horougha n inves• ligation? Further causes for concern also open up. The Internet allows for a · degress of democratization within pub• lishing and broadcasting, potentially taking the regulation of information from the hands of the few. · But in turn, is everyone and anyone to.be made vuJ. nerable to the gross distortion of their responsible Internet activity? And will people in power be left with• an easy means with which to cause anguish, as and when they choose? Finally, if this new inedium is to . offer even a small part of its liberal< promise, it must rise about the politics of the salacious. When a hypertext link on a Web.page leads to the police knocking at the door, it is shocking and suggests an unsophisticated, undiscem. ing legislature. _ A:t the very ledst, ·that the extil ordi'.ruiyi- 'cduipiiaitis oni mis• guided but powerful religious grouinpi• tiates a ~minal investigation soine 18 months long points to a certain lack of commonsense. (The Independent) Ecumenical & Inclusive ~ ,1 ' ' . /! 'r' in.; . We are a Christianc omn1Unitoyf men and women from various _catholic and Protestant . traditions involved in min• stries of love, compassion and· reconcili• ation. We live and work in .the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more infomiation or a copy of our newsletter; Footsteps, please write. us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO .Box 8340 New Orlearis, LA 70182 high•profile Old Bailey court case 20 ter•writing campaign in the religious tor of Public Pros .ecutions, on my years .ago. In 1977, Denis Lemon, edi• press, though it could be judged a failure behalf, asking what was taking so long. Mercy of. God tor of "Gay-News," was successfully when the leading evangelical publica • We heard in reply that the police inves• Community _P_· rso__e_c_u_1e_d_f_or_p_u_b_li_s_h1_·n___g__ a_bo__I·ao__s'n___'T•, h_e_Ch_ure_h___o fI__Eanng_ d.,.N_ew_s_p_a _· ti_ga_o_·o_n_w_as_n_o_t_y_e_· t.•, .ctho__onuc__glu__h d ed_.:::============ SECOND STONE 19 AIDS Warriors & I-Ieroes "The body of Christ has. AIDS" _Btochuresloganuμ;ets9Jlre ~liy-~bishop resμnds A FEW PEOPLE were upset by a brochure distributed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's 1997 Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly, held in Santa Clara, California . Letters of protest were received by the bishop .of the synod, the Rev. Robert Mattheis. "The Body of Christ has AIDS" was the title of the brochure which was created by the synod's committ_ee cin HIV/ AIDS . The brochure was included in the official packet that all voting members received at the assembly, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. As one opened the brochure, two questions were posed: "Does this statement shock or offend you?" and "What does it mean that the body of Christ has AIDS?" Readers were then directed to biblical references , Romans 12:5 and I Corinthians 12:26. Bishop Mattheis responded to those who complained: •"AIDS is not a nice disease. Like cancer and heart disease it kills people. And we could say that the body of Christ has cancer, heart disease . We could say that the body of Christ is obese. We can say all of these things because they describe people who have been baptized into the body of Christ and who through faith continue to look to Jesus as their Savior . When one member of the body of Christ has a disease, we can say that the whole body has the disease because we are part of one another through our faith and our baptism into Christ. "Because we are a part of the body of Christ, the apostle Paul urged us to bear one another's burdens, to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice. It is a harsh but true reality that fellow members with us in the body of Christ ha~e AIDS. It is a harsh and ugly reality that we would rather deny, for Iione of us wants to be connected with this disease . But it remains true. It is for us to recognize that reality, to pray for one another and to ··work together so that this disease mighf be overcome. Christ is the healer and we who share with him our life in the body of Christ are healers ·as· well as diseased persons. It is our calling now 20 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 to take Up this healing ministry arid minister to one another in the name of Jesus who is our health and salvation." Aside from the complaints received by Mattheis, the ·committee generally felt that synod officers and voting members ■ "When one member of the body of Christ has a disease, we can say that the whole body has the disease ... " ■ welcomed and supported the presence of the HIV/AIDS ministry at the assembly. The synod committee provided an information table with written materials along with people to answer questions during the assembly. A workshop dealing with AIDS was also held'. The committee sponsored a dramatic skit, one of four skits selected for the "Spotlight" times, which was presented before the entire assembly. Four sections of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Ql,lilt were on display at the assembly. Each section was at a different location, surrouading the entire gathering room. Two .of the four were Lutheran-specific; all four had moving spiritual messages. The orie chosen for • the front of the assembly hall was a four-panel depiction of Jesus holding a lamb . A banner that was designed by Arlin · Aasriess, a member of the HIV/AIDS committee , was carried in the procession for worship services. The banner depicted a stained glass window with a red ribbon formed by some of the panes of"glass ." It was on a black background with the words, "Lord, have mercy," at the bottom. (LANEfNewsletter) Saga of lovestruck couple in age of AIDS OOCk on subways BY DONNA DE LA CRUZ NEW YORK - When New York subway riders first met Julio and Marisol in 1989, the comic strip couple was trying to ha"'.e a relationship in the age of . AIDS. Macho Julio didn't want to wear a condom as Marisol insisted. "I love you, but not enough to die for you!" was her tearful response. But straphangers were abruptly left dangling when the comic strip was yanked off subway trains in 1995 .because of a contract · dispute concerning space availability between the city's health department and the advertising agency for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Thanks to a new deal between the two factions, riders can again follow the saga, written in English and Spanish. The comic strip, "The D\:cision: Julio and Marisol," slowly began being posted Oct. 2 in 1,140 subway cars - out of about 5,800 total. The subway soap also made iis debut on four local radio stations, also in English and Spanish. Ann Sternberg, the project mariager for the health department's comic strip campaign, said she hopes the feature regains its popularity. "When it first debuted, there was a remarkable response and that response continued each time a new episode appeared," Sternberg said . "We had volumes of calls to our (AIDS) hotlines. People would write in and suggest storylfoes, some wonderful ones." Several people riding the B train uptown were thrilled to see both the English and Spanish versions of the black-and-white ·strip, both about the size of an 11- by 14-inch piece of paper. The strip was featured next to an ad for designer braces and the Metrocard. "It 's back! I w6ndered what happened to it," said Maria Ochoa, 26 , of Queens. "My friends and I used to talk about it - it's pretty cool and has a good message. I hope Julio and Marisol can get together." George Henry, 49, said he remembered when the strip debuted . "It was only in Spanish in the trains I took and I always had to get it translated," said Henry, of Queens. "I really like it. I always wondered what happened to Julio and Marisol." The couple's relationship remains in limbo in the new episode (number 10). Julio, distraught after learning his old girlfriend is HIV positive, wonders if he, too, is infected with the AIDS virus. As he gets on the subway, he sees an ad for the . health department's AIDS hotline . Will he call the toll-free number? Sternberg says New Yorkers will have to ponder that question for about three months - that's how long an episode usually stays up before being replaced by anew one. In case you need a refresher on Julio and Marisol, the health department has put together a comic .book featuring the . first nine episodes. (AP) U.N.: Companies need to help employees more against AIDS BY PHILIP WALLER GENEY A - The world's biggest companies need to do more to combat AIDS, according to a U .N. agency. WhiJe. international companies are undertaking anti-AIDS campaigns inside their own work forces , they should expand their efforts to surrounding communities, said Sally Cowal, spokes • woman for UN AIDS. An estimated ·22.6 million adults and children worldwide are now living with HIV/AIDS, a study released Sept. 17 by UNAIDS said. More than 3 million new cases were reported during 1996 and half the new · infections affect people ages 16 to 24, it said 'The latest data show the majority of AIDS cases occur before · the age of 35, affecting people in their prime working , years," said UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot. South African President Nelson Mandela helped launch the UNAIDS program last February to encourage intemational business to combat AIDS and HIV.; the virus that causes the disease. In South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse , it is estimated . the AIDS epidemic wiil eventually strike one-quarter of the country's work force and reduce economic growth by l per ·cent a year . "We know that Kenya's gross domestic product will be 15 percent less than . it would have been by the year 2005 had AIDS not taken a hold there,'' said Cowal. The survey of leading companies carried out in 14 countries showed nearly three-quarters of the 203 firms who responded now have programs to help protect their employees against AIDS and HIV. (AP) AIDS Warriors & Heroes Soun.1em Baptist camp for μ:uple with AIDS is tmi(}Ue BY GARY D. ROBERTSON . ASHEBORO, N.C. - Brenda Jones never thought she would be alive today to taik about her battle with AIDS - let alone share her tears and laughter at a conference center run by Southern Baptists. Often felt rejected by the church and members of the nation's largest Protestant denomination, some illV patients are finding cornf ort at a retreat in North Carolina designed to renew their spiritual bodies. ' Dozens diagnosed with the virus have discovered faith through HIV / AIDS retreats sponsored through the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina . "I thought I'd drop off the face of the earth and die. I thought it was a death sentence," Jones, diagnosed eight years ago with HIV , told fellow patients dur ing a small-group meeting at rustic Caraway Conference Center. "But you're not going .anywhere until (God) calls you home." The AIDS retreat, unique in the Southern Baptist denomination, gives patients and their caregivers a chance to talk about their sickness and find some support from fellow patients in the rolling hills of rural Randolph County. The convention held a similar camp for children with AIDS. "It's a place .to get away and meet _ other people," said James Atkins, a Moore ·County native diagnosed with · HIV 11 years ago. The 45-year-old exsoldier attended each of the four retreats the state convention has sponsored going back to August 1995 . "There's a lot of churches ont there that really aren't open to this type of health work ." The retreat in part tries to dispel the stereotype that Southern Baptists are unconcerned with the AIDS crisis. The denomination's boycott of the Walt Disney Co. this summer for its gay-friendly policies didn't help to change that image. "This is a place where they can be open about iheir disease," said Eric Raddatz, executive direct4r of the Baptist AIDS ' Partnership of North Carolina . "A lot of people have bad feelings about the church. But when we bring"them togeth- . er, we say_ 'this, this is the church."' The dozen AIDS patients at the fiveday retreat come from different backgrounds and different ))<!l1s of the state - some are gay, others straight - but they all share the same feelings associated with their disease . They feel lonely fighting their illness , some likening it to the way peopie in Biblical times viewed leprosy . They feel abandoned by friends and the church. Others like Sandy are siill trying to come to terms with her illness. The young woman from Goldsboro, who didn't want to give her last name, just learned severi months ago she had HIV . "I never had to go through anything like this," Sandy said. "I was popular in school. I got along with everybody ... Even though my family loves me, I feel I'm still alone. I just don't want to be alone. I'm not ready to die." Jones, who was attending her second retreat, says the drugs she is taking is helping her live longer than she ever thought she would. AIDS death rates are dropping and drug combinations including protease inhibitors are increasing the hope of the ill. · But many are poor, unable to work anymore and depend on Social Security payments for food and shelter and Medicaid to pay for the pills that keep them alive. "It's hard to feel normal when you take your medicine in the morning and you take your medicine again at night ," Donald Bloodworth of Lumberton told other camp participants. Raddatz says the retreat's goal is to -• The retreat in part tries to dispel the stereotype that Southern Baptists are unconcerned with the AIDS crisis. ■ make the patients feel normal . Bible studies focus on community, forgiveness and mercy. The Rev. George Fuller taught a Bible study from the New Testament book of Ephesians. The Bible's message, said Fuller: all are sinful and unworthy of God's love, but Jesus' death on the cross makes everyone complete. "Has anybody here been misunder: stood?" Fuller asked the group. Everyone nodded. "I think that's why so many people don't know God because they misunderstand him. " ... His grace and mercy and great love are big enough for everything we've done wrong." The camp also includes nightly worship, singing, free ' tiine and a _ me~orial service for patients and caregive~ who · want to remember those who have died to AIDS . Raddatz, a California native, started the Baptist AIDS Partnership after attending Southeastern Baptist Theolog- . ical Semina _ry in Wake Forest. His father, who got the virus from a ,blood transfusion, died of AIDS in 1993. "There was a real need · for some work in this area," said Raddatz, 54 . "So many people in the church weren't going to secular organizations to work because there is so many agendas associated with them . We wanted to do something positive." The denomination has not uni versa!! y backed his mission, but he keeps the partnership alive with a cross-section of congregations. "Pe<>ple say I shouldn't be working with homosexuals," he said. "But I tell them all I'm trying to do is follow what Jesus said to do. To love you neighbor as yourself. "We're being non-judgmental and loving and not condemning -... my job i s not , to judge. I don't condone the behavior, but my job here is not to do that. What would Jesus do? He would be here." . If it wasn't for Southern Baptists )ike Raddatz, Diane Duncan , of.,Wayne County . would have left the church a long time ago . "I've experienced more spiritual growth and felt more close to God," said Duncan, who contracted the virus through her husband. "It's a shame that it took something like this to bring me closer to God" (AP) L4NET releases church-based AIDS prevention curriculwn THE LUTHERAN AIDS Network has produced a new HIV/AIDS prevention. curriculum designed for use with teenagers, an age group where the spread of HIV is on the rise. · "Brokenness to .Wholeness," a project of LANET with support from the Cen- · ters for Disease Control and Prevention and the AIDS National Interfaith Network, is a four part course based on the need for young people to explore what the reality of HIV means for their Ii ves in general and i n light of their faith and faith community. The authors say the course was written in hope that those who come in contact with the process will have some tools and feel better about their own internal strength and ability to keep tl1emselves healthy and infection free : The curriculum's auth ors are Rev. Thomas H. Carlson, a Washington, D.C.,Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pastor, and Dr. MaryH. Zentner, a Chicago writer and editor in the field of . childrenandfamilyeducationandministry Teenagers hear about and are affected by the disease ' through information gained at school and through the media, friends and family members who are infected with HIV, and possibly their own risk behaviors. The goals for the curriculum are: To help participants explore how risk behaviors relate to brokenness found in themselves, their communities, and their relationships; To help participants understand the facts about transmission and prevention of HIV/ AIDS and how it affects adolescent and young adult populations; To help participants explore the differ ences between life-enhancing · and riskproducing behaviors and the values that influence their decisions to choose bet - weenthem;and To help participants pla1, ways to respond, both individually and as a community of faith, to others who are infected with HIV . The church-based curriculum can be used during Sunday morning or other education programs, youth group sessions, and retreat settings. A Biblical background, including the · building of healthy communities and relationships amidst the reality of sin and evil in the world, is a key concept in the curriculum. For information on "Brokenness to Wholeness" contact the Lutheran AIDS Network, 1111 ·O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 , {j NJ'£ •yov 'R.__PJU'L'Ji['DS .::1. S£C05\{_']) S'TOX£ (j Jj'T Stt.J'BSC'R._J•Pn0'}[1TJ{J5 C:Jl'R._I/i'I'.1l:1S. •'Too u.,c(u[to bc.fl'/'j''IICJI ••Too t1pprccit1tcd to fie rctumc,{ • (ji1'Cl1 1101 011cc, tiut a({ yc,1r [o1~7 • Srnt ,l'itli ,w attmctii•c g~(t car,fsijncif ill !/ounrnmr . . See p,~qe 16 it' order. SECOND STONE 21 --:-:-::lm i:I Church & Or anization News Virginia Unitarian congregation adopts Welcoming Congre~ gation statement · . THE BULL RUN Unitarian Universalists (BRUU) of Prince William County, Virginia, has defined itself as a Welcom- )ng Congregation . The church adopted the policy at its annual summer congre- . gational meeting. The statement reads: "BRUU is a Welcoming Congregation which celebrates and supports the'lives , the relationships, and the individual and gr~up contributions of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members and friends. We affirm and promote their full participation in the life of the congregation and community. We pledge our congregation,.s commitment to continue dismantling the belief that heterosexuality is the only normal, acceptable, and healthy sexual orientation ... , The Welcoming Congregation program of the Unitarian Universalists Association (UUA) was adopted by its General Assembly in 1989 : It was a first step to . make all of its congregations welcoming places for people -of all sexual orientations. "It is the belief of members of BRUU that an explicitly affirming spiritual home needs to be located within Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park," said a spokesperson for the church. "Recognizing that negative attitudes, prejudices, and misunderstandings and ignorances about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender life and persons exist within the local community, members of BRUU also feel it necessary to publicly state BRUU's support of its members and friends of all sexual orientations. To remain silent of its support would only add to the oppression faced by many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons within the community ." BRUU has an active Welcoming Congregation program that provides varied forums for examining, discussing, and reaching understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender concerns. Sue~ forums include worship services , discllssion groups, and movie nights in addition to its open acceptance of gay and lesbian members and their relation- 22 SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 ships . BRUU may be contacted at 703-361- 6269, http: //users.aol.com/bruu2/bruuhp.html. Open & Affirming Ministries names provisional board AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance (GLAD Alliance), meeting in Denver; Colo., July 25; affirmed the hrmation of a provisional advisory board for its Open & Affirming Ministries Program . O&A Ministries is the program which seeks to nurture, resource , and empower local congregations, campus ministries, and other manifestations of the Christian Church · (Disciples of Christ) to publicly welcome and affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgenderpeJ¥>ns, their friends anp families, into the life and leadership of thechurch. · Five . persons were named ·to the provisional board, the first leadership team ever assigned to the program. These persons are Gerry Brague of San Francisco, California; ' the Rev . Cheryl Breiner of Denver, Colorado; Aeros DeAnda of Los Angeles, California; the Rev . Mark Johnston of Boston, Massachusetts; the Rev. Pamela June Webb of New Hampton , Iowa . Previously the O&A Ministries Developer, the Rev. Allen V . Harris, was supervised by the GLAD Alliance Counci .l directly . Over · the next two years the provisional advisory board will envision a mission and a structure . Begun in 1989, O&A Ministries now names 33 ministries as Open & Affirming, including 27 congregations, four campus ministries, one region, and one denominational agency. GLAD Alliance is the advocacy and edi#atio11 organization · for persons related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and other traditions from the Campbell-Stone movement of · the early 1800's. More information about the Open & Affirming Ministries Program may be received by contacting Harris at 1010 Park Ave., New York, NY 10028 or by e-mailing him at OAMinistry@aol.com. Popular ·authot now has website DR. REMBERT S. TRULUCK, a frequent contributing writer to Second Stone, has recently publi shed his website on the Internet at http: //www.truluck .com, on the subject of "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse. " This website gives an overview of Dr. Ttuluck's forthcoming book from Chi Rho Press with the same title as the website .' The on-line material deals with the facts about the Bible and homosexuality, sexual orientation and the ex-gay _ fraud, 12 steps to recovery from Bible abuse, legalism as idolatry, Jesus and Events Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizations. To have-an event listed, send information to Second Stone, P .O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to /504)899-40/4 , e-mail secstone@aol.com . • Beaver Farm Men's Retreat OCTOBER 11-13,. This retreat for gay, b1se,rnal and transgendered Quaker men is held every year at Beaver Farm, an old farm house located in the Croton River Valley, atx,ut an hour north· of New York City. The retreat is a time of talk, prayer, eating, rest and renewal in an unstiuciured setting. There are a number of opportunities for worship and worship sharing. Cost is $185 . For information contact Grant P. Thompson, 1426 Jonquil St., Washington, DC 20012, (202)723-8282, fax (202)291-1823, billstar@radix.net. MFSA National Assembly OCTOBER 18-19, The Methodist Federation for Social Action gathers in Washington , D.C. The theme is "Our Times Are in Your Hands: Celebrating Our Past - Fashioning Our Future." Capitol Hill United Methodist Church is the setting. Dr. Jeanne Knepper delivers the keynote address. For inform ation contact MFSA, 76 Clinton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301, gmcclain@igc.org. Youth Conference OCTOBER 24-26, The National Youth Advocacy Coalition sponsors "Reaching Out in the South." the third annual southern regional conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and their allies. Georgia State University in Atlanta is the setting. Sean Sasser from MTV's "The Real World' is the keynote speaker. The conference is an opportunity to share experiences and energy, to network and socialize, and to explore cutting-edge issues . For information contact The Atlanta Gay/Straight Alliance, P.O. Box . 3054, 'Decatur GA 30031, (404)378 -721 0, reachingo@aol.com. the · Bible, gay Christian responses to Southern Ba pti sts , how to start you~ own recovery group , and a special offer of a "Gay Spiritual Survi val Kit" to help gay and lesbian Christians answer questions about the Bible and homosexualit y. Dr. Truluck's most recent articl e in Second Stone was "Many ex--ex-gays continue drift toward abusive religion " on page 3 of the July/August, 1997 , issue . You can write to Dr. Truluck at P.O. Box 24062, Oakland, CA 94623 or at email: Rembert@slip ;net. North American Lutheran Conference on AIDS NOVEMBER 6-8, "Hope, Help and Healing: A Lutheran Challenge' is the theme for this fifth annual conference to be held in Secaucu s, NJ._ Sponsored by the Lutheran AIDS Network (LANET), the conference will featur.e interactions with ELCA Bishop George Anderson, Or. Martin Marty, Sen. Paul Simon, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, and other speakers. In addition there will be special worship opportunities , form al work shops , experiential learning through visits to AIDS service programs, resource/information exchange areas, and fellowship with companions in HIV/ AIDS ministry. For more information, contact Loretta Horton at 800/638- 3522, ext 2404 . Surfacing Our Souls: A Study of Families, Fear, and Faith NOVEMBER 28-30, A weekend retreat to explore: how we grow and develop in family systems; how our faith and spirituality grow in stages; and what the Bible says about_ homosexuality. To be held at the Bishop Booth Conference Center in Burlington, Vermont. Cost is $155 - $195 per person. For information contact Triangle Ministries, Rev. Christine S. Leslie, M.Div., 14 White Birch Lane, Williston VT 05495, REVCSL@aol.com (802) 860- 7106, htip://members.aol.com/tevcsl Weekend Retreat: "Having The Holy In Our Holidays" DECEMBER 19-21, A weekend retreat for members and friends of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community . Gather to explore naming and claimin! The Holy in your Holidays. The, Bishor Booth Conference . Center in Burlington Vermont, is the setting. Cost per person $155-$195 . For information contact Tri angle Ministries: A Center For Lesbian & Gay Spiritual Developmeni, Rev. Chris tine S. Leslie, M.Div., 14 White Bircl Lane Williston, VT 05495 REVCSL@aol.com,. (802) 860-7106. Church&Or anizationNews Largest-ever Reconciling Congregations gathering ALMOST 500 RECONCILING United Methodists gathered in Atlanta from . July 24-27 to witness to and celebrate . the growth and vitality of the movement welcoming all persons , regardless of sexual orientation , into the United Methodist Omrch. This largest-ever Reconciling Congregation Program convocation was marlced by spirited worship services each day which created the atmosphere of an oldfashioned revival meeting with a love- Transitions ILA MAE WILSON, known as Grandma .Wilson to fellow members of . The Church of The Living Water , died , at age 85 at her Nashville home . She leaves to mourn her passing a daughter, Rev . Linda Kennemer, a daughtcr-inIaw, Connie Burk, both of Nashville, eight grandchildren, eight great- · grandchildren, one sister, and a host of friends. She was a faithful church member and active in community, even participating in this year's gay pride parade. Ila Mae Wilson, center, in Nashville's gay pride parade and-justice theme. ''The energy and exuberance of this gathering of the diverse family of God demonstrates unbounded possibilities for · Christian communities who truly seek to be the inclusive Body of Christ," said RCP executive director Marlc Bowman . A highlight of the convocation was the recognition of the "Denver 15" bishops, who made an unprecedented public dissent from the .denomination's unwelcoming policies toward gay and lesbian persons in April, 1996. Two of the fifteen bishops, Melvin Wheatley and Dale White, were present, while greetings from several other bishops were read. The bishops received a prolonged ovation for their witness and words of encouragement for the RCP movement. "This convocation was indicative of the vibrant RCP movement which is thriving across the United States," Bowman said. "Because we don't talk in battle language or threaten to leave the church, we don't get much media coverage. Persons are flocking to this movement because we offer good news that everyone is truly welcome and we are transforming a rules-driven church into a church of grace and love. We believe this is God's message to a troubled churchandwor!dtoday." MCC Louisville celebrates 25th anniversary and building dedication . THE METROPOLITAN Community Church of Louisville celebrated its 25th anniversary in the Kentuckiana area in mid-September. The highlight of the ·weekend-long celebration was the formal building dedication of the church's new building, which is the 104-year-old former Trinity Lutheran Church, which MCC purchased in July . Rev. Troy Per• ry, founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, GAYELLOW PAGES™ INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDERED COMMUNITT SINCE 1973 All editions now Include a.SEPARATE WOMEN'S SECTION Complete gay-friendly resources and businesses: aa:ommodatlons, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, tiavel services, printers, organizations,•• rel~lous groups, help lines & IIV/AIDS resources. Listings broken down by•State&City. lndex&fast access phone list UPDATED ANNUALLY. USA/CANADA: $16 by first class mall Includes all states and provinces, national headquarters of organizations, mail order companies, etc. SOUTH/SOUTHERN MIDWEST: $10 by first class mail ~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~ OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, us Vlrgl,n Is, VA, WV. GREATER NORTHEAST $10 by.first class.mail CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV. Find us at gay-friendly stores like LAMBDA RISING 800-621-6969 A DIFFERENT LIGHT 800-343-4002 and many othe,s For an apfiiicaUon to be listed (no cllarge), current edlttona and prices, malling labels, etc., please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance Houte, P() Box 533-SS, Village Station, New York, NV 10014 212-674-0120 Fax: 212-420-11 ~6 GAVELLOW _PAGES@juno.com httpi/gayellowpages.com delivered the sermon for. the celebration. · MCC Louisville is pastored by Rev. Dee Dale, who will celebrate her 14th anniversary as pastor of the church in December. Neighbors in the community were invited to participate and celebrate the continuance of Christian ministry in the historic building. Dignity/USA observes third Solidarity Sunday OCTOBER 5TH MARKED Dignity / USA's third Solidarity Sunday . Thousands of churchgoers wore a rainbow ribbon to make known their support of ending verbal and physical violence directed toward gay and lesbian people . This year's campaign got a boost from Vice President AI Gore, who issued a strong endorsement of Solidarity Sunday. In addition to Dignity/USA and its chapters, others participating included Catholic churches, Metropolitan Community Churches, Unitarian churches, Episcopal churches, PFLAG chapters, and. others. Dignity /Pittsburgh joins Adopt-aHighway program THE PITTSBURGH CHAPTER of Christian Community News · Dignity/USA has adopted a stretch of . highway as a participant in the statewide rqad cleanup project sponsored by Pe1111- sylvania' s Department of Transportation. The group is identified as· "Dignity Pittsburgh" on blue and white roadside signs that mark the beginning and end of its two-mile stretch. "A lot of people driving down Route 65 honked their : horns and waved in support," said Dan ' Fix, vice president of Dignity /Pitts burgh. "We want the community at 1 large to be accepting of us, and we're showing that, in the community effort to help out and make -our city cleaner, we 're ·.willing to be. a part of that as well." Group forms to assist · independent churches LEADERS FROM . FOUR churches gathered to fonn the United Christian Ministries, an organization for independent churches that will focus on Christ, worship and ministry. The group elected four bishops who will be consecrated at the first conference of the United Christian Ministries which will be held October 24-26 in Birmingham, Alabama . Those elected: Rev. S. F. Ma-Hee, Rev. Charlene McDonald, Rev. Brenda Ross, and Rev. Chuck D. Thompson. For information on the United Christian Ministries, rea<krs may call (205)833 - 3501 or (423)894-6224. • Exciting Articles & Features • Color Photos That Take You There • informative Monthly Departments • USA & Worldwide Destinations. • Exclusive Travel Listings OUR WORLD is the recognized monthly magazine for travel enthusiasts. Unlike other publications, you'll find everything you need to know l!bout gay and lesbian travel in our 56-page, all-glossy format - including color photography. It's all here: from New York io L.A .; London to Moscow; Thailand to Tahiti; the Caribbean to the Amazon; and Key West to Alaska. So don't be left out, join 50,000 other readera and subscribe to OUR WORLD magazine~ you goi 1 year (1 O issues) $35 . Send check, money order, or VISA, MasterCard to: OUR WORLD, 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Tel: (904) 441-5367 Fax: (904) 441-5604 Internet: http://www.ourworldmag.com Money--back guarantee. First is8U8 mails in 6 weeks in plain envelope. Oumde USA. send US$45 (surface) Or US$70 (airmail). SECOND STONE 23 Govemortmneclauthorurges Christians to get into JX)litics LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Huckabee, - in a newly released book, urges Christians to get involved in politics because society has lost its focus on God. Huckabee, a Baptist minister, presents two opposing philosophies in his book, "Character is ·the Issue." One ·view is that humans are essentially good, Huckabee says. The other, which Huckabee believes, holds that human are basically self-centered and in need of God's help." Those who believe differently often point to education as the means to solving society's ills, such as crime, poverty and disease, Huckabee said. · "We must come to see that our core problem is not a Jack of education but lack of righteousness ," Huckabee writes. "We don't need more information as · much as we need new hearts. " . . The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette explores the book's central theme - that Chris .tians .with character are needed in public office to fight the battle .of philosophies. The . final section contains copies of several of Huckabee's speeches. Some of Huckabee's messages are headed: "Faith is like a Bass Boat," "No Compromise 'on Core Convictions" and "The Necessity of Fun." Huckabee frequently cracks jokes at news conferences and other public · appearances. "Sometimes the best mediciue we can reach for is not a bottle or a pill, but a joke book," Huckabee write s. "The capacity to laugh, to make light of situations that are heavy , is incredibly important." Upon becoming governor, Huckabee writes that he immediately banned smoking and swearing in the office . "No.t because I'm a··self-righteous prude but beca~e those things kill morale and sap productivity," Huckabee writes. "I also made it clear that I have no patience with people who make sexual! y inappropriate remarks." · Huckabee said the transition from pastor to politician came naturally because both professions require the same skills - the ability to communicate a message, ■ liveii;i." One of Huckabee's longest passages involving a single perso~ recounts a telephone conversation he had with Elders when asked by Clinton to explain to her "how people of the evangelical world feel." "Dr. Elders argued that man is basically good; therefore if he does bad things, he simply doesn't realize they are bad, or else he hasn't been trained to Huckabee said the transition from pastor to politician came naturally because both professions require the same skills ... motivate v·olunteers and raise money and an understanding of the media. Huckabee scatters references to other politicians and public figures throughout the book, including President Clinton, Tucker and former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders. Of Clinton , Huckabee writes in the book's introduction: "Responding to questions regarding his personal character, President Bill Clinton once told his audience that 'character isn't the issue.' Yet our character defines the world we ■ do good," Huckabee writes. "It sounds noble and, frankly, it seems a much more appealing approach to life than the alternative. It has but a single flaw: it's wrong. "It will never work because our problems do not result from economics or deficiencies in education. They result from the selfish decision to ignore God's standards of integrity. Standards based on anything else are relativ e , and relative standards are meaningless." (AP) obtained the book in page-proof form from the publisher and reported on it August 27. Grace, forgi,veness theme of two new books Huckabee's book bears the subtitle, "How People with Integrity can Revolutionize America." It is divided into three sections spread over 14'chapters and .191 pages. It is being published by Broadman & Holman and was to be distributed to Christian and secular bookstores across the nation in mid-September, said Huckabee spokesman Rex Nelson. It's hardcover price wili be $14. 99. The first and longest of section of the book recounts Huckabee's ascension t.f governor on July 15, 1996, when thenGov. Jim Guy Tucker waffled between resigning and only stepping aside temporarily following his convictions by a federal Whitewater jury. The middle section is where Huckabee 2. SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 1997 Books BY DAVID BRIGGS "IF ONLY THERE WERE evil people somewhere insidiousiy committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every • human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" - Alexander Solzhenitsyn When his son was killed in a car crash, Bill Chadwick attended every court hearing for the drunken driver responsible for the accident. He wanted to make sure the driver paid for what .he haddone. But it was only some months after the driver had been sentenced to six · months in a boot camp program that Chadwick began to realize that he would never find peace until he could forgive the driver. "No amount of punishment could ever even the score. I had to be wiliing to forgive without the score being even," · he wrote. "And this process of forgiveness did not really involve the driver - it involved me.H was a process I had to go through; I had to change, no matter what he did." The scene from a new book - "Seventy Times Seven: The Power of Forgiveness" (Plough . Publishing) by Johann Christian Arnold - explores one of the most difficult commands given to Christians some 2,000 years ago: to love their enemies and to forgive each . other as God forgives their -sins. It is also the theme of another book, "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey, published by Z.Ondervan. Set against a society where liberal and conservative Christians are often so publicly at one another's throats, both Arnold and Yancey - the senior elder of the Bruderhof religious communities in the United States and England, and the _ediior-at 0 large for Christianity Today, respectively - argue for the need to show more charity and less judgment toward others, "Grace is Christianity's best gift to the world, a nova among us exercising a force stronger than vengeance, stronger than racism, stronger than hate," Yancey writes. "Sadly to a world desperate for this grace the church often presents one more form of ungrace." A visit to the White . House after he wrote a magazine article titled "Why Clinton Isn't the Antichrist" prompted Yancey to write on ·grace. There, Clinton, a lifelong Southern Baptist, told Yancey and other evangelicals, "I've been in politics long enough to expect criticism and hostility. But I -'was unprepared for the hatred I get from Christians. Why do Christians hate so much?" In the case of Clinton, there are plenty of reasons for evangelical disapproval, Yancey notes, from his personal life to .his voting record firmly opposed to any · limits on abortion. However, Yancey · said in an interview, hating the man is ilot the solution. "Bill Clinton is a human being, and as a Christian I don't have the option of hating him, or even writing him off," he said. A style of grace, in which Christians show love to people they disagree with and offer practical alternatives to policies they oppose, would be a more effective way of communicating their concern. he said. "If Christians were known primarily as ones who minister to AIDS victims, take care of babies, instead of moralizing on the picket line, I think that would be a huge step toward recovering our stance of grace, which we are cal.led to do," Yancey said. In "Seventy Times Seven" - the title is taken from Jesus' answer to Peter when he asks how often he should forgive another person - Arnold states that forgiveness is necessary in a world of imperfect human relationships. "In my life, the only fail-safe ~olution I have found is to forgive, if necessary seventy times seven in one day, and to pray ." (AP) Gatherings Christian ~uthor asks: Is ~eauty the beast? Books BY DAVID BRIGGS WHEN JACOB SELECTS a . wife, he chooses the woman, Rachel, who is described as "beautiful in form," over Laban's eldest daughter, Leah. But it is . the older daughter whom God looks on ' with favor "when the Lord saw that Leah was unloved .. " ·when David gazes upon Bathsheba, he is inflamed by lust that brings tragedy .to both familie s. And Samson, who has a roving eye for all the wrong women; finally has his eyes gouged out after a disastrous dalliance with Delilah. A few thousand years later, the handsome clergyman with an attractive wife is more likely to get a prestigious pulpit, and men and women in Christian singles groups are still judging potential mates for their looks as much as - if not "No Matter What Way!" more than - for their spiritual qualities . So why is it that throughout the centuries religious folk have had such a hard time getting past people's outward appearance to see the beauty of their inner selves - "the unfading beauty of a · gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight," according to. 1 Peter. It is partly human nature. And partly because of the overwhelming emphas is secular culture places on physical beauty . But a large part of it is because religious institutions ignore the issue, allowing both the beautiful and not -sobeautiful to be consumed by the unattainable goal of physical perfection, says Karen Lee-Thorp, a Christian writer from Pasadena, Calif. In an article in a .recent issue of Christianity Today, and in a new book from NavPress titled "Why Beauty Matters," Lee-Thorp explores the religious perspective on beauty throughout . the centuries. What she found in her research is that little has been written about the preoc' cupation men and women have with their physical appearance. "There's chiefly a loud silence about · it," she said in an interview . Churches have either trivialized 1t as an issue of vanity or a "woman's issue," or they have continued in a religious tradition associating beauty with danger, lust and sin, she said. However , ignoring the subject does not make the issue go away , she said . "We can say sex is bad, then we have a taboo talking about it, then every sexual sin or excess runs through the church," she said. Similarly, she said, the church is missing an opportunity to help millions of people who are obsessed with their bodies . According to one 1995 study, she Marsha Stevens better than ever on new CD Music MARSHA STEVENS' remarkable music ministry to the gay and lesbian community continues with the release of her new CD, "No Matter What Way! " The 10-song CD, produced by Chris Lobdell , features new songs, most written or co-written by Stevens, including " Light of the World ," the theme for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches General Conference recently held in Sydney, Australia. Stevens' son, John, also contributed music and lyrics to the snappy compilation of songs of praise . Stevens began her musical career at the age of 16 when she wrote the modern hymn "For Those Tears I Died" which has been included in most church "I found out that I didn't need to come out to God" ' hymnals since 1972. She sang and toured for nine years with the Christian folk group "The Children of the Day." · The group made six albums for which Stevens wrote most of 'the songs . Dur- · ing this time she also sang and did back up vocals on several of the "Maranatha" and "Praise" albums and toured in the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel. She eventually married and began a family . Then , in 19"19. after seven yeiμ-s of marriage, she divorced. Stevens came out as a "born again lesbian" and spent most of the first five years sorting out and establishing her new life. said , 48 ircent of American women felt ' "wholesale di~pleasure about their ' lxxlies." · In a survey by the National Institute : for the Christian Single, men rated · looks as the third most important qua! - . ity - after the ability to communicate, · and personality - when looking for : someone to date, she said . "The world is full of people who are undervalued because of the way . they look, and when we treat them as though , their pain matters , we affirm their · value," she writes . . Pastors need to talk about the issue from the pulpits, and churches should offer groups where people can share their concerns and experiences about their body images, she said " These people do not need to be told they are vain," according to Lee-Thorp . "They need to be loved, body and soul, until they can look in the mirror and see the image of God." (AP) "When I came out as a born again lesbian, I didn't anticipate that people would come unglued the way they did," Stev ens said. '.'Ql!,.1,e_ ti}.1, chll!".ch_ff>und out, people came over and told me to take the 'Jesus is Lord' sign off my door. People would rip the pages out of their hymnals containing my songs and s end them to me with hate mail." In 1984, she began singing and writing again, this time as a ministry to the gay and lesbian Christian community . She studied nursing at the University of the State of New York and became an RN to supportherself and her two children as she traveled on weekends, taking her music to _gay 0affirming churches around the United States and Canada . "I found out that I didn't need to come out to God," Stevens said. "Hound that ihe Word still burned in my heart and I could not contain it." In early 1993, Stevens and her partner, Suzanne, sold their home and moved into an RV to begin traveling fulltime to sing and share about God's love for all people. She now makes about 200 appearances a year . Thanks to avid followers of her music, Stevens has mad _e five solo albums and a concert video. Her work is released on the B.A.L.M . label, (Born Again Lesbian Music) which she started · and operates with her partner. Stevens' music is available from BALM Ministries, P.O. Box 1981, Costa Mesa CA 92628, (714)641-8968 , . (213)700- 706(). SECOND STONE 25 f) __ SJN-C 'E 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOUR -~EY ---------------------- ---------------------- --- - ---- ---------, I I I I I '· ' · I I . I . I '·The mailable, :fa'<able and e-rnailable fOITil for just aoout everything. ,Subscribe· Today. 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Press 3* when prompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL:Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol .com I • The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspa_per About Being Gay And Christian 26 S.EPT .EMBER•OCTOBER 1997 I I I . ' I L---------------- •------------- . ----------•--------------------- Resnonse Lettersf" Commentary Now is our time to act The marriage battle has just begun BY REV. MEL WHITE THE SAME-GENDER maniage issue is a justice issue .about which we dare not remain silent, inactive, and on the sidelines. It is time for congregations to speak and act with courage and with creativity . The following compilation of resources from the National Freedom to Marry Coalition is intended to he lp every congregation develop a strategy to Rancho Palos Verdes, California Gays in the Jewish Conservative move..: ment: Get used to it Dear Secood Stone, I note with interest your article in the March /April 1997 issue, "Not Every Synagogue Feels Like Home." Though I know that you are a Christian publica- SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047;3971, is published. every other rrionth by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright 1997 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS .U.S.A . $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only . · ADVERTISING, For display adver. tising information call (504)899- . 4014or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Ciassified advertising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad· for any reason. EDITORIAL, Seild letters, event -announcements, church and organiza- . tion news.to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be ~turned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone.is otherwise not responsibl_e for the return of any material: SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Olristian · newspaper with a specific outreach to · gay, lesbian and bisexual. people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR Jim Bailey help win justice for God's lesbian and gay children . The religious and po)itical extremists are committing · huge resources in their campaign to deny us our right to maniage . We must redouble our efforts to win those rights and protections and to . enlist gay and nongay support for our freedom to marry . The National Freedom to Marry Coalition includes every national lesbian ~d gay rights organization, numerous tion, it was good to see acknowledgment of your Jew ish sisters and brothers in your pages. . One slight correction: · I am an "out " gay Cantor who serves a Conservative congregation, in addition to being on the faculty of the Rabbinic School of Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles, a Reform institution. Addi_!ionally,two years ago, the Conservative Rabbincal Assembly, rather quietly placed an "out" gay man in a Conservative pulpit. Also, it should be noted that several Conserva- . tive synagogues have outreach programs ·· · for its lesbigay Jewish constituency, one of the most prominent being Temple Valley Beth Shalom's " Response" group in Encino, Cafifornia. As a movement, we may be lagging behind · strides made in the Reform and Recon- , structionist movements, but "we're here , we're Conservative and .queer! The y're ~etting used to it!" Sincerely, Cantor Samuel B. Radwine CongregationNer Tamid of South Baj non-ga y allie s,.and state and local paitn 0 ers in every state - all working together to secure the freedom to marry fre e o( sex discrimination. I invite you and your congre gation to join the Coalition in the l asks before u s: 1) Beating back the radical right anti-maniage backlash bills in state legislatures across the country ;. 2) Defeating anti-marriage !)allot measures in Haw aii and elsewhere; and 3) In every ■ .. maiTiage fight and tools for discuss ing ; _ih e:Jssue of maiTiage wi th others . Pack- , ets also address the perspectives of relig- ' ious communities and people of color. : 2) Freedom : to Marry Brochure -. The : Marriage Resolution , basic que s'tions · and answers, and talki1,1g points. 3) R~solution and Signatories - list of national : and local organizations, religious lead- i ers, and congregations signing on to the : Marriage Resolution . 4) Interracial : The religious and political extremists are committing huge-resources in their campaign to deny us our right to marriage. We must redouble our efforts towin those rights ... community, affmnatively enlisting non gay supporters and reaching out to the • non-gay persuadable public, engaging people in dialogue about our freedom to marry, inviting support for the Marriage Resolution, and shaping the climate of receptivity for the couples soon to be legally married. Here is ii vast array of resources, available from Coalition members , or from Lambda ' s Mam.age Project. We urge people to .use the remainder of this year as a time to hold forums , engage in dialogue, shape media, make contacts with reachable non-gay political supporters, and ask for discussion and support of the MaiTiage Resolution. This i s a precious window of opportunity . These resources are available to you to use in creating and fulfilling your local action plan. The following materials are available thro\lgh Lambdal.egal Defense and F.ducation Fund ' s Marriage Project, 120 Wall St.; Ste . i.500, New . York, NY ·10011, (212)809-8585 (voice), (212) 800-0055 (fax), or lldeftruqT)'@aol .com . · Materials ·inchide : 1) MaiTiage Information Packets - inforni.ation on the ■ Marriage/History - including summary of the parallels between the antimaiTiage laws aimed at smne-sex couples, and the prohibitions against interracial marriage from a generation ago . 5) Bibliography - list of articles, legal and popular , in the areas of marriages performed in Hawaii, recognition of samesex couples in other countries. 6) Articles - includi!_tg various press clipping s , ii:icluding cSeleeted . clippings · putting forth the " conservative case" for .equal marriage rights. 7) Bress Kit - contains general legal, historical and social back - . grounfters on the freedom 'to marry for same-sex couples, as well as press clip, pings . We welcome your letters and opinicms .Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be originai and 5!gned by the writer. Clearly indicate if yuur name is to be · withheld. We reserve the rightto edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol,com or FAX to (504)899-4014, tel tiMM4iiii!SiiRi#¥iR#ii4i4ii! £f St M M:¥ 52 i iiHMWN classif. BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY, a List of Resources for Gay Men, Lesbians and Bisexuals. 35-page list includes over 300 ·book titles, plus directory of religious organizations and their publications, other organizations, newsletters, and journals. $6 postpaid from GLBTF Clearinghouse, c/o Office for Outreach Services, American Library Association, 60 East Huron St. , Chicago IL 6061 I. 2/98 ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist church .in Jesse Helms' hometown decided as a co.ngregation to offer rituals of blessing for. gay and lesbian · couples. The church's history with gay issu~s. discussion within the ·congregation, reac;tion from out- . siders, expulsion by fellow Baptists, celebrations of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by lesbian Pat · Long, the onry "out" deacon during the process. _$end $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 180.J Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 2?605'. TF "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY." "Heartily _recommended," "Philosophically intriguing." "Excellent '.• Why do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and_ New AgCrs as entertaini"ng_ as it is substantive. Subscribe for only · $12.50/yr. Orsample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF BUS INESS OPPORTUNIT IES Jess or Mike at (703)370-7875. EMPLOYMENT THE OTHER SIDE, the Christian magazine of peace, justice, and spirituality, seeks a Director of Operations to coordinate overall management, long range planning, personnel, and board development: Teambuilding skills, 2-4 years administrative experience required. We offer excellent benefits and work on a common salary structure - currently $18 ,740 per year for individuals (plu s generous stipend for dependent ·children). Contact: Search committee, _300 West Apsley, Philadelphia, PA 19144. (215)849-2178. TOS.PA@ecunet.org. 10/97 FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS . . . . CHRISTIAN_ GWM, 45, fit, professional . , seeks GWM 25-40 for possible monogamous • long term relationship in NW Florida. No prisoners. Tell me about · yourself. Photo appreciated. Reply to: P.O. Box 15022, Pan- . ama City, FL 32406. 10/97 GENER AL INTEREST CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you · by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809: 10/97 OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2000- Join us in our wonderful Alpine Adventure and Treasures ·of Italy tour now being planned visiting •Innsbruck •Ischgl •Liechtenstein •Venice •Milan •Florence •Tyrolean Alps. 15 exciting days - September 20 to Oc_tober 4, 2000 - departing from Detroit. Hosted by Rev . . Steve Weinberger. Call or write for more informati<ln: 517-224-6859, 200 E. State St., St. Johns, MI 48879. 8/97 and lesbian Christian friends from across the nation as you tour one of the most sacred places in the world: Christian Pilgrimage to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam. Visitors . often remark that this trip to Israel was the journey of a lifetime ! This 12-day trip through this ancient and holy land includes a 2-night stop in delightful Amsterdam . $2,469.00 per person , Contact Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New. Orleans, LA 70182 . secstone@aol.com ----·Reader' _____________ toReader !I~~!!~~!:.~,~::~::? 221~;~~:~.. and lesbian Christians across toWn or across the country - To have your profile published simply send your information to Second Stone, P .O. -Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, e-mail to secstorte@aol.com , or FAX to (504)899,4014. · 1=====· 1 .. Stale, Cily------~------------- 2. Name,---------------------~- CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female 6. Age__ 7. Religious affiliati :::: 8. Occupali NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: Your mailing address, your e-mail · i address, or your telephone number. . · • ! 9. Contact informatio ..._---------------~--- i .. !~~~~~~~!!~!~~!~~~--- .. ·· . ······················································HOW TO REA1< R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by state, then by city. If a mailing .address is given in a listing the zip code appears in the listing. NNG = No name given. S=single,.C=committed. G=gay, L=lesbian, T =transgendered, B=bisexual, S=straight. M=male, F=female. Age, religious affiliation, occupation, contact information. MICHIGAN, LANSING NNG, SGM;46, METHODIST, SELF EMPLOYED, 517-224-2415. . MISSISSIPPI, JACKSON ALLEN SHIRLEY, SGM, 32, INDEPENDENT-AIM, 5136 GERTRUDE, APT A, 39204 MISSOURI, KANSAS CITY JOSEPH STUCHEL, SGM, 36, CATHOLIC, COM· PUTER PROGRAMMER, 4006 OAK ST., #6, 64111, jgstuchel@aol.com NEW HAMPSHIRE, MANCHESTER BILLIONAIRE.BOYS/GIRLS Club: Looking for motivated individuals to make some extra money. No telemarketing or door to door. . Lots of fun, great' people. Interested? Call · · CALIFORNIA, DOWNEY CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay . . THEODORE CRANFORD, SGM, 67, UFMCC, RETIRED, PO BOX 1307,90240-0307. (562)928- 4489. ROD, SGM, 42, INSURANCE UNDERWRITER, hotnho9258@aol.(X)fll. classified ad oraer rorm When? I )Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ iMay/Jun [ )Jul/Aug [ )SepK:>ct [ ]Nov!Oec Where? I ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops . [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships I ]Gen! Interest I ]Mail Order [ ]March [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services I ]Real Es~te [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Yourname. ____ ~-------------- Addres...__ __ '--"-------'---------- City/State/Zi _____ ...;__ ______ --,-__ __;_ Your ad COPY---------------- How much? Count .the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this fonn to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Minimum 20 words. ·All classified ads must be prepaid. Deadline: 15th of thfil month p_rior to cover date. We'll send you a copy of the /ssue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 26. . CALIFORNIA, PASADENA BARRY DIXON, SGM, 40, WORLDWIDE CHUR GOD, TECHNICAL WRITER dec4th@aol.CXlfll . . NEW YORK, YONKERS JOHN PRATHER, $GM, 71, EPISCOPALIAN, COMPUTER SPECIALIST, 7 BELL PL., 10701, 914-964-0379. OREGON, FLORENCE . JOE NOLAN, CBM, 59, EPISCOPALIAN, GARDENFLORIDA, PANAMA CITY ER, PO BOX 2263, 541-997-1752 RQBBDOYLE, SGM, 38, CHARISMATIC ACC, MEDICAL MESSAGE, 1139 EVERITT AVE 32401, TENNESSEE, CHATTANOOGA mgay4jesus@aol.com . CHUCK THO'-i!PSON, SGM, NONDENOMINATIONAL; PASTOR, 3623 FOUNTAIN FLORIDA, BRANDON AVE., #109 37412, 423-624-9824 ROBERT MORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAU · APOSTOLIC, FLIGHT ATTENDANTMINISTER, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE 2023CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505. MEL, SGM, 42, PROTESTANT, PUBLISHER, bnamelman@aol.com . FLORIDA, TAMPA JA LANCE, SGM, 50, UNITY, SOCIAL SERVICES, CK D. GREGORY, SGM, 54, INTERDENOMINA· 8311 ROYAL SANO CIR #115, 336l5. 813-249: TIONAL, CLERK, 1002 DOZIER Pl.; 37216. 615' ~- . - ·-· 227-3261. ILLINQIS, MT. STERLING TEXAS, BEAUMONT LOGAN o. KING, SGM, 50, DISCIPLES Or MICHAEL DAVID, SGM, 42, PAINTER, PARALECHFIIST, PROGRAMMER/ANALYST, BOX 2000- GAL, 648558 MARK STILES, RT. 4 BOX 1500, N41549,62353. mos. IT ALY, NAPOLI TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO PAOLO LANNI, SGM, 39, PENTECOSTAL, PHYS~ AL EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERV• CIAN, PO BOX 1 t, 80100 NAPOLI, 39-81-7761534. ICES, PO BOX 12754 78212, MOCHICA@FLASH.NET ·LOUISIANA, BATON ROUGE . VIRGINIA, RICHMOND PAM GARRETTSON, SLF, 31, LUT.HERAN, GRAD MICHAEL KEITH HALL, SGM, 39, BAPTIST, PRO· STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU GRAM SUPPORT/SCREENWRITER, 2201 FOURTH AVE., 23222. . LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS • ------•------------------- ~IM BAILEY, GGM, 42, LUTHERAN, PUBLISHER, NO LOCATION GIVEN . -secslone@aol.com NNG, CLF, 39, BAPTIST, gosep@aol.com / ~::8::--:_S::E:-:P:-:T:-::E:-M:-B:-::E-:R-•::O:-C'.::=T-:O::B:-E::-::R-:l::9:-:9:-:7::----------------.:....----------------__:_.:....:__.:__ __ :...:_...:_.:..._.:... __ 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 Second Stone #54 - Sept/Oct 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a0efeb02dd4f201b1ade2e70878f3ace.pdf 5c7745ba89aac3dc4c25208387b540d2 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 53 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published July/Aug 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER FOR GAY MEN. LESBIANS, BISEXUALS, AND TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE 2.95 MarkD . Jordan, Professor of Medieval Studies, University of Notre Dame, offers a new take on gay and lesbian Christian history. ~WtRW2Ns, LA 701a2 ( J ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED · TIME DATED MATERIAL -------------,------- ISSUE#53 "The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology" Young author differs with trusted historian BY GIP PLASTER SINCE JOHN BOSWELL'S Christmas Eve death to AIDS in 1994, no one has risen to fill his position as the foremost scholar on the history of lesbian and gay Christianity. Mark Jordan may be one candidate fo fill that void. While Jordan recognizes Boswell's contribution to his field, he is not a disciple of Boswell, who opened the field of lesbian and gay Chri s tian history with the publication in 1980 of "Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality." "Boswell took a lot of risks personally and professionally in writing that book and it nearly cost him tenure at Yale," Jordan told Second Stone. "So, I have a lot of respect for his courage, but I disagree almost entirely with his conclusions . Almost everyone uses [the book], and almost no one buys its conclusions." Jordan's new bo_ok, "The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology," is every bit as controversial as a Boswell book. Jordan writes that he found the first time the category "sodomy" was used and draws his own conclusions about the legitimacy of the term's use - since it did not appear until the year 1050, a~cording to Jordan. SEE AUTHOR, Page 4 FIRST TIME? Second Stone is about being gay and Christian . If this is the first time you've seen Second Stone, turn to page 16 to read more about being a gay Christian. You're also invited to visit an Outreach Partner near you: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA; KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI; DAYTON, OHIO; FllCHMOND, INDIANA; JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI ; NASHVILLE. TENNESSEE; SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK; MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE; HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA; LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA. BI.A.K RATE US POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS LA PERMIT No. 511 See page 13 for information. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Please see page 26 for information on becoming a new subscriber. •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds Oown uses hmnor to spread the g~l message By Don Ahern St. Paul Pioneer Press MINNEAPOLIS - Dr. Dick Hardel is an ordained Lutheran minister with an important academic job at Augsburg College. But he keeps bumping into doors, tripping over his feet and getting a plunger stuck on things . And he has this odd penchant for driving around in his electric-blue Plymouth Neon talking to a big Raggedy Ann doll in the passenger seat. His Augsburg business card lists him as "execuhve director Youth and Family Institute ." But his ID tag says, "Dr. H." And his outfit - red plaid coveralls, a brilliant chartreus e shii·t and a white Homburg that keeps falling off his head - identifies him as a clown. A big yellow button on his bib sums up his attitude and his philosophy: "Life in Christ (s a Circus ." Hardel, 52, lives in Eagan and teaches the art of Christian clowning at Easter Lutheran Church as the founder and one-man faculty for his free Christ Clown College. In the process, he is bringing the belly laugh into the church sanctuary . H e demonstrated his quirky theol- · ogy recently ar a seniors group meeting at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul. As he made his entrance before the prim group to the accompaniment of_ raucous circus music, he tripped over his size 30 redand- yellow shoes. Then he promptly got the plumber's helper he had been "I didn't choose it. God chose me." . . -balancing on one finger ''st uck" to the floor. Exaggerate d attempts to get the thing unstuck provided five minut es of titters and smi les. And, as the Bible promi sed, it took a child · 4-year-old Nina Jackson, who was in the audience - tu lead the hapl ess buffoon out of his troubles. He made a big show of moving through the audience with a broom _and feather duster, brushing "sins" from white heads and sweeping them into a dustpan . With gestures indicating a huge pile of refuse on his pan, the clown looked for a place to discard it. At apparent wits' end, he put down the dustpan and pulled something from his satchel. Then, ·holding the dustpan in one hand high above his head-, he "poured" the load of sins in the wooden cross in his other hand . And the cross obviously absorbed every one of them. In his early years as a church pastor, Hardel found himself in "clown heaven" - the Orlando area, near winter headquarters of two circuses . "l always loved the circus, and I notked that clowns could communicate effectively just by movements," Hardel said. "And I wondered if I couldn't use that in church." So he started to hang out at Ringling Brothers and "interview every old clown I knew. They taught me how to be a clown ... I created the theology of it. I wondered: Is there -a legitimate way of focusing on the Gospel through the power of laughter? "So I started doing it personally. Others from my congregation asked if 1 wou ld teach them. And that's how l st arte d Christ Clown Coll'ege," h e says. The free coll ege he founded jn 1977 has followed him .around ·the cou ntry, existing wherever he happened to be at the tim _e. One student, "DJ,'.' otherwi se known as Darlene Lund, said she decid.ed to ■ A big yellow button on his bibsumsup his attitude ari4. his philosophy: · "Life in -Christ · is a Circus." • become a clown when she w.as-volunteering at an area nursing home: "There had been a woman there in the Alzheimer's unit - who had not · responded to anything for a couple years. But 'this clown g.ot down-in front of her wheelchair almost -in her face. And this woman saw th e down and reached out and started laughing and crying. It was kind of a miracle. And I thought, 'I could do that ."' Presbyterian Church honors first female pastor SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -The women in Margaret Towner's family never let convention stand in their .way. One aunt worked her way up to become the first superintendent in an Iowa school district. Her mother pioneered a special education program in the Syracuse city schools. · So it wasn't surprising that _ Miss Towner followed her heart in the mid-1950s and plunged into a previously all-male profession to become the first woman ordained in what is now the Presbyterian Church USA. "What I keep telling people when they ask me why I chose the ministry is, 'I didn't choose it. God chose me,"' said the Rev. Towner. was then the First Presbyterian Church. "I can remember reading about Margaret Towner just before I went to .seminary," said the Rev. Jeanne Radak, pastor of Elmwood Presbyterian Church in Syracuse. "I remember thinking, 'Wow, _ this is great.' She was a role model because she was the first one." After she donned a clerical collar, · Miss Towner found that a woman in the ministry faced challenges as well as joys. Early in her career, she was excluded from important meetings by some male colleagues and denounced by some lay people. One man who read about her ordina- Towner, 72, was honored during the tion in a magazine wrote her with a church's 209th General Assembly in marriage proposal "so he could rescue Syracuse. me from my predicament, otherwise It was just a year after the Presbyte- I'd continue to be a sinner because I rian chur.::h decided to allow women was preaching in the church," in pulpits that Miss Towner made recalled Miss Towner, who now lives headlines Oct. 24, 1956, when she in Florida . was ordained in Syracuse at what Today, the 2.7 million-member PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 denomination boasts a little more than 3,000 females minist ers, about 20 percent of all Presbyterian clergy, said the Rev. Elisabeth Lunz, author of "Celebration/Witness," a book on women .and the ministry. However, if one counts the number of women who are senior or head pastors of their own church, the percentage drops considerably, said Miss Lunz, interim pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro, Ga. The ministry wasn't something Miss Towner immediately thought of when she graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota in the late 1940s. Instead, she worked as a medical photographer in the Mayo Clinic after college, then enrolled in Syracuse University in 1949. In her spare time, she immersed herself at the former First Presbyterian Church, helping with the congregation's education programs and single adult groups. Impressed with her work, the church's minister, the Rev. William H. Conaghy, ask ed-J1er to assist.him. In the process, -he ;isked her _if she had ever considered the ministry. The church awarded her .a.scholarship to what is now Unio,n.Theological Seminary in New York . City. She entered in 1951 and graduated three years later. It changed her life. "That's where the doqrs op_ened. That where I belonged. I fo1Jnd that whenever I worked in the ministry, the doors opened, but when I did something else, the doors closed/' she said. Since that time, Miss Towner has served at churches in Allentow n,~a., and Kalamazoo, Mich. Miss Towner ' s advice to other woman who want to work in the ministry, regardless of their denomina- - tion, is straightforward, like the retired pastor hers elf, "If you really feel called, you've got to follow your heart," she said . U·!·······:·t·:·!l•:•.•······· :· ·····:····:;;-;-··t·:·······•·j····•:•:l:J: :;:·=·==·=·=·=•:•:•:•:t.·:· ••• · •• ; •• ;.;.; •.. :.;.·.·.•.;.·.;.:.:.·.:.:.·.:.J.'.·:· ....... · ... •.•.•.··········1 Faith in Daily Life Finding a "gay is okay" church is not enough Many ex-ex-gays continue drift toward abusive religion By Dr. Rembert S. Truluck Contributing Writer BOBBY SPENT TWO years as a resident in a house tun by an "ex-gay" program in Marin County across the Bay from San Francisco. He had been rejected and abused by his religious parents. He fled from them and his oppressive rural home to find help in the prog,ram Jhat ,had promised to change him from gay to straight. After two years of learning to reject and hate himself, he finally bailed out and moved into the city. Bobby now accepts himself as okay to be gay and_ Christian, but what are the long term effects of:the religious brainwashing that he .endured? Why has he sought out a legalistic and judgmental church to attend? My experience with people who have survived the ex~gay movement, both in San Francisco and in Nash. ville, Tennessee, where I served as ·pastor of MCC congregations, is that the lasting effects of abusive religion are as complex as they are unhealthy. In teaching recent study groups on ''Steps To Recovery From Bible Abuse," I have realized that the first step to "Admit that you have been hurt by religion" is far more difficult that it seems. Admitting that your religion has hurt you is like criticizing your grandmother. You have an emotional resistance to rejecting your childhood religion as abusive and you therefore develop patterns of denial and become defensive about it. Remember the reaction when Jesus told the people that "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free" in John 8:31-59. The people said they · were already free and had never been slaves to anyone. Yet they had been slaves in Egypt, exiles in Babylon; the subjects of Greek rule for many years, and were under the oppressive control of the Roman army: . They · also were controlled by in oppressive and abusive system of religion that _ never let up in its pressu" res ·and demands of absolute conformity ·and blind obedience to "the law." · The er1d of the discussion came when the people took up stones to kill Jesus because he pointed out that they \Vere being hurt an·d destroyed by their own religion. · Recovery from any addiction begins · \Vith · admitting that you are being controlled by something that is hurting you whether it is alcohol, drugs, ~a-dependence, or religion. Many of the people whom I have seen get out of the ex-gay movement still have difficulty staying out of abusive forms of religion and judgmental legalism. Like the child who defends abusive parents and hides their abuse or the gay /lesbian person who repeatedly goes back to an abusive partner, the abused gay Christian can develop a fatal attraction to abusive religion to embrace and defend . This vicious cycle of the death and rebirth of sick and destructive relic gion deserves far more attention and careful study than it has received so far. Just finding a church that says it is okay for you to be gay is not enough! The whole system of church and traditional religion demands radical reexamination in the light of the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ who sets us free from all slavery and abuse by religion, ourselves, our socie- -ty, and our past. · What are the long term effects of religious brainwashing both in and outside of the ex-gay movement? We don't know yet. Some of the results seem .to me to be an ongoing uncertainty about spiritual life and values and a tende11cy to revert to legalistic and judgmental attitudes that are destructive of the self and of other people , The dynamics of oppression usually lead the oppressed to become the oppressors whenever they can gain the upper hand over others . Oppres sion is a "crazy making" environment and warps our perception of reality and the truth. Extreme, long term, and dedicated attempts to cast out the evil and unclean spirits of sexual orientation from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual people leaves deep invisible scars that we have only begun to recognize and try to heal. Paranoid delusions emerge as unhealthy. and self depreciating forces at work on individuals who have been convinced that something is desperately wrong within them. When these delusions and fears are projected on other people, they create barriers and lead to fear, isolation, loneliness, and a retreat from the freedom of Christ. All too often new legalisms and a fresh set of judgmental demands spring up to control and abuse the individual who has broken out from the ex-gay grip. Internali z ed and horizontal homophobia are powerful destructive forces in th e gay world and especially when they take self destructive religious forms ·and expressions. Compassion, love, acceptance, patience, gentleness,.kindness and all of the rest of the fruit of the Spirit of Christ give hope for healing and peace even for those whose greatest torment has been religion itself . My experience with small groups who share regularly in a home set- ■ Perhaps the main thing that I have learned so far from my own experience and the struggles of others is that God loves us all the same and we can trust God completely. We can trust God completely only by letting go of everything else, "forsaking everything, including religion," and . following Jesus. To follow Jesus you have to keep your attention on Jesus and not on people or the organizations or the . The dynamics of oppression usually lead the oppressed to become the oppressors whenever they can gain the upper hand over others. ting and who create an environment of non judgmental acceptance has convinced me that such home groups offer one of the best settings for recovery and healing from sick and abusive religion. Recovery, healing, learning, and growing take time. The peopl e who have suffered a lifetime of religious abuse and the dedicated ignorance of the ex-gay movement do not recover instantly or without help. We all need ,; a little understanding." We also need more research and understanding of why sick and abusive religion has replaced the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all traditional forms of the church. Jesus was murdered by totally committed religious legalists. The virus of legalistic judgmental religion is always fatal. It killed Jesus and will kill you and your group if it is not cast out by .the clear pure truth of Jesus plus nothing . Jesus made only one demand: "Follow Me!" Everything else flows from that offer. ■ system or anything else. Read the last seven verses of the Gospel of John for a plain declaration of the ultimate truth of Christ. How would your view of being a Christian change if you took the time to memorize the Gospel of John? For further stu~y, see how Paul viewed the abusive religion of his past compared to his present hope in Christ in Philippians 3 and 4 and meditate on what Romans 15:1-7 has to say about our acceptance of ourselves and each other. You can get information about my book on recovery from religious abuse at Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg,'MD 20898 or visit my web site at www .slip.net / ~rembert. Please let me know what you learn from sharing in a small informal home spiritual recovery group if you have the opportunity to attend one or to start one yourself. If you want materi~'s to help you start a group, contact me and I will send them to you. GAYELLOW PAGES™ INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDERED COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 All editions now Include a SEPARATE WOMEN'S SECTION Complete gay-friend~ resources and businesses: aet-0mmodalions, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, organizalions, media, religious groups, help lines & HIV/AIDS resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. USA/CANADA: $16 by first class mail Includes all states and provinces, national headquarters of organizations, mail order companies, etc. SOUTH/SOUTHERN MIDWEST: $10 by first class mail ~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~ OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, US Virgin Is, VA, WV. GREATER NORTHEAST $10 by first class mail CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV. Find us at gay-friendly stores like LAMBDA RISING 800-621-6969 A DIFFERENT LIGHT 800-343-4002 and many others For an application to be listed (no tharge), current editions and prices, mailing labels, etc., please send a sell-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-SS, Village Station, New York, NY 10014 212-674-0120 Fax: 212-420-1126 GAYELLOW _PAGES@juno.com http://gayellowpages.com PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Faith m Daily Life ii···i·i·l·i·i·l··i·············•:i•··············•:•:•:-:,:•.-:-:•:•.•····••:-:•:.:-:-:-:-:-:,:-:,:;:;:·;•i•\····•····•i•··.·········=···········•.•·········•t Author offers new spin on gay and lesbian Christian histoiy From Pagel "The conclus ion tJ, the category is ,,L: .. , . ,,. ,-., ;;·. :.s s for serious theo l(\W," Jor,Lin said. "It then becomes really odd that the cat- 1egory should be written into English and American law as the main cate- Presbyterians fc,t Lesbian & Gay Concerns "For all Presbyterians who care about lesbian and gay people and their full membership in the Presbyterian Church(USA)" Boston/Northern New England 802-229-5438 Southern New England 203-442-5138 New Jersey 908-249-1016 Genesee Valley 716-663-9!30 Pittsl,ur/ 1 412-683-r:.::,J Philadeip: ccJ 215-699-4750 District of Columbia 202-488-4220 Baltimore 410-254-5904 Eastern Virginia 804-497-6584 Northern Ohio 216-932-1458 Central Indiana 317 -931-9553 DetroiVSoutheastern Michigan 313-255-7059 Winnebago, Wisconsin 414-731-0892 Twin Cities Am 612-884-6908 Chicago 312-751-0250 SL Louis 314-822-3296 Central Arkansas 501-224-4724 Louisiana 504-344-3930 Nebraska 402-733-1360 Okl ahoma 405-848-2819 Houston 713-440-0353 San Francisco 510-653-2134 Oregon 503-652-6508 Seattle 206-859-5685 gory under which we .were persecuted , O f course, my point in writing this l,ook is to take the category away from the people who want to use it against us, especially the people who want to use it against us in the name of Christian theology ." Jordan said he . hopes his book will reach people trying to recov er from the spiritual damage the Catholic church's condemnation has inflicted . "Despite the fact that it has footnotes in it, I wasn't interested in an academic audience," he said. "I intended the primary audience to be people who are still being .wounded by Catholic condemnations of homosexuality, and I want to say there's no reason to be wounded, because the supposed arguments that are being used are, in fact, incoherent." Jordan, a tenured professor at the University of Notre Dame, said that writing the book changed his views abou t his spirituality and his church . "I know that in the course of writing this book I've become more radical in my consideration of alternatives," Jordan said in an interview . "I think it's pretty clear to me that I no longer want to regard myself as a Catholic, and that my future as a teacher and a writer may be in specifically gay and lesbian Christian institutions." Jordan said he can no longer be gay and Catholic because of the church 's denigration of homo sexuality . "I don't think you can be gay and be a member in good standing of th e Catholic church as an institution ," he said. "I think you can be gay and live your !:hristian life from th e Catholic tradition - a way of life that is sacramental and liturgical and incarnational." · Jordan said Boswell was wrong to assert that the Catholic church once accepted gay people. "His historical point in [his first] book is that there had been a time when the historical church condoned homosexuality, and I don't think that has ever been true," Jordan said. While he rejects Boswell's conclusions about the historical role of lesbian and gay people in the church, he does not minimize the contribution Boswell made to gay and lesbian theology and historical studies. "He opened the field of gay and lesbian Christian history. He made it possible for me and . everyone else who's publishing now on that topic to publish the kind of books we do," Jordan said, Boswell's second book, "Same Sex Union s in Premodern Europe," created controve~sy because it claimed even more strongly than the first that gay people had once been accepted in the church . The long-awaited book, published only months before Boswell's death, cited commitment ceremo,'lies betwe en same-sex couples in the early church . ·But Boswell misinterpreted the primary document on which he based his finding, accord ing to Jordan. "I think he was so eager to find same sex marriag ·e in the Christian tradition, that he read over his one crucial bit of evidence," Jordan said. "He just saw something that wasn't there - or to be more precise, he over looked something that is there... a line that separates the ceremony of Jordan on McNeil! HOW DOES THE author of "The Inv ent io n of Sod omy" compare th e work of the late John Bosw ell to that o f Father John McNeill, a uthor of "The Church and the Hom osexual, " "Taking a Chanc e on God " and "Freedom , Glori ous Freedom? " "The contrast between Boswell and McNeill is fascinating becau se it's a generation a l contr ast and it' s a clerical- lay contrast ," said Mark Jordan, "With Bos well yo u hav e a younger Cat holic layman who has the forc e behind him of great academic pres ti ge who \vas never anything officially in th e Cat holic ch urc h. And wi th McNeill you have an old er priest , who very much comes out of the Jesuits, the most rigid form of clerical culture and who goes through thi s extraordinary transformation over a much longer per iod." Boswell started early in life and without much of the baggage McNeill bring s with him to hi s writing. "With Boswell, bang! - here's his dissertation, published as his first book, and it's all th ere , but with McNeil! you watch over these fift een years as he works . him self free of his own training," Jordan said, While Bosw ell contributed a great de al of scholars hip and study to gay Chri stian history, McNeill's contri buti on is much more basic, according to Jordan. "The emphasis on free dom and what it cost s and w hat is gives you, I think, is McNeil's gre at contribution." PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • JUL Y/A UGUST, 1997 spiritual brotherhood from the ceremony of the crown which is a marriage rite of the Byzantine -church. But John was so sur e that.he had the goods that he just ignored that line in reading the manuscrip ~." · · Jordan said that more careful ·and ·· deliberate examination · of- fads is · needed both in lesbian and gay Chris~ · tian studies and in gay studies iri general. · · · · .· · "I think we are at a crucial momen·t in gay studies," he said . '"We'.J1aye made some pretty grand claiirii:. Now ,_ we .have to get down to the ·~err meticulous work of scholarship - - which means being very ·modest and'· working slower - looking at a lot <?f . · things again in great detail and re~- , ognizing that for the sake of politics; · we've been guilty o( glos sing over' things ." · - He said he ca~ l?e gay '.and Cl1ristiar( without relying on possible evidena; of same csex tinions ·performed in .th e;· early church. The oid Testa 'ment is "this incredible .patchwork : .quilt of · human experience that . ha s almMi everything in it, including, I think, same sex c9tiples which to-us·Jooka1i awful lot like homoerotic relation ~ ships, " although those ·gay and ' les- · bian identities were · not available i11 their time . While Jordan said Paul condemned same-sex unions in the Gre ek Scrip- · tures for rea so ns that were "complicated and not e ntirely · Christian," there is more hope in other parts of the New Testament. "In the Gospels, it certainly looks · like there is a very different view - a very favorable view ~ of homoerotic relationships, one of the mo st famou s being the naked young man who · appears in the Gospel of Mark, and who, according to at least some ancient source s had a much larger -role in the earlier versions of the Gospel" of · Mark. And there are traces in the Gospel of John of very ·· inten se homoerotic feeling s," he said. · It is difficult to d etermin e, Jordan said, how much of the Bil?le's tex ts, whether condemnatory or supportive of homos exuality, are relevant to 'us. "The Bible is not on e book. It's a whole library of books, spoke n in a lot of di ffe rent vo ices with a lot of differ en t relevance to us in th e present," he said. "Th e Bible is for th e sake of the Christian ·community an d not the other way around ... The most importa nt thing in Christianity is not a text, it's people's relation to God, and th e text is an instrum ent to bring about that relation." l , a Methodist church blessed when it opened the doors to gays and)esbians · . , , . Tue mirage to welcome By ca ·ndace Chellew Speci~l't6 Secdnd Storie· THERE, WAS A parade on the first Sunday Dr. Mike Cordle began his tenure in the S\lmJ]ler of 1990 at Atlanta's' St .",' Mark )Jnited , Methodist Ch_u,r~h:., , _·, . ··. · · .· • . . · '.'I. t,lipug~t,, ho~ nice, . t~ey're . ~el~ coining · us to Atlanta," he remembered, ".then I realized it was not. for u~~ {t 'wa~ .th0e :g~y ptjde p!lfade:" . That w,is pr.Cordie's first experieric; e with , t)~,i ~ity'.s gay . a~d lesbian popu ,lation; ~~t it. would no_t be his la~t:,!~~ .parade_pas_sed right in fro.nt . o~., hi_s. pJid~o"".n. · Atlanta church, groqnd ,.zero;for .. a vast num~er .of the cit}'.'~ .S~Y ,p'qj,_ulatipn. ,He found the dfsp/ay _qf gay prjde fasdn _ating, and the next year, made a point to watch the parade with his wife and child. "They gave my little girl balloons, flowers and whistles as they went by," he recalled. "As they walked by, I realized they all looked · like me, they weren't freaky or unusual, they looked like my family and most of my congregation." It was that simple, but profound, realization -that spurred Dr. Cordie's next move. "In the weeks that followed I felt very clearly - no whistles, no bells, no explosions, no burning bushes - but I felt God very clearly say, 'so many of those wonderful persons who walked by deserve a church home."' That calling was not easily ignored, Artist.helps kids find outlet for:: spirituality By Steve Haberman Portsm.outh Heraia·sunday PORTSMOUTH,. N.H. - Artist Tobey Harman . us.es her art to express her - spirituality. Now she's trying to pass on what . she has learned about her spiritual heritage in her art to help others, particμlarly children, create works of art. "Many of us, as we grow older, seem to move toward rediscovering and connecting to our heritage," Harman said. '.'We spend a lifetime searching, studying, trying and testing. Eventually, we· take what we have learned along the way and rekindle the flame .that has been burning in us all along." · .Harman has channeled her extensive artistic talents into the creation of unique pieces that reflect Jewish traditions. In. this way, she and her students influence not only the present, but the future, she said. "We create ritual objects that will be passed from generation to generation to become family heirlooms," she said. ") udaic art has become the perfect assimilation of my art and my spirituality." Jewish tradition has within in an enormous body of imaginative literature that seeks to elaborate on . the narrative stories of the Old Testament, or Torah. That literature is known as "midrash." "M idrash" need not be limited to the verbal, howev er. It is present in song, dance and creative art. It is in this creative art that Harman excels. Recently, Harman led a group of more than 100 students from the Temple Israel of Portsmouth religious school in just such an artistic "midrash." Using diverse materials as feathers, fur, paint and textiles, Harman guided the group in the development of six panels, each symbolizing a different day in the story of the Creation. "They are a commentary on the first chapter of the first book of the Torah," Harman said. "We had a wonderful time expressing our Jewish heritage." But Harman is equally interested in giving children of all faiths an opportunity to express themselves through the artistic process. That is why she and her husband, Don, have established a non-religious summer camp for children ages 6-13, based at the Portsmouth synagogt1e. Aside from artistic programs , which feature theater arts, making jewelry and batik and working with polymer clay, paints and ceramics, the camp also offers outdoor activities s.uch as swimming, hiking, basketball, nature walks and gardening. But it is Harman's ability .to express her spirituality through her art that makes her a unique asset to the Seacoast and its children. "We are fortunate to have her here to teach and inspire a love for Judaic artistic expression to our students," sa id James Dricker, temple Israel's religious school director. As for Harman, that 's what it's all about. . "I love what I do and I cai1't wait to start my next piece," she said. -AP but it also came with a lot of fear and trepidation. At the time, rto mainline churches were taking any aggressive moves to open their doors to gays and lesbians, and Dr. Cordle wasn't sure he wanted to ~ommit political ari.d · personal suicide with his career. After much prayer, and consultation with his wife, he decided · to approach the church board with an idea. He wanted to pass out leaflets to the marchers nexfyear and invite them to come 16 church. "I expected the board · to disagree and ask the Bishop to move me," he said. "But they said, 'we've been waiting for someone to show us how to do this."' Dr. Cordle paid for two ads in the local gay and lesbian paper and ran off leaflets with donations, so none of the church '.s budget would be involved in the new ministry . He recruited several volunteers and they stood outside their church and handed the leaflets to \.he marchers as they went by. "The marchers would stop and ask us, 'are you sure you know who we are?',, Dr. Cordle and his congregation knew well who they were inviting, and they were sincere in their efforts to open their doors. But, there is always some fear associated with llie unknown and St. Mark's was not immune. They wondered how gay and lesbian members might affect their church, how the church would be perceived in the community, how the denomination might react, and what might have to change in the church if the gay people came. In the next few weeks, several lesbian couples visited the church and word began lo spread that St. Mark's was sincere in it's invitation to gays and lesbians. They were an accepting church that was not asking gay people to change to part of the church. Instead, they encouraged gays and lesbians to worship in spirit and in truth . More and more visitors came to check out the church ... more and more became members. "Now on a regular Sunday, we'll have about 200 visitors," Dr. Cordle said. "We used to average about 100 people per Sunday, now that's up to about 800." That influx of people has brought new life to an aging congregation. Now th ey can do · the ministrie s they hav e dreamed about. They can help the h omeless in the area, start campus ministries and support missionaries. Faith in Daily Life . ... s \ They also spent $700,000 to rehabilitate and renovate their aging building. , "Some older couples chose to leave, but the great majority .have stayed and have learned and are grateful for the progress they have seen in -the church." · The third year that the pa~ade passed in front of St. Mark's, the congregation . again passed out leaflets and "we also did something very basic and Biblical, we gave out water." From there, St. Mark's commitment to the gay and lesbian community has grown. They now are a fixture in every. gay pride parade. Opening their doors to gays and lesbians has helped St. Mark realize a lot of dreams. It is · also remarkable what did not happen. There has been no backlash fwm the denomination. While there has not been unanimous support for them, "they are looking at us and saying 'that congregation must be doing something right."' But, with the good comes the bad . Gays and lesbians are recognized in every way at St. Mark's. They are a part of every committee, · fully accepted as members and welcome to be baptized. However, they cannot have their unions recognized by the church. Dr . Cordle is forbidden by the church to perform any same sex marriages. The restraint makes Dr. Cordle particularly sad. "I see some very dear friends and have seen their commitm ent and their love for each other and I would love to be able to participate and offer them my blessings and the blessings of the church. I'm hopeful one day the church will listen and learn and grow and allow us to do that." But, the day of the denomination may be in danger. Dr. Cordle mused, "Today people don't choose denominations, they choose congregations. If they find a place where they are w elcome, they don't get hung up on denominations." That may apply mostly to gay and lesbian Christians who are more in search of a church home than a denomination. As Dr. Cordle observed, "They are Christians who happen to be gay, they don't want their sexuality to be a part of the worship. They're not worshipping the fact that they were born gay, they're coming to worship God." PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Faith in Daily Life lri that holiest place, a ladder has been let down. We can get to God. God can get to us. ON HOLY GROUND ... We often think of the stages of being raised to holiness as incremental. They are not. They are tension filled. They are one step forward and two steps back. The third stage is hard won. Holiest is knowing that God is near. That God is near in the normal, in the drowsy, in the alert, in the excruciating, in the· simple and the complex. What is holiest is knowing the presence of God. Knowing that surely God is in this place. In the holy church we do what is expected of us. We get by. We manage. We do ~vhat we do the way we do it because we do. There is nothing unholy about managing. There are many days when I would give a lot to think I was managing. In the holier church, we do more than we can because we are dream driven. We push. We pull . We struggle. We micromanage our dreams. We sfrategize. We head for the hallways and complain to our friends about the resistance the ubiquitous THEY have once again raised. In the holier church, the holier people are in tension. They are halfway up the hill and they know it. But in that holiest place, a ladder has been let down. We can get to God. God can get to us. There are angels all over the place. Even some of our members look like angels. Even some of our pastors look like angels. We are in a kind of partnership that makes us wonder why we ever worried about anything at all. We are on our way. To the promised land. There is spring in our steps and in our hearts. The bulbs have broken through the hard ground. They are coming up in our own garden. The excitement is unbearable. God is with us. We are not alone. And we know it. It is my duty to inform you that this ecstasy, this holiest of holinesses, is more open than the Seven-Eleven. It is available on a daily basis, 24 hours a day, 52 per weeks a year. God is always with us·. And we could always be deeply aware ofit. But we are not. We forget. We misconstrue. We turn our eyes inside or down. We miss the ladders that are set out all over the place. PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 ,,.1,.; In the holy church, we do what we can. In the holier church, we do what we can't . And in the holiest church, we do more than we can because of the knowledge that we are not alone. Not just the head knowledge but the heart knowledge. Our eyes are lifted up unto th.e hills. In the holiest church, we care more than others think is wise. We risk more than others think is safe. We dream more than others think is practical, and we expect more than others think is possible. (I found that on a coffee cup and loved it.) In the holiest moments and in the holiest places, we do not doubt that God is with us. And taking that doubt out of our bags makes us light enough to climb the ladd er. You can't get up the ladder with your bags, right? .So you drop the bags and next thing you know ascen t is the motion of your mood, not descent. If we become the light in someone else's clearing, we may find more light in our own . WE COME TO A clearing in the great forest of our days ... there is a glow ... it is from God. We can meditate our way to the clearing today . Then we can see the rest of this day, and our life, from its perspective. In meditation we may not see what we planned to see. We may find that the person at the center of the clearing in the forest is a friend, holding a flashlight. Or a long lost relative who is stringing lights on a Christmas tree. Or a kitten with glowing eyes. Or a wolf, strangely gentle. Meditation is fun because it doesn't announce its destination until we arrive. Meditation is often grabby. It wants something "spiritual" for us. And surely it delivers. We may just not understand the depth of the spirit of a kitten. We may find that our meditations give us things that compel our humor as much as our sobriety. Many people think they have to "learn" to meditate . Surely some instruction helps us along the way. But meditation is more getting out of our own way so we can open the doors of our hearts and imaginations to God's way. God is on tlie other side, eager to open the door to depth. W'e are often the ones who think we have the only key. Wedo not .' One of the great zenny i~onies bf'Hfi' is that we get what we glye away. If we become the light in someone else's clearing, we may find more iighf in ourown. · · · ·. ·· · I like to come i~to · another's • life, almost unannounced, and ~eally c011- nect to the script the other person is reading. I like to be their light. : It makes me more confident that I will find my own. · As the days hasten on towards 'the end of this century, we have very little to fear that deep waiting and meditation with God cannot solve. We are in a deep forest. There are trees down everywhere. And. God is at our side. !'·'.·':t·:·t· =····'··;··'i·:•:'.:'.:t:t:::::·:t:':•:'.:•:'.:'.:t: =!='.=•:i='.=l=•:•=·=·=·=·=·:": =t=t=:=·:\: ==·,·='.·•:•·····•:·:'.:l:'.:\:;:;:::t: .·.•=•·············•t•:.·.;.:.;.j.:.; ............... J Faith in Daily Life A little bit of calm goes along way. HOW MUCH CALM is enough? We need to rightsize the Advent promi ses. Not down size but rightsize them. If "all is calm," does that mean that everything all the time is calm? 1 · think not. That would put adrenalin out of business. I put too much baking powder in cookie recipes frequently. I don't mean to trivialize the matter of scale by the comparison so much as to acknowledge the utter simplicity of going too far, using too much. Excess is almost ordinary i-n our society. We invented the "allucaneat." A little bit of baking powder goes a long way . A little bit of calm goes a long way. If w e could be sure we knew how to experience calm some of the time on a regular basis, we could imagine salvation . We could remember what we know regularly - which is that Jesus Christ has saved and secured us. We don't need to know it every minute to know it. We need to know that we can know it when we need to know ii. Like in a long line waiting for a ferry we may not make . Or when waiting for th e results of our cancer test. Or ~ur child's cancer test. We need to know that we can know God when we . .need to k·now God. Then we will have enough cairn to und erstand that a 11, at its depth, is calm. Calm waits with me when I wait for others to pass. SOMETIMES WE JUST have to get out of our own way . I like to tell a story a friend told me about Calvin and Zwingli. They are on their way to a major confrontation over the directions of their separat e mov ement s . They are to visit the very next day. Zwingli dreams that two goats are circling two mountains. Ambling. Walking in a deep calm. All of a sudden it becomes apparent that their paths are not only going to cross but that they are going to cross at a stretch in the mountain where the pa ss is narrow and only one will be able to go at a time. The goats continue on their way and; sure enough, they meet. One goat lies down and allows the other to walk through the pass . Then the goat gets · up and continues on the journey initiated . Zwingli wondered the rest of his life why his God's eye view of the goat's passage never told him which goat was his. He feared that the passing goat might have stepped on the lying goat, but it did not. It did not hurt his laying body in anyway. This parable has helped me on more than one occasion. Sometimes if I remember how large the world is . - and stay away from the narrowne ss of my own violence - I see that there is more than one way to cross a mountain. Calm waits with me when I wait for others to pass. Calm slows things down so people can speak from their depth and not from their surface. CALM WAITS FOR the truth . E.M. Forester 's "Passage to India" is a remarkable treatment of how raci sm works through manners as well as economics and politics. An English woman accuses a Moslem Indian of attacking her in a cave . Then she repents her accusation . His life is ruined anyway - or so he thinks. Her life is also ruined by her foolish, confused falsehood. The point of truth seeking is to ruin as few lives as possible - and to open the pathways for confession, forgiveness, r estoration, and a glimpse of truth. Cairn slows things down so people can speak from their depth not from their surface . When we speak from our s urface, or for the crowd, or the quick fix, we do what this English woman did. We say what we think might have happened as opposed to what did happen. Lots of things are much more than they appear. We need to slow down our perceptions and look carefully and calmly. Did my husband really mean that cruel thing I thought he said? What if he did? What if ·he didn't? Do I need to respond now or can I wait until I have reestablished self-control? Often a little calm allows us the tirn~ we need to become calm enough to deal with life's difficulty. "Slow down" is never bad advice . Small calm waits for large calm to develop. "Good But Not Perfect Mothers" is a book title I have sworn to use some day. MAGGIE SCARF"S book on "Families in America" tells a story of family typologies. She thinks there are at least five kinds. Critical. Confirming . Endorsing: Adoring . Neglecting . She also thinks that we become the kind of parents we hav e . Most of us begin our parenting life in utter rejection of this obvious fact. We are going to be so much better than our parents that it wasn't even funny. In fact, it was very funny. Our efforts to best our own parent s have utterly failed. The source of lightness her e for me · has been to learn to love my mother as my mother - she will never be the kind I had exactly hoped for . I want this grace from my children - and I suspect the only way I will get it is to have it. My mother did the very same best she could as I am doing right now . It "ain't" perfect. Sometimes when I realize what she was up against, I put away my own list of particulars, which I use w.hile driving to work on · more than one occasion to explain to myself the ' "real" reasons breakfast was such a disaster. My husband wa s parent ed critical and he parents critical. . I was par ; ented neglected and adoring, on alternate Tuesdays, and parent the same. My hopes to best my parents have met failure. Early teenagers (Why can't I get Mortal Combat) have given us lots of opportunities to show how our parents parented us . "Good But Not Perfect Mothers" is a book title I have sworn to use some day . Imperfection is not the only destiny I have left in this vocatfon of motherhood . What would a calm family be? Cairn anc\l[ itical. Cairn and adoring . Calm and ·neglecting. Do you see the difference? We add our salvation to our pattern - and we begin being some of the people we had hoped to be ; Not people better than our parents but people a bit more like Jesus. The Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the ·Massaclt11setts Conference of the U11ited••1Cl1111<cl1 of Christ. Her _new book is "The Sense In Sabbath: A Way · To Have Enough Time," Innis• free, forthcoming Sept., 1997. PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 ........... . . · ....... ·: . .......... ·· ··· ...... · .......... · · · · ...... ··· .. ··· ... Boycott gets little, no SUpJX)rt from some Baptists Walt Disney's boyhood town has mixed feelings MARCELINE, Mo. - People in the north-central Missouri town where Walt Disney spent much of his childhood are mixed over the decision by the Southern Baptist Convention to boycott Disney over what it called gay-friendly policies. "I think for years Walt Disney stood for something good, but they went to the way of the world, whatever that is," said Janice Robinson, choir director at the First Baptist Church. "Walt Disney would roll over in his grave right now, this (gay policy) just isn't what he intended." Others disagreed. "The boycott is stupid, why should they boycott it when _it's none of the Baptist 's business?" said John St. Lawrence. "They should stay the hell out of it." Disney, who wa; born in Chicago in 1901, lived in Marceline from 1906-11 before he moved to Kansas City . to study art. After creating the . wellknown Disney characters in the 1920s and 1930, he got the now huge enter~ tainment company off to its start by opening Disneyland in Anaheim in 1955. "Walt Disney, typically a family organization, is wrong in it's actions," said the Rev. Delmar "Gene" McCollum of the First Baptist church . "Sometimes people's strings can only be touched by money. I support the boycott, not out of hate, but out of a sense of right and wrong." But Gretchen Gregory said it was wrong to pass judgment on people. "I personally feel, as a Christian, that I support all types of people and their relationships shouldri't have anything to do with it," she said. "I think people need to be careful about making judgments on other people's lives." -AP NebUIBka gay community not bothered by ooycott LINCOLN, Neb. - Member s of Nebraska's gay and lesbian community say they do not consider a Southern Baptist boycott of Walt Disney to be a major setback to the gay rights movement. "I expect other groups, particularly religious groups, will try similar things, but in the long run, I believe most Americans are going to feel that lesbians and gays require full civil rights," said Barbara DiBernard, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln English professor, who is a lesbian . John Taylor, a Lincoln attorney and an openly gay man, said he did not see the action as a sign of growing anti-gay feelings in the country. More and more businesses are granting bene ·fits to same-sex partners of employeesand making those partners eligible for company-paid health plans saves the public money by keeping. them off Medicaid, he said. Pastors of Lincoln 's two largest Southern Baptist churches said they don't plan any sermons urging their members to support the boycott. The Rev. John Herrington of New · Covenant Southern Baptist Church disapproved of the convention vote. He said he knows that some gay and lesbian people attend his church, and he did not want to turn them away. "This action further alienates wounded people in need of the healing message of Christ, and will have little impact on the mammoth Disney organization," he said. The Rev. Dan Cate of Southview Southern Baptist was more supportive of the resolution, but said he would leave his congregation's . response up to their own consciences. Nevertheless, Cate said the church should e mphasize helping people_ change rather than condemning them. PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Florida churches choose toignore boycott "I won't tell our people to boycott" says Orlando pastor ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Baptists in Central Florida are divided over the boycott of Walt Disney Co. by their national governing body. "I won't tell our people to boycott," said the Rev. Tim Wilder of the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee. "I'll let them decide. This church has more than 100 Disney employees as members, and we love them ." The _Rev. Jim Henry of Orlando's First Baptist Church said he :was leaning in favor of a boycott e.arlier, but had changed his_ mind. "I don't think it's the right thing to do," said the former .Southern Baptist Convention president. "If we -want to bring Disney to its knees, we ought to SEE ORLAND◊,. Next Page 100 members of Baptist church are Disney employees By Mike Schneider Associated Press Writer WINDERMERE, Fla. - Many of the congregants in Pastor Mark Matheson's church work at ,Walt Disney World. His congregation is in a neighboring suburb. And the church's choir has sung at Disney's annual Christmas program. So what's a minister to do when his . denomination's governing bod} decides to boycott ·the <;nte_rt-ain,men1 conglomerate? · ' ~ , ·-' Ignore it. • "It's just _not ,a •cu1°and, drr, -i·ssue," said Matheson, whose : congrei;ation, First Baptist Church of Windc:rmcre, sits in an Orlando · subu_rb !i.ve, mile! SEE MEMBERS'. ~.'1$e 10 HRC: Baptists make false c;hqice retweenfaithandfaimess· DALLAS - By passing a resolution calling for a nationwide anti-gay boycott of the Walt Disney Company and all of its subsidiaries, the Southern Baptist Convention made a false choice between faith and fairness, said a leader of the Human Rights Campaign. " It is morally wrong for the delegates of the Southern Baptist Convention to punish a company for simply refusing to discriminate against gay Americans," HRC se11ior strategist David M. Smith said at a news conference after the vote at the denomination's annual meeting. "Most people of faith recognize that religious disagreements do not justify discrimination . For this reason, this boycott is bound to fail." Smith said that, while it would be illegal for Disney to discriminate against people based on their religion, it remains legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians - making the company's voluntary policy of equal treatment for gay people all the more worthy of praise rather than a boycott. "The Southern Baptist Convention is at odds not just with gay people, but with the majority of people of faith who , despite their differences, are united in opposing discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans," Smith said. "Unlike th e Southern Baptist Convention, most - people of faith realize that they can disagree over gay issues and still agree that discrimination against gay people is wrong." Smith pointed to recent polling data showing that 70 percent of Christians believe gay and lesbian peopl e should be protected from discrimination in the workplace, compared . to 23 percent who don ' t. Sixty percent of evangelicals share this belief, while 34 percent do not. The poll results come from a national survey of 1,007 voters conducted Nov. 5-8, 1996, for the Human Rights Campaign. "What the Southern Baptist Convention delegates have said with their vote for this boycott is that they don't want even one openly gay person on TV, they don't want us to be treated fairly in the workplace, and, after advocating that gay people be discriminated against throughout society, they don't even want us going to Disneyland," said Smith. "Thankfully, I think most Americans would disagree." l·N+N=i!O::-/· "i"i"i'."('.",·•:;,·;·m-:-r;:nn:-;aiThTi·:t:·;-;-pfr;:?:-:-:-h-:-iti".":1h·)T;T;-;-;-;:;·:·:·:·;·.······ ...... ,.,·•·;·:·:·;·;·;·;;-:1;-;1 National News MoJerate Baptists disc~ ~~ oforg&Iization, not Disney human rights. God loves us the same - '.'We're the pro-active Baptists," he By Kimberly Hefting Associated Press Writer LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The evolv' ing role of the moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was the main focus of attention at the organization's general assembly, while the Disney boycott urged by the Southern Baptist Convention received relatively little attention . Some of those in attendance June 25, who have been at odds with the conservative Convention's decision June 18 to boycott everything Disney, poked fun -at the boycott by sporting Disney ties and other paraphernalia. "I think it's ridiculous," said Faye Shaw, a resident of Cocoa, Fla. "I think we have more important issues. ''To me, thaes an issue of someone's no matter who they are ." said. But the main topic of conversation at the three-day event tended to be more about the fellowship's evolving role. After all, the fellowship, which has a $14.4 million budget and 1,600 member churches, is still young . It was formed in 1990 at an organizational meeting in Atlanta, but the fellowship was formally created in May 1991. "It takes for some of us a different way of thinking to understand CBF because we're really different - we're new," said the fellowship's coordinator, Daniel Vestal, during a morning workshop. Joe Williams, a retired pastor from Louisville, Ky., agreed: About 4,000 people were in attendance. During the general session on June 24, Vestal told those in attendance that with the help of the fellowship, he had been able to transform his opinions about the role of women in the church. Southern Baptist Convention leadership has taken · a formal position opposing women serving as senior pastors. · "In a pastor's meeting in Kansas City I was asked the question, 'Daniel, have _ you changed in your attitude and conviction about women in ministry and particularly about women as pastors?' Vestal said. "And I answered, 'Yes, I've · not only changed, but I've had to repent to ask God to forgive me."' Since then, he said he's been shown grace by God and members of the fellowship. ''The spirit ofGod is blowing across the world calling women and they are responding," Vestal said. "This feilowship will attract an increasing number of Baptists because we believe in that movement of the spirit." And while the Disney boycott might not have been the main topic of discussion, that doesn't mean those in attendance didn't have an opinion - mostly negative - about it. "It's upsetting," Williams said. "I don't think that is the appropriate response of people who profess to be Christian." UFMCC set to resJX)nd if Peny's home state fines · clergy who ~tfonn same-sex ceremonies HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - · If Alabama starts fining ministers for performing ·same-sex marriages, Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Fellowship . . of Metropolitan Community Church es, plans to protest the law by conducting a mass gay marriage at the state Capitol. Legislation to ban same-sex marriages and fine ministers $1,000 for performing the ceremonies died when the Legislature wrapped up its regular session May 19, but the sponsor, Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said he will be back with it in any special session called this summer by Gov. Fob James. Perry condemned the "unconstitutional religious bigotry" of S.B. 1, the bill. that has come before the Alabama State Senate in each of the last two sessions. "Let me make one other thing dear." Perry said. "I will never pay so much as one penny in fines to any ORLANDO, From Previous Page spend time on our knees, praying for them to do the right thing." Pam Billingsley of Lake Mary, a member of Westview Baptist Church in Sanford, said since the New Orleans convention she no longer buys videos, attends theme parks or buys any of Disney items. Carolyn Riley of Deland, a member of First Baptist Church of Deland, said she would not boycott Disney ( government as penalty for our right to perform same-sex marriages. Holy Union and Holy Marriage are rites and sacraments of all UFMCC congregations. I will serve time in jail before I will allow the government to dictate our religious practices. "The day any such bill passes the Alabama Legislature , I will be on a plane for Montgomery where I will invite all of our pastors, as well as enlightened clergy from any other faith community, to join me on the steps of the Alabama Capitol for the largest mass wedding for the gay community ever seen in Alabama ," Perry said. "The members of UFMCC stand in solidarity with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities of Alabama," he said. "I find myself amazed that an elected official who is sworn to uphold the Constitution would endorse and introduce legislation that so obviously violates World. "I still think if's one of the cleanest parks around . It's a family place," she said. It is hard for many Baptists in the area to oppose Disney despite disagreeing with the company on important issues. . "I feel like Disney is an old friend that's slipping away," Wilder said. "I definitely agree that there are proble.ms out ther e." the constitutional separation of church and state, and which curtails ~he free exercise of religion." Perry spent part of his childhood in Alabama and attended junior high and high school in Mobile. "A formative part of my life was spent in Alabama," he said . }le later founded the ■ am totally opposed to holding up their alternative lifestyle as a proper and normal lifes\yle to the children of Alabama," Bedford said. · Views on same-sex marriage vary within some of Alabama's denomina tions. The Rev. Jim Norris, pastor of "I will never pay so much as one penny in fines ... I will serve time in jail before I will allow the government to dictate · our religious practices." ■ UFMCC which now has more than Huntsville's United Church of 42,000 members in 300 congregations in Christ, said the ·proposed ban on 19 countries, including five congrega- same-sex marriages appears to step tions in Alabama: Birmingham, over the line between separation of Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and church and state. Tuscaloosa. ''The main concern I would have is ''The struggle of same-sex marriage that it would certainly serve to open recognition is a matter of simple up some doors to other legislation. justice," Perry said. "We do not seek The state is not supposed to dictate to special rights, only equal rights. We the church, and the church is not supbelieve that the rights of marriage pose d to dictate to the state," he should be open to all citizens as an said. expression of love, fidelity and com- But Baptist minister Dan kcland, mitment." executive director of the .A fiw;m,a Bedford offered his proposed ban on Citizen Action Prog_ram- Iob'bying same-sex marriages this session after group, said if the . legisfation passes, a similar bill · by Sen. Bill Armistead, no minister- should be performing a R-Columbiana, died in last year's marriage in violation of state law . session. "It's illegal and it shouldn't matter "I thin~ it is morally wrong. I don't whether it's a minister, priest or think you should persecute gays, but I probate judge," Ireland said. PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • JULY/Al/GUST, 1997 National News ti···l-i-•:). -i·I·l•i•t:;:;,::;.;.;.;=i= .;./.;:;::=i:i: =·=·-·=·=·=•=❖ =•:•=·:?I=i= :::;:;:;:-:•: :t:·=M=I:t: ❖:•:•: :;: :-:f:i=i=·Ud* :;:•: 4 >=❖-•,•······•i;····fr···•il Madison area clergy promise sup!X)rt of gays, lesbians By William·R. Wineke Wisconsin State Journal MORE THAN 60 Madison, Wisc., clergy issued a statement promising church support of gay men and lesbians. Although the statement stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage, it did promise that the clergy "commit ourselves to the encouragement of relationships that meet the test of fidelity and loving nurture." It said "we often find the term ' family values' applied to only some Christian families." The statement was signed by clergy of the American Baptist, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Quaker, Moravian,· United Methodist, Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ. Unitarian-Universalist and Jewish clergy also signed. The action was taken as a result of a "Full communion" agreements now down to Lutheran vote Episcopalians approve agreement with ELCA PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Episcopalians and Evangelical Lutherans moved a step closer to a long-awaited alliance when Episcopalian clergy and their lay leader ship approved a key agreement July 18. "This is the major ecumenical event of this century," said the Rev. Richard Jeske, a Lutheran pastor from California who co-chaired the committee which drafted the agree ment . The agreement would establish full communion between the churches but not a merger. It would allow clergy from .either church to lead services and to administer sacraments in both churches - a popular prospect in small communities. The approval from th e Episcopalian church l eaders represents the first major step in a lengthy legislative process started after 30 years of Episcopal-Lutheran discussion. During their August meeting, Evangelical Lutherans also will vote on similar agreements with the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, the United Church of · Christ and the Reformed Church of America. Reformed Church vote overcomes fear of gay ordination MILWAUKEE - A plan to unify four Protestant denominations after a 450- year rift survived a heated debate over homosexuality and gay clergy as the smallest church became the first to approve the agreement. The Reformed Church in America on June 18 overwhelmingly urged full communion with the 5.2-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, allowing joint congregations, minister exchanges and shared sacraments for the first time since the 16th century . "This will be heard around the world," said Wesley GranbergMichaelson, general secretary of the nearly 400,000-member church. "It is a historic moment, a faithful step towards the unity that already exists in Christ.''. The division in the churches stemmed from disagreements among leaders of the Reformation, when the Protestant denominations split from the Roman Catholic C hurch in the 16th century. Some delegates worried that the agreement gave indirect support to the United Church of Christ's policy of ordaining gay and lesbian mi11- isters. "Historic moment," says UCC leader COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Unit ed Church of Christ decided July 5 in favo~ of an agreement that will unite four Protestant denominations. "This is a historic moment," said the Rev. Paul Sherry, president of the Cleveland-based United Church of Christ. "It is a moment we truly share in our oneness with Christ Jesus." More than 700 delegates, representing 1.5 million members, overwhelmingly voted to accept the plan for full commwuon. "This is an encouragement to look beyond congregational isolation," said John Thomas, assistant to Sherry. Bishop Stanley Olson of Redwood Falls, Minn., represented the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at the convention. "We have to work around some of the separateness," he said. More than 3,000 people from the . church's 39 regional bodies met July 5- 8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE• JU LY/AUGUST, 1-997 meeting held in April with author and activist Rev. Mel White. "At that meeting I suggested they create a declaration that would set a new direction for these endless denominational discussions," White said. "What they did in Madison is an . e~ample of what we -hope will happen across the country." The statement began by declaring "As Christian clergy we embrace gay and lesbian persons as our neighbors. From our reading of scripture and from our pastoral experiences, we believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude . that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin ." The clergy said they "strongly uphold the family as th e basic social unit in which we are called to live together and to give and receive nurture and support." They said they are "saddened and concerned by the breakdown of the family that stems from various forms of infidelity , violence and failure to maintain long-term loving commitments a mon g both het erosexual and homosexual communities." Therefore, the clergy said, "we believe it is time to eliminate all policies and practices wh ich create barriers and rest(ictions to the full participation of gay and lesb ian Christians . in all of the privileges and responsibilities of church membership." MEMBERS, FromPage8 from Walt Disney World. "Simple answers to complex questions are almost always wrong." In a community such as Orlando where 42,000 people work at Disn ey, the area's largest employer, saying "no" to the entertainment giant is just too hard for a congregation like First Baptist Church of Windermere. "There are a lot of good Christians out there at Disney," said Walt Hall, a church member who worked in resort sales at Disney until last March. "It's a little embarrassing to have the Baptist denomination calling for a boycott." Matheson has officiated at weddings at Disney 's Wedding Pavilion, including one that was televised on Disney-owned "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee." About 100 of the church's 1,700 members work for Disney, from hourly workers to top manag ers. The boycott is nonbinding and each church can decide for ifself whether to adhere to it. In a church newsletter, Matheson told his con.gregants "We hope and pray that those who have left our churches _ will in God's time return to full and ·. unqualified membership in the Christian community and by their presence help us to be renewed as the church of Jesus Christ," the statement concluded. The statement was released at a press conference in the First Congregational United Church of Christ. The Rev. Paul Kittlaus, senior minister of the church, said the initial statement was drafted by local Christian clergy because most of the debate about homosexuality takes place within Christianity . Lay people and clergy of nonChristian organizations were invited to sign as a symbol of their support, however. Among the pastors of larger congregations signing were the Rev. John Fetterman, rector of Grace Episcopal Church; the Rev. Harvey Peters, pastor of Luther Memoria l Church; the Rev. David Lyons, pastor of the First United Methodist Church; and th e Rev. David Michael, pastor of Lake Edge United Church of Christ. The Rev. Frederick Trost, minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Cl;urch of Chri st; the Rev. Michael Schuler, pastor of the First Unitarian Society; and Rabbi Jan Brahms, of Temple Beth El, also were among the signers. that they should make up their own minds on whether to follow the boy cott. "There are people at the church who back the resolution. We back our pastor," said Patti Andreone, who teaches Sunday school at the church with her husband, Dave, and used to own a family pass to the theme park. Located in one of Orlando 's most affluent suburbs, the First Baptist Church of Windermere's sprawling, stone-facade building sits on 6 1/2 acres. Its spacious, semicircle sanctuary is lined with stained -glass wind ow. Each Sunday, the church offers 39 Bible study classes and three morning services. It has lounges for seniors, singles and adolescents. "When you make a resolution to boycott in Dallas, and then go home to Missouri or Oklahoma, or even stay in Dallas, that's one thing," Matheson said. "But when you have to come back to Central Florida and I see the people at my church who work at Disney , good Christians who attend church and Bible studies ... it puts it in a whole different light." National News Presbyterianpsp rovme ajorr evisioonf fonner'f idelitayn dc hastitya'm endment . . SYRA,CliSE - By an even greater mar. gin than last year's Presbyterian · Churc _h (USA) General Assembly pa~ed Amend111enBt - the commonlycalled "fidelity and chastity" amendment - the 209th General Assembly voted to send a far less restrictive amehdment to the presbyteries that would replace the contro-. versial measure. "This is a way into the future. It's an interim step," said the Rev. John Lohr of Palisades; N.J. "It doesn't resolve the issue ... but it gives us space for grace." The vote on the proposed revision to what is now G-6.0106b was 328-217, or 60 percent to 40 percent. After the vote, many delegates hugged and shook hands. Some walked out of the convention hall obviously displeased. Amendment B passed last year 's Assembly by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin. It was adopted after the Assembly rejected by a 309-227 vote a minority report from seven members of its Assembly Committee on the "Book of Order" reaffirming the pas0 sage of Amendment B and pledging Presbyterians "to walk together through the grief which is felt by many in the Presbyterian Church and do all we can to embrace each other with the grace of Jesus Christ." The new amendment, which now goes to the presbyteries for their affirmative or negative votes during the coming year requires church officers to "lead a life in obedience to Jesus Christ under the authority of scripture" rather than in Amendment B's "in obedience to scripture;" requires them to "be instructed by the historic confessional standards of the church" rather than Amendment B's "in conformity" to them; requires them to "demonstrate fidelity and integrity in marriage or singleness, and in all relationships of life" rat her than UFMCC welcomes Presbyterians to Eucharistic table LOS ANGELES - The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) has extended an invitation for gay and lesbian Presbyterians to receive communion at any of UFMCC's 300 local congregations. The invitation was extended by the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, vicemoderator of UFMCC and a long-time ecumenical activist, in response to the recently issued "Call to Eucharistic Fast" by noted Presbyterian author, speaker and activist Chris Glaser. Glaser has proposed the fast to embody protest against Amendment B of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which denies foll church participa tion to gays and lesbians. "I have known Chris Glaser for many years," said Wilson. "I have observed his ministry and his spiritual devotion, and benefited from his friendship and wise counsel. As I 0read his "Call To Eucharistic Fast," I found myself deeply moved by the plight of my Presbyterian sisters and brothers ." In his "Call To Eucharistic Fast," Glaser wrote, 'Tm so glad so many of you share the same passion for communion that I have, a passion that will prompt me to seek it out among ... other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Christian groups and congregations , as well as Christian communions that do not forbid full membership to us." Social worker to lead Presbyterians SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A 52-year 0 old social worker who vowed to push hard for multiculturalism was elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on June 14. Patricia G. Brown, a member of Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, easily defeated Rev. Louis Zbinden, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas, 287-180. D. Eugene Sibery received 72 votes to finish third. Brown elicited the most enthusias tic response from the approximately 3,000 in attendance with her firm pro-choice stance on abortion. But she said multiculturalism would be the center of her agenda. "It's going to be fellowship, it's going to be getting people together to have conversation, to have fellowship, to do spiritual discernment," Brown said. "We have to lay the ground immediately, the common grow1d." Brown succeeds Rev. John Buchanan of Chicago, a moderate who did not object to the ordination of gays and lesbians. -AP living "in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman or chastity in singleness;" and states that "candidates for ordained office shall acknowledge their own sinfulness, their need for repentance, and their reliance on the grace and mercy of God to fulfill the duties of their office" rather than Amendment B's "persons refusing to repent of any selfacknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed" as church officers. Debate on the proposed amendment, which during the Assembly received the moniker "Amendment B-plus," was dignified, thoughtful, passion ate and long. Scores ofcommissioners were still lined up to speak when debate was ended. Assembly Committee on the "Book of Order" chair the Rev. Laird Stuart of San Francisco Presbytery insisted thaf the new amendmrnt "affirms authoritative interpretation [barring the ordination of sexually-active gay and lesbian Presbyterians] ... and affirms the right of the denomination to set ordination standards." However, Stuart continued, "Out of what we have heard came our conclusion that something needs to be done. The turmoil and discord [following the passage of Amendment B] is not going to go away and our only way forward is to find something more healing and reconciling." bytery said, "People are leaving the church already [because of the passage of Amendment B]. And the Rev. Judy Hoffhine, a pastoral counselor who works with persons with HIV/ AIDS, said that since the passage of Amendment B "I have had to work three times as hard to convince them that my church cares ." The Rev. Steve Stelle of Maumee Valley Presbytery, . arguing against the new amendment, pleaded for ■ "The amendment goes to the heart of the gospel, honoring marriage and other relation ships and offering dignity to all Presbyterians while we continue to discuss and discern God's will on this issue." ■ peace. ''The church will suffer if this The Rev. Dale Depue of Indian fight continues - can't we have one Nations Presbytery, an author of the year of peace?" minority report, disagreed. "We The Rev. Christine Chakoian of have been studying this issue for 20 Chicago Presbytery countered that years and the passage of Amendment peace is not possible as long as B was carefully and prayerfully Amendment Bis on the books. "I had made," he said . "The church has hoped that Amendment B would setspoken clearly and definitively." tie the issue, but it has only deepened Then, reading from the text of the the turmoil." minority report, Depue said, "Rather The Rev. Breck Castleman comthan trying to amend G00106b, it is plained that the language of the new imperative. that we find a way · to amendment is too vague. ''The meanlove, support and promote healing ing of 'fidelity in singleness,' for among those who have faithfully example, is unclear," he argued. followed the leading of the Holy "This amendment will not lead us Spirit in their lives and found them- into the light but into the fog." selves holding strongly conflicting But the Rev. Sylvia Edwards of positions." Pueblo Presbytery called the new Robert Hammock, a Theological amendment "grace-filled." The Student Advisory Delegate from amendment, she replied, "goes to the Princeton Theological Seminary, heart of. the gospel, honoring marechoed Depue's concerns. "Do we trust riage and other relationships and our presbyteries?" he asked. ''Their offering dignity to all Presbyterians will be greater division in our church while we continue to discuss and disif we don't respect the vote Ion cern God's will on this issue." AmendmentB]." -Presbyterian News Serv ice and . But Margaret Elliott of Salem Pres- Associated Press PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1997 NationaNl ews EmoryU, nitedM ethcxiCisth urcdhi sagreoen ownership ATLANTA (AP) - A dispute over whether a gay couple should be allowed to marry at an Emory University chapel has prompted a new debate over who actually owns the school. "We have absolute unrestricted ownership of our land and facilities," Emory spokeswoman Nancy Seideman said June 16. But North Georgia United Methodist leaders asserted that Emory "is a United Methodist university, owned by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church." "I think that neither side understands what the stakes are for the other," said the ·Rev. Tom Laney, pastor of Druid Hills United Methodist Church and son of James T. Laney, a former president of Emory . "l don't want 80 years of a relationship to go down the tubes." The con troversy began when the dean of Emory's Oxford College, located 30 miles east of Atlanta in Oxford, refused to allow Chris Hamilton to celebrate his union with male partner Jack Hamilton at the Oxford chapel May 24. Chris Hamilton is the school's director of student development. Gay rights activist not upset by Methodist declaration BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (AP) - A gay rights advocate has turned the other cheek after a Methodist conference called her lifestyle a sin and said it would try to help gays and lesbians change their ways. · The anti-homosexual resolution was adopted in mid-June by a statewide conference of 1,400 delegates of the United Methodist Church meeting at West Virginia Wesleyan College at Buckhannon. Barbara Steinke, co-chairman of the West Virginia Lesbian and Gay Coalition, was not critical of the resolution. "I appreciate the United Methodist Church's commitment to human rights and nondiscrimination," Steinke said. Steinke said she hopes the Methodists and other denominations will eventually "embrace all people, including gay and lesbians, and oppose any form of discrimination." "One basic human right is the right to be in a relationship with whom you choos_e and love," she said. The resolution declared homosexuality a ·sin and promised the church would offer love and compassion to those who want to "escape a homosexual lifestyle." Methodists to require racial sensitivity training SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) - The Rev. Norman A. Brown grew tired of the continua l racial slurs he had heard from some state United Methodist organizations. So he is especially pleased that clergy and church members will rece ive racial sensitivity training;. The resolution was passed May 28 on the last day of the state's annual meeting. next four years on a state office aimed at strengthening black churches . That resolution states that although the black population in South Carolina increased by 11 per cent between 1980 and 1990 that the most recent figures show a decline of 15 percent in black membership and a 32 percent decrease in the number of black churches since 1974. "Let us start fresh again to stamp The delegates overwhelmingly out prejudice so God's spirit can lead opposed a proposal by Bill Tanner of us to the future," he said. Charleston that the church discon- More than 1,800 ministers and tinue participation in a Columbia church delegates from the state's sec- interfaith group. ond -largest denomination said their "When we sit down with people boards and agencies should provide who do not worship the same God cultural diversity training and that we do, we are by inference and encourage dialogue on all levels of by appearance and in fact making a the church. statement that we endorse" worship - In a separate action, delegates ing more than one God, he said. voted to further study a measure that Tanner's suggestion was quickly shot would have spent $250,000 over the .down by the delegates. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUG UST, 1997 Emory President William M. Chace later said the dean's decision was wrong and in violation of the school's non-discrimination policy . Chace apologized to the couple, who had to make last-minute plans to change the ceremony to another location. Chace said that although religious ceremonies are conducted at the chapels, they aren't churches in the sense that they have a minister and a congregation. The chapels are used for functions not related to the Methodist religion and therefore are not always governed by church policy, he .said. 'Tm quite sure when there·s ·a Jewish wedding (at the chapel), it's not functioning as a Methodist church," Chace said. Chris Hamilton, whose name was Chris Hightower before the ceremony, said he was not surprised by the church's position. "I think we would probably get a wider margin of support from everyday, average Methodists," he said. Hamilton said Chace had planned to go to the couple's Forsyth County home to apologize but called five minutes before he was due to arrive to say he could not be there. "He told me he was personally sorry for what had happened," Hamilton said . "He wanted to come out himself and tell us that in person, but he had wanted it to be a private affair. He didn't like that there was publicity about it." Emory University, founded in 1830, was named for a bishop . In the early 1900s, conservative Methodist bishops put the school under tight church control. Bible Society scraps genderneutral translation RALEIGH (AP) - Conservative Southern Baptists scored a major victory when the International Bible Society announced it would kill a gender- neutral translation of the Bible most trusted by evangelical Christians. "Do you make one translation for consetvatives and one for liberals?" asked Bill Merrell of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tenn. "The suspicion was that the translation was driven by political considerations . The Bible's meaning ought to be made as plain as possible." Southern Baptists, the largest Prot estant denomination in the United States, attacked the gender -neutral translation of the New International Version of the Bible with a passion. Once they heard of plans to change ,vorc:is such as "men" to "human beings" or "people," they wrote letters, made phone calls and flooded the International Bible Society and Zondervan Publishing House of Grand Rapids, Mich., with faxes. The International Bible Society sponsors translations of the NIV the most successful modern English Bible translation sold in the United States . ''The very vocal reaction from the evangelical constituency was: 'Do not take this step. Our churches will not receive this ,"' said Eugene Rubingh, vice . president for translation at the International Bible Society in Colorado Springs, Colo. Although most bookstores already carry gender-inclusive translations of the Bible, evangelical Christians were dismayed that the translation they most trust - the NIV - would be subject to the _same cultural wars that have raged in society at large. "We were concerned with the criticism coming from the Southern Baptists," said Jonathan Petersen, director of corporate affairs for Zondervan . "We've gotten hundreds of letters, e-mails and phone calls." Even in scrapping the new translation, the society said some of the changes would have rendered the original biblical texts, written in Hebrew and Greek, more accurate. The proposed translation's principal aim was to add or substitute inclusive language to generic masculine references . For example, instead of saying "God created man in his own image ," the new translation would have read: "God created human beings in his own image." The new translation would not have changed the masculine gender in references to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Moderate pastors said the new translation, originally scheduled for publication in_ 2001, would have been no less accurate than previous translations. "When you 're reading .the King James Version or the NIV, you're not reading what was originally said . You're reading a translation ," said Becky Albritton , pastor of Millbroqk Baptist Church in Raleigh . "We lo~e sight of that. Somehow we think if it's not this war, it's not the Holy Word." RICHMOND, IND!ANA I Other Sheep ' AN ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY WITH THE SEXUAL MINORITY COMMUN ITY JOIN US FOR WORSHIP! July 27 August 24 September 28 October 26 P.O. Box 2448 Richmond, IN 47375-2448 765-966-4458 email: crameba@earlham.edu 01STRIBUTION OF THIS ISSUE MADE POSSIBLE BY PAGES-THE BOOKSTORE. OLD RICHlvONO COURT 211 S.5TH ST. RICHMOND 765-93 5-6945 MEMPHIS. TENNESSEE HOLY TRINITY W COMMUNITY CHURCHES · IN TENNESSEE . MEMPHIS-- I 559 Madison Ave. 90 I /726 -9443 Sunda'y: IO a.m. Sunday School I I _a.m. Communion Rev. Timothy Me,dows, M.Div., Senior Minister NASHVILLE--. 3028 Lebanon Rd. (In the Unity Center) 61 5/837-2424 Sunday: 6 p.m. Worship Service Rev. CynthiJ Looper, M.M. Proclaiming God's love For All People KANSAS CITY. MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at. ... ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway KansasCity,MO 64119 (816)452-1222 · Caring for People and Creation (Ncrth of the River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am http://www.sound.net/~pick.le Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Third Lutheran Church 1864 Frankfort Ave nue Louisville, KY 40206 ' 896 -6383 Worship: Sunday 10:30 AM Rev. Phil Garber A Reconciled in Christ Congregation Everyone is invited You are invited LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Weary?? C::O:M.:E :HO:M.:E!! ~ 110H Jfl~IH'tllOWJmr • or LONQ l'tl!CN JJ,,..,. L. 171..,J, IP,J,,,. Classes Retreats Counseling Social Activities 12-Step "Bible• Study HIV ·spiritual Support" Group Mid-Week •Prayer & Praise" Services Saturday, 6:00 PM "Worship" North Long Beach Christian Church 1115 E. Market St., Long Beach, CA. ( 562) 435-0990 HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA Faith Full Gospel Fellowship Worship: Sunday Sp.in . 22294 City Center Dr. #5108 Hayward CA 94541-2810 (510)886-7332 E-mail: itsame@ix.netcom.com web site: htlp: // www2 .netcom .com / -ilsame /failhfei teowship.html SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK You are welcome at Lisl1tl1o\.fsc Apostolic Cl1\.f-rcl1 38 Columbia Street, 2nd Floor Schenectady, NY 12308-3326 (518) 372-6001 Brother Carey, Pastor Worship Service Sun. at 4:30 pm Bible Study Wed. at 7:00 pm A Jesus' Name Church! National Gay Pentecostal Alliance email: NGPA@concentric.net visit our website at http ://www.cris .co m/~N GPA SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA Come Celebrate With Us The New Life In Jesus! (lw15:32) Non .. Denoniinational .. Bible Centered Sunday Servic.e~ - 10:30 am at The Billy DeFrank Center 175 Stockton Ave .. San Jose, CA . Pastor David Harvey • (408) 345-2319 http ://www .lodsys.com/celebrate/ DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O. rox 1634 • D\YTON, OH 45401 DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY! AU ARE WELCOME ml'etS: 546 Xenia.Ave. Ulyton, Ohio SundaylOam E-MAl1; RevSamuelK@aol.mm V!Si.t our Web Site http://www.oorneaol.c.om/rev~unuelk 937-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Safe Harbor Family Church A family that prays and plays together! Serving the ChrishAn G,.y, Lc,hian, Bi scs.ua.l, T rdnsgcndcr Communities of J ackson, M ississippi . 2147 Henry Hill Dr, Ste 203 . Jackson MS 39204-ZOOO P hone: 601-961-9500 A n AIM A ffiliate Rev. James H . Becker Senior M ini ster 601-825-8056 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING WATER Bible Studies Worship Services Healing Ministries Counseling "God's Word to God's People" Info: call (615)865-2679 Much of Second Stone's content is available online. To receive online updates, just e-mail us at secstone@aol.com. PAGE 13 • SECOND STONE• J U LY/A UGUST, 1997 About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listed below are resources for gay /lesbian/bisexual/ transg endered Christians. Accuracy of an organization's listing is the responsibility of the organ ization. We apologize for any omissions or errors. Corrections may be sent to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 oremailed to secstone@aol.com. In most cases area codes are listed in the city heading only. National ~v,~~(9E g~~/f~~~~IN~~~\~f4)~1 ;~7~a~~';, · ~;~~: drecta. AFFIRMATION/United Methodists for Gay & Lesbian Concerns, P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL60204. (708)733-9500. AMERICAN BAPTISTS CONCERNED, 13318 c1a,epoinle Way. Oakland, CA 94619-3531. (5l0)<$5-8652. Voo, ol lhe Turt~ AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE (Quaker) 2249 E. Bumskle SI., Portland, OR 97214. (503)230-9427. t:OJJ~?~;~0 ~~~~~~~::ttii~r~ o~b':'!,i ft 81005, Seal.lie, WA 98106-1005. (206)763-2469. apcalx:h@aol.oom hllp:1/memoers.aoloornlapcalrch. ASSOCIATION OF WELCOMING ANO AFFIRMING BAPTISTS, P.O. Box 2596, Attleboro Fal• , MA 02763-0894. V/F (508)226-0945. WABaplols@aol.oom. httpJusers.aol.oom/Wabaplols. A network of ctwrches, agarizatioos and inciviciJals who welcome and aOJ003te lor lhe full partq,alim ol osb~n. gay. and bisexual pecple within !he American Baplol Churches/USA. BALM MINISTRIES, P.O.Box 1981, Gosla Mesa, CA 92628. (714)641-8968. Marsha Stevens, singer/songmi!er. Suzanne ti:i"i~~~w~ ·NONITE PARENTS OF LESBIAN/GAY CHILD· REN, Box 1708, Lima, OH 45802. BRETHREN/ MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBIAN ANO GAY CONCERNS, Box 6300, Minnea~is, MN 55406-0300. (612)722· 6906. BMCouncil@aol.com. h11pJ1www.""1xxxn.Oll!MlfTlc/ S<W>\ for Brethren and lv1ennonite g1y, lesbian, and bisexual pecple, and their parents, spouses, relatM!s and !fiend;. Plblication: Dialogue CHI RHO PRESS· A spec~I work ol lhe UFMCC Mid-Al~nli: Dis· trict. Plblisher of re!gous books and materials. P.O. Box 7864, 8o~ml1iA~rj~1~Wv'.~~~~D~logue and Sll'!)Orl grcx.p for gay and •sb•n Caltlolt c~r9'f and re190us. P.O. Box 60125, ChicafP, IL 60660--0125. Poolicalim: Cornmunical~n CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESBIANS, P.O. Box 436 Plane• lari.Jm Sin., New York, NY 10024. (718)921-0463. CONNECTIONS· SPIRITUAL LINKS· Seminars, wockstq,s, oonlerenres on 9"iel and bereavement Rev. Adlard B. Glb!rt. drectcr. 1504 N. Caf111D811 St , Vaparaiso, IN 46383. (219)<$4-8183. ;oice ardlax. . DIGNITY/USA, 1500MassachusettsAve., NW, Ste. 11, Washingm, DC 20005. (202)661·00l7, FAX (202)429-9808. Gay and lesbian Cathoics and lteir lrie!'lm. ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC CHURCH, P.O. Box 32, Vilkl Grande, CA 95486·0032. (707)BB7·1020, FAX, (707)667-7083. The Mos! Rev. Mark S. Shirilau, Ph.D. Poolicalion: Tl'eTatjet ECUMENICAL ORC!:R OF CHARITY, PO Box 257, Des Moioos, IA 50301. (515)251·6254. An ecumenica\ inciusive relgous order ol men aoo women mriisterirg on the cutting 00}! of the g:ispel. Website: WYM'.~rramp.net/--charity. E-mail: bkinnov@ad.com. EROSPIRIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 3893, Oakland. CA 94609. (510)428-wsJ. Ner.ork of g,; and lesbian ecs~lics <11ering classes aOO vici!os in erotic spirituality. EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AMERICA, 2401 Artes~ Bl'<i, Sle. 106-213. Redor<ll Beach, CA 00278. (310)798-6720. EACA2AIACS@aol.com. National office of all EACA church communities. EVANGELICALS CONCERNED, c/oDr. RalJli Blair, 311 EaS172nd SI., New York, NY 10021. (212)517-3171. Pt.t;K:alions: Review and Record THE EVANGELICAL NETWORK, Box 16104, Phoeni<, AZ 85011. (602)265-2831. FEOERA TION OF PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS ANO GA VS, INC. P.O. Box 27505, Wastington, DC 20038.(202)638-4200. ~~~rrr:Fir~;\fi~~~i 1 t,iy CONCERNS (Quakers) 143 Cami:oell Ave., llhaca, NY 14850. (607)272•1024, FAX. (607)272• 0801. GAY ANO LESBIAN PARENTS COALITION INTERNATIONAL, P.O. Box 50360, Washrnglon, IJC20091. (202)583-8029. P\.tJlicalim: Netwcrk. . GREAT lAKES DISTRICT of the Universal Fello.Yshp of Melr'l)Ole Ian Ganmunily Churches. 1300 Ambrdg, Dr .. Louoville. KY <0207- 2410. (502)897-3821, voice and fax. Judy Dale, coordnator. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, 1101 141h SI., NW, Sle. 200, ~}~o11'ti~6~.2ttifNew York, NY 10185-5255. (201)868-2485. Pt.t;icalion: The Vdce ol lnlegily INTERWEAVE, 25 Beaoon SI., Bosloo, MA 02108. (617)742-2100. A lay organization of Unitarian Universalists lor lesbian, bisexual. B1Jt~~~~~~:~r~ 176, Coo::ord, CA 94522-0178. 6j. r$~t=c'8':cERNEO I NORTH AMERICA, Box 10461, Fort Oeaillorn Slalion. Chk:ag,, IL 60610-0461. Pl.dicalim: The Coooord METHODIST_ FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION, a gayaflirmiog, mul\I-issue oe!Y.Ork, 76 Clinloo Ave., Staten lslaOO, 10301- 1107 (7I8)273-MFSA. Ptblicalion: Social Questions Bulletin. MERCY OF GOO COMMUNITY, PO Box 41055. Providm:e, RI 02940-1055. (401)722-3132. Christian, Ecumenical and inclusive community ol sisters, brothers and associates. MORE LIGHT CHURCHES NETWORK, 600 W. Fullerton Pkv.y .. ChicafP, IL 60614-2690, (773)338-0452. Resruce paclcel, $12. Plb- ~{?c;~tt1£i1~~'c,~~'u'c"gfocESAN LESBIAN AND GAY MINISTRIES, 433 Jetterson SI., Oakland. CA 9<$07. (510)465-9344 . Newsletter and national conference. ~~:~i~NCIL OF CHURCHES, 475 Riverskle Dr, New York, NY 10115. AIDS Task Force, Room 572. (212)870-2421. Human SexualilyOttk:e, Room 708, (212)870-2151. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, WashiC9lon 01f~e. 110 Ma'7"ndAve., NE, Washingon, DC 20002. (202)544-2350. NATIONAL GAY PENTECOSTAL ALLIANCE (abo Penlecoslal BOie Institute (Ministerial training!) P.O. Box 1391, Schenectadj, NY 12301 ·1391. (518)372-6001 . NGPA@concenlric.net http://www.cris.ooml-NGPA Pi.tJIK:alion: The Aposloli: Voo,. OPEN & AFFIRMING MINISTRIES, Gay, Lesbian and Alfinning Dis~s Affiance, Rev. AUen V. Harris, clo 1010 Park Ave., New Yor~ NY 10028-0991. (212)288·32<$. Nurture ande<i.<:alion lorcoogegatioos and o!her ministries of the Chrislian Church {Distj:lles of Christ) which seek to weloome and affirm lesbian, (Ja.Y, and bisexual persoos. OPEN ANO AFFIRMING PROGRAM, United Church Coalition lor· Lesbia~Gay Concerns, PO Box 403, Holden, MA 01520-0403. (508)856-9316. Pi.tJIK:ation: ONA Ganmuniq.,e THE OTHER SIDE Magazine, 300 W. Apsley SI.. Philadeph~. PA 19144. (215)849-2178. Pl.dohes articles ol inleresl lo progessive Christians. OTHER SHEEP Multicultural Ministries with Sexual Minorities, 319 N. Fourth #902, SI. Louis, MO 63102·1936. (314)241-2400. FAX (314)241·2403.E-mail:gherzog@aol.com. Theoklgcal and edJca· =r~k kxa:~:~~r!t~~:1~~%,i~;l~i,~ ORTHOWcATHOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICA, P.O. Box 1222, lndana~ •. IN <$206-1222. (317)251-4526. PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN & GAY CONCERNS. P.O. Box 38, NewBrunswick. NJ08903-0J38. (906)932-7501. (908)249-1016. ~~~~u;:r~~d~TION PROGRAM, 3801 N. Keeor Ave., ChK:a!P, IL 60641. (773)736·5526. FX (773)736-5475. Ptillca· lim: Open Hards RELIGION WATCH, P.O. Box 652, North Bellmore. NY 11710. A '!TI'o":!t1~~~~/~/,1'1~1:i;f~l:'~;ii9r.10 Church, VA 22043. 560-2680. Fax, 560-6015. tek:5min@erds.com. SILENT HARVEST MINISTRIES, PO B<>< -190511, Oal~s. TX 75219-0511. (2141520-6655. SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONS NETWORK, Mennonite and Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. SCNetwork@aol.oorn. A network ol Menoonile, General Con~reoo, Menrmite and Cht.lch of the Brethren corgegatilxs which wek:ome ~Jr~=~ t":11=~iTif~r'}icE FOR LESBIAN/GAY CONCERNS, 25 Beacon SI., Bos1on MA02106. (617)742·2100. UNITED CHURCH COALITION FOR LES8lAN I GAY CONCERNS, 18 N. College, Al.hens, OH 45701, (614) 593-7301. Publication: Waves UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Ottk:e lor ChU<ch i1 Sociely, 110 ~m~s1'cic~tg~~"di~~oil6m~ -~LMUNITY CHURCHES 8704 Sanla Monica BM!, 2nd Fr, Wes!Holly,,ood, CA 90069-4548. (310)360-6640, FAX (310)360-8680. Pi.tJIK:alion: K"I> inginTouch THE WITNESS, P\.tJlished l>j lhe Episcqlal Church Pl.dishi'9 Co., 1249 WashngtonBMI., Sle. 3115, Delrol\ Ml 48226-1861!. (313)962· 2650 WOOOSWOMEN • Actvenlure travel for women, 25 W. Diamood Lake Rd., Minneapolo, MN 55419, (800)279-0555, (612)822-3809, FAX (6I2)822•38l4. Alaska PALMER (907) Chl.<ch ollheCCM>nan\ P.O. Box2BB8, 99645. 746-11189. Ha,,ardH. Bess, pastor. A Wek:omiC9 and AffirmiC9 American Baplisl Congre• galim. . Arizona ~~,V;~~1 :!:t~~l:\~1~~~4~~NifJ •!~; PHOENIX(602) bers ol lhe Christian Church (Disciples of Chrol). Pt.t;icalioo: Casa De Crislo Evangekcal Church. 1029 E. Tumey, 85014. 265- Crosst:)?ams. 2831. GAYELLOW PAGES. P.O. Box 533, Village Sin .. New York, NY onve Tree Minolries, PO Box 47787, B5068-7787. 661-3424. 10014-0533. (212)674-0120. · h11p1/jvm.oomlolivelree. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 TUCSON (5:!'.l) Cornerslone Felk>vshp. 2902 N. Geronimo, 85705. 622-4626. Sunday, 9a.m., 10:3-0a.m., Weooesday. 6p.m. Rada Schall, pastor. First Chrislian Church, 740 E. Speed,yay, 85719. 624-8695. Sun., 8:1Sa.m., 10:30am. Pasb' Ncoi Kareko. · FAYETTEVILLE (601) Resloralion Fello.Yship ITT Jesus Chris!, P.O. Box 3820, 72702. 444· 9692. Rev. Ekler JoseiiJ Pa~ Smnh. California HAYWARD (510) Fai1h Felb.lls~, 22294CityCenter Or., Ste. 5108, 94541. 88&-7332. itsame@ix.netcom.com. IRVINE(714) lr.ine United Church of Christ 4915 Allon Pkwy., 92714. 733-0220. An Open & Affirming Congregalion. prooo~ prq,essive, inlenlim• ally irdusive. LONG BEACH (562) F Church, 241 Cedar Ave., 90802. 436·2256. An Coogeg.,tial of !he United Chtrch of Christ L . EA(213) Crescent Heiglts UMC, 1296 No. Fairfax Ave., West Holly,YOCld. 900<$. 656-5336. United Church Coaition for lesbiawGay Calcerns, Southern Calif a • n~ Chapler, 241 Cedar Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802. Rev. Lib/ ~rs;J~~(~1~n Brinc (562)436·2256. ~n=~l~~~~i~~~~ni~1 g~~~~f:~ E-ma~: lambdatcc@aol.com. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA (415) Lulherans Concerned, 566 Val~jo SI. #25, 94133-4033. 956-2069 ;t;:'1,SE(~) Celebration or Faith Praise and Worshl) Center. PO Box 5765, 95126. 345-2319. Sun., 10:30a:m. al The Billy OeFrank Genier, 175 SloclctonAve. FwSI Clllol~n Church, 80 s. 51h SI., 95112. 294-2944. Richard K. Miller. pastor. Gay, lesbian, ardAflirming Dis~s . c/o First Christian Church, 80 So. 5lhSI., 95112. 294-2944. SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) MCC ol !he Central Coast, PO Box 1117, Grover Cily, 93483-1117. 481·9376. Sunday, 10:30a.m. Rev. Rand/A Lesler, pasta. WHITTIER (310) Good Samaritan MCC, 11931 E. Washington Blvd. 90606-2607. 696-6213. Rev. Gina Chapman, pasbr. District of Columbia DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (202) Oiglily, PO Box 53001, 20009. 387-4516. Florida INTERLACHEN {004) Bethel Evarg,loli: Ministr~s. Inc., PO Box 1778. 32148. 684-6479. ~~~~~::.,~SI.. 33040. ~4-8912. Sunday, 930, l1a.m, · Wed, 7p.m. Rev. StevenM. Torrence, pastor. PANAMA CITY (904) Family of GOO Worsh~ Center. 1139 Everitt Ave .. Cedar Grove, 32.«ll. 784-4851. Sun .. 10:30a.m. soo111oglc@aol.oom. TAMPA(813) · Pentecostals of Tampa Bay, 2023 Cattleman Dr. Branoo<I, 33511. 651-1505. Illinois JACKSONVILLE(217) SI. MaxfmiHan Kobe Catholic Church ol the· Americas, PO Box 1345. 62650-1345. 243-4539. Slit , 5:~. m. Indiana INDIANAPOLIS(J17) . HolyEucharis!Church. 2070 E. 541h SI., Sia. 7, 46220. 251·4526. Iowa DES MOINES (515) Word of God Ministries, P.O. Box 4396, 50333. 270-2709. Meels al St Marl/s Episcq,al cturch, 3120 E. 241hSt, Des Mdnes. Kansas ~~~ l:~776, 66604-0775. 232·6196. SE!nciare Ave al251h WICHITA(315) Wichila Praise and WorshpCenler, 1607 S. Broad.vay, 67211. 267· 6270. Chuck Brecl<anrnge, paslcr. Kentucky LOUISVILLE (502) . Third I.Ulheran Church, 1664 FranklortAw., 40206. 896-6383. Sunclly, 10:JOa.m. TLCX2@ecunetorg Louisiana NEW ORLEANS (504) First Jesus Name Church, P.O. Box 58362, 70158-6362. An Acts 2:38 oongegalon. SL Thomas Aq.inas Calhol~ Church of !he Americas, 717 Patterson 70114.263-5412. Massachusetts Michigan ANN ARBOR (313) Gund House Campus Ministry, B02 Monroe, 48104. 662·5189. Rev. Oiare Chrolopllersoo. FLINT (810) Redeemer MCC, 1665 N. Chevrolet Ave., 46504-3164. 238·6700. Surday, 6p.m. Pub: Sooods of Redeemer FT.GRATIOT(810) All Souls' Ain,tolic Catholic Church, 4653 Desmond Beach, 48059 385-9224. HDry Eucharist Sun. 1 ta.m. LANSING (517) Digity, PO Box 1265, Eastlans1rg. 48826. 321-4841. Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL (612) All Goos Chikten MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minriea!X)lis, 55407. 824-2673. Winct::m or Wellness Counseling Center offers posi!ive affirming Christian counseling for homosexuals. Lulherans Concerned 100 N. OXfordSI., SI. Paul, 55104·6540. 866- 8941. Wing:,pan Miflstry, 100 N. Oxford St Paul, 55104. 224-3371. Mississippi JACKSON (601) Sale Harbor Fami¥Churcll, 2147 Henry HHI Or, Sle. 203, 39204· 2000. 961-9500. Rev. James H. Becker, paslor. Wkday: 359-6604: Eve: 373-0917. Sm , Sp.m. Missouri KANSAS CITY AREA (815) Abidng Peace Lutheran Church, 5090 NE Chouteau T ratticway, 64119. 452- 1222. Caring for peq:>13 andcreaticn Maiy Gerken, COfr lac! pe!SOO. A Aecoociled fl Ch1ist congegition. Montana LIVINGSTON (406) Attimalim (UniledMelhaisls), 529 N. 81h SI., 59047. 222·4436. Nevada LAS VEGAS (702) MOC, Il19S. Main St. 89104·1026. 384-2325 New Jersey JERSEY CITY (201) Christ Our Teacher Calhdic Church of the Americas. 219 1st St, #1, 07302-2868. 333-1094. bejcily@aol.oom. NEW BRUNSWICK (SM) PLGC, PO Box 38, 08903-0038. Plb: More Lighl New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE (505) MCC, 2404 San Mateo Pl., NE, 87110. BB1-9088. Rev. Or. FredC Winiams, pastor. Sun., 10a.m. River of Life Healing Ministries, 134 Quincy, NE. 87108. LAS CRUCES (605) Holy Family Parish of the Evangelical Anglican Church in America, 1701 E. Missouri Ave., 88001. 522•7119. An indusive parish cpen to all. • Koinona, 2162 Ooracb Dr., 66011. 521-1490. Gay and osbian spirn• ualilygOLI). New York ALBANY/CAPITAL AREA (518) Lg,lhouse Aposloli: Church, PO 9ox· 1391, Sohenecla<I;, 12301. 1391. 372-6001. Bro. W. H. Carey, paslcr. NEW YORK CITY AREA Manhattan/New York City.area (212) Blessed Virgin Mary Mosron, 123 E. 15SI. 10003. 228-0898. Sun., 1:15p.m. Chrisl~nScience Grcxp, c/0444 3rd Ave., #4, 10016. 532-8379. Gay, Lestian & Attirming Oiscpes Alliance, c/0 Allen Harris, 1453A ~~:~-;:-c~~:2 &::;l8to~s of Chro!), 1010 Park Ave. at f¥>th SL, 1~6 . 268-3?46. A 1/Dranl, creatr:,-e, and ciYerse congegatm comm1t1ed b exterdng lhe lo-le of Chnst to all pecple. Pollt.ci<, cloAllenV. Harro. 1010 Park Ave .. 10028-0991. 2BB-32<$. Fomh Friday, 7p.m. UCCUGC, c/o Craig Hollman, 1453A Lexrnglon Ave., 10128. 289- 3016. Queens(718) Queens Lesbian & Gay Christians, PO Box 4154, College Point,. 11356. 353-3941. P\b: Tl'eGoodShep'lerd NIAGARA FALLS (716) ~~rei:o~=z~.?"rch , 1646 N~gara Ave • 14305. 284· PLA TTSBUAGH (518) St Ma,ys Ecumenical Calholt Church, PO Box 159, Chazy, 12921. t:tJ~~~(7~; FAX). Rev. Fr. Mm,~ R. Frost PLGC, cloCarter, 111 Milum SI., 14607·2918. 271·7649. North Carolina CHARLOTTE (704) Charlotte lnlertailh Network lorGayllesbian Eq.,alily, 5945 Reo:inan Rd.,'205,28212-1664. -9 . GaroottE. Phtlls.ax,ladperson. TRIANGLE AREA (919) . 'Pulon Memooal Baplol Church, 1801 Hilbborough St. Aaleg,. 27605. 82&-0697. M. Mahan Siler, Jr., pastor. Ohio AKRON (330) Cascade Ganmunily Church, 1190/1196 Inman SI., 44306. 773- ~1~~(5~:ir Plb: Ca""'de Newsetter. lnlagily, 4905Chale1Dr.,#l l ,452I7·1445. 242-7297. ~,1~~~~~,:~~1~~~A~~ cw':~~~~l:'t~e~~~:!: A More Ligll ooogregalion. COLUMBUS (614) 8l1'~6~~82Q01 ,43202 451-6528 . Cornmunily Gospel Church, PO Box 1634, 45401. 252-8855, Spnl filled, Christ cantered Meets Thurs., 5p.m., Sun. 10a.m. at 546 Xenia Ave., Dayton.Samuel Kader, pastor. GRANVILLE (614) . Firsl Baplisl Church, 115 W. Broad.vay, 43023-1179. 587-0336. George Williamson, Jr., pastor. A Weloomingard AttirmiC9American Baptisl Congegalion. MANSFIELD (419) Center for Pastoral Care, 3180 German Church Rd, 44904. 756- 297-7, 774-5377. FAX 774-9805. Sunday lilurg'f, 10:t5a.m. PaS10<al <XlUnseling, retreats. Oregon· . PORTLAND (503) Melarcia Peace CommunityUMC, 2116 NE 181h Ave., 97212-46ro. 281-3697. Pennsylvania ELWYN (610) Pilgim FeilcNlshpChurch. P.O. Box 4306, 19063. 237-1367. Mee1s Sun. a1 Philadeph~ Airport Comlor1 Inn. LEHIGH VALLEY (610) Grace Covenan1 Felkfflshp, 247 N. 10th Sl. Al~ntown, 18102. 740- 0247. Sunday, 10:45a.m. Bryon Raive, pastor. Thom Ritter, music mirister. Serving the Lehgi Valley. PHILADELPHIA (215) • U~ted Church Coaition for Lesbiar/Gay Concerns, PO Box 6315. 19139. 724·1247. Rhode Island PROVIDENCE (401) $1. Peters & St. Anctew's Epscopal Church, 25 Pomona Ave., 02909-5255. 272-9649. Rev. Jan Nunley, recta" and oo-coovenor ol lntegity/Rt'lcx:t! Island We are a "ralrtoN CCX'gegatiort of Christians from all walks of Hie, With an active lntegity chapter, heafng and AlOS minist,y. Se habla Espanol. South Carolina COLUMBIA (803) MCC Columbia. P.O. Box 8753. 29202. 256-2154. Meets al 1111 eene.,,;,w Sl. 12. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA(423) Joyful Sound Chrisl~n Felkfflship Church, PO Bc»< 8506. 37414. 629-0087. Rev. Ctu:I< D. T~ . pasb". Sun .. 6p.m. at the Unitarian UnivefSattst Churdl, 3224 Navajo Dr. MEMPHIS (901) Holy Trinity Communily Church, 1559 MaOSon, 38104. 726-9443. Proclaiming Gcds Jove for all pecple. NASHVlLLE (615) Church of the LMng Waler, PO Box 1312, Madson, TN 37116-1312. 865-2679. Sun .• 4p.m. . ~;~~rr.,~~:~~[i~~e2l8822 . 37221. 327-4551. ln~gity, PO%';; 121172. 37212-1172. 333-7500. Texas AUSTIN (512) Joan Wake10fd Ministries. Inc., 9401 Groose MeaOON Ln .. 78758- 6348.835-7354. DALLAS/FOAT WORTH AREA (214) Affirmation (United Melh<Xlisls), PO Box 191021, Dallas, 75219. 528-4913. • Cathe<l"al of Hope MCC, 5910 Cedar Springs Rd .• Dallas, 75235. 351-1901. Sun.,9a.m, 11a.m HotyTnnityCommooityChwcn, 4402 Roseland Ave., Dallas, 75204. · · 827·5088. •A home-for fNery heart" serving the Dallas lesbian and ~y rommunity la 18 years. · Si~n1Harvestt.lnistr~~ PO Box 190511, 75219-0511, 520-6655. GALVlESTON (400) . Unita_rian Universa!ist Fe11oNh~, 502 Church St., 77550. 765-8330. AU faiths accepted. Sexual OOmtation respected. TYLEA(91Xl) SI. Galxief CommunityChlNch, 13904CountyRd 193, 75703. 581- 6923. Pastor Donna R Canμ,ell. Utah LOGAN (801) MCC. PO Box 4285. 84323. 750-5026. Sun., 11 a.m. SALT LAKE CITY (801) Sacred Lg>tcl Christ MCC, 823 S. 600E. 84102-3507. 596-0052. Virginia FAUS CHURCH (703) Telos Ministries (Baptists). PO Bc»< 3390. 22043. 560-2680. MANASSAS (703) . Bull Aun Unitarian Universalists, PO 8a< 2416. 361-6269. A UUA Welcomng Ca,gegation. WILLIAMSBURG (SOI) Foondatioos of Stooe Ministries, 149 Nelson Dr., 23185. 229-0832. Teaching, seminars, retreats, revivals. Heaven's Tableland Church. P.O. Box 2674. 23187. (757)887-3719: Rev. Adel~ L. Barr. pas1c,. Meets Sun. Bruidary St Lilrary at 1 :30 p.m. Resource Guide Washington SEATTLE (206) ln~gity, PO Box 20063, 98102. 525-4668. Unwersity Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 161hAve .. NE. 98105. 524·2322. 0penly!J!!ypeq,fe at all ~vels of ~adershp. Wisconsin APPLETON (920) , Angeoof Hopa MCC, 110S. L.ocusf St. 991--012S. Sun., Sp.m. Rev. Ken Hull paSIOf. GREEN BAY(920) Angeis ot Hopa MCC, 614 Forest SL, Green Bay, 54302. 432-0830. Sun., 11 a.m., 7p.m. Rev. Ken Hull, pastor. MILWAUKEE (414) LutooransCorcerned, PO Box 1676. 53201-1676. 481-9663 . St Gamillus HIV/AIDS Minislry, 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave .• 53226. 259-4664. Become a · Second Stone Outreach Partner in your community. Get listed in our next National Resource Guide Churches and organizations with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians will be listed free. Ministries not maintaining a current subscription to Second Stone must update their listing every six months. ~ ........................................................................................................... . HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FORT HE RESOURCE GUIDE: ChtJrch/Group Name _____________________ _ Address---------,--'------------------Phone ..- _________________________ _ Other informatio,._ _______________________ _ Please contact us about [ ] advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO: Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)899-4014 OR E-MAIL TO : secstone@aol.c:om JULY/AUGUST 1997 OUTREACH PARTNER REPORT Second Stone's Outreach Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their gay and lesbian communities by providing free copies to distribute at gay pride events, at P-FLAG meetings, in bars, etc. The local ministry receives free advertising space in Second Stone, inviting everyone who reads a copy to visit for worship. It's easy to becon:.~ an Outreach Partner. First, you detennine the number of copies you can distribute in your communi ty. Most churches also place a flier or brochure for the church in every copy they distribute. In detennining the number of copies you need, consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pride events, PFLAG meetings, gay bars, etc. Multiply every -location you think of by at least 15. Next, you send us your camera-ready ad. ([here is no charge to run your ad.) We need to receive your ad at P.O. Box 834-0, New Orleans, LA 70182. Ad size: 2 1/ 2" wide X 3" tall. Be sure to include . in your ad your logo, address and phone, service or meeting times, and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at..." or "Call for infonnation about..." And finally, we '11 need a street address to which UPS can ship your copies. Printing and shipping expenses are billed to the Outreach Partner Fund. You can contribute .the amount of your expe nses - or more - or less - or nothing - to this fund. The deadline for the Sept/Oct issue is August 15. The Outreach Partner program is a community fond ,t hich looks like this right now: JANUARY/FEBRUARY '97 MARCH/ APRIL '97 MAY/JUNE '97 EXPENSES Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 200 misc copies Holy Trinity Community Church (Memphis) - 100 copies Dayspring Christian Fellowship - 700 copies Walker Tacoma WA - 60 copies Holy Spirit Fellowship of Long Beach - 100 copies Celebration of Faith - 150 copies Third Lutheran Church - 50 copies Heaven's Tableland Church - 100 copies Community Gospel Church - 100 copies Lighthouse Apostolic Church - 45 copies MCC Las Vegas -100 copies Mercy of God Community - 50 copies Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - 250 copies First Congregational UCC - 100 copies Other Sheep (Richmond) - 150 copies Welcoming & Affinning Baptists - 14-0 copies Contacts with 100 new Outreach Partner prospects Pastor Don Cota-Green - 100 copies TOTAL 1997 EXPENSES Balance forward - 1997 Lighthouse Apostolic Church Outreach Partner misc Celebration of Faith Holy Spirit Fellowship CONTRIBUTIONS Abiding Peace Lutheran Church - Dayspring/Living Water Heaven's Tableland Church Mercy of God Community Christ Our Teach Cath Chur Americas 1997 CONTRIBUTIONS FUND BALANCE 308.77 456.93 51.82 27.22 179.54 21.34 31.64 49.09 15.89 28.28 28.28 15.50 31.64 16.79 65.74 31.64 . 41.38 41.38 55 .89 34.32 1533.08 1117.06 30.00 52.10 100.00 50.00 127.56 50.00 30.00 16.79 20.00 1593.51 60.43* (*Does not includ e printing and shipping expenses for the Jul/ Aug'97 issue. $100 is designated for distribution in South Africa.) Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like to participate in this program, please follow the guidelines above or contact Second Stone at (504)899-4014, P.O. Box 834-0, New Orleans, LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com. PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Welco me! IF YOU FOU ND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P- FLAG meetin g , or some other event or locati on, there's a Second Stone Outrea ch Partn er in your area . The ir brochu r e i s enclos ed. They are a Chris ti an chur ch or o rg anizatio n with a speci fi c outr each to ga ys and lesbians. We encoura ge you to v isit them for thei r n ext service or m eeting . In the meantim e , you ma y be asking som e questions like the ones that follo w . When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual ori entation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex~gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has e"perimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the exp erience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American P sychological Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God neve r has. God ' s nature is to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is admin istered by pastor s , bishops, lay people, committees ; people like you and me - sometimes connected wi th God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people .who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past. the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to ;if firm gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a follower of society , noi a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church .) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. There are many Christian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE• JU LY/AUGUST, 1997 I HADN'T 'DARKENED THE DOOR,' AS THEY SAY, FOR MANY YEARS. I DIDN'T THINK GOD WANTED ME IN CHURCH AND THAT WAS THE REASON I ALWAYS GAVE FOR NOT BEING THERE. THEN I MET SOME FOLKS WHO WOULDN'T ACCEPT THAT AS A REASON - AND NOW l'M 'DARKENING THE DOOR' REGULARLY. who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you . 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3 . God invites you to become involved with Him i~ His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bibl e, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes , and His ways. 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjusunents in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7 . You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may be able to r ec o mmend a r eadi ng· r eso u rc e, a v id eo, a B ible stud y group or a church. And don't b e afr a id or em ba rra ssed to ask. Such a fri end or pas tor will be glad yo u as ked. It is ho w God wor ks among us. If you ' ve never r ea d th e Bib le before, sta r t with • R oma ns 3 :23 ; 6:23; 5:8 ; 10: 9- 10; and 10: 13 . But can I really be ga y and Ch ristian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual orient ation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activiiy; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in lov ing relationships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says : The sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality .] Jude cond~mns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy I: IO. All these texts are concerned with something other than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewher e for an answer. .. The Bible never addre sses that question . More than that, the Bible seems deliberately uncon cerned about it. I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, ther e 's something powe1fol in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a 1ninistry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians , including Second Stone's Outreach Partner , 'The worship style may not be what you'r e used to , bm the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (There is uo "one true church .") There are gay and iesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you. will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexuallife a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (The day ·will come when that is no longer the case.) ·But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loviI1g; 'esteem-building experience . An inability to weave)'our sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way that1riakes you feel good about yourself and allows ycinto -develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. National News Arology made to gays and lesbians Episcoμilians continue study of same-sex unions PHILADELPHIA - Bishops attending the Episcopal General Convention approved a resolution July 23 continuing a study of the theological and liturgicai aspects of committed relationships of same-sex couples . During the convention, more than 1,100 church leaders debated gay and lesbian participation in the church. A resolution supporting a rite for same-sex ceremonies narrowly lost July 19 in the House of Deputies, which comprises priests and lay leaders. The Rev. Michael Hopkins of Integrity said he was pleased that the bishops v oted to keep the discussion alive. "Study and development were going to occur underground anyway," Hopkins said . "This makes it official.'' In adopting the resolution the bishops removed phrases about compiling and disseminating _ existing rites. But they directed the Standing Liturgical Commission to continue studying the issue. The commission must also report on · any rites, theological commentaries and comments on committed same-sex relationships submitted to it during the study . The _ bishops retained phrasing affirming the sacredness of Christian marriage between one man and one woman. The study is to be done by the end of 1999, in time for any reports to be made to the 73rd General Convention. The General Convention also formally apolog ized on behalf of the Episcopal Church to its members who are gay or lesbian and to lesbians and gay men outside the church for "years of rejection and maltreatment by the church." While division remains within the church over particular issues related to sexual orientation, conservatives and liberals joined together in this resolution. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor in both Houses of the _ Convention. On the election of the Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold, III of Chicago to Presiding Bishop, Integrity said in a statement: "We ... rejo ice in this election because Bisho.p Griswold has long been a supporter of the full participaliun uf gay and lcsbi::m persons in the life of the church . Although we und erstand he must be the Presiding Bishop of the whole church, we look forward to working with him as we continue to work toward the fulfillment of the General Convention's 1976 resolve that gay and lesbian persons have a 'full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church."' A resolut ion to allow each diocese to decide whether to ordain non celibate gays and lesbians was dismissed by the bishops without action. However, both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies approv ed a measure to allow ·each diocese to determine whether to extend health benefits to domestic partners of chu rch employees . About 40 of the church's 100 d ioceses have already orda ined non-celibate gays and lesbians, according to Hopkins. "The peopl e are making the church really deal with this because it's happening," said Patricia Ackerman, a New York lesbian who will be ordained in December. "It's a matter of the church catching up with the congregation." · The convention passed legislation requiring the ordination of female priests. The church voted 21 years ago to ordain women, but bishops of four dioceses have refused to do so. The new policy on female priests won't force objecting bishops in Fort Worth, Texas; Quincy, Ill.; San Joaquin, Calif., and Eau Claire, Wis., to perform the ceremonies, but they must arrange for someone else to ordain women and allow female priests to serve in the diocese. Some 10 percent of the church's 15,000 priests are women. Gay Episcopal deacon ordained over priests' objection KALAMAZOO, Mich. - When Episcopal Bishop Edward Lee asked if anyone objected to Thomas Brown being ordained as a deacon, two priests stepped forward. The reason? Brown is gay. "We believe that the Standing Committee of the diocese and you have erred in appro ving this ordination, acting contrary to the Holy Scriptures, the church's historic teaching and the present official position of the Episcopal Church," said a sta tem ent the Revs. Raymond Bierlin and Richard Clark read dur" ing the June 26 ceremony at Church of Christ the King Cathedral. Bierlin and Clark said the issue was not Brown's sexual orientation, but the fact that "h e is living, and intends to continue to live, in a homosexual relationship" contrary to church teaching opposing sex outside of marriage. L-ee said he and others who approved the ordination knew of Brown's long-term relationship and "duly considered this in their judgments and decisions, and they do not believe that i"n this case the candidate is disqualified for ordination. "Therefore, we shall proceed with the -ordination," Lee said. After the 90-minute ceremony, Lee said it was the firs t time he has ever presided over an ordination in which an objection was made. Lee said, however, that he found nothing inappropriate in the objection by Bierlin and Clark. "That's why a place for that is built into" the ceremony, he told the Kalamazoo Gazette. "The priests who made the objections · ... are two of the best priests i_n my diocese/' Lee said. "I know it was hard for them to do what they did and be respected for it, which I do." But Lee said he strongly backs the ordination of Brown and believes the church is coming to a "new consensus" on the issue of homosexual relationships . Ten bishops representing about 10 perc ent of all U.S. Episcopalians hinted in May that they might break away from the church because of the ruling that allows the ordination of gays. The Episcopal Church of Christ the King sponsored ·srown when he entered the seminary in 1994. He recently graduated from the Chu ~ch Divinity School of the Pacific - in Berkeley, Calif. He will return to California to become director of alumni and church relations at the divinity school and plans to work part-time at the • Church of St. John the Evangelist in San Francisco. Brown refused to comment on the - objection read by Bierlin and Clark. "I couldn't listen to it," he said . "! just prayed right through it." 'AP Episcopal priest comes out to congregation PORTSMOUTH, N .H. (AP) - Rev. R·obert Stiefel had become known in the community as priest of "the church of the open door," a priest who welcomed gay men and lesbians and battled prejudice against them. So Stiefel said it was only right that he be open with his pari sh ioners at Christ Episcopal Church and his colleagues about _ his own homosexuality. So at services on May 25, the 55- year-old priest told his church community he' was gay. "As I began to speak out on matters of prejudice, my own preaching led me to recognize the contradiction inherent in becoming a community champion of civil rights for homosexual people and remaining in the closet," he told the Portsmouth Herald. "Life in the clo_set is profoundly debilitating. I know because I have endured it for some 50 years." Before the service, Stiefel and his wife, Jennifer, who is the church deacon, sent out a letter to the congregation saying they had built a good marriage over 27 years. "The resources that the society and the church offered us were misguided and hurtful," Jennifer Stiefel said. "Through all of this, I came to understand and to feel, more and more deeply, how Robert was struggli ng, both to affirm our relationship and to find and accept his own center." The Stiefels said they will sepa rate soon and divorce by next year. The Episcopal Church and the Covenant of Conscience - a group of local religio~s :organizations formed in 1994 to deal with race and gender issues - have publicly stated their support for Stiefel. Chuck Ott, assistant superintendent of Portsmouth schools .and a parishioner of Christ Episcopal Church, also called him a loving, caring priest. "I think that's what people see," he said. "I don't think they look at Robert and see anything oth er than that." Despite the strong support, Stiefel fears rejection. "I fear the loss of some relationships with people who won't understand," he said. "The fear is very real. It's scary: It's not a safe thing for anyone to come out." PAGE l 7 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 U-h·i········•i•·······•i·\·i•:•i•>·7fr··:·· +··-·····:···T · \T.:;:-:;:;:4;:.\;::: ;J:: i==i=l·l·=·· i··l·i·· •.•····=+i·-•i++f;.: ..;.•. •; .;++ ;::.;.;.;.;.1 Scottisbhi shospa ysh e ordainegda yc lergy A SCOTTISH bishop admitted June 22 that he had ordained clergy whom he knew to be gay. The retired Episcopal Bishop of St. Andrews, Michael Hare Duke made the admission as controversy raged over a call to ordain gays made by the head of the Scotland's Episcopalian church, Bishop Richard Holloway of Edinburgh. Bishop Hare Duke said: "A person's sexuality is not the issue, it is their personality that counts. I have certainly ordained people who were homosexual, as did the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie and other bishops." Bishop Hare Duke, who attended a church conference on homosexuality in the 1970s at Pitlochry, concluded that the issue was not whether the person to be ordained was gay but if they would be effective in holy orders. "We have been ordaining them for years," he said. "If someone is being made edgy or upset because their sexuality is questioned then their personality will suffer. The key issue, which applies equally to homosexuals or heterosexuals, is whether someone is in a lasting relationship, rather than rushing about having ephemeral relationships or one-night stands." Bishop Holloway denied he was a heretic after advocating that churches should consider ordaining gays and recognizing gay relation - .,. Exciting Articles & Features • Color Photo.s That Take You There .,. InformativeM onthlyD epartments -. USA & Worldwide Destinations -. 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Send check, moneyo rder,o r VISA,M asterCardt o: OUR WORLD, 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Tel: (904) 441-5367 Fax: (904) 441-5604 Internet: http://www.ourworldmag.com Money-bacgku arant8$F. irsti ssuem ailsin 6 weeksin p laine nvelopeO. utsideU SAs endU S$45( surfaceo) r US$70( airmail) PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Danissht atec hurclhik ~ltyo _ • approvsea me-sextn11.o ns COPENHAGEN, Denm<).rk (AP) - The State Lutheran Church in Denmark, the first country to allow civil marriages of gays and lesbians, is expected to approve same-sex religious marriages, a Christian newspaper reported May 16. The Kristelig Dagblad, an independent paper which is close to the church, said the church's 12 bishops will be presented with a report by a church-appointed committee on the question. The bishops are expected to approve the report, which recommends allowing same-sex weddings, the newspaships. Bishop Holloway, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, which is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, says in his new book that "church and state" should recognize gay relationships and calls for equal treatment of gays within the church, including gay ordination. But a leading conservative Church of England cleric, the Rev. David Holloway, said the bishop and others who think like him should resign their positions or be disciplined. In his book "Dancing on the Edge," to be published in September by HarperCollins, Bishop Holloway writes: "If we do argue for permanent''i:inions for gay people, we must immediately admit that both Church and State will have to find mechanisms to acknowledge these relationships religiously and legally." The bishop is annoyed that his view, which he says is consistent with sentiments he has expressed before, has been made public three months before the book is published. "This is not about heresy," he said . "It is a matter for legitimate debate. I can see no alternative to that debate because we can no longer bury this issue. I fully expect to be opposed, but I believe that in time, there will be acceptance, within an understanding of the Christian ethic." On the ordination of gays, Bishop Holloway said: "I see it as a matter of equality. There are parallels with the ordination of women priests - only three years ago some would have said that was heresy." . Bishop Holloway said he did not know whether he had ordained gays, adding: "I do not interrogate people about that sort of thing." On the church permitting or solemnizing gay unions, Bishop Holloway said: "Practicing homosexuals in stable relationships should be per said without citing its sources; It - said the decision is to be made ihis autumn. The church has been split over the issue since 1989, when Denmark legalized civil ceremonies for gays and lesbians. · Some Lutheran ministers have performed same-sex church marriages and none have been reprimanded for it. The report recommends the homosexual marriages be performed with a different ceremony than heterosexual unions, the newspaper said. allowed to have their relationship affirmed or whatever you want to call it, the name doesn't matter to me. What matters is that we should hold gay people to the discipline of a· faithful relationship." Theoretically, the Scottish Episcopal Church could libera lize its policies before the Anglican Communion considers the issues, with the next debate likely ·at the Lambeth Conference of all Anglican bishops in 1998. However, Mr Holloway, from Newcastle, attacked Bishop Holloway for "sending the wrong message out to the Church and to society in general." Holloway, a leading member of the Reform group of conservative clergy, said: "This clearly is heresy. It is quite appalling and has serious implications for the Anglican Communion, becau ·se he is the Primus of his church and I do not see how a person who holds these views can be a bishop. "We cannot have a bishop validating irresponsible sexual activity which is against the canons of the church." The bishop's views could have serious implications for the ecumenical movement. Bishop Holloway is convener of the council of Action for Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS) and his views bring him into conflict with the other denominations, which generally tolerate people of homosexual orientation but do not condone the practice of homosexuality. Bishop Holloway's views contrast with those of Roman Catholic Cardinal Thomas Winning who has said that Christian unity was already a "distant goal" because of the issue ·of the Anglican ordination of women priests. -The Scotsman j-:j: :;:·:;: :f:•:•:•:•:{:i:'..W-!:(:!:):f: :(:'.:!:'.:!:!: :-:}:•:•:•:•:•:•:•::.::•:•:·:-:·:·::·~-=·:;:::-:j:·:.;;:.;(:,;'.:'.:(:j:j:j:·:'.;":"·!···:····::····)·:· ->·!·'.: :-:-;.:,:.;,;,:(:!:•:!: World News Fonneril111oobwepresident,a ·Methcxli&trnini&er,denieshe's gay HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Canaan . Banana, former president of a nation that publicly reviles homosexuality, has slammed allegations he raped a male police aide. Speaking in a British television interview June 22, Banana said accusations he had forced police inspector Jefta Dube to perform homosexual acts over three years were "pathological lies" arid part of a "malicious vendetta" against him. "How many times am I going to repeat that I am not a homosexual?" the Methodist minister and diplomat snapped in the British Broadcasting Corporation interview. Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe and carries a possible prison term. President Robert Mugabe, who appointed Banana titular president for seven years after independence in 1980, has called same-sex partners "lower than dogs and pigs." He insists homosexuality is an "unAfrican" practice brought th e continent by foreign ers . Banana wa s suspended in May from his theology and philosophy teaching post a t Zimbabwe Univer sity pending the outcome of a police investigation of h im . Dub e receive d a 10-ye ar jail sente nce in Februar y for shootin g d ead a police colleague who taunted hiin. about suspicions he had a homosexual relationship with Banana between 1983 and 1986. The High Court accepted evidence Dube was suffering from stressrelated illness caused by homosexual abuse .by Banana and recommended that police investigate . Police later said they had received ■ "How many times am I going to repeat that I am not a homosexual?" the Methodist minister and diplomat snapped ... ■ complaints from other men and were considering at least seven criminal charg es against Banana . None has been brou ght. In Jun e, Banana charged through his la wye r s that unid e ntified op ponents, feari ng he had ambiti ons to reenter First Lutheran woman bishop appointed STOCKHOLM , Sweden (AP) - A Luther an minister was appointed Sweden's first female bishop on June 5, a mile s ton e in a country where ·equality of the sexes is a major national goal. The government's decision had been expected after Christina Odenberg, 57, won the backing of ministers and lay people in her new diocese of Lund ' in southern Sweden. Conservative clerics have criticized th e app ointment. Some th r eatened to leave the church, or to regard the diocese of Lund as vacant. Sweden 's first woman church minister was named in 1 %0, seven years before Odenberg was ordained. Odenb erg is well known for her wry sense of humor and her fondness for race horses. In addition to her church duties, she is a member of the Swedish Jockey Club. Extremists call for anti-foreigner rallies LUEBECK, Germany (AP) - Radical right groups are organizing antiforeigner demonstrations focused in this northern port city where a weekend blaze_ apparently set by extremists gutted a Roman Catholic church, police said May 29. Police in Luebeck said they were seeking a ban on the protests. A call for nationwide demonstrations by the right -wing National Democratic Party of Germany, "Church asylum, illegal and unjust," appeared to be a direct reference to the blaze that investigators say targeted a pastor who had given Algerian immigrants shelter. The pastor's name was sprayed on the church wall, along with swastikas. Authorities expected 400-500 members of the Young National Democrats . to try to rally in Luebeck. Likewise, the right-wing Republicans were planning to gather in the city. Officials were taking steps to ban the gatherings . Mayor Michael Bouteiller said that any right - wing demonstrations would be intolerable. Investigators still have not identified any suspects in the fire. · politics, had offered ·some of his· , accusers money, cars and houses to discredit him. Banana is the Organization of African Unity's special envoy to Liberia, where he is trying to help restore peace and democracy after a sevenyear civil war. Church set to investigate allegations HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The Methodist Church has set up a leadership committee to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against former President Canaan Banana. Bishop Farai Chirisa confirmed reports that investigations were under way but refused to say what action would be taken if the allegations were proven. · "We cannot at this stage express the views of the church or those of the congregation until we get exactly what happened," the independent Financial Gazette quoted Chirisa as saying . Banana was long rumored to be a BOOK BARGAINS Save as much as 50%! 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Was9.95 NOW7.95 JOURNAL OF GAY, LESBIAN, AND BISEXUAL llENTITY, Volume 1, Nurrber 1 by Human Scierx: es Press. Paper. Was 27.50 NOW11.95 HEALING JOURNEY: The Floor of Heaven. Guided mecltation cassette lape by Rev. Dearre •Aima. Was 12.00 NOW9J5 PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE• JULY/A UGUST, 1997 Meditatio·snp,iritueaxle rcises ).xlltofHIJVm ienrte treat By David Kliqman Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A side effect of Paul Osowski's AIDS medication is a symptom in his legs and feet known as peripheral neuropathy. The pain is excruciating. "Take a Coke bottle, smash it up, put the . pieces · of glass in your socks with hot sand and then walk on hot coals. That's what it feels like," said Osowski, who takes about 50 pills a day to fight the virus he was diagnosed with in the early 1980s. On June 22, Osowski took a step to' quell the pain. This one had no side effects, and involved no drugs - only meditation and spiritua l exercises designed to heighten life's simple pleasures. Jason Tokumoto, an AIDS doctor at the University of California-San Francisco, came up with the idea for the "Spirituality and HIV" retreat, attended by Osowski and 29 other AIDS and HIV sufferers. Four companies that produce protease inhibitors paid for the cost of the seminar. "I think pharmaceutical companies realize that in taking care of AIDS patients, you have to take care of the whole person," Tokumoto said. "We're more than just a physical being." In the first part of the seminar, patients were instructed in various meditative exercises. In one, patients walked in a courtyard for 15 minutes without talking, some of them with their eyes closed. In another, the eating of a raisin was intended to teach a deeper appreciation of life's little moments. es, spoke to the group. He told them that it's not necessary to die in psychological distress. "The total focus of our medical care is on the body," Goeway said. "But we're much more than a body. We try to tell them that their experiences can be peaceful if viewed from a loving mind, not fear." Although it's not a cure, many say spirituality-based therapy can help patients reduce side effects from the 11 anti-vi rals being prescribed in the United States. Cancer patients and people suffering from back pain have long used such stress reduction methods to improve their health. Even mainstream doctors say there could be value to spiritual-based approaches - as long as patients don't abandon traditional medicine. "I think a positive outlook on life and taking control of your life and being optimistic is very powerful. It can't hurt unless they're ignoring their doctors," said Jean Boyer, who researches AIOS vaccines at the University of Pennsylvania. However, Tokumoto said many scientists find such exercises "hogwash." Unlike most clinical studies, it's hard to accurately docu ment the effects of spiritu al meditation therapy, he said. "Patien ts who have some spirituality are in better control of their lives," Tokumoto said. "They' re empowered." Tokumoto said he hopes to conduct the seminar every year and also is planning one for doctors and other health care workers. "What happens is when you really Daniel Ollis, who was diagnosed give your full attention to the sensory with HIV in 1983, said he attended experience of eating a raisin is that the retreat as a way· to eliminate people find there's a lot more flavor some of the pain that his brother and they have a richer experience,"' went through while dying of AIDS said Ken Farber, who led the session seven years ago. and teaches a program on meditation "Seeing a person waste away like at UC-San Francisco. that really tells you something," Later, Don Goewey, the director of a Ollis said . "I look back at him and I group that helps cancer patients and see myself. He just gave up. I'm not others with life-threatening diseas- giving up. I'm a fighter." PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1997 ., Homeo ffersso lacfeo rwomen andc hildrewnit hA IDS By Hanh Kim Quach The Arizona Daily Star TUCSON, Ariz .. - A Tucson couple fighting their own battle with HIV have opened their hearts arid new home to fellow victims. Johna and Ken Reeves' Casa Gloriosa, which opened in April, may be the first facility in Arizona to provide housing for women with HIV/ AIDS and their children. Johna Reeves, the director, expects Casa Gloriosa's 10 slots to fill quick- 1 y. "Girls age 15 through 20 are the fastest growing population with AIDS but there is not one place that I've found in Arizona that allows women and their children to live together." Ken Reeves, who heads the nonprofit agency's board of directors, said, "It's something we've been wanting to do for more than eight years ." , Ken was diagnosed wi.th the HIVvirus five years ago. Johna continues to test negative. The eight-bedroom, five0bathroornhome will provide the women a place to share their experiences or just to be alone . Johna Reeves said a woman can stay at Casa Gloriosa as long as she needs. Rent for a room will be $100 to $200 a month to help cover utilities . But Reeves said those who cannot afford to pay will not be turned away. When space runs out, Reeves said she and her volunteers probably will try to house the families in their own homes until another facility is opened. "I believe this will grow and community support will grow, too. Tucson is a generous community," she said. Five nurses and a social worker volunteer to help patients in shifts, while resident managers are present full time. Because of their situation, the Reeveses are particularly sympathetic to AIDS victims, Johna said. When Ken tested positive, "it put everything on pause," Johna said. But the couple was determined to find someth(ng positive from their predicament. ''To see him (Ken) suffering caused bitterness, anger, grief and sorrow. I could allow that to break me, or I could allow that to be turned into something useful. "When you're given a difficult situation, you just have to fall into it. It hurts. But if you don't fall into it, it's going to kill you," she said. The couple's alternative was to devote their energy to help people with AIDS. Seeing the growing need for facilities to help women and children with HIV, the Reeveses began educating church groups about the disease and asked for · help in putting together their service. Tucson churches donated money to help pay for the old adult-care facility and solicited furniture from the community . Diane George, a registered nurse who is helping to coor- ■ "I used to be very fearful of people with AIDS ... Finally, I just saw the need and God gotridof my fear." ■ dinate the medical staff at Casa Gloriosa, said, "I used to be very fearful of people with AIDS and I felt that that attitude was not bad." But her contact with the Reeveses and other HIV /AIDS victims helped George become more compassionate. "Finally, I just saw the need and God got rid of my fear," she said. George does not know what needs the residents have. But depending on the level of illness, volunteers may be asked to help with laundry, take patients to doctors or help feed them. Resident manager Laura Reid, who is d isabled and confined to a wheelchair, said, "We know how difficult it is to live with a disability. There is a certain stigma attached when you're different." That is why she and her husband, Dan, who is partly blind, volunteered to help watch over the house. "Many times, people with HIV are ignored because once · family and friends find out, (victims) are forgotten," Laura Reid said. Ken Reeves said, "We just want to inspire someone else to hope." C:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;::::::;;:;:::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::'.:•:'=l='.=:='.:'.=·=·=·=·==:=:=:=:=:=::::::::;:::·:;:::;::;::;:;:·:;:::::::::;:;:;:·:·:::;::::::=::;:-:::::\:::::::;:;:::;:-j AIDS Warriors & Heroes Writing helps author cope with AIDS By Madelyn Rosenberg The Roanoke Times ROANOKE - Joseph Sharp is dying. No, it's OK to say that. Sharp does, normal speaking voice, no whispers. Because here's the thing: We're all dying. The only difference is that Sharp, 35, ha s been diagnosed with AIDS and doctors have predicted how long he will live - and how he will die . Most of us don't know. "I spent a lot of time trying to deny my dying, to beat it," Sharp . said recently, from a comfortable chair in his Roanoke living room. There is no irony in the words "living room." Sharp believes living and dying are "two sides of one coin. We are always living and dying." He believes, too, that the awareness of dying can make living better. "Imagine that for one day, everyone recognized, on an emotional level, that they were dying, that we were all mor-tal. I imagine a lot of wars would come to an end. It teaches us really° that · we ha:ve this moment. Now.'.' Sharp's book on the subject was published last year by Hyperion, the same comp _a,ily that put out Oprah's exercise book. "Living Our Dying" was recently released in paperback and will be released soon in German, Taiwanese and Spanish. Sharp said the idea for the book - came from a phrase, a philosophy, he had adopted for his own life, "living my dying." Because that is wha _t he began to do, every day, after the denial phase ended. Sharp wa~ diagnosed as having AIDS in 1985. That was before peopl e irnew about HIV, before drugs gave patients the possibility to plan a future. The doctor's prediction: "three years." And so Joseph Sharp began to prove to himself that he w·as alive. He went back to school and entered a master 's degree program. He tried new methods to retain his health, a macrobiotic diet, positive thinking. He became classified as a long-term survivor. Eventually, he began thinking more about death and consciousness, and took a job as an intern chaplain at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, working with terminal patients. And then, in 1989, he got sick. A year later, he got sick again. "I remember I couldn't get to the front porch to get the newspaper," he said. ''Then I realized I was dying." · Though he was already viewed by then as a dying consciousness expert, "all of my intellectual bravado - out the door." But only for a time. He decided that he was going to live the rest of his life honestly, and that meant making dying a part of living. Or vice versa. "When I realized I was dying ... life got a lot more precious," Sharp said. "I realized I had to take time to smell the coffee, to call friends more often." He appreciates good food. And eye contact. When he was at his sickest, he said, he learned to appreciate the people "who had the courage to look me in the eye - and there were very few. Many of my friends did not want to hear about dying." In the city of Roanoke, there are 334 reported cases of HIV, 243 cases of AIDS. Sharp has had serious relationships with four people; two of them are dead. Sharp has not always used the "D words" as naturally as "please pass the mashed potatoes." He once whispered, like the rest of us. He stopped whispering after Guinevere Grier, his trainer at Parkland's chaplain program, told him euphemisms helped nobody. "It's a kind of way not to deal with reality," Ms. Grier said. "The 'passing away' or '?oing on' or 'left ■ "When I realized I was dying ... life got a lot more precious." ■ us.' I wanted the resident students to be totally aw are that the experience they were dealing with was a reality. 'This person is dying."' That is not to say that Sharp always talks about death, or even that he always thinks about it. But he is aware of it, conscious of it, even as medical breakthroughs are allowing him and his partner of four years, artist Barry Lewis, to plan more than a month at a time. If a publisher picks up Sharp's next book, "Wonderfully, Fearfully Human," they may buy a hou s e - something many of their friends have already done. But for now, they are in their rented space, a warm space, with hardwood floors, colorful paintings an·d lots of sunshine. it is important, Sharp said, to be someplace you like . Because when you have AIDS, there are times when you are too sick or too tired to leave yourroom. Part of moving to Roanoke, which they did in October, was to step back and slow down after Sharp's book tour. "To get a little quieter, a little stiller." And to think about what to do next. Along with writing his next nonfiction · book and a novel, Sharp also is thinking about speaking at colleges. He saw a CBS news report that said the No. 1 concern of American teenagers is the fear that a close friend or family member will die. "You would think they would worry about jobs or clothes," he said. "But their No. 1 concern is dying." Churches expect role in AIDS prevention to grow By Steve Farr Associated Press Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) - With AIDS spreading fastest among blacks and Hispanics, church leaders say they expect to play a bigger role in preventing the disease . That's because many patients in poor and minority communities don't trust government . institutions or health officials, said the Rev. Jesus Rodriguez, a chaplain with the AIDS Pastoral Care Network in Chicago. "That is the major stumbling block when-you try prevention," he said. Churches will have to step in to fill the void, Dr. Elaine Daniels of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told about 175 ministers and social workers at a meeting onJune13. "The heart of communities of color, especially for blacks and Hispanics, is the church," said Daniels, associate director for science at the Office of HIV/ AIDS Policy. "There's a tremendous need for education and for their involvement." AIDS first took off in the U.S. among gay white men, but now affects mainly blacks and Hispanics. among them, while some Mexican "I think it's going to be even harder immigrants fear that going to a hosto get (white, middle-class churches) pital and being tested could lead to to respond in the future," said the deportation, Rodriguez said . Rev. Anthony Campolo, associate "They wait all the way until the pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist end" before seeing a physician , he Church in West Philadelphia. said. Getting mainstream churches More than 15 years after public involved with AIDS patients has health officials began warning of the been enough of a challenge as it is, disease, myths linger, Campolo said. Campolo said . Congregations that He blamed much of the misinformawere quick to help those with cancer tion - such as the belief that AIDS or other terminal illnesses often can be transmitted through kissing or shunned people infected with HIV, shaking hands - on the religious he said. media . "The church has not fulfilled its "In some places enlightenment has calling," Campolo said. taken place, but there is a significant The two-day conference, titled proportion of the church ... that has "Lazarus Comes Forth," was spon- called AIDS God's special judgment sored by the Ecumenical Information on homosexuals," he said. "That AIDS Resource Center and Congreso gives God a bad name." de Latinos Unidos, both based in Campolo and other ministers argue Phi lad el phia. that churches should get more . EIARC, founded at Berean Presbyte- involved in caring for AIDS patients rian Church in North Philadelphia by setting up hospices that offer a in 1989, has become a key mediator more comfortable setting than hospibetween low-income AIDS patients tals. and health officials, said executive . "The church has to take a good look director Guy Weston . at its role in healing," Campolo said. "We are considered to be more cred- ''There's a whole host of studies now ible because we are part of the com- that show when there's good spiritmunity," he said. ual counseling ... there are physiologMany blacks believe the government ical reactions that hinder the prois intentionally spreading AIDS gress of the disease." PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST, 1997 ?:/: ii f§Ftifli1i.~t~~•1 Church & Or anization News MCC Louisville buys former Trinity Lutheran Church THE METROPOLITAN Community Church of Loui sville will purchase the Trinity Lutheran Church building in Louisville. Rev. Dee Dale, pastor, made the announcement June 22. With 93 present, the congregation voted, with only one nay, to accept the agreement for purchase negotiated between the board of directors of MCC Louisville and the c-0uncil of Trinity Lutheran . "This is an important day in the life of our church," Rev. Dale said. "We will now be able to facilitate multiple programming and ministries in this new facility. At our former location, such was not possible . We will also now have adequate space to offer to our community for meetings and other events. God has provided us with a beautiful new home and ministry center." . The 104 year old structure is located in the heart of Louisville's lesbian Ecumenical & Inclusive :, r.:.:'.,_.1'11;ii1'.i;f 1l.(-·; . ; "' _. ., .. ~ , . ,., .• •fi•• ,... . . .· . . ;,, . +~.)~ , i ' ,~,: j 1:n· .~ /, I I -~; . ·, ,1. We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconcili~ ation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries anci are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps, please write us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community and gay community. Its 9000 sq.ft. include a sanctuary, a fellowship hall with a full kitchen and steam table, an auditorium with a stage, and office and classroom space. The Allen organ, the altar with a basrelief of Leonardo DaVinci's The Last Supper, the hand-carved pulpit and baptismal font, pews, and other accouterments remain with the.building. New meeting place for Nashville church THE CHURCH OF the Living Water has move<;! from the East End United Methodist Church to the Unitarian Universalist Church and is meeting at a new time every Sunday, 6:30 p.m. The church recently ordained two new pastors, Tony Sirten and Linda Kinnemer. Living Water is active with Nashville Cares, an AIDS ministry, and hospital and nursing home visitations, and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center as part of the church's outreach . "We try to meet the needs of oppressed people who either are or are made to feel uncomfortable in the traditional church format," said Sherwood MacRae. The church's oldest member, Mrs. Ila Wilson, participated in the gay pride parade this year, along with other volunteers from the church. The new meeting location is at 1808 Woodmont Blvd. For information readers may call (615)650-1400 or (615)865-2679. PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE• JULY/AUGUST , 1997 '·, ::,"" ·t~k"'•{ N-•,.: » · €'⇒ ri J·N •l·· Evangelical Anglican Church in America ordains clergy CLERGY, FAMILY and friends from the Evangelical Anglican Church in America (EACA) gathered in Los Angeles in mid-April for their second ordination of the year. Five men and two woman were ordained to the priesthood and one woman and four men to the diaconate. Presiding at the service was The Rt. Rev. Craig Bettendorf, Presiding Bishop of the EACA. He was joined by The Most Rev. Charles Finn of the Liberal Catholic Church and The Most Rev. Steven Trivoli-Johnson, Archbishop of the Central Orthodox Synod. The Evangelical Anglican Church is a newly . emerging denomination of the Anglican Catholic tradition. One essential difference among the EACA and other continuing Anglican and Old Catholic Bodies is found in its commitment to inclusivity. The EACA's commitment provides a method in which p ersons may answer Christ's call to enter the priesthood regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, perceived physical challenge, race, ethnicity or age, In addition, the EACA holds firm in its resolve to embrace _diversity within its membership. The denomination has parishes and mission parishes throughout the country with numerous candidates in the U.S. and some abroad. Information may be obtained by contacting the EACA, 2401 Artesia Blvd. Ste 106-213, Redondo Bead,, CA 90278, Events Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizations. To have an_ event listed, send information to Seco11d Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)899-4014, e-mail secsto11e@aol.com . Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International 18th Annual Conference JULY 24-27, "With Liberty and Justice For All" is the theme of th.e GLPCI and Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere gathering to be held at the Warwick Hotel in Philadel phia, Pa. The organization invites all lo experience the fellowship of families from around the world. Workshops include 'Our Families and the Schools" and 'MultiCultural Families.' Guest speakers include Dr. April Martin, author of "The Gay and Lesbian Parenting Handbook .• Cost is $350, which includes registration, accommodations and seven meals. For information contact GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, (202)583-8029 . EACA2AIACS@aol.com, http:/ /www .dircon.co.uk/ aglo/ evan geli .htm. Mercy of God Community elects new leadership THE MERCY OF GOD Community, at its · recent plenary meeting, elected five members to its leadership council. Those elected were: Br. Ronald Francis; of Rhode Island, Community Servant / President; Br. Thomas Jude, of Vermont, Vice President; Br. James Bernard, of Massachusetts, Treasurer; Br. Peter Christopher, also of Massachusetts , and Br. William Chad, of New Jersey, Councilors. Br. Joseph Gerald, of New York, continues as Secretary. The meeting was held at Emmaus House, Perth Amboy NJ, on June 25 to 29, 1997. The community Will celebrate its 10th anniversary this winter. Former Nazarenes hold first meeting THE INAUGURAL MEETING of a group of former Nazarenes and others from fundamentalist backgrounds was held June 8 at Broadway Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo. The group hopes to acquire and disseminate educational material and host lesbian and gay evangelical speak~ ers. .- The next meeting was scheduled for August 2 at l0a.m. at Broadway Baptist Church, 39th Terrace and Broadway. For further information readers may write to P:o. Box 47534, Kansas City, MO 64171. Water of Life: Rites of the Gay Male Spirit AUGUST 1-3, Ken White and John Linscheid facilitate this Kirkridge weekend . retreat for gay men. The gathering is an ei,ploration of the use of ritual to foster . gay spiritual growth. For information contact Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Rd .. Bangor. PA 18013- 9359, (610)588-1793. Retreat: .. "God's Amazing Gracel' AUGUST 1-3, Holy Spirit Fellowship of Long Beach, Cal., hosts its annual retreat at Mt. Calvary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara . For information contact Pastor Duane Moret , P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809, (562)435-0990. Sisters in a Strange Land AUGUST 22-24, A retreat for Christian Lesbians lo be held at a center near Lake Michigan in southwest Michigan. Contact Leaven, P .O. Box 23233, Lansing, Ml 48909. (517)855-2277. Christian Community News Welooming oongregations adding two new church~ ~r week THE GRASS ROOTS movement in mainline churches welcoming the full participation of lesbian and gay persons has grown by 25 percent over the past year, according to the Reconcil~ ing Congregation Program . As of February 1, 1997, 735 congregations, 36 campus ministries, and 29 regional associations in ten faith traditions have publicly stated that they welcome all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. These welcoming communities are in 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Welcoming church programs have sprung up in different Chrisban denominations over the past 20 years, often as a means for local churches to Events Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 2-9, Gay and Lesbian Parents Coa- 1 ition Internationa l sponsors a week of relaxation and .entertainment for gay and lesb ian families in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI will host a beach barbecue and provide an in[ormation sheet at the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce Building suggesting daily activities. No fee. For information call (202)583°8029. National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries Fourth Annual Conference SEPTEMBER 4 -7, Sheraton Hotel, Long Beach, Cal. Plenary and workshop sessions on gay/lesbian and family ministries, youth and campus ministry outreach, spiritua lity · a!)_dcf1'treats. · Eucharist, reception and banquet .w.ith Cardinal _ Roger Mahony of Los ;Angeles :' Fol ·info'rmation and registration mate rials, call 510-465°9344, fax to 510- 451-6998, or e-mail to NACDl.GM@aoI.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 1997 International Conference SEPTEMBER 11-14, PR..AG members from around the country will gather at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., for "Love Takes Action: The PR..AG Family Adventure . • For information contact The Balcom Group, 3600 16th ·st: NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202):234-3880, balcomgrp@aol.com . t,.dvance '97 SEPTEMBER 24-28, The Alliance of Christian Churches sponsors its annua l gathering in Estes Park, Colo. "All Things ... New ... " is this year's theme: The conference has four .goals: to promote evangelism, to offer Bible education, to support local and global missions, ,and foste r fellowship opportunities. For ; information contact · the Alliance of Christian Churches, 722 Tenison Memorial Rd., Dallas, TX 75223, (214)320-0043, fax (214)320-0098. counteract denominational policies anci practices that exclude gay and lesbian persons. The growth of this welcoming movement has accelerated in recent years due to the beginning of new welcoming programs in more denominations. The welcoming church movement is now growing at a pace of two new congregations each week. It may well be the fastestgrowing grass roots movement in mainline churches today, said a spokesperson for the RCP. Currently there are welcoming churches/ministries in these denominations: American Baptist, Brethren/ Mennonite, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, . Lutheran, Methodist, Presby- Cultivating the Spirit: 21st Annual Quaker Lesbian Conference SEPTEMBER 25-28, A camp in beautiful Bucks County, Penn., is the setting. Sliding scale. For information contact QLC'97, 6906 Sherman St., Philadelphia, PA 19119, QLC'97@aol.com. Christian Lesbians OUT 4th Biennial Conference OCTOBER 2-5, This gathering will be held at a beautiful retreat center in the rolling hills between Portland and Mt. Hood , Oregon. "Called On The Journey: Sacred Spaces Of Our Lives" is this year's theme. Promised; worship, workshops, speakers and play! For information call (503)281-5405 or e-mail mamadyke@aol .com. Beaver Farm Men's Retreat OCTOBER 11-13, This retreat for gay, bisexual and .transgendered Quaker men is held every year at Beaver Farrn,·an old farm house located in the Croton River Valley, about an hour north of New York City. The retreat is a time of talk, prayer, eating. rest and renewal in an unstructured setting. There are a number of opportunities for worship and worship sharing. Cost is $ 185. For information contact Grant P. Thompson, 1426 Jonquil St., Washington, DC 20012, (202)723-8282, fax (202)291-i823, billstar@radix.net. North American Lutheran Conference on AIDS NOVEMBER 6-8, "Hope, Help and Healing: A Lutheran Challenge" is the theme for this fifth annual conference to be held in Secaucus, NJ. Sponsored by the Lutheran AIDS Network (LANET), the conference will feature interactions with ELCA Bishop George Anderson, Dr. Mart in Marty, Sen. Paul Simon, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, and other speakers. In addition there will be special worship opportunities, formal workshops, experiential learning through visits to AIDS service programs, resource /information exchange areas, and fellowship with companions in HIV/ A IDS ministry. For more information, contact Loretta Horton at 800/638-3522, ext 2404. terian, Unitarian-Uni versa I ist, · United Church of Canada, and the United Church of Christ. The complete list of over 750 welcoming churches and ministries is published in the .Winter 1997 issu'e of "Open Hands," a quarterly magazine published by the Reconciling Congregation Program . A copy of this issue can be purchased for $6 from "Open Hands," 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641. Names Makin News Wingspan honors Bishop Olson RETIRED LUTHERAN BISHOP STANLEYE. OLSON has been honored by Wingspan Ministry of St. Paul, Minn. Olson's career in the Lutheran church includes 45 years as an ordained minister of the ULCA, LCA and ELCA, half spent in congregations and half as synod s taff. For more than eight years he served as bishop of the Pacific Southwest Synod of the LCA. Olson served on the governing board the The Network, a national organization of pastors and lay leaders who work to promote the ordination of gay and lesbian people in the ELCA. He was the first bishop to ever preach at an assembly of Lutherans Concerned. Wingspan sponsored a reception for Bishop Olson on June 28. Independent Holy Catholic Church consecrates three bishops THE VERY REV. DENNIS FINNEGAN of Vercon, Conn., ,THE REV. JOHN N. RUBAR of New Orleans and the REV. JAMES ALAN WILKOWSKI of Chicago was ordained bishops of the independent Holy Catholic Church during the church's summer conference in Chicago. The announcement was made by The Most Rev. Robert W. Martin, Presiding Bishop. Bishop Finnegan will assume pastoral care of the Diocese of the Northeast, Bishop Rubar will assume pastoral care of the Diocese of the Southeast and Bishop Wilkowski will assume pastoral care of the Diocese of the Northwest. Bishop Martin will continue with pastoral care of the Diocese of the Southwest. Bishop Michael Frost of New York will be Prefect for Religi() U',, The independent Holy Catholic Church celebrates the sacramental and liturgical traditions of Catholicism . The church is a welcoming faith community that welcomes all unconditionally. Southern California Chapter of UCCL/GC honors three THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Chapter of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/ Gay Concerns presented three awards at the UCC Southern California Conference Annual Meeting on June 14 . MS. ELLEN KING received the Margaret J. Jacoby Scholarship. King, a seminarian at Dayton Theological Seminary, is a student in-care of the Central Association and the Arcadia Congregationa l Church . THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LONG BEACH received the Eleonore and Oliver Powell Award, which is given to a UCC congregation in Southern California that has demonstrated a vision of inclusiveness in living out the church's mission in local community. THE REV. DR. HENRY HOYT received the Howard and Donna Sell Award. Hoyt was instrumental in the ordination of Rev. Bill Johnson, the first openly gay seminarian ordained in a mainline denomination, in 1972. Transitions NORMANPITfENGER, an Anglican priest who wrote a book that helped ease gays and lesbians into acceptance by the church, died on June 19 in King's Lynn in Norfolk, England, near Cambridge University, where he worked for the last 35 years. He was 91. Pittenger published "Time for Consent" in 1969. It used "process theology" - which argued for a less absolute God, one that constantly sought to bring good out of evil - to present a case for tolerance of homosexuals. It sold 10,000 copies in paperback, a best seller for a work of theology. Pittenger, who taught at New York's Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church from 1935 until 1966, said his own feelings led him to write the book. "One of the things I had in mind was that - if one feels as I myself had felt when I was young, that I wasn't interested in girls and I didn't care to get married, it was perfectly all right to be another kind of person," he told The Independent in 1989. -AP PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 Suffering a secret BradDavisandAIDS Books By Amy Selwyn Special to Second Stone NEW YORK - In 1991, actor Brad Davis was dying of AIOS and ortly two people knew it: Davis and his wife of 15 years, Su_san Bluestein Davis. Thro~gh the night sweats, the weight loss and the realization that in the end nothing could save him, Davis and his wife kept the .secret. Because, in the movie industry, the word AIDS spelled unemployment: As he wrote in a book proposal developed in the final weeks of his life, Davis said, "I make my money in an industry that professes to care very much about the fight against AIDS but in actual fact, if an actor is even rumored to have HIV, he gets no support on an individual basis. He does not work ." Davis wanted the wotld to know · that he'd been HIV positive, he'd had AIDS and ·he'd still worked - and more important, he hadn't held up production. Because, as he wrote, "There are ·so many others like 'me, who are healthy and working, but who live lives of paranoia and fear because they can't tell the truth." So Davis extracted a promise from his wife Susan to write · the book he would not . live to complete. The Davises kepi the secret until Brad's death in September 1991. He was the first heterosexual actor to die of AIDS, and the hews made headlines across America. Then it was time for Susan to begin writing. Last month, with the publication of "After Midnight: The Life and Death of Brad Davis" (Pocket Books), the promise was fulfilled. For Bluestein Davis, it has been an emotional fiveyear journey. Mom publishes journal remembering son who died of AIDS OGUNQUIT, Maine - It's been seven years since Margaret Tyrus lost her son to AIDS. But she hopes his memory will be preserved by a new book she is self-publishing. "Journey to Freedom," combines journals kept by Margaret Tyrus and her son Gene as AIDS gradually claimed his life. He was 35 when he died on the Fourth of July, 1990. In the book, Gene is portrayed as a gay man reluctant to tell his family the truth of his sexuality and a loving son who threw his Gene's father rush to the hospital - arriving minutes after . their son's death .. Tyrus writes: "I do not think I will ever get over not being at Gene's bedside when he died. " She and her husband John spent "several thousand dollars" to print 500 copies. Several bookstores will begin selling the $18 book, and Tyrus will turn her home into a distribution center for anyone wishing to order through the mail. arms around his mother and sobbed Most of the proceeds, said Tyrus, when he told her of his diagnosis. will go to a foundation she is estab- She decided to self-publish the lishing in her son's memory. memoir after 23 publishers turned her She plans to direct the money down. toward AIDS-related causes - per- "1 can't begin to tell you how much I haps research or to defray expenses loved Gene and how much he loved for individuals living with the disme, " said Tyrus . "And I just wanted ease. Gene to be immortal. " "The deterioration, the man he was, The chapters slide from day-by-day that he was a good son, that he had a entries of bed sores, dementia, night job with an insurance company, that sweats and cancer to broad reminis- he once was a teacher, that he had cences of devotion and regret. good friends - . I wanted people to It begins with glaf!ces back to Gene's know all of it," said Tyrus. "I wanted childhood and the memory of a people to know who Gene was. And, mother rocking her infant son to you know, I needed to remember, too." sleep. Th e book ends as she and -AP PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1997 ;\W ; .;+i, t . The couple met in New York in·t97-0, She 'w 6rked · for a succes sful ·theater agent; he was a fatal mix of Southern drawl, sex appeal and raw talent. "My mother had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer," Bluestein Davis said in an interview. "I had lost my father a few years before . So then this person comes in out of the blue . He was childlike and very sweet." . · Like a page from a Hollywood script, the middle-class Jewish girl . and the handsome descendant of Confederate President Jefferson Davis fell in love. They moved in together almost immediately, married in 1976 and moved to California so Brad could pursue a film career. Susan Bluestein Davis became a casting agent. Brad Davis became a star when he landed the lead in · Alan • Parker's 1978 hit "Midnight Express." Brad Davis was an overnight sensation. And then, almost as swiftly, he became an alcoholic and · a drug addict . The phone stopped ringing . Davis' career was DOA. Peop"Je asked Bluestein Davis why she stayed with someone so obviously hell bent on destruction. "Because," she says, "I think women spend a long time thinking that their guidance, their Jove, their caring and their patience can fulfill and fix the .most desperate need. It tak es a Jong Ume to be able to step back and .realize that you have to take care of your own needs." Out of work, physically spent and in danger of losing his wife, Brad Davis decided to get sober . He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1981, and began the long climb-back. "Hard as that was to go through," s he says, "it made a major change in our life together. Really, it was like a light went on. We started to grow · together and work on our relationship . ·Things were really on th e upswing," says Bluestein Davis. In 1983, Susan gave birth to the coupl e's only child, a daughter named Alexandra. The future looked bright. And then on Decemb er 5, 1985, the letter arrived from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Brad was HIV positive, probably the result of intravenousdruguse. ''That was a blow beyond compare," Blues te in Davis says .. "We had worked so hard to get pa st the drinking and the drug s, all of the womanizing . And he was trying to get back on his feet with his career." Only· weeks befor e, Rock Hudson had died of AIDS. The media had a circus with the n ews, and it was pr ecisely the type of career-ending hysteria that Brad Davi s could not risk, his wife said. .. ,._ · "To·Brad, -it :was. very clear .that h~,,t had too much other 1baggage," sp.'e • says. "It wasn 't about being sick. It was about the fa~t H1aHhi~ 'i:i;iti@ -~ --i serious ' ~~ !)ge ,(q ·ai'\,.,akea ~il'; , El4k~ > ened career.",-::. · ::~ ··, :1, :;:.~j-:)::-~~fl;~-:,~7.-· The decision to remain silent was a mutual one, says Bli.iestein'. D·a,As, The couple would pay for Br,ad's:, treatment from their own checkbook. . There would be no iifauraiice forks: .: . • "There are so , . .:; many. others , . ' ' like me,.'vho ,a~e healthy and .: working, .but J:··: 1 who live·liyes r,· ,.,., ofparanoia ·an~ , •·-••! . ) fear because they can't tell the truth." · • Brad would agree to see a doctor only if the visits could be done in secret, at home. But they really didn't know what they were up against, Bluestein ·Davis · says. ;'We really didn't . perceive the new s as being a death sentence. The doctors told us there was a possibility that he could just be a carrier and never contract the disease." Though there was a ray of hope, there was al so tremendous anger on Bluestein Dav is' part. She raged against the disease and, mostly, she raged against her husband. · "The anger came on me like.a flood. I thought, How much more can my life be compromised? How much more can I go to the wall for this per son? What's going to be my return in the end?" She says now she doesn't want anyone to think she was a martyr, or a modern-day Job. "I was right down in the · trenche s," she says. "I definitely was challenged until the end to try and get through it." Through all tho se difficult years, she had been the supportive one. Now, the balance shifted. Brad Davis became th e strong one, loving and patient. Ironi cally, hi s emotional strength grew in direct proportion to his waning physical health. "Brad faced my anger. He took it. I don't know a lot of men who would've st ayed under those circumstances. It brought out a side of him I don't think he even knew he had - that capacity SEE DA VIS, Next Page j:j:£:£:t:::j:\:i=i:::;:;:;:;: :::::;:::::.:.:::;:;:::::;:;:i=}:;: :):::i:(:;:;:::):j:j:j:(:(:i:i:)-'.:::}:):::::;:i:;:):5:i:;:i:;:::::::;:::::i:£:j:i:::_:::;:-:;:;:::::;:;:::::;:::::::::i:f::::::J .Gatherings . . Spiritual truths aoout cats and dogs Books · By David Briggs AP ReligionWriter JESUS IS THE lamb of God. The Holy Spirit is likened to a dove . The faithful are flocks tended by a loving shepherd. So why is it that when you walk into most churches today, human beings are the only living things inside? " Because Americans have gotten so caught up in their love of technology and human achievement that they have lost touch ' with the natural world, says Christopher Manes, author of "Other Creations: Rediscovering the Spirituality of Animals." In his riew book from Doubleday, Manes asks readers to see animals in a new theological light, one in which lambs and doves - and cats and dogs - are a '. source for discovering spiritual values and essential religious truths. "Animal imagery doesn't decorate religion," Manes said in an interview. "It's central to understanding its message." From the first chapter of Genesis, when God creates "wild anima.ls of the Earth of every kind" and saw that it was good, animal imagery is pervasive throughout the Bible. Balaam's ass, a talking animal precursor to "Mr. Ed," proves wiser than his master in their encounter in Numbers. The biblical hope of a peaceful world expressed in Isaiah 10 is one where all God's creatures live in harmony: ''The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." · In early Christian history, the relationship between the animal and human world for centuries invigorated the religious imagination of popular culture, Manes writes. Manes tells the story of how Paulinus, one of the first bishops on English soil, helped convert the pagan king Eadwin to Christianity with a tale How clergywomen have changed the face of religion in America . "IN THEIR OWN Right: The History of American Clergywomen" by authors Carl and Dorothy Schneider is the first cross-denominational history of American clergywomen, an important contribution to church history and women's history. The authors describe the painfully slow opening of the profession to women from colonial days, when itinerant Quaker women were martyred, to the end of the 20th century, when women crowd seminary ·classrooms and challenge patriarchies in churches and synagogues. They DAVIS, From Previous Page to stay and love somebody through a lot of ugliness. He was small but mighty." Brad Davis stayed . And so did Susan Bluestein Davis. "Somehow we managed to weather that storm," she says. Bluestein Davis admires her husband's courage. "Brad became a very mature and incredible man." Yes, he was angry, she says, especially at Hollywood's hypocrisy. He braved telling the truth so AIDS would cease speculate about the possible future of clergywomen: How are feminism and womanism affecting them? The backlash from the religious right? The controversy over ordaining lesbians? The tensions in the Roman Catholic church and other churches that deny women ordination? Carl J. Schneider, Ph.D. in political science, University of Wisconsin, and Dorothy Schneider, Ph.D. in English, University of Nebraska, have written several historical works, including ·• "Into the Breach" and "Sound Off." They live in Essex, Conn. being a dirty word, she says. "So here I am," she says, 'Tm telling the story. AIDS is a disease like any other disease . People live with it, and people work with it." Even in Hollywood. Brad Davis died at home Sept. 8, 1991, in an assisted suicide. Bluestein Davis does not discuss the details of the drug overdose, saying only that she was by her husband 's side as he ended his struggle. 'Tm only hoping that with awareness, the perception that if you have AIDS yoa have done something bad will change,'' Bluestein Davis said. about a sparrow briefly seeking shelter from a storm. "Lo, during the time the bird is within, he·isn't touched by the storms of winter. But that lasts only a little while, a twinkling of an eye, before he soon returns to winter from winter. Just so this life of man appears only for a short time: what weul before and what follows, we know.not," Paulinus tells the king in the story illustrating the . transitory nature of life on Earth. Until the 14th century, pets regu- . larly accompanied their owners to church services, according to Manes, a doctoral candidate in medieval liter. ature at the University of Oregon. The Renaissance and the Enlightenment started the theological move toward a more human-centered theology, a movement that continues in many churches today, where religion has become a monologue about humanity. "Our theology has marginalized animals and tried to point away from them," Manes said. "We need to emphasize how marvelous creation is, and point to it." There are notable exceptions. Some churches, particularly in services remembering the ministry of St. Francis, will sponsor a Blessing of the Animals on their grounds and in their sanctuaries . Manes is not suggesting installing pens for farm animals outside churches or allowing people to bring their pets inside with them on Sunday. But he does recommend that people make it a point to interact with animals other than through nature shows on television. "If animals matter in your life, I think you have a deeper view of creation," he said. One way is by caring for pets. Manes said he talks to his cat, as other people do to their cats and dogs. This type of behavior is not odd, according to Manes. Rather, he said, it shows that pet caretakers consider the rest of the "nonchuman world" in a meaningful, consdous way. Spending time with nature, Manes said, also reveals another essential tenet of religion: "You 're not the center of things. Other people matter. Other things matter." The Erotic Contemplative Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian By Michael B. Kelly A SIX VOLUME STIMULUS FOR LIVING, LOVING AND PRAYER: 1) Our Experience (75 min) 2) Revisioning Sexuality (80 min) 3) Exodus and Awakening (75 min) 4) The Desert and the Dark (88 min) 5) Liberation (84 min) 6) The Road from Emmaus (63 min) The six volume video set is $199.00 Order through: EROSpirit Research Institute P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans LA 70182 "The Erotic Contemplative is the most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of. I have watched "The Road From Emmaus" (tape 6) three times and still find new riches." -- JOHN J. McNEIL, PH.D., author of The Church and the Homosexual. "In my theology classes, both gay and straight seminarians benefit from Kelly's integration of sexua lity with Christian mysticism." -- ROBERT Goss, PH.D,, author of Jesus Acted-Up. "An excellent resource ... a worthwhi le investment." -·BONDINGS.a publication of New Ways Ministry. "The Erotic Contemplative video course has helped gay men and lesbians who grew up as Christians move toward healing the wounds of the past." -JoSEPH KRAMER, M.D1v., EROSpir it Re searc h Institute. "This work should be considered essential to anyone serious about their sexuality/spirituality and mandatory for anyone who in any way acts as a spiritual director for gay and lesbian people." -- More Light Update. I More detailed infonnati on about eacli video is available upon request. Also available in Pal ~ the I European/Australian fo rma t. California residents add 8.25% sales tax. U.S. shipping charge: $5.00. International shipping charge: $35.00. © 1997, EROSpirit ~esearch Institu£e. PAGE 25 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1997 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ec umenical And Evangelical News p aper A bou t Bein g Gay And Christian PAGE 26 • SE C O ND STONE • JU LY /A UGUST, 1997 -- ------ --- -------- - ---- - -------------------- ------------- - ----, The mailable, fa"'=l.ble and e-mailable form for just about everything. Subscribe Today. INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION Your Name ___________ _ Address ____________ _ 11 yr, s issUes $17 [ ]NEW 12 yrs, 12 issues $28 [ ]RENEWAL ]3 yrs, 18 issues $39 City, state , zip+4 _________ _ ]Plain envelope add $2 per yr ]International, add $10 per yr . I I TOTAL THIS SECTION ... ____ __._ 8/97 GIFT SUBSCRIPTIO~S Please fill in the section above, entering )'OIi' name as you want it to a~r on gift cards. All gift subscriptions are maUed in plain envelopes. lnacate: [ ]SEND NOW [ ]SEND AT CHRISTMAS. 1 9111-$17; 2 gifts-$29; 3 gifts-$42; 4 gifts-$54. 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Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of the subscription expiration date. 8/97 Name---------------New address ------------- City _______________ _ Supply old address or label here. '----------~----,-__, State, zip+4 ____________ _ HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail completed form to P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 FAX: This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-899-4014. Press 3* when prompted or at any time during .the message. When you hear the t one, begin transmission . E-M AIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com I . I I . I I I ' ---- - ------ -- --- - ----- - ---- - -- --- - - - ----- - ---- - --------- - --- --- Baptist OOycottd~'t go far.enough Chica~o, illinojs . Dear Second Stone: HA YING BEEN REARED in rural Alabama, · baptized Southern Baptist, taught S\\l).day School, sang in the chotr, • taught V a:cation Bible School, even ·preached a few sermons as a teenager, I am somewhat disappointed that my "brothers and sisters" dfdn't take the notion of the Disney boycott all the way! In growing up 1n the small south Alabama town, . sitting in .church every Sunday morning and evening, and even most Wedn Eisday -nights for pr~yer meeting, I saw firsf hand the Baptist version of Christianity practiced in everyday life. On Sunday's, between Sunday School and the morning worship service, the front lawn of the church would be filled with dozens of men, many of whom were either past or current deacons, ·lrnrriedly puffing away on cigarettes, cigars and pipes, snuffing them out in time to make SECOND STONE Newspaper. ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box 8340, New Or leans. LA 70182. secstone@aol.com. Copyright I 997 by Second Stone. a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $ 10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING. For display advertising information call (504)899- 4014 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans. LA 70182. Classified advertising inform_ation is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL. Send letters, event announcements, church and organiz.ation news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans. LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people . PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey their formal entrance and sit on the front row to hear another hell, fire and damnation sermon on the evils of tobacco. One Sunday, the fire department disrupted the morning · worship service ·to extinguish the fire that the deacons' smoking materials had set on the dry grass of the front lawn of the church. And then, there was the common practice of the Baptist leadership (Methodists and Presbyterians, too), who would beat their chests on Sunday morning about the evils of ako. hol, only to be the prime patrons of the local taxi service which could be dispatched with a mere telephone call to go by the "green front" state liquor store to pick up the week 's supply of .booze. Disney is just the tip of the iceberg that should draw the fire of the Bible-beating Baptists. Why not rip from the Broadman Hymnal every song that has been authored by a gay or lesbian composer or lyricist. Throw out every gay or lesbian member of the baptized body of believers, to include the choir directors, church · musicians, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and yes, the pastors of many Baptist congregations. Remove from the church buildings, the stained glass, the pipe organs, the pianos, and other artistic elements that may have been designed and executed by gay and lesbian artisans. Throw off the fancy robes and other attire that the leaders of the Baptist denomination wear in their pulpits, knowing full well that they had been ., , p)L' p . Ip ddl :/.,.\ . ontms . u e touched by the hands ofgay or lesbian crafts persons. Burn the millions of pages of the Sunday School texts that have been published by the Sunday School Board, that were designed and printed by gays and lesbian s. Trash the scented bouquets of flowers that adorn the altar each Sunday beca .use they were planted, cultivated, and arr .anged by gays and lesbians . Rip .from the pages of the Bible, all references to same sex love and respect. No more Ruth and Naomi, no more Johnathan and David, no more Jesus "and the disciple whom he _loved." But, let's leave in, that passage w hich th e "practicing Christians" se ldom seem to r ecall when they are in their pulpits and on television, condemning those they don't understand: "Judge not less thou shalt be judged." But the ultimate boycott should be against the King James Version of the Holy Bible. After all, it is the pro duct of the agenda of a homosexual: King James. Sincerely, James 0. Yeaman God forgive them ... and me By Ann M. Amideo amidst the wedding, painfully reminding me I do not exist; utterly Contributing Writer invisible. IN THE MIDST of His agony, despair My sister who keeps her children and humiliation, Jesus lifts His eyes shielded from their gay aunt, as to toward His accusers and pleads protect them from harm. "Father forgive them for they know The politician who caves into safe, not what they do"(Luke 23:34). popular votes, rather than justice and Lord, let these words abide in me, truth, against their .own conscience. your gay child, that I may forgive ... My next door neighbor who warns My mother and father who have their children to stay away from forsaken their gay child, withdraw- "that house ." ing their love and support. Myself, for the lack of courage and My family and friends for their fear of humiliation, to spNk out in careless and insensitive humor and situations that demand a voice. ridicule of gay people. Myself, for misguided anger that My co-workers who assume I am a have caused others hurt and sorrow. lonely, single person because I lack a Myself, for desiring that my prelegal marriage status. cious life would end, as I wallow in My heterosexual friends who love self pity and despair. me, but lack the empathy to feel the Lord, show us that forgiveness does urgent need for public and legal recog- not pardon inj,qstice., _but rather, nition of my family. releases our hearts froJl\·th~ roots of My employer who refuses to grant bjtterness, that enly s_erye_.to cho~e. me a family benefit package, thus out the blossoms of lo".:fJ eac e a~d leaving us econoμiically ·vulnerable. . j<>y. ·· My minister who has refused to sef it : . place. for us at the Lord's table, exiling us to the lonely desert, to hunger and thirst. Those who hate me, but do not know me. My teenage students, who unaware, hurl stones of hurt, insult, violence.at the mere mention of homosexuality. Those steeped in silence around the table, in the church, at the job, We welcome yo11r . letters and opinions , .Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and s(gned by the writer. . Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)899-4014. classif. BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS ENLARGING THE CIR CLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist chu rc h in Jesse Helms' hometown decided as a cong regatio n to offer rituals of blessing for gay and les bian coupl es . The church's history with gay issues, discussion wit hin the congregation, reaction from outside rs, exp~lsion by fellow Baptist s, celebrati ons of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by les bian Pal Long, the on ly • out' deacon during the process. Send $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Bap tist Church, 1801 Hillsboro ug h Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY ," 'Heartily recommended," 'Ph ilosophi ca ll y intriguing," 'Excellent.' Why do review er s highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTER LY ? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between . C hristians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Sub scribe for only $12.50/yr. Or ·,ample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*N EW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton , NJ 07011-0276. TF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BILLIONAIRE BOYS/ GIRL S Club: Looking for motivated individuals lo make some extra money. No telemarketin g or door to door. Lots of fun, great people. Intere sted? Call Jess or Mike at (703)370-7875 . 8 /97 EMPLOYMENT THE OTHER SIDE, the Christian magazine of peace, justice, and spiritua lity, seeks a Director of Operations to coordinate overall management, long range planning, person nel , and board development. Teambuilding sk ills, 2-4 years administrative experience required. We offer exce llent benefits and work on a com mon salary structure - currently $18,740 per year for indiv-iduals (plus genero us stipend for dependent children). Contact: Search committee , 300 West Apsley, Phil ade lphia , PA 19144. (215)849-2 17 8. TOS.PA@ecunet.org. 10/97 GENERAL INTEREST CAN'T GET TO CHURC H? We'll come lo you b y audio cassette of ou r weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Lo ng Beach, CA 90809. 8/97 OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2000 - Join us in our wonde rful Alpine Adventure and Treasures of Italy tour now being planned visiting •Innsbruck •l schgl •Liechtenst ei n •Venice •Milan •Flore nce •Tyrolean Alps. 15 exciting days - Sep tember 20 to October 4, 2000 - departing from Detroit. Hosted by Rev. Steve Weinberger. Call or write for more infor mat ion :. 5 17-224-6 859, 200 E. State St., St. Johns, Ml 48879. 8197 CHRISTI AN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay and lesbian Christian friends from across th e nation as you tou r one of the most sacred places in the world : Christian Pilgrimage to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam. Visitors often remark th at this trip to Israel was the journ ey of a lifetime! Thi s 12-day trip through this ancient and holy land indud es a 2-night st op in deli gh tful Amster d am. $2,469.00 per person. · Contact Secon d Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182, secsto ne @aol.com RE SEAR CH: Were you raised in a Southern Baptist home, churc h? Are you gay , lesbian? Yo ur help is need ed' Gay, lesb ian rormer So uth e rn Bapt ist mini s ters , administrators classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Gen! Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Yourname. _____________ ---=------ Address,_'-------------------- City/State/Zip, _______________ _ Your ad copy ________________ _ How much?. Count the number of words in your ad and multiply'that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New·Orleans, LA 70182. Minimum 20 words. All classified ads must be prepaid. Deadline: 15th of the morith prior to cover date. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 26. PAGE 28 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1997 are seeking churches, organizatio ns (e.g., Honesty) whose memberships includ e gay former, c urrent Sout hern Bapt ists willing to share personal stor ies for proposed boo k seeking to initiate honest dialogue. with the denomination. Information desired regarding experiences growing up gay in such ho mes, church es. Anony mit y, confiden tiali ty absolutely guaranteed. Readers, please share information with your church, organization. GROUP . (the larger, the better) respo nd ents will be interv ie wed and audiotaped indivi dually in your town at mutua ll y acce pt able time, date. INDIVIDUA L respondents will be asked to complete mailed questionnaires. Groups, individuals willing to participate or w ho want more inform ation·, please contact: Dr. Theodore W. Hayes, P.O. Box 687, Stone R idge , NY 12 484 -0687 ; e-mail: thayes9217@a ol.com; fax: (914)687-2143. ................................ , ;l'·,·· ........................................... .. Reauer toReader IIIIIIIDIRECT CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII A section of profiles of activ e subscribers who want to meet other gay and lesbian Christ ians across town or across the country - To have your profile published simply send your information to Second Stone, P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 , e-mail to se cs tone@aol.com, or FAX to (504)899-4014. 1. State, City· __________________ _ 2.Name _____________________ _ CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female 6. Age__ 7. Religious affiliatio.,._ _______________ _ 8. Occupation, _____________ -,- ______ _ NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: Your mailing address, your e-mail address, or your telephone number. 9. Contact informatior'----------------------- . . . 10. Contact information . l --··. ---·········--··················--·····.. -· .•············· ·-··--------HOW TO READ R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by stat e, th en by city. If a mailing addr ess is given in a listing the zip code appea rs in th e li sting . NNG = No name given. S=single, C=c ommitted . G=gay, L=l esbi an, T =transgendered, B=b isex u al, S=straight. M=male, F=female. Age, r eligi ous affili atio n, occupation, cont act inf or mati on. CALIFORNIA, DOWNEY THEODORE CRANFORD, SGM, 67, UFMCC, RETIRED, PO BOX 1307, 90240-0307. (562)928- 4489. CALIFORNIA, PASADENA BARRY DIXON, SGM, 40, WORLDWIDE CHUA GOD, TECHNICAL WRITER, dec4th@aol.com FLORIDA, PANAMA CITY ROBB DOYLE, SGM, 38, CHARISMATIC ACC. MEDICAL MESSAGE, 1139 EVERITT AVE 3240!, mgay4jesus@aol.com FLORIDA, BRANDON ROBERT MORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAU APOSTOLIC, FLIGHT ATTENDANT/MINISTER, 2023 CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505. ITALY, NAPOLI PAOLO LANNI, SGM, 39, PENTECOSTAL, PHYSICIAN, PO BOX 11, 80100 NAPOLI, 39-81-7761534. LOUISIANA, BA TON ROUGE PAM GARRETTSON, SLF, 31, LUTHERAN, GRAD STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS JIM BAILEY, SGM, 42, LUTHERAN, PUBLISHER, secstone@aol.com MICHIGAN, LANSING NNG, SGM, 46, METHODIST, SELF EMPLOYED, 517-224-2415. MISSISSIPPI, JACKSON ALLEN SHIRLEY, SGM, 32, INDEPENDENT-AIM, 5136 GERTRUDE, APT A, 39204 MISSOURI, KANSAS CITY JOSEPH STUCHEL, SGM, 36, CATHOLIC, COM· PUTER PROGRAMMER, 4006 OAK ST., #6, 64111, jgstuchel@aol.com NEW HAMPSHIRE, MANCHESTER ROD, SGM, 42, INSURANCE UNDERWRITER, hotnho9258@aol.com. NEW YORK, YONKERS JOHN PRATHER, SGM, 71, EPISCOPALIAN, COMPUTER SPECIALIST,? BELL PL., 10701, 914-964-0379. -- " OREGON, FLORENCE JOE NOLAN, CBM, 59, EPISCOPALIAN, GARDENER, PO BOX2263, 541-997-1752 TENNESSEE,CHATTANOOGA CHUCK THOMPSON, SGM, NONDENOMINATIONAL, PASTOR, 3623 FOUNTAIN AVE., #109 37412, 423-624-9824 TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE MEL, SGM, 42, PROTESTANT, PUBLISHER, bnamelman@aol.com TEXAS, BEAUMONT MICHAEL DAVID, SGM, 42, PAINTER, PARALt· GAL, 648558 MARK STILES, RT, 4 BOX 1500, 77705. TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO AL EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERV· ICES, PO BOX 12754 78212, MOCHICA@FLASH.NET VIRGINIA, RICHMOND MICHAEL KEITH HALL, SGM, 39, BAPTIST, PRO· GRAM SUPPORT/SCREENWRITER, 2201 FOURTH AVE., 23222. NO LOCATION GIVEN NNG,CLF, 39, BAPTIST, gosep@aol.com 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 Second Stone #53 - July/Aug 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e23ec92d4861e4309967c36f2fba847e.pdf 94804dec378bd6914746cd6b26107168 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 52 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published May/June 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONALE CUMENICALC HRISTIANN EWSPAPERF ORG AY MEN. LESBIANS, BISEXUALSA, ND TRANSGENDEREDP EOPLE 2. 95 ~~€R~NS, LA7 0182[ J ADDRESCSO RRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL . ---------------~ Look who's laughing now ComicP auWl illiams findsa lightesri de to growingu p gay and Baptist BY JIM BAILEY THE DALLAS CHAPTER of Honesty, an organization of gay. Southern Baptists, offers a place where painful stories are . sometimes shared, but if there were any tears .on the night that Paul J. Williams came to the meeting, tliey were tears of laughter. The Baylor University marketing graduate-turnedcomedian draws on his upbringing in a conservative family of Baptist churchgoers for much of his comedy material. Raised in San Antonio and now living in Dallas, Williams, 36, realized about ten years ago that he would not be getting much mileage out of his marketing degree . He was a talented singer with a flair for comedy that was not going to be suppressed. He quotes Lily Tomlin in describing his trading the desk for a stage: "At an early age, I realized that people were always laughing at me, so I decided that I might as well try lei be funny!" Williams is quickly gaining a strong following with his hilarious views on growing up in the South. He has created his own show of original characters and stand-up comedy, covering everything from his being a "creative" child in a conservative SEE COMIC, Page 5 FIRST TIME? Second Stone is about being gay and Christian. If this is the first time you've seen Second Stone, turn to page 2 to read more about being a gay Christian . You're also invited to visit an Outreach Partner near you: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA; KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI; DAYTON, OHIO; RICHMOND, INDIANA; LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY; NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE; SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK; WILLIAMSBURG.VIRGINIA; MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE; LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA; LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. See page 3 for-information. BULK RATE US POSTAGE PAID NEWO RLEANSLA PERMITN o.5 11 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Please see page 26 for information on becoming a new subscriber. Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of .Second Stone al a gay pride event, a P-H.,AG meeting,_ or some other event· or location, there's a Second Stone Ontreach Partner . in your area. Their brochtire is enclosed. They are a · Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for.their next service or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual per- · son who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors-are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who.offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should leven care about God? Your church may have rejecte,lyou, but God never has. God's nature is to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops , lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes_ the people who run the church, because of fear, selfislmess or olher reasons, are not able to follow as G0\I leads. In the past: the church failed to _speak mit. against the Holocaust and slavery. At some .point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak Out against the hmnophobia_ thilt leads to discriminaiion ai1d violence will be seen as a tern.hie wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Bafbara. Harris-once said, the church is a follow.:r of society, not a lead~r. . .. ·: Pt>Eis: thls p:1.ean i ~4qtt~d~'t g~ ~ ::: church? Absolutely n~t! . (It m~s the church needs you probably more than)'.<>'! need ·the church.) There is a pi?ce for you in a church in your neighborhood: There are· · many Christian churclies'and organiiations iU'ound the . co1111tfy'tha! have a specific ministry to gay: and lesbian pe<;>ple. Even in the mai'\strC?ffi denominations gay and lesbian people.have prominent, although sometimes· closeted, places iiJ. the church as: pastors, . youth leader.s: choir masters, lay . leaders, and so on.' Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into .positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How. do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you'\'.e never se~ foot in a church·or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God . . PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 _who,seeks you out. If .there's a barrier between your- . •$elf and:God, itis not God's ·responsibility . Blackaby . . . \ . . and King in Experiencmg God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that .is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible; prayer, circumstances, and the ·church to reveal ·Hiinself; His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invi_ tation for you to _work with Him always leads you to ·. a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You · must make niajor adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk l<i you. He or she may be able to ., recommend a reading rl"source, a video , a Bible siud y group or a church . And don ' t b e af raid or embarrassed to ask, Such a frien d or pastor will be glad you asked. It is ho w God works among us. If you'ye nev.er read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-IO; and · 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good. God-gi ven part of your being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports co11J1nitment and fidelity in loving relationships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels , not sex between men . Not a single Bible text .clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only ·five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27-and I Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10. All these texts are concerned with something other !han homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an answer... The Bible never addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately 1U1concemed about it. · I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner . The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of ·other denominations. (There is no "one true church.") 'IJ:iere are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step . Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully, integrated may have to be silent about their sexuaiity because of their job or other circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) Bill a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult suuggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to· oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends , and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into the fabric •of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows yon to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA Heaven's T abl el and Church P.O. Box 2674 Williamsburg, VA 23187 ,Meets at Williamsburg Library Boundary St., Williamsburg Sundays 1:30 p.m. Bible study al pastor's home on Tuesdays. Call church office for directions. (757)887-3719 "THERE'S ROOM FOR ALL AT GOD'S TABLE!" REV. ADELLE L. BARR, PASTOR LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Metropolitan Community ch of Las Vegas Phone: (702) 369-4380 e-mail mcclw[i'wizard.com Sunday Worship I P.M. at 3616 E. Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV (one block !inst of Pecos) Wednesday Worship: 6 P.M. at 1140 Ahnond Tree Lane, Suite 304 (N W corner a/Mary/mid.Pkwy and Sahara ) Come Share the Spirit! Office & mail: 1140 Almond Tree L.ane. Suite 302, Las Vegas. 89 !04 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI -Come share your ministry with us •'at. ••• rfr Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (Ncr1h ofthc River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am http:IJwww.sound.net/~piclde awa•@•Ji1•11111•1•dilfi=•Wi'iti=i€-11 Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA ~i"' Come ~e o . Celebrate .f :, ·\/ With Us - The New Life In Jesus! 1,aiJt ,,Jllfl~Jif ~.1,, (Luri15:J2J Non-Denominational - Bible Centered Sunday Service~ - 10:30 am at The Billy Defrank Center 175 Stockton Ave .• San Jose. CA Pastor David Harvey • (408 ) 345-2319' http://www.lodsys.com/celebrate/ RICHMOND, INDIANA Other . Sheep . AN ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY . WITH THE SEXUAL MINORITY COMMUNITY JOIN US FOR WORSHIP! June 1 June 29 July 27 August 24 P.O. Box 2448 Richmond, IN 47375°2448 765-966-44 58 email: crameba@earlham.edu DISTRIBUTION Of THIS·ISSUE MADE POSSIBLE BY PAGES-THE BOOKSTORE, bLO"RlCHMOND COURT 21 1 S. STH ST. RICHMOND 765-935-6945 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING WATER Bible Studies. Worship Services Healing Ministries Counseling Meets at EAST END UMC 1212 Holly Street, Nashville, TN "God's Word to . God's People" Info: call (615) 865-2679 SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK You are we lcome at li5htho1-tsc Apostolic Church 38 Columbia Street, 2nd Floor Schenectady, NY 12308-3326 (518) 372-6001 Brother Carey, Pastor Worship Service Sun. at 4 :30 pm Bible Study Wed. at 7,:00 pm A Jesus'Name Church! N~tibn~l Gay: ~Cfllecostal Alliance .. email: NGPA@concentric.net v isit-our website at . ht~ ;//www_.ais.com/ ~NGPA LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA FIRST. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ~"" LOt:JG BU.CH . . • . . U.NITED CHURCH .OF CHRIST \ ._) An Open and Affirming Con9re9at ion We welcome you to worship in i:I nurturing environment. 241 Cedar Ave • Long Beach CA 90802 (562) 436-2256 • .fax (562) 436-3018 http:/ /users.aotcom/revmek/index.html MEMPHIS. TENNESSEE w HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCHES' IN TENNESSEE MEMPHIS-- 1559 Madison Ave. 90 l /726-9443 Sunday: IO a.m. Sunday School I I a.m. Communion Rev. Timothy Meidow~ M.Div., Senior Minister NASHVILLE-- .3028 Lebanon Rd. (in the Unity Center) 6 J 5/837-2424 Sunday: 6 p.m. Worship Service Rev. CynthiJ looper, M.M. Proclaiming God's love For All People LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Everybody needs a little Third Lutheran Church 1·864 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206 896-6383 Worship: ·sunday J0.:30 AM Rev. Phil Garber A Reconc;iled in Christ Congregation Everyone is.invit~d . You are invited LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Weary'?? . C::Ol.VIE :H:Ol.VIE!! & 1110[.71' JlPmff U'll:llLOWJmr . . • . .. . or~~~~~~ · · Classes · Retreats , . . Counseling Social Activities · 12-Slep ' Bible" Study HIV "Spiritual Support" Group Mid-Week "Prayer & fi'raise" Services Saturday, 6:00 PM "Worship" North Long Beach Christian Church 1115 E. Market St., Long Beach, CA. (562) 435-0990 DAYTON, OHIO CO:MMUNIIY ' ' GOSPEL CHURCH P.O. !DX 1634 • ~YION,OH 45401 DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY! ALL ARE WELCOME . . . . ni~ 546 XeniaAve. Ulyton, Ohio SundaylOam · EMAtI; RlcvSamuell<@oolrom VISit our Web Site! http:/ /www.oomeaol.com/~ 93 :7 _2 S 2-885 S REV. SAMUEL 'KADER, PASTOR PAGE 3 • SECOND UONE • MAY/JUNE, . 1997 • Prayer •The Bible • Words & Deeds Women-only crews attract Habitat for Humanity voltn1teers By Dawn Fallik Associated Press Writer OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Wendy Birdsall thought she knew enough about carpentry to hang a door in her Lincoln home. It fell on her instead. "I had to call my dad to come help me. I always have to -call my dad," the 37-year-old marketing .director said. "I wanted to be able to do it on myown." So Ms. Birdsall volunteered to help build a Habitat for Humanity house on Mother's Day - one with an allwomen construction crew. Training sessions were free, including one· on hanging doors. "I can't wait to drive by and say 'You see that house? I· helped build it,"' Ms. Birdsall said. All-women projects, which Habitat for Humanity began in 1990, have proven an increasingly popular way to attract volunteers. While 100 people are need·ed to build the ' typical 1,000-squar!!-foot home with three bedrooms and one bath, the "allwomen" ads usually _recruit far more. "I was afraid that ! ·wouldn't have enough volunteers," says Sandy Wolfe, the executive coordinator for· the Habitat affiliate in Lincoln that is building Nebraska's first housl)with a female crew. "l got more than : 300, and we had to start a seconq '. house just so everyone would have ~: chance to get involved ." · Rookies like Ms. Birdsall say they: are attracted to the all-women crews ' because they want to learn carpentry : without the intimidation factor posed by men. . . Veterans say they sign up to pass 011 • their skills, and encourage mor~: women to enter the construction : trades. ' ' Cecilia Frederick, a former construe: : lion worker, once ·pai!)ted her tools bright pink_ to stop male co-workers : from sneaking them from her tool box'.. She appre:ciates the female camaraderie she's . experienced supervising the construction of 30 women -built houses in the St. Paul, Minn., ·area. "At one groundbreaking, everyone startil!8 singing 'If I had a_ hammer,"' she said. "It's just much more relaxed· and ne·wcomers really get into the ·spirit ·- even as they're · layin,g bricks." Bonriie Jolly, a 48-year-old property tax analyst, said her construction plans have become a hot topic at · work. "They a·sk what the men are going to be doing and I say 'the babysitting and the food,' and they look at me a little oddly," she said. "The women will be busy putting up the roof trusses." Alice Wilcox, a 70-year-old r~tired librarian, says the job do_esn't require extraordinary strength, She began helping with Minneapolis-area Habitat houses three years ago and now ieaches building basics ta others. "Sometimes it takes a little longer to build a . house with all women because you get a !of of volunteers who don 't ,know what they are doing," she says. · In 20 years, Habitat for Humanity has built 50,000 houses in 47 countries. Habitat provides the houses, simple but solid, and interest-free mortgages to low-income families. ·· ' · Ab~ui·half of tl~ose who ·meve into Habitat houses . !'Ire ·single ·women with children, Wolfe says. Mgst female volunteers say they appreciate ·that ·but mostly volunteer for the construction traini11g, Each family-selected to own a Habitat house· lielps build · it; contributing about 200 hours in "sweat equity" over three months. Frederick; th~ si. Paul supervisor, notes one : prime' diff~rence between houses built by women and those put up by Habitat'.s. ·usual crews, which are predominantly male. "Because most of the women are new to construction, tli.ey actually read the instructions," she says. "Men tend to have ·a little more .experience, so they take chances and risks that • don't always work." · PAGE ' 4 ·SECOND-STONE ' ·• MAY/JUNE, 1997 Gay deoote has more J_X!Ople reading the Bible - times in which it was written. By Charle_s Honey "We're looking at what we think is Religion News Service an authentic way ofrlooking at Scrip- GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - As the ture, and to shed mo~11.light on Scrip- Rev. Robin Scroggs sees it, the lure but also on the acceptance of !es- . increasing . controversy in churches bian and gay people in the life of the over homosexuality has produced at church," said the Rev. Douglas Vanleast one positive benefit: It's got Doren, pastor of Plymouth Congregapeople reading the Bible. tional United Churc}l of Christ. "This is really an amazing situa- VanDoren argues his group's view is lion," said Scroggs, a Biblical studies a "well-established, long-understood professor at Union Theological Semi- perspective on Biblical interpretanary in New York. "In our culture as a lion." whole, you couldn't get two people Taking the Bible as a whole, together to talk about the Bible. But Scroggs doesn't believe ii provides here all of a sudden people are con- convincing arguments either for or cerned about what the Bible says, against homosexual relationships. because ifs a matter-of concern for us." "We have to a~ue the legitimacy The concern is the place of gays and or illegitimacy on grounds other than lesbians in society, and how people of Scripture," he said. But Scripture is exactly where one ■ " ... condemning people outright for who they . are is a sin." should look for answers, says Baptist Seminary's Grier. Grier argues the basic answer lies not in the much-disputed "vice" passages, but\!} the creation story . Genesis 1:27 makes clear_ the crucial gender difference between men and women, and Genesis 2':24 establishes male- -------------■- female unity as the biblical model for faith· should view homosexuality marriage and p·r_ocreation, Grier based on Scriptural teachings. asserts. Christ harked back to this It is that concern that brought model as God's intention, he says. Scroggs from New York to Grand Rap- Grier also maintains some Old Tesids, often ·considered an enclave of lament laws such as the ban on homoconservative religion, but that finds sexuality are "perpetually binding," itself, like virtually all other Amer- while others such as a kosher diet ican cities, caught up in the debate. were temporary laws later "brought The Grand Rapids debate was to completion" by Christ. prompted by the controversy sur- · The Rev. Doug VanBronkhorst, pasrounding the late Gerry Crane, a gay tor at First Reformed Church of music teacher who resigned under Grandville, and formerly pastor of a community pressure from his job in the San Francisco church that in~Juded Bryon Center school system. In June, a several gays and lesbians, believes group of mostly mainline Protestant that people should be compassionate pastors issued a letter calling for full towards gays but that the Bible acceptance of homosexuals in church- plainly prohibits homosexual praces,- a~uing the . Bible does .not forbid tice. "committed, loving, same-sex rela- "Our responsibility is to say, 'You're tionships." a sinner and so am I. We are all sin- Scroggs visite ·d __ Grand Rapids to ners in need of God's grace,"' Vankeynote a seminar meant to :bolster Bronkhorst said. the mainHne position. Plymouth - Congregational's Van- While. many denominations hew to Doren, however, gets a very different literal interpretations apparently message from Scripture: "That concondemning homosexuality, many demning people outright for who mainline churches are split. they are is a sin." "As it continues, and especially as Though he takes seriously the it's brought into the civil arena ... I often~quoted passages, VanDoren think the issue's only going to get added," Any passage needs to be read more intense," said the Rev. James in the context of the whole, particuGrier, dean of Grand Rapids Baptist lady in the context of Jesus' good Seminary. news. Scroggs and others in the mainline "The Jesus· I see reflected in Scripcamp argue that the Bible offers no ture is one who cares for and is incluclear guidance on the issue. He says sive of people who are genuine and the Bible should be interpreted in the struggling to be loving people," he cultural and historic:al context of the said . · . • I Comic replaces Baptists' :tears with laughter . From Pagel · don't know ~hy I haven't ~;en asked known mainly as a gay group. Holly- . Southern Baptist home to his experi- to perform, he laughs. T hav,e a wood ~as always been more friendly : . ences as a single, gay male. He has character named Sr. Helen, who s a tow_ara les~1an artists -: It seems peo-· b O ht h. . b d f h lot hke the Church Lady, and I know pie iust don t want to know· about gay· . r ug 1s umque ran o umor as they would like her,, ,, . . . . an openly gay, stand-up comedian to . · men. · stages all across the U .S and Canada. His characters are loosely based on On July 24, Williams. is uittin his actual people he has known. Another ·real-world .job as a bookk~e er !tan standout_ character _1s Nelda Pickens, interior desi n rou and t~in his a bee-luved, cham-smokmg, real Show "J st Ag IgA PC nf . g f estate agent who coughs and hacks - u s m: o ess10nso a h h . Creative Child" _ to th ff A I er way t rough everytlung she has He made his decision ~o :ie 11s :ct to say about her profession. to New York at the encouragement of comedienne Julie Halston, a regular at Caroline's Comedy Show in New York. . "She caught my act during a gay pride festival," Williams says. "She was bowled over. She said, 'You're gay, you're from the South, and you're Baptist. Start writing!"' Still grounded in the realities he learned in business school, Williams is counting on temp work and singing gigs in churches to pay his living expepses while he develops his career in New York. His family has seen his show and is supportive of his work. They know what comedy is all about: Williams' grandfather was a clown. But the gay twist added a new dimension to the •. family's comic heritage. · "One-of my brothers thinks.I have a great crossover appeal," WiHiams says. "But my oldest brother is very fundamentalist and doesn't w,mt to talk about my career at all." For a time, Williams' father thought there was a Baptist-bashing aspect to the act. But after last summer's vote by the Southern Baptist Convention to boycott the Walt Disney Company because of its gayaffirming policies, his father's perspective changed - even to the point ·of his publicly admitting to sometimes being ashamed to b,e a Southern Baptist. . · "I just talk about what the Baptist church has done to me and my people," Williams says, "and I think my father understands that now." In fact, dad · has been written into the act. Williams talks about the . time - when he was 14 - he bought -a "Charley's Angels" poster and tacked it on the ceiling above his bed instead of on the wall. "I. think my father was actually pretty happy about that. But every night before I went to sleep I would just look up and say 'I wish my hair would do that."' Williams jokes that he hasn't been approached to provide entertainment for the "messengers" who will gather in Dallas this summer at the Southern Baptist Conventio~'s annual churchwide meeting. "I honestly Williams got his first taste of getting laughs in 1986 when he took a job delivering singing telegrams . "I recommend it as a proving ground," he says. "It was really tough work." After doing some studio singing and performing in community theater, he was persuaded by a friend to form a cabaret-style comedy group and combine his vocal and comedic talents into one venue. In 1988, Williams got together with two other comedians and opened an act in Dallas called "Less Miserable." Williams and company did not allow their first audience - of five people - to discourage them and the group went on to play to rave reviews for six ·years until the show closed in 1994. He has also . been a singer with the world-renowned Turtle Creek Chorale, a 200-voice men's chorus based in Dallas. Other jobs included keeping local record stores stocked with the Chorale's music and hosting a Karaoke show one night a week at J.R.'s in Dallas. · Williams ,_says he believes the recent hoopla surrounding Ellen's coming out may help the careers ·of gay performing artists, although he doesn't see it impacting himself as a gay male. "I have to be honest," Williams says, "and I've always beenhonest. · I've always been out but we (Less Miserable) didn't want to be I PACT lesbian & gay News & Entertainment for New Orleans since 1977 Wicked Stage Lesbian Voices QuarterScenes Movie Police HIV News Realpolitic Directory Queer Planet and more phone 888-944-6722 fa~ 504-944-6794 email impactmail@eor.com www.eor.com/impac~ Williams can joke about his religion no_w, but t.hat was not . alwa Y,s the . . case; "I've been involved 'iri ·~ti · aspects of th~ . B~ptist chur<oh," · he says. "My earliest memory of . going to church was in .Sl).reyepor) at · age 2 1 / 2 at the Broadmoor Baptist Church." He became disillusioned ·with the Baptist church ·as 'he grew 'q!der and " eventually started att~nding a Presbyterian church in San Antonio. Later, during college, he b·ecame · more attracted to a liturgical sty:fe of. worship and he join!ld First Methodist in Fort Worth . He began to•confront his homosexuality when he was. 19 and a-student at Baylor. "I knew I was gay but I wasn't sure ·how IQ deal with it and, being ·at Baylor, I had to keep a lid on it." But Williams didn't have much success staying in the closet-. "J. actually came out at Baylor," he says. "I was even asked to leave my fraternity. But I wasn't the only gay student there. There's a large underground gay student movement at Baylor." Through all the knocks and laughs, Williams says he maintained his personal relationship with God, although he is now somewhat ambivalent ·toward religion itself. "Sometimes I'm ashamed to have anything to do with ii. My spirituality has changed and now i.question everything. But I've had too many LOOKING FOR MORE IN LIFE? • · Retreats /Workshops Gay Men Coming · Together in PsychoSpiritual Community to: *Explore* •Challenge• *Empower* *Encourage• *Support* *Gi:ow* . Free Calendar & Brochure Call *914-439~5815* Faith 1n Dail Life spitituit experiences to: :deny the existem:e of a higher pow¢rt .he says. Willianis can be reaclzed tlzrouglz l1is ·agent, Chestnut Bookings, (810)625-7272. · Presbyterians for · · les bian& Gay. · . Concerns . . "For all Presbyterians . who care about lesbian and ·gay people and their full membership in the PresbyteJ'.ianChurch( USA) -" Boston/Northern New England 802-229-5438 Southern New England 203-442-5138 New Jersey. 908-249-10.16 .Genesee Valley 716-663-9130. . Pittsburgh 41.2-683-5239 · Philadelphia· 215-699-4750 District of Columbia 202-488-4220 . · Baltimore 410-254-5904 Eastern Virginia 804-497-6584 . Northern Ohio 216-932-1458 · Centraf Indiana 317-931-9553 Detroil/Southeastern Michigan 313-255-7059 Winnepago, Wisconsin 414-731,0892 Twin Cities Area 5·12-884-6908 Chicago 312-751-0250 St Louis 314-822-3296 . . Central Arkansas 501-224-4 724 Louisiana 504-344-3930 · Nebraska 402-733-1360 Oklahoma · 405-848-2819 Houston 713-440-0353 San Francisco 510-653-2134 Oregon 503-652-6508 Seattle 20!)-859-5685 PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 Faith in Daily Life . ~ suicides sig11oflost hope, church membeIB say ' By David Briggs AP RE1ligion Writer -- BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - When Mattie Johnson conte _mplated t~e mass suicides of California cult members, her first thoughts were simil'ar to those ''of ~vangelist Billy Grahain. "My reaction is the devil is oh the move. He's on a mission/' she .said' as she discussed the incident with a group at Mount Aery Baptist Church. Over at -St. Andrew's Lutheran Churcli in suburban Ridgefield, Peter Heiser told a breakfast gathel'ing that he ·could not understand why people would want to leave this world Jo reach a "higher level." "I just couldn't relate to that because God means so much to me in· my life," - he said. "I see God in the people around me." The Heaven's Gate tragedy evoked sympathy for the victims and their relatives, but few religious people were able to find much resonance with fhe ·everit in· 'their own faith lives . In touncHable discussions at St. Andrew's and Mount Aery - two fairly typi •cal mainstream churches - members expressed widespread belief that Christ rose from the · dead, and that there is the promise of a physical ·resurrection for believers·. Some specifically referred to St . Pau!'.s statement ·in 1 Corinthians: "If there is no 'resurrection of the dead, then Christ ha.s not been raised ; and if Christ has ncit been raised, then our proclamafion ·has been in vain and your faith has been in ·vain." In contrast to the California cult, however, they say their belief in the Resurrection gives meaning to their lives on earth, rather ·than makes them more anxious to visit the next life . ".We're looking to resurrect new lives in people. That part of the ·Resurrection ,is for the time right now. We're looking to resurrect people who have lost all hope," said Cynthia Clarke at Mount Aery. Nancy Carotti , 65, was 17 when her mother died . In the long nights that followed, she found herself coming to grips with her parents' and her own mortality. Her -belief in the Resurrection gave her the faith that one day she would see her mother again, and ii still acts Group wotks td o~n chUfCh doors for women pastors By John Burdick . The Holland Sentinel. HOLLAND, Mich. - Many women feel called by God into ministry, but once they graduate from the seminary many churches seem reluctant to hire them as pastors. A Michigan ministry called Witness is trying to change that by working with churches to open up the doors for women. "The math doesn't add up," said the Rev. Julie Cowie, pastor of Pcirt;Sheldon Presbyterian Church; explaining there are many women seminary graduates who can't · find jobs as church ministers. · Of womeh hired as pastors, few are senior pastors . In the Presbyterian Church, for instance, only 3 ·percent of women pastors while only 6 percent of women - pasfors in the Episcopal church are senior pastors, said Ms. Maodush-Pitzer . The Holland area has its share of women -ministers, but the. number remains small. Ms. Cowie is in charge of worship at Port Sheldon Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth De Jonge is a co-pastor at First Reformed Church, in charge of congregatio_nal life and outreach. Other woinen · serving as pastors of 'W 'WJ ' .. - . . D .. Holland area churches include the Rev. Beatrice Rose; First United Methodist; the Rev. Jennifer Adams, Grace Episcopal; the Rev. Kama Jongerius Zuidema, Christ Memorial; and the Rev . Kathryn Davelaar, Third Reformed. Witness has started a series of public informational breakfast meetings. The first was recently at Providence Christian Reformed Church fea\uring the Rev . Mary Huli.t Antonides as speaker. Ms. Antonides grew up in Graafschap and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1987. She was ordained Sept. 29. 1996 - the as a shield against suffering in this life. · When she dies, "I want people to cry because I had a good life, not just because I'm finished." Church members believe that something better awaits after death . "I see our spirits together in some great place, for some reason a brilliant place, " said Tom Strayer at St·. Andrew's. "I see it as a peaceful place." Sometimes, Lola Smith says, she feels as if she already has part of heaven b ecause she can trust God with all that happens in her life. "I can feel his presence in the peace, in the joy I have inside of me right now," she said . "I can imagine heaven is going to be even better than that." second woman minister in the Christian Reformed Church and the first woman to be ordained in the United States in the Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids . Ms. Antonides gave the talk at the · same church she attended while growing up . She remembers her pastor at the lime, the Rev. Terry Lapinsky, who had a .great influence on her. . "In the seventh .grade he told me, 'You are going lo be a minister,"' she said. Her involvement in the chapel wor- SEE WITNESS, Next Page It appears the supply is bigger than the demand -: But Witness is trying to · tip the odds in favor of more female · ministers. Bracelet craze started by youth group heats up Women have been ordained ii1-lhe Reformed Church of America for almost 20 years, for exa~ple, buio;,iy a small nvmber serve as pastors .. In the Holland-Zeeland area where Reformed Church of America churches are :dominant, only thre~ women are on pastoral teams while ·a ' few others serve mainline denominations. "We work with congregation 's to ' help them receive and be open to the gifts of women," said Ms. Cowie, chairwoman of Witness . Witness was started four years ago· by the Rev.'Diane Maodush-Pitzer, who then taught at Western Theological Seminary. She is riow executive director of the ministry . "We encourage women and men to use their gifts in whatever way God - - has called them," Ms. MaodushPitzer said. DETROLT (AP) - It started with a west Michigan church youth group's discussion about how faith can influence daily life. , . No~, nylon fabric bracelets with the inscription "W.vV._.J.D," standing for "What would Jesus do?" are turning up 1'aliqnwide. The company that makes the bracelets, Lesco Corp. of Lansing, typically turns out 6,000 weekly, but recent publicity has increased orders to 25,000 a week, said sales representative Mike Freestone . . The bracelets cost $2 or less and are· sold primarily through Christian bookstores, but Freestone said he gets orders from Australia, India, Russia and Latvia. "They are just a little piece of fabric, but they have a strong message,·" Irene Wanner, manager of Dickson's Bible and · Bookstore in Royal Oak, PAGE 6 -• · SECOND STOifE • MAY/JUNE, 1'997 told the Detroit Free Press . It began at Janie.Tinklenberg's youth ministry at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland seven years ago . Her youth group was discussing a novel about a smug congregation that is shaken after the death of a tramp whose pleas had been ignored .. Shamed church members vow to live their lives for a year using "What would Jesus do?" as their touchstone. "The basic question was, how does your belief affect your daily life?" said Tinklenberg, now a youth minister in Ohio. She had 50 of the bracelets made by Freestone's company. "We wanted to·use it as a benchmark of what Jesus would do in various situations," she said. The first 50 bracelets went so quickly, she ordered more. And teen-agers aren't the only ones wearing them, she said. "Since then, though, they .have moved well beyond just kids. I like to think of them as a silent witness to yourself and to others," Tinklenberg said. Jeremy Mercier, 16, of Grand Rapids firsf saw them on a church mission trip and quickly made them part of his wardrobe. "It helps keep my eye on the Lord," he said. "It is now being recognized, and you have a standard to live up to." Kevin Winningham, youth pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Wayne County's Plymouth, said the bracelets reinforce faith while spreading their message in a nonconfrontational way. "It isn't like somebody getting in your face with a button saying, 'Turn or Burn,"' he said. · ... :r:.-r1s • Gs tt ¥¥ \Q'..k, #- :a s t :;. Faith 1n Daily Life Priests affected by Alzheimer's haven'tlostspirituality By Anya Lockert Associated Press Writer PHOENIX (AP) - Alzheimer's disease has robbed the .Rev. Edmond Smyth of his ability to speak and to recognize family and friends. But · when Smyth - a· Catholic priest - celebrates Mass, he easily remembers the rituals and blessings he has performed for more than 50 years. "He doesn't know where he is or who he is; but he never misses a word of Mass," said Karmen Lee, director of the Huger Mercy Living Center in Phoenix, where Smyth · lives with three other priests afflicted with Alzheimer's. "You wouldn't know if you were sitting there he had Alzheimer's," Lee said. Smyth, 78, and his companions live in The House of Michael, a cottage at the Huger center that is designated specifically for priests with Alzheimer's. The cottage is named for the Rev. Michael Weishaar, a Roman Catholic priest who died of the disease early this year. Lee said although the priests are unable to remember much about their lives, they still are able to communicate the best way they know how - through Mass. "If you can keep God alive for them, they have peace/' Lee said. "I can't imagine how many priests are out there and can't communicate what they know ." . Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of dementia - is a progressive, degenerative illness that changes the brain and results in impaired memory _ thinking and behavior . It cannot be cured or prevented. One in 10 people over age 65 and ·nearly half of those over 85 have the disease, according to the Phoenix chapter of the Alzheimer's Association . It is not known how many priests .jn the United States have Alzheimer's, but an estimated 4 million people nationwide suffer from the illness, according to the association. · The House of Michael is one of four cottages located on the 5 rn-acre parcel of land at the Huger center for Alzheimer's patients. Each cottage has a woodburning stove, a small kitchenette, a living First and only woman Baptist }xlStor_ in South Carolina room, specially-equipped bath.rooms, and bedrooms . The center also provides meals, recreational activities and nursing care for about $2,500 a month. Mass is usually held two to five times - a week in the chapel. Smyth often helps the visiting priests who officiate Mass, which is open to the center 's 31 Catholic residents. Lee S<!id the facility is the·only one of its kind that offers a housing area specifically for priests afflicted with the disease. "It's so rewarding every time I see them," Lee said: "That's my gift." The cottage was financed by a spe-' cial grant from the Frances Moynihan Huger Foundation, Inc. 'Lee said the foundation also has a trust fund to supplement expenses for residents who· are unable to afford the full cost. Family members and friends say Alzheimer's is often harder for them to handle than for the actual victims. When "you know them when they are so wonderful, jt's hard," said Carole Zacher, a former parishioner and a friend of Smyth. Smyth lives with three other priests: the Rev. Robert Schneider, 66; the Rev. Theophane Robertson, 89; and the. Rev. Robert J. Donohoe, 84. Schneider, who now spends most of his time straightening up anything that's out of place, once headed the Catholic school system in Milwau- . kee. When in the chapel, Schneider will often belt out a favorite Gregorian chafil like a seasoned opera singer. Smyth is the former Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Francisco and former pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Phoenix. Robertson, a former priest in Santa Barbara, Calif., is now confined to a wheelchair and spends most of his time quietly reading his Bible. Donohoe, one of the . newest residents, is the founder of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Phoenix . He enjoys music .and playing the organ. Most denominations don't provide a specific health plan fo.t pastor s stricken with Alzheimer's disease , but they do have some sort of general retirement plans for clergy. Lee said she's just glad the center exists for tl1e Alzheimer's patients. "We just want them to know they are loved," she said. At age 75, shedidn'tknow,.didn'tcare, she was making history ByTammyL Lane Associated Press Writer COLUMBIA, S.C (AP) - The Rev. Esther Perkins - the first and only female senior pastor of a Southern Baptist church in South Carolina - is hardly ready to trade in her pulpit for a shady porch. At age 75, though, she's leaving Eason Memorial Church in Eastover, which she has served since 1990. "All this time I didn't realize I was making history - and cared less," she said. Church members "accepted it and seemed to be very proud of it." Ordain ed women work in other capacities throughout the S.outh Carolina Bapt ist Convention - as WlTNESS, From Previous Page ship program at Calvin College whetted her appetite for ministry . " I discovered leading worship was something I loved to do," she said. The women in office issue has caused many in the church to leave. In some cases, entire congregations have left. The Christian Reformed Church denomination is at its lowest membership since 1971 with 285,864 membe;s. chaplains, music ministers, counselors and educators. Individual congregations, however , are autonomous and select their · own pasto~s. . "I would like very much to see God leading churches to call women and the church being sensitive to God's call of a woman," said Perkins, who first wa s hired to replace her husband at Columbia's Pine Bluff Church after his death in 1983. 'Tdo not feel that God plays favoritism," she said. She r e fers to Galatians 3:28, .in which Paul writes to the church at Galatia : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither• slave· nor free, there is n either male nor female, for Almost 6,000 left last year alone . Many opposing women in elected church office cite Scripture as their rea so n. Although this has been a hotly debated topic, Ms. Antonid es s aid she's neve r received criticism. "No one has ever come up to me and sai d, 'You shouldn 't be doing this.' I believ e God has protected me from that," Ms . Antonides said. you are all one in Christ Jesus." "He calls an individual - he equips that individual for service," Perkins said. ·"J hav e never considered myself anything but a servant of the Lord." May 4th was her last Sunday at Eason Memorial. She doesn't know what God has in mind next, but "I think he wants me fo rest a little first. " Before Eason Memorial, Pine Bluff . Church recognized the abilities of Perkin s, who grew up in Montgomery, Ala . In May 1983 she buried her 65-yearold husband , Charles, on a Thursday. That Sunday, Pine Bluff asked her to take his place in the pulpit where he had pr eached for four years. Perkins, who at the time oversaw the church's music and education programs, agreed to pray over it and act as interim pastor. "I had been serving along with my husband , and th ey were acquainted with my work and had confidence in me," she said. She w~s ordained in mid-Augu st; tw o weeks lat er the memb ers of Pine Bluff voted unanimously to hire her. She is scheduled to be back ther e late in June, to preach at a homecoming service. Perkins says she never ·thought twice about starting a new phase ·of ministry at an age when.many folks are closing out their careers. "I guess I had faith and did what the Lord led me to do," she said. Three years later, in 1986, she moved to Georgia to care for her daughter;-· who had multiple sclerosis, and she unde~went knee surgery for .arthritis herself. Then one day a friend .in Columbia called and asked if she was interested in corning back to the Midland s to preach : The friend also recom- , mended her to the deacons at Eason Memorial. • "I told (the chairman) that whatever God led· them to do, I'd follow God's leadership," Perkins said. She agreed to give a "trial sermon" on Mother's Day. But there weren't enough members there to vot.e on her, so she had to make a second trip . She · told the search committee that · if a si ngle person in th e church opposed hiring a femal e pastor, "please do not waste my time because I do no t have time to waste." The vote after her second sermon was unanimous to hire her. PAGE 7 •SECOND .STONE • MAY / JUNE, 1997 Faith in Daily Life c::===================:-. - -_ -_-_ ----_ -_ ~ .... Imagine thinking like Bethlehem - that there is an awful lot in a little. FEAR NOT, FOR BEHOLD... Th ere is no point in our fear . We fear not, just as the Christmas angel tells us . We become light and let the heavy go. I think often of the comment made by one of Handel's great sponsors. She said of him that she could not bear the sight of him seated next to but not playing his harpsichord after he went blind . "His light was not spent but overplied." Many of us are spent. The weight of our work catches up with us - and vision means nothing more than great longing for the empty afternoon of a snow day. Wanting "more vision" inay actually be greed, the kind that leads us so inexorably to the too muchness of our time. What most of us want is less, not more, of just about everything. We are urgent for the time that is light as opposed to heavy to carry . We want the deep rest .of Sab- bathed time. When Sabbath works, ·grace will pay a visit. The afternoon will open up into God's time . The first step is to leave our fear at the door, to take the angel's advice. Fear not. Then we can open the door of the quiet room God has made for us. Many _ of the images v,e associate with the turn of the century are from the corporate world of advertising . Gloom and doom helps them stay in charge of how we perceive things. We need their antidote, not our own, to get safe, if we rely on their perceptions of what safety is. Imagine being satisfied with just a little light as the century ends . Light enough for the afternoon; not for eternity . Imagine thinking like Bethlehem - that there is an awful lot in a little. Imagine letting our interest in the eritire next century rest in our interest inoneday . . PAGE 8 ·• ·sECOND · 4TONE , • MAY/JUNE, 1997 "Richer in our shame?" How can shame make us rich? THE MYTH OF scarcity will continue to haunt our imaginations as the century turns. We fear opening a door and nothing being there. I still liv e as if there was enough song to go around . I imagine in the words of a· favorite poet of mine a world of ' '.Brute possibility." (Lynda Hull) But I know many live with a broken link. Cultural signals jamming emotional circuitry . In between-ness. They "bargain hardest for what they hope they are worth.,, (Maurya Simon "The Golden Labyrinth.") Maurya Simon writes a poem called Pride . In "Pride" she confronts her foreignness in the person of a rickshaw · driver she knows is cheating her . By doing so, she upsets the balance of things - foreigners ar .e supposed to be ripped off by the local cabbies - with assertiveness, "I won't be robbed blind." She threatens the cabbies's power as an insider, a position Simon had earlier supported out of guilt. "$uddenly the rickshaw driver whirls around and/ throws my money on the ground, spits on it, then/ zooms away, leaving me richer in my shame ." What does she mean, "Richer _in our shame?" How can shame make us rich? I think it comes when we truly get the balance of power right. We have so much . Others have so little. It is not right. And yet God imagines plenty for us who have been shamed by wealth and for .the poor who hope so to be. God 's world is plentiful. We may yet get to God's plenty - which is plenty for all. That is the door God has set for us at the heart of history. The abundance. . . .I am most genuinely at hom:e in a colorful world, where I am a little out of control... . THE BIG ISSUES OF the next century will be the same as they are now . Racis m, fear of the stranger , a t end ·e ncy to live safe at home rath er than at th e gates of the city - th ese will remain . Racism is the denial of ordinary statu s. As a recovering racist, I can always ' be silent and stay out of trouble or I can speak and get into trouble. When I speak and get into trouble , I gain as s ociates, many of whom are already in trouble for no fault of their own. When I venture beyond Kansas, I usually find other adventurers, lions, tinmen, and the like. We have a community organization at my parish and lots of-people hanging around most days. A white member of our church called to say ·that she had a couch to donate to the Sunday School lounge. I asked two of the men in our community garden to go and get it . They were both AfricanAmerican . An hour later the couch showed up at the church . An hour and fifteen minutes later my whit e member called to say that she couldn 't believe that her couch had just .been stolen right before her very eyes by two men who drove up in a pick up .truck. How, I ha.d to ask her, did she know her couch had been stolen? The two men were black, she said . And the funniest thing, she went on, was that they acted like they belonged there. There are sources of re-education everywhere. Both tell me that I am most g enuinely at home in a colorful world, where I am a little out of control, not in a grey world, where everything is straight and giving .the appearance of being in control. Toto, alleluia, it looks like we are not in Kansas anymore. · we "give" freedom for those closest to . us to be themselves. We "take" freedom to be ourselves. ARCHIBALD MACLEISH on his wife: "The greatest and richest good/ My own life to live in/This she has given me ." Some of us will know the joy of taking our loved ones with us in to the next century. Others will not. Some of us will watch our children grow up in the next cen.tury. Others will not. How we accompany our intimates is one of the most important matters in any person's life. They make us; we make them. We become who each other is. Those of us who are Christians understand that our life was given by God, redeemed by Jesus, and is even now sustained by the Holy Spirit. We are closer to God than we are to our intimates - which only enriches our capacity to be close to · our intimates. · What will we give our intimates in the coming time? Security-. Adventures. Challenges . And one more thing - our own lives to live in. We "give" freedom for those closest to us to be themselves. We "take" freedom to be ourselves. This constant connection and separation is a part of the doors and windows of relationships. When any one self is not fully "there," there is no relationship. Only the imitation of relationship . When both selves are fully there, as themselves, there is full relation- 3hip. Maybe this is why we call Jesus the true human. He was fully here among us. To lift others up ... is the great spiritual gift of Jesus Christ to his followers. THE PLACE WE ARE going is the forgiven place. It is not just a on:e tirrie thing, not just the big weep. It is a place of permanent living, one where we take our forgiveness so seriously that we develop an _ entire school around it. We teach each ·other, · we develop each other, we use the church as a leadership training school. We become something. We don't spiritualize or minimize the conversion by simple gladness at our own saved souls . ., We complicate things. We talk about saving the world . When Jesus washes his disciples' feet before the Passover meal, he is setting an example for his disciples. He is giving them a course in leadership . He is showing them how he wants them to carry his message to the world. He is showing how we live in the new room: we move back and forth between the old rooms r trying, without smugness; to bring others with us. When we are raised from the dea:d, we are urgent to be humble leaders. There can be no doubt that the reason the Christian gospel survived is that Jesus' leadership training worked. Jesus left. His disciples carried on. They convinced enough of the world of the goodness of their new religion that now we have the mixed blessing _ of being a world religion. • The blessing is mixed because sofow of 01,1r bishops wash anyone's feet. At the same time, the story of this humble Christ is known around the world . The blessing is mixed inside us as well: too often we take pride in being a Christian. We blast our relig-• ious .identity-; Still, for every blaster, you can find· a genuine Christian, one who may not-be washing feet but who has found a way to quiet kindness throughout his or her life. Jesus was giving his disciples the example of humble leadership. Where the leader literally lives for followers as a servant. To clean their feet. To set their table. To be below them so that they may be above. To lift others up - to literally carry them, if necessary - is the great spiritual gift of Jesus Christ to his followers. I'll carry you when you can't go any further. But come, come now with me. Faith In Daily Life We are a people going to the place prepared for us . We will not be left alone. HOW WE CARRY the weight into "I GO TO PREP ARE a place fo1 the next century is a matter of utmost you ... " importance. We have much to learn When you live in a new room; a pre-· from Jesus' kind of leadership. pared place, you live differently . The advantages of Jesus kind of Noticeably differently. leadership are practical as well, as You-live as though the doors open . spiritual , We don't ne~dto be afraid Youarenotshutin. of the responsibility that rests on our · In the riovel, "The End qf Innocence," resurrected shoulders. In humble Edith Wharton describes one of her leadership, we expect the weight to characters, . Nettie, a very humble be distributed equally. woman, telling the grand l_ady ·Lily I am reminded of the Alexander Bar.t1 about the ·meaning of life. She Technique, ·a physical therapy that , . is telling the· story of h_ow s/1e suractors , use to keep their voices ·and vived arid let.go of her suicidal fanbodies from carrying weight improp- tasies. Sl'!_e is begging Lily-to tt1rn the erly. The technique assumes that we corner to.watd_s.life herself. 'Wharton carry our w_eight by using the parts of -clesc.ribes ·Nettie as , part · of that our body that weren't meant to carry ·"brave and audacious permanence we weight, neck and lower back particu- see in a birds' nest placed on a cliff." larly . Thus the enormous number of Nettie in all her humility, after all people who have painful tension in her suffering, has learned to live those areas . Jesus' leadership train- right in the precarioushess of it all. ing is a lesson in carrying .the weight So do the children who sing rings of life but carrying as it was meant' to around rosies and all fall down. They be carried. Lightly. Easily. With are showing us what Jesus covets for each of us carrying part of the burden . us - which is life well lived in the Not with God as burden bearer for the shadow of death. world but we as well trained bur-den bearers for each other. With help from -church and community. · With the parts of the body that were meant to be weight-bearing. An astonishing story in the paper tells that black and white Pentecostal · groups have formed a national association, called the PentecostalCharismatic Churches of North America. On October 22, 1993, in Memphis, church leaders we're moved to tears, according to the New York Times, when a white pastor -unexpectedly stepped forward to wash a black bishop's feet. A black pastor then washed the feet of a white pastor. How did they explain their action? "It was an act of asking forgiveness an~ then giving forgiveness." We remember the Christ who broke the first bread, who washed his disciples feet, who called us to share in His leadership, to sit at his table. We were not asked to carry more weight'than we could . To let go the weight of whatever sins hotd-us back. We were also asked to join with our humble Savior in carrying what weight we could . Behind that invitation was a guarantee: I'll carry you when you can't go any further. But come, come no.w with me. He lived that way. So can we. We may let go of our various bribes, those of giving alms, those of premature emotional shutdowns, those of suicidal tendencies at all levels. We can acknowledge our ashness - and then raise our voices in song. All · fall down. And all also rise up, to join hands and sing again. Nobody needs to sound a trumpet._That trumpet will be sounded at the right time. But we do need to give, especially and_ even if we're not accompanied by a grand orchestra. We are a people going to the place prepared for us. We will not be left alone. The Reu. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the Massacl111setts Conference of tlte United Church of Christ. Her new book is "The Sense in Sabbath: A Way To Have Enough Time," Innisfree, forthcoming Sept., 1997. (Some material from ''.352 Meditations for _ Women," Abingdon Press.) ' PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE· • MAY/JUNE, 1997 ·O ver1 300M ethcxicilsetr gy signs tatemenStu p!X)rtginaygs ORIGINATORS OF THE clergy statement "In All Things Charity" are enthusiastic that over 1300 United Methodist clergy have joined them in signing the statement of conscious opposing United Methodist discrimination against gay men and lesbians. "This represents :a tremendous outpouring of determination to refashion our denomination's position in line with the biblical. witness to justice and compassion," said Rev. Greg Dell, Chicago, spok~sperson for the original signers. Released shortly after the first of the year by 15 United Methodist clergy, the statement echoes the courageous stand taken by 15 United Methodist bishops during the denomination's 1996 General Conference. As of mid-April, 49 states were represented among_ the clergy signers. Even though the statement is designed as a witness by Methodist clergy in favor of the ordination · of qualifie:d· ,gays and lesbians · ,and , against the prohibition of holy unions v9ted by the General Conference, hundreds of lay persons, unsolicited, have signed on as welL · Many have expressed. a desire for a parallel laity statement, and such a statement is being initiated by a group of lay persons. Almost all of the more than 1300 clergy signers stated their willingness to have their names published. The concerns of the others include the possibility _of hate crimes directed against them. Another group of Methodist clergy and laity have issued a counter statement; "The More Excellent Way." Referring to this statement, Rev. Dell said, ."The more open a discussion the better it is .for the church." He challenged the opposing group's claim that 0In All Things Charity" perpetuated a "needless debate over an issue settled centuries ago and upheld throughout history by the unanimous witness of Scripture and Chri~tian tradition." · "Careful scholarship indicates that the witness of Scripture and Christian tradition is no. more unanimous, settled or correct in rejecting homosexual commitments of love than it was in · prohibttlng the _ordination of women of justifying the holding of slaves," Dell said. "God is yet again causing scales to fall from our eyes."_ For information about "In All Things Charity" .readers may contact- Rev. Dell at Broadway UMC, (773)348- 2679. Jewish newspaper rejects ad fron:ig ~y organization DENVER - A gay and lesbian group is complaining after a Jewish newspaper declined to run an advertisement for Holocaust Awareness Week events co-sponsored by the group. The Intermountain Jewish News refused to run an ad saying a visit to Denver by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel was sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Outgiving Fund. Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, the paper's executive editor, said he questioned the appropriateness of the ad. "I think it's an attempt to promote the Holocaust to promote a contemporary agenda," Goldberg said. "I don't think the Holocaust should be exploited for any agenda." He also questioned the ad's accuracy, saying the Outgiving Fund had not been mentioned in the original announcement of the event received by the paper a month ago. He denied the newspaper discriminates against gays, but one critic disagreed. "Bigots are bigots. I don't care where they come from," said Rabbi Steven Foster, a member of Colorado's · Civil Rights Commission. "It's a terrible thing that the Jewish News - over and over - finds it impossible to be tolerant of people who are not like themselves.," PAGE 10 • SECOND SfONE • MAY/jUNE, 1997 Studiesh owc hildreno f lesbian couplesh ealthyw, ell-adjusted By Paul Recer AP Science Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Leabians who become parents through artificial insemination are raising emotionally healthy and well-adjusted children, according to three new studies. In studies presented April 3 at a meeting of social scientists, researchers said .standard psychological tests found no significant differences between children of lesbian parents and those of heterosexual parents. "When you look at kids with standard psychological assessments, you can't tell who has a lesbian parent and who has a heterosexual parent," said Charlotte J. Patterson, a University of Virginia researcher. "That's really th"e main finding from these studies." The studies were conducted in the United States, Britain and the Netherlands. They were . presented at a meeting of the Society for Research .on Child Development. \ Most of the children in the lesbian families were conceived at fertility clinics. Some of the children of heterosexual parents also were conceiyed at fertility clinics, but the studies also compared these groupfo with children born from natural conception. Though the studies found no differences between the groups, Patterson noted that "the existing body of research is relatively sparse and open to criticism." She. said many of the studies are based on. small samples and the lesbian co~ples studied often have volunteered for the research, which can affect the results. The studies involved children up to age 9. Patterson said this means that the children were too young to determine if having gay parents will affect. the youngsters' sexual orientation. Interest in · the development of children born to lesbian couples has increased in recent years because more and more lesbians are choosing to raise a family, said Patterson. ''There is a lesbian baby boom," she said. "It ·hasn't been quantified, but there is a general community sense that more and more lesbian couples are having children." Part of the reason may be that more fertility clinics now are providing services to lesbian couples, she said. These clinics help lesbians become pregnant with the sperm of anonymousdonors. Fiona Tasker of Birkbeck College in the Netherlands said her study found that non-biological iesbian parents were usuaUy more involved with the children than are the fathers of heterosexual couples. ''The woman who is the co-parent in a lesbian family is more likely to· take a major role in raising the children," said Tasker. In a study of 15 lesbian couples and 41 parents of children born through natural conception, Tasker said she found that 90 percent of the lesbian ■ "The children of insemination are developing normally whether in lesbian or heterosexual · families when compared to the available norm for the communi~ at large." ■ co-parents assumed the common child-raising tasks. Only about 37 percent of the fathers in heterosexual couples, however, took an active role, she said. In disciplining the children, Tasker found, 60 percent of the lesbian coparents took an active role, while it was only 20 percent of the fathers in heterosexual families. · Raymond W. Chan of the University of Virginia said his study of lesbian and heterosexual couples: with children included reports from the children's teachers. Chan said the teacher reports, using standard psychological evaluations, found "no significant differences" in adjustment or behavior between the groups of children. All the children in Chan's study were conceived at fertility clinics and some were being raised by single heterosexual parents and some by single lesbian parents, The researcher said. his tests found no differences between the groups. ''The children of insemination are developing normally whether in lesbian or heterosexual families when compared to the ·available norm for the community at large," Chan said. National News Booton bishop warns diocesan personnel to stay away from Dignity/USA conference BOSfON - In a letter sent to approximately 750 priests, bishops and dea' cons of the Archdiocese of Boston, Bishop William Murphy told diocesan personnel not to participate in the national convention of Dignity/ USA, which will be held in Boston July 10- 13. The letter advises priests that Dignity should receive no support because "they espoused a position contrary to Catholic moral teaching supporting that (sic) moral correctness of sexual relations between two persons of the same sex in a 'faithful a,nd loving relationship."' Dignity /USA President Marianne Duddy, a Boston resident, said, "We certainly did not expect the support of the Archdiocese - I think it's safe to acknowledge that we disagree on certain questions of sexual morality. However, this prohibition goes far beyond a lack of support. It's a clear statement that the church in Boston refuses to even have dialogue with us. . I would have hoped, in these days of the late Cardinal Bernadin's Common Ground initiative, we would be beyond this kind of pettiness. "This letter also prevents local priests from exercising their own best pastoral judgment. The Dignity convention will offer significant resources for priests seeking to better understand gay and lesbian Catholics in their parishes, for parents and family members of gay and lesbian Catholics, and, importantly, ·for gay and lesbian people who are struggling to remain connected to the church . Bishop Murphy has effectively obliterated access to this resource ." Lourdes Rodriguez, another Boston residEmt and co-chair of Dignity's convention planning committee, said, "This letter shows precisely why Dignity has to exist. The .church hier<1rchy has refused to accept gay and lesbian peopie. The Dignity convention is a place where people will feel embraced by a loving God, instead of rejected by church officials. It makes the convention even more important. Where else will the children of God get what they need?" Michael J. Leclerc, president .of Dignity's Boston chapter, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, expressed dismay about the letter from the Archdiocese, saying, "This is another example of how the hierarchy . is out of touch with the people who . are the church. · What a shame they felt the need to do this." · For more information about the convention, readers may call Dignity/ USA at 1-800-877-8797, ext. 4. Holy Week revelation: Catholic_priest comes_out to congregation SPARTA, Mich. (AP) -The Rev. Martin Kurylowicz says he struggled with the question of whether to tell his Catholic congregation that he is gay. Now that he has, he expects the struggle to continue - this time from the outside . "I just couldn't walk away from it," said Kurylowicz, 47, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Chur ,ch in this community 15 miles north of Grand Rapids. "I couldn't deny the pain." At Holy Thursday services and in a newsletter sent to his 550 parishioners, Kurylowicz announced he is homosexual but celibate. The response at Good Friday services was overwhelmingly favorable . "I was just filled with tears, there were so many hugs," he told The Grand Rapids Press. "It means more now, because they know the real me." Kurylowicz also said Bishop Robert Rose, head of the 150,000-member Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, was "extremely supportive" during a meeting between the two. "I didn't do anything wrong," Kurylowicz said. "(Rose) understands I'm with the church. I'm just not with hate ." Rose said he was satisfied that Kurylowicz's views on homosexuality were consistent with church teaching. But the bishop also said he would "be watching to see .what the reaction of his people is, and if there is any other response from people around the diocese." The initial response didn't seem to support Kurylowicz's prediction that "the worst is coming." Gerald Woltanski, 69, a Holy Family member for 45 years, said he wasn't happy about the priest's choice of Holy Week to make the revelation. But, Woltanski said : 'Tm praying for him. And I'll have to support him, bec~use of love and mercy." But the Rev. Robert Sirico called the revelation "irresponsible" and said it should have been discussed with a close friend or counselor, not his congregation . "The priest as a celibate· is called to sublimate his sexuality," said Sirico, president of the Acton Institute, a conservative think tank based in Grand Rapids. "Too much talk in that direction indicates a breach of the pastoral boundary." Kurylowicz acknowledged that his revelation might offend some people, but felt -he had to · .speak out after attending a recent conference on gay issues and the Catholic Church., He said he was disturbed by accounts of gay children feeling isolated and parents feeling they did · something wrong. Kury-lowiez· said he . hoped his disclosure will raise awareness of violence against gays and lesbia ns, and help teach that homosexuality is not a choice. "His actions are part ·of t,he process of making the church a more welcoming place," said Francis DeBerilardo, executive director of the Marylandbased New Ways Ministry. , Kurylo~icz, pastor of Holy Family for 12 y7ars, already was scheduled to leave ·the parish June 30 under a diocesan poli cy limiting tenure at a particular church. He said 'he plans to use a sabbatical to further . study · issues related to homosexuality . Episcopal group charges bishop with canon violation . A GROUP OF Pennsylvania Episco- Episcopalians that "these rulings palians has. charged that Presiding have .. . definitely established for Bishop ·Edmond Browning violated · the church at this time that the ordi. the Episcopal Church's constitution nation by a bishop of a rion-celibate and canons when he chose not to sum- homosexual person is not a disciplimon a board ofinquiry to investigate nary 'offense' for which a chargemay the ordination of a non-celibate gay be brought." As a result, he said, "it man by Bishop_ Allen L. Bartlett of would be an unwarranted use of the Pennsylvania . church' s procedures - and resources - for me to convene a panel of bishops to The group of clergy and lay people· , consider this matter further." calling itself Concerned Episcopa- Because the charge involves the lians has requested that the House of presiding -bishop, it falls to the vicepresident of the House of Bishops, Bishop Arthur Williams of Ohio, to respond to the group. Williams said that he has asked 'John Cannon, former chancellor of the Diocese of Michigan and parliamentarian of the House of Deputies to serve as his legal advisor in the matter. -Episcopal News Service Bishop convene a committee to review the charges against Browning. "Sadly, we were given no option but to pursue this course of action," said Hartley S. Connett, one of the signers of the complaint. The group claims that it was Browning's canonical duty to summon a board of inquiry when the group first complained about Bar- . tlett' s 1994 ordination of a noncelibate gay man as deacon. Episcopal church extends spousal benefits to domestic partners Following a ruling by an ecclesiastical court that dismissed :similar charges against Bishop Walter Righter, Browning told Concerned HONOLULU (AP) - The U .S. Episcopal Church has extended spousal benefits to unmarried employees with domestic partners, including same-sex couples. The spousal benefits res.olution passed 19-11 during a church leadership conference held here in late April. Pamela ' Chinnis, leader of the church's Hous ·e of Deputies, said there was more discussion on the resolution than another other issue. The theme of the four-day meeting was a celebration of the life and service of Bishop Edmond Browning. He was the bishop of Honolulu for 10 years before b.eing selected presiding bishop of the U.S. church . Browning's 12-year term is about to end. His successor will selected in July. PAGE 11 • SECON _D STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 National News Rabbis: Refonn and Conservative branches 'not Judaism at all' By Verena Dobnik Associated Press Writer NEW YORK (AP) - A group of angry Orthodox rabbis has accused · Reform and Conservative Jews of first misleading American believers, then exporting th eir "alien ideology" to Israel. The 600-member Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada declared March 31 that the Reform and Conservative branches "are not Judaism at all." The declaration was denounced by Reform, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis who said the union reflects only the fringes of Jewish thought in America . Having been "led to believe by heretical leaders that Reform and Conservative are legitimate branches" of Judaism, the New York-based union said, America's non-Orthodox Jews are now trying "to export tl1eir alien ideology to Israel." Defining who is a Jew is crucial to an Israeli law that makes any Jew eligible for citizenship. Israel's parliament is considering a bill that would invalidate conversions performed inside Israel by Reform -and Conser vative rabbis; conversions by such rabbis are now recognized if per formed outside the country. Orthodox rabbis already control conversions in Israel, where the other two movements are tiny, and the bill would simply put that monopoly into law. The Israeli bill was among promises Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made to ultra-Orthodox parties J to coax them into his government coalition. The also union accused the Reform and Conservative branches of condoning Jewish assimilation and . intermarriage. The un_ion opposes nonOrthodox conversions and homosexuality as "repugnanlnot only to Torah Judaism, but also to common morality." Rabbi Hersh Ginsberg, acting chairman of the union's executive board, said his fellow rabbis oppose exhibits showing that gays were exterminated in Nazi death camps, including one in the Holocaust museum in Washington. The union, founded in 1902, insists that "there is only one Judaism: Toral1 Judaism," defined as laws God gave Moses on Mount Sinai that should not be changed . Though "any child born of a Jewish mother is a Jew," said Ginsberg, his group has prohibited a practicing Jew from praying in a non-Orthodox temple. Iri New York, two groups that represent the majority of North American Orthodox Jews - the Rabbinical Council of America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America - repudiated "this hurtful public pronouncement." They said the statement "does not refled the sentiments of mainstream Orthodox Jewish thought, since it implies the disenfranchisement of Jews as Jews:" . Rabbi . .Eric. Yoffie, who .leads the_ Reform movement as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, has caHed the Israeli bill "a Embattled Methodist pastor quits after complaints about same-sex unions OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Methodist minister has left her denomination in a dispute with church .leaders over treatment of gays and lesbians. The Rev. Kathy McCalli~ preached her last sermon April 6 at Epworth United Methodist Church, where she was pastor . S~e is withdrawing from the United Methodist denomination because of complaints that she performs ceremonies celebrating gay relationships. "I was told by the bishop I had to stop doing holy unions, or leave the denomination," she said. Rev. McCallie had been pastor of Epworth since June, 1995. She plans to start a new church, Church of the OpenArms . . She said she will ask the United Church of Christ for affiliation. "Actually, it's going to be ~ small group of people," she said. "But I feel very strongly we shouldn't make peo: pie second-class citizens because of their sexual orientation." Douglas McPherson, superintendent of the Methodist denomination's Oklahoma City South District, said Rev. McCallie volunteered to withdraw . Rev . McCallie acknowledged conducting holy unions at Epworth. She said she could have requested a hearing, but she thought the process would be damaging . McCallie has served as a United Methodist pastor in Oklal10ma for 10 years. She formerly served as pastor at United Methodist Church of the Servant and as pastor at Clark United Methodist Church, both in Oklahoma City. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 declaration of war" on American Jews. Yoffie called rabbis from the Orthodox union "sad and path etic," and said their views are an expression of "fanaticism." Yoffie said North American Jews find the more flexible Reform and Conservative branches "meaningful and authentic ... in today's democratic and pluralistic society." Yoffie's' group represents more than 860 Reform congregations, with about 1.5 million members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands . Orthodox rabbis have long refused to recognize marriages, burials and conversions made by Reform and Conservative rabbis. Nevertheless, Rabbi Marc Angel, spiritual head of Shearith Israel in Manhattan, America 's first Jewish congregation, said the attack on the other movements of Judaism come from "alienated" rabbis engaging in "self-destructive behavior." '.'Every extreme statement generates an extreme response that serves only to damage the Jewish community," said Angel, who was president of the Rabbinical Council of America through 1992. A 1990 study of U.S. Jews found that 41 percent are Reform, 40 percent are Conservative, 7 percent are Orthodox and 2 percent are Reconstructionist; the rest are generally unaffiliated. Mr. Rogers speaks to seminary graduates MEMPHIS, Tenn . (AP) - The Rev. Fred Rogers said a childhood filled with sadness and ridicule propelled him into a lifelong search for meaning and purpose . That's why a plaque in his office proclaims that "what is essential is invisible to the eye." Strange words for a person who makes television programs, admits Rogers, whose "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,". is seen by eight million viewers weekly. "But I find .those words to be truer for me everyday," he told 55 graduates of Memphis Theological Seminary. Rogers thanked the teachers, librarians, family "and all those saints who helped a fat, shy kid to see more clearly what is really essential. "Nobody gets to be competent, loving adults without being loved and . accepted along the way ." Rogers, an ordained Presbyterian minister, said Jesus Christ is the, ultimate friend and advocate, "who accepts us actually as we are." Get listed in our next National Resource Guide All churches and organizations with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians will be listed free. Your ministry information will be . published in an upcoming issue of Second Stone and will be made available on the World Wide Web. You can also advertise in Second Stone's Resource Guide. By adVertising in our Resource Guide, you capture even more exposure for your ministry . and you support our outreac h as well! Call 504899-4014 and we'll help yo u with your ad. Get a FREE AD in the Resource Guide by becoming an Outreach Partner. Second Stone makes copies available for just the cost of printing and shipping to churches and organizations providing literature ministry at bars and gay pride events. Become an Outreach. Partner - and increase your ministry's visibility in your community! HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE GUIDE: Church/Group Nam.,_0 ____________________ _ Address-------------------,--------Phone _________________________ _ Other informa1io",1-_____________________ _ Please contact us about [ J advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO: Box 8340, New OMeans,l.A 70182 OR FAX TO (504)899-4014 OR E-MAIL TO: secstone@aol.com About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listed below are resources for gay/ lesbian/ bisexual/ transgendered ' Chri stians . Accuracy of an organization's listing is the responsibility of the organization. We apologize for any omissions or errors. Corrections may be sent to P.O. Box 8340, New Orl eans, LA 70182 oremailed to secstone@aol.com. In most cases area codes are listed in the city headin g only . National ADVANCE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, 400\·C Maple Ave., Dallas. TX 75219. 1214)522·1520. FAX, (214)528-1070. Toomas HilSch. drecta. AFFIRtMTION: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, P.O. Box 46022, Los ::~irn~t=iii\~3 ~~ 5 s~ tor Gay & Lesbmn Concerns, P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL60204. (708)733-9590. AIDS NATIONAL INTERFAITH NETWORK, 110 Maiytand Ave., ~M~J;~:~~tioo~;\~546.()8(17. (800)288·9619. AMERICAN BAPTISTS CONCERNED, 13318 Clairepointe Way, Oakland. CA 9461~531. (510)465-8652. Vdal of the Turi. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, Gay/Lesbian Ag,ls Proj,cL t32West431dSt, N...,YO'k, NY\ 0036. AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE (Ouake1) 2249 E. Burnside Sl, Portland. OR 97214. (503)230-9427. fr:0,JJ~?!~~~:~~~'6.!~lii~~ ~r~ ~ 81005, Sealtle, WA98106-t005. (206)763-2469. apcatx:h@aoloom. hltpJ/menile1S.aolcm/ap:altdl. ASSOCIATION OF WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING BAPTISTS, P.O. Box 2596, Attlebo!o Falt, tM 02763-0894. V/F (508)226-0945. WABaplisls@aol.com. h1tpJuse1S.aol.comlwabaplisls. A nelwr>1< ot chwches, Ofganizations and inciv.d.sals who welcome and aCM>Cale for the fuM pa~lion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual pecple within the American Baptist Churches/USA. . AXIOS: EastemandOrtha:b<Chrislians, 328W. 17th St N4-F, New Yon<, NY 10011. (212)989-6211. BALM MINISTRIES, P.O.Box 1981, COsta Mesa, CA 92628. (714)641-8968. Marsha Stevens, singer/song.vriter. Suzanne McKeag, manager. BLK Magazine, Box 83912, Los Angeles, CA 90083-0912 (310)410- 0008. BRETHREN/MENNONITE PARENTS OF LESBIAN/GAY CHILDREN, Box t 708, Lima, OH 45802. BRETHREN/ MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBIAN AND GAY CONCERNS, Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55408-0300. (612)722· 6906. BMCooncil@aol.CXllll. hltpJ/VN.W.""1x:om.CXlllllbmr/ SIW)ll for Brethren and ~nnonite gay, lesbian, and bisexual pecple, and their parenls, spouses, relati\es and fliends. Pwlicaoon: Dialog.le CATHOLICOALITION FOR GAY CIVIL RIGHTS, Box 1985, New 6~g 1~ife1 ~\ 29 NW7WORK, c/o F1. Robert N nL 837 Dowl Sl, Baffimoce, MD 21230. (301)927-8766, FAx'raot)864- 6948.AooertNLgOn1@GLIB.ORG. CENTER FOR HOMOPHOBIA EDUCATION, Box 1985, New Yoe~ ~lt~:rg ~J~sr.f5~ial won< ot lhe UHJCC Mid-Atlantic Do• trict Pt.tilisher of relig~ books and materials. P.O. Box 7864, g~:~~~::goJff~ffHEA, PO Box 10062, Columtus, OH 43201. (614)291-6581. COMMON BOND (tocmer Jehovah's Wilnesses) 127 Harrison Ave., Pittsburg,, PA 15202. (412)732-0451. COMMUNICATION MINISTRY, INC.· Dialog.le and s<w>rt !1"'4l for rJdY and lesbian Catholic clergy and religous. P.O. Box 60125, ~~re~~~~2 ~lr~Jd~k~fN~.'t18n Box 436 Plane• lariJm Sin., N""'Yon<, NY 10024. (718)921-0463. CONNECTIONS. SPIAITUAL·LINKS. SeminalS, wockshq)s, COil• ferenres on gief andbereavemenl Rev. Richard B. Gibert, drecta. 1504 N. Campbell Sl, Val)araiso, IN 4&383. (219)464-8183, voi:e aMlax. DIGNITY/USA, 1500 Massac!lusetts Ave., NW, Ste. 1 t , Washilgl:ln, DC 20005. (202)861·0017. FAX (202)429-9808. Gay and lesbian catholcs and lheir fliends. ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC CHURCH, P.O. Box 32, Villa Grande, CA95486-0002. (707)887-1020, FAX. (707)887-7083. The Most Rev. Maf1< s . s~1iiau, P~D. plusmark@aol.com. Pttlficaoon: Tte labial ECUMENICAL CATHOLICHURCH REFORMED, 3618 Whitf•ld Way, Powder Sp1ings, GA ioo73-t574. (770)439-8839. lennsisson@aol.com. EAOSPIAIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 3893, Oakland. CA :;}!~=-~E!~o~r:ri~~~-and leSOOn ecstatics atering EVANGELICALS CONCERNED, r/o D1. Aa\lll B~i1, 311 East72nd St, New Yock, NY 10021. (212)517-3171. Pwficatjons: Review and Record THl:EVANGELICAL NETWORK, Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ 85011. (002)266-2631. FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS, INC. P.O. Box 27605, Wasongloo, DC 20038.(202)638·4200. ~A\1:osoo~oil'tts~fA~~Dtx;A Y CONCERNS (Quakers) 143 CampbeH Ave .. l lhaca, NY 14850. (607)272-1024, FAX (607)272· 0601. GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS COALITION INTEANATIONA~ P.O. Bo< 50360, Wasonglon, DC20091. (202)583-8029. Nllication: Netwon<. GAY, LESBIAN AND AFFIRMING DISCIPLES ALLIANCE, P.O . . Box 19223, l rdanapolis, IN 46219-0223. (319)324-6231.-For mem• bers of lhe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Ptblication: Crossbeams. GAYELLOW PAGES· P.O. Box 292. Village Sin., New York, NY i~~t2i'.£k6 Jtfi1~AICT ol lhe Unr,eisal Felklmhpol Metrq,oli· 1~~g<j'1J):~~2~r~1 ~f~~~o~~ : ~~:or~ 40207 • ~~~~ ~~J:':~u~t'~?~!f.:~~~ -c/o Dav.l HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, 1101 14th Sl , NW, SI•. 200, ~~~:o ·E~ 2 mM~l\2~~t~~GIOUS SCIENCE. ,102 Ea;t 7th St , .!209, La,g8eac11, CAIIOII04. (562)433-0384. INNER HEALING,1-800-549-1749. Sui:i:x,ruve phone counselin!, Free initial consultation. · INTEGRITY, INC., P.O. Box 5255, New Yon<, NY 10185-5255. (201)86B-2485. Pwlicalion: Tte Voce ot lnl,gily • INTERNATIONAL FREE CATHOLIC COMMUNION, P.O. Box 51158, Ar,elSide, CA 92517-2158 (909)781-7391 Pwiication: The Free Catholic Communicant INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN ARCHIVES, The Natal• Barney Ect.Yard Carpenter Lilrary, P.O. Box 38100, H~iy,,ood, CA ~Fi~~~fi/.::'§'t00~1':1 ~ 02108. 161111<2-2100. A lay organization of Unitarian Universal!sts for lesbian, bisexual. gay and transger<l!r concerns. LAMBDA CHURCH GROWTH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 370, Authe1 G~~ VA22546. (804)448-2031. FAX(804)448-3146. Clllrch!J(J,\'th ~~'.~t f:':!~J~.g/~ _gaynesbian churches. Rev. James N. LESBIAN.CATHOLICS WITNESSING FOR CHANGE, Box 3891, New Yak, NY 10185-3891. (718)6BO<i107. ~~i~?J~~.5"x 254, Avoca, AA 72711-0254. Pen pals foe LIVING STREAMS, P.O. Bax 178, concord, CA 94522-0178. Bimoothlyp,. lllcation. . LUTHERANS CONCERNED/ NORTH AMERICA, Box 10461, Fort Dearborn Station, Chica!1), IL 60610-0461. Pl.ljicaticn: TheConcocd METHODIST FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL ACTION, a gay. affirming, multi-issue netM:in(, 76 Clinton Ave., Staten lslarxi, 10301· . ui~g)in~stiiM~~ff{ i~t,~~ ~~=""• RI 02940·1055. (401)722-3132. Christian, Ecumenical al)d inclusive communitf of sis1ers, b!'others and associates. MORE LIGHT CHURCHES NETWORK, 600 w. Fullerton Pkv,y., Chica!P, IL 60614-2690, (773)338-0452. A1!'3011'.ce pacl<eL $12. Pll> ~~~~:.?1W'ci6i~r~ g~~:imst&'bcESAN LESBIAN AND GAY MINISTRIES, 433 Jefferson Sl, Oakland. CA 94607. (510)465-9344. Newsletter and nalional q_onlerence. :Am:~~-im'EA FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS • 1663 Missioo Sl 5th Flr.,.SanFrancisoo, CA 94103. NATIONAL CONGRESS .FOR LESBIAN CHRISTIANS, PO Box 814, Capitda, CA 95010 (800)861-NCLC. NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK LESBIANS AND GAYS, P.O. Box 19248, Wasongtm, DC 20036. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, 475 Aivo!side Dr., New Yolk, NY 10115. AIDS Task Force, Room 572, (2.12)870-2421. HumanSexualityOrice, Room 708, (212)870-2151. :r10~\';,.~Nut~~s~~<;!: .u~~ o/~~~~11ice ~i10 NA~NAL ECUMENICAL COALITION, 1953 Columbia P~e 1'24, ~t~':1.t~,A~1m:ial'llm~i 3 ~0ACE, 232017lhSt, NW, Washingllll, DC 20009-4309. (202)332-6483. FAX (202)332-0207. NATIONAL GAY PENTECOSTAL ALLIANCE (also Penlecoslal Bb~ lnstilule (Minislelial training]) P.O. Box 1391, Schenectad/, ~y ;=~:.Jt1:n~::; r~f~:ns,:ric net N~ DIRECTION Ma(llzine 10< (lly/lesbian Mormons, 6520 Selma Ave., Ste. RS-440, LosAnge•s. CA 90028. NEW WAYS MINISTRY, 4012 291h St., Mt. Rain,,, MD 20712, (301)277-5674, FAX (301)864-6948. A gay-affirming 01ganizalion ~~~~~:ilfct~~~iM~ J~/r:;.~a:•A9tr~~ Disc!)les Alliance, Rev. Al~n V. Harris, r/o 1010 Par!< Ave., New Yak, NY 10028-0991. (212)286-3246. Nurtul8 and e<ilcaoon b COllg~ t~~~~~6 :~n:,~ ~~~ttf~=~.h:1 !~~~: ~ISOllS . OPEN AND AFFIRMING PROGRAM, United Church Coalition tor lesbian/Gay Concerns, PO Box· 403, Holden. tvlA 01520-0403. · (508)856-9316. Ptll1ication: ONA COmmuniq.>e THE OTHER SIDE Magazine, 300 w. Apsley Sl, Pmiadelphia, PA 19144. (215)849-2178. Pwf•hes articles ot nteiest to Pfll!1"'"" Christlans. OTHER SHEEP Multicultural Ministries with Sexual Minorities. 319 N. Fourth #902, Sl Louis, MO 63102·1936. (314)241·2400. FAX (314)241 ·2403. E-mail: gherzog@aol.com. Theolajcal and e<iJca. tional WOik local!;, national!;, and inleinalionall; sll)pOfting positive bi:llical s~ for gays and lesbians in the Chnstian church. ORTHODOX CATHOLICHURCH OF AMERICA, P.O. Box 1222, lndanapoio, IN 46206-1222. (317)251-4526. PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN & GAY CONCERNS, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswicl<, NJ 08903-0038. (908)932-7501, (908)249-1016. Pli>ication: Mora i.gll Update PRISM, 733 15\hSl, NW, Sle. 317, Washinglon, DC20005·2112 . ~WJU~/Ja°~;~~;ro:~~~t&i~J.nd:lo~ Keeer Ave., Chica!1), IL 60641. (773)736·5526. FX (773)736-5475. Plblca, li:J1:0penHarxis REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA GAY CAUCUS, P.O. Box 8174, Philadelphia, PA 19101-8174 RELIGION WATCH, P.O. Box 652, North Bellmore, NY 11710. A ~t'o\~1~~~~/~ 1 1~~:'~~~t:'.:'I~o43 sso-2680. Fax, 560-6015. te~min@ero!s.com. ST. SERAPHIM ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION,. 1205 No. SpaudngAw., WeslH~~ CA90046. (213)851-2256. · ST. TABITHA'S AIDS APOSTOLATE, Ch1islian AIOS Nelwock ot the American Orthooox Catholic Church of SL Gr~K>S. P .0. Box };~N~~~r:ri;\'Mm~tJ'ilox 190511, Dallas. TX 75219-0511. (214)520-£655. SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONS NETWORK, Mennonite and Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. ~~=a~~=~~~~:e=~~::iv:: gay,.~sbian and bisexual members. UNITARIAN UN\VEASALIST OFFICE FOR LESBIAN/GAY CON• CERNS, 25 Beacon St, Bosio!\ tM02108. (617)742-2100. ~8N~E8J:S~~~,:.LIJ~~~~~ i~f:~~lt'\ ~~~~~: Waves · UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Qff,ce foe Chu1ch in Sociely, t 10 Mal)land Ave .. NE, Washingon, DC 20002. (202)543-1517. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PARENTS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS, c/o Rev. Judlh Claussen, Bruce Renn~. 505 Orcha1d Dr .. Gartxmale, IL62901. (618)457-5479. UNITED LESBIAN AND GAY CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS • Box 2171, 256 So. Robertson BM!, Beverly Hills, CA 90213. (818)760- ce21. · UNITED LESBIAN AND GAY CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS, Box 2171, Beveit;Hils, CA 90213-2171. (213)850-8258 UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, 5149 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los ~~'rfif.ti.9n\lg:~rJ~§~~A~7&MMUNITY CHURCHES 5300-'Santa Monica Blvd, #304, Loo Angeles, CA =EWJ~~J!.~ilf~~.l'r~~~~ J:'J'ooe. CA 951 to. =!451 -9310. A Christian environmental ministry; newsletter aOO THE WITNESS, Pwlished"' lhe Episcq>al Church Pwlohing Co., 1249Wasonglon BM!, Sle. 3115; Delroil Ml 48226-1868. (313)962· 2650 WOMEN'S ALLIANrc FOR THEOLOGY, ETHICS AND RITUAL, 8035 131h SI., P:,ver Spring, MD 20910 (301)589·2509, FAX (301)589-3150. Pli>icalion; WATEAwheel. WOMEN'S ORDINATION CONFERENCE, P.O. Box 2693, Fairtax. VA22031-0693. (703)352·1006. THE WOMEN'S PROJECT, 2224 Mam St., Litt~ Rock, AA 72206. (501)372-511'3. Workshq>s on women's issues,.sociaf jus)ice, racism and homq>hd:>ia. . WOODSWOMEN • At:Nenture travel for women, 25 W. Diamond Lake Ad, Minneapolis, MN 55419, (800)279-0555, (612)822-3809, FAX(612)822-3814. . · lnternat1onal Ll>erty COmmunityChurch, Ste. 402-2388 Tliumpl> SL, Vanoouwr, BC V5L1L5 Canada (604)254-0082. Sun., 6:30p.m. al St John's Unil!dChtrcll. 14lt CO!ro<St, Vancruver,BC. St Peters Lg,thouse Aposlof<: Church, c/o Sergei s . Bashki1ev, P.O. Bax 57, St Petersburg, 195276 Russia. Bro. A. Basar~ine, paslcr. ~l:::0::1~.~-~:~~s~~~~G':,:!ou:i\'839~. Schenec~d/. NY 12301-1391. Alabama BIRMINGHAM (205) Alab!ma Forum, PO Box 55894, 35255-5894. 321>9228 Binnilglam COmmunityChUICh, PO Box 130221, 35213. 849-8505. Covenant MCC, PO Box 101473, 35210. 599-3363. Sun., tta.m., 7 .m.5t17ts1Ave.,N. 570. hurcl1, 879-1624. St And'ewsEpisoq>alChulch, 251-7896. Uniferlan UnM1!S8list Congegatia>, 879-5150. UnityChU!ch, 251·3713 ~T:l/~2'oBox1002t,3580t.851-69t4 . MOBILE(334) . MCCol-.,, POBox 6311, ~11. 476-4621. Sunday, 7p.m. IIONTGOIIERY (334) . MCC, PO Ba<600, 36101-0603. 264-7887. SIJlday, 5:30p.m. et 5280 Vaug,nAd • Alaska PALMER (907) ChtlchotthaCO...nan\ P.O. Box2888, 99645. 746-1089. Ha,vaidH. Bess, pasloc. A Welcoming and AffinningAmelican Baptist Congegati: J1. Arizona IIESA(S20) Bourdess LOYeCOmmurilyChu1ch, 2128 N 64\hSl, 85215·2811. PHOENIX (602) AHi1malion (Mormons), PO Box 26801, Tempe, 85285·6801. 433- 1321. Casa De Cristo Evangelical Church, 1029 E. Turney, 85014. 265- 2631. Cristo Chapel, 11240 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 21. 861-3424. Sun., 10:30am. . ~: 1~1~~W.;f;~=P~58ii2!5666906, 85082· 6906.8-2. Gentle Shepheld MCC, 3425 E. tlo.mtail v.,. , 85028. 996-7644. Healing Waters Ministries, 225 W. University Or., #105, Tempe, 85281. 894a681. Lutheiansconcerned, POBox 7519, 85011. 871}38tt. Oasis MCC, 2405 E. Cocooa<IJ, 85008. 275-3534. Olive Tree Minislries, PO Box 47787, 85068-7787. 861-3424. hltpJffVITI.oom/olr,etree. P1eSl>/1erians bLesbian&GayCoocems, P0Box61162, 85082 TUCSON (5:1!!) Cornerstone Felkmship, 2902 N. Geronimo, 85705. 622·4626. Sunday, 9a.m., t0:30a.m .. We<ilesday, ~.m '.Aada Schatt, pastor. ~t1~gf~tceSI. _PaursEpiscq)alCh11ch, 2331 E. Adams SL, . tv1CC, 3269 N. MotillainAve., 85719. 292·9151. Men's Soc~I Network, 4207 N. Limberl>sl Cir., 85705. 690·9565 . Social aclMlies tor (IIY:men of all age, · EUREKA SPRING$ (501) MCC of lhe Living Springs, PO Box 365, 72632. 253-9337. Rev. ~t1rf~~~LE (50t) . Ecumenical Catholic Church, 444-9692. Paul Smith, contact person. MCC of the Ozarks, PO Box 92, 72702-0092. 443·4278. RestOJation Fellcmsh~ in Jesus Chris~ P.O. Box 3820, 72702. 444- ~~L~~i~[4neph Paul Smith. pa ult 1 t@aol oom Boc1tolCh1ist, PO Box 1364, 72203. 374-1693. Holy' Cross Ecumenical Catholic Church, 663-6859. Fr. Christq>her Ehemann · Hq,e Aposlof<: Chu1ch, P.O. Box 4563, 72214. 568·7796. TDD 568- ~· :::w~~~'f gs/}~~~ •ls; '.;~i5 2011 chan• der, NO. Littk! Rock. Spirit Sa,g MCC, PO Box 586, 72203. 223-2828. Sundly, 2p.m. at 1818 ReseM>il Ad Unitalian'Unr,eisalistchurcl1, 1818 Aeservor Rock A~ 72207. 225- 1503. Cal1forn1a ARROYO GRANDE(OOS) ~~:e~-~;;ge Gatholt Church Aposldate, 258 Aspen St, #1 t, BLYTHE (619) Gcxfs Garciln Grcmth Center, 263 N. Solano. 922-0947. Bro. Michael W. Tucker, pas!Of. · CONCORD (510) Free Calholic¾x>5tolate ol the Redeemer. 1440 Detroit Ave., 13, 94520. 798-5281. EAST BAY AREA(510) Diablo Valley MCC, 2253 Cona:xd BM!, Cona:x~ 94520. 827-2900. Surday, tOa.m., 7p.m. · Firsl Baplisl Church, 2345 ChaMing Way, Berkeley, 94704: 848- ~ -Esther Harfjs, pas la:. Meets in sman chapel ol Firs I Coraegallonal Church. A Welcormng and Affirming American Baptisl ton! 1eQi11im. F1ee Gatholc Aposlolate of lhe Aedeemei, 3649 Ma)t,el~ Ave .. NB, 94619,530-7055. Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples, Univ. Christian Church, Berkel!y. Third Sun., 4P.m. lakeshore Avenue Baptist Churci\ 3534 lakeshore Ava., Oakland, 94610. 893--2484. James H. Hq:,kins, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist congegation. New Lite MCC, 1823 9th St., Berkeley, 94710. 843·9355. Sunday, 12:30pm. Prew,,terians for Lesbian & Gay COncerns. 3900 Harrison St.. Oakland 94611.653·2134. IAVINE(714) Irvine United Church of Chris\ 4915 Atton Pkwy., 92714. 733-0220. An Open & Affirming Congegalion, proudly prog-essM!, inlenlion• allylr<IUSM!. LANCASTER (005) Sunrise MCC ot the Hi Dese~ PO Box 886, 93564-0886. 942•7076. LONG BEACH (562). Digli~~~ Box 92375, 90809-2375. 984-8400. F11SI ,';',J'A'il/::tional Church, 241 Cedar Ave., 90802. 436-2258. An ~S 8 piitie 11:.S~fe~~~ir==!Chris~. ' MCC, 3840 Cherry Ave., 90807. 426-0222. Fax. 426-8321. mocl:>@ad.com. Rev. Sancia Turrtiul, pasta. LOS ANGELES AREA (213) . Affinnation/Los Angeles: Untted Me1hocls~ toe Gay, Lesbian and Bi Cor<:ems, PO Box 691283, West Holy,iood, CA 90069. 969-4664. Christ the Shepllerd Lutheran Chu1ch, 185 W. Altadena Dr., Altade· na, 91001. (818)794-7011. c,escenl Helg,ra UMC, 1296 No. Fairtax Ave., Wesl Holiy,,ood, 90046. 658-5336. Diglity, PO Box 42040, 90042-0040. 344-8064. DiglityfSan Gabriel Valley, 502 Mesa Cir., Mon10Yia, 91016·1638. (818)621),5167. Divine Re!Eemer UICC, 346 Riverdale Or., Glendale, 91204. (818)500-7124. Sunday, t0:45a.m., Wed, Fri., 7:3-0p.m. Rev. Stan Hanis EcomenicalCalhole Church in Huntinglon Parl<, 589-6903. Fr. Olilb · ~:~~:~~i~motood, (818)580•7864. Weekt), Bl>le sludes. EC LaCrescenta holds weekt,,wocne~s Bl>le sludes. EC Pasadena holds weekly Bl>le studes in aclloon to a wome~s monlhl; dscussion g""4) '1 Ontalio. EC Ne\\l)ort also has weekt), maetilgs. Evangelicals Toge~r. 7985 Santa Monica Blvd, 1109, Box 16, 90046. 658-8570. ET· News FraeSpiritt.lCC, PO Box 46609, 90046. 460-2911. Holy Trimly COmmunity Church, PO Box 42964, 90042 .384·5422. 3323 W. Beveity BM! lntegity, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., #109-113, West Ho1t;wood. 90046. 662-6301. Lamlxla Christian F~loNshp, PO Bo< 1967, Hawthane, 90251. Latin Church of Christlan Felklmhp, 3323 w. Beveity BM!, 90004. 433-2047. Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Aelgous Coalition, 7985 Santa Monica BM!, #109, Box 104, 90046. Lutherans Concerned, 11225 Ma!.Jldia Blvd., Box 290. No. H~lywood, 91601. 665-LCNA. MCC in Ille Valley, 5730 Gahuenga Blvd., No. Hol1Y"ood. 91601. (818)762-1133. =~-Vineya1cl;, 11012 Ventura Bwd, #1254, StudoCily, CA MCC of Sive1lake, 3621 Bnmswd<Ave., 90039-1727. 665·8818. New Hope Christian Church, PO Box 3.16, Van Nuys, 91408. (818)765-1500. SIJlday, Sp.m. at9550 Haskell Ave. Prest,;terians !or Lestlan & Gay Concerns, 3373 Oescanso Or., #1, 90026. 262-8019. St. Joll~s Episcq>a1Churcl1, 514 W. Alllms Blvd, 90007. 747-l;285. St Matthew'sLutteranChl!fcll. 11031 GamarilloSl, No. Hollywood, 91602. (818)762·2909. ASL interpre~tion filSI and ~st Sun. Unit~ lesbian.lGay Christian Scientists, PO Box 2171. Beve1t-,, Hils, 90212·2171. (310)85o-8258. UnttedChu1ch Coailion tor Lesoon/GayConcems, Soothem Calttcrnia Chapter, 241 Ceder Ave., Long Beach. CA 90802. Rev. Llfy ' Tigler and Rev. Dan B1il1< (562)436-2256. UnilyFeloohpClllrch, 5149 W.Jettersoo Blvd, 90016. 936-4946. MODESTO (209) MCC, PO Box 3092. 95353-3092 578-3694. NAPA (707) MCC in the Vineyards; 31 Village Pkwy .. 94558. 255-6917. PAGE 13 • SECOND 5-TONE • MAY/JUNE, 1997 Resource Guide , ONTARIO(9 09) FreeS pir!C hurchl,l 06S . Moulna in Ave.,9 1762. 984-0917. ORANGCEO UNT(Y7 14) Christ ChapeMl CC, 720N : Spur~onS I.,S antaA na, 92701-3722. 835-0722. . Ecumenicl aCathoilc Church, 979-1840Y. adiraT ayto,r contacit:;er· sm Evang>lk:als Concerned Laguna, 451-3777 . Weekly Bole slUdies ~fi:~\~;~i:~ 1~f- in FullertooandSan Die!)'.) ChrisC] hapeol l lheD esert9, 38V ala Rd, 92264. 327-279.5 ~~•1~i~~B~'~p~;0~g.8 t~~~1~i:~i2is~~-:t.\22- 9696. REDONDBOE ACH(3 10) Centerto r PassionatSe piritulaity, 2607H arrimanL n., H1, 90278· 45473. 74-7718R. ichR ossiterd, irecto.r Spirituadl ireciton,r etreats andf ormatioenv entslo r9 'Vbtl persons. REDWOOCDI TY(4 15) CalvaryMC, CPOB ox 70, 9406400073. 68-01882,1 24 Brevrle.;rSt RIVERSID(9E0 9) Communiloyl Chrisl lhe LileG ive,r PO Box5 1158,9 2517. 781· 7391. RUSSIARNI VER(7 07) MCC, Box 1055, Guerneville, 95446. 887-7622. 869-0552 . 14520 ArmslrooWg oodsR d SACRAMENT(9O1 6) Diglily,P O Box1 617659, 5816. Integrity/Nothr ern California, 2620 Capito,l 95816. 394-1715. barb@g,n.ooWl ebs~i : h11p//ww.gw,n.ooV-barb'barb.hlm Koinoia ChristianF ellQNSiph, PO Box 1894449, 5818. 452-573.6 TomR osspi, astor. Thel atestI ssue, POB ox1 6058,4 958167. 37-108. 8 RiverCilyMCCPO, Box2 451259, 582.4 454-47622 741 341hS t SALINA(S4 08) lnlegity,c /o Chucrh ol lhe GoodS hepherd3,0 1 Corra0l 0 Tierra, 939082. 94-202.6 SANA NDREA(S3 l9) lnlegily8, 77P ioneeAr veA pl4 , Turklck9. 5380-262. 6478-3515. SANA NSELMO(4 15) Specirum1, 000Sir FrancisD rakeB lvd,. 1'129,4 960. 457-1115. SANB ERNARDINO/RIVERSIDE/PO(M90O9N) A Affirmalio(oM alho<is1s1)3, 25N , ClaremontB, ox3 02, Claremoo\ 91711.624-2159. . ClaremooUt ni1edM elho<isC1h urch2, 11 W. FootbalBl lvd,C lare- ~:\9~~~~~~:i~r,~ cr,~i3~81·l ~.~;s~~r~K~~~~ipiscq)al C~urcl(l OldG alhol<)1, 580 -No. D St., Ste. s: San Bernardino, 92405. 384-1940. PBreton714@ao1.cRomev.. D r.J . E. PaulB retonp, astor.W ed, 7p.m.;Su.n. 11a.m. SAND IEGOA REA(6 19) AffrmalK(lMn ormors)P, O Box8 6469, 92138-646. 4989-6602. AnchorM inistlies3, 441U niversitAy ve,. 921042. 84-865.4 Charis- ~:;iy~~~1'92163 DignilyGenle4r5, 61P arkB M!2 95- 2584 ' ln'>gilyP, O Box3 42539, 2163-080213. 4-1829. MCCil lheCoonlT3y9, 01M anzanilDa r.,/ IC,9 21052. 82-848.8 S111- day,6 p.m.,1 600B ueraV islaD r. . MCCP, OB ox3 32919, 2163·32912.8 0-43334.3 333 0thS t PacifrcB eacllU nitedM alho<isCt hurch1, 581T homas9, 2109.2 74- 6573S. un.1, Q:15a.m. · SANF RANCISCBOA YA AEA(415) BelhanyUnrteMd alt-tChurch, 1288S anchez,9 4114.6 47-839. 3 Sun., 1t a.m.R ev.K arenOlivetpoa, sto.r bethanyunc@.awonl ~ 1Z~s t::n9~ci;~S5~t~~. ~ 2~:~~§t 5~~rty , 94110. 82&264.1 FAX2, 82-2826D. rugD onle,y pasto.r q:,a1203@ad.com EvangelicalCs oncerned6, 21-3296o r ecslba@aol.comW. eeko/ meelTIQS. GO<lenGaleMC1C5,0 8ChurcllSl9, 4131-201. 8 FreectxnIn ChrtstE vangelicCalh urchP, .O. Box1 446,2 SanF ran, CAg41149.0 5-650.0 Sun.,1 : 30p.m. at SOB elcheSr t, betwee1n4 th SlardDt.lxx:e. LutheranCs oncerned56, 6 VallejoS t.,# 25,9 4133-403935. 6-2069. A<l.en1 MCC,1 50E urekaS I., 94114-249. 8263-4434S. unday9, , 11a.m., 7pm. Oasis/Calilornia, 110 Julian Ave., 94103. 522·0222. oasiscalif@aol.coGma. y and lesbianm inistryo f the Episcq,al Dicx:esa.Ie C alifornia. · Aairt:owF ello.Ysho'1f F irstC OngegalionCahl urc,h 432M asonS t, 941023. 92-7~1. Mon1hplyo lluckas nd planningm eeting.s Worah~ leaders. SI.Jolint heE vang,lotE piscq,aCl hurdl,1 88115thSt,9 41038. 61· 1438R. ev.D avidL NOl!l!rp~a sk>r. TririlyEpiscq,aCl htrcll,1 868B ushS t , 941097. 75-1117. UnitarianUnM:lrsalistGay/il,e 1s1J8B7F ranklin9,4 1097, 31·3915. UCCUGC2,0 W oodsidAe w..9 4127. 576-1554. ~=~~~ (~aith Praisea nd Worsh.,C:) enter,P O Box5 765, ·95126,3 45-2319S. un.,1 0:30a.ma. lThe BillyD eFrankc an~,. 175 StooktonAve. ~ Dig'ilyP, O Bo<2 177, SanlaC lara9, 50559. 77-421.8 EcumenicaCla tholicC hurch3, 7~3430.S oot!B urris, contacpt er· 500. ' FiralC hrisl~nC hurcll6, 0 S. 5th St, 95H2. 294'2941. RicliardK . Milor,paslor. Gay,l esbian,a ndA ffirminDg ~. rlo First ChristiaCn hurch8,0 So. 5thS t , S51122. 94·294.4 MCCP, O Box2 288.,95109-228..82 79-27116. 5 S. 7.thS l Surday, t~~:..: i;!l't::ith, 6350 RainbowO r, 95129.2 53-140.8 RichardE .T aylorp, aslor.V ikkYi eg,c,;ana, ssocia1aA. Welooming aooAllirmingAmericBaanp tisol orgega1ioo. ValleyW eslC hurdl,5 91W .H amiltoAn w., Sle, 215,C ami:t,enC, A 9!i008-0521.379-074-0. SANL EANDR(O51 0) , San Laan<l'Co ommunilCy hurch1, 395B anciofAt ve.,9 5477.4 83- i~J·L~,t,;~/?1:oi1°' MCCo f Greate~r ayward,1 00H acienda9, 45804. 81-972. 0Sun., i~:ru7soBI.S P.0 (, 805) . MCCo f 1Mc an~al Coasl,P O Box1 117,G rove.r City,9 3483,1117. ~w1i=~~~i=n'~~o1cit~'W1 iMl °'· MCC2, 30l gllhruse Rd, Santi Bertora;93109-19056. 9-1615. MCCP, O Box2 5610V, entura9, 3002.6 43-050:2 Sunday,6 :20p.m. at4 949F oothiRll d - • . · ~~~=/~. POBox1 7649, 50613. 35-0486. ~~NJ:n:~~ ·1~r Church8, 65-011. 9Archoohq) MarkS hirilau. NewH opeM CC, PO Box1 12789, 5406-12785.2 6-HOPES.u rday, noona t 3632A iiwayD r. STOCKTO(N20 9) ChrBtisn ScienceL esbianBso, x7 104, 95267-7104.4 732-129. Della HarvesMl CC1, 16W .W illoNS.,I 95202-104.5 477-1440. WHITTIER(310) GoodS amarilanM CC, 11931 WashingtonB M!.9, 0606-260. 7696- 6213. Colorado BOULDE(R:m ) Gay& ConcerneCda tholic,s St. ThomasA q.JinaUsn iversity Patrsh, 90414lhSt, 80302. 443-8383. . . COLORADSOP RINGS(7 19) Evangelicals Concerned Western Region Resource Center, crewman@aol.com. Pikes PeakMCC, 730 N. Tejoo, 80903. 634-3771 DENVER(ll 3) Axios:E astern OrthcxbC: hristians, 11635E . cedar Ave,. Aurora, 80012, 343-9997 . . ChrisCt llapel9, 22E.2 3rdA ve., 80205-5111. EvangelicalsR econciled3 31-2079 or erdenver@acool.m. Meets everyo therw eek. LulheransC~rned, 1441H umbolclSl..AptfJJ,780218·237. 4022· 3176. , MCCol lhe Rockies9, 80ClarkooSnl , 80218B. 601-819. St Paurs UMC, 16150gjenS l, 802188. 32-492.9 ~~~l[;:g\91 8 , 81002. 543-6460. Connecticut HARTFOF(I8O6 0) CentraBl aptisCt hurch4, 57M ainS t, 061035. 22·9275.P aulG . Gillespie, p astor.A Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aptisCt on· g~~J~~~:°'~~~lesbiaro . MCC1, 841B roodS t, 061417. 24-4605S. unda'f1, 0:30a.mM. ee1sal :~~~~WA~:;) Rev.D a\/idfJ. ar.is, pastor. Ecumenk:aCi alhol<C hurchD ioceseo 1 NewE ngand, P.O. Box 3808, 06045-360784 :2 -1412. NEWH AVEN(2 03) MCC3, 4 HarrisaSl l, 06515. -750. :W,~5cttir1 ~:~~~~}~a~~A~Jrt~s1:. 6R:a!~:r:r Garberac,a xdna!or. NOANK(203) NoankB aptislC hurch,1 8 Calhe<l'aHl eiglls, 0634-05. 38-7129. JamesL Pratt,p asto.r A Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aptisl coogegaoon. TOLLAN(D20 3) UCCUGC1,4 7Vr\jn~L n,0 6084. 872-653.7 VERNON(8 60) EcumenicaCl alholicC hurchK oinoniaM inistries,8 71-0153R. ev. DemisF innegan. WATERBUR(2Y0 3) ~~~f~iJ-d:~16~C hujruchS rt, c067h~ .4 §,-4239 St Francis & Claire ECCR, 360 Park Rd, Apt A-2, 06119. 232- 5119. District of Columbia DISTRICOTF COLUMB(I2A0 2) Afftmalio(oM alho:lslsP),O Bo<2 3636, 20026. 867-0008. Alfrmalio(oM ormorsP)O Box7 75042, 0013-75048.2 8-3096. ChristU MC4, 1h&I S1s.S W,2 00245. 44-9117. Churcho l lhe Disc\>leMs CC,9 12 3rd St, NW,2 0001.8 42-4870. Sun., 10a.m.T heR ev,H arry8 . Sb:k, pastor. Oignily,P0Box53001,20009.387·4.5 16 . • DurrbartoUo M<3l,1 33D LJTibarAtovoe .N W, 20007. 333c721. 2 FaithT empl,e 1a13NewYorAkve., 200055. 44-276.6 ~i~~6~.f\"'406~~:.:t:ci,i:k9~t~~a)'J>'ing LutheranCs oo:emed2. 12E , Capil~S ( SE, 2l1'01-1036(7. 03)486·. 3567. MCC, 474RklgeSI., NW2, 000.1 638-737. 3Sunday9,t 1a.m.7, p.m. PLGCc, /oW estminstePrr escyteriaCnh urc,h 400I St., SW,2 0024. 66/·2ff/9. Riverside Baptist Church, 680 Eye St SW, 20024. 554-4330. M<heeBi ledsoop, estor. WashinglooF riends( Quakers)2, 111F loridAa ve., NW2 0008. 483- 3310. Florida BOCAR ATON(4 -07) , Churclol l OurS aviorM CC4, 770-CN W2 ndA ve.,3 3431, 996-0454. i~~tmi~%1~Fm Rev.Johnf.Jacdls, pes1or. · FreeC atholiCc hurcho f the ResurrectioPnO, Baic3 454, 346154. 42• 3867. 303 N. Mplla Ave. ' COCOA(4 07) . BraakinglheSilerx:eMCPCO, B ox1 5853, 292:l6. 31-4524. COCONUGTR OVE(3 06) . · :c..~~~?i~~~weA<t\3 3:1.3~34. 4 4-6521 St . Slepherls Episcqlal Parish in 1M Gro,e, 2750 Mcfar1ar, Rd, 33133.4 48-2601F. AX4 48-2153A. n k1clusiYpa roh lamil.y Com· K:~1~:1~ c'm~· Fr. BooM celooke, yr..:lor Hqie MCCP, O Box1 51513, 21152. 54-0993. FOATL AUDERDA(L9E54 ) Churcl1ofll>Hlo t,,Sl>fMil CC3,3 0SW271hSl3, 3315.-462·2004. ~8/itil(~~~ r· 333354. 63-4528. ~~i:;~~~:;~~J. 2:i~=-~:·~~11 Ba!ourp, as1Cl. . ~~~~["~~~,B~:f.t;~t!~7.1~~ 5 ~~~- RemeS haVN:e r G~INESVILL(3E5 2) UnitedC hurch1, 624N WSlhAw.3, 2603. INTEALACH(E9N04 ) Bell>lEl vangeloli~c inislriesI,n c., PO Box1 778, 32148. 684-6479, JACKSONV1L(L90E4 ) St Luke'S't,fCC11, 4-0SM. cOutAt \183.,2 205-755. 1369-7726F, AX 389-762.6. S unday9, a.m., 11a.m.7, p.m.R ev. FrankyeA . White, pastorP. eaceUz@a61.com. KEY WEST (3l6) MCC1, 215P etroniaS L, 33040.2 94-8912S. uooay,9 :30, 11a.m., Wed, 7pm, Rev. Slaven M. Torrence, pastor. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE MAY/JUNE, 1997 KISSIMME(4E0 7) Sts. Perpetua& Fe~city Ecumenical Catholci Church, 33 Las Palmas3, 47433. 48-544. 0Fr. Bernard:)Mo!rSa.l MIAMl(3'.l5) ChrisMt CC, 7701 SW7 61hA ve,. 33143.2 84-1040. GraooC hurcl0l 1M iami Shores, 10390N E2 00 Ave., 33138.7 58- 6822. John Amy, pastor, Sun., 11:30a.m., praise and·worship. 10a.m., Bllleslrrly. . P~oulh CongregationaCl hurch(UCC3),4 00 DevonR d, 33133. 444-652, 1fax,4 46·1035A.l welcom.e Sun.,1 0a.m.R ado, 93.1 FM. ~i'itr"'~)eliYacom/]l¥11001h Houseo l VeloryC hurc,h PO Box2 841,3 2678-284, 1368-80143.8 20 E SiiYaSr pringsB M.! ORLAND(O4 07) In~, PO Bo<5 30031, 32653.()()3313.2 -2743. trNAMc...~m:tcreekAve,32806 . 894-1081. 1 Familyo f GodW orsh~ Center.,1 139E veritAt ve. 784-485. 1Sun., 10:30.am. Rev.T homasA . Gashlinp, astor. Membre: -Allianceo f ChristiaCn hurchess.c ottfcgx:@a.ool m. PENSACOL(A90 4) Holy Cross MCC, 415 N. Ak:aniz St , 32501. 433-8528. Surday, ~a~tf~eil'ii~ (e13) Diglily, PO Box1 337,P inellasP ark, 34664·133273. 8-2866. Kingo1 PeaooM CC,3 1505 1hA ve.N , 33713.3 23-585.7 Sunday, 1Da.m.,7:30p.m. . St. Philip EcumenicaCl atholic Church, 367-8352R. ev. Patricia Bingham. SARASOTA(813) Churcho f theT rinity tvlCC, 7225 N. Lcx::kwooAdic gaR d, 34243- 4526. 355-064. 7Suncily, 10a.m. lntegity, c/o St. Boniface Church, 5615 Milil iglt Pass Ad, 34242· 1721.349-5616. ' TALLAHASSEE GentleS hepherdM CC, PO Box6 137,3 2314. Rev.S usanT ed:ler, pastCJ'. TAMPA(813) MCC, 408 E. Cayuga SL, 33603. 239-1951. UFMCCTa~@a~.com. Pentecostaolsf TampaB ay, 2023C attlemaDn r.,B rarml, 3351.1 651;1!05, - St. JohnT he Evangleist Ecumenical CatholicC hurch,P O Box 2soaso, 338829. 79-4940F. r.D an~IW rliam. s WESTP ALMB EACH(5 61) Dgiily, PO Box3014T, ""'51a,33469. 744·1591.641-9944. ~~·:.'r.:1'm ~~~ : ~~ ::ts~, 6 ~ 406897-3943 Sunday9, :15,1 1a.mS. ervicesa lsoi n Ft Pierce6, 87-394a3n dP t St Lu:ie, 3-0-0421. Georgia ATLANTA '(404) ~i~¾c"g,~/i:i~~~872·2'148 800 N. Higlland Aw.NE. lnllgily.P O Box1 36033, 032Wi00.8 42-318.3 LulhereroCoo:emePd.O Box1 38733, 0324. 636-710.9 AnS ainlsM CCP, O Box1 39683, 0324.622°1154. PLGCP, OB ox8 362,3 03063.7 3-58ll SoolhemVQiePeO, Box1 82153, 03168. 76-1819. UULGC1,9 11C lillValleyWa.3y0329. 634-5134. DECATU(R40 4) ChrisCt ovenanMt CC1, 09H mrhiaAve,. 300302. 97-035. 0 St Aelrad ECCR, 203 Willon Dr., 30030,. 377-3780. elee@vr.;elμb.com . LITHIASP FINGS(7 70) tcumenk:aCl alhol<C hurcll,7 39-8479r.c ilwl@a.Ccolm. MARIETT(A77 0) Mt c,~ary Ligllhous,e 546 UttleS l , Ap18 , 30060-2683B. ro, P. Jotnson, pastor. 5~=~1t~nnily MCC,P O. Be>1<4 824,3 1416.2 31-1065· . Mee1as l 321Y orkS l rnl he Ho1oriDc otrictM alB aley,p as1or. Hawaii MAUl(!lle) NewL lleraliooM CCP, O Bo<3 47,P uuner,, 967848. 79-6193. OAHU(!lle) Alfirmalio(oM ormon,s P)O Box7 5131,H onollu, 96836-01312.3 9- 4995. lli!Ji1PYO, B ox3 958,H onoluu9, 6812-3956.3 6-5536. KeA nuenueO Ke AlohaM CC,P O Ba<1 2260,H onolulu9,6 828· 12609. 42-1027S. urday,1 1a.m., DoleCanoorySq7,p .m., 1212UriversityA ve. RelgousS cenca, 520M akapwAve.H, onollu~ 968169. 42-0800. UULGC2,5 00P aliH wy.H, onolu,l 9l 68176. 23-4726. Idaho ~~~ 1959,8 37023. 42-6784. Illinois ALTON g~~~V~Church, 2613M axeySl, AllenI, L62002·4779. Chi:ag,lntertai'llCoogessP, 08"'60039, 60660. 784-263.5 Chi:ag,OUlline3s.0 59N .S ruttμ,(60657. 871-7610. Chlisl1 MR edaemerM CC,,PO Box6 148, Evanslon6, 0204-81~. g:):::SiiS::u~=~ . 5540S . Wocdawn6, 0637. 288- 1535. Worahpserv,ce10:30a.in,Suo Dig1il9y0, 9W. BelmoAntw ., #205.6 0657-41,0 2896-0780. Emergerx:eP,O Bo<2 547,6 069.0 ·GoodS hepherdP arishM CC6, 15 W.W eKingloAnv e.,6 0657:5305. 427./l708;-Stllda7yp, .m. GraceB aptis•lChurch,1 307W es1G raf'NilAe ve.,6 06602. 62-8700. KellyS prinl<lpea, slor. A Wek:ominago o AffirminAgm erk:aBn aplisl ccrgegalioo. HolyCcM!naMnlC C1, 7 W,M apleH, insd!le6, 0521-3495(7, 08)325- 8488. Stlldav6, P.m. . HolyF amilyE cumenk:aGl a1hol<Cch urch, 721·5363. Fr, Jim Wif kONSkjaiw. 34007@ad.co, m lnle\JilyP, O Box3 232,O akP ark6 0303-3232(7 73)348-8o62. Lulherar,;Coo:emePd.O Ba<1 01976, 06103, 42-1847, ·PLGC,r :JoL incoln-Park Prest,,,teriaCn hurch,6 00 W. F,uUerton Pkv,y.6, 0614-269708. 4-2635. ~a~:~ _Chrjstia.Fn~ llowsh,. ,P:)O Ba<5 427,E vanston6, 0204. UULGCC, loS econd UnilariaCn hurcl,l 656 w. BarryA \18.6, 0657. 549-0260, UCCUGC6,1 71N .SheridanRd,#270,1 60660-265363. &045.2 ' ' EVANSTO(N70 8) · lake SlreelC hurcn, 607l ake St, 60201. 864-218.1 RooertT horrj)son, p astorA. Weloominga ndA ffirmillJA mericaBn aptisot ongregatoo. JACKSONV1LLE(217) St. MaximilianK olbe Cathoicl Church of the AmericasP, O Box 13456, 2650-134254. 3-4539S.t 11.5, :30p.m. QUINCY(217) MCCll l~rroP, .O. Box4 21,6 2306-04212.2 4-2800. ROCKIS LAND(3 :19) LulherarsC oncernePd,. O. Box3 8916, 120+389. 1 MCCQuadCiti,e 1s001181tivAe., 61204·613.1286-565. 5 ~~e~~~:J!Lg!~~~c Church of the Americas, 2239 S. 15th St., 627037. 83-388.9 Suo, 5:30p.m. Faiht Eternatlv iCC, 304W .A .lienS I.; 62704. 525-9597S.u n., 1oa.m. aoo6p.m. URBANA/CHAMPA(2I1G7N) Integrity1,0 11S . WrighSt L, Champag,n61820. 344·1924. PLGC, 609S . 5thS t, Champaign6,1 820. VILLAP ARK(6 30) BereanC hrislianF eilcmsph, PO Box6 875, 60181-687, 5495-570.4 Bro.G . Biakl,e pastor. NGPA@oonceren.loot WAUKEGA(8N4 7} . . First CongregationUaln itedC hurcho f ~hrist, 315 N. Uttca SI., 6008.5 336-5368R. ev.B radS.L uiz, minJS!.e Ar n Opena ndA ft1rm· ing'congrega1ion. Joy ol U1eM CC5, 11 S. LewisA ve., 60085-6105(.7 08)578-502.2 2031 Dugllle Rd Indiana BLOOMINGT(O8N12 ) ln~g,ily, PO Box3 232,4 74-02·323323.9 -0246. FOATWAYNE(219) NewW orldC hurch,P O Box1 1553, ~8 59. 456-657.0 22'1E . Leith St • OpeoDoorChapl e3426Broac!Na4y6, 807. 744-1199. TaskF orce,F irstP rest,JteriaCn hurch3, 00W . WayneS t., 46802. 426-7421. INDIANAPOL(I3S1 7) Affima1io(Mo alhoosls)3,3 E.3 2ndS t, 482059. 25-004.3 ~t~U::Xc!~~~~o i5~~l , Ste. 7, ~220 251-4526. Jesus MCC, PO Box4 41551, 46244-15513.5 7-9£87. Iowa CEDARR APIDS(3 19) AilF aithsM CCP, O Box4 12, 524063. 96-9207, COAALV1LLE(319) lni,g,ilyP, O Box52255, 22413. 51-9263, DAVENPOR(3T1 9) GlADAlliaJJ(2:e6,2 8W esterAn ve.,5 2803-147, 3324-6231. DESM 01NES(5 15) Church ol lhe Hot/ sp;nl MCC, P.O. Box 8426, 50301. 284-794-0. Ollicei ooworshp spaoelo caleda l 15488 th St Sun., 6p.m. Rev. ~~~~~~ e1~~P.~O.B fo~x4 ,3 96,5 0333.2 70-2709M. eetsa l St ManisE piscopaCl illrch,3 120E . 241hS t, Des Moines. IOWACITY(319) FaithU nttedC hurcho l Chrol, 1609D eForesS1 t , 52'14-303. 8-5238. tt~~p~~~,gz,egalk>t NASHUA(515) UCCUGCc,l oCarmen-LirdCao nklinR, R2,5 06584. 35-506.8 SIOUXC ITY(7 12) MCCP, O Box3 61, 51102-03612.5 5-8005. ~::1;;"b~i(!~ihurch ol Chrol, 1002 OliverS mith Dr., 50322. 276-0625A. nO pena ndAffirmi1Cgo ng,e!Jllion. WATERLO(O31 9) Churclol l NewH opeM CCP, O Box3 4, 50704.2 34-1981M. ae1as l 3912C edarH is., Ce<llrF als. Kansas ~~~ l:3~776, 66604-07762.3 2-819.6 SElnclaraAwa 125lh W1CHITA(316) FiratMCC1,5 8S. KarsasAw., 672112. 67-185.2 WtchitaP raisea ndW orsh.C,:)e nter1, 607S . Broadrva6y7, 211. 267· 6270. ChuckB reckenri<!Jpea,s lor. Kentucky HENDERSO(N50 2) ZionU CCP, O Box2 027,4 04208. 28-060,5 Rev.B enG ues,s pas1or. ~~~~~d1aysMIIIRd,«JS00.223-1448 LOUISV1L(L5E02 ) ~1~r,,tei: 0:'3~ ~;i~Av4e-0.2, 035 87-8935S un~ Jris\~h~rdlGalhe<l'a4l2, 1s .2 ndS t, 402025. 87-1354. Goolerer<:leo r Calhol<L esbiansP, O Box4 778,4 0204-07788.9 5- 0930. Prlf~i.,~.~ ~ S:JJ~:.157-0692 897-5719. MCCP, OB a<3 24744, 02327. 75-66364. 222B aA<S l PLGCP, 0Box7692,4 0257-Q69829. 7-571,9 Thirdl JJlharanC hurcll1, 884F ranklor1A.\;1 4802068. 96-6383S, unday, 1 0:30a.mT. LCX2@eounetorg PADUCA(H5 02) MCCP, O Ela<-17W6, aslP eclJcah4, 20864. 41-2307. Louisiana BATONR OUGE(5 04) Joied eV MBM CCP, OB a<6 499,6 708963. 83-0450. ~i%18t~~=git;1:~~r~~ i~.~=~~~ l\t~~=~i~I abuse> iclims. =~[g:~risian Felkmshp8, 32 E. Boo1oSnt , #3, 70433. 871-9527P.a stts.t.ee Timpson aooYolardaY aeger. LAFAYETT(E3 16) MCCP, O Ba<9 28827, 05092. 32-05482.1 1G arleki LAKEC HARLE(S3 16) . MCCP, 08"'384,7 060.2 439-98695.1 0B roadS t NEWO RLEANS(5 04) FirstJ es~ NameC hurch,P .O.B ox 583627, 0158·8362A.n Acts 2~ COO!J898..0 00 GreooF allcmshiP>O, Box7 05557, 01729. 44-9836. St AmbroseE cumenicCala tholiCc hurch5, 58-071. 3Fr. JayR lbar. St ThomasA ~inas CatholicC hurcho f theA mericas7, 17P atter• SOO7, 01142. 63-5412. UCCUGC, 944Jo,,:,, SI., Marrero, 70072-2306. 341-4608. V~ux CarreMCC, f128Sl Roch Ave., 70117-7716. 945-5390. Sunday, 10am. , WEST MONROE (318) Gods Garden Growth Mission, P.O. Box 2631, 71294. Sr. R. Bo,,:\ pasta. Maine BANGOR (207) . Dg,i\y, PO Box 103, N<J1h Sullwan, 04664-0103. PORTLAND (207) Oigity, P0Box8113,04104. WALDOBORO (207) tntegity, PO Box 25, 04572. Maryland ~~eErf~t~ 1 ~l{lion for Free State Juslice c/o Paint Branch uu Churdl, 3215 Po.l'der Mm Rd, 20783. 776<i891. BALTIMORE (443) The Alternative, POBox2351, 21203. (301)235-3401. Archdicx::esan Gay/Lesbian Outreach, 2034 Park Ave., 21217. 728· 2636. Dg,ity, POBox 1243, 21203-1243. 325·1519. First New Cr,,enant Fellcmsh\) Clllrch, 5 W. Fort A\e., 21230-4407. 523-7789. Sunday, 2:15p.m. at Dag,th UMC, 527 Scott St. lnlegrtty, cJoEmmanuelCht.fch, 811 CatheaalSI., 21201. 732-0718. Lutherans Crncemed, BOK 23271, 21203-5271. 225-0563. MCC, 3401 Oki York Rd, 21218. 889-6363. BETHESDA (301) Open Door MCC, PO Box 127, Buyds, 20841·0127. 601-9112. Sunday, 10:30a.m., 7p.m. at 1581_7 Bamesvilkl Rd Massachusetts BOSTON (617) . Digity, 95 Ber\<eteySt, #616, 02116. 423-9558. Ecumenical Catholic Church, 227-5794. Bishcp Paul Diederich. sgswa;a@aol.com. SI.W)rtGrOl4), Church of tte Cc,;enant, 67 Newbury St, 02116. 266- 7480. fntegi\y, c/o Christ Church, 12 OUircy Ave., Quincy, 02169. 773- 0310. MCC, PO Box 15590, Kenmore Stn., 02215. 288-8029. Sunday, 7p.m. at 131 Cambrd;le St., Beaoon H:tl. . CAMBRIDGE (617) Ftiends tor Lesbian/Gay COOCerns (Quakera), 5 Longfellow Park, 02138.876<i883. Oki cambri<l;Je Bapist Churc~ 1151 Massachuse\\S Ave., 02138. 664-8068. Irving Cummings, pastor. A Welcoming and Afflnning Ametican Baptist congeg:,lion DORCHESTER (617) Sl Martin de Pooes Cathol'ic Church of the Amerk:a.s, 3 Holden St, ~.1,02124.822-0767. FRAMINGHAM (508) Part<S~eet Bapfisf Cllurdl, 38 Fraridin St, 01701. 872-1091. POOOY Walla<:e, pastor. A WeloomintJ & Affirming American Baptist ~ lro\'.':rl(!,Ql) UCCUGC, PO Box 403, 01520. 85&9316. OSTERVILLE (508) Heahhsi!JlS counseling Center, 100 Acorn Dr., 02655. 420-0258. Anne lerard, dreclor. SAND\\ICH (508) SL Luke ECCR, 5 Emi~ Ln., 02563. 428-8301. ~:i=~f ~~ 6 WiliamSt.,02144 ~7-5636. SPRINGFIELD(413) ~m~ ·l~\mro51 ,01101-ro51. 737-4766. Lulherans COOCerned, do Randall Rk:e, 108 112 Chestnut St, 02154· 0406.893-2783. WORCESTER (508) Firs! Baplisf Church, 111 Park Ave., 01609. 755-6143. Barbara Sinclair Ward, associale pastor. A weJooming and Afflf'ming American Baptist oorgegilkxl. Morrong Siar MCC, 231 Main SI., CherryValle.y, 01611. 892·4320. Plb: Morning Siar Wilness Unitarian Umversalists for BVGayflesbian Concerns, PO Box 592, WestsideStn.,01602. 755-0005. Michigan ANN ARBOR (313) ·carrterbuyHouse, 721 E. Huron St , .12R, 48104-1526. Lulherars COOCemed PO Ba< 8417. 996-2439. Tree of Ute MCC, 485-3922. 885-6163. Mee!Sa\ RrstC<xigeg,,tiorel Churdl, 218N. A<ilms, Ypoianll, Ml-48197-2:il7. Sunday, 6p.m. DETROIT(248) Agiμ,Communi\yChurch, 15801 Joy Rd 562'7496. Cruise Mag,zm, 660 -· Ferndale. 545-9040. Dtjlity, PO!lo<32874, 48232. 961-4818. ~::J~hf!n~~iu:.1 ~tr:=.i810)399- 7741. Plblica\ion: Cornerstore. W..ts al.Drayton Ave. Prasbylerian ChiJch, Ferndae. Sun., \Qa.m., 7p.m. Men of Color g014) meets Tuesdays at 7p,m. a1 St Mal\heW and SI. ~':.%'~~=~=~i~:imtd~ Ste. 2900A.49&-0158. ::,Dt~!t1ss,mblf Eas\ PO Bc,r 20193, 48220. 543-9545. be\helca@aol,corn. An Apostol~church for )<JIJ. PaSlor.a Bruce and ~tiWT ~~~-Ple.\cher Redeemer MCC, 1665 N. Chevrolet Ave., 48504-3184. 238-6700. h"'ii'il'Afmtaiisomdso!Redeemer . All Sools' Apostof~ calllof~ Church, 4653 Desmond Beach, 48059. 385-9224. Hot,, Eucharist Sun. 11a.m: GRAND RAPIDS (616) ApostoUc Assemblies ol Our God Jesus Christ, PO Box 6935, :~ l=~~~:ai~,' 49510. 456<;174. An erumenicaf Cl'aislian minishy whooe misskxl is lo prMie faith-based Sll> port for gay, leslJlan, and bisexual persoos and to promo lea pr,;ilive response within the Chrisian community. Dig1i1y, PO !lo< 1373, 49501. 459-9779. Evangelcafs COOCemed PO Box 6011. Recoocilia\ion MCC, PO Box 1259, 49:il1. 364-7633. KALAMAZOO (616). . calholc and Episcq:,ll Gays and lesbilns, 372-1222 ~~· ~:.~Ji,t~~p~ Box 2222, 49003-2222 381-3222, Suoo,y, 6p.m. at Uniled Chl!ch of Chri;t LANSING (517) Digity, PO Box 1265, EastL.ansirg 48826. 321-4841. 'Ecclesia, meets at Pecple's Church, 200 W. Grand River. Sunday, 7:3q>.m. ~:rti~~~~:J~~:(~~ch , 800 Atbott Rd, East L.ansirg 48823. DMne Peaoe MCC, PO Box 71938. 544-8335. ' ROCKFOA0(616) Lg>lhouse o\HopeMCC, POBox 721. 247-6743. . r;;!~\':'J~i\~., ch~ch, 2803101h st , 48192-4994. 281-3082, YPSILANTI (313) First Congrergalional Chllch ol Christ, 218 N. Adams, PO Bae 980413. 482-6960. Minnesota MARSHALL (507) Lulheraro Concerned'lntegity, PO Box 3013, 56258. (800)235-3708. MINNEAPOLISIST. PAUL (612) Allirmation (Mormons), PO Box 3878, Minneapolis, 55403. 753- 3345. . . . ~~~ai~~~.t:~ 1 ~1oo ists), 101 E. Gran! St., Minneapolis, AU GOOs Chi!<ien MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneap:>lis, 55407. 824-2673. WincbN or Wellness Counseling Center otters positive affirming Christian counseling for homosexuals. . catholic Pastoral Committee, 1118 Farrington St, SL Paul, 55117· 4802. 340-0618. Digity; PO !lo< 3565, Minneapolis, 55403. 827-3103. lntegit,,, c/oUnM>rsit,,Episcq:,ll Center, 31717\hAve SE, Minneapois, 55414. 825-2301. Jucton Memorial Bap!is~ 4101 Harriet Ave. So., Minn., 55403. 822· 0649. Dale K. Ectnondson, pastor. A Welcommg and Affirming American Baptist oongeg3tion. lulherans COOCerred, 100 N. Oxford SI., SL Paul, 55104-6540. 866- 8941. . ~h:~er:~ Jr 2~~~:t" ~~ ~:K~:.: ~~!~~s~:Z 6908. FOI.Kth Men, 7:30p.m. twmnn®winternetccm. Spirit of !he Lakes Community Church, (UCC), 2930 13th Ave. S., Mimeapols, 55407. 724-2313. Sunday, \Oa.m., Wed, 7p.m. Temple Baplot ChUrch, 3100 GaumlxJs Ave., S, 55407. 823-6268. ~~tf:'c~::•iiai\!A:ri:tt•t=: Services hek!at 1819 NroletAve. s . UCCUGC, 134 w. 43rd St, Mimeapols, 55409. . un;.,,rsity Baptist Churoh, 1219 UnM!rsi\yAw., SE, 55414. Nadean ~=~~f,tf~/r,t~~As~'W!~~~~3311. Mississ1pp1 JACKSON (601) Gay and Lesbian Task f'orre, PO !lo< 7737, 39284-7737, 373-8610. Pltoeno Coali\ioo, Inc., PO Box 7737, 39284-7737. 373-8610,939- 7181. Counseli'tgserw:es. Safe Hartxlr Famio/Church, 2147 Henry Hill Dr., Sia. 203, 39204- 2000. 961-9500. Rev. James H. Becl<er, pasla. Wk<ily: 359-6604; Eve: 373-0917. SIil., 5p.m. Missouri COLUMBIA(314) Chris! theKingAgtpeCh11ch, 515 Hickman Ave., 65201. 443-5316. Uniild Cownanl Misskxl Churdl, PO Box 7152, 65205. 449-7194. ~::sp~: t::ii."!ri~~h!J!ch, 5090 NE Chooteau Traff.,.ay, 64119. 452-1222. Garing \orpeq,le andcrea\ia'l. MaryGer\<e~ conlacl person. A Reconciled i1 Chris\ oorgegi\ioo. .A\lirmation (Untted Metoodists), 5709 v,gnia Ave., 64110-2855. 383-6892 ~~=:r:~'. ~m~_1iii~1432;;139_ lulherars Concemed;PO !lo< 413702, 64141. MCC, PO !lo< 10087,64111-0087, 931-07:il. 3801 W,,,ncl:ltte. MCC Johnson COOnty; 12510 W. 62nd Terr., 1106, Shawnee Mis· i: :~:!3fe1~; Ministnes, PO BO'.( 10496,.64111. 763- 3134. ST. LOUIS AREA (314) A~ Clllrch, 2706-A Armand Pl., 63104-2214. 664-3588. ~~?6°e!"i~m-~~00 . 1120DolmanSl Montana BILLINGS (406) Famfyof Goo MCC, 845 Howar~ 59101. 245-7066. Sunday, 11a.m., ~'Mf~·(<llS) . A\fKina\ion (United Me\holi;\s), 1000 N. 17lh Ave., 129, 59(15. 58& 7438. , . GREATFALLS(406) . . ·, · Shepherd of \he PiairsMCC, POBox2162, 59403. 771-1070.1~5 171h Ave., SW, 59404. · Nebraska OMAHA(402) MCC, PO!lo<3173, 88103, 345-2563. 819 S. 22rdSL PLGC, c/oEwns,381013lhSL,#22, 88107. 733-1380. Nevada LAS VEGAS (702) · MCC, 1119S. Main St, 89104-1026. 384-2325. 1 Muslard Seed Ministries, P.O. Box 70053, 89170. 269-.1876. Sr. W. =·~c:ir MCCo\\heS~na, PO Box21192, 89515-1192, 829-a602. New Hampshire FRANCESTOWN (603) PFLAG, 731 BENNINGTON RO:, 03043. 623-6023. MANCHESTER (603) P-FLAG, PO Box 386, 03105. 623-6023. Month~ meetings in Concord, Nashua, Stratham, f.'a1amoci<. NASHUA (603) lnlegrilf, PO Box412, 03061. 882-5352. PORTSMOUTH (603) Judith A. Palais, MSW, BCD, psychotherapist. Gay/lesbian O!Xl)!es,1nclvioJa\s. 431-1900. New Jersey ASBURY PARK (008) Di!Jjt,,, PO Box 901, 07712. 774-4031. ~t~:~ ~:/unner Easlem ECCR, 103 Park V~ Ave., 07407 797-1866. JERSEY CITY (201) Christ Our Teacher Catha., Church of the Ameri:.as, 219 First St #1, 07302-2868 333-1094. bejcity@aof.com. MAPLEWOOO (201) · . ~g!;~R~ (~ge 's_ Church, 550 Rd;)ewood Rd., 07040. 761-7321. The Oasis, Ca\hecial House, 24 Rec!O' Sl, 07102. 621-8151. NEW BRUNSWICK (008) Wlth~': i1i°.;~1or~~8lO::=s 846-8227. ~bi~~~:,; 38, 06903-0038. Ptil More l.ig\1 Uixt,le. The LowngBrolherhood, PO !lo< 556, 07461. 875-4710. New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE (505) Dg,i\y, PO Box 27294, 87125. 898-3343. ciglil@swcp.com. Web ~~~~!mc~~~\88-0599 emccabqlm@a~.cooi. Kirs~. Sevenlh Day Advenlists, PO Box 26012, 87125. MCC, 2404 San Mateo Pl., NE, 87110. 881-9088. Rev. Dr. Frede. WiUiams, P.c!Stor. Sun., 10a.m. E.~rt~~~E~{~ Ministries, 134 Quincy, NE, 87108. Ho.'y Family P'arish ol lhe Evangelical Aajican Church in Amerk:a., 1701 E. Missouri Ave., 88001. 522-7119. An iOOusiveparishq:>en to all. Koi_noria, 2162 DoraOO Dr., 88011. 521-1490. Gay and lesbian spiril- ~1~Ti~ TheCata;~tkxl,551 W.Cor<Wi!,S\e. DIE,87501. 986-1794. New York ALBANY/CAPITAL AREA (518) Community of St John Christian Orlh<xbx Church, PO Box 9073, 12209. 346-0207. Fr. Herman. Poo: Melancia Dg'ity, PO !lo< 11204, LOUOOll'liKe, 12211-0204. 43&8546. Emmanuel Baplis\ Church, 275 Slate St, Allany, 12210. 465-5161. i/si""~ Don~slor. A We looming and Affirming Ametican Baplnfegi\ y, 1oGraoe& Hofylnnocents, 498ClintlnAve. 12206. 465· 1112 ' Ugt\house Apr,;l~t Church, PO Box 1391, ScheneclaclJ, 12301- 1391. 372-6001. Bro. W. H. Camy, paslor. · MCC, 275 Stale St, 12210. 785-7941. ~;'i,<b~75EllioottS!rt, 14205. 833-8995. . ~ty,c/oClllrdlollheAsoersion, 16Linv,ooc!Ave., 14209.884- PinkTriargeChrislian Feoa.,hp, PO!lo<722Elliooff Stn., 14205- 0722 845-6971. Plb: Spirttv.orks. GENEVA(315) · PLGC, PO!lo<21a Dresden, 14441-027a 536-7753. ~~g;l:l~~;:,Dr ., 14217-2417.an-0459. Good ShepherdAmetican Calholc ChUlch, P.O. Box 725, ,10 Faith Dr., 11946. 723-2012. NEW YORK CITY AREA :r:~~,U!ch, 295 St Anrrs Ave., 10454. 585-6325. Bll>Oldyn(718) ~Z'~~: R~!~3C.:~ t,:~69-3447 Monlho/WO!Shj> Fist Uhitarian Church, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Coooems Commillee, ro Monroe Pl., 11201. 624-5466. Long Island (516) . ~,);';,_AIDS care, Inc., PO Box 2859, Hunlingfon Stn., 11746. Circle of More l.igl\ !lo< 203, Broof<haven, 1 \719-0203. 28&0542 ~u-!ri<:sPO Box 48, Easl Meaaw, 11554. 781-6225. Lesbian/gty ~ :ck=~::.°';~¥~=/ c/o UUF o\ Slony BIOOk, PO ln\erna\iorel Fme Ca\hol~ Clllrcl>'GoodShepherd Church, PO Box 436, Central lsli>, 11722. 723-0348. Rev. Msg. Robert J. Allmen, paslor. ~:~=&Yg~rc':.)!I~ns, PO Box 756, Villaga Sin, 10014. 989-6211. Seaind Friday, 8p.m., Community Center, 208 W. 13\hSL . BlessedVirg'n Mary Mission, 123 E. 15 SL, 10003. 22S-0898. Sun., 1:15p.m: g~:,~~~g'8kl~~!r~~~i~'1 1~1~;~i:·ou1- 1rot . ~rcv•o~: 1~~~0~~-1~~~~:: Frank Rocco. rocl<rl)<:@aol.com. Evangelicals COOCemOd, 311 E. 72nd St, #1G c/o Dr. Ra\)h Blaw, 10021.517·3171. Plil: Recor~ Rev.ew ~~~}~n .Ouakers, 15 Ru\hertordPL, 10003-3971. 475-0195, Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disci>les AUiance, c/oAlle.n Hanis'.1453A l8'<irgl:l!IA"'.,-10128-2506. 2~9. ~~;n{or\c, PO !lo< 20067, 10011. 691-7181. Episoc!lali:lns; Jurton Memorial Cllurch, 55 Washinglon Scpire So., 10012. 477· 0351. Peter Laannan, pastor. A We looming arx:f Affirming American Baplis\ oorgegilion lesbian andGayCommuni\ySeMCeS Cenlar, loc., 208 W. 13\hSl, 10011. 620-7310. Poo'CenlerSlaga, CenterVcice. MarlsonAvenue Bapli;t Chtich, 30 Easl31s\St., 10016. 885-1377. Michael B. Eastenirg pastor. A Welcoming andAffirmingAmetican Baplisl oorgegition. Maranatha: Riversiders !or Lesbian/Gay Concerns, r:Jo RiWrsioo Chllch, 490 RM>rsideDr., 10027. 222-5900. MCC, 208 W.13\hSt, 10011. 242-1212. Sunday, 10a.m. at208W. 131h St, 7p.m. at 135 w. 41hSl PLGC, 740WestEndAve., 10025.866-3580. :::1~'it"f~~r;~~=!~~~~ia= I galkxl committed t> exlendng !he km o!Chris\ kl all peq,fe. Polluck, c/oAlonV. Harris, 1010 Par\<Ave., 10028-0991. 2~46 . .FO!J\h Ftiday, 7p.m. R;.,,rside Church, 490 R;.,,~ide Dr., 10027. 222-5900. James Fort> {~.slor. We~ming & Affirming (ABC)·and Open,& Affirming Rutgars Presoyfetian Church, 236 W. 73rd St , 10023. 877-6227. ~=li..li~~~~W:,.tr~emational PO Box 20585, 10025 (718)662-8656. PAGE 15 Resource Guide Tempe of Mraculoos Perception, 237 W. 100 St, 10025. 222-2874. , UCCUGC, c/o Craig Hoffman, 1453A Lexinglon Ave., 10128. 289· 3016. UnityFelk:N/shpChurch, PO Box 2708, 10008·2708. (718)636-5646. WashingtonSqiareUMC, 135 W, 4lhSt, 10012. 777-2528. Wes\Par1<Pres17;1erianChurch, 165 W. 66\hSt, 10024. 362-4890. Queens(718) Queens Lesbian & Gay Chrislians, PO Box 4154, Cofege Pcinl, 11356, 353-3941. Ptb: Tl'o Good Shepherd Umtanan Umversabst Church, lesbian, Bisexual & Gay concerns ~~~,g;~Ash Ave., Flt.Shin!, 11355. 353-3960." lntegi\y, PO Box 2038, White Piains, 10602-2038. 949-4367. Poo: TheGr~WJe. NIAGARA FALLS (718) Oneress Ap::istolic Gospel Church, 1646 Niagara Ave., 14305. 284· 7044. Bro. C. Rr:oerts, pastor. PLATTSBURGH (518) St Mal;'s Erumenical CatholeChurch, PO Box \59, Chazy, 12921. 493-3272 (voice and FAX). Rev. Fr. Michael R. Frost POUGHKEEPSIE (914) ~rcw~~;\11'/ilg Box 356, L.a11ange~1., 12540-0356. 7243209. Community Christian Fellowsh~. PO Box 68005, 14618. 234-9776. A place of pra~r. praise and Bole sttrl; lcr gay and lesbian Evani!; 1"f~1Tn~=\7S . Fi!Zhug, St, 14614. 262-2170. tat Avenue Baplist Church, 57 Ambrose Sl, 14608. 458-5765. Peter Carman. pastor. A Welcoming aoo Affirming Amerk:a.n Baptist oorgegalion The EmptyCkset, 179 AllanltAve., 14607-1255. New York Slate's =1,r,,=,~c:l:nanSL.N,Ste . 10, 14607·1153.271- 8478. PLGC, o'ocarter, 111 Milum St., 14607-2918. 271-7649. ·SYRACUSE (315) May Memorial Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian & Gay concerns, 3800E. Ger-..seeSI., 13214.424-7628. ~~~~~ fo~~~i;~ ~!9~.~~J%!~5c:1·~~~~i0t Shawn Francis Be.-\ paslora. UTICA(315) it~;.~ tJ52, 13503. 738-0599. itti,i';Zgr312r, 11193, 781-5942 St Anthony of Padua Ecumenical ca\holo Church, 539-4323. Fr. Tom Sterner. North Carolina ASHEVILLE (704) . Comniuri\yConnections, PO Box 18088, 28814. 258-3260. Newspa• per tor \he Soo\hem /\Waiaclian gayltesbian oommuni\y. MCC, PO Box 2359, 28802-2359. 259-3065. CHARLOTTE(704) Charlotte lrrtedai\h Nelwor1< for Gay.lesbian ECJJruity, 5945 Redctnan Rd, .!205, 28212-1664.·568-6669. Garnett E. PhW., oonlaclperson. Lulherans COOCerned, PO Box 9562, 28299. 334-2367. Poo: The Clarkxl · MCC, 4037 E. lncl!pen<l,nce Blvd., #726, 2820S.7375. 563-5810. Me\rolinaSWi\cttioar~ PO Bo< 11144, 28220. 535-6277. New Lite MCC, PO Box 221404, 28222. 343-0070. GREENSBOR0'(910) ~~c~;,c11~~J:=:~6~~~~~~~';'p:~.1~: Communiorl.sarvedat all services. ELCA. ~;.~a'~~~=nl!%f~!~,~~:=~~':, ~~ci~~tev. ChristineDscar, pasla. MCC, c/o Unlarian Ch11ch, 10911 \hAve., NW, 28601. 324-1960. l~~~~(~i~ \:~/-ts), PO Box 5961, Raleigt, 27650. 850- 9300. , Dig1i\)I, PO!lo<51129, Durham, 27717-1129. 493-8269. lntegi\y, c/oCllurch o\ lheGoodShepher~ POBox 28024, Rakligt, 27611.571-1792. ~~':~ns COOCernOd, PO Box 885,_Apex, 27502. 387-0824. Meers il PFLAG Triangkl Chapter, P.O. Box 10844, Raleigt, 27605-0844. Rafegt: 3&!-9325. Chapel Hill: 929-0192. Pulle.n Memotial Bapisl Church, 1801 Hillsborough S , Rale.lffl 27605, 828-0897 . .M. Mahan Sior, Jr., paslor. Raleigt Relgous Net.ark !or Gay and Lesbian Ecpility, PO Box 5961, 276:il-5961. 781-2525. . SL John's MCC, PO !lo< 5626, Raleigt, 27650. 834-2611. Sunday, 1\am., 7:15p.m.,805Gle.nv,ooc!Ave. ~aa::..,;~~:~i&,~~~o Unitarian ~ellowshP, 3313 WILMINGTON (910) ~~wootr~c'l:~~~v~::"~i:x~~- 675-9222 SL Jude's MCC, 4326 Mair.1st, Ste. 110, 28403. Sanctuary: ro1 castle St 762-5833 WINSTON-SALEM (910) lesbian & Gay Concerns Task Force, Unitarian Universalist Fellcm· shj), 2873 Rdlinhood Rd., 27106. 723-7633. . Piomlor\ Relgous Network for Gay and lesbian E(JJafity, PO !lo< 15104, 27113-0104. (919)766-9501. Ohio AKRON(330) MCC; 1215 Kermae Blvd., 44314. 745-5757. Poo: Beacon o\ l.igtl. cascade Ccmmunity ChUrch, 1190/1196 Inman SL,-44306. 773- 5298. Sunday, ll).m. Poo: cascade News~n.r. Lutherans Coocemed, PO !lo< 67114, c.,,,,ooga FaYs, 44222. 928- 6041. ATHENS(614) UCCL/GC, 18 N. Cdlega st, 45701. 593-7301. AlsoUniEdCampus ~ at Ohio UnMirsit,,, an affirming pooe la fesbigay students. Jan Gnesinger, drector. · ~~~:.\Wflo\whj) Church, PO Ba, 35604, 44735-5604. 37& 8725. · CINCINNAT1(513) Oigily; PO!D< 983, 45202. (606)581·9014, lnteg,ty, 4905 Cha~10,., #11, >15217-1445. 242-7297. Mt. Auoorn Pr~erian -Church, 103 MMam Howard Tatt Rd, f~ ru;i5945, liJ( :,1-2664. Rev. Dr. Ha'.ol<m ~or1er, pastor. New~~Hotlis1erSL,45219.241-6216.Plb:Vis~ns . · f'ci.nm~N=iJo !lo< 91853, 44101. Jehova~s Witnesses. Cllurdlol\heRedeemerUni\adMe\holi;\ 2420So. T')b'Rd, Cle-, veiand H~,, 44118. 932-2065. ARecm:ifingCorgega1Dn. SECOND --STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1997 Dg,ity, PO ll<>< 91697, 44101. 531-4469. Emmanuel MCC, 10034 Lorain Ave., 44111-5429. 651-0129. Sunday. 10:45a.m. PLb: Gooo News PLGC, 841 Engewoo:I, 44121. 382-0507. COLUMBUS (614) Christ UniledEvangeicalChm:h, PO Box 141264, 43214·29H317. Evangelicals Corcerned. PO Box 360491, 43236. 235-GAYS. First Unitarian Universalisl Church, 93 W. Weisheimer, 43214. 267- 4946. Slllday, m.m. Frierds for Lesbian & Gay Concer~ (Quakers), 488-2096. Gay ~n's SLUn1 GrOLJJ, rlo Newman Cenler, 64 W. Lane Ave., 43201.291-4674. MCC, PO ll<>< 10009, 43201-0500. 294-&l26. 1253 N. Hig>SI. Sunday, \0:30a.m·. Ptb: The Beacoo News S~nt of the A- Community Church, PO Box 10333, 43201. 486- 1774. SIOOO/lall Unloo RepJrts, Box 10814, 43201-7814. 299-n64. UOCIJGC, 294-9970, 488-2096. · DAYTON(937) Community Gospel Church, PO Box 1634, 45401. 252-8855. S~ril filled, Chnsl centered. Meets Thurs., Sp.in., Sun. 10a.m. at 546 X_enia Ave., Dayton.samuel Kader, pastor. ~~'.:·p~t:51024r°~£7"7~:4031, 153~ E. 5th SI. Sun, 10:~m. GRANVILLE (614) Firs\ Baptist:Church, 115 W. Broac!Hay, 43023-\:79. 587--0336. Georga Williamson, Jr., pastor. A Wek:oming and Affirming American Baplist Coogeg,\ion. LIMA(419) . Most Holy Redeemer Ecumenical Catholic Church, 226-7344. Fr. ~!:lli~\:'gr(419) . Center for Pastoral Care, 3180 German Church Rd, 44904. 756- 2977, 774-53n. FAX 774-9805. Sunday lnur!I/, 10:1sa.m. Pastll!al courseling.retrealS. OBERLIN (216) i;=~r:Ji~ :~r74-0387 775-3341. Community Church bf Truth, PO )lox &JOS, 45501-3005. 325-7691. ~~fiR!i,fl!/~t me_taphysk:s and pracJical Christianity. Dg,ily, PO Bax 1388, 43603. 799-2527. lnlegily, c/o St Mar~s Church, 2272 Golling,lood Blvd., 43620. 2# 3707. MCC, Good Samaritan Parish, -720 W. Delaware Ave., 43620. 244- 2124. Slll<lly, 11a.m. Oklahoma g~~~~t.;/Ti &':. PO Box 1SM1, 13147. s28-ll417. D91ity/lnlegily, PO Box 25473, 73125. 755'1)175. . Fr~rds Meeting(Quakers), 312SE 25thSt,73129. 632-7574, 531- 4174. ~f¥J:i~ r~,;t:Cathol~ Church, PO BCX< 254_25, '73125. TULSA(918) ~~~•t~;~~J:~~~lt1ll~tr'~ SI. Jerome.Ecumenical Cattdic Chllfch. 742-7122. Fr. Rick Hollingsworth. ickraohnja@aol.oom, stariott@aol.com. Oregon EUGENE (541) . C~rw& LajtyConcemed, 458 Blair Blvd, 97402. 485-1755 MCC, 1414 Kincaij SI., 97401-3737. 345-5963. Sunday, 4p.m. at First Coogeg,Jlooal Church, Coodoo Chape\ 23rd & Hartis Sis. ~~~,;;~round Rev .. Marg,enteScrogje, i:estor. Affma\ion(UnltedMellms\S), PO Boe 12673, 97212. 234-&54. ~rn.:r~r~~f:~9f2~1~C:i~~tad'~. Lesbian Progam, Dg,ity, PO Box 6708, 97228-6708. 295-4868. EvangelicaoCorcemed, PO Box 40741, 97240-0741. 232-7451 lnlegity, c/oAFSC, 2249 E. Burnside, 97214. 774-1064. Pub: St Aereds Messenger. . · Lile Center· A ministry of the Pottets House. 3830 SE 62nd St , 97219. PO Box 88545, 97286. 775-5024. Sun., 9:&la.m., Bible sct-a,l, 10~ .m .. worshi>, Wed, 7p.m.,Bl>lesfu<I/. Mataroia Peace CommunityUMC, 2116 NE 18th Ave., 97212-4600. 28M697. MCC, 1644 NE 24th, 97232. 261-11868. Read! Outl (Former Jeh<M!~s wanesses), PO 6"' 1173, Clad<a· ma~97015. ~~'J\a7S: 9246, 97207. 294-0645 Ptb:Spimed Women MCC, P.O. Boe 455, Ditar~ OR 97Cl2-0455. SALEM(503) Digity, PO Box 532, 9731)8, 36WI06 .. ~ee1S~ntMCC, POBox 13969, 97309, 363-li6\8.141012th St, Penns y lv ani a ~~!~L::.~& 4 tisexual $~ritual Felk>tlshi>, 1805 8th Ave., 16802. 949-5852. Ptb: Aeooociltalioo ELWYN (610) :~~. ~~~:~=~1':i:OO· 19063. 237-1367. Mee\S ERIE(814) ~~~i~•sf Pen": 134W. 71hSl, 16501-1004. 774-0903. Ecumerical Ca~i:: Chu'rch, 235-6937: Rick Nara, 900tact person. ~:itrlr~ 379, 18427. 829-1341. HAAAISBURG (711) Digity, PO Box 297 Federal S(Jlare Sin., 17106. · MCC-ol lhe Spiri~ PO Box 11543, 17108. 236-7387. Plb: Sp,rt tiWaH VALLEY (610) . Grace Cownant Felk>tlshp, 247 N. 10th SL, Allento.Yn, 18102. 7~ 0247. Sunday, 10:458.m. Bl)Ul Rowe, pas!Or. Thom Ritter, music minister. SeNing the Lellig\ Valley. ~~·/;;; ~:~.~,~s:!°Jts~1J;J,~1os-ooos 439-8755. Surdly, 6p.m. at Unitarian Church, 424 Center St , Be\118- hem. Ptb:ValleyStar. PHILADELPHIA (215) Dgity, PO Box 53348; 19105. 546-2093. Plb: Thelodejlerdlr<e. ~=~~~.=c:-~~'W,~~~~1'Sa"~'T.o194 MCC, PO 6"' 8174, 19101.1174. 563-6801. Sunar,,, 7p.m. et 2125 Ches1ntrtSl f'li>:.The BeA Ringer. Tabernacle Unrted Church, 3700CheslnU\ 19104. 386-4100. More Ligll aoo Q:>en & Affirmirg UCCUGC, PO lla,c5315, 19139. 724·1247. Unitarian Universalist Church, Stentoo Ave. &-Gorgas Ln., 19150. 247-2561. PITMAN(711) Chris1tartJrunn Kklster, RD 1, Ba,c 1~ 17964. Gay harmooists. PITTSBURGH (412) Aff1111alioo (UriledMe!OOEts), Ba,c 10104, \5232-0104. 683·5526. Digify, PO Box 362, 15230. 362-4334. lntegtty, POBox5619, 15207-t1H9. 421-8747. LulherarsCona,med, PO Bo<B\866, 15217-0866. 521-7746. MCC, 4836EllsworthAve., 15213. 683-2994. PLGC, P06"'9022, 15224-0022. WAYNE(610J . Central Baptrsl Church, P.O. Bax 309, 19087. 688-0664. t.1arcus Pomerqy, pas!OJ. Marcia Baney, co-pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist ~egalion. Rhode Island PROVIDENCE (401). Diglity, POBa,c2231, Pawhlcke\ 02861. 727-2657. St. Petets & SI. Anci'ew's Episcx,pal Church, 25 Pomona Ave., 02909-5255. 272-9649. Rev. Jan Nunley, rector aoo ro-convenor ol I~~~!~ ~f~,~ :: ~~ !~ti~rt:i:3=rati1e~~~i~: AIDS ministry. Se habla Espanol. UCCUGC, 15 Oak Ave., Riverside Coogregatlooal Church, 02915. 433-2039. . South Carolina CHAFI.ESTON (803) MCC, 2010 Hawthorne Dr., #10, 29418. 747-6736. Mary M. ""'°''· pastor. COLUMBIA (803) . . Lutherans Cona,med, PO Box 8828, 29202-8828. 738-1899. Meets al 728 Pickers St on use campus. MCC Columbia, P.O. Ba,c 8753, 29202. 256-2154. Mee\S at 1111 BelleviewSl,12. GREENVILLE (864) MCC, PO ll<>< 5322, 29806-6322. 233-0919. Sun., 7p.m. at 37 E. Hillcrest Rev. Mick Hinson, pastor. South Dakota LAKE PRESTON (605) UCCl1GC, Al 1, Box76,57249. 847~23 . SIOUX FALLS (605) St Francis & SL Clare MCC, PO 6"' 266, 57101-0266. 332-3966. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA(423) -· . .. Jnlegity, PO 6"' 4956, 37405. 756-11225. Joyful Sound Christian Fellowship Church, PO BO'IC 8506, 37414. 629--0687. Rev. CtlJck D. TOOf1"5<'1, p,,sl:Jr. Sun., 6p.m. at the Unf tarian Universa1ist Church, 3224 Nava to Or. ~N~~m::7411.1192·2138. Sun., 7p.m. af 3224 Navajo MCCollhe TnCities, PO Ba,c 1612, 37605-1612. 926-4393. KNOXVILLE (423) MCC, PO Box 2343, 37901-2343. 521-6546. MEMPHIS (901) HotyTnnity Community Church, 1559 Madson, 3810~. 726-9443. Proclaiming Gods love Ill! all pe(llle. ' lntegityc/oCelvary Eplscqlal Church, 102 N. 2nd SI., 38103. 525- 6602. . NASHVILLE (615) Affuma\ion (United Mellxxlsts), 254-762a ~~;_••de Congeg,tlooal Church, 700 Bresslyn Ad, 37208. Churcho11heLMngWater, PO ll<>< 1312, Madson, TN37116-1312. 865-2679. MeetsatEastEndUMC, 1212HollySt Sun.,4p.m. =:::r,,~:'.~~~~e218822, 37221. 327-4551. lnli!Jily, PO~ 121172, 37212·1172. 333-7509. MCC, PO 6"' 80406, 37206-0406. 259-3692. Meets at Firs1 Unitar~ n Gillich, 1808 wooanoot Blvd. Rejooe and Be Glad, catholics. 646-5163. ~~~f:i~ir: Chur~ .ol the Americas, 4825 Trousda~ Dr., Stonev.ell Missloo Churdl, 269-3480. Mee\s a\ 703 Barry si Texas ABILENE (815) . CownantolH~Commt11ily9hurch, 1342 No. 4th SL, P.O. )lo)( 2961, 79604. 677-7955. Slll., 11a.m. Eirocl.o MCC; PO 6"' 2473, 79804. 672-7922. 904 Walruf Sl AMARILLO (806) - MCC, PO 6"' 1276, 79105, 372-4557. 2123 S. PdkSl ARIJNGTON (811) · l~ 1 ~, 809T"'11enSt, 78011. 265-5454. Sun., 10:45a.m. Alfirmatioo mooed Malhods\S), 7403 Shoal Creek Blvd. 78757. 451-2329. ' · Alt Saints Ecumenical catholic Church, P.O. BO'J( 91597, 78709- 1597. 280-9151. The Rev. Rooert D. Han, hrooert@aol.com, clotleba@aotoom. D\Jlily, P06"'2666, 78768. 467-7908. . In~ , PO B<»< 4327, 78765-4327. 462-09n. ~ -a:"~ t.tristries, loo., 9401 Grouse Meactiw Ln., 78758- COAPUS CHRISTI (512) MCC, 1315 Craig St, 78404-3330. 882-8225. sun., 1oa.m., Wed, 7:3q>.m. DALLAS/FOATWORTH.AAEA(214) ts~=Med Melhrxls\S), 6"' 4838_2, Watauga, 76148-0382. Affirmatloo (U~led Ma\hodisls), PO Bc,c 191021, DeUas, 75219. 526-,491l . Agape MCC, PO Box 15247, Fort Wor\h, 76119-0247. (817)535, 5002. 4615SEl.oc!)820. Su•. 9a.m., 11a.m.A~News. C.11,e<ial ol H(lle MCC, 5910 Cedar Spring; Rd, Daltas, 75235. 351-1901. Su11,9am., 11a.m. · Digity, PO Bo< 190133, DaHas, 75219-0133. 226-4101. ~%:a~~~i~:.~~1:;:m:.·:,. 75204 827-5088. •A home for every hearr serving the Dallas lesbian and =~:~.~68 il:'~oo889, Dalos, 75219. 521-5342, ext 233. Gay aoo les!Jian Baplis\S. ~~~.~~i::·~~~:1m~2f=l2 s20-6655. White Aoclr Commurity Church, 722 Tennison Memorial Ari, 75223. ~ · F/'X,320-0098. S~n.,9:30am., 11a.m. Rev.JerryCook, PAGE 16 • .SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 DENTON (811) Harvest MCC, 5900 S. Slemmons, 76205. 497-4020. Sun., 10:soa.m., 6p.m. EL PASO (915) ~s1J~m;r• 79925.591·4155. Su• , 6p.m., Wed, 7p.m. Community Gospel Church, 501 E. 18th at C~umbia. 880-9235. Sun., 11a.m. ChTSChiles, p:istor. DalWl olfailh MCC, 10319Sag&)<)ff( Dr., 77089-2017. 991-6766. Dignity, PO Box 66821, 77266-6821. 880-2872. Sal, 7:3t:p.m. at 13-07Ya/e,#H. First Unilarian Universalisl Church, Gay/lesbian Task Force, 5200 Fannin SL, TT004·5899. 526-5200. Hooston Mission Church, PO 8coc 1633 MarshaU, 77006. 529-8225. Sun., 10~ .m. Rev. Robert L C.rter, paslor. lnle!j'ily, PO Box 66008, 77266-6008. 432·0414. Ptb: Mar(inal Nctes. K,g:lool CommlllilyCht.rch, 614 E. \91hSL, 77008. 862-7533. 748· 6251. Sun., 11a.m. .MCC ollheAesurrec\ion, 1919 Decatur, 77007-7536. 861·9149. Plb: TheGoodNe,r.; SI. Raphael Ecumenical Catool< Church, 890-617. Deacon Gary Wheal sk\b)rg830@aol.com. LONGVIEW (903) Church \\Ith A Visloo MCC, PO Box 1287, 75606-1287. 753-1501. Su•. 1oa.m.at420E.-CottooSL LUBBOCK(lll6) MCC, 5501 34\h St, 79407. 792-5562. Sun., 11a.m., 7p.m. Rev. Renae Phin{S, ~stor. Plb: Vision. ~:,~G~ ~:~• Inc. PO Boe 64746, 79464-4746. 791-4499. MIDLAND(915) Hay Trinity Community Church, 1607 s. Main, 79701. 570-4822. ~f,j ~~~~~ii/'&l~;'"-pasl:Jr. MCC, 1136W. Wooclaw~ 78201. 734-0048. Rr,,erCity LMng Church, 202 Holand, 78212. 734-0377. TYLEA\903) St Gab<ielCommunityChurch, 13904CountyRd 193, 75703. 581· 6923. Pa~"' Doona R. C.f1'1Xl8II. ~go~i 22043, 1s112. 752-5331. WICHITAFALLS(811) MCC, 1407261hSl 322-4100. Utah LOGAN (&'1) MCC, PO Box 4285, 84323. 750-5026. Sun., 11 a.m. ~:.;!ci~:l'~.ri~. 823 S. 600E, 84102:3507 596-0052. Vermont BUFt.lNGTON (SQ2) . ~~~=i:/:.JJt 2 ~:;~~~~lists !or Gay & Lesbian cooce:rns, 152 Pearl Sl. MONTPELIER (002) lnlegity, clo Chris\ Epis<q:)al Church, 64 State St, 05602-2933. ALEXANDRIA (703) . Aff1111a\ion (Mormons), PO Box 19334, 22320-9334. 828-3096. Sl Cyrirs·~J!.slem Christian Fello.vsh1), 6038 Richmond~ .• N301 .. ~~~~ Byzantire Chiislian oommunity. Diglity, POilo< 10037, 22210. 9\2·1662. FALLS CHURCH (703) Alfimalion (Mormons), PO Box 19334, 22320-9334. 828-:ll96. MCC, 7245 Lee Hwy., 22046. 532-0992. Sun., Sp.m. al Fairtax UnitarIm, 27@ Hunter Mijl Ad, Oaklon. ~~rJ~~sL~~ PO Box 3390, 22043. 560-2680. g;i:-s Christian Community, 1213 Dan<iidge St .. 22401. 373- ~~?~ I:> 434, 23501. 625-5337. New 'lit, MCC, PO Box 1026, 23501-1026. 855-8450 1530 Johnstoo's Ad Sun, 10:3-0a.m., 6:30p.m .. Wed, 7:30p.m. at 1530 JohnstmsAd Unitarian Universalis\S Ill! Lesban & Gay Goooerns 739 Yarmouth Sl, 23510. 627-5371. Slit, 11a.m. ' RICHMOND(804) Affirmelioo (Uniled Melhods\S), PO 6"' 25615, 23260-5615. 746- 7279. 700 W. Franklin Sl e&~lh'fr."ric~~~1~~lu140 ROANOKE(540) · Bloe Rid;JI Lambda Press, PO 6"' 237, 24002. 890-3184. ~~& Gay C.lhof<:s & Episcx,palians, PO BCX< 4163, 24015. MCC ol lhe Blue Rid:le, PO B<>< 20495, 24018. 366-0839 Sun 3p.m. at Unitarian Church, 2015 Grando Rd SW. PLb: B108 R~ Banner. X\~~ !~C:,: g:>munily Church, 485 S. lrdlpeodence Blvd, 1108, 23452. 49'.-ltl96. WILLIAMSBURG (11!4) Foun:iltions ol Stor-.. Ministries, 149 Nelson Dr., 23185. 229-0832. Teaching. seminars, retreats, revivals. Heaver/s Tabfe~ndChurch, P.O. ll<>< 2674, 23187. (757)887-3719. Rev. Adel~ L Bao, pastll!. Mee\S Sun. Bo<Jldary SL Lilrary at 1 :3-0 p.m. Some area codes have changed. We have updated the Resource Guide with new area codes assigned by the phone company. If you get a wrong munber, please let us know: P.O, Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 secstone@aol.com Resource Guide Washington BELLINGHAM . ~"Wlf~oogUs MCC, P.O. Box 4389, 98227-4389. NewCreationMCC, 111242S!hDrSE, 98208·5228. FEDERAL WAY (206) . Spirit ol the Sound A ministry ol Wayside ucc, 2000 SW Dash ~: Rd First Sun .. Sp.m. 858-8345. Rev. Calheryn Cumming;- MOUNT VERNON (206) MCC, PO Bo: '20577, Seattle, 98102. 325-6775. ~.~:r~~C , 207 N. Waslinglm 98501. ~~~~g~. PO Box 1678, 99352-0059. 544-9689. Shalom UCC, 505 McMu,ray, 99352. 943-3927. Open and affirming oong SEATTLE (206) Affirmation (Mormons), PO 6"' 23223, 98102. 820•5729. l'li>: The Open Closet Affrn,alloo (Uritedtlelhocists), 21 \SN. 42nd, 98103 . . Companis, Mission Workers !or Seattle, 1111 HaivardAve., 98122. ::~:i;;~~c1:.'itccA,53t1131hAve S 763-2469. Sun:,. 7p.m. Bp. Paul David C. Strong, pastor. . hllpJ/Mwl.malMlle.corn/hoty.cr«s/ Diglity, Box 20325, 98102-1325. 325-7314. . Evangelicab Goocerned, 781-6754. ?;::.~.I ~i• ::.~~~rit~ina~:ror.784-6495 . Sun., ~t.Y20~l~k~~~~~~2421. Rev. Chen L Starchman, pastor. Call for service times and localions. overtake MCC, PO Bax 6612, Bellewe, 98008. 885-0414. 12700 SE 32ndSl . · . Seattle Fira\ Baptist Church, 111 Harvard Ave,, 98122. 325-6051. RocneyR. Romr,y, pestor. Seattle Gay News, 704 E. Pi<e, 98122. 324-4297. UCCLJGC, 31718thAve. E.#4, 98112-5132. 329-W27. Unitarian Lestians & Gays, 6556 35th Ave. NE, 9811"5. 483-0345. University Baptist. Church, 4554 12th Ave., SE, 98105. 532-5188. Anne Hall assooate pastor. A Welcoming & Affi1ming American Baiiisl Coogega\ion. SPOKANE (509) Afflflllalloo (United MaJhocists), 3 N.-9th SI., Cheney, 99004. 299- 2500. . Emmanual MCC, PO Box 769, 99210. 836-0085. Sun .. 10:3-0a.m., lfri:·r!~3g~u~ci~~~-8th, 99204. 624-4&()2 TACOMA (206) Hiloide Community Church, 2508 S. 39lh St, 98409. 475-23881 MCC, 2150S. Cushman Ave .. 98405-3438. 272-2382. VANCOUVER (206) MCC ol lhe Gentle Shepherd PO Box 5094. 98668. 253-8401. West Virginia Wisconsin FOX VALLEY (414) Angel of H~ MCC, PO Bo< 672, Groon Bay, 54305. 496-8688. MADISON (608) First Baptist Church, 518 Nonn Franklin A~ .• 53705. 233-1880. Alan Newton, associate pastor. A Welcoming and Alfirmihg Americal'I Baptist oongeg,lion lntegity/Dignily, PO Box 73-0, 53701. 836-8886.,1001 University Ave. - OJA Like Mind, PO ll<>< 8021, 53716-6021. 255-5092. MILWAUKEE (414) Digity, PO Box 597, 53201. 444-7177. LulherarsCona,med, PO 6"' 1676, 53201-1676. 481-9663. ~.s~n:~:~·.~~:i°kS:213-1991_ St C.milus HIV/AIDS Ministry, 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave., 53226. 258-466't UnifedHIVSeMCeS, 10100 W. Blu,moundRd, 53226. 259-4610. Become a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your community, 3Y National News Hate groups find others like them on the web DETROIT (AP) - As the computer bug begins to seep even further into society, it also is opening a widespread venue for hate groups. Albion College sophomore Steven Krom didn't have much luck drumming up support for his "white pride" views around campus. But on the Internet, the 19-year-old boy ·has found support and understanding from white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other hate groups that have taken to the World Wide Web to spread their word. "It's one of the good things about the Internet," Krom told The Detroit News. In the past year, the number of hate-related sites on the Web has jumped from about 50 to as many as 400, experts told the News, adding that the numbers have doubled in the last three months alone. "It isn't that the information, the hate, the groups are new," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, an associate dean at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a human rights organization in Los Angeles that has been tracking Internet hate. "It's that it has been taken from the gutter into the mainstream." Groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, the Aryan Nations and Skinheads have Web sites that vilify racial and religious minorities and gays. Some sites openly deny the Holocaust, others call for race wars. Some are open recruitment calls for their groups, the News said. "It confers a degree of legitimacy to anyone," said Donald Cohen, director of the Michigan branch of the AntiDefamation League. "Because of the anonymity, it's a wonderful tool for haters to use." One of the best-known hate pages in the country is that of the Detroitbased Resistance Records Inc., a label that records the white power music of such groups as RAHOW A (Racial Holy War). Resistance Records' founder - neoNazi George Burdi - is a Canadian who avoided his country's censors by posting .his site through an American Internet provider, the News said. The U.S. First Amendment protec. tions virtually guarantee that it won't be shut down. "Canada has stronger hate °laws," explains David Hoffmann, who is tracking the sites for the national Anti-Defamation League. In Canada, someone who spreads hate speech can be prosecuted. But that doesn't mean that those who oppose such groups support similar laws in America. Although many see the sites as more of a symptom, not a cause, of racism, some are worried about the potential impact on children. Cohen said he recently received a Church believes in execution of gays . ChristiaInd entityle adera mongt hosei ndictedin bankr obberies By Jennifer Brown Associated Press. W riter PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Mark Thomas emerged in the 1990s as one of the leading hate group leaders in the Northeast and a major recruiter for Christian Identity, a white supremacy group. The Philadelphia native . is a Christian Identity minister, Pennsylvania representative to the Aryan Nations and head of the Christian Posse Comitatus. The Christian Identity church espouses that Northern European whites are the chosen people, Jews are the "synagogue of Satan," people of color are inferior "mud races" and gays should be executed. Aryan Nations and the Posse Comitatus are branches of Christian Identity. Thomas' first public contact with white supremacy.. groups was in 1978, when he became involved in the Ku Klux Klan in Allentown, according to the Anti-Defamation League in Phile adelphia. Newspaper reports quoted Thomas as a Klan spokesman throughout the 1980s. In 1990, Thomas attended a national Aryan Nations meeting in Idaho. Around the same time, he resigned his office and membership with the Klan. Throughout the 1990s, Thomas has been a "gadfly for young people," said Barry Morrison, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in Pennsylvania. "He has had a string of young peopie visit and stay at his home where they have been exposed to hate doctrine, Christian Identity church doctrine," Morrison said. "I understand they have also been introduced to the use of firearms." · In 1992, Thomas held a rally at his house in Macungie with "hundreds of young skinheads,'.' Morrison said. Morrison said that during the early 1990s, Thomas befriended Michael W. Brescia, 24, .of Philadelphia . An indictment returned Jan. 30 charges Brescia; Thomas; Peter K: Langan and Scott William Stedeford, both of Ardmore; and Kevin W. McCarthy of Philadelphia with conspiring to rob seven banks in the Midwest. Federal authorities said Thomas' specialty was recruiting young supremacists. Though white supremacy groups are often connected to violence, Thomas tried to break from the stereotype in his Internet newsletter, The Watchman. "I am well aware of the wickedness done in America by racial aliens, but I also believe that reactionary hatred and spontaneous acts of violence only · add to . the problem," he wrote, adding that a Bible-believing Christian cannot hate black people, 'but · considers them inferior. In the August 19% issue of the newsletter, Thomas describes how a - reporter asked him what he thought about the Midwest bank robberies. In return, Thomas said he asked the reporter, "How many hundred thousand times in any given day that banks robbed people?" GAYELLOWPA GES™ INFORMITNHGE L ESBIAGNA, YB,I SEXU&A LT RANSGENDCEOREMDM UNISTIYN C1E9 73. Alle ditionnso win cludae S EPARAWTOE MENS'SE CTION Compgleatye- friernedsloyu racnedbs usinesascecso: mmod, baalirobsn,o sokstodreensl,i sdtso,c tolrasw, yers, therapitsratsv,se el rvic, persinte,o rsrganizamtioendsr~,e ,l igiogurso uphse,l lpin e&sH I/AVIDrSes ources. Lislinbgrso kedno wbnyS ta&teC ityIn. de&xf a sat ccepshso nliset U. PDAATNEDN UALLY. USA/CANAD$1A6:b yf irst classm ail Includesa ll statesa ndp rovincesn, ationahl eadquarterosf organizations1,) 1aoilr derc ompanie, setc. SOUTH/SOUTHEMRIDNW ES$T1: 0b y first classm ail AL, AR,A Z,D C,D E,F L,G A,H I,K S,K Y,L A,M D,M O,M S,N M,N C, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, us-Virgin Is, VA, WV. GREATENRO J:lTHEA$S1T0 b y first classm ail CT,D C,D E,M E,M D,M A,N H,N J,N YO, H,P A,R I,V A,V T,W V. Findu sa t gay-friendslyt oresli keL AMBDRAI SING80 0-621-6969 A DIFFERENLTIG HT80 0-343-4002a ndm anyo thers Fora na pplicatioton b el isted( noc harge)c,u rrenet ditionas ndp ricesm, ailingla belse, tc.p, leassee nda self-addresssetadm peedn velopteo RenaissanHcoeu seP, OB ox5 33-SSV,il lag-eStationN, ewY orkN, Y1 0014 212-674-01F2a0x: 212-421J.:1G1A2Y6 ELLOW_PAGES@juhntloj).:c/lobmad puppy.com/Gayellow call from a local woman who worried that her 13-year-old son was becoming a Nazi - on the Internet. Even after the family moved, the child was able to use his computer to find others nearby who shared his views. Krom said he doesn't consider his page to be a hate site - an attitude Cohen said is a common claim. He said that Krom's page is unique because it was posted by an individual tather than a group - but added that it is typical of what it is about the Internet that appeals to people. DEFYING THE DARKNESS Gay Theology In the Shadows · J. MICHAECLI ARK ISBN 0-8298-1163-X 120 pp. / Paper-$12.95 "Clark's work is original. .. [he] shows especially how queer theory and ecolemi· nism can illuminate each other." ..'..RicHARLD .S MITH GAY AND GAIA Ethics, Ecology, and the Erotic DANIETL. S PENCER ISBN 0·8298-1149·4 464 pp./ Paper-$19 .95 . ". ..a n importanta nd sophisticatedw ork. It weaves liberatiohist,g ay, and eiological strands together in a clear, coherent pre· sentotion." -lARRY RASMUSSEN COMING OUT WHILE "STAYING -IN -S-,,.,..,-uc,_(hl_""'1, kU•~Ol,~J',,,.,..,,.,.t,,;..,,,.l.,-,..,,.,.. COMING OUT WHILE STAYING IN Struggles and Celebratlons of Lesbians, Gays, and ■lsexuals In the Church LEANNME cCALTLI GERT ISBN 0-8-298-1150·8 208 pp. / Paper-$14.95 Offers a keen understanding of the power of homophobia and oppression within the church. Foco,de,,o;n, fo,mot;1o.n8;0 0.537-339,4 ra The PIigrim Press "' fl Cleveland, Ohio PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE MAY/~UNE, 1997 Canadiacnh urcbhi shops discusos rdinatioonfg ays THE HOUSE OF Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada met in April in Mississauga to review its 1979 guidelines on the ordination of gays. · - In November, 1991, the House upheld those guidelines and said it needed to learn more about homosexuality and human sexuality generally, to do more bible study and biblical interpretation on the issues, and to find ways of entering into dialogue with members of the.·g<1ya nd lesbian cm:nmunity. Sine~ - that time the House has. devoted several se~sjons of its regular meetings to continued study. The following interim statement was released at the end of the meeting, indic ·atfog that the bishops intend to work at developing a message to the church in their fall 1997 meeting. The statement reads; in part: "For a number of years the people of the Anglican Church have wrestled with their understanding of the place of its gay and lesbian members. Since 1991, the House of Bishops, together with others in the church, have studied and reviewed [existing] guideHnes, with most of its work being done in camera. This week, meeting in Toronto in open session, the House of Bishops tested its current position with three options, with the fo!iowing results: 1. Ten members wished to retain the .1979 guidelines in their present form; 2,- Eighteen members wished to retain the · original intention of the guidelines, but update them in the light of new pastoral awareness. 3. Six members wished to retain the guidelines in force while a task force worked on new ~idelines. The House of Bishops thereby commits_ itself to . retaining the 1979 guidelines in principle, but intends to express them in a wider context of theological understanding . and pas: toral sensitivity. The House aims to rec·eive the first draft of a message to the church at its Fall 1997 meeting. Later we hope to undertake a wider study. of human sexuality. within the wider church. We seek to support all persons, believing ?-II, regardless · of sexual orientation; to be eqμal before God. We ask for the ongoing prayers of the whole church." - Anglican Communion News Service Churcohf Swedenel ects firstw omanb ishop STOCKHOL.M, Sweden (AP) - Overcoming opposition from conservatives, Lutheran minister Christina Odenberg was elected on April 17 Sweden's first female bishop. Odenberg, 57, had appeared on television programs to defend· her candidacy against clerics who maintained a woman could not become a bishop in the Church of Sweden. Her victory is a milestone in this country, where complete equality of the sexes is a major nation.al goal. Odenberg is well known for her sense of humor and her fondness for race horses . · In addition to her church duties, Odenberg is a member of the Swedish Jockey Club, according to the Swedish news agency TT. The national government has the final say before she takes up her duties in the southern city of Lund, but that is a mere formality. Culture Minister Marita Ulvskog has said the time was right for the first female bishop. The 960 clerics in the Lund diocese took part in the voting. A hardcore group oftraditionalists has said it will regard the Lund diocese as being without a bishop after Odenberg takes over there. She has served as a minister for 30 years. PAGE 18 ;° SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 Anglicabni shoprse commend dialoguwe ithg ays PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (ALC) - The seven diocesan bishops and the primate of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil (IEAB), recommended that Anglicans receive people of any race, culture, social class or sexual orientation with love. The recommendation is part of a pastoral letter signed by bishops at the end of the 27th IEAB synod whid1. ended April 13 in this city. The 27th IEAB synod, which ended with a worship service in Holy Trin- . ity Cathedral of Porto Alegre, approved three motions to be addressed to state authorities. Anglican Episcopalians have been in Brazil for 104 years and have 100,000 baptized members. One motion was in support of the march held by landless campesinos in Brasilia, demanding that Agrarian Reform be sped up. Another, addressed to the Justice Ministry, asked that police who violate human rights. should be judged in civil as opposed to military courts. The third called on the National Congress to place.more emphasis on investigating government corruption. The pastoral letter alluded to the 1988 Lambeth Conference, recognizing that the sexual issue, which touches on all aspects of social and individual life, is not completely resolved. "Studies about the factors which contribute to different understandings regarding homosexuals continue. As bishops we recommend dialogue, prudence and pastoral concern for people with a homosexual orientation in the faith community," said the Bishops' letter. Anglican bishops stated that they cannot assume definitive positions about the ordination of gays and lesbians or marriages between people of the same sex, as the issue is not defined within the Anglican Communion. They argue that while the Bible condemns homosexuality in some passages, the Holy Book was not dictated by God~ but rather is God 's revelation which carries the interpretation · of its authors who bring the influence of their culture and their era. Gay rights activists invade Archbishop '_s palace LONDON (AP) - Gay rights activists scaled the walls of Lambeth Palace, residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, to confront him over the Church of England's stance on gay priests. The Most Rev. George Carey, spiritual head of the Anglican Church, was meeting with 16 senior clergy .from around the world when 10 demonstrators clambered over the walls and interrupted a photo opportunity. The protesters from the group OutRage accused Carey of consistently failing to meet repre~entatives of gay Christian movements and of victimizing gays and lesbians in and out of the church. OutRage leader Peter Tatchetl said the group objected to Carey ruling out any future role for members of the clergy involved in gay relationships. Witnesses said Tatchell seized the archbishop's arm to grab his attention and brief scuffles ensued. After 10 minutes, Carey told them: "I find your manner offensive. That is enough. I'd like you to leave my grounds." · The protesters left peacefully. Tatchell said the protest was timed to follow Carey's comments in a television documentary, restating the official church view on gay clergy. In the television documentary, Carey ruled out the possibility that the Church of England would sanction or bless same-sex relationships. He said that the church is clear that "practicing homosexuality is not to be condoned in the priesthood." While they may be ordained, clergy "should live a celibate lifestyle ... Homosexuals are people loved by God, have gifts to offer, but the discipline of the church has not changed," he said. "The discipline of the church is that we recognize two lifestyles. One is marriage and the other is celibacy, ·and there can't . be anything in between and we don't recognize same-sex marriages." The General ·synod, the church's . d.ecision-making body, only recognizes celibacy or faithful heterosexual marriage for priests. "This view tacitly endorses the victimization of people both in the church and in the wider society," Tatchell said. r·················!:· ····..·.·.·.· ..... ·.;.·.·.· ... · ..... ····.···.·.·.:.:.·.:.-..... ·.·.· ... ·.·.· ..... :.1.:····.· .......... :· ... ·.·.:.·.·.·.· ..... .:.:· ..... ·.· ................... ;.;.:.;.1: World News Antigay camJxlignprompts church to withdraw from Harare By Edmund Doogue Ecumenical News International GENEY A - An antigay campaign by Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, has prompt ed a Dutch church to announce it will not take part in the n ext assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), to be held in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, in September 1998. "The main reason [for the decision not to attend] is that in Zimbabwe there is a violation of human rights, according to our vision," Rene van den Berg, an official and former secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (ELK), told ENI April 7. He said that the church's decision, taken by its synodal commission in March, followed correspondence and discussion with the WCC, of which the ELK is a member . In a press release, the ELK, which has 20,000 members, said it ·had taken its decision "on account of the very unfavorable climate for homosexuals in Zimbabwe . ... The synodal commission intends with its decision to send a clear signal -of protest against the situation in Zimbabwe." There has been widespread interna- Retired Chwch of F.nglilnd bishop speaks supportively of gays THE FORMER BISHOP of Salisbury, the Rt .. Rev. Dr . John Baker, has called for gay marriages to be sanctioned by the Church of England. The Bishop was giving a lecture entitled "Homosexuality and Christian ethics - a new way forward" at St Martinin- the-Fields Church in London. The Bishop chaired the group which produced "Issues in Human Sexuality" the Church of England report in 1991 which reinforced th~ celibacy rule for gay clergy. The Bishop now feels "obliged to dissent from that judgment." "I cannot see _that married heterosex~ al clergy have a right to deny their homosexual brothers and sisters the potential spiritual blessing of a sexual relationship when they themselves enjoy that blessing. A · public Christian act should not be refused, if desired, because to do so would be to fall back into the old condemnation of such relationships on principle," he said. · The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. George Carey, said of the lecture: "Bishop John Baker's conclusions suggest a very significant departure from the Church 's current mind and discipline as set out in the General Synod Resolution 0£1987 and the i991 House of Bishop's Statement.There is no question of any sudden change in the Church' s officiaI-posi- · tion regarding homosexual practice, and Bishop Baker will be well aware that very many of his colleagues and _ friends, including my~elf, will disagree with ru,m about the way forward he proposes. Nevertheless, his lecture . deserves to be read with respect and care as a contribution to continuing debate:" -Anglican Communion News Service Vatican statement shows greater ·comJxIBSion toward gays VATICAN CITY - In an article about homosexuality, the Vatican newspaper has urged Roman Catholic s to respect gays, saying they too can achieve sanctity in the church if they abstain from sex. The article in L'Osservatore Romano broke no new ground on the church's teaching that, while homosexual. tendencies are not . wrong, homosexual acts are sinful. But its tone was far more compassionate and accepting of gays and lesbians than the church has been in the past. The article, the last of a 14-part series of reflections on homosexuality and Christianity was at times stunning in its ·openness toward gays, calling for the "acceptance of people in their diversity." The article said gays should have a role in the church and that role should be a full one, including participation in the sacraments, if they remain chaste . Arci Gay, Italy's largest gay rights group, praised the Vatican for drawing attention to gay rights in the church but criticized it for continuing to insist that they remain chaste. "The repeated interventions of the church are a recognition of the homosexua l question but the opinions expressed are heartless and cruel," said Arci Gay President Franco _Grillini. - Chicago Tribune tional publicity about the views of President Mugabe, who has said publicly on several occasions that gays are not welcome in Zimbabwe, that their behavior is comparable to that of animals and that homosexuality is a Western import. The WCC assembly is held every seven years and, as t~e most important event in the life of the organization, attracts thousands of Christians from around the world . Questions about the venue of the next assembly were raised during the last two annual meetings of the WCC's Central Committee without, however, any formal proposal being made to change the assembly site. The issue of homosexuality is highly sensitive for many of the WCC's 332 member ·. churches. · The wee has negotiated a "Memorandum of Understanding" with the Zimbabwe government which guarantees that the WCC can conduct the gathering without interference. "For us it was obvious that Mr. Mugabe will allow the WCC to gather, but only under strict conditions," . van den Berg said. His · church was concerned about the situation for people in Zimbabwe outside the assembly site .. "Would the Wee have met in South Africa [tinder apartheid]?"· van den Berg said . "I don't think so." He said his church "has a vision of ·homosexuality in the church . . We. accept gay relationships and we accept gay people as pastors. ·We would not feel free to send· a delegate who is homo sexual to the assembly." He said there w ere homosexual rnembets on the synodal commission and about a third of the church's clergy are homosexual. The WCC was aware of the decision of the ELK, van den Berg said . A WCC staff member had told him that some American churches were ■ A wee staff member said that some American churches were also . planning to raise the issue of homosexual rights ... ■ also planning to raise the issue of homosexual rights during the assembly. A spokesperson for the WCC told ENI: "It is always a matter ·of .regret when any member church dqes not take part in a WCC assembly. This is especially the case with the Eighth Assembly, which will be faced with important decisions regarding the churches' common understanding of ecumenism and their vision for the · future of the wee." Asked about the ELK's concern over the "violation of human rights," the spokesperson said, "Generally the holding of any WCC event in ~ny location should not be seen as making a comment on any of the policies of -lhe government - of the country in which they happen to be meeting." UNICEF renews complaints about treatment of women GENEVA (AP)-The U.N. Children's Fund renewed criticism of Afghanistan's religious rulers, saying that . excluding women and girls from public life would have "catastrophic" c_onsequences. The Taliban religious army controls two-thirds of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. It has imposed a strict version of Islamic law, includ- . ing a ban on girls attending schools and women working. "Afghanistan is a nation of widows," said Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF, in a statement. "Women are not only vital members of the work force but are frequently the only-bread-winners of the family." "If they cannot earn a living, they will not be able to feed their children. The consequences will be catastrophic." ' With an estimated 30,000 widows in Kabul alone - and only a tiny proportion of them permitted by the Tali ·ban to work in the · health sector - many have been forced to beg in the streets. UNICEF has suspended ·its aid to education programs in protest at the exclusion of girls and women. It has been the most vocal of all the U.N . agencies in protesting Taliban policies; · Meanwhile, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said it was concerned about the influx of refugees fleeing fighting between Taliban and former government forces in valleys north of the capital. An average "800 people a day entered Kabul over the past three weeks, straining the city's scarce resources, it said. Since UNHCR set up a checkpoint on the edge of the city in January, some 140,000 people have entered. PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, ·1997 AIDS Warriors & Heroes Duke doctor finds ~ for children with AIDS/HIV By Kay McLain The Herald-Sun DURHAM, N.C. - Pediatrician Samuel Katz is • an op.timist, even though he spends his days watching children walk a -fragile line between life and death. When someone asks him, "How can you work with children who have a fatal disease?" he cites the survival rate today, compared with a decade ago, of children infected with HIV . "In .1986, those children died in 6 to 12 months. Now, children 10 to 12 years old are doing well," said Katz, who works at Duke Medical Center . "It's still tragic when children are infected with HIV, but the outlook for survjval and for these children to have happy, healthy years is so much better." Others believe Katz's optimism is well founded, too. In October, the Durham doctor was honored nationally for his work with infectious disease of children and presented with the 1996 Medical Award of Excellence by ,Ronald McDof!ald House Charities. The $100,000 award, given each year to a physician who has contributed to child health, can be used by the recipient to benefit an organization of his choice. Katz put the money into a fund -at Duke to be used for work on HIV/ AIDS. In. recognition of his award, the Medical Center gave an equal amount to the fundraising effort for a children's .health center at Duke, Th'e ped.iatrics AIDS prqgram began at Duke University Medical Center in 1986. . Katz wasn't involved with the program at the time, but his wife, Catherine Wilfert, who is also a doctor, 'and her colleagues were the first to use AZf, the first anti-AIDS drug, to treat children. Today, there are seven licensed drugs for children and others are being studied. "It's both interesting and frustrating, because while there are tens of thousands of adults who have HIV/ AIDS, the numbers for children infected are in the thousands," Katz said. "So pharmaceutical firms · have been less aggressive, understandably, in developing drugs for children." Duke was one of three locations where clinical research on AZf to treat children was conducted. Studies showed that the drug could reverse instances of developmental .retardaUon, which is' one ' of the ways children manifest infections. Katz came to Duke in the fall of 1968 from Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston. · There, he worked in a laboratory with viruses and infectious diseases, including measles, and with John Enders, another doctor, he developed the measles vaccine that's now used throughout the world. But in addition to research, Katz was interested in educating people about children's health problems . Katz became chairman of pediatrics at Duke in 1 %8, a post he held until 1990, and he saw the collaboration he'd envisioned with other groups \on campus come to pass. , · Joint appointments for doctoral fellows in history and· pediatrics, the Divinity ·school's chaplaincy program, a program in the Law School that helped the families of children with HIV and AIDS, and a strong biomedical engineering program that applied microtechnology to the needs of children with congenital heart disease - th_ese all contributed to children's health during his years as chairman. ·· "They were wonderful years, and these collaborative programs have been extremely productive and "rewarding," Katz said. "But when I SEE HOPE, Next Page PAGE 20 • SE(;OND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 'The Science of HIV'' New national cmiculumaims to . slow spread of HIV among teens· By The National Science Teachers Association Special to Second Stone NEW ORLEANS - A new tool to slow down the spread of HIV where it is increasing fastest - among teens - was unveiled April 4. "The Science of HIV," a 184-page · teacherS' guide and 30-minute video, is the first science program designed to teach students nationwide about the human immunodeficiency virus, how it causes AIDS, and how to avoid it, according to the National Science Teachers Association. "The research community has made encouraging progress in treating AIDS, but the only 100 percent effective treatment we have is prevention," said James Gallarda, a senior research biochemist for Abbott Laboratories . "By teaching the science of HIV and AIDS, we hope to give students a better understanding of how this disease is prevented and treated . Abbott believes strongly that education is the missing link in stopping the spread of AIDS." Gallarda, who h~lped put together the Chicago Museum of Science end Industry's AIDS •exhibit, said that work prompted Abbott .to ask the NST A about developing the program. It is vitally important to educate young people about HIV and AIDS, NSTA executive director Gerald Wheeler said. A new report from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control found that new AIDS cases among 13- to 25- year-olds infected through sex and drug needles rose 20 percent between 1990 and 1995, he said. One quarter of all new HIV infections are among people younger than 22. Even science teachers in the audien. ce murmured in surprise at the results of one demonstration designed to show how quickly a virus can spread. Author Michael DiSpezio passed out clear plastic rups of clear liquid to the two dozen teachers and reporters who attended the breakfast meeting. Four of the cups were "infected" with an alkali and ·would turn bright pink when the right chemical was added. He had each person turn to· a neighbor, mix the contents of their cups together, then divide the mixed liqui<; I back between the two cups. Then each person turned to a different neighbor and did the same thing. .DiSpezio went down the aisles with a vial and eyedropper, adding the telltale chemical to each cup. Every single one turned bright pink. Sharon Nelson, a biology teacher at Waunakee High in Wisconsin and an advisory board member for the project, told the group that when she used the demonstration in her class of 22 students, two cups remained clear - and one was held by a student she had asked to abstain from mingling fluids. "I was just - 'Wow! The kids will really go for that! That is very emphatic,"' said Willa Ramsay, a ■ "By the time they get to us at ninth grade, they're pretty well educated the wrong way. I think we need to get to the students in sixth grade." ■ high-school physics · teacher, science department chair at James Madison High in San Diego and member of the NSTA's Committee on High School Science Teaching. · DiSpezio said he thinks that teaching HIV as science, rather than morality, will help the curriculum avoid th.e fate of safe-sex_ education programs. A committee named by the National Institutes of Health reported in February that moral and government objects are bJ9cking safe sex ~ducation programs. Ramsay was impressed .by the pro ·gram's adaptab,ility. The teacher . in Madison's advanced placement physiology class "will go wild for it," she said - but she also expects .the regular biology teachers to use it, too. She asked if it could also be used in middle school, and the developers said yes. "By the time they get to us at ninth grade, they're pretty well educated the . wrong way," Ramsay said. "I think we need to get to the. students in sixth grade." Mountain.c~bing helpsm an conqueAr IDS, hemophilia By Byron Hensley The Daily News Journal MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Having not one but two life-threatening, incurable diseases can weigh heavily on the mind. But it's hard to think about death from hemophilia or AIDS while hanging from the side of a cliff. That's why David Tignor, who has both diseases, has chosen rock climbing as a hobby. "With hemophilia or AIDS, just getting out and doing stuff makes you feel better," said Tignor, 21. "There's a lot out there to see and feel. You've got to live your life, get out and do HOPE, From Previous Page turned 60, I decided that Duke and I were ready for a change. I decided to focus-on the AIDS program, working with children. Now, I spend a major portion of my time with children and in the area of infectious diseases." Some of Katz's time is spent in the pediatric infectious diseases outpatient clinic two days a week. Katz and h,is cqlleagμes see children ·from all over the state, as well as from South Carolina, Virginia and TeMessee. "The children are very appealing, and they love to come to the clinic," Katz said. "But this is not a simple doctor/ patient relationship. It's a real team effort that includes nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, a pharmacist, a riutritionist and psychologist." Not all of the children have to travel to Duke for treatment. Wilfert, Katz's wife, was instrumental in getting a National Institutes of Health grant that made it possible to set up North Carolina AIDS Network satellite treatment centers. In addition to Duke, children are seen at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina University in Greenville, Bowman Gray in Winston-Salem, and Charlotte Regional Medical Center. "Families don't have to travel as far to get care. Our physicians and nurses go out to them," Katz said. "It's very gratifying." But the treatment is costly. "People say, 'Why so much money for AIDS? There are more people dying of heart disease and cancer,"' Katz said. "But with AIDS, it's when they die. AIDS is the biggest killer of males aged 25-44, so they're dying in their most productive years with what you can while you have time.· "When I climb, I get a feeling of accomplishment," he said. "If I sat around the house, being inactive, my self-esteem would probably be so low I'd want to die." As a hemophiliac, Tignor lacks a protein necessary for the clotting of blood. The lack of natural clotting makes death by bleeding easy for hemophiliacs. However, by taking precautions, it is still possible to lead an active life. "You have to know your limitations. Sometimes, I don't always know my · own limitations," Tignor said. A benefit of rock climbing for hemophiliacs is that it strengthens the AIDS, and we're losing the young population." Preventing children from becoming infected in the first place concerns those who treat children infected ~ith HIV. He said the best study to date on mother-to-infant transmission of HIV was done under the AIDS Clinical ■ " ... while HN / AIDS brings out the worst in some people, it brings out the best in others. And that's what we should concentrate on and emphasize." ■ Trials Group, which is made up of 21 centers around the country that study children with AIDS. "By identifying women with HI,Y infection who are pregnant, it's possible to treat them during pregnancy, labor and delivery and reduce by twothirds the transmission from mother to infant," Katz said. "But it's a very, very fragile area, because a developing fetus in utero is a vulnerable target, and we don't want to give drugs that will damage the fetus;" There's also a question of whether the women should be screened in'lhe first place. Even with such . good results from treatm,ent, there are only a few states, including North Carolina, that say a woman must be offered the opportunity to be screened and given counseling. Other states don't SEE HOPE, Page 28 muscles and joints, which are prone lo deterioration because of the disease. However, in doing so, it also causes · more internal bleeding t? the joints and muscles. There are many ways to lose blood while rock climbing, such as by the cuts and abrasions through the friction of skin against rock. Such surface injuries, however, are not the sort that can threaten most hemophiliacs. A common misconception about hemophilia is that hemophiliacs can bleed to death from minor cuts, Tignor said. "I've had some major cuts before, and I just did what you're supposed to do, apply a bandage and pressure," Tignor said. A. more serious threat is internal bleeding. A hemophiliac can bleed internally without being aware of it, causing serious damage to joints and muscles over a period of time. "If a normal person jumps off of something four feet high, he can burst a blood vessel. With a hemophiliac, blood builds up in the joints," Tignor said. One effect of internal bleeding is gradual loss of cartilage, as Tignor has, particularly in the ankles. Dealing with the physical pain caused by the cartilage loss is probably the biggest problem he has with his sport. "In the ankles, I've probably lost a good percentage of my cartilage. It's like bone on bone," he said. "When I finish, my legs are in so much pain I have to crawl around in my apartment for a day to recover. But I love it so much. A lot of people thirik it's crazy, but I love it, and I'm going to do it." body. He sometimes uses clotting factor to relieve the internal bleeding caused by the hemophilia, often as a precaution against the bleeding he can cause through strenuous physical activity. "I have to take factor to clot the blood through IV or a shot," Tignor said. "Now, since I'm so active, I infuse quite a bit, maybe twice a week, since I'm doing so much stuff." Tignor said he wanted to play football in high school. But the physical ■ "When I climb, I get a feeling of accom-· plishment. If I sat around the house, being inactive, my self-esteem would probably be so low I'd want to die." ■ strain of hemophilia kept him off the field, a fact that may partially explain the fervor with which he has ta.ken up other sports. "I couldn't play in high school," he sai.d. "In college I wanted to do something exciting." While a student at Motlow State Community College, Tignor joined an outing club and participated for the· first time in whitewater rafting. Friends he made during those outings introduced him to rock climbing. . "I've been loving it ever since," he said. "I'm not going to let HIV or hemophilia get in the way of doing what I want to do." · Getting up and down mountains alive is a matter of knowing one's limitations, he said. One of those limitations is created by AIDS, which Tignor developed after being given a transfusion with HIVinfected blood as a child. Tignor has worked as a counselor for Some 80 percent of severe hemophil- five years at Brandon Springs, a sumiacs have been infected with HIV as mer camp near Land between the a result of infected blood given in Lakes for hemophiliac children. He transfusion or infected supplies of is majoring in social work at Middle protease inhibitor. Tennessee State University. The ''That changes a lot of lives," Tignor career choice was influenced by his said. "Dealing with hemophilia own experiences as a hemophiliac. damages the muscles and joints over "A lot of social workers don't know time. Then HIV deteriorates the what it's like," Tignor said, . ''They immune system. Normal stufHike the can empathize, but they don't really flu can set in and be life threatenirig." understand. I thought I could relate Tignor was infected with HIV in better, being a hemophiliac." · 1989. He was diagnosed as having In the meantime, Tignor has taken AIDS in 1992. He now controls the on other activities such as .mountain virus through use of protease irihlbi- .biking and caving,. tors that work effectively enough to "Next on my agenda is probably sky remove almost any trace of it from his diving," he said. PAGE 21 • UCOND STONE• MAY/JUNE. 1997 Church & Or anization News UFMCC ~ largest-ever Pacific Rim gay/lesbian religious conference LOS ANGELES - The largest iniernational gay and lesbian religious gathering ever held in the Pacific Rfm will take place in Sydney, Aus0 tralia July 20-25, according to the Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church es (UFMCC). ''This is the first pf UFMCC's bien° nial General Conferences to, be held outside of North America, and reflects our growing commitment as a truly international community · of faith," said Perry . This year's General Confen,nce will feature a public rally at Sydney's historic town hall, keynote addresses by internationally recognized ·human rights ·activists and theologians, Ecumenkal & Inclusive '•'.' tiy i ,;!,:' :-iii t r'.v:,. ,_ ;Ul~!f lr·· '\ . .~ ~ l 'k·; '.; _,,\ · . i~-'il , , ·~· \ /: {. 1_ t : in _.f We are a Christian community of men - and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved iii minstries of love, compassion and .reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministrie s - and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. Join us on retreat June 27-29, 1997 at Emmaus House, Perth Amboy, NJ. Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community business and planning sessions, an international AIDS luncheon, and an extensive list of social and sightseeing options. Workshops and seminars wiB explorn -gay sexuality, spirituality, activism, gay parenting, outreach to the g/1/b/t comi m1nities, addressing the faith concerns of the gay community, AIDS ministry in a new era, and the use of technology on behalf of gay spirituality. The international theme of UFMCC's General Conference XVIII is taken from the words of Christ, "You are the light of the world." Additional information on the General Conference is available by writing UFMCC, 8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor, West Hollywood, CA 90069; by phoning (310) 360-8640, and by e-mail at UFMCCHQ@aol.com. Cleveland HRC recognizes United Church of Christ THE UNITED CHURCH of Christ was honored for its longtime support and recognition of the lesbian and_gay community as the recipient of the Torch Award at the 4th Annual Human Rights Campaign Cleveland dinner. The award was accepted by the Rev. Dr . Paul H. Sherry, president of the UCC, on April 19. "Dr. Sherry was on the front lines, campaigning for -social justice before it was th e popular thing to do," said Elizabeth Berrey, co-chair of the Cleveland HRC dinner . "He 1s testified before Congress, discouraging 'Don't Ask, Don't .Tell' policies for the U.S. military , and has addressed the World Council of Churche s, educating other leaders of Prot estant denomination s about gender-related issues ." PAGE 22 SECOND 'STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 · ,.__ Events Announcements in this section are provided free of chargi as a service to Chrislian organizations. To have an event listed, send information to Second Stone, P.O . Box 8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)899-4014, e-mail secstone@aol.com. Never Turning Back: 13th·Annual More Light Conference · MAY 23-25 , Lewis and Clark College in Portland , Ore., is the setting for this Presbyterian conference which features as its keynote speaker Rev . Dr . James Alexa nd e r Forbe s, Jr., senior l?astor of Riverside Church in New York City. This conference, a celebration of. inclusion in Christ's community, will provide support for the newcomer as well as stimulation and challenge for the longtimers in the movement for inclusion. Ten -workshops are planned. For-information call Dick Hasbany , (541)345-4720. Writing retreat JUNE 2-4, "What God ls Up To ... In So Many Words,' a retr .eat led by Donna Schaper, author of ·"Shelter for th e Spiritually Homele ss." The sessio ns will involve writing and comment. Ail participants will enjoy each other's work into being. Results should include better listening, a. better relationship with words, and the making of speaking, writing, preaching , and thinking· more truihful and beautiful. For information contact Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor. PA 18013-9359, (610)588-1793. Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Giving Praise JUNE 5-8, This 21st annual even t al the mountain retreat of Kirkridge explores issues of sexuality in the context o( Chrislian faith and pra_ctice and includes daily worship, presentations , small group sharing, workshops , play and celebration. Leader s are John McNeill , Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Mary Hunt and Rev. Rainey Cheeks. Cost is $300. For information contact Kirkridge, 2495 Fox· Gap Rd., Bangor , PA 18013- 9359, (610)588-1793. Friends for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Gathering JUNE 6-8, 'Spiritual Fruits and Nuts of the Quaker Fami ly Tree: Whal Are the Roots of Our Calling as Queer Quakers?' is the Iheme • of this meeting of Friends (Quak ers). For information contact Sam Elwonger (206)246-8482, Pat Matthews (206)789- 4275 or Margaret Sorrel (206)632-9566. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JU NE 28 - JULY I , "Rooted in the Word" is the theme of this yea r's biennial meet(ng of the American Baptist Church /USA and AmeriCan Baptists Concerned. The retreat will be held at the w3.ycross Conference and Retreat Center in Beanblossom, Indiana (near Indianapolis). Fee is $200. Promi sed is a wonderful time o f community building , wor ship, and play . Fo r information contac t ABC. P.O. Box 16128, Oakland, · CA 94610 , (510)530- . 6562 , ambapl ists@aol.com. Soul Force Seminar JUNE 14, Rev. Dr. Mel While hosts this training session in Gandhi and King techniques for use in peace and justice activism. 9:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. at _MCC-Los . Angeles, 8714 Santa Monica Blvd. , West Hollywood. This is a hands-on, 'doing justi ~e more effectively' training session and all are welcome to attend. For information contact MCC-LA al (310)854-9110. UCCLGC 1997 National Gathering JU NE 30 - JULY 3, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Concerns is celebrating its 25th ann .iver sary during _ this meeting to be held al Ohio Stale University in Columbus. This. gathering will inch,de affinity groups, worship, a dance, a talent show , an Open & Affirm ing _dinner at North Congregational Church, and many opportunities 10 share s tories and make friends. For information call 1-800-653-07 99. ConnECtion '97 JULY 3-6, Chapman University in Orange, Cal., is the setting for llus annual gathering of Evangelicals Con~emed. ·•weaving Com- · munity from Diversity: Discovering our Unity in -Christ" is the theme. Activities include w.orship', keynote addresses, workshops, small group interaction, lime to play and talk , and time to · renecl. Keynote speakers include Dr. Ralph Blair, Rev . Marchiene Rienstra and Dr. Donald Dayton. For information contact ECWR. P .O. Box 66906 , Phoenix, AZ 85082, (602)893-6952. The Disarming Heart: 12th Gathering of the Baptist Peace Fellowship JULY 21-26, 'Pa rt conference, part rev ival," this event at Eastern Mennonite University in Ha rrisonburg, Virgini a, marks the 12th gathering of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. The conference promises a rediscovery of peacemaking _ heritage, special programs for children and youth, louring in the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley , and a festival of music, preaching, s tudy and recreation. Registration fee i s $95. For information contact the Baptist Peace Fellowship, P.O. Box 280, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 , (704)456-1881. Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International 18th Annual Conference JULY 24-27, 'With Liberty and Justice Fer- · All" is ·1he theme of the GLPCI and Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere gathering to be held a t the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia, Pa . The organization invite s all lo experience the fellowship of families from a;ound the wor ld. Workshops include "Our Families and the Schools" and "MultiCultural FamilieS." Guest speakers include Dr. April Marlin, author of 'T he Gay and Lesbian Parenting Handbook . " Cost is $350, which inc lude s registration , acco mmodations and seven meals. For infonnation contact' GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360 . Washington. DC 20091, (202)583-8029. "Claiming the Promise" Christian Community News New curriculum guides study of homosexuality and the church A COALITION OF eleven lesbian/ gay-affirming Christian groups has published "Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality." The new curriculum challenges traditional Christian interpretation of the Bible as exclusively condemnatory tow,ird lesbian and gay persons . The new resource condenses. the best modern biblical schoiarship on homosexuality into a study book accessible to lay persons. The curriculum goes beyond simply interpreting a few biblical references about same-sex conduct to looking at the larger context of what it means to be Christians claiming God's promise that all persons are heirs of God. "Claiming the Promise" was written by Dr. Mary Jo Osterman, Christian educator and editor of "Open Hands" magazine. It is published as .a sevensession study series for use in church- Events Water of Life: Rites of the Gay Male Spirit AUGUST 1-3. Ken White and John Linscheid facilitate this Kirkridge weekend retreat for gay men. The gathering is an exploration of the use of ritual to foster gay spiritual growth. For information contact Kirkridge. 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor, PA 18013- 9359, (610)588-1793. Retreat: "God's Amazing Grace" AUGUST 1-3. Holy Spirit Fellowship of Long Beach, Cal., hosts its annual retreat at Mt. Calvary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara. For information contact Pastor Duane Moret, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809, (562)435-0990. Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 2-9, Gay and Lesbian Parents Coal. i tion Inlernational sp~msors a \Yeek of relaxation and entertainment for gay and lesbian families in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI will host a bfach b.arbecue and provide an information sh,eet at the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce Building suggesting daily activities. No ree. For •information call . (202)583-8029. Sisters in a Strange Land AUGUST 22-24, A retreat for Christian Lesbians to be held at a center near Lake Michigan .in southwest Michigan. Contact Leaven, P.O. Box 23233. Lansing, Ml 48909, (517)855-2277. National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries Fourth Annual Conference SEPTEMBER 4- 7, Sheraton Hotel, Long es, in study groups, or by individuals. A 48-page study book is supplemented by a 60-page leader's guide, including a youth adaptation. The curriculum was developed over 18 months with critical review by 15 respected scholars in the bible, theology, and ethics, along with readers from the different publishing groups. • It was also tested in 25 churches before publication. · ''The uniqueness of 'Claiming the Promise' is that it speaks directly to the typical Christian in our churches," said publisher Mark Bowman. "The prevalent understanding that the Bible condemns homosexuality has been disputed by a growing number of .Biblical scholars over the past 20 years. However, this new understanding has not filtered down into our churches. "We published 'Claiming the Promise' for the many Christians who are Beach, Cal. Plenary and workshop sessions on gay/lesbian and family ministries, youth and campus ministry outreach, spirituality and retreats. Eucharist, reception and banquet with Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles. For information and registrB.tion materials, call 510-465-9344, fax to 510- 451-6998, or e-mail to NACDLGM@aol.com. Parents, Families and Friends of Lasbians, afld Gays 1997 International Conference SEPTEMBER ll-14, PFLAG members from around the country will gather at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., for 'Love Takes Action: The PFLAG Family Adventure." For information · contact The Balcom Group, 360'o 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202)234-3880, balcomgrp@aol.com. Cultivating the Spirit: 21st Annual Quaker Lesbian Conference SEPTEMBER .25-28, A camp in beautiful Bucks County, Penn., is the setting. Sliding scale. For info.rmation contact QLC'97, 6906 Sherman St., Philadelphia , PA 19119, QLC'97@aol.com. Christian Lesbians OUT 4th Biennial Conference OCTOBER 2-5, This gathering will be held at a beautiful retreat center in the rolling hills between Portland and Mt. Hood; Oregon. 'Called On The Journey: Sacred Spaces Of Our Lives ' is this year's theme. Promised: worship, workshops, speakers and play! For information call (503)281-5405 or e-mail mamadyke@aol.com. uncomfortable with homophobic policies and practices in our churches and society but stjll believe that the Bible defines homosexuality as sin. This curriculum may well J?e a. major ■ "The prevalent understanding that the Bible condemns homosexuality has been disputed by a growing number of Biblical scholars .. ;'' breakthrough in opening more-do.ors . to lesbian, gay and bisexual persons and their families ." "Cl'¼iming the Promise" is also unprecedented in the scope of its ecumenical sponsorship. It is published by the Reconciling Congregation Program (United Methodist) in cooperation with Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns; the Asso.ciation of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists; Dignity/ USA (Roman Catholic); Integrity (Episcopal); Lutherans Concerned/ North Americ<); Mote Light Chμrches Network · (Presbyterian); The Oasis (Episcopal); Open and Affirming Pro- . gr~ of the United Church Coalition for, t' esbian/Gay Concerns; Open & Affirming Ministries Program of the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alli.ari~e; anq the Supportive 'Gongre- . gatiom, Networ~ ' of t-he Brethren/ Men.nonite Coundl for Lesbian . and GayC01J.cerns·.· · 'The ' consulting scholars ' to "Claiming the Promise" are: Dr. Bernadette J. Brooten, Dr. William Countryman, Dr. George Edwards;,Dr. Victor Paul Furnish, Dr. John Goocli, Dr. Daniel , /JC Helmirtial,, Dr. Mary T . Hunt, Dr. Theoi:lore Jennings, Dr. Ralph Klein, Dr. H. Darrell Lance, Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Dr. Stephen Reid, Dr. Sharon Ringe, Dr. Roy Sano, and Patricia Washburn, M.A.R. Copies of "Claiming the Promise" can be ordered from the Reconciling Congregation Program, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641. Cost is $5.95 for the study book, $9.95 for the leader's guide, $3 shipping. Names Makin News Stritch College honors Bro. Stephen Braddock · THE CARDINAL STRITCH College Alumni Association has honored · Camillian BROTHER STEPHEN E. BRADDOCK as the recipient of the 1997 Alumni A ward for Professional Distinction. Before receiving a doctorate in pastoral counseling, Braddock completed und·ergraduate and graduate studies at Stritch in religious studies and theology. Braddock is the founder and director of. St. Camillus HIV/ AIDS Ministry in Milwau~ k.ee. "While not possessing the patience of Job, he is still able to understand and take people where they are at the present moment. and respect them," said Fr. William. Cronin, head of the Order of St. Camillus North American Province, referring to Braddock's staunch defense of the dignity of sexual minorities. Jim Sauder named director of BMC JIM SAUDER has been named the first Executive Director of The Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. Following a search process which elicited excellent candidates from both the United States and Canada,· the search committee brought forth a unanimous recommendation that Sauder be offered the position . At its February meeting in La Verne, California, the BMC Board approved the search committee's recommendation "with acclamation." Sauder brings eighty.ears of experience serving as BMC Coordinator to the new position as well as a strong passion and commitment to the work of BMC. In accepting the position, Sauder said, "I look forward to the additional responsibilities placed with the Executive Director; while knowing that only with the support of the Board and other volunteers will the work be accomplished." Transitions VALERIE RUSSELL, longtime friend and advocate for the interests and concerns of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, recently passed away. She was the executive director of the UCC Office for Church and Society. Russell gave the keynote address at the Coalition's Open and Affirming Program's "ONA 90 East" in Worcester, Mass., in 1990. Her friends in the UCC are already missing her passion and commitment for justice, tinged at times with a touch of "holy irreverence." PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 Bocl{ guides gays arrlleslms into cy~ 'GetOn Withlt' Books THE INTERNET HOLDS a wealth of material for the gay and lesbian community, and even the closeted gay person can gain self-esteem and pride by accessing and using these abundant resources. With mor~ modems per capita than any other group, gays and lesbians are two of the most connected segments of society. According to "Out " magazine's online survey, about one-third of user-generated America Online chat rooms are geared toward the gay community, receiving almost 2 million visits, or "hits" a month . Richard · Laermer, author of "Native's Guide to New York" and "The Gay and Lesbian Handbook to New York City," has written the first book to fully educate users about the extensive gay and lesbian Internet and its social implications. "Get On With It: The Gay and Lesbian Guide to Getting Online" (Broadway Books) is a user-friendly r.esource guide , appropriate for all levels of ' internet savvy, providing easy shortcuts on how to tap into the wealth of resources available to the gay and lesbian community . In doing research for this book, Laermer spent over a year scoping the World Wide Web, contacting everyone from legal and public relations officials of the major online services, to the individual · site creators . As a result, "Get On With It" provides extensive coverage of every step of the process of getting "wire?," from buying a modem and setting up email, to navigating cyberspace with sophistication . Laermer takes a serious look at one of the most pressing problems facing the Internet today - the inevitable collision of censorship, pornography, and privacy - and shows how a number of gay-targeted Web sites are frequently balancing user desire for provocative and racy content with demands for self-censorship and evertightening federal legislation about what constitutes decency on the Internet . Graham reveals his personal struggles in new autobiography THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM, whose advice on Christian parenting has been heeded by hundreds of millions, told Hugh Downs in a recent interview that he would still love a son that turned out to be gay. Graham, who has resisted pressure to align with the Christian Coalition and other organizations of the religious right, said he believes homosexuality is a sin, but doesn ' t think it should be set apart as a sin greater than any other, But when asked by Downs if he would still love a gay son, Graham replied, "I'd love him even more." And for those intimidated by the images of the Graham family projected in some of his TV specials - a modern-day version of the Waltons - "Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham," _published by HarperCollins, offers more personal insights into how one of the nation's most respected men of God had to struggle through family tensions. In his new autobiography, Graham frankly discusses the ways his religious calling took a toll on his family life, and tlie tears thatlilled his eyes more than once as he prepared 19 board a train or plane for preaching assignments throughout the world. His job-related travel took him away from his family for months at a time. Once, after a long business .trip, it took him several minut~s to recognize ·his own son. Both his boys eventually went through rebellious periods in which they experimented with drugs . Graham, like m·any religious leaders whose job requires a lot of travel, often found it necessary to preach to . others what he had difficulty practicing himself: the need for fathers to spend time with their children . Given his own family situation, Graham writes that he has only respect and sympathy "for the courageous and committed single parents who .. . have to carry the SEE GRAHAM,. Next Page PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE . • MAY/JUNE, 1997 Resowce 'guide/or ~accidental,' grief counselors GRIEF JS AN inescapable part of our lives and has many causes, "Responding to Grief: A Complete Resource Guide" is designed to prepare anyone to be responsive to those who ar e suffering deep loss and pain. The book's author, Dick Gilbert, is a speciaiist in the field of grief and has more than 20 years experience as a hospital chaplain, consulting to businesses, leading workshops, counseling individuals and teaching. In this directory, he shares with readers his extensive bibliography of over a thousand books, brochures, and audio and video tapes that pertain to grief. BOOK BARGAINS Save as much as 50%1 (Wnte your order in the Payment Information section of the order form on page 26 ) A SEPARATE CREATION: The Search for lhe Biolo( jcal Origins of Sexual Orienlafion t,,, Chandler Burr. Hara:OYer. Was 24.95NOW19.95 SONGLINES: Hymns, Songs, Rounds, and Refrains for Prayer and Praise t,,, Miriam Therese Winier .. Brings fogelher a .special collection of selecled hymn tex1s and scngs. Paper. Was 14.95 NOW10J5 HEALTH CARE FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN: confronting Homophobia and Heterosexism. Edled t,,, K. Jean Pelerson, DSW. Paper, Was 9.95 NOW 6.95 EASTWARD TOWARD EVE: A Geogaphy of Soul t,,, Madonna Kolbenschlag. Paper Was15.95NOW1U5 GAY AND LESBIAN MENTAL H£ALTH:A Source• book for Praclifiorters. Edted·t,,, bt. Christopher Alexander. Hard;over, Was 24.95 NOW19.95 OUT IN ALL DIRECTIONS: The Almanac of Gay ·and Lesbian America,·an entertainin~ and informative mirror of the American lesbian and gay experience. Hard;over. Was 24.95 NOW1U5 BECAUSE OF HER TESTIMONY: Jhe Word in ' ~~l~ -~=i::s t,,, Anna Thurs1on. Paper. DEFECTING IN PLACE: Women Claiming Responsibilify for Their a..n Spirilual Lives t,,, Winter, Lummis and Stokes. Hard::over. Was 22.95 NOW1U5 A SINGING SOMETHING: Womanisl Refleclions on Anna Julia Cooper by Baker-Fletcher. Hardc< Ner. Was19.95NOW1U5 A HUNDREDAYS FROM NOW, exploralion of love, race, and sexuality, t,,, Corbin. Harc!:over. Was 18.95 NOW15J5 YUGOSLAVIAN INFERNO: Ethnoreli!jous Warlare in the Balkans t,,, Mojzes. Hara:over, Was24.95 NOW20J5 WOMEN AT WORSHIP: lnierp,-elafions of North American Diversify t,,, Smilh and Wallon. Paper. · Was 15.95 NOW13J5 ~~~~~eOJJ.~~~:1~~~~:~~~r~c~ t,,,Schmift. Paper.Was 13.95 NOWUS SEASONS OF THE FEIININE DIVINE: Cycle A Chrisfian Feminisf Prayers for the Lifurgicaf Cycle t,,, Mary Kathleen Speege Schmitt. Paper. Was.13.95 NOWl.95 NOW DARE EVERYTHING: Tales of HIV•Relaled Psycholherapy t,,, Dansky. Paper. Was 13.95·NOW11.95 GUESTS IN THEIR OWN HOUSE: The Women of Vatican II by Carmel McEnroy. Paper. Was 19.95NOW11J5 Organized by over 50 different causes of grief, "Responding to Grief" directs the reader to just the right resource for counseling needs. Especially noteworthy resourc es are highlighted in boxes and hav e a paragraph of description. Author Gilbert offers a "Top 12 List" of books that have been most helpful in his own grief counseling. The directory includes over 30 pages of connections to a large network of organizations in North America that specialize in grief issues. For information on "R esponding to Grief" readers may phone (888)224-7685 or fax an inquiry to (510)236-1979. REVIVING THE TRIBE: Regenerating Gay Men's Sexually and Culfure in lhe Org,ing Epidemic by Enc· Roles. Paper. Was 14.95 NOW7,95 - JESUS ACTED UP: A Gay ·and Lesbian Manifesto t,,,Goss. Paper. Was14.00NOW10.95 AND THE FLAG WAS STILL THERE: Slraighl People, Gay People and Sexuality In the U.S. Mili• tary t,,, Shaw,,er. Paper. Was 19.95 NOW15.95 AFREKETE: An Anlholo111 of Black Lesbian Writing by McKinley and Delaney. Har¢<Ner. Was27.95NOW2U5 IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD, gay Episcopal w:Jii~:1 ~~~ by Ferry. Hardcover. WOMEN PASTORS t,,, Stokes. Paper. · Was14.~5NOW11.95 JESUS: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophett,,, Fior• enza. Harcl:QYer. Was 22.95 NOW1US BOUND.BY DIVERSITY by Jim Sears. Paper. Was14.95NOW10.95 THE WORD ISOIIT: The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men. 365 daily rriecfitafions. By Chris Glaser. Paper. Was 12.00 NOW9.95 . KNOW MY NAME: A·Gay Liberation TheolOQ'I. By Richard Cleaver. Applies liberafion lheolOQ'I lo Iha slrugjle of g,y men arxtlesblans in !he chuIch. Was 15.99NOW1U5 ::d'lfe~:H~~~7/t~~. i:a~:: I~~:- ing revolution In human idenlify sparked by w~~=:~e Hara:OYer. PASTOR, I AM GAY. A Bapfisl pastors journey toward understanding gay men aoo lesbians from ~~if:~~~ By Rev. HowardH. Bess. GAYELLOW PAGES. Greater Northeast Edilion 131, 1996-1997. Was9.95 NOW7.95 GAYELLOW PAGES. Soulh/Soulhern Midwest Edt~nl12, 1996-1997. Was9.95 NOW7.95 UNCOMMON CALLING: A Gay Chrlsfian's Slrug( lle Jo Serve the Church. Updaled wilh a new Infroducfion, conclusion, and pholographs. By Chris Glaser. Paper. Was 19,99 NOW17.95. WHAT GOD ALLOWS: The Crisis of Failh and Conscience in One Catholic Chu.rch. By Ivor Shapiro. A year in !he life of St. Paul's Church in Kenmore, New York, including a young priest's ooming out. Harc!:over. Was 23.95 NOW11.15 HOMOSEXUALITY AND CHRISTIAN. COMIIJNI· TY. Princeton Theological Seminary faculfy ~~i~: ~~af:a~~~cu~ ra1~~n~~g d~:01.~~~ Seow. Paper. Was .14.99 NOW12.95 JOURNAL OF GAY, LESBIAN, AND BISEXUAL IIENTITY, Volume 1, Nurroer 1 by Human Sci• ences Press. Paper. Was27.50NOW11.95 HEALING JOURNEY: The Floor of Heaven. Guided mediation casselfe !ape by Rev. Deanne Airre. Was 12.00 NOW9.95 HOW TO READ R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by state, then by city. If a mailing address is given in a listing the zip code appears in the listing. NNG = No name given. S=single, C=committed . G=gay, L=lesbian, T =transgendered, B=bisexual, S=straight. M=male, F=female . . Age, religious affiliation, occupation, contact information. CALIFORNIA, BREA BARB HUNERDOSSE, CLF, 44, EVANGELICAL, BANK OPERATIONS OFFICER, 2394 RAINBOW LN 92821, barteeh@aol.com CALIFORNIA, PASADENA BARRY DIXON, SGM, 40, WORLDWIDE CHUA GOD, TECHNICAL WRITER, dec4th@aol.com FLORIDA, PANAMA CITY ROBB DOYLE, SGM, 38, CHARISMATIC ACC, MEDICAL MESSAGE, 1139 EVERITT AVE 32401, mg~y4jesus@aol.com FLORIDA, BRANDON ROBERT MORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAIJ APOSTOLIC, FLIGHT ATTENDANT"'1INISTER, 2023 CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505. ITALY, NAPOLI PAOLO LANNI, SGM, 39, PENTECOSTAL, PHYSICIAN, PO BOX 11, 80100 NAPOLI, 39-81-TT61534. LOUISIANA, BA TON ROUGE PAM GARRffiSON, SLF, 31, WTHERAN, GRAD STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS JIM BAILEY, SGM, 42, LUTHERAN, PUBLISHER, .secstone@aol.com NEW HAMPSHIRE, MANCHESTER ROD, SGM, 42, INSURANCE UNDERWRITER, hotnho9258@aol.com. NEW YORK, YONKERS JOHN PRATHER, CGM, 71, EPISCOPALIAN, COMPUTER SPECIALIST, 7 BELL PL., 10701, 914-964-0079, OREGON, FLORENCE JOE NOLAN, CBM, 59, EPISCOPALIAN, GARDENER, PO BOX2263,541-997-1752 TENNESSEE,CHATTANOOGA CHUCK THOMPSON, SGM, NONDENOMINATIONAL, PASTOR, 3623 FOUNTAIN AVE., #109 37412, 423-624-9824 TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE MEL, SGM, 42, PROTESTANT, PUBLISHER, bnamelman@aol.com TEXAS, BEAUMONT MICHAEL DAVID, SGM, 42, PAINTER, PARALE· GAL, 648558 MARK STILES, RT. 4 BOX 1500, mos. TEXAS, GALVESTON WOODRPW COPPEDGE, SGM, 33, CATHOLIC, PSYCHIATR'.tRESIDENT, 409-744-1444, basse1ag@aol.com TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO AL EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERVICES, PO BOX 12754 78212, MOCHICA@FLASH:NET VIRGINIA, RICHMOND MICHAEL KEITH HALL, SGM, 39, BAPTIST, PRO· GRAM SUPPORT/SCREENWRITER, 2201 FOURTH AVE., 23222. NO LOCATION GIVEN NNG, CLF, 39, BAPTIST, gosep@aol.com ................................ ';::J"·: .................... ........ . ·: Reauer. I toReader I IIIIIIIDIRECT CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~ A section of profiles of active subscribers who waptJo .meet other gay and lesbian Christians acFOss town or across tq~··c.ountiy - To have your . profile published simply send your lnfo~iofi "·to _Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, e -~one@aol.com, or FAX to (504)899-4014. 1. State, City--------"------"--------'--- 2.Name--~----------------==--~-- CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female 6. Aga,__ 7. Religiousaffiliatio ~--------------- 8, Occupation. ___________________ _ ·; ~ i I :, ! ! ._; ! NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: ¥our maning address,.your e-mail ,!:, address, or your telephone number. 9. Contact informatio,.. .... ---~-----------,,,---- ! , 10. Conlact information . . i ■------------·························-···············-······················· ' ••••••••••••••• GRAHAM, FromPage24 burden alone." One of the incidents he remembers most vividly is his youngest son coming up to greet him following an extended absence. "As we drove into the yard, I saw a beautiful little child wandering out to greet us . Even after I got out of the car, it took some minutes before I realized it was Ned," Graham recalled in the book. His oldest son, Franklin, is a successful evangelist and the successor-in-waiting to his father 's ministry. Ned leads an international ministry that has had success distributing Bibles in China. Except in emergencies, Graham said, he and his wife, Ruth, never let a day go by without Bible reading and prayer in the home. -AP and staff reports MAY /JUNE 1997 OUTREACH PARTNER REPORT Almost 2000 c~pies ·or the May/June issue of Second Ston e were distributed by Outreach Partners, including our first shipment to South Africa. The Outreach Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their gay and lesbian communities by providing free. copies to distribute at gay pride event s, at P-FLAG meetings , in bars, etc, The local ministry receives free advertising space in Second Stone, inviting everyone who reads a copy to visit for worship. It's easy to become an Outreach Partner. First, you detennine the number of copies you can c!istribute in your community. Most churches place a flier or brochure for the church in ·every copy they distribute. . And remember how advertising ·works. Most often it takes 100 people to ·see yoμr ad before you get your first response . . And remember how outreach works. You may not get a response right away . You are planting seeds. . Next, you send us your camera-ready ad, (There is no charge to run your ad.) We need to receive your ad at P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Ad size: 2 1/2' wid·e X 3' tall.-Be sure to include in -your ad your logo, address and phone, service or meeting times, and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at... " or "Call for infonnation about .. " The deadline for the July/August, 1997 issue is June 15. , The Outreach Partner program is a community fund wpich looks _like this right now: MARCH/APRIL '96 MAY /JUNE '96 JULY /AUGUST '96 SEPI'EMBERIOCTOBER '96 NOVEMBER/DF.CEMBER '96 JANUARY/FEBRUARY ' 97 MARCHI APRIL ' 97 Celebration of Faith Other Sheep (Richmond) Third Lutheran Church Safe l'jarbor/Joyful Sound Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Other Sheep (St Louis) . .Park Avenue Christian Cjiurch Lighthouse Apostolic Church Community Gospel Church Dayspring Christian Fellowship Heaven's Tableland Church Outreach Partner bad check/bank fee TOT Al.EXPENSES EXFENSES 15() copies 150 copies 50 copies 200 copies 250 copies 75 copies 50 copies 90 copies 100 copies 200 copies 100 copi es CONfR!BtJrlONS Balance forward Holy Spirit Fellowship Abiding Peace Lutheran Church MCC of Las· Vegas Heavep ' s Tableland Church Other Sheep (Richmond) · Community Gospel Church Dayspring Christian Fellowship TOTALCONTRIBUTIONS _83. 11 . 272.29 279.86 323 ,72 328.58 308.77 49 .09 41.38 15.89 50,94 70 .36 22,09 16.79 27,47 ~ 28.28 52.26 28.28 54 . 10 2053,26 2079.29 SO.OD 70.36 50.00 29.00 50,00 26.00 50.00 2404 ,65 COi'ITRIBtJrlONSINEXCESSOFEXPENSES 351.39* (*Does not include printing an d-shipping expenses for the May/June '97 issue. $100 • is designated for distribution in South Africa) Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organizat ion would like to participate in this program, pleas~· follow the guidelines above. For. information call (504)899-4014, write to P.O . Sox ~340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com. PAGE 25 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY SecoSntdo ne The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian PAGE 26 • SECOND STONE• MAY/JUNE, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------------, The mailablef, axablea nd e-mailablfeo rmf or justa oout everything. ,SubscribTeo day. INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION Your Name ___________ _ Address ____________ _ [ ]1 yr, 6 issues$ 17 I ]2 yrs,1 2 issues$ 28 I ]3 yrs,1 8 issues$ 39 ]NEW ]RENEWAL City, state, zip+ll _____ __ __ _ [ ]Plaine nvelopaed d$ 2 pery r .. ------. 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You must notify us 1n advance for uninterrupted service 1f you movei The Postal Service WILL NOT forward Second Stone to you. Please send both old and new addresses four weeks prior to your move. Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of tlie subscription expiration date. 6/97 ,-----------------,Name _______________ _ Supply ·ol_d address or label here. CNietyw _a_d_d_re_s_s_ _--_-_--_--_-_--_--_- _ ,___ ___ ......,_ _______ __. State, zip+4 -------------- HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail compleied form to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 FAX:This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-899-4014. Press 3' when prompted or at any1ime during the message. When you hear the tone;-b"egin transmission. E-MAIL:Send a message supplying the data requested t-0 secstone@aol.com Father of a gay son has to 'eat some crow' By Garnett E. Phibbs Guest comment 1 AM THE "Proud Pop" of a gay soh - and two straig ht sons. I'm a retired · Christian minister and was an ecumenical executive for 30 years in the United Church of Christ, founder of the Charlotte Interfaith Network for Gay and Lesbian Equality, and for 20 years a member and officer of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). As recently as 1976, when I was approached as a lifelong advocate of human rights to sigri onto a petition for a city ordinance adding sexual "preference" to the ·list of forbidden discriminations agaihst race, religion, gender, ·etc., in good conscience I refused, because, I said, "There is a fundamental difference - blacks don't choose to be so, but homosexuals do." Within a few short months 1 leatned that I had not only a gay son, but a gay nephew and lesbian niece as well. So I've spent these last two dee- SECOND STONE Newspaper. ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright 1997 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS. U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ades learning just how totally wrong I was. (And eating gobs of crow!) My one mission in retirement years has b ecome simply to share with as many people as I can just what I have learned in these 20 years of researching all aspects of gayness and living among thousands of gays and lesbians. And now, of course, I know gays cannot choose or change their sexual orientation (any more than we straights can), so it i_s not caught, taught or recruited. Reputable scientists have said for 2_0 years that sexual orientation is not chosen . If you can be talked into or out of it, you never were gay. The most idiotic insult which anyone can add to the injury felt by my intelligent gay son, niece and nephew is to try to convince them that they knowingly "chose" a "lifestyle" for which -t-lle whole world would beat hell out of them as long as they live! · I watched my own gay son go to work every day for 14 long years, scared to death 0£ being outed and fired by the• openly homophobic owners of the large retail chain where he worked. And he was their acknowledged top manager. _ The reason one third of all teen suicides and two thirds of alJ-runaways are .gay - and why many wrestle mightily with alcohol, drugs, unsafe sex, and low self-esteem - is not the fault of the gay "lifestyle" but rather due to their desperate efforts to escape our judgementalism and rejection, based on our ignorance, fear and hate. I wonder; then, how gays can possibly be threatening our family values - when they are th e ones often rejected by all the u sual support - family, peers , school and church - and at the same time being denied the legal right to form any family of their own. ■ There is no such animal as a "gay agenda" except the one which we should all . share: to achieve basic rights for daily living which all of us heterosexuals take for granted. ■ There is no such animal as a "gay agenda" - except the one which we should all share: to achieve those exact _ same (.not "special") basic rights for daily living which all of us heterosexuals take for granted. The ·only real "agenda" out there is that of the homophobic preachers and politicians to keep gays hidden, controlled or punished. Many world renowned Bible scholars, without any gay bias, are now proving that what we know as homosexuality today is not in the Bible - not even in that old favorite story ofSodom, which ironically has erroneously carried gays' very name of derision ever since. Instead, these ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)899- 4014 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified adverti$ ing information is found on the classified page:·we reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason . EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements. church and organiza• tion news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secst~ne@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped , self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. c,~ Pontius' Puddle SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey favorite Biblical proof-t exts refer to rape, prostitution, pedophilia or dis. carded antique "holiness" codes - not to committed, same-gend er fove relationships . Even if gayness was m entioned irt the Bible, there is just no way the authors could have known anything about its origin, as no one else did for another couple of thousand years. So does this mean th e Bible is wrong? Of course not. Rather, . it means that it is just as irr elevant to this discov ery as it is for any oth er discovery, like gravity, electricity, computers or nuclear fission. All Biblical writers, creatures of their own times, assumed their universe to be geocentric and that their flat earth would destruct within their own lifetimes. Their only explanation for illness was sin by the patient or parents if physical, or an invasion of evil spirits if mental. As the wars rage on in cities across America regarding 'gay rights and same-sex marriage, my own recommendation for a community standard befitting a city too busy to hate would be: "We affirm both the right of every person to be ·whoev er he/ she was created as a child of God, regardless of sexual orientation, and the responsible freedom to live that life accordingly." We welcome your letters and opinions .Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and s!sned by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or Mnail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)89.9-4014. classif. BOOKS/PU BLI CAT IONS ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a · Baptist _church in Jesse Helms' hometown decided as a congregation to offer rituals of blessing for gay and lesbian couples. The church's history with gay issues, discussion within the congregation, reaction from outsiders. expulsion by fellow Baptists, celebrations of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by lesbian Pal Long, the only 11out11 deacon during the process. Send $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF "WpNDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended." 11Philosophically intriguing," "Excellent." Why .do reviewers highly esteem CHRJSTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTER• · LY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialog~e between Christia~s and New Agers as e ntertaining . as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NE\Y AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. _Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS PENTECOSTAL/APOSTOLICGWM, 36 yrs. old, 5'9", 150 lbs, br/bl. Divorced with two· sons, 5 an.d 7. I'm attractiye and seeking a relationship, Lord willing. I'm a mini~ter and musician wanting to pastor again in the Tampa area where I live. Not into drinking, drugs, bars· or casual sex. Seeking attractiv e Pentecostal GWM, 30-45, who is serious about God and h·umorous about life. Contact Robert, 2023 Cattleman Dr., Brandon, FL 33511, (8 13)651-1505. 6/97 GENERAL INTEREST RESEARCH: Were ·you raised in a Southern Baptist home, church? Are you gay, lesbian? Your help is needed! Gay, lesbian former Southern Baptist ~ministers, admini.s trators are seeking churches: organizations· (e.g., Honesty) whose -memberships include gay former, current Southern Baptists willing to share personal stories for proposed book seeking to initiate honest dialogue with the denomination . Inform ation desired regarding experiences growjng up gay in sllch homes, churches. Anonymity, confidentiality abso- · lutely guaranteed. ~eaders, please share information with your church, organization. GROUP (the larger, the better) respondents will be interviewed and audiotaped individually in your town at mutually acceptable time, dale. it;-JDIVIDUAL respondents will be asked to complete mailed questionnaire s .. Groups, individuals willing to participate or who want more information, plcitse contact: Dr. Theodore W. Hayes, P.O. Box 687, Stone Ridge, NY 12484-0687; e-mail : thayes9217@aol.com; fax: (914)687-2143. 6/97 . WHISPERING PINES Bed & Breakfast Hospitality In Our Home. In the heart of the Sonoma- Napa wine country, hidden in wo8ded hills, you will find a quiet, peaceful and relaxed setting. •Full country breakfast •Private entrance ·•Private bath •Queen bed •Wood burning stove ·•Air conditioning •Hot tub and pook lose to wineries, balloon and glider rides •Close to mud bath and message •Pets okay in outside kennel •Sinoking in outside design a ted are.as •$105 one night/$190 two nights. 5950 Erland Road, Sonoma County, . CA 95404. Phone/Fax (707)539-0198. ·classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun l ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships \ , [ ]Gen! Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]March [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Est~Je [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name. ____________________ _ Address. ___________________ _ Cfty/State/Zip, _______________ _ Your ad copy _________________ _ How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New O~eans, LA 70182. Minimum 20 words. All classified ads must be prepaid . Deadline: 15th of the month prior to cover date. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears . TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE.26 .. PAGE 28 • SECOND STONE MAY/JUNE, 1997 rn 1:: s:; ::r CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by. audio cassette of oor weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809. 4/97 CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay and lesb'ian Christian friends from across the nation as you tOur one of the most ~acred . places in the world : Christian Pilgrimag ~ to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam. Visitors often remark that this trip lb Israel was the journey of a lifetime! This 12-day trip through this ancient and holy land includes a 2-night stop in deligh_tful Amsterdam. $2,469.00 per person. Contact Second Stone, P.O.· Box 8340, New O rleans, LA 70182, secstone @ao l.com ORGANIZATIONS Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni of Principia Upper School and/or College, HOPE, From Page 21 . want to deal with a potentially controversial issue, fearing that women who are screened arid found to be infected will be treated ·negatively . · The public's attitude toward HN and AIDS is changing, but slowly, Katz said : Those in the pediatric . · AIDS •:Ifmgram at Duke spend a lot of time taiking with a wide rang e of people, - including teachers who are afraid of having HIV-infected children in. the classroom and members ef various religious groups. "AIDS communicability is not like measles or smallpox - it's sexually transmitted or by blood transfusion. And - because AIDS was first recognized in gays and injectabl e-drug users, it' s thought of as a sex uall y transmitt ed . disease. It takes a lot to get throu gh th e homoph obia a nd th e disease being seen as 'd irty. "' Katz and his colleagues meet regulsirly with civic, community a nd school groups, an d the y pay particular a tt e nti on to junior hi gh sc h oo l students. "There's a 10-year incubati on from infection to AIDS, so we ne e d to educate te ens and preteens, who are at the ag e when high-risk b eh av iors begin," Katz said. "So our c oncern with education programs begins with 10- to 11-year-olds." Although children with HIV/ AIDS · are looked upon as "innocent victims" who des e rve help because their disease wasn't caused by their b ehavior, Katz said nega tive attitud es toward the di sease are still hard on familie s. The goo d news is there's support for families available. Sev era l gro ups help by providing respite care for parents of HIV-infected children, and there's a network o f foster families who pro v id e a n amazing amount of un se lfish care. · " All of our childr e n, if th eir own for information write: David, Apt. 124, 2900 Connecticut A venu~. N.W., Washington, DC 20008. E-mail: Mrblanc@aol.com. B WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking cori'espondence are genuine in their intent, some are not. Readers are cautioned to pro-· tecl themselves from scams: 1. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. Persons cashing altered checks or money orders are responsible for the difference between the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not revea l personal information about yourse lf that would be harmful to you if passed on to employer, family or others. parents can't care for them, are with other family members or foster families . And these foster families are amazing," Katz said. ' 'They take on children who have to take as many as eight .kinds of medication a day, and some ·families have adopted <ohildren even though they have a , disease that may be fatal. "So while HIV/ AIDS brings out the worst in some people, it brings out the best in others. And that's what we should concentrate on and emphasize." . There have also be en policy-making efforts that are cause for encourage· ment, Katz said. North Carolina state government has been open and relativ ely progressive in co ntrast to some other s tate s, and the fe deral government approach is increasingly mor e an intellectual rather than an emotional one. Even if states are successful in preventing infection from mother to i nfant , however, there's another factor . that adverse l y affects the children's futur es. Because many of the mothers ha ve AIDS, they'll eve ntu ally die - leaving th eir children behind. "Many of these children will be orphan s, arid that's frightening," Kat z said. But Kat z is optimistic about the future of HIV-infected childr e n . He cit es increasing research on preventing transmission from moth er to infant, new drugs that can be given safely t o children, and types of immunological v accin es that are very much on the research front line. Katz hopes the national award he received will help children who, despit e being the larg es t uninsured group, have riot receiv e d th e emphasis on their health that has b een given to other groups. . And, for Katz, that's just one more rea so n to continue his work on children 's b e half. 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 Second Stone #52 - May/June 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/0b28759ac10f440c08b3a190aba4afee.pdf 9822e45aab1e3c9c8bbf0efba5a4b466 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 51 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published Mar/Apr 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER FOR GAY MEN, LESBIANS. BISEXUALS, AND TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE 2.95 , . . MARCH/APRIL 1997 • . · IS 'SU E#51 Jewish and gay: Not every synagogue feels like home PAGE 7 Work and Sabbath: Reflections by Rev. Donna Schaper PAGE 8 National News PAGE 10 Our National Resource Guide: Everybody we know everywhere PAGE 13 World News PAGE 18 AIDS: Once prepared to die, couple learns to live again PAGE 20 Summer Events PAGE 22 New books and videos PAGE 24 New rule would requireg ay and lesbianc lergyt o be chaste Presbyterigaany sr e8IX)lldto approvoafl 'fidelitayn dc hastitya'm endment MEMBERS OF THE Presbyterian Church(USA) have voted to make the church's proposed policy requiring gay and lesbian pastors to · be chaste part of church law, The proposal got the majority it needed March 18 with approvals from regional_ bodies in Miami and Charlotte, N.C. The Book of Order - the church's constitution - will be changed to require chastity of single ,ministers . ~ ·· · ;,It says to the country that Presby' terians are committed to reaffirming their biblical center for ·faith and practice," said ·the Rev. Jack Haberer, moderator of The Presbyterian Coalition, a, group favoring the amendment. However, Scott Anderson, a comoderator of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, said the change will force more gay and lesbian Presbyterians out of the 2.7 million- member church. "It's one more club that has been used to beat up gay and lesbian people in the Presbyterian church," he said. "It is truly a sad and tragic moment in our church's history," said Rev. ,,rr Laurene· Lafontaine, co-moderator for Presbytedans for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. "The leadership of PLGC, More Light Churches Network and 'That All May Freely Serve' strongly denounce the passage of Amendment B. We are deeply disappointed and outraged that our denomination has chosen to make gay, lesbian, bisexual · · and lransgender ·Presbyterians second class members. Amendment-B not only. ~Hects gays and_ lesbians, _it. affects everyone i11° the local church including single and divorced persons, who desire to serve God by the imposing of a purity code, unheard of since the Middle Ages." Tlie Rev. Timothy Hart-Andersen, pastor of San Francisco's Old First Presbyterian Church, said the new rules make it harder for him to be a p9stor in San Francisco. -"As a pastor, how can I deal with the pain from this kind of exclusionary language and deal with the anger that it will engender?" he asked. Hart-Anderson predicted that the struggle for gay rights in the church will continue. "In general, the tide is turning for the ordination of gays and lesbians," .lhis was a rather desperate and. not-very-well-thought-out effort to draw a line." he said . "This was a rather desperate and not-very-wellathought-out effort to draw a line." An official announcement from church headquarters was not available at press time but advocacy groups said the 172 pr(!sbyteries that had voted by' March 18-·voted 88 in favor and 60 against. The Presbyterian General Assembly, the church's chief legislative body, in 1993 affirmed past church policies forb lddihg- the ordination of noncelibate gays and lesbians. The church's Book of Order, however, has not specifically addressed the issue of gay ordinations . Last year, after a three-year churchwide study of sexuality, the General Assembly sent out a proposed SEE AMENDMENT, Page 10 FIRST TIME? Second Stone is about being gay and Christian. 1.1 thisi s thef irstt imey ou'ves een Second Stone. turn to page 2 to readm orea boutb einga gayC hristian: Y ou'rea lso-invitedto visita n OutreachP artnern ear.you: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA KANSASC ltY, MISSOURI DAYTONO, HIO RICHMONDI,N DIANA ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI CHATTANOOGA.TENNESSEE LOUISVIL:LKE,E NTUCKY NEWY ORKN, EWY ORK NASHVILLET,E NNESSEE JACKSON.M; lSSfSSIPPI SCHENl:CTAD'N( EWYORK WILLIAMSBURG ;VIRGINIA See page 3 for information. :!:!!~·.: ~ :~~:( J REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL ----------------- BU.K RATE US POSTAGE PAID NEWO RLEANLSA PERMITN o.5 11 SUBSC .RIBE TODAY! Please see page 26 for information on becoming a new subscriber. Welcome! 1F YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a ~ay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Paru,er in your area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organiz.ation with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We enco1irage you to visit them for their next service or 111eetingI. n the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. · When I told my church pastor-I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? · Recent sciJl/i:fic research is indibating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay pro- · grams are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex0gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, ofteu with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homo-· sexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care apout God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has. God's nature is·to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is ad1ninistered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among ns, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past. the church failed to speak .out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and' lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discri1nination and violei1ce will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Hanis once said, the church is a follower of society, not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church.) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. 1bere are many Christian churches and organiz.ations around the comitry that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leade_rs, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? · Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you ,',,ere created by·a loving God PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 IHADN'T'DARKENEDTHE DOOR,' AS THEY SAY, FOR MANY YEARS. I DIDN'T THINK GOD WANTED ME IN CHURCH AND THAT WAS THE REASON I ALWAYS GAVE FOR NOT BEING THERE. THEN I MET SOME FOLKS WHO WOULDN'T ACCEPT THAT AS A REASON -AND NOW l'M 'DARKENING THE DOOR' REGULARLY. who seeks you out. If there's a banierbetween yourself and God, it .is not God's responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Ho! y Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him al ways leads .you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may be able to recommend a reading resource, a video, a ,Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is .how God works among us. If you've -never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; S:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13, · But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part !'f ymir being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual .activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationship ·s. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: The sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy l:!O. All these texts are concerned with something other !rum homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an answer ... The Bible never ·addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately unconcemed about it. I wo~ld like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something poweiftII in being "where ·two or more are gathered." You may want to check o~i a 1ninistry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. . The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations . · (There is no "one tme church.") There are gay and lesbian pepple in almost every church and God, who i_s always at work around you. will com1ect yon to the .people you.need to know - if you talre tlie first ·step. ' ·/ Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully iiitegratcil may have to be silent about tl1eir sexuality beca\}se oftheir job or other circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality witl1 the rest of their being faces a difficult stmggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or wit!, straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way-that .makes.-you-feel-good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concem and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA ~t~, c~:;:,e • "- r With Us . , .... ), . I 1.i•rrt•T Lhiefe N Ienw Jesus! fv') 1(./ (/) {lux115:J2) :rrai!.f,, J-/f,,~J,ir,/., , Non-Denominational - Bible Centered Sunday Service~ - 10:30 am at The Billy DeFrank Center 175 Stockton Ave .. San Jose. CA Pastor David Hatvey • (408) 345-2319 http:/ /www.lodsys. com/ce1ebrate/ KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at. ... ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222· Caring for People and Creation (Ncrth ofthc River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am • SW1day School: 9:00 am http://www.s0W1d.net/~pickle DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPELC HURCH P.O.IDX1634•DWION,OH45401 DISCOVER YOUR Difil'JNY! ALL ARE WELCOME meets:5 46X eniaA ve. Ul.yton, Ohio SundaylOa.m EMAI1: RevSamuelK@aol.com V1Siot ur Web Sire! http://wwwJ1CJme.,ol.com/revs:unuelk 93 7 - 2 5 2 - 8 8 5 5 REV .. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. R.ICHMOND, INDIANA Other Sheep AN ECUMENICACLH RISTIA.MNINISTRY WITHT HES EXUAML INORITYCO MMUNITY JOIN US FOR WORSHIP! March.23 April 27 June 1 June 29 P.O. Box 2448 Richmond, IN 47375-2448 765-966-4458 ema il: crameba@earlham.edu D!STR!BUTIOONF THISI SSUEM ADEP OSSIBLEB Y PAGES-THBEO OKSTOREO, LD RICH~OND COURT 211 S. 5TH ST. RICHMOND 765-935-6945 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI OTHER SHEEP ecumenica\ chri~ian ministry ST. LOUIS CHAPTER presents And God said II was very good REUNITING SPIRITUALITY AND SEXUALITY Sat. & Sun .. April 19 & 20 A workshop featlJ'ing ELEANOR MORRISON and MFL ANIE MORRISON For more 'information ,call '.$14-822-3296 or 314-962-0592 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Joyfuf Sountf Cli.ristia:nf ef£owsliip '¾11C. fi.ucf(,'I')J.f wmpsonp,a stor •sunaay worships er11ic6e ,p .m. •Sfiaring groups • '13iJj(es tuaies Offia: 423-629-0887 Pager: 423-846-5337 ".9lffirmi11.9ff1 [[( jorf'sP eopfe" LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Third Lutheran Church 1864 Frankfort Avenue Louisville , KY 40206 896-6383 Worship: Sunday 10:30 AM Rev. Phil Garber A Reconciled · in ·Christ Congregation Everyone is invited You are invited NEW YORK, NEW YORK It's about makil).g connections, .. Park Avenue Christian Church (DL,;c1J,/eo.is( "'hrist) New York City l O IO l'ark ,:\\·t:'nnca t 133h1 $1. Fhouc: (21 ·2) 288-:~2 -Hl \\'orship: s,m~lays at 11 a.m. -Opell & Af/Jrm ins- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE :im!ti'.~~:n:mr@ ~::U:~'TI'TI~ ~J+olL,CQ~3~>Nm :W ~/IT!~ ~-7/TflJA ~ ~ 1l)Joll1Jo(\;;o R~R~ N@RR~ ~~lNl@~ ~11Ma ~ Questions? Call (615) 227-3261 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI -Safe Harbor Family Church A family that prays and plays together! Serving the Christian Gay , l..-csbian, B isexual, T ransgcndcr Communities of J ackson, M ississippi. 2147 Henry Hill Dr, Su, 203 Jackson MS 39204-2000 Phone, 601. 96 1-9500 Rev. James H. Becker Senior Minister An AIM Affiliate SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK You are welcome at li5hthoi.sc Apostolic Chi.-rch 38 Columbia Street, 2nd Floor SchenectadyN, Y 12308-3326 (518) 372-6001 Brother Carey, Pastor Worship Service Sun. at 4:30 pm Bible Study Wed. at 7:00 pm A Jesus' Name Church! National Gay Pentecostal Alliallce email: NGPA@concentric.net visit our website at http://www.cris.com/~NGPA WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA Heaven's Tableland Church P.OB. ox2 674 WilliamsbuVrgA,2 3187 Meetsa t WilliamsburLgib rary BoundarSyt .,W illiamsburg Sundays1 :30p .m. Bibles tudya t pastor'hs omeo nT uesdays. Callc hurcho fficefo r directions. (757)887-3710 "THERER'SO OMF ORA LLA TG OD'TSA BLE!" REVA. DELLLE. BARRP, ASTOR PAGE 3•• SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL, 1997 ====================== ... ~-~--~ ... ~ .... ~.-~--~--~ ... ~--~ .. ~ .... ~-~--~-"'"' .. c=============================:::::i •Prayer •The ,Bible •Words & Deeds Hearing the still, soft voice . Elijah and us By Rev . Samuel Kader Contributing Writer presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains I apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the T IS RECORDED in James 5:17 wind. After th e wind there was an that "Elijah was as completely earthquake, but the Lord was not in human as w e are ... " and of late I the earthquake. After the earthhave been pondering some phenome- quake came a fire, but the Lord was non that God is doing in our midst not in th e fire . And after the fire that is similar to the things Elijah came a gentle whisper, a still small experienced in his day . · voice. - I King 19:9-12 Isra el was the nation of the people Elijah ne eded to hear from God. Eliof God . But th eir religious leaders jah nee d ed confirmation he was on wer e not listening to the thing s God the right track, and he needed to was saying. Elijah was sent on a mis- know what should he do: sion to chall enge that hardne ss of God can wo rk in a might y wind that heart. God confirmed Elijah's mission breaks rocks and s tony hearts. God with dramatic dis plays of power. Yet came to Job in a whirlwind (Job 38:1). w hen the religious and political God came on the day of Pentecost in a leader s h eard of Elijah's success, might y rus hing wind. God came to their outcry was to silence him. take Elijah to hea ve n in a might y Churches have been birthed at an whirlwind. But Elijah did not need a ·alarming rate among the lesbigay powerful wind. So, God was not in the community. I think it is miraculous. wind . Look how many there are these days! God can work in an earthquak e . Yet th e religious leaders and politi- After pray er and praise in Acts 16:26, cal lead ers of our ·day respond with God used an earthquake to shake the videos, (for sale of course), political foundations of the prison. Paul 's lett ers asking for contributions to rid chains were loosed. Silas' chains America of it's moral decay and the were loosed. All the prisoners chains growing "homosexual agenda" and were loos ed. Th e jailer got ·s aved menace. And now a group called the along with his household members :·,· Army of God claims responsibility for According to Matthew 27:50-54 the bombing of a gay bar in Atlanta. when Jesus gave up his spirit and Reminds me of Jez ebel's threats to died, at that moment the curtain o( Elijah. the temple was torn in two from top to Elijah went on a retreat. He ended bottom . The earth shook and the up in a cave and went to complain to rocks split. The tombs broke open and God. Th e Bible records: There he the .bodies of many holy people who went into a cave and spent the night. had died were raised to life. They And the word of the Lord came to came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' him: "What are you doing here, resurrection they went into the holy Elijah?" He replied, "I have been city _and appeared to many people. very zealous for the Lord God When the centurion and those with Almighty . . The Israelites have him who were guarding Jesus saw the rejected your covenant, broken down earthquake and all that had hapyour altars, and put your prophets to pened, they were terrified, and death with the sword. I am the only exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of one left, and now they are trying to God!" kill me too." The Lord said, "Go out In Matthew 28:2 there was a violent and stand on the mountain in the earthquake, for an angel of the Lord PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APR IL. 1997 came down from heaven and, going to the t omb, rolle d back the stone and sat on it. It terrified the guards to see Jesus' empty tomb . God can us e an earthquake, but Elijah didn't need an earthqu ake tha t day. So, God was not in th e earthquake. God can \Vork through fire. The New Testa me nt boldly d eclares our God is a consumin g fir e. God worked thi s way on Elijah's behalf in I Kings 18:38 when the fire came down from Heave n and consumed the burnt offering set up to prove God was the one tru e God. But Elijah didn't n eed a fire. So, God was not in the fire. God was in the still small voice. For the last several years, as a pastor in the gay community, I have been hearing and reading about reports of revival fires burning in the pred ominately homophobi~ segment of the church. I hav e heard for years now of th e ongoing "Toronto b less ing ." An outpouring that has drawn people from around the world to the Airport Vineyard church in Toronto Canada ■ m e about a church closed to gays in Dayton where "It is happening here to o!" Elijah did not need . an earthquake. He n eeded a still small voice. [ noticed something remarkabl e in the Asso ciat ed Pr ess report of th e Brownsville revival. The results. People were leaving lifes ty les of d est ruction. They were giving up drug abuse. They were walking away from promi scuity, and starting to be faithful at hom e. They were walking away from false religious systems and having personal encounter s with Christ. All while the orchestra play s, while the music tugs at th e ir h eart, while the preaching gives them a countdown to choose heaven or h e ll. Maybe I should go. But, maybe I don ' t need an earthquake to move me . closer to God. I look arow1d my congre_ gation, and I suddenly notice that without the trumpeter , without the orchestra, without the wind and th e fire and the earthquake, I am seeing I see healing, and choices to walk away from damaging habits ... I see faithfulness in the homes of my gay and lesbian couples. I see love abounding. I see the love of God in motion and reaching ou t. has been d escr ibed as a mighty rushing wind of revival. The fire is burning. Now there is Brownsville Assembly of God in Florida. The Associat e d Pr ess has reported that charismatic C::hri s tians have flocked to a Gulf Coast church four nights a week for 20 months . Th eir goal: to bring about a spiritual awakening in America before the third millennium. More than 1.5 million people have attended the revivals since it began on Father's Day 1995. "People are hungry for a real move of God," 55-year-old Jay Smith told AP. He had driven up from Talco, Texas, and got his lawn chair in line at 4 a.m. for that day's revival service. "People are tired of going to church ... and leaving church the same as they went'.' Sounds like an earthquake has hit the church. A woman asked me if I had been to Brownsville. I said "No, but I had heard about it." She proceeded to tell ■ the same results, as a result of a still s mall voice. With no one telling them choose now, heaven or hell, sovereignly, I notice the lives of my peopl e changing. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is developing and their lives are changed. I see healing, and choices to walk away from damaging habit s and lifestyles. I see faithfulness in the homes of my gay and lesbian couples. I see love abounding. 1 see the love of God in motion and reaching out. Why? Just so~e changing and adjusting resulting from their walk with the Lord. The still small voice speaks in their heart, and because of thankfulness and love for God, they change destructive patterns and habits for healthy ones. No one changes their orientation. But the character of God keeps growing in our midst. We are in the midst of a revival, and we didn't realize it. It snuck up on us! It came, not in a fire, not in an earthquake, not with a trumpet .sound SEE ELIJAH, Next Page ) Faith 1n Daily Life Churches that split usually survive Congregational schism not necessarily a red thing AS CHURCHES DEBATE whether or not gays and lesbians belong behind the pulpit or, in some cases, even in the pews, denominational and congregational schism is sometimes seen by members as the only way they will ever be able to move the church in what they understand to be the right direction. Sometimes not even the biblical admonition to love thy neighbor can prevent congregations from splitting in two over issues as hot as gay ordination or even other issues ranging from pastoral styles to the music selected for the service. Breaking up is hard to do. The good news, according to a study of church splits, is that eventually congregations get over the trauma of being spurned. And the breakaway churches started by dissatisfied members tend to do fairly well , fueled by an energetic leadership enjoying the freedom to do things its way. "The formation of breakaway congregations can be ·seen as a promulgation of the faith, and an improvement ·in the performance of the larger church," researchers Frederick A. Starke and Bruno Dyck say in the latest issue of the Review of Religious Research. "Thus, it is possible that the formation of breakaway churches acts as a backhanded way of church planting." Starke and Dyck, business professors at the University of Manitoba, conduct case studies of conflict management.. They examined 11 congregations in the · United States and Canada that experienced · such serious conflict that in each case some members left to form breakaway congregations. In-depth interviews with members of both the original and breakaway churches revealed the main reasons for the church splits were related to the issues of worship and music Elijah, From Previous Page and a whirlwind. It came as a still soft voice daily whispering in our hearts . No one could see it. But the results are showing. [. am glad there are earthquakes and revival fires in the church, when the Lord wants to use them. But I am also thankful that in the times I need to hear from God, hiding in a cave in the midst of the storm, in the midst of the whirlwind, · " ... the formation of breakaway churches acts as a backhanded way of church plan ting. " styles. Some disaffected church members wanted a more charismatic style of worship, while in other cases, those who left desired more traditional services. In an interesting difference of perspective, people who left to form new churches were more likely to say they were motivated by doctrinal concerns, while the people left behind were more likely to say the members who left were motivated by more political concerns over issues of chur-ch power. For the first couple of years after the breakup, the conflict was hard on members of the established churches. · They reported some )10lding back on._ donations and problems in being able to forget and to move on. "The real big problem is that the people who are left behind are very devastated by the event, and it takes them years to get over it," Starke said in an interview. In contrast, members of the breakaway churches . are on "a tremendous high" during the first . years of the new church. Freed from the perceived restrictions of their former church, they reported real evangelical fervor in building the new church. . Among splits that had taken place two or more years ago, however, there was no statistical difference in how members of the old and new congregations rated their churches. The established church has gotten over .. the split, and the ne.w congregation in the midst of an all consuming fire, God can still be found whispering to my heart, and causing me to be still and know that He is God. He still leads me beside quiet waters. He still restores my soul. He still prepares a banqueting table for me in the midst of my enemies. He is still my Good Shepherd and I shall not want. He still leads us, and we know our Shepherd's voice . Yes it is so, Elijah was a person just like us. had itself become a more established church. Overall, Starke said, the effect of church . splits "is a mixed bag," balancing the ' hurt of the breakup with the benefit of the founding of enthusiastic new churches and increased activism by members of both churches. "While there may be better ways to plant new congregations," Starke and Dyck slate in the review, "it seems that an i·ntense conflict creates an Phil Knutson's legacy emotional energy that is helpful in forming a congregation in a way that well-reasoned church planting strategies cannot match." The Apostle Paul might understand. In his biblical letters he urged church members not to sow discord, but he would have a falling out with Barna: bas. Barnabas would sail for Cyprus, where he would become the traditional founder of the Cypriot Church. -Associated Press and other reports Endowment-funded conference keeps ordination deoote at the table By Jon Olson Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ON A SUNNY April Sunday in 1994, Philip Knutson sat on the back porch of his fourth-floor apartment in a brownstone in Chicago. He smoked a cigarette, sipped coffee and studied the city skyline. After a few minutes, he left the apartment, went downstairs ai1d walked around to the back. He entered his garage, closed the door behind him, started his car ... and died of carbon monoxide poisoning. He was 56 years old. He was a gay Lutheran minister with AIDS. He was my uncle. Until three months before his death, when he resigned, Philip Knutson had led a double life, afraid that he would lose his job if his employer, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, found out that he was gay. Living openly as a gay minister was an aspiration that my uncle did not realize in life, but he left a significant endowment to sponsor conferences on issues pertaining to sexuality and religion, in the hope that others might not be forced to live as he did. In March, in Ann Arbor, Mich., about 300 people attended the Second Annual Knutson Conference, which addressed the topic of the ordination of gays and lesbians. The church long has used the excuse that this "is not the right time" to address the gay question, said the Rev. Barbara Lundblad, who serves a Lutheran parish in New York City, during a Eucharist at the conference. "What will be the propitious time?" she asked . "Martin Luther was right."' And yet the problem of timing is one experienced firsthand by the Rev. Herbert Chilstrom, the former presiding bishop of the ELCA, who personally supports a broader policy on gay involvement. When considering the clergy, Chilstrom said, church leaders constantly balance two questions: "How much uniformity can we demand? How much diversity can we tolerate?" He toid the story of his personal journey to acceptance of homosexuals, then said, "I know that the vast majority of our people (ELCA members) have not made this journey." Keynote speaker Elizabeth Bettenhausen, a New York-based ethicist and writer, spoke for many at the conference when she called the church's distinction between non-practicing and practicing homosexuals a "science-fiction bifurcation." · "I can say 'I am a tremendous performer of Chopin's eludes, I just don't do it,"' she said. "It's just a way for the group in power to exclude others." For many, the emotional high point of the four-day conference was a presentation by Steve Gunderson, the former congressman from Wisconsin, and his partner, Rob Morris, an architect and home-builder. The two alternated at the microphone, together telling their own stories, the joint story of their relationship, and the place of religion in their lives - Gunderson, a lifelong Lutheran, and Morris, who for years did not attend church but is becoming more involved in organized religion. "This is who we are. We are the children of God. We are the Lord's King said, 'I have never engaged in creation .. We are a part of the Chrisany direct action when the timing tian family," Gunderson said. PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL. 1997 f'-aitn in lJa11y Lite Remembering the ~uted . in the land of comfort By David Brigg~ AP Religion Writer "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow p,·isoners, and those who are mistreated as if yo11 yo11rselves were suffering." - Hebrews 13:3. THE BIBLE PROMISES religious individuals that there are two things they will always have to struggle with in an imperfect world: poverty and persecution. If the poor are always with us, however, church soup kitchens and shelters are testaments to the conviction that people of faith also have a responsibility to alleviate their suffering. . But it is in the area of r eligious martyrdom that many people of faith have been slower to respond; some ev angelical leaders say. The arrest of a 76-year-old bishop in China and the murder of an evangelical leader in Iran seem like distant events that have failed to arouse many Christians, in part because they come out of traditions where suffering for beliefs is revered .as an act of faith. To respond to what they say is a growing problem, several evangelical groups put aside a day last fall, Sept. A compelling source of hope in a world gone mad with hopelessness. The Witness considers today's societa l, cultural and religious issues from a left-wing, Anglican and frequently iconoclastic perspective. _Each issue is topical; study guides and back issues are available. For more information and/or a complimentary copy, ca ll: 313-962- 2650; fax: 313-962-1012; e-mail: The_ Witness@ecunet.org. $25/10 issues. Checks, Visa and Mastercard accepted. The Witness, 1 249 Washington Blvd., Suite 3115, Dept. SS, Detroit, Ml 48226. 29, as an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Prayer was the first respon se called for in the effort of groups ranging from the Southern Baptist Convention to the National Association of Evangelicals to res pond to Christians imprisoned, tortured or killed for their faith. But organizers also hoped that spiritual contemplation would lead to political action, such as pressure on the U.S. government to admit refugees facing religious pe rsec ution and to us e its power to influence other nations to permit religious freedoms . The groups also· called for th e appointment ·of a special adviser to the presid e nt for religious liberty. Two main reason s for the growing persecution of Christians worldwide have been the convergence of an increasingly militant strain of Islam in some countries and the growth of evangelicalism abroad. In 1960, more than 70 percent of all evangelicals lived in North America and Western Europe. By 1990, more than 65 percent lived in Third World countries und er non-democratic regimes, according to prayer day organizers. Current exampl es include: -In Ethiopia last year, government troops reportedly raid ed the · area 's larges t evangelical Christian church , arr.-sting man y of the worshipers, many of whom died in jail. -Bishop Zeng Jingmu, a 76-year-old Roman Catholic bishop in China, seriously ill with pneumonia , was arrest ed in 1995 and was told rec ently that Ill' will re main in detention for three years without trial. -In Iran, the leader of the Iranian Assemblies of God church and his s uccessor as head of the Iranian Prot es tant Co uncil were both brutally murdered. Last January, the National Association of Evangelicals issued a "Statement of Conscience and Call to Action" in which it pledged to end "our own silence in the face of the suf- Retreat brings those lookingfor faith without denominations By Diane Tennant The Virginian Pilot NORFOLK, Va. - From hundreds of miles and numerous states, the promise of silence and reflection <;lrew 400 people to Virginia Wesleyan Colleg e to look for God outside denominational boundaries. With little but faith or a desire to find it, they came prepared to sleep on the gym floor or in lounges, anywhere that would get them in the doors. " We forget that God is everywhere, and this weekend we are finding ,God in this gymnasium that has b·e.en transformed into a place of prayer," said Brother Pedro. Drawn by the two brothers from an ecumenical community of mon ks called Tai ze based in France, more than twice the number of people expected came to pray, chant and meditate at the retreat, held during the first weekend of March. It should have come as no surprise. The annual Taize Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth, held in Europ e, draws hundreds of thousands of people, mostly young adults. "Our expecta: : •. 15 are more than met," said the Rev. Robert Lundquist, an Episcopal priest who helped plan the retreat. "We've been pushing it on the Internet since September, primarily to college campus ministries across the country ." Twenty colleges wer e represented at the Taize retreat , which asked for a $10 donation from each participant. The meditative experience of the Taize community speaks deepl y to young adults , many of whom cannot find what th ey seek in organized religion. The surprise in Norfolk was how many elders also turned out to chant and m editate. Organizers intend ed to seat participants on floor mat s, but hundreds of chairs were added after they realized how mariy older people would b e attending. "There's a d eep spiritual hunger in our culture, and we see this with New Age and flirting with the occult and some exotic practices - not to conciemn or belittle any of thos e," Lundquist said. "Christianity, on the other hand, has a deep wealth of spiritual resources. Perhaps we haven 't done an appropriate job · of letting folks know about that." The Taize community was founded at the brink of World War II by four monks who hoped to avert bloodshed by uniting Christians . When that did not succeed, the community hid r efugees, including Jews. After the war, members quietly t@ye led throug~o _ut Eastern Europe, PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE MARCH/APRIL, 1997 fcring of all those persecuted for their religious faith." In . confronting religiou s persecution, prayer day organizers acknowl edged that some evangelicals have conflicting responses because of biblical passages such as 2 Timothy 3:12, which states that "all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." And the blood of martyrs has been the foundation on which the church \vas built, some say. "You ha ve some people who look at th e Scriptures and say ·persecution is go ing h> h.ippen, we should rejoice in th e persecution, " said Dwight Gibson, North American director of the World Evangelical Fellowship . But prayer day orga nizer s say th e Bible also calls on Christians to seek justice and show compassion for peo 0 pie who arc mistreated . "We are to be concerned with other Christians who are persecuted, and we should stand with them," Gibson said. setting up prayer circles among young Catholics in Poland and Hungary and among Protestants in East Germany. The community is strictly ecumenical. So was the gathering at Wesleyan. The two broth ers donned white robes and, in the glow of a stage full of votive candles, th e chanting began. One of the brothers chose Roanoke · students Brenda M etzger, originally from Dayton, Ohio, and Melila Alexis, originally from Haiti, to read Scripture. Both said they are regular churchgoers. "If I go to Mass, I feel a lot better, more at ease," Ms. Alexis said. " It's a one-hour investment," Ms. Metzger agreed. They describ ed the Taize experience as "peaceful." "The experience of silence is not an experience to empty yourself, but to open yourself to receive God," Brother P edro said. "If you fall asleep, don't worry. That happened also to the disciples." Bobbie Froehlich, who attends Foundry United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, came with a postcard. It pictured the Taize community in France, which her daughter, a divinity student, had visited. The written message spoke of the joy of Catholics and Protestants working and worshiping together. Faith in Daily Life Jewish and gay: Not eveiy synagogue feels like home By Diane Targovnik Associated Press Writer SEATTLE (AP) - Jeff Moses is vice president of Seattle's Congregation Tikvah Chadashah, a gay and lesbian Jewish congregation where all are welcome. "It's a bunch of people with sometimes a wicked sense of humor," Moses, 51, said recently over coffee at a· Starbucks. He is now in the 10th year of a relationship with another man. "Being gay and being Jewish have a lot of things in common," he said . Both groups are outsiders in a larger community, for example. "Being Jewish in a Christian community lets us (Jews) see things that Christians don't see because they are in the middle of it. We contrib ute to their understanding of what's going on," Moses said. "I think likewise, gay people in the Jewish community - which is overwhelmingly heterosexual - see things from a slightly different perspectiv e. The mor e information, th e better off you are." Tikvah Chadashah's Friday night services, held twic e a month at Capitol Hill's Prospect United Church of Christ, would be recognized by any Jew raised in the Conservative movement. Hebrew songs welcome the Fri- · day sabbath . Prayers also are offered in the ancient language, with readings interspersed in English. Soon though , differences start to come to light. Unlike most Jewish congregations , Tikvah Chadashah has no rabbi or cantor. And there is no formal seating - the 14 members attendin g one recent evening organized chairs and couches into a circle in the parlor of the church, chosen over area synagogues because there were no Friday-night conflicts. But the biggest difference by far is demonstrated when Norm Schwab and his partner Joe Burke put their arms around each other. That act would be considered an abomination by the nation's · 400,000 Orthodox Jews, though more accepted by the 2 million Conservative U.S. Jews, the 1.4 million in the Jewish Reform movement and about 40,000 liberal Reconstructionists. Schwab, who grew up in a Conservative household in Denver, moved to Seattle 22 years ago and works as a legislative analyst for the Seattle City Council. His potato pancakes helped cement ' Tikvah Chadashah's formation in December 1980( when a group met in a Capitol Hill apartment to plan a Hanukkah party - arid to consider the need for a gay and lesbian congregation . "At this point I had been feeling disconnected from the Jewish community," recalled Schwab, who had acknowledged his homosexuality in 1976. ■ "Being Jewish in a Christian community lets us (Jews) see things that_ Christians don't see because they are in the middle of it." ■ "There was a certain es trangement from the mainstream Jewish community, and ther e was also the issue of bein g out of the closet. So we wanted a plac e away from the Jewish community," Schwab said. Others felt the same way. "Now peopl e are much more open about being gay," Schwab said . Ther e are 52 addresses on the Tikvah Chadashah mailing list. The membership is mainly gay and lesbian, though some hetero sexuals and one family attend the congregation's services. upart of the groundwork in this community was set -by David SerkinPoole," said 47-year-old Jack, who sometimes acts as the cantor, or musical leader, during Tikvah Chadashah services. A public school teacher concerned about possible adverse impact, Jack asked that his last name not be published. Serkin-Poole "was kind of a pioneer in this area, getting everyone's initial shocks over with," he said . Serkin-Pool e, 43, believes he is the first Jewish leader in a U.S. synagogue to publicly acknowledge his sexual preference and stay on. The turning point came in 1986 at the annual meeting for Mercer Island's Temple B'nai Torah, a Reform synagogue . At the time, Serkin-Poole had worked there about five years as a cantor and sometimes as a fill-in rabbi. "I said, 'First I have an apology to a congregation that has meant so much to me, where I have not been fully truthful with you, I have come to tell you about my loving, committed relationship to a man,"' he said, recalling his two-minute explanation. ''There was a standing ovation. I sat down and they continued to have a very boring annual meeting." Some people left the congregation · after his disclosure. Three years later, in 1989, Serkin-Poole and his longtime partner, Michael, started adoption proceed ings for the first of three special-needs children. Schwab hopes Tikvah Chadashah will fade int o oblivion as homo sexuality becom es mor e accepted. But he knows that's a tall order. "Mainstream synagogues are more aware of having gay members but I don't think they're totally comfortable with the social aspects of the gay community. I've never felt like you could be totally 100 percent yourself. "Whereas in our congregation, when people walk through the door, they know peopl e are accepted as they are." Serkin-Poole expects the need for such a group to continue. "The fact of the matter is, there will always be th e ne xt generation of gay kids," he says. "In an ideal \Vorld every body loves each other and everyone gets along. And when the Messiah comes, it will all happ en." Jack, th e teacher, said he hopes Tikvah Chadashah is always be there. · "It's kind of like being Jewish in America. I hope there's a day there's never anti-semitism. But I would also want a place that there wouid be -a . place to be wit h people the way I feel," he said . "I kind of want both." The Seattle grou ·p is one of dozens worldwide. The World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations now has more than 65 members. It was formed in 1980, after gay and \ )esbian groups were established in IRAPACT lesbian & gay News & Entertainment for New Orleans since 1977 Wicked Stage Lesbian Voices QuarterScenes Movie Police HIV News Realpolitic Directory Queer Planet and more phone 888-944-6722 fax 504-944-6794 email impactmail@eor.com www.eor.com/impacU London, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, San Francisco and Miami in the early 1970s. But Serkin-Pool e doesn't anticipate many new gay and lesbian synagogues popping up. "A funny thing has happened on the way to the battle - there has been a lot of wins," he said. · Jewish views on · homosexuality THE FOUR MAIN Jewish movements differ significantly in their perspective on homosexuality . The nation's 400,000 Orthodox Jews consider homosexual behavior an abomination forbidden by _the Torah, the Jewish bible. The Conservative movement, followed by about 2 million U .S. Jews, holds that people are entitled to their own sexuaiity. There are no openly gay or lesbian conservative rabbis or cantors . Reform Judaism, representing about 1.4 million U.S. Jews, has accepted gay and lesbian rabbis since 1990. Last year, its Central Conference of American Rabbis voted to support same-se x civil marriage s and to oppose state government efforts to ban s uch unions. Many reform rabbis perform commitment ceremonies. The most liberal group, known as Reconstructionists, is also one of the smallest al 40,000. Reconstructionists don't consider homosexuality an issue, saying equality - in every aspect - is part of its main philosophy. LOOKING FOR MORE IN LIFE? Retreats /Wor kshops Gay Men Coming Together in PsychoSpiritual Community to: *Explore* *Challenge* *Empower* *Encourage* *Support* *Grow* Free Calendar & Brochure Call *914-439-5815* PAGE 7- • SECO_ND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Faith in Daffy Life • • · · · • · Work and Sabbath Time without Sabbath ... is time when fear ha s separate d us from God. SABBATH IS THE separa tion of time into different parts. Sabbath comes from the word to separate, as in one of its roots, sabbatical. Sabbath is the connection between work and play, not just play and not just work's opposite. We can rest at work. And work at rest. Sabbath people know our time and how we want to use it. We know that "our" time is really God's time, and that God gave time to us . Sabbath people "take their time" at work and at rest. Time without Sabbath is time that is homogenized by anxiety. It is time when fear has separated us from God. The simple name of the anxiety is the American Work Ethic. The majority of Americans subscribe_to its articles of faith. The work ethic is the belief that work produces happiness. It is the faith that effort is ethical. The number of people who still believe in work is high but the connection between work and happiness is low. The Protestant work ethic is obsolescent. Tawney, famous for· his work "Religion And The Rise Of Capitalism," widely understood as one of the better histories of the Reformation period, described the original development of the Work Ethic. He said that capit<!,lisrn helped Protestantism arise and Protestantism helped capitalism arise. Both directions. Not either direction. Material world shaping spiritual ·world shaping material world. A mutuality of effects. Becoming free of the authoritarian gods let people have the energy to do more on their -own. To take risks. To make things. To_.sell things. To not. fear offending the gods. Capitalism then ushered in a new age of humanism. The Protestant religion was born. OUR ECONOMY IS changing again, in ways as far-reaching as it changed in the time of the Reformation. We are not becoming more se~ure this time; we are becoming more insecure. Universitie s have become more dependent on corporate contributions. Mention college and the average parent thinks cost. The art world has become more than ever a place to buy and sell. Good plays can't just be good PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 199 7 plays: they have to "make it" on Broadway. Welfare is becoming workfare in more than one state. Getting sick is more about the fear of how to pay for the illness than it is about getting over the illness. PolHics is increasingly a game in which the voters hide their pocketbooks from their leaders. Economic transactions have taken over more and more of the places where grace might still preyai l. Sabbath yields security by separating time with its price tags on from time with its price tags off. Both kinds of time have moral legitimacy. But neither has the right to tyrannize the whole of time. Ask someone who has nothing to do, ever again, because they have lost some essential capacity: they will tell you the tyranny of grace without works. The old Yiddish proverb ·is useful: the worst thing to carry is having nothing to carry. Sabbath is not opposed to work. Itis a way of putting work in its proper place SABBATH IS NOT just grace. God is not honored only in leisure ; Sabbath is not just time beyond the exchange. Sabbath is the connection between works and grace. It is the patterned separation of the one from the other, on purpose . We separate ·to praise God in different ways, with both our work and our play. Sabbath is not opposed to work. It is not anti-work. It is a way of putting work iffits proper place. We live in an economic and spiritual overgrown forest, a tangled web, one in which spiritual failure joined material greed which then created more spiritual failure - which then systematized into a political/ economic/ spiritual knot. What we have Jost is Sabbath. WE HAVE LOST time. We have lost the sacredness of time. And we let it happen to ourselves. No one gave us the virus; we self-inoculated. Ten years ago I never would have thought of calling my answering machine from my summer vacation. Now I can't imagine not calling it. I am not alone. We are not without hoDe. The virus is not necessarily fatal.' Restoration of ourselves and our economy is something, remarkably, easy to do. Rather than being an alarmist about the death of the work ethic, l write gladly about what may yet be a new Protes tant play ethic. That new play ethic will reestablish Sabbath time, time which is able to wear work boots and dancing shoes. Both, not either. ' To dethrone the idol of work, it is important to clarify what we mean about work and what it actually is. Many Americans still find a little too much joy in suffering - especially if it is other people's suffering. "Good -for them," we say. But work in its broadest sense, is anything you have to do; play anything you may do. When l use the word "play" as the emerging ethic of our time, I don't mean frivolity but I know that I have to battle that accusation right away because of its nuance. Many people find playing very uncomfortable. We would rather "do something." When I think of the emerging play ethic, I imagine a vigorous American economy. I imagine high levels of prrn;luctivity. I imagine doing and making things, some of them beautiful. I also imagine freedom in activity, not forced activity. I imagine pauses in the music. I imagine workers owning their own work and participating in decisions around it. I imagine work having the profundity of "may" not the boot of "must." Economic security is in the choices of what we do with our energies. AS FRANCIS DU Plessix Gray.put it in a sermon at St. John's Cathedral, in November 1989, the task of Sabbath makers is "how to resuscitate the exhausted world after reiieving it of the drudgery of full time employment?" She might have been equally concerned about the exhausted person who withers under the same circumstance . On a high school retreat, one of the leaders went skiing all day with the high schoolers on the first day, leaving the other adult leaders back at the lodge "to do all the cooking and cleaning." I wonder which of the adults the teenagers wanted to be around. The one who knew what Sabbath time is for or the ones who had forgotten its meaning? When time is restored to its sense in Sabbath, youth will be less afraid of becoming adults. Siesta will not be a sin. God will not be mocked in work or play. God will not be mocked but rathe r praised by people who own their own tim e and give it, joyfully, back to God. They may work in an economy but not for it The Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the Massachusetts Conference of tlze United Church of Christ. Her new book is "The Sense In Sabbath:. A Way To Have Enough Time," Innisfree, forthcoming Sept., 1997. ,, • Just startin' u · R2R .................... ............. ;J' ................................................ ! Reauer I toReader I 1111111D IRECT - CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII' A section of profiles of active subscribers who want to meet other gay and lesbian Christians across t<;>wn or across the country• To have your profile published simply send your information to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182, e-mail to secstone@aol.com, or FAX to (504)899-4014. 1. State, City ___________________ _ 2.Name, ______________________ _ CIRCLE: 3. Single or committed 4.Gay, lesbian, trans, bi, or straight 5. Male or female 6. Age__ 7. Religiousaffiliatio,,,_ _____________ _ 8. Occupation, ____________________ _ NOTE: Select TWO of THREE ways to be contacted: Your mailing address, your e-mail. address, or your telephone number. 9. Contact informatio1..... __________________ _ 10. Contact information, ___________________ _ ............................................................................................. HOW TO READ R2R: Listings are in alphabetical order by state, then by city. If a mailing address is given in a listing the zip code appears in th e listing. NNG = No name given . S=single, C=committed. G=gay, L=lesbian, T =tra.nsge.ndered, B=bisexual , S=straight. M=male, F=female . Age, religious affiliation, occupation , contact information . CALIFORNIA, BREA BARB Hu-!ERDOSSE, CLF, 44, EVANGELICAL, BANK OPERATIONS OFFICER, 2394 RAINBOW LN 92821, barleeh@aol.com CALIFORNIA, PASADENA BARRY DIXON, SGM, 40, WORLDWIDE CHUA GOD, TECHNICAL WRITER, dec4th@aol.com FLORIDA, BRANDON ROBERT MORGAN, SGM, 36, PENTECOSTAU APOSTOLIC, FLIGHT ATTENDANT/MINISTER,- 2023 CATTLEMAN DR., 33511. 813-651-1505. FLORIDA, PANAMA CITY ROBB DOYLE, SGM, 38, CHARISMATIC ACC, MEDICAL MESSAGE, 1139 EVERITT AVE 32401, mgay4jesus@aol.com LOUISIANA, BA TON ROUGE PAM GARRETTSON, SLF, 31, LUTHERAN, GRAD STUDENT, xp2927@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS JIM BAILEY, SGM, 42, LUTHERAN, PUBLISHER, secstone@aol.com OREGON, FLORENCE JOE NOLAN, CBM, 59, EPISCOPALIAN, GARDENER, PO BOX 2263, 541-997-1752 TENNESSEE, CHATTANOOGA CHUCK THOMPSON, SGM, NONDENOMINATIONAL, PASTOR, 3623 FOUNTAIN AVE., #109 37412, 423-624-9824 TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE MEL, SGM, 42, PROTESTANT, PUBLISHER, bnamelman@aol.com TEXAS, GALVESTON . WOODROW COPPEDGE, SGM, 33, CATHOLIC, PSYCHIATRY RESIDENT, 409-744-1444, bassetag@aol.com TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO AL EISCH, SGM, 53, CATHOLIC, SOCIAL SERVICES, PO BOX 12754 78212, MOCHICA@FLASH.NET NO LOCATION GIVEN NNG, CLF, 39, BAPTIST, gosep@aol.com MARCH/APRIL 1997 OUTREACH PARTNER REPORT The Mar/Apr issue of Second Stone was distributed by Outreach Partners in 1 1 communities. Over 1400 copies were distributed; almost twice as many copies as the Jan/Feb issue. The Outreac h Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their gay and lesbian communities by providing free copies to distribute a t gay pride events, at P-FLAG meetings, in bars, etc. The local ministry rece ives free advertising space in Second Stone, inviting everyone who reads a copy to visit for worship. Partners considering outreaching with the May/June '97 issue should get their free ad to us by April I. (Ad size is 2 1/2" wide by 3" tall.)' Be sure lo include in your ad your logo, address and-phone, service or meet ing times, and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at..." or "Ca ll for information about..." In determining the number of copies you need, consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pride events, PFLAG meetings, gay bars, etc. Multiply every location you think of by al least 15. An{l remember how advertising works. Most often it takes JOO people to see your ad before you get your r.rsl response. And remember how outreach works. You may not get a response right away. You are planting seeds. The Outreach Partner pr_ogram is a community fund which looks like this right now: MARCH/APRIL '96 MAY/JUNE '96 JULY/Al/ GUST '96 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER '96 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER '96 JANUARY/FEBRUARY '97 Other Sheep (Richmond) Celebration o f Faith Wiregrass CotJlm Church Third/Trinity Lutheran Community Gospel Church Park A venue Christian Church Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church Abiding Peace Community Gospel Church Third/Trinity Lutheran TOTAL EXPENSES Balance for\\iard Abiding Peace Lutheran.Church Bethel Evangeli stic Ministries Abiding Peace Lutheran Churc h 150 copies 150 copies 100 copies 50 copies 100 copies · 50 copies 200 copies 50 copies 25 copies 60 copies CONrRIBVflONS Holy Trinity Community Church (Memphis) Park A venu·e Christian Church First Congre gational Church Wiregrass Community Fellowship Holy Trinity Community Church (Dallas) Community Gospel Church Craig Hoffman and Allen Harris Celebration o f Faith Celebration of Faith Third/Trinity .. Lutheran Freedom in Christ Third/Trinity Lutheran First Jesus Na me Church (designated: South Africa) Community Gospel Church Gerry Young KC MO Other Sheep Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Third Lutheran Church Holy Trinity Church (Dallas) Celebration of Faith Safe Harbor Family Church Dayspring Christian Fellowship Joyful Sound Christian Fellowship Other Sheep (Richmond) TOfA LCONrRIBlITlONS CONTRIBlITIONS IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES 83.11 272.29 279.86 323 .72 328 .58 44.05 52.09 29.23 16.89 30 .28 17 . 79 58 .1 4 20 .50 8.92 15.19 .. 1580.64 639.97 59.37 60.00 50 .00 50.19 25.00 57.71 25 .00 50 .00 25.00 200.00 125.00 40 .00 35.00 57.07 [2.00 100.00 25.00 52.10 35 .00 20.50 50 .00 50. 00 50.00 25.00 50.00 25.00 85 .35 207926 498.62 Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like lo participate in this program, please follow the guidelines above or see page 21 in lhe Jan/ Feb '97 issue.· For infom1a1ion call (504)899-4014, write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, L.A 70182 or e-niail sccs tone @ao 1.co m. PAGE c., • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL, 1997 'Fidelity and chastity' amendment gets needed votes From Pagel constitutional amendment forbidding the ordination of individuals who fail to live "either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness." In practice, what the amendment does is give church policy banning gay ordinations the "status of church law," said spokesman Jerry Van Marter. "All presbyteries are n hliged to enforce it, but we don't have a Presbyterian police force that goes out looking for violators. Cases don't come before the presbyteries unless someone files a complaint." "I feel grateful that we are here because it's been a lot of struggle for a lot of folks for a lot of years," said Haberer, of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church in Houston. Haberer predicts "a couple of years worth or skirmishes" to test the ---_;,.--- ~ KIRKRIDGE Upcoming Euents of interest: Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Givhtg Praise John McNeill, Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Mary Hunt and Rainey Cheeks June 5 - 8 Feminist Ethics in Black and White Katie Geneva Cannon an d Carol S. Robb July 18 - 20 Water of Lire: Rites of the Gay-Male Spirit John Linscheid and Ken White August 1 - 3 Write or call for rates, registration, and further information. KIRKRIDGE Bangor, PA 18013 (610)588-1793 A mountain retreat l·enter 85 mile ~ fr om New \ 'ork Cuy ,ind Philadelphia, acce\siblt' f,nm Allenlown , Nt•wJrk. ,iod NYC airpon~ . strength of the amendment, but said its passage should settle the issue. Leaders of PLGC said that Amendment B, deemed to be unconstitutional and theologically problematic by many scholars and leaders \Vi th in the denomination, is indeed headed for judicial challenge. "This denomination is split on how to respond to its own gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members, deacons, elders and clergy," Lafon- ■ "The mere fact that the recorded popular vote is nearly SO SO tells us that this church is surely not of one mind." ■ taine said .. "The mere fact that the recorded popular vote is nearly 50 50 tells us that this Church is surely not of one mind.- For this very reason, we are hopeful. We know that this is a justice movement, not unlike 'the movement for women's ordination or the movement to . reverse attitudes about slavery within the last hundred and fifty years in our denom. ination 's history. We trust that God's call fo each person, ·particularly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, will eventually be honored and celebrated. This travesty of discrimination will not thwart the Spirit of God. Those of us who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender will continue to serve God faithfully, and yes, this church . "We encourage those Presbyteries who have not yet voted on Amendment B to be a strong prophetic witness for justice by voting 'no.' We affirm the Reformed tradition of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and God 's Spirit moving among u; . To that end, we trust that Amendment B will be rejected by the courts of the denomination.'' concluded Rev. Lafontaine. -Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle and other reports PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Study: Gay clergy disregarding chastity requirement · ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Gay Lutheran clergy have ignored church laws and remained sexually active, but they have avoided scandal while remaining strong in their faith, according to a study cited in a published report March 8. A study of 26 male and nine female pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America found that all had been sexually active and 21 1-ived in long-term relationships, despite a church rule requiring gay clergy to remain celibate. "No church policy has stopped these persons from falling in love, from having sex, from being parents, from ioving the Lutheran Church, from going to seminary, from hearing a call to ordained ministry," said University of Michigan sociologist Carolyn Riehl, director of the study. "We found that these 35 people all were responsible people," Ms. Riehl told the Detroit Free Press . "None of them have been involved in sexual scandals or have been accused of misconduct." The study was released at a national conference on religion and gay rights. The four-day conference was attended by 300 clergy and laypersons from 10 denominations and 20 states. Most of the 35 Lutheran clergy had revealed their sexua l orientation to some members of their congregations,' an indication that laypersons also are willing to overlook church policy, she said . "Particularly, this can work in smaller churches where we all know each other and care about each other," said the Rev. John Rollefson, the Lutheran campus mini s ter who organized the University of Michigan conference. Former Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Gunderson of Wisconsin told the conference that a Lutheran congregation near his home in McLean, Va., has accepted him and his partner, Rob Morris, as openly gay members. "This is who we are . We are the children of God. We are the Lord's creation. We are a part of the Christian family," Gunderson said. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit urged gays at the conference to be open about their sexual orientation to help change church teachings. "The experience gay and lesbian people have of loving and of being loved is an experience ... that can be a true revelation about the love of God," said Gumbleton. Women clergy wait nearly twice as long to get a call WOMEN WITH A higher calling wait about twice as long as _ their male counterparts to get their first jobs as pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a new study found. · Seminary-trained women wait more than six months on average for placement, compared to 3 1/2 months for men, the study found. Older seminary graduates making the clergy a second career also waited longer for an invitation from a church with a vacancy, the study found. But women, who comprise 13 percent of the clergy, were affected more than men. The average age of women at ordination was 35, compared to 29 for men . "It is really a double whammy," said the Rev. Janice Erickson-Pearson of Chicago. She co-,authored the study, which was presented March 7 to · more than 60 bishops a six-day meet ing in Los Angeles. The Chicago-based Lutheran denomination is the nation's largest with 5.2 million members. Its Commission for Women sponsored the survey of nearly 1,700 women clergy members. Women clergy were more likely than male- ministers to . have experienced "gender-based discrimination or harassment" in work settings, the report said, but co-authors EricksonPearson and Martin Smith said that issue would be detailed in a future study . Some Lutheran churches began ordaining women in 1970, but some congregations still resist placing a woman in the pulpit . ''There are still congregations that have never heard a woman preach, even as a guest minister, or seen them do the things that pastors do," said the Rev. Ann Tiemeyer of New York City, who chairs the Commission for Women. Tiemeyer was pastor at Christ the · King Lutheran Church, a small Van Nuys congregation, for 2 1/2 years beginning in 1993. She left for New York after marrying. "Most of the people who were initially hesitant about a woman pastm wound up being my strongest supporters," she said. National News Bishop urg~ gay Catholic priests and bishops to come out DETROIT (AP) - A Roman Catholic bishop is encouraging gay priests and bishops to come out in an effort to help the church change. "If they were willing to stand up on Sunday morning in front of their community as who they are, our church could more fully and quickly appreciate the gifts that homosexuals can bring to the whole community of our church and to our society," Bishop Thomas Gumbleton said recently. The Detroit auxiliary bishop has made several comments about making the church more welcoming to gay men and lesbians. -But the call for gay priests to come out is unusual. The transcript of his statement reads in part: "(T)he most important thing prob- Catholic group seeks a ~ter role for gays, lesbians By Bruce Stanley Associate<:! Press Writer PITTSBURGH (AP) - Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton doubled his efforts to teach tolerance after learning of his own brother's homosexuality. Sister Jeannine Gramick changed her life's course after learning of the anguish Roman Catholic college students felt at being gay. · · · Gumbleton and Gramick were among 620 activists and church leaders who met in Pittsburgh in March to discuss how the Catholic Church can help reach out to gays and lesbians. "Homosexual people have experienced such terrible alienation from the church," said Gumbleton, an aux·iliary bishop in Detroit. "They've felt unwanted and condemned very often. The church has not been very successful in ministering to them." ''Too often the church has been a follower and not a leader," said Gra-. mick, a nun who directs the LesbianGay Ministry for her order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. "I think we have a responsibility now, at the end of the 20th century, to educate people about acceptance of minorities and of people who are different from the. mainstream," she said. But many in the church oppose the New Ways Ministry and its attempts to open up to homosexuals. In November, Bishop James Hoffman overruled a priest's decision to play host to the group's meeting in Toledo, Ohio. The ministry found an alternative venue - an Episcopal church. Gumbleton and another bishop attended the meeting, the first time such high-ranking church officials have shown up. Tolerance of homosexuals in the church has gradually improved in the past two decades, members said. The Rev. Rodney DeMartini, head of the National Catholic AIDS Network, attributed much of the growing acceptance of gays and lesbians to the impact of AIDS. As a priest in Santa Rosa, California, DeMartini has helped build an ou !reach program for victims of the disease in five Western states. He said he encountered little resistance from · his superiors when he broached the idea, and he disputed the suggestion that the Vatican and seniqr church leaders are out of touch with the needs of AIDS sufferers. "There's a long history in the church of response to human catastrophe," DeMartini said. ably bishops, ministers, all of our leaders in the church, the most important thing we can do in our pastoral care, leadership and service is to try to create a church community where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people can be truly open about who they are ... "I encourage this because I hope that within our church every gay person, every lesbian person, every bisexual person, or. transgendered person will come out, because that is how our church is going to truly change ... I would say this especially to priests and bishops in our dmrch." Gumbleton also said he has received many letters from priests who are gay but afraid to say so publicly. "What a loss that is to our church," he said. Ned McGrath, communications director for the Archdiocese of Detroit, told the newspaper that Gumbleton's remarks reflect his own opinions and aren't the official views of Detroit Cardinal Adam Maida. McGrath said he isn't certain what, if_ anything , would happen if a priest publicly said he was gay. "It's really a moot point for a priest, who by virtue of his ordination takes a vow of celibacy," he said. In 1994, Gumbleton, the assistant bishop in the Archdiocese of Detroit, became the first high-ranking Catholic clergyman to speak out against the Vatican's teaching on homosexuality . Diocese holds first-ever Mass for gays and lesbians ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - Emotions ranged from joy to anger as the 400,000-member Rochester Roman Catholic Diocese held its first-ever Mass for gays and lesbians. Police stood guard, protesters chanted prayers outside, and people filled the 1,100-seat Sacred Heart Cathedral Feb. 28 as Bishop Matthew H. Clark joined a handful of bishops nationwide that have held a Mass for gays and lesbians. "I have never felt more intense about climbing into this pulpit," Clark, vested in the deep purple colors of Lent, said in his sermon. "It is not out of fear ... This is absolutely right to do.' '. Clark avoided any discussion of the official teachings of the Catholic Church. Instead, he talked about Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, who left his father, Was beaten down by the world, then asked to come home . The father, instead of being angry, asked his servants to prepare a great feast for his son. Clark told the audience he wanted gays and lesbians to feel the church's embrace and its welcome. At the end of the 90-minute Mass, Clark received a standing ovation. He later stood at the doorway of the cathedral and hugged each one of the hundreds who attended the Mass. Outside the church, Clark was greeted by reporters, · photographer s and about 75 protesters holding placards . Ida Dentino of Holley told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle she and others "are here to defend the teachings of the church." Vern Myers, a gay man from Irondequoit, said he was just trying to raise his two children as good Catholics. "My daughter doesn·t say much. My son, he doesn't understand why so many people have so much hatred," Myers said. Church accepts bill to ban discrimination agaiμst gays CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester has given its blessi~g to a bill that would ban discrimination against .gays and lesbians after lawmakers agreed to modify the bill. Diocese officials insisted the bill be amended to _protect the policy positions of the church, as well as the inclusion of a section stating adoptions by'gays and lesbians and samesex marriages still would not be permitted. Supporters say New Hampshire lags behind other New England states in passing laws to protect gays from discrimination. Opponents argued the bill would create a special status for homosexual behavior. Maine and New Hampshire are the only New England states without laws barring discrimination because of sexual orientation. Rep. William McCann, D-Dover, the bill's sponsor, said that while the primary purpose of the bill is to prohibit discrimination against homosexuals, all people benefit from its measures. Cosponsor Rep. Josepl~ Frechette, RPortsmouth, said his sister, who is lesbian, suffered tremendously as she grew up. He said he doesn't want his eight -year-old daughter to possibly face what his sister did. Law professor Marcus Hurn, of the New Hampshire Alliance for Gays and Lesbians; said the bill is much more cautious than the laws of other states : Fo_rum said gays don't "warrant the status they seek." Campbell said gays don't meet the criteria of suffering from a history of discrimination. '!3ut former House Minority Leader Rick Trombly said supporters of the bill are not seeking additional rights. "It's not _ going to open the floodgates. It's going to give us a· tool to help our citizens," Trombly said. A similar bill passed the House "It is not a sweeping assault on the three years ago, but was killed by the rights of free association," he said. Senate. Then-Gov. Steve Merrill had "Nonprofits, charitable and religious argued the protections were not organizations are exempt." needed because current law protects Eleanor Campbell of the Eagle gays and lesbians. PAGE 11~ • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL, 1997 . ' • National News Vandals continue1camμlign against Rorida chUICh By Chris Tisch The Bradenton Herald BRADENTON, FLA. - Volunteers at the 125-member Trinity Metropolitan · Com munity Church found the church's sign defaced on Feb. 21 with a vulgar anti-gay slogan. It is the second major act of vandalism at the church in six months. In September, the church's office was vandalized, burglarized and set on fire. In that incident, the office suffered about $700 in damage, though a fire set in a filing cabinet drawer didn't spread. "We are shocked and saddened by this obvious hate crime taking place at a church," said the Rev. Gus Kein, the church's pastor. "This is another inddent in a long series of haterelated vandalism that has occurred against the church." Church members told the Herald in September that vandalism and harassment are common occurrences at the church. Windows have been smashed, benches have been ove.rturned and flowers have been uprooted. The church at one time had a sign in its front lawn that announced when church services were scheduled. But members said they removed the sign because they tired of coming to church on Sunday and seeing the movable letters rearranged to spell "fag" or "queer." Two church members also said they were assaulted last year as they left the church . Their assaulters yelled anti-gay obscenities and sexual slurs at the two church members. Another time, kids on a golf cart rode around in front of the church on a Sunday morning and harassed members coming to church. "Are you a queer?" they asked church members as they walked toward their place of worship. The slogan found on Feb. 21 was on the church's second such sign - the first was defaced and eventually destroyed by vandals. Report: Cyberspace a new orbit for bigots NEW YORK (AP) - Anti-Semites who might once have spray-painted synagogues under cover of darkness increasingly are using the global reach and anonymity of the Internet to spread their hateful messages, according to a Jewish organization. In its annual report, the AntiDefamation League said that pushbutton prejudice is "having a field day" in a cowardly new world where the Internet offers a potential audience of 35 million, an\i unwanted mass e-mailings can flow simultaneously into thousands of homes. "Electronic hate is the dark side of technology, and anti-Semites have particularly taken to the medium," ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said in the report. "A disturbing stream of hate-filled vitriol directed against religious, ethnic, racial and cultural minorities flows unimpeded" on the Internet and in e-mail mass mailings, the report added. UFMCC joins regional ecumenical group IN A MOVE TOW ARD the mainstream, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches has been admitted to the Southern California Ecumenical Council, but a prominent Eastern Orthodox priest said the action "raises troubling questions" for the Eastern churches. The council admitted the UFMCC, which oversees 330 congregations worldwide from its new headquarters in West Hollywood. · · About 15 ·years ago, when the UFMCC applied for membership in the National Council of Churches and the Southern California Ecumenical Council, it was -rebuffed. But at the Ecumenical Council's meeting Feb. 13 in Pasadena, board member,, upg(aded-the -status of the UFMCC from observer to member after a IO-minute discussion with no dissent, said the Rev. Al Cohen, the council's executive director. However, the decision "is going to be difficult to accept" for the Southern California Council of Orthodox Churches, which is also a member of the Ecumenical Council, said Father Michael Laffoon of St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church in Irvine. Laffoon, who was ·not at the Ecumenical Council meeting, raised the possibility that the Orthodox church council, of which he is president, may withdraw from the council. ''The MCC met our basic criterion of belief in Jesus Christ as savior," sai\i council President Sally Welch, a Chrisiian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister . . "I would always rather err on the side of inclusion rather than exclusion." The Southern California council's decision followed an identical step Jan. 1 by the Sacramento-based Cah0 fornia Council of Churches. The UFMCC was admitted unanimously as the 19th member of the California Council. For the UFMCC, admittance to the two councils is -significant for practical and psychological reasons, said the Rev. Nancy Wilson, senior pastor of Los Angeles MCC. "It's important because we have common interests in justice and welfare issues, and for our own sense of having friends and allies - not being isolated as a community," said Wilson, who has led the denomination's ecumenical relations for 20 years. -The Los Angeles Times PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Foxman conceded that the AOL has no way to measure the extent of racism in the unregulated computer networks, the Internet and World Wide Web. "It is almost impossible to quanti. fy," he said in a telephone interview. "What we are trying to do now is alert people that the problem exists." AOL uses its own website to counter anti-Semitism and is planning to confer with service providers on other possible moves, he said. "Anti-Semites have been particularly active . ... What was local is now global," the AOL .repo rt said, adding that because the Internet is unregulated, "bigots can spew their hatred without ever running the risk of being identified." Foxman said he was especially concerned about unsolicited and unwelcome e-mail that reaches countless homes. "It's part of our message that people's lives can be invaded by hate," he said. · It said "notorious extremists" of long standing now using the Internet included violence advocate Tom Metzger, ex-Ku Klux Klan leader Don Black, Ernst Ztindfel, a "Hitleradmiring Holocaust denier," neoNazi William Pierce, "Identity Christian" minister Pete Peters and Greg Raven, of the anti-Holocaust Institute for Historical Review. Get listed in our next National Resource Guide All churches and organizations with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians will be list.ed free. Your ministry information will be published in an upcoming issue · of Second Stone and will be made available on the World Wide Web. You can also advertise in Second Stone's Resource Guide. By advertising in our Resource Guide, you capture even more exposure for your ministry - and you support our outreach as well! Call 504-899-40 I 4 and we'll help you with your ad. Get a FREE AD in the Resource Guide by becoming an Outreach Partner. Second Stone makes copies available for just the cost of printing and shipping to churches and organizations providing literature ministry at bars and gay pride events. Become an Outreach Partner - and increase your ministry's visibility in your community! HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE GUIDE: Church/Group Na-,,.,~--------------,----'------ Address ________________________ _ Phone ________________________ _ Other informatio"---------'---------------Please contact us about [ 1 advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO: Box 8340, New O~eans, LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)899-4014 OR E-MAIL TO: secstone@aol.com Second Stone's . national t.f~ 0Utlf. td.e: About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listed below are resources for gay /lesbian/bisexual/ transgendered Christians. Accuracy of an organization's listing is the responsibility of the organization. We apologize for any omissions or errors. Corrections may be sent to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 oremailed to secstone@aol.com. In most cases area codes are listed in the city heading only. tNational THEE VANGELICANLE TWORKB,o x1 6104P, hoenoA, Z 85011. (002)265-2831. . FEDERATIOONF PARENTASN DF RIENDSO F LESBIANASN D GAYSI,N C.P .O. Box2 7605W. ashif'\llmD, C2 003&(aJ2)638-4200. Send$ 3.00f orp ackect i rlfamatioo. FRIENDSF ORL ESBIANA NDG AYC ONCERN(SO t~kers)1 43 CampbeAl ve.,I thaca.N Y 14850(. 007)272-10,2 F4AX( 007)272• 0001. GAY AND LESBIANP ARENTSC OALITIONIN TERNATIONAL. P.O.B ox5 0300.W ashi<gonD, C20Clll(.2 02)583-0CN0JJ.l kalion: Netwa1<. GAY,L ESBIANA NDA FFIRMINGD ISCIPLESA LLIANCEP, .O. Box1 9223l,n danapolisIN, 46219-022(33. 19)324-623F1o.r m em• berso l the ChristianC hurch( D!scip!eos f Chris!).P lD!ication: Crossbeams. GAYELLOWPA GES·P .O. Box2 92, Vilog, Sin. . NewY ork,N Y 10014(.2 1~674-0120. GREATL AKESD ISTRICTof the UniversaFl eHo.vsh'pMofe trcpo!~ tanC ommunitCyh urches1,3 00A mbf~ Dr.,L ouisvileK, Y4 020·7 2410(. &11)897-38\2O1ia, , ard lax.J u<lfD aklc, oordnalor. HONESlY:S outhernB aplistACMJCaftoers E q.ialA iglts,d o Oavd Trtllle, 6000Jairs Run Rd, !'C·l, Lou•~I•. KY 40207. HUMANR IGHTSC AMPAIGN1, 1011 41hS I.. NW. Ste. 200. ~~rpn/\'t\'JE~~R~~~~i'.?ci1ous SCIENCE4,1 02E asl 7thS t, //'200L, mgBeachC, A9 0004(. 310)433-0084. INNERH EALING,HI00-549·174S9u.p portwep honec oonseli~ Freei nitiacl onsultation. INTEGRITYI,N C.,P .O. Box 5255, NewY ork. NY 10185-5255. ADVANCCE HRISTIANM INISTRIES4,0 01-CM a~• Ave, Dalos, lii?1~1:1~~NtT~~~g' f~~b\1l~'UrN ION. p O Box Y.e~l:19. 12141522•1520· FAX,1 2141528-lO?OT. homasH irsch, 51158R, iverskle.C, A9 2517·2158( 909)781-739P1u bltalio!l:T he AFF!AMATIONG:a y & LesbianM ormonsP, .O.B ox 4602';2 Los i~~~~~~~"hu2~~~D LESBIANA RCHIVE,S The Natal~ :~~U:~~ni/~ 3~,;r~\, IOIG ay & Lesbianc oncern,s BarneyE ward CarpenleLr ibraryP. .O.B ox3 8100H, ~lywoo,: CI A P.O.S CI1<0 21E, van~ml.L 6ml4 (700)733-9590. 90038(.2 13)85-40271P. ut1K:atioBnu: lklfin. AIDSN ATIONALIN TERAFITH NETWORK1,1 0M ar,1anAd ve.. INTERWEAV, 2E5 BeaconS I. . BostonM, A0 2108(.6 17)742·2100. NE,S te.5 04,W ashrigbnD, C2 0'.Xl2( 21'.X2)546,- (0O0O07J)28&9619, A layo rganizatioonf UnitarianU nr,iersalis_ft osr lesbianb, isexua, l FAX{ 202)546-510P3u. bicationIn: teraction gaya OOtr ars93rdecr orcems. AMERICANB APTISTSC ONCERNED13. 318C lairepoinlWe ay, LAMBDAC HURCHG ROWTHIN STITUTEP,. O. Box3 70,R ulher Oaken<C\ A9 4619-353(15.1 0)465-005V2~ ooo f ll'e Turle Gl,n,V A2 2546. (804)448-20. 3F1AX1 804)448-31C46h u,chgra,'11h AMERICACNI VILL IBERTIEUS NION, Gay/lesbiaRn ightsP ro}ect prcgramsfo r preOOminangtalyy /lesbiacnh urche.s Rev.J amesN . 132W est4 3rdS I., NewY ak. NY1 0036. BirkittJ, r., executivder ecloc AMERICANFR IENDSS ERVICEC OMMITTE(EQ uaker2) 249E . LESBIANC ATHOLICWS ITNESSINFGO RC HANGEB, ox3 891. Burnsk:ESI., Portland, OR 97214. (503)23)-9427. New York. NY 10185-3891. (718)a30-6107. APOSTOLICA THOLICC HURC-HIN AMERICAa, nationagl ay. ~lt~?ot~~:.ox 254,A voc,aA, R 72711-0254P.e np a!sl or lriend!yrRoominatiBonis.t qJf :>auQl avidCS. trongO, SJDP, OB ox LIVINGS TREAMSP,. O. Box 178, ConcordC. A 94522-0178B.i • ~=m::s.:.!~~~%?~00)763-2451 apca\hdl@aol.com. monthlpy ublication ASSOCIATIOONF WELCOMINAGN DA FFIRMINGB APTISTS, ~~~~;i:~R;;:1;: 1 ~~~tM~:~,.1;,oxT~~ P.O. Box2 596, AltleboroF alls,M A0 2763-004.9 V/F( !ll8)226-0945. METHODISTF EDERATIONF OR SOCIALA CTION,a gay• ~~~t~~~~:~~~~ri:~~y;~~i~:!~:~~·a~!=t~ attrmir;gm ulti-issunee twork7, 6C ~ntoAn ve.. Statenls larxi 10001- lor the lull particpationo f lesbiang, ay,a ndb isexuapl ee.piew ithin 1107( 718)273-MFSPAo.o licalionS:c ciaOl uestkioBs ulletin theA mer~n BaptisCt ht.rches/USA MERCYO F GODC OMMUNITYP,O Box4 1055, PrO'MenceR, I AXtOSE: asteranO OO rthOOC)xh ristian3s,2 8w .1 7ths t. #4-F,N ew 02940-1055(4. 01)m•31;32C. hristiq,n Ecumenicaaln d inclusive Ycrk,N Y1 001.1 (212)900-6211. communiotyi sisters,b rothersa nda sso::iates. BALM MINISTRIESP, .O.Box 1981,C osla Mesa, CA 92628 MOREL IGHTC HURCHENSE TWORK0,0 0 W. FulklrtonP kwy.. (714)641-8968M. arshaS tevens.s inQer/song-,vr. itSeruzanna 9hica!P,I L60514-269(07,7 3)338-045R2e. source~cke$t,1 2 Pl.b- McKeag,m ana~r. . - licatioo:t .1orel. .qlt ChurcheNs etwakN emletter ~ Ma1,1zineB,o x8 3912L. osA ngalesC. A9 0083-001(23 10)411} ~~~i~~Lj~~w~~l~O~Jj;;,~~~L~~ Db~~:!?c~E~!~~ BRETHRNE/MENNONITPEA RENTSO F LESBIANfGACYH ILD- (510)465-9344. Newsletter and national conference.· :~~T~~E 1 Jo/'M~~~&~h~uNClL FORL ESBIANA NDG AY ~~:t~-~EFOARL E SBIANR IGHTS- 1553M issionS t. CONCERNSB,o x6 300, MinneapoliMs, N 55400-030'(.6).1 2)305· 5thF ~. . SanF rarciscoC. A9 4100. 0315.B ~ouncil@aol.co.mht1p://ww.wwetx:om.com/bmc/SLJW)fl NATiONALC ONGRESSF OR LESBIANC HRISTIANSP,O Box for_ Brethreann dM ennonitgea y,l esbiana, ndb l~ex~Ip e_q:,le,a nd 814,C ajltoiaC, A9 5010{8 00)001-NC. LC thelfp arentss,p oosesr,e la!iveasn df riendsP. ubhcallODfli:a ~ NATIONACL OALITIONO F BLACKL ESBIANASN DG AYS, P.O. CATHOLICO ALITIOFNO RG AY CIVILR IGHTSB, ox1 985N. ew Ila( 19248W, ashirgm,D C 20036. Yt<k, NY1 0159(.7 18)629-2927. NATIONALC OUNCILO F CHURCHE, S475A iverskleD r. . New CATHOLICP ARENTSN ETWORKc,l o Fr. Rober!N ug,nt.1 537 York, NY 10115A. IDST ask Force,R oom5 72. 1212)871}24. 21 DoverS I, BallimOleM, D 21230.( 301)927·8766F, AX1 301)864· HumanS exualilyOfficRe,r on 700,( 212)871,2151. 6948.R rblrlNug,nl@GLIB.ORG. NATIONALC OUNCILO F CHURCHESW, ashingloOn ttice,1 10 CENTERFO RH OMOPHOBEIAD UCATIONBo, x1 985N, ewY Oik. Mar,1andAveN.,E ,W ashif(J!OCf\C = z (202)544-2350. '. • NY1 015:913l1)864-8954. NATIONALE CUMENICACLO ALITION1,9 53C ciumbaP ike# 24, CHIR HOP RESS·A speciaWl Oiok f lhe UFMCCM id-AllanliDc is• Megan, VA2 2204·4569(.7 03)553-8931. tricl. Poolisheor f religousb ooksa ndm atenals.P .O.B ox7 864, NATIONAGL AYA NDL ESBIANTA SKF ORCE2, 32017thS t, NW. Gaill'ersburMg,D 2 0898(,3 l1)67M800. Wash,igl:lrD\ C2 0Cal:4309(.2 02)332-648F3A.X ( 202)332®7. CHRISTIANLE SBIANSO UTT OGETHERP,. O.B ox1 0062C, ol· NATIONALG AY_P ENTECOSTAALL LIANCE(a lsoP entecostal umbusO, H~ t. (614)291-f.6. 81 BibleI nstitute!M 1rnstentara! ining)P) .O. Box 1391, Schenectady, COMMONB ONO(f ormeJr ehovah'Ws itnesses1)2 7H arrisoAn ve., NY 12301-1391. (518)372-6001. NGPA@concentric.net Pittsb.JrgPl,A 152(Q( 412)732-0451. ht!p:IM'YN/.c.croi_ms/.-..NGPuAb licatb:o TheA pos!dic VO!Ce. COMMUNICATIOMNIN ISTRYIN, C.·D ~logoea rd SUWQ!r)t" oql NEWD IRECTIOMN agazinIeO Ig ay/lesbiaMn ormon, s!'620S elma IOJg aya ndl esbianC atholic~ r_gya rd reliijous.P .O.B ox6 0125, Aw., Ste. RS-440L,o sA1"193CleAs9 , 00'28. Cllba~, IL 60560-012P5l.b lirationC: ommunication NEWW AYSM INISTRY4, 0122 91hS I., Mt. RaimerM, D2 0712, CONFERENCFEO RC ATHOLICLE SBIANSP,. O.B ox4 36 Plane• 1301)277-567F4A, X( 301)8 64·6948A. gay-affirminogr ganization tarit.mS tn.,N ewY OfkN. Y1 0024(.7 18)921-04. 63 bro;;Jinthge lesbiarigacyo mmur1alyr d theR omanC atooliCc hurch. CONNECTIONS·P IRITUALLI NKS·S eminarsw, orkshq>sco, n, OPEN& AFFIRMINGM INISTRIESG, ay, Lesbiana ndA ffirming ferenceosn g iel andtereavemenRt ev.A idlardB . Gibert,d rec~o. r Dis~s AllianceR, ev.A llenV . Harris,d o 1010P arkA ve.,N ew 1504N . Cam,t,elSl t, ValparaooI,N 46383.( 219)484-818V3O.t ce Yt<k,N Yl lXIB-0991(. 212)288-324N8u.r turaer d e<ixaliJnlo ro onb~~ l~IUSA, 1:0) Wassachusetts.twNeW.,., Ste.1 1,W a~A~Of\ g~t~~.Ji~e~ 1 ~~:~n=; i~~ff~r~~~~-h;~ !~~;~: DC 20005. 1202)86HXl17F,A X( 202)429·980G8.a y ard lesbian pe""'1S. Call-diesa rd lhei lrlerds. THEO THERS IDEM agazine'5,: 1:WJ . ApsleyS I., PhiladeiJhiaP,A ECUMENICACLA THOLICC HURCHP, .O.B ox3 2. Vilo Grande, 19144(.2 15)849·217P8l.i llishesa rticleso l interestlo pr(Vessive CA9 5486-0Jl2(7. 07)887·102F0A, X,( 707)887:70T83h.e t l<JsRt ev. Chrislians. MarkS . SlirtiauP, h.D.p lusmark@ad.roPn.t ,l;i:alio!lT: l'e Tablet OTHERS HEEPM ullculluraMl inislriews ilhS exuaMl incrilles3,1 9 ECUMENICACLA THOLICC HURCHR EF.ORME3D6,1 8W hilf~~ . N. Fourth# 902, SI. Louis,M O /53102-193163. 14)241·240F0A. X Way, Powder Springs, GA 30073-1574. (770)439·8839. (314)241-2403.E•mail:gherzog@_aTdh.ceoomb.; jcalardedJcalennsisson@ aol.com. bonaI w orkl ocal!yn, a!Kmaloa/n, di nternatiooasloi./w ort1npgo sitive EROSPIRIRTE SEARCIHN STIWTEce..O.B ox.3893.-(lakond..CA_____bi;i:als,wr:.rgt.afoyrsa rd le,l);ans in tl'e Chrisliacn/ iurch. ::, l;~l~:!fn3.~o~~\~~iand lesbiane cslaticso fferi'I) ~~~~~:~WJHJri~irs:ERICA, P O Box1 222. EVANGELICACLSO NCERNEdDo, Dr.R aiJhB lair3, 11E asl7 2rd PRESBYTERIANFOS RL ESBIAN& GAYC ONCERNSP.. O.B ox St., NewY ork,N Y1 0021(.2 12)517-317P1l.b !icat10:1 R1eSviewa nd 38,N ewB n.11swic~k ,0 0003-0038, (908)932-?fll(t9, 08)249-1016. Record Plil!K:afooM: orel .g,t l,\)dale PRISM7, 331 51hS t, NW,S ie.' 317,W ashtf(JtoDn,C 2 0005-211. 2 (2Ce)347·331D3iv. erisi' / worksl"q:sfo rc hurcheasn d!)"~. RECONCILINCGO NGREGATIOPNR OGRAM3, 801N . Keeler Ave.,C hicag,I,L 00641.1 m)736-552.6 FX (m)Z36-54/5. Put1icaliJn: C \>eHna rds . , REFORMEDC HURCHIN AMERICA GAY CAUCUSP, .O. Box 8174P, lilaOOlphPiaA, 1 9101-8174 RELIGIONW ATCHP, .O. Box6 52 NorthB ellmoreN. Y 11710A. newsiettemr onttorintgre ndsin con1emp:irarerylg aJ. TELOSM INISTRIE(SB apl1stsP), O Box3 390, 22l43. 560-268.0 Fax,5 00-0015te. losmm@erots..c om ST. SERAPHIMO RTHODOXC HRISTIANM ISSIO,N 1205N o. si:,,uklngAve.W, eslH <;o/l{rxxC\ A9 0046.( 213)85-21256. ST. TABITHA'SA IDSA POSTOLATEC,h rislianA IDS Nelwcrko f Ille AmerK:aOnr thoooxC alholicChurcohf Sl Greg,tics, P.O.B ox 1543M, onlere, yCA9 3940(.4 08)899-0731. SILENTH ARVESTM INISTRIES,P O Box 190511.D allas.T X 75219-051(12.1 4)520{;655. SUPPORITVE CONGREGATIONNSE TWORKM, ennonilea nd Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300 . SCNetwJo@<:aol.comA. networko l lvlennon,t tGeeneraCl onference Mennootaten dC htxcho f theB rethrecno rgegatioows hdl welcome gay,~ sbiana ndb isexua-ml embe.r s UNITARIANU NIVERSALISOTF FICEF ORL ESBIAN/GACYO N· CERNS2,5 B eacoSn I., Bosl:>nM,A 0 2108(.6 17)742-2100. UNITEDC HURCHC OALITIOFNO RL ESBIAN/ G AYC ONCERNS, 18 N. Colklg,, Alhens,O H 45701,( 614)5 93·7301P. wlk:alion: Waves UNITEDC HURCHO f CHRISTO, lftcef or Churchin Sooely,1 10 Mar,1andA.v, eNE,W ashirg!Qof\ c=z (202)543-1517. UNITEDC HURC.H OF CHRISTP ARENTSO F LESBIANSA ND GAYSr, lo Rev.J udithC laussenB, ruceR enni,e fll5 OrchardD r., CartxJndilIoL, 6'90! . (618)457-5479. UNITEDL ESBIANA ND GAY CHRISTIANS CIENTISTS• Box 21712, 56 So. RooertsoBn M!.,B ever~H ills,C A 90213(.8 18)700- 00Z?. UNITEDL ESBIANA NDG AYC HRISTIASNC IENTISTBSo, x2 171, BeV!l!~H ils,C A9 0213-217(12.1 3)850-8258 UNITYF ELLOWSHIPC HURCH5, 149W . JellersonB lvd.,L os AngeosC, A9 0016. (213)936-494F9A,X ( 213)936-4973. UNIVERSAFLE LLOWSHIOP F METROPOTLAIN COMMUNITY CHURCHE5S3 00S antat v1onicBat vd., #304,L os AngelesC, A =· (213)484-5100:P\blcaliKme:e pilgil TOJch WILDERNESMSA NNA1, 404A rnoldA ve.,S anJ ose.C A 95110. (408)451-93.1 A0 Christiane nvironmentmali nistryn; ewslettearn d trips. THEW ITNESSP, ub11shbeyd l heE ~sr:q,aCl hurchP ublishinCgo . . 1249W ashrgor,B M!, S1e3. 115D, e1ri;1~. 48226-100(83.1 3)962- - WOMEN'SA LLIANCEF ORT HEOLOG, YETHI.C SA NDR ITUAL. 8035 13th SI. . Sieer Spring, MD 209101 301)589-2£0F9A. X (301)589-3150P.l il!K:atio!Wl: ATER"""el. WOf/EN'SO RDINATIOCNO NFERENCPE..O .B ox2 693.F airtax. VA2 f031·009. 3(7. 03)352·100!i THEW OMEN'SP ROJECT2,2 24M ainS t, LittklR ockA. R 72206. (501)372~5131. Worksh~s on women'si ssues.s ociali ustir:P rac5m and tmicphcoo. WOODSWOME-NA dventuretr avelf or women2, 5 W. Diamond LakeR d, MinneapoliMs, N5 5419{. &x:1)279-05{5651, 2)82'2-38. 09 FAX1 612)822-3.8 14 • nternational LibertyG ommuniCtyh urchS, te.4 02-238T8r iumphS t.,V ancouv,e r BC VSL1L5C anada{ 604)254-008S2u. n.,6 :30p.m. at St-John's U~tedCh.Jrd, 1l 401C omoxS I., Vancci.MHB,C , St. Pete~sL ighthousAe Jx)stoliCc hurchc, /o SergeSi . Bashikrev, P.O. Box5 7. SI Petersburg1, 95276R ussi.a Bro.A . Basarugine. paster. Aposto!iM:::i ssiono f the RisingS un,D onetskayOab lastU. kraineL.. Shve&JvardB ro.V . Karpukihn, founcErsc.lo NGPAP. OB ai:1 391. Sd'\enectaONj,Y 1 2301-1::111. BIRMINGHAM (205) AlabamaF Ofllll,P OB ox5 50043, 5255-50.0 342&9228 Birming,amC omm11i~JChurchP. O B0<1 JJ2213, 5213.8 49-850& Covenanwt ee,P O Box1 0147,3 3521.0 599-335. 3Sun.. 11a.m., 7p.m. 51171sAt ve., N. Frords Meeli1g(Q iake,s,) 592-(!;70. lniegity,8 71-181. 5 PilglmC org-ega!bnaClt l.Jrct8t 79-162. 4 St. An<ei w'sE ~l Chll ch, 251-78..9 8 UnttarianU niversaliCsto ngegatb,n 879-5150. ~~~T~~tM~13 MCCo f Hu,!svil\,: lPOB ox1 0C!2315, 8)1. 851-6914. MOBILE (334) MCCo f Mxl ie, PO8 0<6 3113, 6600-631417. 6-462. 1Surday?, p.m. MONTGOMER(3Y3 4) MCC, POB o<6 00,3 6101-06(l2l.& 1·788S7.t .nday5,: :Jql.m. al 5200 VaugmRd. laska · ·' ' PALMER(907) Craricho f lhe C<NeronP1.,O .B CI2<8 889, 964.5 746-1009H.c lllardH. Be~, pasto.r A Welcominagn dA ffirminAg mericaBn aptisCt ongegalm Arizona MESA(5 20) BoondesLso teC ommruityChixch2, 128N 64\hSt, 85215-2811. PHOENI(X6 02) Affirmation(M ormon,s P) O Box2 6001T, emp,e 85285-660413. 3- 1321. . CasaD e CristoE vangelicaCl hurch1, 029E . Turney8, 50142. 65- 2831. Cristo Chapel,1 1240N . 19fh Ave., Ste. 21. 861-3424S. un., m:ni .m. . Di!)">nyAnll!)"P>OlyB , o<0 09538, 5002-0952:i5 8-2556. Evargali!::aclos ncernedW esternR e!)oo,P .O. Box6 !3908650, 6·2 fllOO. 893-6)52. GenieS heplerdM X, 3425E .- Mxntainv ~w. 85'.J289.9 6-764. 4 HealingW atersM inistries2, 25 W. UniversityD r., 11105T,e mpe. 85281.894-&ill. . LUll'eranCsm c8rne<P\O B ox7 5198, 50118. 71}3611. OasoM CC2, 405E .C ormarl:J8,5 0082. n>35'34. Olive Tree Ministrif!,SP, O Bax 47787.8 5068-77878.6 1·3424. hl1pJ/f'llll.ron/divetr.e e Presbyl,rianlso r Lesbian& GayC ooc8msP, O Be>6<1 1628.: 082. TUCSON(520) CornerstonFee lk»r.:l~,2 902N .G eronimo8,5 7056. 22-4626S.l llclry, 9 am.,l O::l:l!.m.. W edlesday,~ m. Rori!S ctoff,p aslr,-. lnll!)"ii'Jc, /o.GraceS t PaursE piscq)aCl rairch2,3 31E .A rl!msS t, 857197.9 1-70:>. ~. 3259N.M .'.:lUntainA8w5.7, 19~. 2~151. Men'sS ocialN etwork4, 217N . LimberlosCl ir.,8 5705. 690-956. 5 Sociaal ctMtiesfo r rjly meno f al!a ges. EUREKAS PRINGS(5 Clli° MCCo f lhe LMngS pringsP, O Box3 65,7 26322. 53-933. 7Rev. ~1WJ~i~LE (501) EcumenicCala !hotiCc hurch4, 44-9692P.a uSl mithc, ontacpl ersoo. MCCo f the OzarksP, O Ba<9 2, 72702-@2. 443-4278. Res!OfatioFne lk:mshipn JesusC hristP, .O.B ox3 820,7 27rJ: 24.44- 9692R ev.E k:1Jeor sephP auSl mithJ. )aul111@aol.c. om LITTLER OCK(5 01) Bcxfyo f Chr1sPl,O B ox1 364, 722033. 74-11!13 H~ CroosE cumenicCala tholicC hurch6, 63-6859F. r. Christ~her Ehemann Hq,eA posldicC hurchP, .O.B ox4 563,7 22145. 68-779. 6TDD5 68- 7913b. rcjvlrgilio@03lphi.coBmro.. J . Virgiliop, astOf. MCCo f lheR oel<P, OB ox1 9647, 2203-196745. 3-70752.0 17Chan· dler, NO. Lillie Rock. SpiritS OQM!l CCP, O Box5 86.7 2f03.2 23-2828S.u rday2, J).ma.l 1818R eseoorR d. UnitariaUn niversaliCslh urc,h 1816R eservoRir ockR d.7 Z2fJ72.2 5- 15CXl Calrfornia ~APPtL%EV AL~LEY (6 19) DeserCt hurchP, O Box2 47,9 23072. 47-257. 2Sunday, ARROYOG RANDE(8 06) ~em~rr~~ CatholicC hurchA JXlSlolat2e5, 8A spenS I., Hlt , BLYTHE(6 19) GcxlsG ardenG rowlhG enier2, 83N .S olaro9. :M947. Bro.M icha~ W.T ooke!i,: ,,sllr. CONCOR(D5 10) FreeC atholicA postotatoef the Redeem,e 1r 440D etroiAt ve.,# 3. 94fe0. 798-5281. EASTBAYAREA(510) Dtal;oV aleyM CC2, 253C oncordB M!.,C oncx:,d9,4 5208. 27·2960. SIJ1deyH,a .m.,? p.m. flrst BaptistC hurch2, 345C hanninWg ay,B erkeley9, 47048. 48· 58:¥E1s.th eHr argisp, astorM. eetsin sm~llc hapeol t FirstC ongregation~ C! hurchA. Welcominagn dA lfirmrnAg mericaBn aptisCt onrr? g::Ahr:dn,toiclat eo f theR edeeme3r,8 49M a~lle Ave.,# 8, 946195. 30-7C65. Gay, Lesbia_' ann, d Affirming Disciples,U niv. ChristianC hurch Be~eleyT. hirdS un,. 4P.m. · Lakes/lorAev enueB aptisCt hurch3, 534l akeshofeA ve.,O aklan,d 94~1~.8 93-24:84J.a m~sH . Hopkinsp, astor.A Welcoming and Affirmm gA mericanB aptisct org-egatio. n NewL ileM CC,1 8239 1hS I., Berkeley9, 47108 43-9355S. unday, 12~.m. "Pre°st",,,t erianfosr Lesbian& GayC oncerns3.9 00H arrisoSn I..O ak946116. 53-2134. IRVINE(714) IrvineU nitedC hurcho f Christ,4 915A ltonP ~ .. 927147. 33-022.0 An Open~ Affirmir,gC ongegationp,r oudlyp rogressivein, ten!iona! ly lnclusive. LANCASTE(8R0 5) Su,riseM CCo f lh9H iD esertP, OB ox8 00,9 3584-080904. 2-7076. L-ONBGE ACH(3 10) Dt,,ily, PO8 0< 92'3759,0 00-92375.9 84-8400. 6i;tn~r~t~~;~t~o9:L~~!d ~h ~~:· An MCC, 3840 Cherry Ave., 90807. 426-0222. Fax. 426-8321 mccb®aol.comR.e v. SandraT urnbulpl astor. LOSA NGELESA REA( 213) AffirmatiorJloAsn gelesU: nitedM ethodistfso rG ay,L esbiaann dB i g~~;:~~ r~~u:r:ci~~C:v?i=a~:::~. na.9 1001(.8 18)794-7011. . =~~ts UMC,1 296N o. FairfaxA ve.,W estH ol~JWcxxi, Di!)">nPy,O S CI4<2 04,0 90042-004304 4-006. 4 Diglily/SanG abrieVl alley,5 02M esaC ir.,M onrovia9,1 016-1638 (818)62),51.6 7 Divine RedeemeMr CC, 346 RiverdaleD r., Glendale,9 1a'.14. (818)5CX}712S4.u nda,y 10:45am .,W ed, Fri., 7:~.m. Rev.S tan Harris Ecumenic.caal thohcC htrchi n Hu~ting!oPna rk,5 89-0003F.r .O tilio GalloS. pamsh,speakcinogn gregati.o n Evangeli~!sC oncerneWd estH c.!t-ywoo(8d1, 8)58(}788W4. eekly Bibles h.KiesE. CL aCrescenhtao ldsw eeklyw omen'Bs ibles tudie.s EC Pasa~nah oldsw eeklyB ille studiesin ad:litionto a women's mon!hlyd iscusslOg!rl oupm OntarioE. CN ewporat lsoh asw eekly meetings. Evangeiclals Tcgelher, 7985S antaM onicaB lvd.,# 100,B ox 16, 90046. 656-8570E. TN ews FreeS ~ntM CCP, OI la( 466al, 900464. 60-2911. HolyT rinityC ommunitCyh urc,h PO Box4 29649, 00423. 84-5422. 3323 W. Bever~ BM!. lnlegrily,7 985S anlaM ooicaB lvd.. #109-113W, eslH ol~rxx\ 900466 62-63'..1 1 . LambdCa hrislianF elk>vshpP,O Bo<1 967, HaW!ho<9ro0,2 51. LatinC hurcho f Chris1aFne llowship3,3 23W . BeveroB/ lvd.9, CXXJ4. 433-2047. LesA ngeleGs ay& LesbianA eligousC oalitio,n 7985S antaM onica BM!, #100l,l o(.104!. m46. . LutheranCs oncerned1,1 225M ag-io!iaB t1d,B ox2 90,N o.H ollywooc9\ 10016. 65-t.CN: A MCCi n theV alley,5 730C ahuengBa lvd, No.H oi~ood, 91001. (818)762-1133. MCCo f theV ineyard,1, 1012V enturaB tvd,# 1254S, lucioC ity,C A 91604;J546. ~of Silvertak3e6, 21B runswicAkv e.,9 00l9-17'2070. 5-8818. New HopeC hristian-ChurchP,O Box 316, Van Nuys,9 1408. (818)765-159S0u.n dayfl.) .m.a 19!tllHaskellAve. PrestPjteriafnosr Lesbian& GayC oncerns3,3 73D escansOo r.,# 1. 90'.0i~-8()J9, St Jdir/s Episcq:oCl hurch5, 14W . A<ilmsB M( 9WJ7.7 47-62115. St Matt~s LutheraCn hu,rch1,1 cmc .amarilSb t, No: Hot,wocxi 91002(.8 18)762•290A9S. Li llerprelatiJfnit s!a rd osl Sun. Unitedl esbian/GayC hristianS cientistsP, O Box.2 1Z t. Beverly His, 90212·217(13.. 10)850-8258. ~~;m;st>iJ;sfhurch, 5149W .J effets00B M!. 900169 36-4948. I/CC, PO Box: nlZ 95353-3:m5 78-369. 4 NAPA (707) MCCin lhe VineyardS31, V illag,P kv..y. 945582. 5&&117. ORAAGCEO UNTY(7 14) . ChlistC hapeMl CC,7 20N . Spurg,mS t, SanlaA ro, 92701-3722 835-0722 PAGE 13' • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Resource Guide Ecumen\c.CalatholiCc hurch9, 79-1640Y.a diraT ay1ocr,o ntacpt ersoo." Evar193licaClso ncerneLda ~na, 451-3m. WeeklyB ibles tudies andworsh~A. lson ewg ot.ps1 1F ulertona rd SanD iego. PALMS PRINGS(6 19) Chrr.C;I hapeol l 11"D ese~9 38V elaR d, 92264.3 27-2795. ~~,,~~~~eErt,PPabrns~~-~a1~!i2ii3/~~~3Z?- 9596. REDONDBCE ACH(3 10) Centerf or PassionatSe pirituality.'2, 007H ar~ima_:lnn. ,_H 1,9 0278- 4547. 374-7718R. ichR ossiterd, irec10Sf. pirituadl irectlO!rle, treats ard tormaticenv entsfo rg 'llb't persons. REDWOOCDI TY( 415) CalvaryM CCP, OB ox7 0,9 4064-0:073 68-01682.1 24B rewsleSr t RIVERSID(E90 9) Communitoyf Christt he LifeG ive,r PO BOK5 11589, 251.7 781- 7391. RUSSIANR IVER(7 07) lv1CCB, ox 1055,G uernevill,e 95446.8 87-7622. 869-05521. 4520 ArmslrorgW oodsR d SACRAMENT(9O1 6) Dgiily, POB ox1 617659,5 816 lntegity/Northern California, 2620 Capitol, 95816. 394-1715. barb®gvn.reWt ebs tte:h np:/NAW/.g.,n.nel/--barbbarb.htm KpinoiaC hristianF eltowsh.~ PO. Box 1894449, 58184. 52.5735 Tom Rossl pastor. TOOLa tesIts sueP, O8 0( 10058,4 958167. 37•1008. RMlrCilyMCC, POB ox2 451259,5 8244. 54-4762.7 413 4~S I. SAUNAS(4 00) lntegity,c /o Churcho f theG oodS hephred, 301C orradl e Tierra, 939082. 94-:ml SANA NDREA(S2 00) lnlegit;, PiTP7i ooeeAr w Apl4 , Turloc~9 5380-26.2 4678-3515. SANA NSELM(O4 15) Spectnm1, 00JSirFran:isD rakeB M!,# 12.9 49004. 57-111. 5 SANB ERNARDINOIRIVERSlDE/PO(M90O9)N A Affirmatio{nM elhcxfrsts1),3 25N . ClaremonBt ox3 02, Claremont, 917116. 24-2159. ClaremonUt nitedM eihcdsCt hurch,211W . FootbaBll lvd, Claremoot9 17116. 24-9CeA1 .A ecoociinCgo ogeg,liooq, ,enl o all GreenC arnatioCn Offeehous1e5,8 0N o. D SI., Ste.7 , 9240.5 381- 5al5.M ln.-Sat7, p.m.·12a.m. SL AelredsP arishS, arumE piscq)aCl hurch(O ldC atholic)1, 580 No. D St., Ste. 5, San Bernardino, 92405. 384·1940. PBreton714@aol.coRmev.. Or. J. E. PaulB retonp, asto.r Wed, 7p.m.S; un.1, 1a.m. SAND IEGOA REA(6 19) Affirmatio(nM oonooi)P, O Box8 64699, 21_, 400-6602. AnchoMr inistries3,4 41U niversitAyv e.,9 21042. 84-8654C. haris- ~~~=1~~92163. Diglit;Cenler4, 561P ark8 "'1295- 2584. . lrrtegilyP, O Box3 4253,9 2163-000213. 4-1829. MCCin theCoonll}0', 001M anzaniDlar .,# C,9 21052. 82-8468S. un- ~~~~~~¥~12BO-«m 433'J3C!hS t PacificB eachU nitedM ethodsC! hurch1, 561T homas9, 21002. 74- 6573.S u1t1, 0:1S.ma . SANF RANCISCOB AYA REA(4 15) BethanUy nitedM ethcxisCt hurch1,2 68S anc~z.9 41146. 47-8393. Sult, 11a.mR. ev.K arenO iveb,p astorb. ethanyunc@aol.cooi 8ti,1 i:e~~!;~1~!;;cr:t:~:~ii~TI'~rr;. 94110. 826-:!641F.A X,2 82·282!D. ougD onleyp, aslOIq. >e12(J3@a,;.com EvangelicalCs oncerned6,2 1-3296o r ecslba@aol.oo. mWeekty meetilgs. GdcimG ate~ . 19;.'.C)8ll lrchS I.,9 4131-2018. FreedomIn ChristE vang3licCalh urchP, .O. Box1 4462S, anF ran, CA9 41140. 05-6509S. un.• 1:3q:l.ma.t 50Bek:herStb.,e lw"een14lh SlandDibcx:e. LutheranCso ncerned56, 6 VallejoS t.,# 25,9 4133-403935. 6-2069. Acton! · MCC,1 50E urekaS t., 94114-24928.6 3-4434S. unday9, , 11a.m., 7p.m Oasis/CaH!ornia, 110 Julian Ave., 94103. 522-0222. oasiscalil@ao!.coGma. y and lesbianm inis1ryo f the Episcopal Dkx:eseofCalilornia. · AainbcmFe llcmsho~f FirstC ongregationCahl urch4, 32M asonS t., 941023. 92-7461M. onthlyp otluckas ndp lanningm eetingsW. orsh"p leaders. St Jctm! he EvangeliEstl )scqiaCl hurch1, 00115thS t, 9410.0 861· 1436.R ev.D avidL Norgardp,a ste. r Tri1it;E pacq,aCl hurcti1, 668B ushS I., 941097. 75-111. 7 UnitariaUn niveraalGista yfles/Bi1, 187F ranklin9,4 1097. 31-3915 UCCUGC2,0 Wcxxti<i>Ave9.4, 1275. 71H55.4 SAN JOSE (400) ognrrPyO, B ox2 177S, antaC lara9, 5055.9 77-4218. EcumenicCala tholicC hu~ch3,7 4-3430S. cottB urirs, contacpt ersm FirstC hristiaCn hurch8, 0 S. 51hS I., 951122 94-294. 4RichardK . Millerp, astor. Gay,L esbiana,n dA ffirminDg iscple,s c/o FirstC hrist1aCnh urc,h 80 So.5 1hS I.,9 51122. 94-294. 4 HooannCah 1.1cohf P rais,e 24N . .S lhSt, 951122 93-0700. MCC, PO Box2 288,9 5109·228. 2879-27116.5 S. 7thS I. Sunda,y 6:X'p.m.W, ed,7 ;3:p.m. N~wC ommunitoy f Faith,6 350R airtx:iwD r., 95129.2 5.3-14.0 8 AJChaErd. Tay.orp, astorV. ikkiY eghcyana.s sociateA. Welcoming andA ffirminAg mericaBn aptisct ongregation ValleyWes!Chtrch5,9 1W . HamiltooAv..e S te.2 15.G ampJeCUA, 9:'rul-08113. 79-0740. SANL EANDRO(5 10) SanL eanctoC ommunitCyh urch1, 395B ancrofAt ve.,9 54774. 83- 181.1 KayWelli1g1Poo,S, l<l SANL ORENZ(O5 10) MCCo f GreaterH ay.yard1,0 0H acienda9,4 5804. 81•976JS. un.. 12:30p.m SANL UISO BISPO(0 05) MCCo f theC entraCl oastP, OB ox1 117G, roveCr ity,9 3483-1117 481-937S6.I Nlday1,0 :3'.l:l.mR.e v.A ardf A. Lester~, slor. SANTA BARBARA/VENTUCROAU NTAY REA(8 05) MCC2, 3J LigllhooseR d, SantaB arbar,a 93100·19055€. 13-1615 MCCP, OB ox2 5610V, entur,a 130026. 43-0502S.u nday6,: 2(\).m. at 4949 Foolhil Ad. SANTAC RUZ(4 08) LavendeRro adM CCP, OB a<1 7649, 5'.l613.3 5-046. 6 SANTAR OSA(7 07) EcumenicCala tholiCc hurch8, 65--011A9r.c hbishqM:) arkS hirilau. NewH cpeM CCP, OB ox1 12789, 5400-127582: 6-HOPES.u nday, noona t 3632A irweyO f STOCKTO(N20 9) ChristiaSn ciercele sbBnsB, ox7 1049, 5267-710447. 3-2129. DeltaH aivestt, ./CC1,1 6W. W~IONSI.9, 5212-104457. 7-144. 0 WHITTIE(R3 10) GocxS1 amaritanM CC,1 1931W ashingtoBnl vd.0, 0306-260679. 6- 6213. BlltJLDER(3 03) Gay& ConcerneCda thdicsS. I. ThomaAs qi.JinaUsn iversitPy arish. 90414~Sl,OC(l(Q443-838'.l COLOAADSCP RING(S7 19) EvangelicalsC oncernedW estern Region ResourceC enter. crewman@ao!.com. P!<esP eakM CC7. ':JJN .T el"', 809036. 34-3771 DENVER(3 03) Axios:E asternO rthodoxC hri~lians1,1 635E . CedarA ve.,A urora. OCIJ12343-9997. Ch,islChaμ,9I,Z 2E.Z lrdAW.,8 (0)~511.1. EvangelicalRs econciled3,3 1-2709o r erdenver@aol.c.o Mmeets evaryo tl"erw eek. LulherarCs oncerredt4. 41H umbokJlS,IA..J l5l 07 00218-237402.2 - 3176. t--1,CcC it he Acd<ie, s980ClarksoSnt , 802188. €0-181. 9 SLP au's·u~. 16150g:EnSt,& 12188.3 2-49;:9 PUEBLO(7 19) MCCP, OB ox1 918. 810025. 4J.648J Connecticut HARTFOR(D86 0) CenlraBl aplisCl hurch4, 57M ainS I.,0 01035. 22-9275. Paul G. Gif lespie,p astorA. Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aptisCt on= lion. SlW)rt g<ll!l lorgays and ilsbians. Dgiily, POB o<7 2,0 61412. 96-9229 MCX:1, 841B roadS t, 051417. 24-4005S.u nday1, 0:30a.m. lveel.a5! lheC ommuniCtJe nterR. ev.D avidF .J arvisp, astOf. MANCHESTE(8R6 0) EcumenicaCl atholicC hurchD ioceseo f NewE nglandP, .O. Box 3&ll, 0:04~3&ll. 742-1412 NEWH AV EN( 203) ~. 34 HarrisoSn t.,0 65153. 89-6750. :~~~rn~~g:~~~~~}~a~~AJ-:1r~St:6R~v~ 8!1lx:~; GarberaO, XJrdnab. NOANK(203) ~~~~~ ~a~~:~Z:J.•. ;~~1~~: a:i~~~=e~!~ ~ci~m:;i UCCIJGC1,4 7V irgriaL n,C ffl848. 72-65'.l7. VEANON(860) EcumenicaCl atholicC hurchK oinoniaM inistries8, 71-0153R. ev. DennisF imegan. WATERBURY(203) lrrtegilyd, o St Johrtsct,m:h,1 6Chu~hSt, (151024.8 2-4239. WESTH ARTFOR(D86 0) St Francis& ClaireE CCA3, 60 ParkR d, Apt A-2, 001192. 32· 5119. District of Columbia DISTRICOT FC OLUMBI(A2 02) Affirmalio(of. 'elhoost;)P, OB ox2 363(\ 200266. 67-CXXll. Affirmalio(nM oonoosP) OB ox7 7'JJ42,0 01:J.7'JJ842.8 -3'.>36. CIYisUl MC, 41h& I St;. SW,2 Xl24.5 44-9117. Churcho l lhe DisciJlesM CC,9 123 rdS t, NW,2 00l1. 842-4870. S111.1, ca.mT. heR ev.H arry8 . Stockp, aster. Dgiily, PO Bo< 53001, 20C09. 387-4516. Dlllltarl:lnU MC3, 133D lllltarl:lnAve.N W,'J ffJI. 333-7212. FaithT empl,e 1313NewYerkAve2.0,C 055. 44-276. 5 lnlegi!y,P O Box1 95612, 00l6-0561l3. 01)953-9.QG1a. yspring Ki1shp'SDA1,« xJ2 0lhS I.,N W/ /0072, 00J>2. 96-2441. LulheransConcern2e1<2\ E CapildSI.S, E,2 00l1·1036.( 703)486- 3567. MCC,4 74A~ St.,N W,2 XXJ.1 638-7373S. urday91, 1a.m, 7. pm. PLGCc, JoW estminstePrr est7yteriCanh urch·4, 00 I SI.,S W, 2C024. f!&-'2fi/9. RiVersideB aptistC hurch, 600 Eye St. SW, 20024. 554-4330. MichaeBl lectoe,p astor. WashingtoFor iends(Q uakers2),1 11F loridaA ve,. NW2 :008.4 83- 3310. Florida BOCAR ATON(4 07) Ch1.1chOofu rSaviorMCC4,7 70-CN W2 rdAve., 334319. 9&0454. SIJ'l(By1, 0:338.m7.:,3 Q.:ml . Rev.J ohnF . Jacd:s , pasta CLEARWATE(8R1 3) FreeC athdicC htxcho ! the ResLRTectPkOn. 8 0( 3454.3 4615. 442- 31l573.0 3N . Myrt~A ve. COCOA(4 07) . . Breakintgh e SilerceM CC,P OB ox1 5853, 29236. 31· 4524 COCONUGTR OVE(3 l5) Pt,moomC c,jJre;ialkrnCl hurch3,4 00 DevooA d 331334. 44{)521. AIDSo otreachm inistryA. l arew elcome. St. Stephen'Es plsccpaP! arishin theG rove27, 50M cFalar neR d., 331334. 48-2601F. AX4 48-215.A3.n i nclus1Vpea rish! amityC. omixehensivAeI DSm inistryF. r. BcbM cCloskerye, ctor DAY TO NAB EACH(9 04) Hq>eM CCP, O Box1 51513, 21152. 54-0993 FORTL AUDERDAL(9E5 4) Ct,,Jrcdt, theH Qo/pSi il MCC3, 30SW2 71hS t, 3331.5 462·:J:Xl4 Dgiily, POB o<Z 28843,3 335.4 63-4528. FORTM YERS(9 41) A11Sai1C1oso gega1io(lnn dependen2l)7, 56Mc:GregB,rlv d,3 3901. Mail_inagc ttess: 1830M aravillaA ve., #512,3 3901. Rev. Michael Ba~ourp,a stor. St Johnl he AposlleM CC,P O Box2 107, 33002-21072.7 8-5181 2209 Unitya t thec omero f BroadNa. ySunday1, Da.m., 7p.m.R ev. RenneShaW.v l:lr GAINESVLILE( 352) UnitedCtKuc1h6, 24NW5thAv..e ~ INTEALACH(E9N0 4) Be!~I Evangelisct MllislriesI,~ .• POB ox1 7783, 2148. 684-6479. JACKSONVIL(L9E04 ) SI. Luke'sM CC,,1 140S . McDutAt ve, 32205-755318. 9-7726F,A X 389-7626.. Sunday9, a.m.. 11a .m,. 7p.m. Rev.F rankyeA . While, pasto.r Peaceliz@a.ocol m. KEYW EST( 305) MCC,1 215P etroniaS t., 33040.2 94-8912S. unday9,:30, 11a.m., Wed,7 p.mR. ev.S tevenM Torrercep, astor. KISSIMME(E40 7) Sis. Perpetua& FelicityE cuinenicaCt atholicC hurch, 33 Las Pamas3, 47433. 48-5440F. r. BernardM? ora&s MIAM(I0 05) ChrisMt CC7, 70\ SW7 6thA ve.,3 31432. 84-1040. GraceC hurcho f MiamiS hores1, 0390N E 2ndA ve.,3 3138. 75& 6822.J ohnA my, pastor.S un., 11: 30a.m, .praisea nd worshP. 1oa.mB., tb!estudj. PlymouthC ongregationCalh urch(UCC3),4 00D evon_ R,d 33133. 444-6521l,a x,4 46-1CGASll.w elcaneS. un.,1 08.mR. adio, 93.1 FM htll:/fw.Nw.krea.tcivoem/p!'ymou\h PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/A PRIL, 1997 OCALA(904) Hooseo lVicloryChruch,P OB ox2 841, 3267&2841:,.S S-001348.a J E. SilverS pringsB lvd. ORLAND0(407) ~~(g~c~8f1~e:!~~-~~-001 PANAMCAI TY( 904) Familyo f GOOW orshipC ente,r 11~9E veri!AI ve. 784-485. 1Sun., 10:30a.m.R ev. ThomasA . Gashlmp, astor.M emberA: llianceo f ChrlsHaCnh llches. scottfcgx:@aol.0.0 11 PENSACOL(A9 04) HolyC rossl v1C,C 415N . A!caniz St., 325014. 33-8528S. unday, 1fa.m.W, ed.7, p.m. ST PETERSBUR(G81 3) Dlglity.P O Box1 337P, inelasP ark. 34664-133273. 8-28€8. Kingo f Peace~ c. 31505 th Ave.N , 337133. 23-5857S. unday, 100.m., 7:3Cp.m. . . . · St. Philip EcumenicaCl atholicC hurch.3 67-8352R. ev. Patncra Bing,am. SARASOT(A8 13) Churcho l 1heT rinity/ --.AC7C2.2 5N . LockwooRdi dge Rd.,3 4243- 4526.3 55-0047S. l.003,y 1oa.m. Integrityc, lo St. BooifaceC hurc,h 5615M iOOigPhat ssR d.,3 4242- 1721. 349-$16. TALLAHASSEE GentleS hepherdM CC,P O Box6 137,3 2314R. ev.S usanT ed:ier, pasta. TAMPA(813) MCC, 408 E. Cayuga St.. 33603. 239-1951. UFMCCTamp:i@.caooml . St. John The EvargelistE cum~nicaCl alholicC hurch.P O Box 2800503, 3682.9 79-4940F.r . DanieWl 1Nia.m s WESTP ALMB EACH(5 61) Dgrjt;, PO Box3 014T, eq.iesla3,3 4i!l. 744-15916.4 1-9944. ~t~·~~m1 ~~~~: ~ :~it~.~~~687-3943. Suooay9, :15,1 1a.m.S ervice-salsoi n Ft. Piercef,x li-3943 andP t St lJJcil,340-0421. Georgia ATLANTA(404) Dg,ily,P O Bo<1 = 303244. '.l9-020l FirstM CCP, O Box6 356,3 0306-03568. 72-2248&.' .)'.)N . Higland Ave. NE. . lrrtegily,P O Box1 :ml. 30024-00036. 42-3183. Lul1"ranCs OOO!rnePdO, Box1 36733,0 3246. 36-7100. AISainlSMCCP, OB ox1 39683, 03246. 22-115. 4 PLGCP, O Box8 362,3 roJ6 373-5630. Soo11"mVdceP,O Box1 821~: !J3168. 76-1819. UULGC1, 911C littValllyWay3, Cll296. 34-5134. DECATU(R< !04) · cmst CovenanMt CC, 100H berriaAve.3, 0l30.2 97-0350. St. Aelred ECCA, 203 Wilton Dr., 30030. 377-3780. elee@wsetp..b.com. LITHI~S PRING(S7 70) EcumenicCala tholiCc hurch7, 39-6479ri.c tml@aol.com. MARIETT(A7 70) Mt Calvaryl. igllhouse,5 46 LittleS t, Apl 8, 30060-2653B. ro.P . Jctmsonp,a sta. . SAVANNA(H9 12) Discl)leso f lhe Trinit; MCCP, .O. Box1 48243; 1416. 231-1005 l-lieetast 321Y orkS t i1t heH istoricD istric. tMalB aileyp, asto.r Hawaii MAUI (ID!) NewL ileraliooM CCP, O Box3 47,P uu,ere9, 67848.7 9,;193. OAHU(et8) Affirmatio(nM ormons)P, OB ox7 5131H, onolulu9,6 836-013213. 9- 4995. Dgiily, PO Box3 956H, onduu9, 6812-395563.6 -55:;';. Ke AnuenueO Ke AlohaM CC,P O Box 12200H, onolulu9,6 828- 12609. 42·1~7.S IJ1Cl!1y1, a.m.O, deC annerSy q, 7p.m.. 1212U n, versityA ve. AeigiCllSs cience5,2 0M akapuAuw ., Hondulu9, 68169. 42-000. 0 UULGC2,5 00P ail Hwy,. Honduu9, 68176. 23-4726. Idaho BOISE(20EI) MCCP, OB ox1 9596, 37~. 342-6764. Illinois ALTON g~Ii~t0 v~toorcti. a;13M axeys t. Atton.I ,L 62002-4779. Chcag:l>n !erfattCh ongressP,O B ox6 0039G, CBO7O8.4 -263. 5 Cticag)O U!!ne53,0 59N .S outtport,f ll357.8 71-7610. Christt he RedeemeMr CC,P O Box6 146,E vanston0,0 '20-46146. (706)262-000. 0933C hi:ag:A, ve. Churcho f the ResurrectioMn CC,5 540S . Wocolawnro, 337.2 88- 153.5 Worst\Pse!V1ic0e: 30a..m Sun. Dgiily, 9(l) w. BeknonlAvel/.2, 0, 00657-44002.9 6-0780 Emerg,nceP,O Box2 547&, ml. GoodS hepherdP arishM ::C,6 15W . WellingtoAnv e.,6 0057-530. 5 427-6700S lfl(By,7 p.m. GraceB aptisCt hurch1, 307\ I.JeGsra! nvilleA ve.,~- 262-87~. KeltyS prinklep, astorA. Welcorrnnagn dA ffirminAg mericanB apttst ::r=nl MCC, 17W . Mape,H insdale6,0 521-3495(-700)325- 8468.S unday6,p .m. . HotyF a~ity EcumenicaCl atholicC hurch7, 21-5383F. r. Jim WilkcmskJi. 3 .w34007@aol.com. lnlegily, PO Box3 232,O akP ar10<0 303-3232( m)346-6362. L~i-.ransC rn:ernedP, O Box1 0197o,o ;10.3 42-1647. PLGC,c /o LincolnP ark PresbyteriaCn hurch,6 00 W. Fullerlon Pkwy.&, X;14-28.J 7O64-2635 ShammahC hristianF ellowshipP, O Box5 427,E vansto,n 60'204. 561-5524. UULGCc, :JoS econdU nitarianC hurch.6, 56W . BarryA ve.,f f:1357. 549-0260. UCCUGC6,1 71N .S 1"riclmR d, !'2701O, Olxi0-2835388 -0452. EVANSTO(N70 0) LakeS lreelC hllch, 007L akeS t, 602018. 64-218. 1Rro>rtT hom~ son,p astorA. Welcominga ndA ffirmingA mericaBn aptisct orgegalbn. JACKSONVILL(E21 7) St ~imilian KoR)eE CCAP, O Box1 3456, 2650-134254. 3-~. FAX,2 43-4735E. CCRis an inciusivech urchA. Hw eloomed OUINCY(217) MCCI HiamoP,. O.B ox4 21,6 23J6-042t.2 '24-2800. ROCKIS LAND(3 00) . LutheranCsm cerred, P.O. Box3 891, 61204-3891. MCCQ uadC ities1, 0011 8thA ve.,6 12)4-61327.$ 5655. SPRINGFIEL(D21 7) FatthE ternawl ee,~ W. AllenS t.,6 27045. 25-9597. ~~e~;,~g/\A:w~ it~hampagn, 618203. 44-1924 PLGC, 809S . 51hS t, Champiga,, 61820 VILLA PARK (6301 . BereanC hrisllanF ellcmsh~P. OB ox6 875,6 0181-687.5 ~95-5704. Bro. G. Blainep,a storN. GPA@concen.ntreict WAUKEGA(N9 47) . . . First CoogregationaUln itedC hurcho f Christ,3 15 N. Utica~ I.. 60085.3 36-5368.R ev.B radS . Lutz,m inisterA. nO pena ndA fflrming Ccxigregalion Joyol Lile MCC,5 11S . LewisA ve.,6 0085-6105(7. 08)578-5022. 2(131D ugjallRd Indiana BLOOMINGTO(8N1 2) ~b'Wr~~~ 2 ~. 474(>!-323323 9-0426 NewW orldC hurchP, O Box1 15534, 6859.4 56-657. 0222 E. Leilh St OpenD oorC haμ,\3 426Brood.va4y6,0 077 44-1199. TaskF orce,F irstP restylerianC hu~ch3.0 0W . WayneS t., 46802. 426-7.Ql. INOIANAPOL(I3S1 7) Affirmalbn(M ethcx:ist3s3}, E . 32ndS L,4 62059. 25-004. 3 ~~t:h~~c:~c&o r=t. Ste.7 , 46?20. 251-452. 5 JesusM CCP, OB o: 441551-,4 m44-15.5 3157-9687. Iowa CEDARR APIDS(3 19) Al FailhsM CCP, O 8(1(4 12,5 2400a. l6-920.7 CORAVL ILLE( 319) lnlegily,P OB ox5 2255, 22413. 51-9263. · DAVENPOR(3T1 9) GlADA lliance2,> 28W esternA ve.,5 20Cl3-1437234. -6231. DESM OINES(5 15) Churcho l lhe HO¥S ~ril MCC,P .O.B ox8 426,5 03012. 64-7940. Officea ndw orsh1s) pacel ocateda t 1548 8th St. Sun.. ep.mR. ev. PaUW hitingl.ll ,Slo.r Wordo f GodM inistriesP, .O.B ox4 396,5 0333.2 70-2709M. eetsa t St Mark'sE piscq)aCl hurcti3, 120E .2 4~ SI., DesM ooes. IOWAC ITY( 319) Faith UnrtedC hurcho f Christ 1009D eForesSt t., 5224.0 338-5238. ~iw~~~~~egaloo NASHUA(515) UCCIJGCc,/ oG armen-LinCdao rl<i1l, RR25, 06584. 35-!'00a SIOUXC ITY( 712) MCCP, OB o<3 61,5 1102-036215. 5-6005. URBANDAL(5E1 5) Urba0031Ue nitedC hurcho l Chri:.t7, 002 OliverS mithO r., 50322. 276-0025A. n Opena ndAtti:mi1gCoogeg,loo. WATERLO(O3 19) Churcho f NewH opeM CC,P O Box3 4, 507042. 34-1981M. eetsa l 3912C edarH IS.C, edarF alls. Kansas TOPEKA(9 13) MCCP, OBo<4 77~ 66f/J4-077.6 232-6196S.E l nclanaAveal251h WICHITA(316) Frst~c. 156S.K ansaAs ve.,6 72112. 67-1852. WichitaP raisea ndW Of'ShC~e nter1. 007S . Broact,va6y7, 2112. 67- 6270.C hucikB reck.ti~. pastor. Kentucky HENDERSO(5N0 2) Zbn UCCP, O 80<' JJ2.7«,> 4208. 28--0::a,. Rev.B enG I.Essp,a stor. LEXINGTO(N60 6) Interweav3e5, 54C laysM ilAl d, «>503.2 23-1448 LOUISVILL(E5 02) Alego, PO Box 4004, 40204. 581-1829. CentraPl resl>/leria3n1. 8W . KenluckAy ve.,4 02035. 87-6935S.u nday, 11a.m. CIYSCI hurctci aIi-.ctal <Q1s .2 rxlSI,. 402025. 87-1354. conferencefo r CatholicL esbiansP, O Box4 7784. 0204-077889. 5- 00:11. . Dignil,y POB o<4 7784, 02045. 81-1841. Lul1"ranCs oocernePdO, Box7 00Zl lllf,7.f:RM.. 897-5719. MCCP, O llo<324744, 02327 75-fl'xfl.4 222S ankS l PLGCP, O Box7 6924 0257-00.0 6297-5719. ThirdL uther'aCnh urch1, 864F rankfoArt ve.,4 0200. 896-638.3 Sunday, 1owa.m. TLCX2@ecurel.org PADUCA(H5 02) MCCP, OB o<1 7~ WeslP acix:a~4 200.6 441-230. 7 Louisiana BATONR OUGE(5 04) Jcied ! Vr.reM CCP, O Box6 49967, 08963. 83-0450. SolidarityH ouse/BatoRn ougeC atholicW orke_1r,2 75L aureSl t., 708023. 89-957,2 383-6010G. ay-friendCy athohWc orkeor ommunityo f hcspitality/lcxtjnfogr SJX>UaSbaul sev ictims. PLGC, 2285C edard:tle70, 600. COVINGTO(N50 4) AbundanGt raceC hristianF eUooshi8p3, 2 E. BostooS t.,# 3, 7043.1. 871•9 527P. astcrsL eeT hoolpsoann dY olancBY aeger. LAFAYETTE(318) . MCCP, OB o<9 2682,7 0WJ.2 32-05462. 11G artieki LAKEC HARLES(3 18) ~. POB o<3 84, 7C1.J:4Q3.9. -90095. 1O B reedS t NEWO RLEANS('J J4) ECCRm xese of theS cuth4, 473M apeL eafD r.,7 01313.9 3-7244 FirstJ esusN ameC hurch, P.O. Box5 8362, 70158-8362A n Acts 2:38 cageg,100. GraceF elcr,vsh~P,O B o<7 C6557,0 1729 44-9836. St. AmbrooEeC l!TlenicCaal tooliCc hurch5, 58-0713F.r .J ayR ubar. UCCUGC9,4 4J oyceS I., Marrer~7 0072-230304. 1-4600. V~uxC arreM CC,1 128S I. RochA ve.,7 0117-77169. 45-5300S.u n- :l:lsfM~NAOE (318) GodsG ardenG ro.vthM issionP, .O. Box2 631,7 129.4 Sr.A . Boyd, paster. Maine , , BANGOA(:!l7) Dignit;P, O Box1 1XNl, crlhS ullwan0,4 664-0llXl PORTLAN(D2 07) Ogiily, PO Box 811~ 04104. WALDOBOR(O:!l 7) lrrtegilyP, OB a<2 5,0 4572. Maryland • ~~eErt:t~ 1 ~~Jlion for Free State Justice c/o Paint Branch UU Clurch, ~15 Pooclar Mil Rd, 2l71D. 77&6891. BALTIMORE (443) Tre Allemative, PO Box 2351, 21203. (301)Zl5-3401. Archaocesan Gay/Lesbian Outreach, 2034 Park Ave., 21217. 728- 2638. Ognity, POB0< 12«3, 21203-1243. 325-1519. Firal New Covenant Felk><ihp Chll'cti, 5 W. Fort Ave., 21230-4407. SZJ,7700. Sun<lly, 2:1!'!).m. at Dorg.ilh UMC, 527 Scol1St lnle!Jit-f, c/o EmmaruerChurch, 811 Cathectal St, 212)1. 732•0718. L~l'erans Coro,med Box 23271, 21203-5271. 225-0:63. MCC, 3«J1 O~YO!I< Rd, 21218. 800-6363. BETHESDA (301) Open Door MCC, PO Box 127, Br,,<ls, 20841-0127. 001·9112 Su~ day, 10:3:la.m., 7p.m. at 15817 Baroos,I~ Rd Massachusetts BOSTON (617) Ognity. 95 Beri(eoys1 .. .w;1a 32116. 423"558. Ecumenical Cattd ic Church, 227•5794. BishqJ Paul Oi~r idt sgswoca®aol.oom. s,w:,n Groq,, Cl'<Jrchol ll'e C<M!nant fi/ Nev.ourySt , 02116. 26& 74lll. lnte!}"ity, c/o Chnsl Church, 12 Quincy Ave., Quincy, 02100. TTJ. ro10. MCC, PO Box 15590, Kenmore Sin., 02215. 288-8029. SunOOy, 7p.m. at 131 Cant>rkge St, Beacoo Hil. CAMBRIDGE (617) Friends for Lesbian/Gay Concerns (Quakers); 5 Longfe1IOH Paik, 02138.8- Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Massachusetts Ave., 02138. 864-&66. Irving Cummings, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming Ameratn Baptist C9flg"egalion. fil'~~~~i~(:7kcR, 3 Hoi<EnSt, Apt 1, 02124. 822-0767. FRAMINGHAM (508) Pari( Slreet Bapt•t Cl'<Jrch, 38 Frankin St, 01701. 872•1091. Pe!l]I Wallace, pastor. A Welcoming & Affirming American Baptist Cong- egatiCll. HOLDEN(sotl) UCCt/GC, PO Box 400, 015al.11,6-9316 OSTERVILLE (508) Heallhsigis counseling Cenler, 100 Acorn Or., 02655. 420-0258. Anre lerarcl, clrecb". ' SANDWK:H(508) St Luke ECCR, 5 Emi~ Ln., IY256:l. 42&8301. SPRINGFIELD (413) :~fM\~sa;1, 01101-5(!;1 737-478a L~herans COOcemed do Randlll Rice, 1081/2ChestrtrtSI., 02154- 0406. lll3-27al. WORCESTER (508) Firal Baptist Church, 111 Parl<Ave., 01009. 7-1«3. Barbara Sinclair Ward, associate pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Bapisl ooogegalion. Morning Star MCC, 231 Main SI., CoorryVal~y. 01611. 892·4320. Pli>: f.Aoming Star Witness Unitarian Universalisls for St/Gay/Lesbian Concerns, PO Box 592, Wes~icl! Sin, 01602 755-0005 Michigan ANN ARBOR (313) . Canilrbu!yHoos~ 721 E. Huron St, 1'2R, 48104-1526. HurooValle'{Ganmuri1yCl'<lrch, 1001 Groon Rd., 481t&2006. 741· 1174. Sundly, 2().m. al G~cier Way UMC. Treeol Lile MX, 485-3922. 66&6163. Mee~ ams1 Congeg,lbnal Clurch, 218 N. Acllms, Yp;ilanl Ml 48197-2507. Sutday, t,,m. DETROIT (313) Cruoe Ma!)'!Zi1e, 191:Ji Wood.vard N., 48200. 369-1001. Dgnity, PO Bo< 32874, ~ !fil-0892. lo,gity, rio Emmam.ol Episcq>,1 Church, 18320John R St, 48200. 4:,9-7319. MCC Delroil, PO Box 836, Royal Oak, Ml 48068-0836. (810)399· 7741. PIJJ!ication: Cornerstone. Meets at Drayton Ave. PreWjterian Clurch, Fe<n<ll~. Sun, lll3.m., 7p.m. = g:g~~~":1'r~~~eMa.=:a_oo St NEM"" General ions Yoo1h Gratp meets Wed, ~m. at 1150 Griswold Ste. 29<ll'-. 496-0158 FERNDALE (810) Bethel Christian Assembi'y East PO Box 20193, 48220. 543-9545. be)helca@aol.com. An Al))Slolichurch for you. PastCJS Bruce and Phil., Aoller•Pletcher. FUNT (810) Dgnity, PO Box 585, 48501. . Redeemer MCC, 1665 N. Chevrolet Ave., 48504-3164. 238-6700. Sunday, 6p.m. Rev. Unda J. Stoner, pastor. P~: Sounds of Aedeeme,. FT. GRATIOT (610) All Sou~• Apoolol< Calhol< Churcti, 4653 Desmond Beach. 48059. ~J'i\~J(6~)s1Sun 1ta.m. Apostolic Assembfies of Our God Jesus Christ. PO Box 6935, 49546. 956-0!lJ9. llelhel:a@aol.com. Dgnity, PO 80< 1373, 49501. 454-9n9. Reconciliation MCC, PO Box 12£-9, 4.9501. 364·7633. KALAMAZOO (616) Phoenix Community Chwch, PO Box 2222, 49003-2222 381-3222, SLl'lday, ~.m. at UnitedCh11ch of Ctrisl. LANSING (517) Dglil'f, PO Bo< 1265, East Lansirg, 48826. Ecdesia, meets at People's Church, 200 W. Grand River. Sunday, 7:3Q:>.m. lntegily, rio All 5ainls Church, 800 Ablxltt Rd .. Easl Lansing 48823. WYANDOTTE (313) · Marta~le 0~ CalhooChrrc!\ 200310th St, 48192·4994. 28l·:ll82 Minnesota MARSHALL (507) L~he,a"' Coo:emed'lntegity, PO B"' 3013, 56258. (000)235-3708 MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (612) - Affirmation (Mormons), PO Box 3878, Minneapolis, 55403. 753- 3345. Allirmation (United Methodists). 101 E. Grant Sl, Minneapolis, 55403. 874-661a 87t,3585 . All Gods Children MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., -Minneapolis, 55407. 824-2673. Window of Wellness Counseling Genier offers p:>Sitive aflirming Chrisl!an counseling for homosexuals. Catholic Pastoral Committee. 1118 Farrington St., St. Paul, 55117- 4802. 3'»0018 Dig,ity, PO Box 3565, Min~aix,ltS, 55403. 827·3103 lnla;Jrity, do University Epsccpal Center, 317 17th Ave SE, Minneapd'is. 55414. 825-23)1. Judson Memorial Baphst, 4101 Harrie!Ave. So., Minn., 55409. 822- 0649. Dale K. Ecinoodson, pastor. A Welcoming and Afllrming Amercan Baptist congregation. Lulherars Com!rne<1100N. Oxlord SI., SI. Paul, 55104-5540. 866- 0041. Presbyterians fOf Lesbian and Gay Concerns, c/o Grace Trinity Church, 1430 W. 28th St. near Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. 884- 69:lS. Foorth Mon., 7:Xp.m. rvwhenn@wmtemetcan. Spirit of I~ Lakes Comm~nity Church, {UCC), 2930 13th Ave. S., Mitneapd•, 56407. 724-231a Sunclly, 11l3.m., Wed, 7p.m, Temple Baptist Churcit, 3100 Goumbus Ave., s, 55407. 823-{i268. Che~ Winch, Wek:ooring and Affinning Coogregalon con~cl. Trinity River Church, P.O. Box 8936, Minn, 55408. 870-89!:6. Services held al 1819 Ni:::ollet Ave. S. UCCl/GC, 134 W. 43rd'St, Mitneapdis, 55409. Universily ~!isl Chrrch, 1219 Universily Ave., SE, 55414. Nadean Bisl-ql, pastor. A Wek:ooring arxJAHinning Coigregalloo. Wi"gsjlln Minstry, 100 N. Oxfor(\ SI. Pall\ 55104. 224-3371. Mississippi JACKSON (001) Gayandle~nTask Force, POBox m7, 39284-ml . 3~10 . PhOeniK GoaliliOO, Inc., PO Bax 7737, 3921)>7737. 373-8610,939· 7181. Gounselitg seNials. Safe Halb:>r Famity Church, 2147 Henry Hm Dr., Ste. 203, 39204. 20CO. 961-9500. Rev. James H. Becker, pas!Df. Wkclay: 359-6004; Ew: 373-0917. SIil., f4).m. Missouri COLUMBIA(314) 3::1;~1~~j~~~~~;Jls~':a~~=1449"'.i,~16 KANSAS CITY AREA (816) Abking Peace Lulhe!an Church, !:090 NE Chouteau TraffJCWay, 64119. 452·1222 Cannglorpec:pleandcreaOOll. MaiyGerken, con• lad person. A Re<:oo.'.:iled in Chis! corgegalicrt. Affirmation (United ~lhooists), 5700 Virg'nia Ave., 64110.2855. Jlll,$2 . l3nt':i~i:,,o~~1~, ~~14J:7~i~1. 432-6l3l. LutreransCoro,med PO Box 413702. 64141. MCC, PO Box 10067, 64111®7. 931-0750. 3801 Wyancxtl!. MCC Johnson County, 12510 W. 62nd Ten., #100, Shawnee Missoo, 00216. (913)631-1164. New Jerusalem FellONsh" Ministries, PO Ba,c 10496, 64111. 753- 3134. ST. LOUIS AREA (314) Ag,pe Cl'<lrc!\ 'Zlr:RrArmand Pl., a3104-2214. 664-3588. ~~PO~~ffl-~~00 t120~manSt Montana BILLINGS(406) Famio/ of Goo MCC, 645 Ha.a rd fil101. 245-7006. Sundly, 11 a.m., ~eM';,~,406) Aflinnatoo(United fkll'KXlsls), 1COON. 17th Aw., 1129, f,fJ715. 586- 7438. ~=;~~ii!~':J. MX, PO Box 2162 59400. 771-1070. 15ffi . 17th Ave., SW, 59«l4. . Nebraska OMAHA(402) MCC, PO Box 3173-68103. 345-2563. 819 S. 22rxJSt PLGC, rioEvans, 3810131hSt,#22. 68107. 733-136). Nevada LASVEGAS(7T)2) MCC, 1119S. Main St, 89104-1026 364-2325. Mustard Seed Ministries, P.O. Box 70053, 89170. 26!1-1876. Sr. W. ~~·raJr MCC oltooSorra, POBO< 21192, 89515-1192 ~ New Hampshire FRANCESTOWN (603) PFLAG, 731 BENNINGTON RD., 030«3. lm0023. MANCHESTER (603) P-FLAG, PO Box 386, 03105. 623-6023. Monlho/ me,tings in Concad, Nashua, Stratham, Mcnadoock NASHUA (603) lnlegity, PO Box 412. 03l61. 882-5352 PORTSMOUTH (603) Jucith A. Palais, MSW, BCD, psychotherapist. Gay/lesbian OO!l)lesiirdviruas. «i1-1000. New Jersey ASBURY PARK (900) Dgnity, POBO<OOt. 07712 774-4031. ~t~:;'?~ ~:funner Eas~m ECCR, 103 Park V~w Ave , 07~7. 797-1866. JERSEY CITY (201) Chris! OurTeachef ECCR, 219 Fi'St St, #1,07302·2868. m-1094. ~fttft~~201) ~rw~,R~. ,~e;ts Church, 550 Rdgewocd Rd, 07040. 761-7321. Tre Oasis, Calt-edral Hoose, 24 Reeter St., 07102. 621-8151. NEW BRUNSWICK (908) ~g';~h~I: ~::1a~:1oU~~ 84&8227. PLGC, PO Box 38, 089o:l-0038. PLIJ: t/ore Light ll>Jale. SUSSEX (201) Tl'e l.o'ling Brolherhocd, PO Bo< 556, 07461. 875-4710. New Mexico ~ ALBUQUERQUE (505) Dignily, PO Box 27294, 87125._898-33«3. dgnil@swcp.com. Web si~: httpJ/W\wi.swcp.com/-dglrly. Emmaroel MCC, 341 Dalas NE. 268-0599. emccatQim@aol.com. Kinsh!). Sewnlh Day AdvenUsls, PO Box 26012. 87125. MCC, 2404 San Mateo Pl., NE, 87110. 881-9088. Rev. Dr. Fred C. Wi1!8ms, pastor. Sun., 1Da.m. River ol Life Heaing Miristries, 134 Quincy, NE, 87108. LAS CRUCES (505) Holy Family Parish o! the Evangalical Anglican Church in America, 1701 E. Missouri Ave., 88001. 522-7119. An inclusive p:1.rishq:ien to all Koinonia, 2162 D~ad:J Dr., 88011. 521·1490. Gay and lesbian spirit· ualitygr"'ll, SANTA FE (505) TreCalst>JConno::ticn, 551 W. c.oro:,,a, Sle. DIE. 87:01. 986-1794. New York ALBANY/CAPITAL AREA (518) Community of St. John Christian Orthooox Church, PO Box 9073. 12200. 346-0207. Fr. Herman. Ptb: Metaooia Dgiily, PO Box 11204, Lou<btvile, 12211-0204. 4:Ji.8646. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 Slate SI., Abany, 12210. 465-5161. . Roy A. Donkin, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Bai, 101 Congegation · lntegity, do Grace & Hofy' lnrooents, 498 Clintcri Ave., 12200. 455, 1112 L\jtlhouse Apoold< Church, PO Box 1391. Schenectac!;, 12301- 1~1. 372-8))1. Bro. W. H. Carey, pasi)f. MCC, 275Slale St , 12210. 785-7941. BUFFALO (716) Diglily, PO Box 75 ENM:ott Sin., 14205. 833-009~ lnllgity, rio Church ollhe Ascensicn, 16 LiMocd Ava, 14209. 884- 6362 Pink TriangE! Christian Felk:mshp, PO Box 7'Z2. Blicott Sin., 14205- 0722. 645-6971. PLIJ: Spirilworks. . GENEVA (315) PLGC, PO Box278, Dresd>~ 14441-0278. too-7753. UCCUGC, 333Argrl1re Dr., 14217·2417. fi/7-0459. HAMPTON BAYS (516) Good Shepherd AmerC8n Ca1hofic Church, P.O. 8()( 725, #10 Failh Dr., 11946. 723-2012 NEW YORK CITY AREA Bronx(71S) St AMS Clurch, 295 SI. Am's Ave., 10454. 585-6325. Broo~yn(71S) ~Z'~'ifn: R~~~3c.:,l!fi\~f~89-3447 Moniho/ we<sh~ First Unitarian Church, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Concerns Commitlee, :ll MlrYc.o Pt., 112l1. 814-.5400 Longlslard(516) . :.1\~.AIOS Care, Inc., PO Ba,: 2859, Hunting1on Sin., 11746. Crde ol More l.ig11. Box 203, Brookhawo, 1 H19-0m ~ gr,J;,.PO Bax 48, East Meao:,,v, 11554. 781-6225. Lesbian/gay Gay & Lesbian Unitarian UnM>raalisls, do UUF ol SIOOf Brook, PO ::iw;:~~h~ SheplerdChurch, PO Box 43(;, Central Isl~. 11722. m-0348. Rev. Msg. Robert J. Allman, pasla. Mannatt...W..,Yori(Clty•s(212) Axios: Eastern & Orthocb< Christiars, PO'BoxJ56, VITTag, Sin., :::/69·6211. SooondFriday, Jl).m .. GanmunilyCenler, 208W. BlessedVirginMaryMission, 123E.15St, 1C003.2'28-0698.Sun., 1:1fl).m. Ctristian Sderoe Grcx.p, rJo444 :i"dAve., #4, 10016. 532-8379. Dig,ily, PO Box 10280ld Cl'elsea Slrt, 10011. 818-1309. PLIJ: Ouf lool<. ~~ity,:,:' :' 1 ~e~o~~t· ~:.in~oo;1; Frank Rocco. rockl¥'@a~.com. Evangelicao Coro,rned 311 E. 72nd St, #IG c/o Dr. RaiJh B~ir, 10021. 517·3171. PLIJ: ROCO'c\ Revilw Gay &Lesbian Quakers, 15 Rulhertord Pl., 1CXXXl-3971. 475-0195, 979-0170. Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Oiscpes Alliance, c/oAllen Harris, 1453A Lexitg'OOAIO., 10128-2500.200-3l19. tnlegilylNewYO!I<, PO Box 'l.roSf, 10011. 691-7181. Episcqllliars; Wed,6:~ .m. Judson MemOOB.I Church, 55 Washing1oo Scμire So., 10012 477· 0351. Peter Laarman, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baplol ooogegalion. L85tian andG,1/CommunityServbes Center, Inc., 2()3 W. 13th SI., 10011. 62).7310. PLIJ: Center Stage, CenllrVcice. Madson Avenue ~list Church, 30East31stSl, 10016. 685-1377. Michael B. Easter1ing, pastor. A Welootning and Affirming American Baptist cong~lion. Maranatha: Rrversiders for lesbian/Gay Concerns, c/o Riversioo Clurch, 490 RM>raicll Dr., 10027. 222-f,fJOO. MCC, 208W. 131hSt, 10011. 242·1212 Suriday, 11l3.m. al 208W. 0 13Mt, 7p.m. al 135 w. 4th St PLGC, 740WestEndAw., 10025. 868-3580. Park Avenue Chrislian Churcti (DisciJ!es ol Chrol), I010Parl<Ave. at851h SI., 100?.8. 288-3246.A vbrant creatr.l'?, andcfversecorge- ro~ "'J:Z~ ~-e~:~rii~~~ t;~~288-324a Fo.rrthFriday, 7p.m. . Aive!D Church, 490 Riversid:l Dr., 10027. 222-5900. James Fort>~~ -stor. Welcoming & Attinning (ABC) arxJ Open & Atr,ming Rul!)'lrs Pres11{1erian Churcit, 236 W. 73rd St, 10023. 877-8227. SLl1day, 11a.m. f/ae Lg,! ctirrch Sevenlh-Day Advenlist Kinshp International. PO Box 20fil5, 10025. (718)662-1656. Templeo!Mracuous Perceptbn, 237W. 1oost, 10025. 222-2874. UCCUGC, cJo Craig Hoffman, 1453A Lexington Ave., 10128. 289· 3)16 Urily Felbws~ Church, PO Box 2708 1 ClXl8-2708 (718)636-5846. Waslingcn S(J.lare u~. 135 W. 4th st., 10012 m-'2f28. Wesl Pari( Pre!llyterian Chrrc!\ 165 w. 86thS1., 10024. 362·4al0. Q,-is(718) ?1~~:~~ ~:1~~r:3~~~:ox 4154, College Point, Unitarian Universalist Church, Lesb!an, Bisexual & Gay Concerns Ccmmittee, 147-54AshAve., Flusling, 11355. 353-3960. Westchester (914) lnlegrily, PO Bax 2038, While Plains, 1tffl2-2038. 949-«367. PLIJ: The Grapevill8. . NIAGARA FALLS (716) Oneness Apostolic Gospel Church, 1646 Niagara Ave., 14305. 234- 7044. Bro C. RolJerts, μ,stor. PLATTSBURGH (518) SI. Marys EcumenKl'!I Calhoic Cht.rcit, POBox 1fil, Chazy, 12921. 493-3272 (vcice and FAX), Rev. Fr. Michael R. Frost. Resource Guide Open Arms MCC, 302 Gocxinan St, N., Ste. 10, 14607·1153. 271·, 8478. PLGC, rio Certer, 111 Mibum SI., 14607-291& 271-7649. SYRACUSE (315) May Memorial Unitarian Universalists for Le~an & Gay Concerns, 38Xl E. Geressee St, 13214. 424-7628. ~:Yi~~: g~u:e,~ :e~~e!~~~55c 1~i2.RA1;~0~ : Shaoo Frarcis Beoecict pasi:lrs. UTICA(315) it~A~ ~:2· 1= 738-0599 itT~Aroo8r31~· 11793. 781-5942. St Anlhony ol Padua Ecumenical Calh~o Churcit, 539-«323. Fr. Tom Sterner. North Carolina ASHEVILLE (704) GanmurilyConoocloos, PO Box 18'.ll8, 28814. 258-3260. Newspaper for lhe Southern Awalachian ga~sbian cornmooity. MCC, PO Box 2359, 28832-ZlE!l. 259-3l55. CHARLOTTE (704) Cterlolte lnertailh NetHO!I< fer Gayfles!Jian E(!Jality, !ll45 Re<l'.lman Rd, //205, :13212-1004. -· Gamen E. Plinl, oonlaClμ,raon. Lutoorans COOcerned, PO Bax 9562. 28299. 334-2367. Pub: The C!arioo MCC, 4007 E. lndeper,daoo, BM!, lfl26, 28205-7375. 563-5810. Metroina Sw!cli:oard, PO Box 11144, 28220. 535-6277. N .. Life MX, PO Box 2214'.l4, 28222. 343-9070. GREENSBORO (910) ~=~~!~~,J~=~:r.6:_~-~~,Communion served at all services. ELGA ~~~~u~~:n::of~:~:.~~~: =~~~~-~ Wed., 7:Xp.m. Rev. Christine Oscar, pastor. HK:KORY (704) t.-0::, do Unitarian Church, 100 1111 Ave., NW, a3001. 324-196). r:!~iE,e~~ tL,.,. PO Box fil61, Rale\jt. 27650. 650- 938Q Dgnily, PO 80< 51129, Dumam, 27717-1129. 493-8269. ;~ 71-~~urch ol lhe Gocd Shlplerd, PO 80< 200?4, ~ig\ =ns Coro,med, PO Box 665, Ape~ 27532. 387-0824. Meeis it PFLAG Tr.iangle Chapter, P.O. Box 10644, Raoigt, 27005-0044. Rafe\jt: ®9325. Chapel Hill: 929-0192 Pullen fkmooal Baplist Church, 1801 Hilsborough SI., Raleig\ 27805. 8.!&0897. M. Mahan Siler, Jr., pasb". Aele\jt Relgous NelwO!I< for Gay and Lesbian E(!Jalily, PO Box f,961, 27®5861. 781-2525. St Joh~s MCC., PO Box 5826, Raeigt, 27650. 834-2611. Suriday, 1ta.m., 7:1fl).m., 805Ge,,.,,.,o;Ave. TriangEI lesbian & Gay Concerns, do Unitarian Fello.Yship, 3313 Wade Ave., Rare;gt, 27007. 834-3332. WILMINGTON (910) ~:hwo.r?r:\1:u~~:~~:bia~ :x:Syorrt~ 675-9222 St. Jude's MCC, 4326 Market SI., Ste. 170, 28403. Sanctuary: &J7 Castle St 76'1·5833. WINSTON-SALEM (910) Lesbian & Gay Concerns Task Fbrce, Unitaran Universa!ist Fe!lows~ 2B73 Rcmhocd Rd, 27100. 723-7633. Pieanonl Relgous NelwO!I< lor Gay and Lesoon E(!Jalily. PO Box 15104, 27113-0104. (919)7fiHl:ll1. Ohio AKRON(330) MCC, 1215 Kenn-ae BM!. 44314. 745-5157. PLIJ: Beacon ol Ligtl. Cascade Community Church, 1100'1196 Inman SI., 4«306. 773- 5298. Srmay, 2().m. PLIJ: Gascade News~tter. Lutherans COOcemed PO Box 67114, Cuyahoga Falls, 44222. 92& 0041. ATHENS (614) UCCI.JGC, 18 N. Colle9:l SI., 45701. 593-7301. Also United Campus Minis!JY a~ Ohio University, an affirming place for lesbigay students. JanGres1rgir, cirec!or. ~~~~~~mlowship Church, PO Box 35604, 44735-5604. 376- 87:>S CINCINNATI (513) Dig,ily, PO Box 91D, 45202 (rol)581-9014. lnteg,ly, 4905Cha~t Dr., #11, 45217-1445. 242-7297. ~~~'.:1~~~/Jr~~t=hA~~3 0~~:~i~t:e~ .a~~1~: ~e~~'t'~tmlisterSI., 45219. 241-8'216. P\b: Visims. CLEVELAND (440) A Common Bond. POBox9185.1, 44101.Je,hwah's Witnesses. Cl'<Jrch of the Redlemer Urited Mellxxist 2420 So. Taylor Rd., Covetand Hts., 44118. 932.:,m;, A Recoo:ilirg CongregalKlO Dgiily, PO 80< 91697, 44101. 531-44ro. Emmanuel MCC, 10034 LOJain Ave., 44111-5429. 651-0129. Sunday, 1Q45am. Plil: GooJ Nev.s PLGC, 841 Englm>oc\ 44121. 382-0507. COLUMBUS (614) Chrisl Unilld Evang,IKl'll Ch•,rch, PO Box 141264, 43214. 297-6317. Evangeli:als Cooce,ood PO Bo< 300491, 43236. 235-GA YS. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer, 43214. 267• 4946 Surday, 11,.m. Frimds !or Lesbian & GayConoorns (Quakers), 488-2096 Gay Men's Si.w:>rt Gr<X4), c/o Newman Center, 64 w. Lane Ave., 43201. 291""67,. MCC, PO Box 100l9, 43201-0509. 294-3026. 1253 N. Hgt SI. Su~ day, 10:31l3.m. PLIJ: The Beacon News Spirit of the Rivers Community Church, PO Box 1033.3, 43201. 486- lffl . · SilnEwal Unm Repc,ls, Box 10814, 43201·7814. 299.7754_ UCCUGC, 294-9970, 488-2096 DAYTDN(937) POUGHKEEPSIE (914) . Dgnilynnlegrily, PO Box 358, L.agangevile, 12540-0356. 724-3209. ROCHESTER (716) Commu~lyGospelChurch, PO Box 1634, 45401. 252-8655. S~ril l1lted, Christ centered. Meets Thurs., Sp.m., Sun. lOa.m. al 546 j Xeria Ave., DaytcnSamuel Kader, pasta. · Pfcity,~~S:0~~7.-~40311630 E 51h SI. Sun .. Community Christian Fello.Yship, PO Box 68005, 14618. 234-9776. A place ol pra,yer, praise and Bi:>le sttrlj for gay and !esbi.an Evan- 8'~n~);~i'.i7 S. Fltzhajt St , 1it614. 352-2170. Lake Avenue Baptist Church, 57 Ambrose St., 14608. 458-5765. Peter Carman, pastor. A Wei:::oming and Artirming American Baptist coogregalion. The EmptyCbset, 179 Atlantic Ave., 14607·1255. New Yak State's oldest gi;y/lesbian newspaper. 1o:3lam. GRANVILLE (614) Firs! Bapt~t Church, 115 W. Broact.vay, 43023-1179. 587-0336. George WHliamsoo, Jr., pastor. A Wek:oming and Affirming Ameri• can Baplisl Congegalloo. LIMA (419) Most Holy Redeemer Ecumenical Catholic Church, 'Zl.8-7344. Fr. , Jimmy Tabler. PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APR IL. 199 7 MANSFIELD(4 19) Centerf or PastoraCl are,3 160G errrianC hurchR d, 449047. 56- cJTl, T/4-5377F. AX7 749805S. undayn turgy1, 0:1sa.mP.a storal ~Ff~t~)~a.t~ s i;=G~ E::gx(~~ 4407~7. 7.75-3341. CommuniCtyh urcho f Truth,P OB ox.30054,5 501-3(()352. 5-7691. PresentinDgi i.inem etaphysicasn dp !'acticaClh ristianity. TOLEDO(4 19) D!)llity,P OB O<1 3884, 30032. 42-9<:67. lnlegity,r JoS t Mlr~s ChlXcil',2 272C oling,,ooBdl vd,4 35202. 44- 3707. tveC, GOOSOa maritaPn arish7, '2!WJ . DelawarAev e.,4 36202. 44- 2124. Surday, 11a.m. OKLAHOMCAI TY( 40S) . Church~C hr'sfti , GaysP, OB ox7 54817, 31475. 28-8417. D91ityflnllgityP, OB o<2 54737, 31257. 55-9175. Fr~ndsM eelilg( Quaker.;3),1 2S E2 5thS t.,7 31296. 32-75746,3 1· 4T74. HolyT rinityE cumenicaCl atholicC hurchP, O Box 254257, 312.5 942-33"3F4r. . RaflOL/ yd,. TULSA(9 18) Dg,itynnteg"itPyO, B o<1 2717, 4101-127219.8 -<1648. MCCP, OBox41877,4 1!ll.8 38-17151.6 23N~. wood SI. JeromeE cumenicaCl atholicC hurch7, 42-7122F r. RickH dlingsworthic. k raOflnja@aol.csotmar,i ott@aol.com. ,o'regon EUGENE(5 41) Clrl!!J'I&L aityCooce~ 458BlairBlvd9, 74024 85-1755 .MCC,1 414K incaidS t, 97401-373374. 5-!ll63.S urid;!y~, .m. at FirstC ongegatiOflCalh urc,h conoonC hapel2, 3rd& "HarrisS ts. Pl.t>C: anrnonG rool'KRi ev.M arg..1eSr~Cer cg;jep,a sk:>r. PORTLAN(D50 3) Affinnaiirn(U nited~ lhodsts), PO8 o( 1a5739,7 2122. 34-8854. ~J1r~J::.Ssi~t~~ig:ia~a&~ LesbianP r(XJ"am, Dgiity, PO8 0<6 7069. 7228-670261.5 -1868. Ewngel<aiCs oocemed,P OB o<4 07419,7 240-074213. 2-7451. lnte!)"ityr.J oA FSC,2 249E . BurnsKJ9e7, 2147. 74-1064P. lb: St Ae!redsM essenger. LifeC enter- A ministryo l the Potte(sH ouse3. 830S E 62nd St, 97219. PO Box 06545,9 7286. 775-5024S. un_,. 9:30a.m.B, ille school,1 0:301m. ., washp.W ed.,7 p.m.B, blestudj. Me!anosP eaceC ommll1ityUM2C1, 16NE1 8thA ve.,9 7212-4600. 281.Ja7l. MCC1. 544N E2 4th9, 72322. 81-8868. ReachOut(lF ormeJr el1C'lahW'si tnesses)P, OB ox1 173C, tacl<amas9, 7015. SisterS~nPt O Box9 2459, 72072. 94-0645P.l b: S~ritedW omen ROSEBURG(5 03) MOCP. .O.B ox4 55O ilardO. R9 7432-04.5 5 SALEM(5 03) . D!l<lioP/O, 8 0<5 32,9 730.8 363-<XXl5. SweeSt ~n1M CCP, OB rn<13 9699, 73093, 63-6618.141012Stth. SE. fi.lTOONA (814) Gay,L esbia&n BisexuaSl pirituaFl elloHship1,8 058 thA ve.,1 6602. 949·585. 2POOR: ecoociialioo ELWYN(6 10) PilgrimF el_lowsChi~pr ch, P.O.B ox4 306.1 906.3 237-1367fv. lteets Sun.a t Ph1laCE~Aian μ,rtC crnforItn n. ERIE{814) lnt€gfifyolNcr1hwestPen1n3.4, W.7 1hSI.1, 6001·100747.4 -0903. GLENR OCK(7 17) EcumenicCaal 1hohCch urch2, 35-6937R.i ckN arec, ontocpt erson. HAMLIN (717/ DzyiityP, O8 0<3 79,1 8472. 8291-341. KARRSIBURG(7 17) Oir,nityf'{, J Box~ 7 FeOOlS"aqlu areS tn.,1 7108. ~c 01t he Spirit,P O Box 11543,1 71082. 36-7387P. ub:S pirit 1Nings LEM!GHVA LLEY(6 10) · GraceC ovenantFelkmsh2i4p7, N. 1D!hSI.A, llenkmn1, ~1027. 41} 0247.S unda,y 10:45am. . BryonR ooe,p as\DfT. homR itter,m usic 1rnnis1Seer.r Jingt heL ehgl Valley. lnteciriy,P OB ox5 181B, ettiehern1,0 015-518715.8 -0042 MCCo l the LehtJhV aloy,P .O.B ox3 05,A lontown1, 8105-0305. 4$-8755.S unmy~, .m. at UritariaCn hu!Ch4,2 4C en\eSr I.,B eU"Me· hem. Pub: ValeyStar. PHILADELPHIA (215) Ogity. POB oxS l348,1 910!i5 46-2093P. ubT: heI OOE!">ndence. EvargelicaClso ncerne8d8, 5-Z:92 Aeg.i!amr onthlmy eellrgs. lntegi'}. do Ho!,TnnityChLXc1i0l,0 4W aiiutSl, 191033.8 2-0794. MCC,P OB ox8 174,1 9101-817546. 3-6601S.u ooay7,p .m.a t 2125· CJ.estoSot Pub;T heB el Anger. UCCUGCP,O B ox6 3151, 91397.2 4-1247. UnitarianU niversaliCsth urchS, tentooA ve.& GorgasL n., 19150. 247-2561. Some ministries may have moved or closed. We _are not able to keep current information on ministries that do not subscribe to Second Stone. If you reach a phone number that has been disconnected or if you get returned mail, please let us know : P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 secstone@aol.com PITMAN(7 17) ChrislianbruKnnlo sterR, D1 , BOX1 46,1 ~. Gayharmooisls. PITTSBURG(4H1 2) Affirmatio(oU niledtl elh<dsts), Box1 01041,5 232-010648. 3-5526. DgnityP, O Bo<3 621. 523.0 362-4'334. ln1eg"itPy,O B ox5 6191, 5207-001492.1 '8747. L~toransC ooaamePdO. B ox8 18831, 5217-Cll6562.1 -7.746. MCC4, 836E 8sl'<lrtAhI O.,1 52136. 83-2194. PLGCP, OB ox=, 15224-0022. WAYNE(610) CentraBl aptistC hurchP, .O. Box3 09, 190876. 88-0664M. arcus Pomeroyp, astor. MarciaB ailey,c o-pastorA. Wek:ominga nd Affirmin;A;im erica~B aJ:KCiso!n gegation. PROVIDENC(4E0 1) Diglity,P O8 0<2 231P, awtleke0t,2 0017. .27-'Jl57. St. Peter's& St Ani:few'sE pisccpalC hurch2, 5 PomcooA ve., 02903-525257. 2-9649R. ev.J anN unleyr,e clora ndc o-convenofr l~o1!~rw;~:': ~: ~:;~~=~~;: ~~: AIDSm inistryS. e hablaE spano. l UCCVGC1. 5 OakA ve.,R M>rsoeG ongegationCath urch0, 2915. 43!-2009. $au.th Carolina CHARLESTO(0N0 3) MCC2, 010H awthorreD r., #10, 214187. 47-67"3M. aryM . Moore, pasta. COLUMBIA(003) Lu1heranCso oce~ POB rn8<8 28,2 9202-882783. 8-1899M. eets at 728P k:keoSst onu se camll)S. MCCC olumbiaP, .O.B rn8<7 53,2 92022 66-2154M. eetsa t 1111 BelteviewSl,#2. GREEN\/lLL(E8 64) MCC,P O Box6 322,2 9606-63222 33-0919S. un.. 7p.m. at 37 E. HillcfestR. ev.M ickH insonp, astOf. ~outh Dakota LAKEP RESTO(N6 05) UCCVGCR, t.1 , 80<7 ~ 5724.9 847-462. 3 SIOUXF ALLS( 605) St Franci&s Sl ClareM CC,P OB ox. l16,5 7101-026363. 2-3966. ;Tennessee CHATTANOOG(4A23 ) IntegrityP, OB ox4 9563, 74007. :6-1225. JoyfulS oundC hrislianF elloNshμC hurchP, O Box 8500,3 7414. 629-0887R. ev.. C ll.lckD . Thom!J30p0a, storS. un.~, .m, at the Un~ tarianU nMlrsallsCt hurdi,3 224N avajoD r. MCCP, OB ox801833, 7411~. 2138. Sun.7, p.ma. t3224N avajo JOHNSOCNI TY( 615) MOCc l theT ri C!"'5, POB ox1 6123, 7005-161922. 6-43l3. KNOXVILL(E4 23) MCCP, OB rn2<3 433, 7901-234532. 1-6546. •MEMPHIS(9 01) Hoty~ ri~ityC ommunitCy hurch1, 55.9t. 4.aClso3n8,1 047. 26-9443. Procla1mmGgo o'slc Neio r a!Ip ecf)le. Integrityc /oC atvaryE piscq)aCl hurc,h 102N . 2ndS t., 381005. 25- ffiQ NASHVLILE( 615) Alfirmatrn( UmtedM ethedists2)5, 4-7628. ~°?;~eade CoogegationaCl hu.crh, 700 BresslynR d. . 37208. DaysprinCg hristianF ellcwshipP, O Box6 80733, 7206-807'3l..2 7- 3231M. aetsa t EastE ndU MC,1 3tha ridH o~. . ~ 1J~~~r.C°31e~:'.~u~ i~8~ _88Z23. 72'213. 27•4551 lntegri!VP,O ~ 1211723,7 212-11732. 3J.7509. MCCP, o Box~ . 37206-040205. 9-3692M. eetsa t FirstU nitarianC h.uch1,O C6W oocinonBtM '.i. Rejck,al ridB e Gia~G atholcs6. 46-5163. StmewafM isslooC '(JIJrc2l6\ 9-340. 0Mee1ast 700B enySt. ABILENE (915) Covenanotf Hqje CommunitCy hurch1, 342N o.4 thS t., P.O.B ox 2961, 79004. oT7•79$. Sun.,.11a.m. ~ ExOCUM3X , PO Box2 473,7 9E046. 72·7922r ol WalnuSt t , AMARILLO (806) MCCP. OB ox1 2767, 9Hl53. n,4557_2 123S.P o!<S t. ARLINGTO(N81 7) 1t1,t~J~ TrumanS t..7 S'.l112.f :l5-&15S4u. n, 10:45.am. Affumatton( United fviiethcdist·s7)4, 03S hoalC reekB lvd., 78757. 451-2329. All SaintsE cumenic.Ca.aI lholicC hurc,h P.O. Box9 1597, 78700• 1597.2 80-9151T. he Rev. RobertD . Hall. !rrcbert@aol.com, dotleiba@aol.com. Z\%~~.1~~~~am \· JoanW akefordM inistriesI,n c.,9 401 Grousetv lead::lLwn. • 78758-- 6348.1!35-?.354. CORPUCS HRISn( 512) MCC1, 315C ra~S t., 78404-333808. 2-8225S. un.,1 0a.m.W, ed, 7:30.;m> . UALLASIFORWTO RTHA REA( 214) Affirmatio(nU nitedM ethcdsts),B ox4 8382W, atauga7,6 "148-0382 (817)656-0056. Affirmation(U nitedM ethcdists)P, O Box 191021,D allas,7 5219. 528-491a AgapeM CC,P O Box 15247F, ort Worth,7 6119-0247(8. 17)535- 50024 515SEL oop820S. un, 9a.m.1, 1a.mA. Qill'!N ews. Cathed:aol f Hq,e MCC,5 910G edsrS pringsR d.,D al~s,7 5235. 351-1901. Slll.,9am., 11a.m. Dgiity, PO Box1 90133D, alas,7 521!>013232. 6-4101. 8~¥,i:3c!n~~J;~,:~:J:1::-=s. 75204. 827•5088". Ah ome!o re veryh eart"s ervingth eD allasle sbiana nd 'J1Yco mmurityfe r1 8~ ars. · Hooesty/fexaPs.,O .B a1<9 000)G, alas7, 52195. 21-534Zex t 23:l Gaya ridl es!lianB aptists. · lntegil/, PO8 "' 190351D, atras7,5 219{Xl5~11. 2 SiontH arwsMt irisl!iesP,O Bo<1 9<:61715, 219-05.1 512(f6655. Whle RoelC< ommuniCtyh urcn7, 22TennisoMn emoriaRld , 75223. 320-0043F. AX,3 ro0098. Sun, 9:30!.m.1, 1a.mR. evJ. erryC ook. paste,. DENTON(8 17) Harvest MCC, 5900 S. Slemmons, 76205. 497-4020. Sun., 10::ni.m.,€1>.m. PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE MARCH/APRIL, 1997 •·• Resource Guide EL PASO (915) MOC9, 82!M1 oo~na7, 99255. 91-4155S.l X.I. 6p.m.W, ed,7 p.m. HOUSTO(N7 13) CommunitGy ospel Church,5 01E . 18tha t Cotum~a8. 80-9235. Sun.,1 1~.mC. hrisC hies,p asbr. Dawno f FaithM CC,1 0319S aga)OfDli;r .,n (J"j9-2f11979. 1-6700. DignityP, O Box6 6821,7 7266-68218.8 0-2872S. at, 7:3(\).m.a t 1:Il7Yate,#H. First_ UnitariaUnn iversaliCsth urchG, ay/Lesbi,Tana skF ome,5 2)() FannnS L,7 .7004-589592.6 -5200. HoustonM issionC hurchP, O Box1 633M arshal7l,7 C1£5)2. 9·8225. Soo.1, 03:8.m.R ev.R d::erLt Carterp, aster. ln1egntyP, O Box 6€008,7 7266-6008.4 32-0414P. lb: Mar!Jnal Notes. Kilgloo1C 001murityChu,r 6c1h4E . 19thS t., 7.7008.8 2-75337.4 8- 62i1. Slit., 11a.m. MOColtheResllrectio1n9, 190er:allJ7',. 7007-7o/0/30.1 -914P9.i .I,: Too Good News St RaphaeEl cumenicaCl atholicC hurch8, 90-617D. eaconG ary Wheat sk)llorg830@ad.oom. LONGVIEW(9 03) ChurchW i1hAV isionM CC,P OB ox1 2877, 5606-128775. 3-1501. S111m.,, .m. at 42l E.c onoSot LUBBOC(K8 06) MCC,5 5013 4thS I., 7940.7 792·5562S. un.,1 1a.m., 7p.m.R ev. ReriaeP tillipsp, astOfP. LOV: ision. LesbiantGaAyl lianceI,n c. PO Box6 4746,7 9464.4· 746. 791-4499. Pti):L arnbcTil imes MIDLAND(9 15) HolyT rinityc ommunityC hurch1, 007S . Main,7 9701.5 70-4822. RevG. lem E. Hammetpt,a stor. SANA NTONIO(2 10) MCC1, 136W .W ooda111718,2 017..3 4-004a RM>rCi1yLNi1gChu2rc!:he,H dord,7 82127 34-037.7. TYLER(903) St. GabrieCl ommunitCyh urch1, 3904CountyR1d9. 3, 757035. 81- 6923.P astoDr oonaA . Can-.,,ell. WACO(817) MCCP, O BoxZl'.J437,6 7127 52-5331. WICHITAFALLS(817) ' MCC1, 40726thS3t 22-4100. 'i:Jtah LOGAN(0 01) . MCCP, OB ox42858, 43237. 50-~. Sun., 11a.m ~~!.c~It6~~~~ ~82J3 s:. 6c00, E ,8 4102-350579 6-0052 :vJrmont BURLINGTO(0N0 2) Di:lnity3. QueensbuRryd .,0 5400-5752. MCCP, OB ox2 0100, 54078. 99-4442. Unitarian Universalists !or Gay& LesbianC oncern, s152P earSl 1., C64016. 82.-5630. MONTPELIE(R8 02) lntegty,r JoC IYisEt psccpaCl hLrc,h 64 StateS L,0 5€02-2333. ~r ginia ' ALEXANDR(I7A0 3) Affrimation(M a"monsP).O B ox1 93342, 232').933842. 8-3006. St. CyrirsE asternC IYistiaFne !loHshp0,0 38R K;hmooHdW .J, #301. 2ZD3.3 29-7896B.y zantioCo hristiacno mmooity. ARLINGTO(N70 3) Dgiity, PO Bo<1 00372, 22109. 12-1682. FALLSC HURCH(7 03) Affirmatio(nW .«mornP),O B ox1 93342, 2320-933B43. 006. ~~ 1: ~~~~i•u~6a~oo~92. Sun.,f p.m. at FairfaxU niTelai Minfltrise (BaptistsP), O &l< 33902, 2043.5 8J.26&l. FREDERICKSBU(R54G0 ) Campus ChristianC ommuni,t y1213D andridgeS t., 22401 373- 9255. NORFOLK(757) Dgiity,P O8 0<4 34,2 35016. 15-5337. NewU te MCC,P O Box1 026,2 3501-102865. 5-84501. 530John· storisR d.S lll., 10:3Cll..m. S ::J:1).,m Wed, 7:Jql.m.a t 1530Joh~ s'ionsRd. . UnitariaUn ntversalisftosr lesbian& GayC oncerns7,3 9Y armouth St, 2'35106.2 7-5371S.u n.,1 1a.m · RICHMON(O00 4) Affirmatio(nU nitedM elhoosts),P O Box2 5615,2 3260-56157.4 & 7ZT97. 00 W. FrankliSn t DgiitylintegrityP,O &l< 52072. 3220~. 140. WCC2, 501P a~A ve.. 232203. 53-947.7. ROANOK(E5 40) BlueR ~ LambdlP ressP, O8 (1>(2 37.2 4002.8 90-3184 Lesbian& GayC atholics& EpisccpalianPs,O Box4 163,2 <1015. 7.74«68. MCCo f the BlueR k1g,,P O Box2 04952, 4018.3 66·0839S. un.. 3p.m. at UnitariaCn hurch,2 015G raocinA d SW.P ub:B lueR id'Je • Banner. VIRGINIAB EACH(8 04) A« GodsC hilcienC ommunitCy hurch4, 85S . lrKEpendencBelv d, #1(1!,23452.499-7096 WILLIAMSBUR(lGll4 ) Foundationasl StoneM inis1rie1s4, 9N elsonD r. • 231852. 29-0832. Te achirgs, eminarsre, treatsr,e vivals. HeavenT'sa blelandC hurchP, .O. Box2 674,2 31877. 78-9224R. ev. Act!!leL Barr,p astorM. eetsS un. Bol.ndarSyt Lbraiya t 1: Z<pl .m Some area codes have changed. We have updated the Resource Guide with new area codes assigned by the phone company. If you get a wrong number, please let us know: P.O, Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 secstone@aol.com Washington BELLINGHAM ArY,leisAmongMUsC CP, .O.B ox4 3899, 8227-4300. EVERETT NewC reatbnM CC1, 112429th DrS E,9 &:US-5228. FEDEAAWL AY( 205) Spirito f the SoundA, ministryo f WaysoeU CC,2 000 SW Dash ~:1Rd FirstS un.,6 p.m.8 58-8345.R ev.C alherynC ummings• MOUNTV ERNON(2 06) MCCP, OB o<2 ':5T7S, ean~9, 81023. 25-6775 OLYMPIA (360) E1emaLli g,t MCC2, 07N .W ashi1g!J9rl8, 501 RICHLAND(509• ) m1ero f Lie MCCP, O Box1 8789, 9352-CW5J4. 4-9689. ShalomU CC,5 05M cMurray9,9 352 943-3927O. pena rida ttirming coog . SEATTLE(2 06) Affirmatio(nM ormonsP),O Box2 3223,9 81028 20-5729P. ub:T he OpenClooel Affirmatio(nU nledM ethodist,s 2)115N .4 2009, 8103. CompanisM, iSsioWn orkersfo r Seattle1, 111H arvardA ve.,9 8122. =:J~il.f~W'er~~A, 531113lhAve . S. 763•2469. Sun., 7p.m. Bp. Paul David C. Strong, pastor. . h11p1-""W.malM!o.comJhol;,.C!OSsl Dg,ity,B ox203259,8 1!2-1325~. 7314 . Evafg:!licalCs oo:::erne7d8,1 -6754. GraceG ospeCl hapel2, 052 NW6 4thS t., 981077. 84-8495S.u n.. 11a.m.7, ~m., Wed,7 ::J:1).mJe. rryL achnaJ, X!stor. IntegrityP, OB ox2 0063,9 81025 25-4838. MCC1, 2!:eE PikeS t, !'930,9 81223 25-2421R.e v.C henL Starchman, p astDfC. al!f or serviceti mesa ndl ocations OW!lal<MeC CP, OB ox6 61ZB elevoo9. 00JB8. 8&-041142. 700S E 32n:JSl SeatlleF irstB aptisCt hurch,1 11H arvardA ve.,9 8122. 325-6051. Acd"!eRy . Romneyp,a stor. SeattleG ay-New7s0, 4E . Pike,9 81223 24-429. 7 UCCUGC;31718thAvEe.1 . 4,9 8112-513'52Z !-'31Zl. Uritarianle sbians& Gays,6 5563 5thA ve.N E,9 81154. 83-0345. UniversityB aptistC hurch4, 554 12th Ave.,S E, 981056. 32-5188. AnneH all,a ssociatep asto.r A Welcoming & AffirmingA merican BaptisCt ongeg1aion. SPOKAN(E5 m) . Affirmation(U nitedM ethoosts)3, N. 9th St.. Cheney9, 9C042. 99· 2500. Emmanua~l. PO Box7 69,9 92108. 38-008.5 Sun.,f 0:30a.rn., 7p.ma. t'JJ7W.4 thA ve. Unita,iaCn hurch3,? 1W . 8th,9 92:146.2 4-4002. TACOMA(2 06) H1looeC omm1J1ityCh\J2r5c0h8,S . Jllh St.,9 84094. 75-ZJW MCC2, 150S. CushmaAnl <., 98405-34382. 72-2382 VANCOUVE(R20 6) MOCo f tooG entleS heJt]erdP.O s o·x5 094.9 8838.2 53-8401. ~st Virginia , MORGANTOWN ():)4) FreeoomF elk>YshPipO, B ox1 5522, 6505.2 12-7.784. ro\iisconsin • , FOXV ALLEY(4 14) ~?oJ:C'/Jf' 608 ~, PO8 0<6 72.G reenB ay,: fl(l5. j9&0088. FirstB aptisCt htrch,5 18N orthF rankliAn ve.• 537052. 33-1880A.l an Newtona, ssooia)ep astor.A Welcominga nd AffirmingA merican Baptisct ongegalioo. lntegity/Diglity, PO Box 730, 5.17018. 36-88861. 001U niversity Ave. Of Alike Mn<(P OBO<0 0215. 3716-B'..l 22155-5092 MILWAUKEE (414) D\)nityP, O8 0<! ll7, 53201.4 44-717.7. Lu1ooraCnso ocerredP. OB ox1 6765. 3201-167465. 1-9663. !vlAPS piilua.C! areP, O Box9 2505,5 3202.2 73-1991. MCCP, OB ox1 4215, 3201-142313. 2-9995. St. CamillusH IV/AIDSM inis1ry1,0 f01W . Wisconisn Ave.,5 3226. 2o9-4664 . UnitedH IVS erii:es,1 0100W . B!uemounRdd ,. 532262. 59-4610. Become a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your community. National News Gay oonner not weloome at chUICh hosting consecration By Ron Goldwyn The Philadelphia Daily News PHILADELPHIA · A dispute over displaying the banner of a gay· lesbian Episcopalian group has the pastor of a North Philadelphia meg· achurch and leaders of the Episcopal diocese regretting they ever crossed paths. The incident left Episcopal leaders angry enough to say they probably ·would not have rented Deliverance Evangelistic Church for the consecra• lion of their newly elected bishop on Feb. 22 if they'd known gays and les• bians were unwelcome. The Rev. Benjamin Smith, who con· fiscated the banner of the gay group, Integrity /Philadelphia, said that if he had known about Episcopalian beliefs, he "absolutely" would have voided the rental to "people who embrace . people who are the anti• Christ." • "We were not aware of the fact they were having some kind of gay celebration, that gay people were involved in their service, " Smith said. "I did not know they embraced gays as believers. I thought it was a regular Christian Christ-honoring service. 11 Deliverance is nondenominational, often rented or offered free for revivals and city-suburban fellowship events, said Smith. The pre• dominantly African-American church has about 6,500 members and about 4,000 worshipers each Sunday in its 5, 100-seat sanctuary . Paul. Ryker, convener of the Integrity chapter, planned to carry the Appeals court rejects benefits claim by gay Rutgers f acuity TRENTON, N.J. · A state appeals court unanimously rejected a claim by gay staff members at Rutgers University that their health benefits should cover their domestic partners. Two of the three judges said March 12 they found the ruling distasteful, but the panel said the state 's anti· discrimination law does not apply to employee benefit plans, including those run by the stale or by local gov· emments. One of the judges suggested the law should be changed. The case was brnught by a Rutgers dean and four current or former professors, who are covered by the State Health Benefits Plan. Their lawyers argued that the refusal of Rutgers and the state to cover the employees' gay partners violated dis crimination laws, a 1991 executive order banning discrimination against gays and lesbians, and the state Con· stitution's requirement of equ .al treatment. They argued that it was improper to give different · levels of compensa• tic,n, including benefits, to people who are married and to people who are not. The staffers had longtime relationships with their partners ranging from 14 to 21 years, according to the court opinion. One of the plaintiffs, James D. Anderson, associate dean in the School of Communicallon, Informa· tion and Library Studies, said he and his partner have been together 25 years. For him, the denial of benefits costs him roughly $4,500 annually, but "means my relationship is den· igrated." Anderson, who is also an official of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, predicted that · the ruling would be appealed to the (state) Supreme Court. Lawyers for the faculty members said unmarried heterosexual couples _!:an·get a higher level -of comp.ensa• lion by getting married, but that gay men and lesbian women are denied access to this remedy . Appeals Judge Thomas Shebeli wrote the state benefits plan was set up in 1961 when "the meaning of the term 'spouse' was so clear that Legis• lative intent .is found by merely reading the plain languag e of the act." "We recognize that in recent years, in a variety of contexts, our courts have considered the changing notions of 'family' when deciding whether cohabitants, both heterosexual and homosexual, should be treated as dependents or family," Shebeli wrote. "However, in dealing with sta(,4· tory and contract interpretation, we have not been disposed to expanding plain language to fit more contempo· rary views of family and intimate relationships," the judge wrote. Shebeli said the marriage require· ment in the benefits plan does not con· stitute discrimination against gay couples because there are others who cannot get married or who are excluded from benefits. "Cousin s, parents, ·children over 23 years of age, siblings, or anyone related too closely by blood, including those people legally married to another, cannot qualify for benefits because of the marriage requirement, SEE INSURANCE, Page 28 banner among 50 churches, schools and other groups in an opening processional. Ryker got his banner back after the service, which he and other Integrity members attended . In fact, the issue was unknown to about 4,000 worship· · ers gathered for the emotional two-hour rite elevating the Rev. Charles E. Bennison Jr. lo the title of bishop coadjutor of · the Pennsylvania Diocese . Bennison, 53, will not assume the top post for about a year. Bishop Allen L. Bartletf Jr., leader of the diocese of Pennsylvania • 162 congregations and 65,000 members in the city and four surrounding counties • plans to retire in 1998. Bennison favors ordaining gay and lesbian priests and blessing same--sex unions, supports the ordination of women and advocates a stronger church presence in the inner city and minority communities. He was a pro• fessor at Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., before "wi-nnfng election as Philadelphia's bishop in November over four other candidates. "We had .no idea it was an issue for them," Bennison said. "Gay and lesbian people are such a part of our life, it was a nonissue from our perspec• tive. Perhaps for them it was unthinkable . .. we would have gays and lesbians publicly present." The flap began long before most worshipers reached Deliverance. Smith said he spotted the banner • it reads, "Integrity /Philadelphia, Gay and Lesbian Episcopalians and its friends" · Friday night · among others in the lobby. He said he ordered it put away, but never came lo the church al all Saturday, · although he was listed as a welcom• ing speaker. Ryker said that when he arriveJ Saturday, he could not find the ban• ner. He was told by a pastor that the banner was "locked away" and wot. . be returned after the service. Aiaooma Episcoμilians omit sexu:--· ality in fonnal {X)Sition on rnaniag~ BIRMINGHAM, Ala . (AP) - The continue to dialogtte:» "'·' . Episcopal Diocese of Alabama failed After long debate, the p.hras¢.: to reach a conclusion about its posi· "sexua l intimacy finds its fuU~j lion on homosexuality following a expression in holy matrimony "'·•~ ; long debate over the marriage plank deleted from the platform·. . · , of the church platform. During the debate, such substitute The platform that was eventually terms as "genital sexual intimacy" adopted affirms the church's belief and "intercourse" were suggested and in the sanctity of marriage but makes voted down before the whole phrase no mention of sexuality. Several was finally dropped. diocese members said the marriage The final statement quoted the debate was an effort to clarify the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer's church's position on homosexuality. •·-. descriptions of the holiness of mar• "It was weakened a bit," said the riage; then .affirmed "the sanctity of Rev. Coleman Tyler, rector of Christ holy matrimony as a faithful, monog· the Redeemer Episcopal Church in amous marriage between a man and a Montgomery, which submiUed the woman." original resolution. "Any mention of Leaders of Christ the Redeemer sexuality was taken out." Church said the resolution affirming T 11e diocese, which .r!!presents the sanctity of marriage wasn't 30,000 members in 89 churches, con· intended as criticism of homosexuali· eluded its three--day convention Feb. ty. · 15 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in "It's an attempt to hold up Birmingham. marriage," said Joel Grigg, a member "We · are in the culture wars, the of Christ the Redeemer .. "It's not moral wars being fought in this 'anti-' anything." country," said the Rev. Francis X. In another resolution, the diocese Walter. He said it was good to dis• voted . without opposition to _ affirm _ cuss the issue .but warned the church God's love and care for people with risked inflicting "pain and sorrow" on KIV and AIDS. The measure · gays and lesbians . affirmed · HIV <1nd AIDS patients' "It was a debate which reflects the right to the sacraments of the _ church lack of clarity within the church on and to a Christian burial. homosexuality," said Bishop Robert Miller said he was .glad to see the 0. Miller, who presided over the diocese take a stance that would pre· meeting. "There are people on both dude churches from discriminating sides of the issue and they need to against those with AIDS: ·· PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL f99f ' ' • CanonopJX)SeSfiIBtwoman priest for St Paul's Cathedral LONDON (AP) - A senior clergyman at St. Paul's Cathedral said Feb. 12 he would not accept the priesthood of the first woman appointed to the cathedral staff . A majority of the cathedral chapter on Feb. 11 approved the selection of the Rev. Lucy Winkett, 28, as one of three rnirtor canons, effective in September. Dr. John Moses, dean of the famous cathedral, said she was the best candidate for the job. It involves much organization of daily worship and responsibility for the choirs. "We are not in the business of gender politics at St. Paul's," he said. "We will always seek the best candidate for any positiort ." . But Canon John Halliburton, cathedral chancellor, opposes ordination of women and says he will not attertd Communion when Rev. Winkett celebrates it. Ecumenical & Inclusive : r,~''.,t,il\{irt ~·~_ :.· .'~ :· ~:l_'.·; ,· .. _,,\' 1,, )J ' : ,'ii: ~- h1 -~ . :. r !1 ... We arc a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in min• stries of love, compa5sion and· reconcili• ation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our -ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomi• nation. Join us on retreat June-27-29, 1997 at Emmaus House, Perth Amboy, NJ. Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community "I don't believe her to be a priest," he said. He stressed it was not a personal vendetta and he would not leave either the cathedral or the church. "This issue does divide the church at the very center but I shall try to cooperate as well as my beliefs allow me to," he said. "This is not a major row," Dean Moses said. "It is a difference of opinion that we will live with, just as the Church of England is living with it. "The Church of England is committed to two integrities - those who believe in the ordination of women and those who don't," he said . "John Halliburton is a senior and greatly respected member of chapter in whom I have complete confidence." Despite opposition from traditionalist sectors of the Anglican clergy, the Church of England approved ordination of women in 1992 and made clear it accepted .the legitimacy of the differing views. Winkett, .who has been ordained a priest for six months, is curate in the poor east London borough of tittle Ilford. "We ·are very sad to lqse her but our loss · is St. Paul's Cathedral's gain," said Canon John Whitwell, rector of St. Michael's and St. Mary's Church there. AIM for Common Ground \ " A Conference sponsored by Assoc. of Independent Ministries Friday, April 11, 1997 through Sunday, April 13, 1997 Ramada Inn Airport BirminghanJ,Alabama Call 60J-j7J-0917 or 413-624-9824 for details PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 . State new~r defends Mugabe's anti-gay crusade HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - A statecontrolled newspaper defended President Robert Mugabe's outspoken crusade against homosexuality despite new evidence that former President Canaan Banana, a Mugabe ally, raped a male police aide. The mass circulation daily Herald scoffed at allegations the government denounced gays while at the same time protecting them in the ruling party hierarchy. "Society w.ill continue to condemn homosexuality. There is no contradiction whatsoever," the newspaper said, breaking the government's silence on the case. The Herald is a government mouthpiece and its comments were seen as the first official response to testimony accepted by the High Court in Harare of Banana's predatory homosexuality. Mugabe, who has described homosexuals as "lower than pigs and dogs," has not reacted. On Feb. 24, Judge David Bartlett sentenced police inspector Jefta Dube, 36, to ten years in jail for shooting to death a colleague he said taunted him about homosexual acts committed while working in . Banana's residence from 1983 to 1986. The court ruled evidence of homosexual rape and three years of sexual abuse by Banana left Dube with a stress-related mental illness. It imposed a reduced sentence because of his "diminished responsibility" in the killing of Constable Patrick Mashire in 1995. Banana was non-executive president of Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 until 1987, and has been a major figure in Mugabe's ruling party. The Herald said in the aftermath of. the case that government leaders were now being criticized for condemning homosexuality. No article on marriage for church ,order of future Dutch church, committee recommends GENEVA - The church order of the future United Protestant Church of The Netherlands should not have an article on marriage, according to the recommendation of a special committee . The three Dutch churches working toward unity - two Reformed and one Lutheran - are deeply divided about the appearance of an article on marriage, reported the News Exchange service of the Reformed Ecumenical Council. The churches involved in the "Sa_men op Weg" (Together On The Way) process are the two main Reformed churches in the Netherlands and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (ELKN). The three churches had set up the broad-based committee to study marriage and other relationship forms. The committee has been studying the matter for about six months . The committee's report was debated _in Nov. 1996 at a meeting of the combined synod of the "Samen op Weg" churches. The synod, like the churches, was divided on the issue. Despite objections, the synod provisionally accepted the report. Final adoption of the new church order will take place only after review by regional and local church gatherings. The committee reflecte _d the two main _ lines of thinking in the churches. The majority of the committee members supported the view that mar· riage has since antiqu·ity been a societal concern and riot ecclesiastical. The church adds nothing to the validity of marriage. The . church may celebrate the formation of a marriage. As such, its main connection to marriage is liturgical. The church also supports other relationships, according to the majority line of thinking in the committee. The apostle Paul argued for celibacy, and the church has supported celibate community life. Earlier in history, economic and family connections played a greater role in marriage. Today the emphasis lies on the personal choices and the relationship of the. couple. This emphasis on the affective aspect of marriage also applie s to other relationships, such as gay and lesbian relationships, which could be recognized within the church as "life commitments." The second line of thought, supported by minority in the committee, also starts out with the idea that marriage is a public concern. Marriage is a God-intended order for SEE DUI'CH CHURCH, Next Page , ... ),, ,A ·ca-£·' 9· it j World News Delegatiosene ksa idf org ayH olOCavUicStti ms By Alexander G. Higgins Associated Press Writer GENEY A (AP) - A gay delegation met with . Swiss officials Feb. 27 to urge that gays receive a fair share of a new $71 million humanitarian fund for needy Holocaust victims. Gays and lesbians were among those groups - including Jews, gypsies, Slavs and communists - targeted by the Nazis for concentration camps and extermination. The meeting in the Swiss capital of Bern came a day after the Swiss government formally founded the fund. The gay organization .Pink Cross argued that money should aid any Holocaust victim, regardless of race or religion, or political or sexual oris entation. "We had the feeling that we were met with open ears," said Pink Cross spokesman Rolf Gerber. He said the meeting with the government's task force on Holocaust victims was "very open and productive ." Pink Cross will work to put needy gay Holocaust victims in touch with the fund's administrators, Gerber said. Meanwhile, government officials said it would take several weeks to ready the account so that the first payments can be made. Sceneso f turmoila t Gennan syncxml eeting Even as the humanitarian fund is be(ng·set .up, researchers are uncovering more details both on those who died in the war and the perpetrators - and their .links to neutral Switzer- 1 and. Expert investigators heard earlier that there is evidence that a top official of a major German bank dealt extensively on the black market - from a base in a posh Zurich hotel - in jewels, bank notes and gold coins looted by the Nazis. And a 146-page report prepared by Swiss historians for investigators documents cases of relatives running into a wall in trying to claim their inheritance from assets in Switzerland. Under heavy international pressure, Switzerland is undertaking a thorough review of its wartime role to see whether compensation should be paid to Holocaust victims or their heirs for any Swiss wrongs. Jewish organizations claim that Swiss banks hold up to $7 billion in assets and interest owed Holocaust victims. So far only the largest Swiss banks have donated money to the fund, but insurance companies and other firms as well as the Swiss government may give later. Bishopsv etos yncxsl' r esolutioonn non-marit{aml tnerships GENEY A - Tw_o of the three bishops of the North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church have again vetoed a synod resolution that favored recog" nition of non-marital partnerships as acceptable for Christians. The veto decision was based on the bishops' conviction that the recent resolution is not compatible with the Lutheran confession. The veto effectively suspends the synod's resolution. Sharp differences of opinion concerning life-long relationships have resulted in one of the most difficult disputes in the 20-year history of the North Elbian church. There were scenes of turmoil during the synod's Feb. 6-8 meeting in Rendsburg, some synod members leaving the plenary hall with tears in . their eyes, before the synod approved a compromise resolution. While same-sex and marriage-like partnerships may not be blessed, the people who live in such relationships "in an ethically responsible way" may receive a blessing, according to the Feb. 8 resolution. The resolution, based on a proposal from the church leadership, was approved by 77 votes for, 7 against and 11 abstentions. The synod had earlier voted in favor of recognizing committed and long-term marriage-like partnerships as possible relationships for Christians. If the relationship meets the requirements of "a dependable, loving partnership and the dignity of the individual; this accords with the will of God," the synod resolved by 60 votes to 46 in the Feb. 7 vote. The Feb:· 7 resolution was similar to a previous synod resolution that the two .bishops - Schleswig bishop Hans Christian Knuth and Luebeck bishop Karl Ludwig Kohlwage - had vetoed in March 1996. During the latest synod meeting, Kohlwage repeatedly stated the wish that the synod use .the formula- DUTCH CHURCH, From Previous Page society in the creation. Men and women are given to each other for holy living, as God intended. Marriage _protects sexuality and provides a place for children of the next generation. According to this view, the church has a liturgical connection, which follows the public closure of the marriage. The CommTttee recognized that the churches are deeply divided on this matter. While a majority in the churches favors the right to gay relations in love and faithfulness, this does not equate same-sex relations with marriage, the committee said. In Nov. 1995, the synod of the ELKN gave its approval to church blessings of gay relationships. At the time, the synod declared that "there are no theological arguments against blessing two people who are strongly committed to one another, faithful and dedicated." · The committee recommended that the churches continue their discussions about the biblical testimony on these issues and that the new church order give room for local options. Thus, there should be no article on marriage in the church order. -Lutheran World lnformation lion "model function of marriage" instead of "particular significance of marriage." However, he failed to gain the backing of a majority of synod members for his proposal. In their veto, the bishops state that the Lutheran confession requires the emphasis being on the model function of marriage. ■ The Lutheran confessiori does not allow non-marital partnerships -to be regarded ... on a par with marriage. ■ The synod also resolved that pastors may live with their partners in parsonages of the North Elbian church only if they are married to each other . However, the North Elbian dmrch is to call for a nationwide ruling that will in future make exceptions possible, the synod added. Life in Lutheran parsonages in Germany is regulated by the relevant laws of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany (VELKD). Kohlwage, Knuth, Hamburg bishop Maria Jepsen and synod president Elisabeth Lingner dismissed fears that the North Elbian synod faces schism. However, there are differences of opinion regarding same-sex and marriage-like partnerships, they acknowledged. Following the synod meeting, the YELKD published an expert opinion that had been developed at the request of the bishops' college of the North Elbian church. The opinion states that only marriage and the family in their public character and legal order represent the model for Christian orientation regarding the living together of men and women. The expert opinion rejects the equal status of various forms of life partnerships. The Lutheran confession does not allow non-marital partnerships to be regarded as a model on a par with marriage and family, says the VELKD opinion. Marriage-like relationships do, however, deserve respect and protection in so far as the commitments involved in the partnership provide relief to the long-term living together of people in difficult times.· Canadian church supports gay rights AN OFFICIAL BODY of the Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, the Canadian arm of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Christian Reformed Church, has provoked a firestorm of controversy on both sides of the border by telling the Canadian government it supports legislation protecting the civil rights of gays and lesbians in regards fo housing, employment and other services, · The church also suggested that legislation somehow accommodate same-sex partnerships, arguing that "mutually supportive relationships of a private ·and perhaps intimate nature .other than those understood by the familiar and historic terms" of family and marriagl!_ "should be given a wholly new designation." - Religion News Service PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Looking forward to the new millennium Once preparedto die, couplele arntso livea gain By Patricia Guthrie The Albuquerque Tribune THEY CASHED IN their life insurance pohcies, leased a red-hot Cadillac El Dorado, and racked up 50,000 miles hitting the road from Florida to Seattle. For their back yard, they bought a hot tub that's so roomy it's dubbed an Olympic-size pool by friends. For their front yard, they fashioned a tiny fountain out of rocks, one of many landscaping projects that have sprung up around their home in the past two years. Like a married couple of 50 years savoring well-earned retirement, they made each day count. But they were young ... and dying of AIDS. _ "Every . vacation we took, we thought, 'This will be our last vacation,"' says John McRae, 44, sitting across from longtime partner Michael Justice, 36. "We spent all that money because we thought we better hurry and take advantage of it. Everything we did was based on the fact that lime was very short." AIDS alive and making them healthier. "In December 1991, we were told we had six months to live. It's been our last Christmas for a long time," McRae says. "Now ·we both talk about the year 2000, which is something we never did before. I feel fairly confident I'll see the new millennium." But with this twist in the deadly disease comes a new set of uncertainties. Like other AIDS patients experiencing a surge of renewal, McRae and Justice wrestle with these questions daily: Should our focus switch from preparing wills and making funeral arrangements to the everyday worries of life? Should we go back to fulltime work if our health and energy return? What if we fall ill again - will we lose disability payments? What about 'those credit cards we maxed out, those debts we racked up with the assu'mption death would negate all past due bills? Will we live long enough to benefit from the ultimate hope - the cure? What if new drugs help me and not my partner? . / Instead, they've been given a reprieve. New combinations of drugs, or "drug cocktails," are keeping people with Maybe the best approach, Justice says, is optimism mixed \'{ilh a healthy dose of realism . After all, \: GAYELLOWPA GES™ INFORMITNHGEL ESBIAGNA, YB,I SEXU&A TLR ANSGENDCEORMEDM UNSITIYN C1E9 73 Alel ditionns owi ncludae SEPARAWTOEM ENS'SE CTION Compgleatye- friernedsloyu racnedbs u sinesascecso: mmodbaatirobsn,o so,k stores,ddeonctitsotlrsas,w, yers, theraptisratsv,se el rvicpersin, teorrsg, ani~timones<,rl eiali,g iogurso uph~e,ll pin e&sH I/VAIDrSes ources. Listinbgrso kdeonw bnyS ta&teC ityIn. de&xf a sat ccepshso nhes \U. PDAATNEDN UALLY. USA/CANAD$A1: 6b y first classm ail . Includesa ll statesa ndp rovincesn, ationalh eadquarterosf organizationsm, ailo rderc ompamese, tc. SOUTH/SOUTHEMRIND WEST$1: 0b y first classm ail AL, AR, 1(2, DC, DE, .FL, GA, HI, KS, KV, LA, MD, MO, MS, NM, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, US Virgin Is, VA, WV. GREATENRO RTHEAS$T1 0b y first classm ail CT,D C,D E,. MEM, D,M A,N H,N J,N V,O H,P A,R I,V A,V T,W V. Findu sa t gay-friendlsyt oresli keL AMBDRAI SING8 00-621-6969 A DIFFERENLTIG HT8 00-343-4002a ndm anyo thers Fora na pplicatiotno bel isted( noc harge)c, urrenet ditionsa ndp ricesm, ~ilingla bel_es,lc .,p lea_es senda self-addresssetda mpeedn velopleo RenaissanHceo us;e POB ox5 33-SS,V illageS lalionN, ewY orkN, Y-10014 212•674-01F2a0x 2: 12-420-112G6A YELLOW_PAGES@juhntotp.c:o//mba dpuppy.com/Gayellow PAGE 20 • SECO_ND STONE • MARCH/APRIL .' 1997 people with AIDS have had their hopes dashed time and again with "breakthrough" announcements. "We're still living a death watch," Justice says. "Only now, it's more like Russian roulette ." One day a week, McRae and Justice measure out -their new lease on life. It comes in the form of a week's worth of · pills - hundreds of square and circular capsules and tablets, white and green and pastel. Each man follows a regimen of 15 to 19 prescriptions. Many of those prescriptions require multiple doses - adding up to 50 pills a day. · Some have to be taken on empty stomachs. Others, two hours after a meal. Still others with fatty foods only. Some pills are refrigerated, others kept dry on kitchen shelves overflowing with plasL: bottles. "It's a p~t-time job just lo keep up with the medicine," Justice says. "The doses are really crazy. Sometimes we have to fast to take these pills, then eat, .take those pills, then fast again. There'.d be no way you could do this on a regular work schedule." "I just spent the last two hours sorting out my week's supply," McRae says. "You have to be your pharmacist, your own doctor to keep track of it all." The two have been on protease inhibitors for about a year with dramatically different results. McRae - once much sicker than Justice -· is now better . Justice has tried all the protease inhibitors available with little change. Either his body . builds up resistance too fast or he stops taking the drugs when the side effects become too nasty. Other drugs, called antivirals, must also be taken with protease inhibitors to help slow down the development of resistance. And if a. patient is fighting the common ailments of AIDS - such as pneumonia and tuberculosis - more medicine is needed. All of this . adds up to a balancing act of prescriptions even doctors· admit is daunting and expensive - prohibitive for patients without the money and discipline to follow the regimen. Justice · and McRae estimate their prescriptions cost between $6,000 and $8,000 a month, which is covered by private health insurance. In these expensive, intricate combinations may lurk life, and that's enough, they say, to try any and all new drugs. "I've had patients gone from feeling like they've had a fatal illness to feeling like here's some hope," says Dr. Sarah E. Allen, who sees about 50 AIDS patients at the University of New Mexico's infectious-disease dinic. ''They're sta rting to think, 'Well, maybe I'll live after all.' And I'm starting to think, 'Well, maybe this person will live to see their kids graduate from high school and not just succumb in a steady decline."' McRae and Justice don't know where or when they contracted AIDS. Both were healthy when they got together in 1982. Back then, not much was known about the illness, except its outcome - death. Justice remembers feeling doomed. So, he says, the two just decided not to deal with it. They simply went on with their lives. McRae was an art and photography teacher at Los Lunas High School. Justice was assistant store manager at an Albuquerque departs ment store. · Bui' as Christmas 1991 approached, the busiest time of year in the retail business, Justice found he couldn't keep up. He had lost 15 pounds, suffered night sw·eats and was constantly tired. Dec. 2, 1991: McRae and Justice were told they had full-blown AIDS. Both were told they had six months to live . "It was scary. We had always kept our own positivism," McRae says. "But by then we had seen so many friends go so very quickly. They'd be totally healthy one day, and then sick, and , then dead." They kept working as best ·they could, using up sick days and extended leaves until 1993. Then they decided their jobs were too public - they were being exposed to all sorts of colds and flu. McRae took a medical retirement from the teaching post he held for 17 years; Justice received long-term disability afteF eight years with the department store. Both retained private health insurance and both are eligible for Social Security disability insurance. Four years ago, both took AZT and other drugs that held the best hope in warding off opportunistic infections. During those years, McRae was hospitalized with pancreatitis, a reaction to an AIDS-fighting prescription. Justice suffered constant stomach problems and diarrhea; a boil on his leg became infected. "We were getting sicker and sicker," McRae recalls. "We really thought we were going to die." That's when they decided to live ii up . They leased the Cadillac thinking they'd only be around a few months to enjoy it. Two years later, it still sits in their driveway. · AIDS Warriors & Heroes First time since epidemic began. AIDS deaths in U.S. drop significantly By Tara Meyer Associated Press Writer ATLANTA (AP) - With the help of better drugs and treatments, the number of AIDS deaths has dropped significantly for the first time since the epidemic began in 1981, the government reports. "Years ago, before we had this medication, people who would come in would die within six months," said Dr. Harold Kafner, who treats AIDS patients in Macon, Ga. "Now, they leave the hospital and go back to work." AIDS deaths in the United States fell 13 percent in the first six months of 1996, to an estimated .22,000 .people, down from 24,900 deaths in the same period a year earlier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. The CDC also said that white the number of people diagnosed with AIDS continues to climb, the growth rate is slowing. In 1995, about 62,200 people were diagnosed, an increase of less than 2 percent over the 61,200 new cases in 1994. The growth rate from 1993 to 1994 was5 percent. "This is one of the first bright spots we have seen in this epidemic," said Christopher Portelli, executive director of the National Lesbian and Gay Health Association in Washington. "But we hope ii is seen as a call to arms rather than a chance to relax and breathe a sigh of relief." The first signs of the drop in AIDS deaths came in January, when New York City reported a 30 percent decline in 1996. The CDC credits better treatment for AIDS p~tients, incl uding new drugs, and better access to treatment through state and federal programs. What's still unclear is the impact of a new class of drugs called protease inh ibitors. The AIDS death rate leveled off in 1995, before those medicines became widely available. Not all .doctors are sure that AIDS is making an about-face. "In my view, this decline is unfortunately only a lull," said Dr. Irvin S.Y. Chen, director of the AIDS Institute at UCLA. "Not all patients are responding as effectively as the Thrift stores become fund raisers in AIDS fight SOME NONPROFIT AGENCIES are · trying to raise money · for the fight against AIDS in a unique way - thrift shops. Thrift stores and secondhand shops operated by nonprofit agencies are springing up across the country, spurred by competition for donations, fashion trends and newfound marketing savvy . William Stover is part of that trend, and his organization's new store, Indiana Thrift for AIDS, opened in March on the northeast side of Indianapolis with hopes of clearing $100,000 in its first year . In April, 10,000-square-foot Thrifty Threads is scheduled to open in the city's Broad Rippl e neighborhood, with proceeds going to the Julian Center to aid families in distress . "If you can offer brand-name merchandise at low prices, as thrift stores do, there's a trem end ous market to be h ad," said Richard Feinberg, head of the Retail Institute at Purdue University. The Natio nal Asso ciation of Resale and Thrift Shops estimates that its membership has grown in the last year by 12 percent, to 1,000 members. ."They'r e getting mor e professional than they used to be," said Adele Meyer, the group's manager . A publicly traded company has even emerged that specializes in used merchandise. Grow Biz International Inc. in Minneapolis ·owns dozens of stores, franchises more than 1,000 and plans to add more than 250 this year. Population stu.dies show that the number of middle-income shoppers shrinking, forcing retailers to either sell at a discount o r aim · for- highincome consumers, Feinberg said. Stover hopes to eventually achieve', annual sales of $800,000 at Indiana Thrift for AIDS, matching the success of Philadelphia's 5-year-old Thrift for AIDS . . The Indiana store stems from a new AIDS charity, the Indiana AIDS Fund. The fund and the store have been helped by gra nts from the Health Foundation of Greate r Indianapolis and federal matching grants. One of the biggest concerns for the indust ry is competition, Meyer said . "We stress that they work with each other," she said. "If you keep them in resale, you'll keep them from the malls." majority of patients. There are some patients for whom the drugs are not effective." A growing number of people are living with AIDS each year, the CDC said. In June 1996, 223,000 Americans age 13 and older had the disease - a 10 percent jump from mid-1995 and a 65 percent increase over 1993. · And some advocates point out that AIDS patients, as they live longer, wiHneed more help, not less. "We are concerned that people will misinterpret ·this news," Portelli said . "We would hope to see more money and support for better access to medical services. New drugs are not all we need." As of December 1996, 581,429 Americans had been diagnosed with AIDS since 1981: 488,300 men, 85,500 women and 7,629. children. And some new trends are worrying h ealth officials. Blacks accounted for more cases of AIDS than whites for the first time in 1996 - 41 percent compa r ed to 38 percent. Hispanics accounted for 19 percent, and other races ·2 percent. Also, the proportion of women with AIDS is still increasing . In 1996, women made up 20 percent of new cases. AIDS deaths have not declined among women or heterosexuals. The estimate of AIDS deaths for the first half of 1996, 22,000, was based on the fact that 21,700 AIDS deaths were reported to CDC, and analysts figured the total would rise somewhat as late reports came in. Activists criticize phone counseling for AIDS home test By Robynn Tysver Associated Press Writer OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - With a quiver in her voice, a nervous telephone counselor told Tom Spring that he had the deadly virus that causes AIDS ... She then referred him to a pediatrician whose telephone had been disconnected for .three years. She also asked how he planned to tell his wife. Spring is an unmarried gay male. His story has fueled criticism in Nebraska against the AIDS home test kits that went on the market in May with promises of telephone sensitivity and helpful referrals. "It's inbound telemarketing masquerading as counseling," said Joseph Hall, director of the Nebraska AIDS Project and coordinator of the review that Spring participated in a few months ago. complying," he said. · Spring took the test at the group's suggestion and to examine for himself the tests . Spring has been HIV positive for 10 years. "It's not to be Mr. Mean, but to correct the problem,".he said . Several AIDS groups contacted across the nation reported few if any c.omplaints . In fact, the oncecontroversial kits have generated little interest, said Mike Shriver, a spokesman for the National Association of People with AIDS in Washington, D .C. The kits are sold under the brand names Home Access Express and Confide. Spring took both tests on the market and was not happy with either company's cqunselors. "It was very cold, callus and calculating," he . said. "I just didn't think they cared." The companies stood by their counselors . A bill has been introduced in the Ellen Scofield, spokeswoman for Nebraska Legislature to encourage Confide in Bridgewater, N.J., said pharmacists, grocers and other each pe rson counsels differently and retailers to put label s with the the company continually updates its state's AIDS hotline number on the referra l bas e . kits. The Health Committee heard She said 75 percent of Confide' s testimony Feb. 20 in Lincoln ·on the counselors have master's degrees in bill (LB619), which would provide counseling, social work and educatio n the labels free to reta ilers from the and the average length of a call with Nebraska AIDS Project. an infected person is 20 minutes. Hall wants to make sure that those A spokesman for Home Access said who have the viru s are referred to that in response t.o th e Nebraska test, the state's l argest AIDS advocacy the company's referral base has been group. "We want to give them updated, th e pediatrician's phone (retailers) an opportu ni ty to do this numb er has been removed and cou nvoluntarily and then come back next selors are told not to assume everyone yea r, if we find out people are not is heterosexual. PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE• MARC H/A PRIL, 199 7 ' I • Names Makin News UCC names specialist in gay, lesbian concerns THE REV. DR. WILLIAM R.. JOHNson is the United Church of Christ's first national staff minister for lesbian and gay concerns. The United Church Board for Homeland Ministries has added "lesbian, gay, bisexual and genderal minority concerns" lo Johnson's portfolio. Based in Cleveland; he has been the Homeland Board's HIV/ AIDS ministries specialist since 1990 and will continue in that capacity. The · Homeland Board is the U.S. mission arm of the 1.5 million-member UCC. Johnson says the appointment of a staff member specifically responsible · for lesbian and gay concerns by the • Homeland Board's directors "will . make it clear lo UCC members - especially local church pastors - which of the national offices to call when .they have a concern." · Johnson will develop resources for pastors ministering to lesbians and gays and 'their parents, as well as to lesbian and gay youth. Johnson is also chair of the Lesbian and Gay Rights Cluster of the UCC's Justice and Peace Ministry. The ministry is a new network involving several national UCC agencies and concerned UCC members who are interested in taking action on social issues. "We have worked hard in the UCC to create open and affirming communities where people who have not felt welcome anywhere else have found a spiritual home," Johnson says. Johnson, ordained in 1972 by the UCC's Golden Gate Association in the San Francisco Bay area, is believed to be the first openly gay man ever ordained to the Christian ministry . Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson Church & Or anization News Gay, lesbian llltherans react to church's message LUTHERANS CONCERNED/North America has reacted with frustration to an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America statement distributed last fall to church congregations . The church's message, entitled "Sexuality: Some Common Convictions" was intended by the church to summarize areas of apparent conse.nsus within the 5.2 million-member denomination. Absent from the document is any mention of gay or lesbian issues "because of the level of dis~ agreement on the issue in the church." Bob Gibeling, Program Executive for Lutherans Concerned, said he was not surprised by the statement but he. was frustrated that the process of issuing the statement took so long and moved the church so little. "Why has fr · taken the church so Jong to say it just doesn't know," Gibeling said. "If nothing else, it certainly dramatizes the importance of h~ving an organization like Lutherans Concerned, which is -independently doing ministry while the debate rages on." Gibeling said that Lutherans Concerned will step up efforts to work through local congregations to make the church more welcoming of gays and lesbians. "We ~annot wait for everyone in the church to understand how acute the need is," he said. "We are called to minister to people now." PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Events AnnOuncements in this section are provide<j. jree of charge as a service to Christian organizations. To have an event listed, send information to Second Stone. P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA '70182. FAX to (504)899-4014. e-mail secstone@aoi.'com. AIM For Common Ground: Association of Independent Ministries first conference APRIL 11-13, Birmingham Community Church in Birmingham. Ala .. is the setting for this first conference of the Association of Independent Ministries. The conference will feature three worship services including a special Saturday night healing service. Representatives of all Christ-centered churches and rninistcies are invited to attend. Workshops offered include · "Recovery from Religion. 11 For information contact Rev. Chuck Thompson. P.O. Box 8506. Chattanooga , TN 37414, (423)629-0887, or Rev. Jim Becker. (601)373-0917. Southeast ACTS weekend APRIL 11-13 , Family or God Ministries or Panama City , Fla., and Advance Christian Ministries invites all to attend its second annual Southeast Advance Christian Teaching Seminars Weekend. This "Spirit-filled" conference will focus on anointed praise and worship. Cost is $35. For information contact Family of God Ministries. 1139 Everitt Ave., Panama City. FL 32401 , (904)784- 4851 Connecting Families Retreat: Nourishment for the Stages of the Journey APRIL 11-13. The Brethren/Mennonite Parents of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Children invite families to their eighth annual Connecting Family Weekend Retreat. This weekend has been planned by families with gay and lesbian members . It is intended to be a safe, relaxing time to share common concerns regarding homosexuality as it affects our families and our churches. The retreat will be held at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Laurelville, Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to provide a context and setting for connections _, worship, support, and understanding for families with · gay and lesbian members. The resource person for the weekend will be Rev Helen Quintela, pastor of the St. Paul Mennonite Fellowship. St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information contact Connecting Families. 242 Cats Back Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 or Brethren/Mennonite Parents of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Children, PO Box 1708. Lima, OH 45802 or Brethren /Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, Box 6300. Minneapolis. MN 55406-0300. (612) 305- 0315. BMCouncil@aol.com. Bridges To Wholeness: Gay Clergy and Religious Men In Transition APRIL 14-17, Dawn Manor Retreat Center in Livingston Manor, N.Y. is the setting for this retreat led by Dan Pienciak. MDiv. The goal of the retreat is to ·help participants celebrate who they are. both apart from and within the work they do. and how to find a sense of comfortable and supportive community. Cost is $345. For information call Passageways, (908)988-5865 , or Dawn Manor, (914)439-5815. Other Sheep workshop APRIL 19-20, Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Louis , Missouri is the setting for this workshop. themed "And God Said It Was Good : Reuniting Spirituality and Sexuality." The mother and daughter team of Eleanor and Melanie Morrison, United Church of Christ ministers, facilitates. They are directors of Leaven, Inc., in Lansing.Mich. The conference explores ihe question: if sexuality is a precious gift of God. how did it happen that sex became so identified with sin and why is it that so many people oF Faith feel an odd discomfort when talking about sexuality. The event is sponsored by the St. Louis chapter of Other Sheep, an international ecumenical Christian ministry to and with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends. Cost is $35. For information call (314)822-3296 or (314)962,0592 Affirmation Spring Gathering APRIL 25-27, Clifton United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio hosts Affirma. lion's annual get together. "Rainbow of Gender" is the theme. For information contact .Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns. P.O. Box 1021, Evan ston, IL 60204. (847)733-9590. umaffirm@concentric.net. King's College 15th International Conference on Death-and Bereavement MAY 11-14. King's College in" London. Ontario presents this confer e nce, themed 11Delivering Care in a Multicultural Setting 11 for caregivers and others ministering to the dying and bereaved. The conference will examine the traditions of various religions in caring for the dying and grieving. Keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Andrew Greeley , who brings philosophical and religious insight. as well as sociological learning . to vast audiences in universities , in scholarly texts and in popular novels. For information contact Dr. John D. Morgan. King's College , 266 Epworth Ave., London, Ontario N6A 2M3. jmorgan@julian.uwo.ca. (519)432-7946, http: llwww. wwdc.comideath/. Never Turning Back: 13th Annual More Light Conference MAY 23-25, Lewis and Clark College in Portland, · Ore., is the setting for this Pres byte. rian conference which features as its keynote speaker Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr., senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York City. This conforence, a celebration oF inclusion in Christ's community, will provide . support for the newcomer as well as stimulation and challenge for the longtimers in the movement for inclusion. Ten workshops are planned. For information call Dick Hasbany, (541)345-4720 . Events Writing retreat JUNE 2-4. "What God Is Up To .. In So Many Words," a retreat led by Donna Schaper. author of "Shelter for the Spiritually Homeless ." The sess ion s will involve writing and comment. A ll participants will enjoy eac h other's work into being. Results should include better listening ; a better relationship with words. and the making of speaking , writing. :,reac hing . and thinking more truthful and beautiful. For information co ntact Kirkridge. 2495 Fox Gap Rd .. Bangor, PA 18013-9359. (6 10)588- 1793. Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Giving Praise JUNE 5 -8. This 21st an nual event at the mountain retreat of Kirkridge explores issues of sexual ity in the con text of Christian faith and practice and includes da ily worship, presentation s, . sma ll group sharing, workshops. play and celebration. Leaders are John McNeill, Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. Mary Hunt and Rev. Rainey Cheeks. Cost is $300. ·For information contact Kirkridge. 2495 Fox Gap Rd ., Bangor. PA 18013- 9359, (6 10)588-1793. . Friends for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Gathering JUNE 6 -8, "Spiritual Fruits and Nuts of the Quaker Family Tree: What Are the Roots of Ou r Calling as Queer Quakers?" is the iheme of this meeting of Friends (Quakers). For information contact Sam Elwonger (206)246-8482, Pat Matthews (206)789- .. 4275 or Margaret Sorrel (206)632-9566. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JUNE 28 -· JULY 1, "Rooted in the Word" is lhe theme of this year's biennial meeting of the American Baptist Church/USA and America n Baptist s Concerned. The retreat will be held at the Waycross Conference and Retreat Cenler in Beanblossom, Indiana (near Indianapolis). Fee is $200. Promised is a wonderfu l time of comm unity building. worship. and play . For informatio n con tact ABC. P.O. Box 16128, Oakland, CA 94610, (510)530- 6562, ambaptists@aol.com. UCCLGC 1997 National Gathering JUNE 30 - JULY 3, The United Churc h Coalition for Les bian and Gay Concerns is celebrating it s 25th annive rsary during this meeting lo be · held at Ohio State University in Columbus. This gathering will include affinity groups, worship, a dance, a talent show, 'an Open & Affirming dinner · at North Congregational Church, and many opportunities to share stories and make friends . For information call 1-800-653-0799. The Disarming Heart: 12th Gathering of the Baptist Peace Fellowship JULY 21-26, "Part conference, part revival," this event -at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, marks the 12th gathering of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. The conference promises a rediscovery of peacemaking heritage, special programs for children and youth, touring in the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley, and a festival of music, preaching. c!udy and recreation. Regist ration fee is $95. For information contact the Baptist Peace Fellowship, P.O. Box 280, Lake Junaluska , NC 28745 .' (704)456-1881. Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International 18th Annual Conference . J ULY 24-27, "W ith Libert y and Justice For All" is the theme of the GLPCI and C hildren of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere gathering to be held al the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia, Pa. Th~ organization invites all to e~perience tl\e fellowship of families from around the -world. Works hops include "Our Families and the Schools" and "Multi, Cu ltural Fami lies. 11 • Guest speakers include Dr. April Martin, author of "The Gay and Lesbian Parenting Handbook." For information contact GLPCI, P.O. Box 43206. Mont clair, NJ 07043, (201)783-6204. Water of Life: Rites of the Gay Male Spirit . . AUGUST 1-3 ; Ken White and John Linscheid facilitate this Kirkridge weekend retreat for gay men . The gathering is an exploration of the use of ritual to foster gay spiritual growth. For information contact Kirkridge , 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor. PA 18013- 9359, (610)588-1793. Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 2-9, Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International sponsors a week of re laxation and entertainment for gay and lesbian families in Provincetown, Mass. For information call (202)583-8029. Parents , Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 1997 International Conference SEPTEMBER 11-14. PFLAG members from around the country will° gather at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., for "Love Takes Action: :The PFLAG Family Adventure ." For information contact The Balcom Group, 3600 16th St. NW. Washington. DC 20008, (202)234-3880. balcomgrp@aol.com. Christian Lesbians OUT 4th Biennial Conference \ · OCTOBER 2-5. This gathering will be held at a beautiful retreat center in the rolling hills between Portland and Mt. Hood, Oregon. "Called On The Journey: Sacred Space s Of Our Lives 11 is this year's theme. Promised: worsh ip, workshops. speakers and play! For information ca ll (503)281-5405 or e-mail mamadyke@aol.com. Gay Christian newsjournal online Whosoever, an electronic magazine for gay and lesbian Christians, has four issues online. Visit the Whosoever web page at http://www.rriindspring.com/-sagec omm/ whosoever/. · Transitions REV. DR. MAC CHARLES JONES, a prominent minister and one of the National Council of Churches' two deputy general secretaries, died March 6 of an embolism. He was 47. Jones was an ordained rriinister in the National Baptist Convention of • America Inc. and member . of the World Council of Churches Central Committee . He also served as pastor. of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo.The NCC's executive board elected Jones to the position of deputy general secretary for national ministries in November. Last summer, he accompanied 38 pas~ ors to Washington to meet with President Clinton, Attorney General Janet Reno and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin to call for help in stopping a , Christian Community News rash of black church arsons. Jones also was an organizer of a "gang' summit" in 1993 in Kansas City that drew more than 100 gang members, former gang members and others to discuss improving inner-city conditions. "In a tragic, sudden moment, the Rev. Dr. Mac Charles Jones has passed from us and we are deeply s tricken," the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, NCC general secretary. "His ministry was to be the whole nation. The loss is enormous." Survivors include his wife, Jannella; his mother, Elverta Jones of Phoenix;. a brother, the Rev. Robert Jones of Richmond, Va.; a sister, Lillye Jones of Phoenix; daughter Lacey Jones of Kansas City, Mo.; and son, Ayinde Jones of Phoenix. Church & Or anization News Des Moines church added to More Light roster COTT AGE GROVE Presbyterian Church in Des .Moines, Iowa, has become the 76th congtes._ation in the 11,500-church denortuliiiftmn to name itse!f a i,1ore Light church, the Des · · Moines Register ree_orted:· . B .. the resolution passed by only two· votes in a November poll that drew about 90 ballots. The congregation has 170 members. Rev. David Madsen said his is the only Presbyterian church in the Des Moines area to adopt the designation. The Rev. Phil Barrett of the Presbytery of Des Moines, which oversees south-central Iowa congregations, said he doesn't know of another Iowa Presbyterian church that has voted for the More Light designation . The General Assembly of the Presby. terian Church (U.S.A:) has interpreted the denomination's Book of Order lo say that self-avowed, practicing homosexuals are banned from being ordained as rriinisters, elders or deacons - the main leaders in the church. The Book of Order doesn't specifically say any such thing, Madsen said. "The effect of the ruling is more than ordination because of the implications of openness to gays and lesbi- Web site an opportunity to meet "faithmate" A NEW WEBSITE called "Faith Mates" features personal ads aimed at helping single gay and lesbian people, Christians and others, more easily meet faith-oriented people. The srte is located at http ://www .geocities.com/ westholl ywood/ 9229 / ans," Madsen said. "Being a More Light church simply means the congregation has expressed its disapproval of thu, stance," Madsen said. "It does not mean we can ordain gay leaders without getting in trouble with the denomination 's leaci.e~·, he added. About 3 percent to 4 percent of Cottage Grove's members are gay, Madsen said . "We are not a gay church. This is not tlie issue of the congregation .. It is an issue." Madsen said his congregation split sharply on the issue for a couple of reasons. "Some members probably wrestled over whether to make a public statement welcoming gays," he · said. But church members also fear the stance may jeopardize the financial support other churches provide for its Cross Ministries, a program that helps low-income people pay for power bills and housing. Madsen fears the stand on gays in the church will be perceived as an affront to churches with opposing stands. - Des Moines Register Reach Out. The Catholic Church of the Americas welcomes men, women, married, single, gay, straight to the priesthood or diaconate. Nicene Creed theology, sacramental presence, Vatican II liturgy, apostolic succession, socially liberal. Join us and reach out to ALL God's children. Contact Bishop Denis Martel, 717 Patterson, New Orleans, LA 70I 14. PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE MARCH/APRIL, 1997 Lambda Literary Award nominee 'The Preacher's Son' grabs finalist position MARC ADAMS' "The Preacher's Son" has been nominated along with four other finalists vying for the Lambda Literary Award for Best Spirituality Book. "The Preacher's Son" chronicles Adams' life growing up gay as the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister in rural Pennsylvania where . he endured a childhood of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse. He went on to attend - by choice - Jerry Falwell's Liberty University where he also was employed for three years in the student recruiting/ university relations department. His book articulately reveals life at Liberty and the struggle to conform to the standards for which he would have been a martyr . It culminates with his coming to terms with being gay and his coming out to his fundamentalist family. "Attending Liberty University and working for Jerry Falwell was a dream · come true," said Adams. "I wanted to be there. I was promised that I could be 'cured' of my homosexuality. I wanted that more than anything else." Since its release .at the end of 19%, "The Preacher's Son" has l:ieen garnering praise from bookstores, reviewers, the mainstream press . and the gay and lesbian media. Not to be discounted, Adams says, is the overwhelming number of letters and emails that he has received from men and women, gay and straight, who have read his book and found themselves changed. "Every time I open my mailbox and find another letter, I am incredibly humbled. I knew I had a responsibility to share my story. I just didn't expect to get such emotional and heart breaking letters. I feel such an awesome responsibility when I read about how what I've shared has touched peopie." "The Preacher's Son" first entered the Lambda Book Report's Top Ten Best Selling Books for .Gay Men in February. Marc Adams, "The Preacher's Son" Not a tell-all book about Jerry Falwell and my life. I want readers to understand what it was like to grow up under the banner of fundamentalism - my conversion and life as a preacher's kid, the church services, attending Christian high schools, and attending a fundamentalist college where Falwell and his influence was every-· where. I want them to understand what it was like to work for him, . to promote his organization and recruit students to attend Liberty. And most importantly, I want readers to feel what it's like to give up everything just to say, 'I'm gay."' Adams is continuing his nationwide speaking and reading tour through the summer. TITe Lambda Literary Awards recipients will be announced at a gala banquet in Chicago on Friday, May 30. For further information about "The "Preacher's Son" is not a tell-all Preacher's Son" or about Marc Adams, book about Jerry Falwell, Adams contact Window Books, says. "It's about understanding myself wndowbooks@aol.com, 310-440-3327. PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 'Que(e)rying Religion' Explorintgh eh istoripcr esencoef homosexualiitny t hew orld'sr eligions Books IN THEIR NEW book, "Que(e)rying Religion: A Critical Anthology," Gary David Comstock and.Susan E. Henking have compiled the works of 41 contributors to explore the intersection between homosexual studies and religion. Perhaps as a result of the alienation they have felt from org·anized religions, many gay, lesbian, and bisexual people have not in general been thought to-have been concerned with religious or spiritual matters. Indeed, other anthologies of work in gay studies have not even mentioned religion. As "Que(e)rying Religion" makes abundantly clear, gay men and lesbians have been thinking about the intersection of critical theory from a gay point of view and the study of religion in numerous ways. Whether it is John Boswell's scholarly recovery of gay traditions within the Christian church, Kenneth Dover's analysis of homosexuality in ancient Greece and Rome, Will Roscoe's exploration of the berdache, the seers whose lifestyles bridged both men and women's in Native American cultures, or the study of effeminacy in Medina in the early Islamic era - academics from many disciplines are building up a substantial body of evidence which illustrates that homosexuality has been a definite presence in the spiritual life of different religions and cultures throughout human history. "Que(e)rying Religion" also features work from writers, social commentators, and activists in essays that range from the personal and confessional - such as Andrew Sullivan's article on how he came out to himself and remained a Catholic - to the reflective, as in David Sch1\eider's .,.,, biography of the gay Zen master Issan Dorsey and Makedo Silvera's discussion of what it was like growing up an Afro-Caribbean lesbian. All the major world religions are discussed, and gay and lesbian men and women from different cultures, ethnicities, a\1d backgrounds are featured. All, however, are united in recognizing that their positions as outsiders - within society as a whole and often within the religious community in particular - give them a unique viewpoint from which to ask questions of their religions and their practitioners about the nature uf love, faith, commitment, and passion as well as to think critically about dogma and doctrine. Eunuchs sell book on their lives By Ramola Talwar Associated Press Writer BOMBAY, India (AP) - Eunuchs took to the streets of Bombay Feb. 14 selling books they hope will boost their image - and raise some cash. The book, titled "Hijras Who We Are," is an attempt to erase misconceptions about eunuchs, known in Hindi as "hijras." Eunuchs, castrated as boys, dress and refer to themselves as women and worship a goddess who they believe protects .them due to their infertility. Feared by many Indians who believe they have supernatural powers, most make their living as beggars, raining curses on anyone who refuses them alms. Some are prostitutes, others are paid to dance at weddings and festivals or to bless newborn children, or find small roles in Indian films. "At first, I thought what's in the book for me? But I feel people will realize that we are human too," said Meena Balaji, who was interviewed for Canadian travel writer Ruth Malloy's book. Part of the proceeds from each 25- rupee (70-cent) book will be given to the eunuch who sells a copy. The rest will be deposited in a trust account and later used to open a restaurant that will employ eunuchs. "We hope to help them make a decent living and adapt to the world around," said author Malloy, who worked with a community development group on the project. "Read it at home at leisure. It will tell you there is no reason to be afraid of us," Baby Dancer, 33, told a passerby as eunuchs began selling the book on Bombay street comers. The book describes the ritual castration that eunuchs undergo and the ostracism they face. "Please understand that castration is very important for us. We have an operation for religious reasons, and to become more like a woman," Meena said in a section of the book. Gatherings Gay and lesbian Russia: 'Cracks in the Iron Ooset' Books By Elizabeth Weise Associated Press Writer SOMETIMES, THE TRUEST view of a place comes through a peephole that widens into a lens that lets us see an entire culture . That's why trav elers are drawn down small side s tr eets in the hop e that a garden door might be ajar or a window open, allowing them a glimpse into the real day of the peopl e who live where we are only visiting . N o one expects thos e living tableaux to provide a thorough understanding of every aspect of th e country. But what they miss in overview they more than make up for in human d e pth . . So it is with David Tuller 's "Cracks in the Iron Closet: Travels in Gay and Lesbian Russia, " (Faber & Faber, $24.95). This book offers a fascinating, intensely personal view into the lives, rooms and sometimes souls of th e people Tuller me t during many month s of travel s in the former Soviet Union. Tuller, a report er for the San Francisco Chronicl e, first went to Russia in 1991 to cov er a firs t-of-its-kind confe r ence organi ze d by the Int e rnational Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commi ssion. The grands on o f Russian Jew s who e migrated early in the century, h e felt a connection to the country. As an openly gay reporter who covered San Franci sco's vibrant gay community, he was also drawn to see how his brethren were faring as the Sovi et Union unravel ed. What he found was not a politic al revolution, but the daily lives and hopes of people who had found nooks and crannies wher e they could live freely und er a repressive regime whose notorious Article 121 had decreed hard labor for those guilty of the crime of homosexuality. His writing runs from the crisp sentences of a reporter to lines that ar e almost poetic, a s he struggles to understand how the friends he makes, so like him self in one way , are so differ ent in other ways. Tuller's . friendship and love for the people he met and his writer's eye for detail offer a fascinating look into the lives of ordinary -Russians mad e extraordinary by th eir sexuality . In the end, th ey tum out to be quit e ordinary. F mth journeys: 'Catholics Speak Out' Videos By Marilyn Cass PFLAGpole AT A TIME WHEN some former Roman Catholic s glibly declare they are "recovering Catholics" and explore . a range of spiritualities, others are affirming their commitment to their 2000~year-old heritage. Love of this faith heritage is reflected in their lives and voiced in the context of challenging questions put to their church. American Catholics are raising issues on which the institutional Catholic church is seen to be unmoving. "Catholics Speak Out" is a videotape collection of sev en personal stories speaking to the critical issues of women's ordination, gay and lesbian · rights, optional celibacy for priests, family planning, treatment of women, divorce and remarriage and lay participation in church decision making . Each person interviewed speaks out of the reality of his or her own life, out of personal pain and outof hop e and a vision for the future. . Mary and Aiden Kilbride of Temple Hills , Maryland , speak candidly of learning their son is gay. Malachy was 21 and his mother admits to being angry and upset, and also that one of her first questions was "is this a sin?" The couple went to their parish priest wanting to know church' teaching. Aiden had grown up in Ireland and no word had ever come from an Irish pulpit about homosexuality. They found no . answers from their · church and failing to receive support, sought out a chapter of Dignity/ USA where they felt comfortable. Malachy also speaks briefly of his own effort to figure out where he fit into the Catholic church - and that he came to the conclusion he did not. The producer of "Catholics Speak Out," Maclovia Rodriguez, is an award-winning film and television producer. For information on the video, write to P.O. Box 5206, Hyattsville, MD 20782 or call (301)699- 0042. BOOK BARGAINS Save as much as 50%! (Write your order in the Payment Information section · of the order form on page 26 .) CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUALITY AND GENDER edled by Aman Thatcher and Elizabeth Stuart. A collection of important articles tor all interested sexuality and gender issues lrom a ~~si:~~rsml: Pap,r. A SEPARATE CREATION: The Search for !he Bio- ~t;."/i.~~;r°:.:~~i50~:a1~~ by Chander SONGLINES: Hymns, Songs, Rounds, and Reframs fo~ Prayer and Praise by Miriam Therese V.nter. Brings together a special coll«tion of ~~~~~':,;~~is'rd song;. Paper. SEXUAL IDENTITY ON THE JOB: Issues and :O"i:-rE~ 1~J~~;~gillis ard Ellen Rig- HEALTH CARE FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN: conlronti~ Homophobia and Heterosexism. ~~ei~ oot~eterson , DSW. Paper · THE MASCULINE MARINE by Steven Zealand ~~J~f,t~;';;in the Mannes. Paper. LESBIAN THERAPISTS AND THEIR THERAPY From Both si<i>s of Iha Couch. Edited by Ors. Nancy Davis, Ellen Cole and Esther Rothbtum. P~r . Wo.S 9.95 NOW 7.95 EASTWARD TOWARD EVE: A Geogapl,y ol Soul by Madonna Kolbenschtai. Pap,r Wls15.95NOW12.95 GAY AND LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH:A Source- ~i:a~i.:=:~~~1~d9~~~ ~~~opher OUT IN ALL DIRECTIONS: The Almanac ot Gay a~d Les?an Amenca, an enlertainln9 and inform- =ri:~~~~~et:;i:~9~~~1:.~ gay BECAUSE OF HER TESTIMONY: The Word in t;:,~~l!i"tW':Zs by Anr-., Thurston. Paper. SEX WITH GOD, poetry by Thomas O'Neil. New ard expanded edtion Paper. Was 6.9.5 NOW 4.95 DEFECTING IN PL.ACE: Women Claiming ~~~t'~~%;st~~~ ik ~Ha~J:~~ I Lives by was 2295 NOW 18.95 A SINGING SOMETHING: Womanist Reflections ~n~~~~ 5%'W\~ Baker-Fletcher. Hard- A HUNDREDAYS FROM NOW, exploration ol ~~- 1r:~;• ~w'rt:rny, by Cortin. Haro:over. YUGOSLAVIAN INFERNO: Ethnoreligious Wartara in the Balkans bv Mojzes. Hardcover. was 24.95 NOW 20.95 WOMEN AT WORSHIP: Interpretations of North ¢:;tii ll)i"i~~ by Smith noo Walton. Paper. SEAS.OHS OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Cycle C ~~~:r.~'t!.~~~"gJ°i«\~ k":gical Cycle SEASONS OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Cycle A Chnstian Faninist Prayers for the Liturgical Cycle by Mary Kathleen Speege Schmitt. Paper. W3s13.95NOW6.95 NOW DARE EVERYTHING: Tales ol HIV-Related ~;~~~ iri~nsky Paper. GUESTS IN THEIR OWN HOUSE: The W>man o1 Vatican II by Carmel McEnroy. Pap,r. Was 19.95 00W 11.95 HOMOSEXUALITY AND CHRISTIAN COMMUN!• TY. Princeton Theological Seminary faculty acl:kess jlfacl~al issues pertaining to g,ys and lesbians m the church. Edted bv Choon-leong Seol1. P~ . Wis 14.99 NOW 12.95 REVIVING THE TRIBE: Regmerating Gay Man's t~~\t 1~~1~:s \n41~ £W~t Epidemic by IS THE HOMOSEXUAL MY NEIGHBOR? Revised ~~ \rool"1iW 9 tanzon i and Mollankott. Paper. JESUS A.CTED UP: A Gay ard leslian Manifesto ·by Goss. P'1)Cr. Was 14.00 NOW10.95 - THE SECOND PLAGUE. OF EUROPE: AIDS Prevention and Sexual Transmission Amorg Men in ::tmi~'Wa%Polla k. Paper. AND THE FLAG WAS STILL THERE: Straight People, Gay People ard Sexuality in the U.S. Military by Sha1War. Pap,r. was 19.95 NOW 15.95 AFREKETE: An Anthology ol Black Lesbian \\lit• ~~7 ~~~:~Delaney. Hardcover. IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD, g,y Episcopal ~s~~i~: 1 1~~ by Ferry. Hardcover. · ~s~~f ~i~~~ by Stokes. Paper. JESUS: Miriam's Child, Sophia"s Prophet by Fior• enza Harcl:XNer. Was22.95NOW18.95~ . ~~f9~~:~~;;ITY by Jim Sears Pap,r. GAYS, LESBIANS, AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR: Theory, Practice and Research Issues in Markeling Eclted by Daniel L Wardow, PhD. Paper. Was 17.95 NOW&.96 THE WORD IS OUT: The Bible Reclaimed for Les• bians ard Gay Man. 365 d'lily mecllations. By Chns Glaser. Paper. Was 1200 NOW 9.95 KNOW MY NAME: A Gay Liberatkm Theology. By Richard Cleaver. Awfies liberation theology lo the ~~•~ ftZ'i ;;'1 ard lesbians in the church. GENDER SHOCK: Exploding the Myths ot Male and Female. By Phyllis Burf<e. Examines the comJng revolution in human identity sparked by ~ns~ .~g=~~e , Hardcover. WE WERE BAPTISED TOO: Claimirg Gods Grace for Lesbians and Gays. By Marilyn Bennett Alex• ander ard James Pre.3ton 'Mlh a loreward I:,{ Des• rroooTutu. Paper. was 16.99 NOW 14.95 THE PSALMS: Meditations for Every Day of the ~~$~iit~&"~tt:er. Pap,r. PASTOR, I AM GAY, A Baplist pastor's journey tow.,rd understarding giy men and lesbians from e.,g~t: ~~~: lly Rev. Howard H. Bess. GAYELLOW PAGES. Greater Northeast Edition #31, 1996-1997. was9.95NOW7.96 GAYELLOW PAGES. South/Southern Midllosl EcltiooN12, 1996-1997. was9.95NOW7.96 UNCOMMON CALLING: A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serva the Churctt Updated with a new ~~ri~d~:~: p=l~nfa~nd,J~o:~~;;phs By HIDE & SPEAK: How to Free Ourselves from Our Secrets. By Rav. K~recge Cherry. Hardcover. Wis 16.95 NoW 13.95 WHAT GOD ALLOWS: The Cnsis of Faith and Conscience in One Catholic Church. By Ivor Shapro. A year in the lite ol st. Paurs Church in Kenmore, New York, including a young priest's comirg O\.I. Harcl:XNer. was 23.95 NOW 19.95 JOURNAL OF GAY, LESBIAN, AND BISEXUAL IDENTITY, Voltma 1, Nui!t,er 1 by Human Sci· ences Prass. Pap,r. Was27.50NOW 11.95 - WHATHE BIBLE REALLY SAYS ABOUT HOMO· SEXUALITY it Dar.el A Halminiak. A raclcal haw ~~~t::i:~oo homosexuality. HEALING JOURNEY: The Floor of Heaven. ~<il~i~~~;s:e .tape by Rev. Deanne PAGE 25 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL. 1997 SJNCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY SecoSntdo ne The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian PAGE 26 • SECOND STONE • MARCH / APRIL, 1997 -------------------------------- -------- -- ---- -------------, The mailable,f a....ablaen d e-mailablef orm for just about everything. SubscribeT oday. INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION Your Name ___________ _ Address------------- City, state, zip+4 _________ _ GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS Jtyr, 6issues$17 ]NEW J2yrs, 12issues$2s [ ]RENEWAL ]3 yrs, 18 issues$ 39 ]Plaine nvelopea dd$ 2 pery r ]Internationaal,d d$ 10p ery r I I TOTAL THIS SECTION a.. -------'· 4/97 Pleasef ill in the sectiona bove,e nteringy ourn amea s youw anti t to aP.peaorn gift cards.A ll gift subscriptionasr e mailedi n plain envelopesI.n dicate[: ]SENDN OW [ ]SENDA T CHRISTMAS1. g tft-$172; gifts-$293; gifts-$42;4 gifts-$54. 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Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of the subscription expiration date. 4/97 Name _______________ _ Newaddress ------------- Supply old address or label here. City _______________ _ '--------~-----------' State, zip+4 _____________ _ HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail completed form to P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 FAX:This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-899-4014. Press 3" when prompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission . E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com , -------------------------------------- -- -- ---~-- At the foot of the~ By Ann M. Amideo Contributing Writer TO MY HETEROSEXUAL Christian Brothers and Sisters, Every Sunday you are seated next to me, as we gather to worship the Lord Jesus Christ together, but you :do not know me. Each Sunday you extend your hand as a peace offering, to one of God's gay children, but you do not know that. Yes, I am gay and that would dis. turb you. So much so, that you would prefer to remain at a comfortable distance . I often wonder, if you came closer, would y9u notice things about me you were unable to see from a distance. I often wonder, if we got closer, might we recognize our common humanity in tears, in dreams, in joys, in brokenness, in God? Would our lives as a whole matter more than our differences in sexual orientation? Will you take the time, to talk with me, walk with me, dine with SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications , P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secsto ne@aol.com. Copyright 1997 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only . ADVERTISING, For display advertising infonnation call (504)899- 4014 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising infonnation is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason . EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements, church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Or leans, LA 70182 or via e-ma il to secstone@ao l.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsib le for the return or any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangel ical Ch ristian newspaper with a specific outreac h to gay , lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey me, pray with me? Please listen! Even you, my eneiny, we need to come closer. Would you risk taking a walk with me to the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ? Would you mind if we stood ■ I wonder if being homosexual or heterosexual matters at all, at the foot of the Cross? ■ here, close together, because I am told that the ground at the foot of the Cross is level. We are all the same height, looking at each other, one tearful eye · to another. Look up at our Lord, as he hung suffering, for your life and mine. I need to die to my sinful and selfish nature, don't you? I need to be washed and cleansed with His blood of forgive-. ness and inercy, don't you? I hunger and thirst for His peace that passes understanding, don't you? I long to be filled with His abundant joy, d.on't' you? My weary heart aches for that new . and glorious resurrection life, doesn't yours? Maybe we do have somethin g much greater in common . . I wonder if. being homosexual or heterosexua.l matters at all, at the foot of the Cross? Would you be willing to spend ffme here, together, and find out? · :C THINK 1"14AT ~EPLl~ATINC,, DNA 'T°O CLOt4E' \OENT\CAL. C.REA,-UflE~ ~A.l~ES .S-£~10(.)S £T\.t1C"L QUES'TIOtlS AIIIO tt ~N AIJO-.C.10US A.iT£t'\Vf'1"'0 OSUR~T~E~OTMOltt'TV OF ~oo! Hosea: A lesson for the 21st c·entury By GodsGayGuy@aol.com Contributing Writer MOST PEOPLE DO _not enjoy or endure tolerating unfaithfulness ... especially in their most special and intimate relations hip s. This was historically tru e in the nation of Israel also. The Lord told the prophet Hosea to do something unique. This undoubtedly attracted much attention and ridicule. God said to take a wife wh ich was a .prostitute, a whore . Can you imagine God commanding the prophet to do such a thing? Through the story we understand that this was to be a lesson for the nation of Israel. It was t o be a living confrontation with their injustice and attitudes which needed tci be corrected . An amazing comparison can be made with what is happening today in the gay and lesbian community. God is raising up gays and lesbians throughout our congregations, churches, denominations, seminaries, and circles of religious influence to bring a lesson and education to the church ·and the commun ities in which we minister. Like the ethical controversy which Hosea's actions prompted, lesbians and gays are likewise objects of discussions, investigations, policies, qebates, and forums. Why? There is still a lesson that God has to teach to the church and the religious bodies across our nation and to ·the world. We preach mercy and justice, yet in our discrimination we are hypocritical. We profess a oneness and unity in Christ, yet we persecute and disassociate gays and lesbians from the fellowship of the believers. We minister to "whosoever will," yet close our communions, our .memberships, our committees, and our educational opportunities to gay and lesbian Christians who are gifted, called, P£Rl-lA~, 13UT I'D Lll(E' ,_ S£Co"'t> OPINtON. q~alified, spiritual, and Spir it filled. It is urgent for us to heed the message through the life of Hosea . Stop the injustice. Cease from professing godliness and practicing hatred. Violence and verbal assaults mu st stop and Christian love and faith must be evangelistically proclaimed . Just as Hosea metopposition from the "religious right" or the "mora l majority" or even the "Christian coalition" of his day (and you can bet that the Jewish religious communit)' had their elitist and clergical selfrighteous), . today we must educat e patiently through our lives of God ' s wondrous grace, acceptance, and diversity which extends to all peopl e crossing sexual, cultural, rac ial, and political boundaries. Our ministry of reconciliation, affirming, and diversity will possibly take the entirety of some of our lives. Yet we must remember that this is the right thing to do and it is for our future generations and those who will follow in our footsteps who will benefit from our present deliberations and debates. Let us resolve to press on and continue in our efforts and educating. God will support us as is evident by the life of Hosea. We welcome your letters and opinions Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clear[y indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)899-4014. classif. · BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: f'ullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist church in Jesse Helms 1 hometown decided as a congregation to offer rituals of blessing for gay and lesbian couples. -The church's history with gay issues. discussion within the congregation, reaction from outsiders. expulsion by. fellow Baptists. celebrations of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by lesbian Pat Long, the only "out11 deacon during the process. Send $IQ plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. NC 27605. TF "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY." "Heartily recommended. 11 "Philosophically intriguing." "Excellent." Why do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and livel)' columns make this bridge: of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertai9ing as it is sub-stantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF EMPLOYMENT THE OTHER SIDE, the Christian magazine of peace, justice, and spirituality, seeks ·a fulltime editor. Solid editorial and writing experience, good organization, grounding in justice issues. and strong biblical b8.ckground essential. We offer excellent benefits and work on a coinmon salary structure - currently $17.745 per year for individuals with generous stipend for dependent children. Co11tact: Search committee, 300 West Apsl~ y. Philadelphia. PA 19144, 215-849- 2178, TOS.PA@ecunet.org. 2197 FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS PENTECOSTAL/APOSTOLIC GWM, 36 yrs. old, 5'9", 150 lbs, br/bl. Divorced with two sons, 5 and 7. I'm attractive and seeking a relationship, Lord willing. I'm a minister and musician wanting to pastor again in the Tampa area where I live. Not into drinking, drugs, bars or casual sex. Seeking attractive Pentecostal GWM, 30-45, who is serious about God and humorous about life. Contact Robert, 2023 Cattleman Dr., Brandon, FL 33511, (813)651-1505. 6197 GAY CHRISTIAN MAN - soon to be released from prison - wishes to correspond with other GCM. Have many interests and love ·in my heart to share. Please write: Maximillian M. Schmidt Ill, Smithfield - BW 3466, P. 0. .Box 999 - 1120 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 GENERAL INTEREST RESEARCH: Were you raised in a Southern Baptist home, church? Are you -gay, lesbian? Your help is needed! Gay, lesbian former 'southern . Baptist· ministers,· administrators are seeking churches, organizations (e.g., Honesty) whose memberships include gay former, current Southern Baptists willing to share personal stories for proposed book seeking to initiate honest dialogue with the denomination. Information ·desired regarding experiences growing up gay in such hqlJleS, churches. Anonymity, confidentiality absolutely guaranteed. Readers, please share infonnation with your church, organization. GROUP (the larger, the better) respondents will be interviewed and audiotaped individually in your town at mutually acceptable time, date. INDIVIDUAL respondents will be asked to complete mailed questionnaires. Groups, individuals willing to participate or classified ad . ora·errorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Gen! Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ·]Retreats [ ]Roommates ( ]Travel [ ]Videos Yourname__,,--,----------------- Addres_s. ________________ _ City/State/Zip_._ _____________ _ Youra d copy_ _______________ _ How much? Count the number of words in your ag and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount .and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orteans, . LA 70182. Minimum 20 words. All classified ads must be prepaid. Deadline: 15th of the month prior to cover date. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 26. PAGE 28 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1997 who want more information, please contact: Dr. Theodore W. Hayes, P.O. Box 687, Stone Ridge, NY 12484-0687; e-mail: thayes92l7@aol.com; fax: (914)687-2143. 6197 WHISPERING PINES Bed & Breakfast Hospitality In Our Home. In ·the heart of the Sonoma- Napa Wine country, hidden in wooded hills, you will find a quiet, peaceful and relaxed setting. •Full country breakfast •Private entrarlce •Private bath •Queen bed •Wood burning stove •Air conditioning •Hot ·tub and pool •Close to wineries, balloon and glider rides •Close to mud bath and message •Pets okay in outside kennel •Smoking in outside designated areas •$105 one night/$190 two nights. 5950· Erland Road, Sonoma Couniy, CA 95404. Phone/Fax (707)539-0198. GOSPEL ASSEMBLY , Anyone formally 0r currently attending a church . commonly known as Gospel Assembly or School of the Prophets: If you are dealing . with gay/lesbian issues contact me ASAP. G.A. Inquiry, P.O.Box 7360, The Woodlands, TX 77387. Complete discretion observed. LESBIANS - Study seeks lesbians for telephone_ interviews about feelings and barriers related to breast exams. Confidentiality guar, anteed. Seeking midwest women, over 51, with no cancer and no mammogram in last 13 months. Please call 1-800-991-5539. CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship. P.O. Box 91272. Long Beach. CA 90809. 4197 PASTOR SEEKS CHURCH - compassionate, Southern raised, seminary trained, 10 years ·ministry experience, with vision and charisma. Seeking affirming congregation that desires to meet the spiritual/physical needs INSURANCE, FromPage17 no matter how dependent or emotion. ally bonded they may be," Shebeli wrote. The court said it would be proper for the university faculty union to seek coverage for gay couples as a part of contract bargaining, and if such a benefit were conferred in a contract it would be upheld by the courts. Julie Goldscheid, a lawyer'for the National Organization for Women's legal defense fund who participated in the case, said the court missed an opportunity to correct the injustices of an antiquated law. "The courts all of the time strike down statutes that are on their face discriminatory/' Goldscheid said. "We have a decision that we think is wrong." The judges cited a passage in the state Law Against Discrimination that said it could not be "construed to interfere with the operation ... of any bona fide retirement, pension, employee benefit or insurance plan." Goldscheid said she was concerned this could lead to other types of disof. thejr _community. Contact: Brother Chris.: tian, P.O. Box 2411, Mill valley, CA 94941. CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay and lesbian Christian friends from across the nation as you tour . one of the most sacred places in the world: Christian Pilgrimage to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam. Visitors often remark that this trip to Israel was the journey of ·a lifetime! This 12-day trip tl}rough this ancient and holy land includes a 2-night stop in delightful Amsterdam. $2,469.00 per person. Contact Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com ORGANIZATIONS THE CENTER FOR PASTORAL CARE, 3180 German Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904, (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy 10: 15. Followed by a lite brunch. Retreats, workshops and pastoral counseling. Rev. Daniel Dickman, M.Div, M.Ed. 2197 Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni of Principia Upper School and/or College, for information write: David, Apt. 124, 2900 Connecticut Avenue, N. W., Washington. DC 20008. E-mail: Mrblanc@aol.com. B WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine ·in their intent, s6me are not. Readers are cautioned to protect themselves from scams: l. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. · Persons cashing altered checks or money orders are responsible for the difference between the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal personal information about yourself that would be harmful to you if passed on to employer, family or others. criminatory policies in insurance benefit plans, such as reduced disability coverage for pregnant women. "Nothing in the court's analysis changes our view that it is very clear that New Jersey law requires all employers to provide these benefits to all employees and their dependents," Goldscheid said. Two of the three judges appeared to agree with Goldscheid's sentiments but felt bound to rule against her. "What goes on in other people's bedrooms is a question that has intrigued me since reaching puberty, but it is none of my business," wrote Appeals Judge David Baime. "I thus find is distasteful to uphold the denial of health insurance to the dependents of a deserving segment of the work force merely because of their sexual predilections." Appeals Judge· Paul Levy agreed with Baime but added, "Our individual views of justice cannot override the clear intent (of the law)." ''This issue warrants immediate legislative attention and we should say so," Levy wrote. 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 Second Stone #51 - Mar/Apr 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/a88b54a40853c7ba5e2340704e9b048c.pdf 56a0c728d5645fd32c9ca844fc5164b9 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 50 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1997 Publication Date The date the issue was published Jan/Feb 1997 Text Any textual data included in the document ----=============================------ THE NATIONAL ECUMENlCAL CHRISTIAN NEWSPAPER FOR GAY MEN, LESBIANS, BISEXUALS, AND TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE 2 95 NEWO RLEANLSA,7 0182 Churchm ustl imita nti-gapyr otefils, SupremCe omrt ules By Richard Carelli Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - A Topeka, Kan., church whose members regularly engage in anti-gay picketing lost a Supreme Court appeal Jan. 21 and ·must continue to limit its demonstrations ·outside another church's ' building . The justices, without comment, let stand rulings that bar Westboro Baptist Church members from picketing outside St David's Episcopal Church in Topeka shortly before; during or shortly after any religious service. Since 1991, Westboro Baptist's Rev: Fred Phelps and his followers began what he calls a ministry of public religious pickets with a central mes- SEE PROTESTS, Page 20 Vaticanla yso utc asea gainswto menpriests By Daniel J. Wakin women. The church's top doctrinal experts announced Jan. 24 the release of a book gathering together the major recent church documents on the subject and a raft of scholarly essays bolsterk,••••• ing their position. The book was part of a series of documents by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was not clear why the latest volume was devoted to the contentious issue of women priests. But it follows a visit to the Vatican in December by the spi~itual leader of the Anglican Church, which SEE VATICAN, Page 20 Gay man sues SalvationAnny, claimsd iscrimination PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Johnathan Boettcher sought sobriety at a residential Salvation Army drug treatment program, but he says the charity effectively forced him out for being gay. He says Salvation Army employees told him that marching in the city's gay pride parade could get him kicked out of the program, denied him · a twoaday pass to visit a gay SEE DISCRIMINATION, Page 20 FIRST TIME? Second Stone is about being gay and Christian. If this is the first time you've ~en 'Seeond Stone, turn to page 2 to readm orea boutb einga gay Christian.Y ou'.rea ls9i nvitedt o visit an Outreach Partner near you: Richmond, Indiana; San Jose, California; New York, New York; ' Cincinneti, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; . Dayton, Ohio; and Dothan, Alabama. See page 3 for information. BU.K RATE US POSTAGE SUBSCRIBE TODAY! / " ffiDM ( J ADDRREESQCSUO ERSRTEECDT ION.. .·_. __ _ ______________ , TIMED ATED PAID NEWO RLEANLSA PERMITN o.5 11 Please see page 22 for information on becoming a new subscriber. MATERIAL Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-HAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting . In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual rel ationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also , any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the Amer- . ican Medical Association . After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I ~ven care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but ,God never has. God 's nature is to dr~w you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church .is. administered -by pastors, · bishops , lay people , committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past , the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery . At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that lead s to discri1ninatioil and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara . Harris once said, the church is a follow~r of society , not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church .) There is a place · for you in a .church in your neighborhood. There are many Christian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream .churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God I HADN'T 'DARKENED THE DOOR ,' AS THEY SAY, FOR MANY YEARS. I DIDN'T THINK GOD WANTED ME IN CHURCH AND THAT WAS THE REASON I ALWAYS GAVE FOR NOT BEING THERE. THEN I MET SOME FOLKS WHO WOULDN'T ACCEPT THAT AS A REASON - AND N0\\1 l'M 'DARKENING THE DOOR ' REGULARLY who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not Qod's responsibility . Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: 1. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved witlt Him in His work. 4. God speaks by tlte Holy Spirit through tlte Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways . 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must mak e major _ adjustments in your life-to join · God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through yo11: If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to tall: to you . He or she may be able to PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 recommend a reading resource, a video, a Bible study grou p or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to as k. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us. If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13 . But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual -orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinf ul state. The Bible condenms some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt ratl1er tl1an loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in lov ing relation ships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: The sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy I: 10. All these texts are concerned with something otl1er than homosexual activity itself... If people would still · seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they wilt have to look elS!'IVhere for an answer ... The Bible never addresses that question . More than that, the Bible seems deliberately unconcerned about it. I would like explore'furthe~:-What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being " where two or more are gathered." You may want-to check out a 1ninistry in your area witl1 a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner . The worship style may ·not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations . (There is no "one true -church. ") There ·are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will connect you to tlte people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circtunstances . (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult stmggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic -sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience . An inability to weave your sexuality into tl1e fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourse lf and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues . The Original Banner From Our July/August, 1988 Issue TONE Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues Grace comes when the lie is over BY REV. SHELLEY A. HAMIL TON enslaved and oppressed : all in the name of Christ. SEPT~MB ER / OCT OB ER, 198 8 · I,VEBEEN A FAITHFUL ,Wdffil of the Bible, of Christian tradition and history for many years. My faith, my steadfast commitment to the principles of Christianity come to me from an experience of grace when I was 12 years old. Had it not been for that experience I know I wouldn't be a Christian. You see, Jesus came to me in the form of a little girl • the Christ energy flowed into me through her. I grew up in a violent, alcoholic home. I was physically and sexually abused . Terror was the constant real- RICHMOND, INDIANA Join us for Worship February 23 Other Sheep Richmond , Indiana, chapter - in- formation P.O. Box 2448 Richmond, IN 47375-2448 317-966-4458 email: crameba @• arlham.edu AN BCtrMEN:ICAL CHRISTIAN M:IN:ISTRY SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA ~1~ . , .... \. -rqimii,.,Jo/f,,Jif i,k, Come Celebrate With Us The New Life In Jesus! (Luke 15:32) Pastor David Harvey Sunday Servic es - 10:30 AM at The Billy De Frank Center 175 Stockton Ave., Snn Jose, CA (408) 345-2319 http://www.best.com/~cdnley/cel e brn t o/ ity of my life . Love was something out of my reach • something I didn't understand. And then I met Gayle . She talked to me about Jesus, about God, about love, about salvation. I didn't under• stand much of what she said, but I did understand her kindness, her gentleness, her love . Jesus lived for me through her . Grace came to me at a time in my life when abuse and violation were at its most intense. It's because of that experience that I believe and trust in the scriptural record of Jesus. If I had only the written record of Christianity I know I wouldn't be a Christian. Why? Because much of it is a journal of pain, brokenness, lies, oppression and injustices. Mankind has used the Bible _and tile develop• . ment of religion to commit every kind of horror and sickness known to us. Millions of people have been tortured, imprisoned, murdered, Recently I was told of a 19-year-old boy who killed himself in Monroe, Louisiana. He was gay and the Bap· lists tormented him to his death . I work with people like this boy every day. In fact, I spend most of my time trying · to empower self-love within gay and lesbian people, trying to destroy the lie that nas killed us for so many years. The lie that it's a sin to be gay . .It's a sin to love someone, make love with someone of your own gender . The lie that we're perverted and sick. The lie that God would have us stoned to death. It's a lie and hypocrisy of the greatest magnitude to teach out of fear, ignorance and hatred and call it God's word. It's bewildering to me how folks who claim to speak in the name of Jesus, the name of love, do it so hatefully. There's a bunch of fundamentalist preachers in Atlanta jails right now because they wantJo control women's bodies. They speak out against abortion. They call themselves "pro-life" SEE GRACE, Page 5 Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. DOTHAN , ALABAMA Wiregrass Community Fellowship Church . P.O. Box 6021 Dothan, Alabama 36302 -6021 Meets at 2323 W. Main St., Suite 119B 5:30 p.m., Sundays Pastor's Phone (912)246-3240 (Answer machine) LOU ISVILLE , KENTUCKY Everybody needs a little Third Luther.m Chwch t 864 Frankfort Avenue Loulsvllle, KY 40206 896-6383 Worship: Sunday 1 t AM Trlnlty Lutheran Church 1432 H1ghland·Avenue Loulsvllle, KY 40204 587-8395 Worship: Sunday 9:30 AM Rev. Phil Garber Reconciled In Christ Congregations Everyone is invited You are invited CI NCINNATI , OHIO MOUNT AUBURN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cincinnati, Ohio · Striving toward the inclusiveness of Jesus Dr. Harold Poner, Pastor Wm. H. Taft (near UC) 281-5945 9:30 a.m. • Adult Forum 11 :00 a.m. • Worship Service Faith Exposed to ReaSOn - Reason Enlarged by Faith NEW YORK, NEW YORK 1es about makitJ,g connections ... Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) New York City IO 10 Farli Avenue at 85th St. Phone : (212) 288-3246 Worship: Sundays at J 1 a.m. -Open & Affirming- DAYTON , OHIO COMMUNTIY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O. rox 1634 • D\.YIDN, OH 45401 DISCOVER YOUR DFSTINY! ALL ARE WELCOME· meets: 546 XeniaAve. lliyton, Ohio Sunday 10 a.rn. EMAII.: Re\.SamuelK@aol.com Visit our Web Slte! . httixl /www.home.aoLc:om/re11samue1k 937-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues After losing her son to AIDS Crusadingmorn wOiktso change churcaht titudes BY DAN GRIPPO SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER, 1989 Yu CAN SEE IT all Jo ,~ eyes. The pain, the compassion, and the determination. Beverly Barbo has lived through one of the most painful experiences imaginable - she lost her 27 year old son Tim to the scourge of AIDS in 1986. She has seen close up and first hand the devastation AIDS can visit upon a lov.ed one, as she tended to Tim's needs during the last year of his life. She has done more than survive the ordeal, however. She has been transformed by it. She has written a book about the experience, and has emerged a stronger, more compassionate person, and one with a mission. A deeply religious woman, Barbo now leaves her Lindsborg, Kansas home to journey all over the country, speaking openly and movingly of the value of Tim's life, the integrity of his relationship with his lover Tom, and the need for mainline churches to publicly validate .gay and lesbian relationships. prepare her for what she was to experience with her son Tim. Faithful churchgoers, she and her husband Dave did not question the church's condemnation of homosexuality. "I really didn't give it much thought because it seemed so distant from my own life," she says. Tim changed all that. "He was different from the other boys . He was gentle. Because of this he was never accepted . He was always on the outside looking in. "We worried a lot and, unconsciously I think, tried to change him. Since the other boys didn't accept him, his best friends were girls, and he spent a lot of hme playing with dolls. I'd throw in a GI Joe doll, thinking maybe that would help. Or we'd want him to go out for sports he really didn't like." She shakes her head and smiles as she remembers the efforts to change Tim. "But he simply was who he was. It took us a long time to accept that." • "In high .school, he got involved "After witnessing the generous, with an older boy, and that boy told unselfish love shared by Tim and the whole school about Tim. He was Tom, and the loving support of the ostracized and ridiculed, and he gay community that was there for internalized that scorn for a while. Tim and for me during his final days, He came to us and said, 'Mom and I am convinced that faithful gay and Dad, I am a hopeless homosexual.' lesb ian relationships are good and We were devastated." should be blessed by churches," she Barbo and her husband went to their says. church pastors, seeking aid and sup- "Negative church attitudes toward port. "They couldn't accept it. Instead homosexuality have done great dam- they wanted to deny the whole age to gay people's self esteem. thing. Those attitudes have been internal- "We felt so isolated. What we ized and have contributed to the really needed was Some support. We high incidence of ' drug and alcohol needed to know we were not alone. use and suicide in the gay communi- Even a hug would have helped." She ty," she says. "I believe the answer sighs. "They were- good people, but involves church blessing of same-sex they couldn't help us, they weren't unions. Only then will gay and Jes- prepared for this. We had to go bian couples receive the support and through it alone." affirmation they need and deserve ." "One of the heaviest burdens Barbo didn't always see things this families place on themselves is way. Her traditional upbringing and believing they have to hide their early years of married life did not children's sexuality from everyone. PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Families will go to great lengths to cover it up . I see now what a mistake that is. "At the time I did not realize how much of Tim's pain, and our pain, was caused not by his homosexuality but by what churches had taught us to believe about homosexuality. "Promiscuity, gay or straight, is the problem, not homosexuality," Barbo says. "That is why it is so important for c.hurches to find a way to bless same·-sex unions. Church condemnation makes it difficult for gay and lesbian people to sustain their relationships. We all need support for our commitments." Tim did become comfortable with his sexuality. He moved from Kansas to California and soon met his lover Tom. By this time the Barbos had decided to accept Tim as he was,' regardless of what their church taught, and they also accepted Tom as a part of their family. Things were finally looking up - until AIDS struck. When Tim died, Barbo felt compelled to write her book, "The Walking Wounded." "I had to do it. I thought to myself, 'These young men are dying, and no one gives a damn because they are gay.' I wanted people to see what I had seen - the incredible love that is possible between people that society considers castaways." Barbo experienced more pain writing the book than she had allowed herself to feel during Tim's illness and death . "When you're going through it, you wake up every morning and grit your teeth and concentrate on what must be done to get through the day. But when I wrote "The Walking Wounded" I had to let my feelings out . "It was painful for me, and for my husband. I would write it out longhand and Dave would key it into the word processor . He would come downstairs with tears in his eyes, saying, 'I had no idea it was like that.' I was able to go to California to be with Tim and Tom durirtg the final months of Tim's life. All Dave knew was what I told him in our daily phone conversations. I kept a lot to myself at the time . So for both of us the book was extremely painful, but it was also part of the grieving we needed to go through." "The Walking Wounded" unfolds with a series of scenes from Tim's life, beginning with his birth and early eye problems that necessitated several surgeries, moving into his childhood where his gentle nature left him with few friends in the rough-and-tumble world of boyhood, then on to an adolescence spen t _in painful self discovery and ostracism, to a young adulthood marked by greater and greater self acceptance and the unfolding of a faithful, lov- · ing relationship, until the tragedy of AIDS strikes and Tim battles a foe who holds all the cards. Though it hides nothing of the ugly side of AIDS, the book is not without a brighter side. Even in the face of AIDS - perhaps especially in · .the face of AIDS - Tim, his mother, and · his lover find simple ways to celebrate life during Tim's last months . After spending nine months writing "The Walking Wounded/ Barbo sent it to both religious and general publishers. "The religious publishers said I was too much of an advocate for homosexuality. The general publishers said there was too much 'God talk' in the book." She laughs and shrugs her shoulders. "So we decided to publish it ourselves." They were told that most selfpublished books are lucky to sell a thousand copies. So they printed 750. The book has sold over 3,500 copies in less than two years. Barbo has been invited to speak in 14 different states since her book was published . "The response has been overwhelming," she says as she pulls out a three-inch thick folder brimming with letters. "These are just a few of them. I've got ·six more folders at home the same size." The letters come from all over the country. She picks a few at random and gently reads out loud. They contain the voices of people with AIDS, of parents and loved ones of people with AIDS, of people who didn't know how to talk to their families about their sexuality or their illness until they read her book, of ministers thanking her for opening their eyes - of people sharing their pain and their gratitude with this remarkable woman of courage. When you think about this loving mother and wife from Bible-belt middle America writing and speaking for religious blessing of homosexual unions, you can't help butmarvel at the way God calls prophets. " Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues No cowardly spirit A tranosnf natioinn the gay rommunity BY BILL URBAN MARCH/ APRIL, 1990 H ~ l~g, 0 L<ml? I,~ fe, help but you do not listen! I cry out to you "violence!" but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin: Why must I look at misery? -Habakkuk The more thirtgs change, the more they remain the same. The world of Habakkuk and the world we live in today are not that much different from one another. Just as Habakkuk, we live in a world of wars and pes- Grace, FromPage3 and yet these are the same folks who march in front of prisons and governor's mansions in support of capital punishment. These are the people who want to kill a queer for Christ. These are the people who lobby for nuclear weapons and want lo deny Ethiopian children food and medical supplies because their government in Marxist. These are the people who supported the war in Viet Nam and who support apartheid in South · Africa and segregation in America. Personally, I'm sick and tired of this kind of hypocrisy controlling our government and cloaking itself under the name of Christianity . I'm reminded that Jesus warned us/'Beware of the false prophets ... not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord_.. .' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, I never knew you, depart from me, you who practice lawlessness ." When I was just out of high school many years ago a friend told me she didn't believe in God . The reason, she said, was because when she was about nine years old . her parents told her there wasn't a Santa Claus and so she figured if they would lie lo her tilence caused by the social and moral corruption of a society out of control. But a world that allows that same society political control. Habakkuk dares to take issue with God. If God is so almighty and good, then why does he allow evil to exist and the righteous lo die. I was·thrust into the world of AIDS unexpectedly in 1982 when a dear friend was stricken by a then "unknown" and "untreatable" disease. I_ vividly remember walking about that they would probably lie about God as well. When I finally began to trust that God loves me and accepts me as I am I began to understand that if the "powers and principalities" would lie about something as integral to our lives as sexuality they would indeed lie about anything. That meant to me that everything is up for grabs. That we must examine, evaluate and determine for ourselves what reality is, what truth is, what love is. Who God is and who Jesus is and what those concepts mean for our nearly 21st Century reality . As I write this I remember my second powerful experience of grace. I was 18 years old. I accidentally walked into a gay bar in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There was a piano bar and a couple of guys were singing Secondhand Rc;,se. A peace flowed through me. The peace of certainty that after a long, lonely, painful journey I had finally come home. I knew that experience was a gift, a blessing, from God. I ·know that to discover myself as a lesbian was to recognize who I am. And in that recognition was and is grace. When we're taught to deny and to be ashamed _ of who we are, we are being taught to separate ourselves from God . And I am reminded of another saying of Jesus, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it is better for them that a heavy millstone be hung around their necks and that they be drowned in the depths of the sea." into the funeral home to find a dosed casket placed strategically in an archway between two rooms. One room was assigned to family members, the other to his friends. I was very hurt . My friend 's death should have served as a catalyst to bring us together. Instead it was used _ as a weapon to separate us. There ive were - divided by disease and death . His , family was shamed by his death . Embarrassed by his homosexuality. On that day it became my mission to fight - unashamed - the social and political mores of a society so blinded by fear- and prejudice that it would refuse to bury its own. Here we are_ seven years and 60,000 deaths later. It has not been an easy struggle, but like Habakkuk, "I look over the nations and I see and am utterly amazed." I cast my eye about and see the goodness of God at work. I see a once narcissistic and selfindulgent community transformed . A hedonistic society whose values - once based upon ava_rice and greed, changed into a community committed to the love and care of their brothers. · I see a community renewed in - and strengthened by - its faith. Most importantly,.I see how their love and religious spirit has slowly modified the masses. Politicians and religious leaders who at one time were afraid to even say the "A" word are now openly supporting our fundraisers and assisting us in our causes. Someone once gave me a button that read: "Being gay is not for sissies!" I certainly can vouch for that. Second Timothy reveals to us · that, "The spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, rather one that makes us strong, loving and wise." I like to tell the story of when my parents arrived at Johns Hopkins and the doctors were explaining my diagnosis to them. I lay severely ill in . the Intensive Care Unit and was not expected to live through the weekend. Upon hearing this, my mother exclaimed, "He will not only survive this pneumonia, but AIDS as well!" The doctor, not wanting her to be disillusioned, persisted, "I know your son to be a strong-willed individual, but he has never come up against anything like AIDS_ before ." My mom, fully composed, looked that doctor right in the eye and said, "Well, AIDS has never come up against anything like my son before." I did ma_ke it through that weekend. For weeks thereafter, I laid in my hospital room, frightened and depressed. Thinking how unfair all this was . I was just getting my life turned around, I had my own newspaper and the life partner I had always dreamed of. It just wasn't fair. I conlempla .ted my next maneuver with a great deal of consideration and discretion. · When I became ambulatory, I took a walk to the top of the Hopkins parking garage. Eight stories high. I stared down at the_ ground for what seemed like hours waiting for and desperately wanting one reason not to jump. When I had my left leg over the side, the Holy Spirit manifested itself to me. How long, 0 Lord, must I be beat back by political zealots, and you do not listen! I cry out to you SEE TRANSFORMATION, Next Page July/ Augiist, 1988 WITHS UBSClUPTIOprNe-· i,ales lagging ; printing of the first £u1Hssue .of (The) Second Stone wa·s postponed . Instead, · a four-,page· newslett er was mailed fo.subscrib ~~ ;_It o/as I!)Sue.N unibet IC. '(Issue Num- · bets lA and lB were d~sigl) pro • . totypesl)ever seen by•subscrib- ·e.rs :) .. ~ ·' "We' re pff ,tp a go(\d start/ ' said publishe r Jim Bailey: in a mes-, sage to char,tet suJ,scribers: "Be expecting good things from .us." THE COVER STORY was aliout the Names Project's N1;1tional AIDS Memerial QuiJt. The .organi zation was .preparing to unfold the quilt in Wa~hington, D.C. onOctober 9, 1988. ''It stands '. as a statemertt of hope and remembrance / a symbol of national unity, and a,promise of love," orgariizel'S said. 'IN THE NEWS: t.The United Methodist Church had just approved "an extens ive four year, scientifictheologkal iftquity into homosexuality" that was to "assist the church in resolving the <li•f ference of opinion within 'the church regarding the int erpretation .of homosex uality in ~e context ·of the Christian gospel." ' t.The_ Southern B~ptist ,Cortvention had just charged gays as being t,he primary cause Qf the spread ofAIDSf"oin rtocent victims" outside the gay com- . munity. 'The.'B;aptist organization passed a resolution affirming that "God loves the homo- . sexual" but fue J.!?,000" messengers" stopped short of any conclusion as to how the huge Protestant denominat ion would minister to gays and lesbians or victims of AIDS. PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 ,, Favorite Stories From Our First 49 Issues . The Wilderness \ . .Generation BY IRENE ELIZABETH STROUD MAY/)UNE,1992 B lock Md i..,no drng qoooos fought back against police harassment at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village: That was 1969. I wai, bominl970. Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors - and was assassinated - in 1978. I was eight. I was 11 when The New York Times first reported that 41 gay men had been diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma. All my sexual experimentation and my whole coming out process have taken place in the shadow of AIDS. I was 19, and just going through the heartbreak that followed my first love affair with a woman, when ·Carter Heyward published "Touching Our Strength." This year, I took a college course in gay and lesbian literature, marched in my first pride parade, and got into seminary at least partly on the strength of an essay about my experience as a lesbian. Transformation, From Pages "discrimination!" but you do not father, "He's your problem now, you intervene. Why must I look at sick- handle it." ness and death? This man's death was not without The Holy Spirit answered me with, merit. For four years· following his "As long as man allows the physical death I fought for a little known and spiritual devastation of. his fel- treatment. which was thought to help low man." It is for mortals to resolve prevent the onslaught of the kind of mortal problems . pneumonia which claimed his life. Allow me to be so bold as to make a Finally, in 1987, Baltimore Medical comparison to a verse in Timothy Institutions reluctantly began ·prewhich says, "I have been appointed scribing thi.s treatment. preacher and apos .tle and teacher, I pray for a miracle, but instead I and for its sake I undergo present receive smaller blessings one · at a hardships. But I am not ashamed." time. I have fought and prayed hard The same fiery · spirit which came for FDA approval of underground upon me that dismal day in June of drugs. Even if combined with other 1987 is with me today. drugs they would at least prolong The Names Project Quilt now covers life . 14 acres and represents the lives of Great strides have been made in sci- 15,000 men, women and children. One ence and medicine since 1983, but the of those quilts, personally stitched by political, social and religious fronts me, represents the life of a man I once still have a long way to go . In his loved. A kind and decent human day, Habakkuk faced the Chaibeing who never hurt a soul in his deans. The Chaldeans were a powerentire life, and who died, tragically ful, vicious, cruel and ruthless people. and painfully, in my arms. There are no Chaldeans today. We In 1983 there wasn't much hope for have the Jerry Falwells, the Jimmy people suffering the kind of pneumo- Swaggerts, the Jesse Helmses, and nia he had. I watched as my once their supporters . strong and virile . partner wasted The ignorant and frightened need to away to a mere 58 pounds. I sat by his see for themselves that people like side reciting the rosary, and reading me are intrinsically good and our misprayers because .the machines sion is simply to spread God's love - attached to him did not allo,v the not AIDS. benefit of speech. I called his family When I was growing up and things upon his death and was told by his didn't seem to work out right, I would PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY. 1997 In seminary, I quickly realized I was the youngest student, and th e youngest by a long shot in the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Caucus. At least one lesbian at the seminary h,;1s a child who fs older than I am. I just turned 22. Gay men, lesbians, and bisexual men . and women who are 20, ten, or sometimes even five years older than I have a history and a consciousness that I hardly recognize. When they tell their coming out stories, for example, it often turns out that they knew about their sexual identity years before they ever told a single other person. Some had no idea there was anyone else like them in the world. They describe levels of denial, shame, and isolation that I've never known. And they .also describe dramatic moments when Stonewall suddenly became real for them, when they first realized they deserved community instead of isolation, and resistance instead of resignation or assimilation. My coming out story, by contrast, is easy, funny, joyful. And it has no discomplain to my dad that life wasn't fair. He'd say to me, "No son, life isn't always fair. But if you feel that God has given you lemons, well then, make lemonade. You have to do the best you can with what you got where you are ." The Holy Spirit has helped me realize that God has spared by life · for a reason. I understand that my personal lemon is AIDS and I have to make lemonade. Enough for all to drink. . I make lemonade by my public speaking. Speaking serves to educate and sensitiz e people. It changes public opinion. It allows conservatives, evangelicals and their fundamentalist counterparts to see for themselves that the Holy Spirit dwells within me . That Spirit of Strength - that Spirit of Love - that Spirit of Wisdom! That same spirit within each and every one of us. Each one of us has been touched by AIDS. Each of us has their own .personal lemon to deal with. Look ·deep into your hearts. You will find a way to make lemonade. Then, when AIDS is eradicated from society, we can all say with great pride and Christian love, "We have done no more than our duty." cemible "Stonewall moments. " I applied to a women's college, and realized it didn't both er me to hear people calling it a "dyke school." In October my first year there, I wrote in my journal that I thought I might be a lesbian. In January, I asked my friend Robin, who had come out in high school, how she knew - and spent long afternoons and evenings with her, listening to her stories. Within the year, I fell in love with a woman . I knew almost immediately that this was what made sense for me, that this was right and good. I came out to my parents the following August. Things were tense and painful for some time. But within a week, despite the difficulties, when we were eating take-out Chinese food for dinner and the message in my fortune cookie said "You and your wife will have a wonderful life together," we were all able to laugh. If the movement towards gay liberation is like the Hebrew'~ journey toward the promised land, then Stonewall is like the Exodus. Not, as in the African-American tradition, because it represents an escape from slavery, but because it represents a nation beginning to form, an oppressed people claiming identity and community in an act of resistance . The Exodus is followed by a long period wandering in the wilderness. And in the wilderness, a new generation is born. I'm one of the first children of this second generation born in the wilder- SEE WILDERNESS, Next Page September/ October, 1988 Favorite Stories From Our First 49 Issues The Wilderness Generation FromPage6 ness. When I was born, my people were already on the move; by the time I came out, a thriving community of struggle and liberation was there . to receive me. I have no memory of the total isolation of the closet, for although I sometimes choose, in specific situations, not to reveal my identity, my experiences of coming out to myself and of coming out to others were nearly simultaneous. I never carried my sexual identity as a complete secret. I experienced confusion, but not shame. . Age makes a huge difference in lesbian experience. Despite a sincere interest in reaching across generations, and a tremendous sense of debt to those whose work has made my path so much easier, I sometimes have trouble communicating with lesbians who grew up and came out earlier in the gay liberation and lesbian feminist movements, It can be diffi-. cult to share an agenda or a common strategy. I expect more, and I have less patience. This is especially true in the church; I have felt this difference most profoundly in my interactions with older lesbians in the Reconciling Congregation I call home. I have felt lonely at church and in seminary, and I have wondered if it was just me - if my experience was unique to the college I attended, if my politics were simply more radical than most, or if my expectations for affirmation and community were just too high. But recently, at an annual national conference of lesbian, gay, and bisexual seminarians, I was able to spend some time with a small November /DecenJhet, 1988 group of lesbians my age, and I was amazed at how much we shared. Every coming out story seemed to include a realization of sexual identity that was, ultimately, simple and clear - "Oh, so I'm a l~sbian! Now I ■ If the movement towards gay liberation is like the Hebrew's journey toward the promised land, then Stonewall is like the Exodus ... The Exodus is followed by a long period of wandering. in the wilderness ... II get it!" And when we talked about the church, our questions were similar. Of course, I speak from a position of considerable privilege. Stonewall, after all, hasn't happened everywhere yet, or to everyone. I grew up in a big coastal city and went to a college with a large, visible community of lesbians and bisexual women. I had access to resources many people still have trouble finding. I was lucky to have incredibly courageous, loving parents. Even for someone as young as I am, my expe.rience is still fairly rare. But the clarity and relative painlessness of my corning out experie,nce have more to do with the good work of those who have gone before me than with accidents of birth. Because of Stonewall and the years of fruitful struggle that followed it, I've been able to come out much earlier and with much less pain than anyone could have imagined 20 years ago. I'm also part of a second wave of nationally organized, openly gay, lesbian and bisexual seminary students. The planning for the seminarians' conference I attended began three years ago, and the men and women who participated in that process now work as pastors, chaplains, staff members at church and social service agencies, and theologians. Some of them came to the conference to talk about their ministries - in the church, and out of the closet. Here, too, the way is being prepared. I don't want to romanticize the wilderness, or confuse it with the promised land. The wilderness is dangerous and unpredictable. In this same climate that allowed me to come out so easily, there has also been a violent backlash against sexual minorities, fueled by resentment at our new visibility, and by fear of AIDS. Gaybashing is on the rise. Pennsylvania, my home state, leads the nation in hate crimes against gays and lesbians . And even in the apparently safe, supportive environment of the women's college I attended, my friends were terrorized with vidous anonymous harassment - repeatedly, pornography and scrawled rape threats were slipped under the doors and into the mailboxes of lesbians I knew. At the conference, theologian and activist Mary Hunt reminded us not to imagine that because we have carved a niche for ourselves, the world-has changed. And while, if I look at it one way, my white, middle class privilege makes it easy for me to be a lesbian, if I look at it another way, the combination of good luck and unpredictable danger that characterizes my experience as a lesbian turns my white, middle class privilege upsid~down. As-a white, middle class woman, I can keep safe by following the rules, by keeping quiet, by doing what is expected. But as a lesbian, I'm vulnerable even if I'm quiet. What safety I have has been won for me by those who have broken the rules, who have come out, who have risked and lost not only whatever conventional power and privilege they had, but even, in some cases, their lives. And if I want to keep my life, if I want to fight the hatred and violence that still threaten it, I have to give it up: I have to learn to take some of the same risks as those who have gone before, I .PACT lesbia&n g ay New&sE ntertainment forN ewO rleasnisn c1e 977 WickeSdta geL esbiaVno ices QuarterScenMeos vPieo lice ffiVN ewsR ealpolitic DirectorQy ueePrl anet andm ore phon8e8 8-944-6722 fax5 04-944-6794 emailimpactmail@' eor.com www.eor.com/impacU Reader - toReader IIIIIIIDIRE.CT CONNECTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII NEW from Second Stone! Premiering In our next Issue: Reader to Reader Direct Connect - a section of profiles of active subscribers who want to meet other gay and lesbian Christians across town or across the country!To have your profile published simply send your lnforma: tlon to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, e-mail · to secstone@aol.com, or FAX to _(504)899-4014. 1. Name---------~-~- 2. City/Stat_e_ _______ .._ __ 3. Contacitn formation 4. Contacitn f0!1Tlat,i on NOTES: elecTt WOo f THREEw aysto be contacted: Yourm ailinga ddressy,o ure -maial ddresso,r your telephonen umber. 5. Maleo r female 6.Age __ _ 7. Occupation . 8. Gay,l esbiantr; ans, · bi, or straight 9. Singleo r committe.d 10.R eligiouasf filiation PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues , Reflections on gay and lesbian Christian activism (published prior to the April 25, 1993 March on Washington) The price of firedom BY NANCY HUGMAN MARCH/ APRIL,1993 C hmlianity is • risky bo•ness. Jesus of Nazareth got nailed - literally - for challenging the status quo. When The Way, as early Christianity was called, could no longer hide behind Mother Sarah's skirts, lions' jaws ripped Christian flesh from Christian bones. Some Christians hid and survived and others renounced The Way and ran back to the relative safety of Abraham's bosom. Since then, Jesus' disciples, individually and collectively, have confronted some tough choices. As a little girl in catechism classes, I wondered if I would have courageously faced the lions or followed • Jesus to the cross. As an adult, I wonder what issues, situations, and people are important enough to risk taking a pro-active stance, even if claiming that position means engaging in civil disobedience, defying the status quo, or risking personal loss. In th.e case of our churches, struggling to grow and remain financially solvent, what would so passionately motivate us that we would risk losing members, losing our status with the National Council of Churches, or losing our reputations with the nebulous heterosexual or gay and lesbian "communities?" Looking back at the Christian church's track record for taking a "Christian" stand in difficult circumstances, I find that, in many cases, the oppressed, after winning power, become the oppressors. The Christian church !las successfully made the · transition from fighting the status . quo to becoming the status quo. Would we have stood against the papalbacked Inquisition in defense of Galileo? Or do the revolutions of the earth really matter to hard working, God fearing · Christians? The same radical church - which, at its birth, had rocked the status quo with its empowerment of women - has stagnated to become the foremost oppressors of women. Would we have stood in defense of Margaret Sanger, who, in 1915, sent birth control information, considered t<:> be obscene material, through the U.S. mail? Or .do the ideas that women get in their heads ·really matter to hai-d working, God fearing Christians? Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, midnight, Friday, June 27; 1969: another police raid on another gay bar . Police begin arresting patrons without identification: drag queens, dykes, Hispanics, blacks, those "too gay" in mannerisms to successfully remain closeted, a menagerie of the disenfranchised, ostracized by "normal" gays. A lesbian resists arrest. Others join in. Drag .9.ueens can-can, taunting the police. Fists fly, epitaphs fly, spirits fly. Would we have stood in defense of Stonewall? Or do queers really matter to hard working, God fe.:iring Christians? Eight months prior to Stonewall, Rev. Troy Perry led Metropolitan Community Church's first wotship service. On the forefront of gay and lesbian civil rights, the Universal Fellowship .of Metropolitan Community Churches has applied every peaceful means available, including civil disobedience, to help secure the freedoms that we experience today. Factions of many other JudeoChristian denominations followed suit. Houston, Texas, 1978: My spouse and I, wrapped in wool caps and muf_flers to avoid identification, blended into the crowd at out first gay rights rally. Fellow MCC member Phyllis (formerly Phillip) approached the microphone. She reminded the crowd that, since she had not submitted to an ·operation to change her male anatomy, the Houston police could legally arrest her for cross-dressing in public. Phyllis was visibly frightened, but she stood proud. Later, she told me, "When you come out, you risk being beaten or killed. If you stay in the closet, you will die slowly, like a cancer eating you from the inside out." The next year, my spouse and I represented the Texas Gay Task Force, from the back of a Cadillac convertible, in Houston's first gay PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY. 1997 pride parade. Easy targets for any homophobic sniper, we rem.embered Phyllis' words and risked dying free rather than living emotionally and politically muzzled. As we rounded the corner from Montrose to. Westheimer Street, instead of being riddled with bullets, we were showered with bouquets of flowers, thrust into our arms by an ecstatic middleaged florist. We were not afraid anymore. Times have changed . In the information age, mainline journalists won't cover just any story about just any protest over just any social injustice. Consequently, groups wishing to make a public statement must plan new and extreme media-grabbing tactics, from shutting down rush hour traffic to burning and looting. How should Chri.stians respond to injustice? Should we take lives and/ or destroy other people's property in the name of justifiable civil disobedience? Is rioting another form of righteous indignation? Is violence morally worse . than passive resignation? Perhaps a look at Martin Luther King's "Letter From A Birmingham Jail," addressed to eight white, lukewarm clergy, will suggest some guidelines for Christian social action : One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws ... Any law that uplifts human personality. is just: Any law that degrades human personality is unjust... One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty... in order to arouse the consciousness of the commimity over its injustice. While some would argue the church should stay out of politics, King argued that involvement in politics, when it is used as an instrument of oppression, is a moral obligation. King detailed four steps to any nonviolent campaign: " ... collection of the · facts to determine whether injustices exist, negotiation, self-purification [preparation to meet violence with nonviolence], and direct action [only after failed negotiations.] ... Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has . constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue." Direct action should then give way again to negotiation. Typically; churches respond in one of four . ways when a glaring wrong slaps the church in the face. The Front-Line Churches immediately roll up their sleeves and get to work to right the wrong. The Nicodemus ■ "When you come out, you risk being beaten or killed. If you stay in the closet, you will die slowly, like a cancer eating you from the inside out." ■ Churches work behind the scenes at night, but won't associate with the cause in the light of day. The Iceberg Churches acknowledge that a wrong might, perhaps, theoretically exist and they pray that the problem will go away. Lastly, the Rabid Dog Churches, clenching their Bibles in their teeth, growl that the wrong is a God-ordained right . If we Christians wish to serve as a moral presence in our communities, we cannot idly wag our heads back and forth, like spectators at a .ping-pong tournament, as extremist protesters wage war on the fanatically entrenched status quo. We must base all of our actions and all of our goals on sound Christian principles, not the least of which is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." A pro-choice campaigner who prevents motorists from driving across a public bridge cannot complain too loudly SEE FREEDOM, Page 12 'I - Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues HowJ esuhs andled rejectiobny ''kinsmen'' BY REV. DR. REMBERT TRULUCK NOVEMBER I DECEMBER, 19 93 I nnre totd my p=nS U..t I w~ facing up to a drinking problem and had gone to a couple of AA meetings. My mother, who was happy about my decision, said "I was a lot more concerned about your drinking than about your being gay!" I said, "Well, that's good, because I can do something about the drinking, but I can't do anything about being gay." My parents, who are active leaders in my hometown Baptist church, would prefer that I was not gay, but they do accept me and love.me and try to understand me. Many other gay people are not as fortunate in having the continued love and support of their families. I have known young gay people who were thrown out of their homes by their own parents. Some even had their lives threatened by their fathers if they ever came home again. Many simply left home because of the rejection and pressure from family that made life miserable for everyone. Some dropped out of school before graduation because of ridicule and harassment by classmates. People who are different seem to pose a great threat to many people. Persons with mental or physical handicaps often experience subtle but very real rejectio11. Even those who are exceptionally bright or creative can experience rejection. Imagine how popular you would be in the average high school if you really loved classical music and opera but had little use for rock and roll. People who accept, love and enjoy people of another race also invite rejection. One way to invite a lot of rejection is to accept and associate with people who are themselves . outcast and rejected. Rejection by family and friends has often been devastating.fo the lives of gay people. Many have had difficulty in developing mature personalities because of the lack of adult role models and the abandonment by significant adults who could have given love and direction in fadng the developmental tasks everyone must learn to handle in growing up. Alienation from family and friends oftentimes leads to hostility toward the world and toward God. Young people without skills and without maturity can easily become users, taking other people for whatever they can get with as little real giving on their part as possible . Every human being is profoundly different from every other person, but the differences are often obscured by the relentless pressure of society to conform to the "average." To be who you really are without fear of shame takes a lot of courage. The experience of Jesus can help us find our way out of the dismal swamp of conforming to the expectations of others. Jesus was often rejected by those who knew him best. Jesus came to his own, and those wito were his own did not receive him. But as many as received 11i11t1o, them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those wlw believe in his name. John 1:11-12 One striking feature of the gospel account of Jesus is the rejection of Jesus by his kinsmen, who considered him to be "out of his mind" when he allowed the crowd to consume his time and energy so much that he could not even eat a meal. (Mark 3:20) Another incident of rejection came in his home town when Jesus did few mighty acts because of the ridicule and rejection by his neighbors: Jesus came to his home town ... And wizen the Sabbath had come, ite began to teach in the synagogue; and tire many listeners were astonisited, saying, "Where did this man get these things, and what is titis wisdom given to liim and such miracles as these performed by his hands? ls not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brotiter .of James and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?" And they. took offense (were scandalized) at him. And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his home town and among his own relatives and in his own household." Mark 6:1- 4 Perhaps there is some truth to ihe saying that "familiarity breeds contempt!" The rejection of Jesus by his own hometown people reached a violent climax in the account of Luke 4:16-30. Jesus came to Nazareth "where he had been brought up" and went into the synagogue to read and teach. The first response of the crowd was "all were speaking well of him and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from his lips; and they were saying, "Is this not Joseph's son?" (Luke 4:16 and 22) · Jesus then pointed out that a prophet is not welcome in his own . hometown and gave examples of how Elijah fed a woman of Sidon and not a Jew during the great famine recorded in I Kings 17:1-18 and also how Elisha cleansed no Israelite leper but ■ Jesus redefined the meaning of "family." Gay and lesbian people often find in others who are like themselves a greater sense of fellowship and comm unity than they find in their own relatives. ■ did heal a foreigner, Naaman the . Syrian in II Kings 5:1-14. In giving these examples, Jesus was speaking the unacceptable truth to the Jews that God loves Gentiles also. The response of the crowd was: "All in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things. And they rose up and cast him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went his way and came down to Capemaum." The response of Jesus to violent rejection in Nazareth was simply to continue his ministry elsewhere . Ridicule and rejection by his neighbors and kinspeople did not deter Jesus from his mission in life. Immediately after the incident of rejectjon recorded in Mark 6:1-6, Jesus summoned his disciples and sent them on a special mission representing him in power and effective preaching and healing. When those who knew him best rejected him, Jesus turned his interest and energy toward others who were receptive and open to him. Mark 3:5 is the one direct reference in the gospels concerning the anger of Jesus. The anger was directed against those who put religious tradition above compassion and concern for human need. The religious leaders, who should have realized who Jesus was and given him their enthusiastic support, instead plotted against Jesus, who continued in his work of service to suffering people: . And when his own people (kinsmen) heard of this, they went out to take custody of him; for they were saying, "He has lost his senses." Mark 3:21 Following this, some of the religious leaders accused Jesus of doing his mighty acts of love and healing in the power of Satan. At this point, the immediate family of Jesus appeared. And his mother and his brothers arrived, · and standing outside they sent word to him, and called him. And a multitude was sitting around him, and they said to him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you." And answering them, Jesus said, "Wlzo are my mother and my brothers?" And look. ing about on those who were sitting aroutzd him, he said, "Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:31-35 Jesus redefo,ed the meaning of "family." The people who are your relatives or who grew up with you may not have as much in common with y_ou as others do. Gay and lesbian people often find in others who are like themselves a greater sense of fellowship and community than they find in their own hometown or in their own relatives . You don't choose your relatives. They are given to you. You don't choose your childhood playmates or school classmates. They are also given. You may select some people to be especially close to from relatives and friends, but if you are gay or lesbian, you may · look in vain for someone from among your given family and friends with whom you are truly comfortable. Jesus practiced a careful selectivity in surrounding himself with the people of his own choice. His mission in life was the dominating factor that motivated all of his choices. Jesus was confident of who he was and what his purpose in life was. This clarity of identity and sense of purpose enabled him to decide on the SEER EJECTIONP, age 12 PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY~l-997 Favorite Stones From Our First 49 Issues On becoming legitimataes g ay andl esbiaCnh ristians BY BRIAN MA YE DA MAY I JUNE, 1994 toric juncture. In a pluralist democracy, there's a moment when a minority obtains legitimacy and its rights are taken seriously by the other minorities that together make up the majority. That's happening now for gays and lesbians. We're winning and that gi11es tliings a cer.tain electricity. ~ Tony Kushner,. Tony award-winning playwright, as quoted in Time magazine, May ll, 1993. ality, conservative evangelicalism _dismisses these alternative interpretations as "gross misinterpretation" or as "moving away from a high view of scripture" (Stanton L. Jones writing in Christianity Today, July 19, 1993). Since when has biblical exegesis that explains scripture in the context in which is was written been considered "gross misinterpretation?" And concerning the miscasting of pro-gay theology as "moving away from a high view of scripture," :it would be Inspiring words spoken by Tony more correct to say that pro-gay Kushner, one of the foremost play- theology moves away from evangeliwrights in America today, and calism's unwitting tende11cy to worauthor of "Angels in America: Mil- ship the written word itself, and to lennium Approaches," the gay- demand that every situation in scripthemed play that captured four Tony ture be considered relevant to today's awards in 1993, including best play. society. Yet while these words are becoming Conformity and control are two true for gays and lesbians in society at other standards of conservative evanlarge (the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" gelicalism . Independent thinking is military compromise notwithstand- not encouraged in the church. On the ing), they still remain a dream for contrary, evangelicalism thrives_ by gays and lesbians in the church. controlling people through uniform- Unfortunately, that the church lags ity of thought and doctrine. This behind the rest of society on civil lib- rigidity of tho.ught stifles change, erties issues is nothing new. In fact, particularly change brought about by this phenomenon raises the larger new discoveries that may discredit question of why the church - that ent- traditional interpretation of portions ity that in its inception "turned the of the Bible. A reactionary thinker's world upside down" (Acts 17:6) - is only recourse is to trivialize, dismiss not only remiss in providing leader- or suppress knowledge. Such behavior ship to society, but, in the case of gay never serves the churcl1 well. This and lesbian rig-hts, is actually point is well proven by the condemnaopposed to it. tion by the church (albeit not Protes- One reason: ignorance and fear have tant) of the Italian astronomer Galikept the majority of Bible-believing leo in 1633 for declaring that the sun, Christians bound to an .inflexible· not the earth, was the center of the interpretation of the scriptures that solar system. Not until 1992 did the concern homosexuality. Most of these church finally exonerate Galileo for - believers do not know the alternative his "heretical" stance - and this after interpretations of the controversial an exhaustive, 13-year investigation! scriptures; interpretations which Now the churcl1 faces mounting scitake into account the cultural and entific evidence that points toward social contexts in which these verses biological and/ or genetic causes of were written. Rather than presenting homosexuality. And what is the this historic backdrop to believers, clmrch's response? In a July 26, 1993 against which they can make their Time magazine article entitled "Born own decisions concerning these verses Gay?," which reported on recent studand their relationship. to homosexu- ies by the National Cancer Institute PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 indicating a genetic basis for male homosexuality, the Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman of the ·Traditional Values Coalition, stated: "The fact that homosexuality may be genetically based will not make much difference for us from a public policy perspective." If the Christian community follows Sheldon's line of thinking, then the church will not have changed much since its condemnation of Galileo. In view of the scriptural admonition that "people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6), it is a horrible irony that church leaders sum as Sheldon refuse to rethink their theology in light of scientific discovery. But where does this lack of positive and reinforcing leadership in the church leave gay and lesbian Christians? The answer is clear, if not unsettling: To find a way on our own. Whether or not we admit it, as gay and lesbian Christians our concepts of ■ Where does lack of positive and reinforcing leadership in the church leave gay and lesbian Christians? The answer is clear, if not unsettling: To find a way on our own. ■ faith and sexuality are informed and influenced by both the religious right and the gay civil rights movement. With the polarization of these two groups, it becomes_ increasingly difficult to remain in a neutral position between them. And because the religious right's theological stand on homosexuality is increasingly viewed as archaic and irrelevant by much of society, we as gay and lesbian Christians have the heretofore undreamed of possibility of demonstrating to society that our spiritual and sexual natures not only exist side by side, but can be celebrated as that which God deems good. How can this most effectively be done? By living as people who are fully integrated - spiritually, sexually, intelleduaUy, emotionally - in all areas of our lives. For most of us, the process of becoming integrated as people is not an easy one - it requires that certain steps be taken, steps which carry with them challenging responsibilities. You cannot make a persuasive argument for the viability of being a gay or lesbian Christian if you don't know the basis for your belief . This includes · developing a wellresearched, well-understood theology. Additionally, because the question of the immutability of homosexuality is going to play a large part in the debate over gay civil rights in the 1990's, it is undoubtedly in our interest to find out what recent studies on this topic have to say. A recent U.S. News and World Report poll found that 46 percent of Americans still believe that homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle and not an inb.orn characteristic. The process of educating others, however, presupposes that you are out to them. The act of coming out to one's family, friends and coworkers is itself one of the most myth-dispelling ways to counter homophobia. Indeed, Andrew Sullivan, editor of The New Republic, noted in his May· 10, 1993 article on "The Politics of Homosexuality :" "Far more subversive than mediagrabbing demonstrations on the evening news has been the slow effect of individual, private Americans becoming more open abouttheir sexuality ... Likewise; the ·,greatest public debate about homosexuality yet ' the :military debate ~•- tdtJk' 'plate ·· not because radicals besieged the Pentagon, but because of the ordinary and once-anonymous Americans within the military who simply · refused to acquiesce in their own humiliation any longer. Their courage was illustrated not in taking to the streets in rage but in facing their families and colleagues with integrity." For lesbians and gays in the church, educating straight Christians becomes all the more urgent in the light of such inaccurate and propagandistic media tools as ·The Gay Agenda, an anti-gay vi_deo produced by the religious . right. Ignorance breeds irrational fears. Hostility plays upon these fears to the point where reason flies out the window, and reasonable dialogue becomes an all but impossible endeavor. The antidote for this ignorance and hostility is not, however, to engage in the same tactics. Rather, the . most effective countermeasure is to declare the truth in love and with a . firm sense of conviction. As straight Christians see the . reality of our love for God, as well as the integrity · iri which we walk, .it will free them to understand that the majority of gays and lesbians cannot be caricatured as media stereotypes . · Consider the impact your life has on SEEL EGITIMATEP,a ge 12 '• ' • Prayer •The Bible • Words & Deeds · "Spitfire Grill" earns more than dashboard Jesus Movie profits help build new school fu' Woody Baird Associated Press Writer WALLS, Miss. (AP) - For the Sacred Heart League, the plastic Jesus may be history but Hollywood is hot. That's why the Catholic charity that once brought us those little Jesus statues for automobile dashboards hopes to follow up on its first successful movie with more films. The first one, "The Spitfire Grill," isn't some preachy religious work designed for fellowship night. It"s a feature length movie for general distribution, though it carries a strong message of compassion and redemp· tion. It focuses on a young woman, fresh from prison, struggling for a new start in a small town. The movie won the "audience award" at the Sundance Film Festival and has so far earned the Sacred Heart League some $3 million· money that will be spent on a new school. "I -hope as -a result of the example we have set, that other churches or responsible groups of people will step forward and get into the media and produce their own feature films," said Roger Courts, the League's executive director. The League is already working on a 'second movie script, though Courts said it is too early to discuss the pro· ject in detail. "If we can make truly beautiful, value- based films for $5 million to $6 million, we believe we can sell them and make a profit," he said, "and whoever we sell them to will make a profit -as weil." The League, a fund-raising arm of the Priest of the Sacred Heart, is ,headquartered in Walls, just south of :Memphis, as unlikely a spot as any _ for a new player in the.motion picture industry. -The Sacred Heart's Southern mis· sion_-supports two grammar schools and a host of social service programs in a deprived region of north Missis• sippi . It is currently building a lowincome housing -development in Walls. "The Spitfire Grill" was filmed in just 38 days in rural Vermont, but the seeds of its creation were planted some 20 years ago when the Sacred Heart League began looking for ways to -expand its fund-raising and its ability to spread Christian ideals through the media. The nonprofit charity traces its beginnings to 1955 when Fr. Gregory Bezy came to north Mississippi and formed the Sacred Hea_rt Auto League, urging his followers to "drive prayerfully and carefully." The plastic statues contributors used to get, until 1967, have been replaced by smalfer, less ostentatious dashboard stickers, and the League has expanded its presence as a distributor of religious and inspirational publications. The League decided in 1975, in a 20- year mission statement, that one of its primary reasons for being was "religious communication." Ten yeM's later, it decided to expand into television or perhaps feature films. "By 1991, we were actively soliciting screen plays, reading books and trying to find just the right property for our first venture," Courts_ said. Until "The Spitfire Grill," the League had drawn its income solely from _ its 1.2 million members nationwide. They donated $21 million last yei!r , The League formed a for-profit com• pany, Gregory Productions, and accepted a script from writer Lee David Zlotoff, who also directed "The _ Spitfire Grill." - To make the movie, the production company borrowed $6 million from the Priests of the Sacred _ Heart, headquartered in Hales Corner, Wis. After paying taxes on its profits, Gregory Productions will give what it makes to the Sacred Heart League. "Gregory Productions has no employees," Courts said. "The staff of the Sacred Heart League just_ worked longer, took fewer breaks. But ii was a labor of love. This was the culmination of_a 20-year dream." And i't was 'a dream that worked out well. · - · - "The Spitfire Grill," with no car crashes, shootouts or nudity, was picked up by Castle Rock Entertainment which paid a Sundance record of $10 million for distribution rights . If Castle Rock makes money, the Sacred Heart League will get a piece of that as well. The movie's success at Sundance led to some talk, however, about the place of general-distribution films financed by religious organizations. A New York Times reviewer found "Biblical imagery" in the movie "slightly sinister" in light of the film's financing. The Times also reported that some Hollywood executives, who declined to speak on the record, were uneasy with the film's connection to the Catholic Church. Courts said, however, that the film seeks only to present a story of human struggle and the value of life. "We wanted to make a movie that was commercially viable, that could hold its own in the -cinema market place," he said. "But we said in our mission statement for Gregory Productions that we will produce films that are of the highest quality artistically and technically and which are an embodiment of some of the most treasured of the Judeo--Christian prin· ciples;" ,_ And anyway, Courts said, all sorts of people and organizations make movies. "Wouldn't you rather know that the backer of a movie you and your family are about to see is some responsible, ethical faith group," he said. In the movie, Percy Talbott (Alison Elliott) finds work as a waitress at the Spitfire Grill, a small restaurant in a Maine hamlet called Gilead. She is befriended by the grill's owner, Hannah Ferguson (Ellen Burstyn), and Shelby Goddard (Marcia Gay Harden), the timid wife of Hannah's nephew, Nahum (Will Patton). Writer-director Zlotoff, who is Jewish, said the movie makes no attempt at heavy-handed moralizing. "lt"s a positive human values story," he said, "not necessarily a family film, but a film you could take your family to." NEWFROMWJK Also Available - periences of God drawn from e narrativ es of homosexuals . COUNSELING LESBIAN PARTNERS Counseling and Pastoral - Theology series Joretta L Marshall paper 18.00 Practical clinical pastoral care for the unique needs of lesbians. WE WERE BAPTIZED Too Claiming God's Grace COMING OUT As PARENTS You and Your for Lesbians and Gays Marilyn Bennett Alexander , & James Preston paper $17.00 I Homosexual Child David K. Switzer paper SI 2.00 WESTMINSTER JOHN KNOX PRESS l00 Wither~pOCln Street Lmi.~,i\le, KY 40202-1396 At your book stoie , your Cokesbury bookstore or call toll-free 1-800-227-2872 • http://www.pcusa.org/j>pc PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 ··~-,. Rejection, FromPage9 people who would best fit into his life. In the midst of various forms of rejection in Mark 3, Jesus made some careful choices of_ companions for himself in Mark 3:13-14: And Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom he himself wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, that they might be with him. One way out of the pain of rejection can be your own act of voluntary selection of people who are right for you in your life. This may be difficult if you are not really sure of your own identity or reason for living. Do you reject Freedom, FromPage8 when an anti-choice protester p revents a woman from entering · an abortion clinic. In a constructive relationship with media, we can headline our unusual efforts to meet vidlence with nonviolence, oppression with love. King wrote, "Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; ii comes through the tireless efforts of men (sic) willing to be coworkers with God ... We must use time creatively;.in the knowledge that time is 'always ripe to do right." Today, we find ourselves in a season of optimistic calm. We have elected a pro-choice, gay- Jesus is watching you. .. A BURGLAR Gar into a house one night. Shining his flashlight on the floor in the dark, he heard a voice saying, 'Jesus is watching you." He looked around nervously, shook his · head, and kept looking for valuables. He again heard, "Jesus is watching you." This time, he shone his light all over, and it rested on a parrot. He asked, "Did you say that?" The parrot admitted that it had. 'Tm just trying lo warn you, is all." The burglar said; "Warn me, huh? Who are you? What's your name?" "Moses." "Well, what kind of stupid people would name a parrot 'Moses'?" The bird answered, '1 don't know; I guess the same folks who would name a Rottweiler 'Jesus'." or accept yourself as you see yourself? The chief issue in the battle for gay rights has been the fight for' freedom of association. Gay and lesbian people want the freedom to love and associate with those to whom the heart leads, not those whom society dictates. Your responsible exercise of choice of people in your life is the other side of handling rejection by those who don't understand or accept you like you are. The help that Jesus gives to us in handling rejection includes guidance by his teachings and his spirit in making healthy and happy choices of the people we want to be witl1 J!s: sensitive . president, . who we expect will end the ban on gays in the milital'y and appointSupreme Court Justices who lean toward individual freedoms. We hope that President Chnton will "fix-it" for us. ("It" being whatever ails us and our society.) We can snuggle in under the warm comforter of new leadership and sleep for awhile. Bu·t in fitful dreams we remember Colorado's Amendment 2 which prohibits any homosexual or bisexual from filing a daim of discrimination. We'll protest by boycotting Colorado - unless the ski season is just too irresistible. Someone is fighting the constitutionality of 2, aren't they? Someone will take care of it for us. In our dreams we see visions of the battle against Oregon's Measure 9, which would have mandated schools teach children that being homosexual is wrong, mandated libraries dispose of all pro-gay literature. 01.1{, nightmare continues as · faceless · intruders ransack · offices and steal . mailing lists from anti-Measure 9 organizations, including churches. Anonymous callers inform businesses that certain employees are homosexuals. Leaders on both sides of the initiative wear bullet-proof vests on election day. But Measure 9 didn't · pass - this time. We are safe to dream more pleasant dreams: dreams of winning the lottery or meeting that certain someone, or even noble dreams that humankind will one day live in harmony - without too much effort or risk on our part. After all, God can perform miracles. We are safe to dream, provided we don't wake up too late. PAGE 12 • SECOND-STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Legitimate, FromPagelO others: In view of the hostility of much of the evangelical church toward gays and lesbians, and in light of the failure of "ex-gay" ministries to "cure" them, we may be the only viable witnesses to the nonbelieving in our community. In marked contrast to the antagonistic spokespersons of the religious right, we have the enormous potential to demonstrate the love and graciousness of Jesus Christ towards those alienated by the church. The question remains. In the absence of leadership from the ·church, wi!I we. as gay and lesbian Christians . take the steps necessary to legitimize ourselves as part of the larger com ·munity . of believers and as part of society as a whole? In contrast to the secular gay and lesbian community, the gay and lesbian Christian com• munity only now is taking on form and substance. We have much catching up lo do. Our task will be even more challenging as we face not only institutionalized homophobia in the church - homophobia sanctioned by centuries of traditional, inflexible interpretation of the Bible. Don't be discouraged. Thirty years ago, in the midst of another minority's struggle for equality, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. proclaimed: "The deep rumbling of discontent that we hear today is the thunder of disinherited masses,_ rising from dungeons of oppression to tte bright hills of freedom, in one majestic chorus the rising masses singing; in the words of our freedom song, "Ain't gonna let nobody tum us around."' · ARE YOU SPONSORING · .1',,CONFERENCEFOR , O·'' CμRISTIAN GAYS . ";:-.,,i:AND LESBIANS?? 'J'~d~A~ANKE TiiE SPIRIT OF YOUR CONFERENCE ALL ACROSS AMERICA THROUGH CABLE ACCESS. WE PROVIDE QUALITY, LOW COST VIDEOTAPING AND EDITING FOR TELEVISION BROADCAST. CALL: WORD OF LIFE MINISTRIES (504) 883-8281 FORMORE INFO. Get listed in our next National Resource Guide All churches and organizations with a specific - outreach to gays and lesbians will be listed free. Your minisiry information will be published in an .upcoming issue of SeCOnd Stone and will be_made ~vailable on the World Wide We'1. You can also advertise in Second Stone's Resource Guide. By advertising in our_ Resource Guide. you capture even 111.oerex posure for your ministry - and you support our out- · reach as well! Call 504-899-4014 and we'll help you with your ad. Get a FREE AD in the Resource Guide by becoming an Outreach Partne r. Second Stone makes copies available for just the cost of printing and shipping tO churches arid organizations providing literature ministry at bars and gay pride events. Become an Outreach Partner - and increase your niinistry's visibility in your community! HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE GUIDE: Church/Group Nam,0 "---------------~------,-- Address~-------~---------------- Phone ________ ~ ..... ------------'---- Other informatio,nn___ ___ ~-------'--o-,----------- Please contact us about [ ] advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO: Box 8340, New Orteans, LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)899-4014 OR E-MAIL To: ·secstone@aol.com Second S. tone 's national · resouruc~ 1•d e. · . About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listed below are resources for gay /lesbian/bisexual/ transgendered Christians. Accuracy of an organization's listing is the responsibility of the organization. We apologize for any omissions or errors. Corrections may be sent to P.O. !;lox 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 oremailed to secstone@aol.com. In most cases area codes are listed in the .city heading only. National ADVANCCE HRISTIANM INISTRIES4,0 01-CM apleA w .. Dal' las,T X 75219.( 214)522-152F0A. A.( 214)528-107T0h. omas Hirschd, rector. AFFIRMATIOGNa: y& Les~anM ormoosP, .O.B ox4 6022, Los ::¥i~~T\il1:11~t\.2f'~ti lor Gay& LesbiaCn oncerns, ~i:8J1s~: 0.i'f:~F}1~&i~iW,°moMal)1and Ave, NE.S le.5 04,W ashingtonD,C 2 00CY(l 202)546-080(870, 0)288- 9619F, AA( 202)$16-510P3tt.; icalionl:n teracti:Jn. AMERICANB APTISTSC ONCERNED1, 3318C lairepoinle WayO, aklandC, A9 4619-353(15.1 0)465-865V2o ceo l theT urtle AMERICACNI VILL IBERTIEUSN IONG, a\llesbianR igltsP roject, 1 32Wes!43rdStN, ewYor~N Y1 0036. AMERICANFR IENDSS ERVICEC OMMITTE(EQ uaker2) 249. E. 61111SSdte, Pmand OR9 7214(.5 03)23(}9427. ASSOCIATIONO F WELCOMINGA NOA FFIRMINGB APTISTS, P .O.B ox 2596,A ttleboroF alls,M A 02763-0894V./ F (508) 226-0945. WA Baplisls@aol.com. h~:/LSer5.aol.com~ts. A neM'orokf dlu!thes,o rganiza· l:iornsa andi 1nciv:idJ~alws hfow eloomaen da CM:ICafotert he fullp ar- ~h~~~,tld bisexuap1e q;>!we ithint he AmeriAAIOSE: aslema ndO rthoooCx fristians3, 28 w. 17thS t 14-F, NewYor~N Y1 0011(.2 12)98!,6211. BALMM INISTRIESP, .O.Box1 981,C oslaM esaC, A 92626. (714)641-896M8.a rshaS tevens,s in~r/song.yriterS. uzanne ~•~;~::'~ox 83912, Los Angeles, CA 90083-0912. (310)410-000fi BRETHREN/MENNONITPEA RENTSO F LESBIAN/GAY CHILDREBNo, x1 708L, im~O H4 5002. BRETHREN/ MENNONITEC OUNCILF OR LESBIANA ND GAY CONCERNSB,o x 6:JOOM, inneapoloM, N 55406-0300. (612)305-0315. BMCouncil@aol.com. http://'/Mw.we!Joom.comS,l'lWmc)"/l lr:rB relhrena ndM ennonite( §J.Yl,e sbiana,n db isexuaple q)le,a nd thei parentss,p ooses, · ~l;~JL1~ ~A?ir16~~~R~~ RIGHrs. Box 1985, NewYor~N Y10159'(.718)629-2lJ27. CATHOLIPCA RENTSN ETWORKc,lo Fr. RebertN ugentf,f J7 DoveSr I., BattimoreM, D2 1230(.3 01)927-876F6A, A( 301)664- 6948 Robert.Nugent@GLIB.ORG. CENTERF ORH OMOPHOBIEAD UCATIONB,o x 1985,N ew Yak, NY1 0159(.3 01)864-0054. . . CHIA HOP RESS_ A. speciawl ork of the UF~C Mid-A!lantic District.P ublisheorf religioubso oksa ndm aterialsP. .O.B ox 7864G, ailheIBbu-Mg D2 0698,( :IJ1)67o-1859. CHRISTIANLE SBIAN.SOUT TOGETHERP, .O. Box 1ro;2, CdurrllusO, H4 3201. COMMONB 9ND( formeJre hovah'Ws itnessesM; ormonsB)o x 405,E l.-.,oc\P A1 6117(.4 12)75&0704. COMMUNICATIOMNI NISTRYI,N C.· DialogJea nd S'-l'POfl gcx.,l,o r gaya nd~ sbianC athoicC ~lfll andr elgous.P .O.B ox 60125C, hicag:,I,L ~ 125, PtblicatimC: OOtmurica1ion CONFERENCFEO R CATHOLICL ESBIANSP, .O. Box 436 PanelanlllSl in.,N ewY ak, NY1 0024(.7 18)921-0463. DAUGHTEROSF SARAH.T hem agazinfeo r ChrotianF em, not,\ 3801N a Ke<l!eCr,h icagaIL, 0 0641(,m )736-(l399. DIGNITY/USA1, 500 MassachusettAs ve., NW, Ste. 11, WashilgtonD, C20005(.2 a1)861-001F7A,A ( 2a1)~808 Gay andl esbianC athd<Sa nd! herlr iards. . ECUMENICACL ATHOLICC HURCH,P .O. Box 32, Villa GrandeC, A 95466-0032(7. 07)887-102F0A, A,( 707)887-7083. The~ t Rev.M arkS . ShinlauP, h.D~. usmark@aol.coPm<.b licaionT: heT ablet ECUMENICACLA THOLIC HURCHR EFORMED36, 18W hit· fie~ Way, Pr:mdeSr prings,G A 30073-1574(7. 70)439-8839, lennsisson@aol.com. , EROSPIRIRTE SEARCIHN STITUTEP,. O.B ar3 893O, akland, CA9 4609(.5 10)428-906N3e. tworok l gaya ndl esbiane cstatics offeringc lassesa nd\ .'KEOinS erotic~ ritualny. EVANGELICALCSO NCERNEDcl,o Dr. RaiJ!!B lair,3 11 Easl 72ndS I., NewY ork, NY 10021.( 212)517-317P1.o olicatioos: Reviewan dR ecord THE EVANGELICANLE TWORKB, ox 16104,P ooen~.A Z 80011(.& J2)265-2rol. FEDERATIOONF PARENTSA ND FRIENDSO F LESBIANS AND GAYS, INC, P.O. Box 27605, Washington, DC 20036(202)63&420S0.e nd$ 3.00k lr par:l<eatl nlonnati:Jn. FRIENDSF OR LESBIANA ND GAY CONCERN(SQ uakers) 143C amji>elAl ve. . Ithaca,N Y 14850.( 607)272-102F4A, A (OOQ272-000I. ~-:~D-~~~~;~~~~~T\~!~=T~t;'. ton:Netwcrk. GAY,L ESBIANA NDA FFIRMINGD ISCIPLEASL LIANCEP,. O. Box 19223,ln dianapoioI,N 46219-0223(3. 19)324-623F1o. r memberosf theC hrJStiaCnh urch{D iscipleosf Christ)P. ublic.a• lionC: rossbeam. s GAYELLOWP AGES• P.O. Box2 92,V illageS in. . NewY or~ NY1 0014(.2 12)674-0120. HONESTYS: outhernB aptistA ct,.,ocatfeosr EqualR iglts,c /o Daw:!Trtble0, 030uairsR unR d, KC-1l,o uisvi!e, KY4 0207. HUMANR IGHTSC AMPAIGN1,1 011 4thS I., NW, Ste. 200, WaslingonD, C2 000!i (2a1)628-4100. INDEPENDENCTH URCHO F RELIGIOUSS CIENCE4, 102 East7 ~ St, 1/ZJll,. orYBeJa chC, A9 0004(.3 10)4330384. INNERH EALING2,2 38-CB ayviewH ts., LosD sos,C A9 3402. (805)534-110S1IW. )II;,,, phone COlllSein. g INTEGRITYIN, C.,P .O.B ox5 255,N ewY ork,N Y 10185-5255. (201)868-2416'5tt.; icatoo:T heV rir:eo l lntegii'f INTERNATIONAFLR EEC ATHOLICC OMMUNIONP.,O .B ox 51158,R iversiOOC,A 92517·2158( 900)781-739P1 ublication: TheF reeC .atholbC ommunicant INTERNATIONGALA YA NDL ESBIANA RCHIVEST,h eN atal• BanneEy CWlaGrda ipenteLr tJraryP, .O.B ox3 8100H, ol~ood CA9 0038.( 213)654-Cl?P7l1l,.ic atioo:B ullebn. INTERWEAV2E5, BeacooS I., Bos!OllM, A0 2108.( 617)742- 2100.A lay organizaliorroUf nitarianU niversa!isftos r lesbian, bisexua'flt,/ aodt ransgani:clro ncerns. LAMBDAC HURCHG ROWTHI NSTITUTEP, .O. Box 370, RutherG len.V A 22546.( 804)448-203F1A. A( 804)448-3146. Churchg owthp rogramsfo r precbminantgtya y/lesbiacnh urches. R ev.J amesN . BirkittJ, r., executivder ecto<. LESBIANC ATHOLICSW ITNESSiNGF OR CHANGEB, ox 31!11N, ewY ak, NY1 0185(!69I(.7 18)6ro6107. f;;'~~,fi~S~_254, AvooaA, R 72711-025P4.e np als LIVINGS TREAMSP,. O.B ox1 78,C onca~ CA9 4522-017B8i.= r$~,irWrt~CxER,NmED / NORTHA MERICAB, o; 10461, StatiooC. hcag:,I,L 60610-0461f.' llji,alion: The METHODISTF EDERATIONFO R SOCIALA CTIONa, gayaffirmingm, ulti-issuen etwork7, 6 ClintonA ve.,S tatenI sland, 10301-110(7 18)273-MFSPAt.t ;icati:JnS: ociaQl ooslionBs uf letin. MERCYO F GODC O~UNITY, POB ar4 1055P, rW<Jen,c ReI 02940-105(54. 01)722-313C2h. ristia~E cumenicaanl di ndus;,,, communitdy sisters,b rdhersa nd associates, MOREL IGHT CHURCHESN ETWORK8, 00 W. Fullerton Pkwy.C, hcagaI,L 60614-269(0m, )336-0452 Resoorcpea cket,$ 12 Ptt;icalon:M erel .gll ChurcheNs eM<JNike wsletter NATIONAAL SSOCIATIOONF CATHOLICD IOCESANLE S· BIANA NDG AYM INISTRIES4,3 3JeffersoSn I., Oakand,C A 94607. (510)465-9344.N ewslettear nd nationacl onference. ~~~ci~ER FORL ESBIANR IGHTS• 1663M issioo St 5thF r.,S anF rancilcoC, A9 4103. NATIONA-CLONGRESFSO RL ESBIANC HRISTIANPSO, B ox 614,C ap~. CA9 5010(8 00)861-NCLC. NATIONALC OALITIONO F BLACKL ESBIANSA NDG AYS, P.O.B ar1 9248W aslirgtonD, C2 '.Xl36. NATIONACL OUNCIOL F CHURCHES47, 5R iveIBioDor ,,N ew .York,N Y1 0115A. IDST ask ForceR, oom5 72,( 212)870-2421. ~~~~J:~~t~:'o;~J~•HTs~a~~~;,, Of.,,, 110 MarylanAdv e.,N E,W ashirg!ODf\ C200CY(2l 02)544-2350. 'NATIONALE CUMENICACLO ALITION1, 953C olumbiaP ike 124, Anr,gi)n,V A2 2204456J(. 7"3)~31. NATIONAGL AYA NDL ESBIANT ASKF ORCE2, 32017thS t; NW, Washing1onD, C 20009-4309.( 202)332-6483F. AX (202)332-0207. NATIONAGL AYP ENTECOSTAL LIANCE(a lsoP enteoo,tal BbleI nstitute[M inisterilaral inif)QP) .O.B ox1 3:91S, chenedaq,', NY 12301-1391.( 518)372-6001P. l.blicalionT: he·A postolic Voice. NEW DIRECTIONM agazinelo r gay/lesbanM ormons6, 520 SernaA ve.,S ta RS-440L,o sA ng,lesC, A= a. NEWW AYSM INISTRY4,0 122 9thS t, Mt.R ain~r,M D2 071Z (301)277-587F4A,A ( 301)864-69. 4A6 gay-affirmirgorganizalion b<io;Jintgh e lesbian/gacyo mmunitay nd the RomanC atholic CilJrclt OPEN& AFFIRMINGM INISTRIESG,a y,L esbiaann dA ffirming 2~~e;8~,A~~'f"~~l~~1~i=:il~u~~r~ t~rk~: tion for oongregationaso d other ministrieso f the Christian Church( Dis~s al Christ)w hichs eekt o welcomea nda lfirm 'r:g'r~l11a¥/o'ffla~~ w. Aps1esy 1.P. hiiadeiJho, PA 19144. {215)849-2178P. lb!ishesa rticleso f interestto progessive Christians. OTHERS HEEPM ulticulturMailn istriews ithS exuaMl inorities, 319N . Fourth! '902,S t Louis,M O6 3102-193(83. 14)241-2400. FAA( 314)241-240E3-.m ail~: herzog@aol.r:aTnh.e olajcaal nd eoocalionawlr :rkk lcally;n ationallya,n di nternaionallsyL !)pOl1- ingi x,sitiveb i>licasl ~ for gaysa ndl esbianisn theC hristian church. · ORTHODOXC ATHOLICC HURCHO F AMERICAP, .O. Box ~~ I ~~~~NF~1~wrn~"'c~NCERNS. po Box 38, New Brunswick,N J 08903-0038.( 908)932-7501, (908)249·101P6o.o icalionM: orel .gll Update PRISM, 73315th St, NW, S1e. 317, Washi~on, DC 20005- 2112.( 202)347-3313D.i versilyw r:rkshC!JloSr churchesa nd gutf6. RECONCILINCGO NGREGATIOPNR OGRAM3,8 01N . Keeler Ave,,C hcag,,I Lro641.( m)736-5526F. l( (m)736-547!iP u,. l"'too: Open Hards REFORMECDH URCHIN A MERICAG AYC AUCUSP, .O. Box 8174,P MadeiJ!!iaP.A 1 9101-8174 RELIGIOWN ATCHP, .O.B ox652N, orthB ellmoreN Y1 1710A. newsllttemro nttorintgre ndisn c ontem)X)rarerylk tn. ST, SERAPHIMO RTHODOCXH RISTIANM ISSION1 205N o SpauklngA ve.W, estH ollytio(xC\ A9 00!6. (213)851-2256.. · ST.T ABITHA'SA IDSA POSTOLTAE ,C hristiaAn IDSN etwork of the AmericaOn rthoooCx atholiCc hurcho f St Greg:r!OSp o Bar 1543M, ontereyC,A 9 3940(. 408)819-0731. ' · · SILENTH ARVESTM INISTRIESP,O Box1 905·1 DallasT X 75219-051(12.1 4)52%655. ' ' SUPPORTIVCEO NGREGATIONEST WORKM ennonitaen d Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 5540&0300. SCNetwork@_aol.Aco nme.t worko f MennoniteG, eneraCl onfer• encoM ennonlea ndC hurcho f lheB re~renc ongegalionlsli lich welcomge ay,le sbiana ndb isexuaml embers. UNITARIANU NIYERSALISTO FFICEF OR LESBIAN/GAY CONCERN2S5, B eacoSn I., BostooM, A0 2108(.6 17)742-21, 00 UNITEDC HURCHC OALITIONF ORL ESBIAN/G AYC ONCERNS1, 8N .C ollegeA, thensO, H4 570,1 (614)5 93-7301P.o obcatlOlWl: aves UNITEDC HURCHO F CHRIS,T Officef or Churchin Socfety 110M,f\"lndAw.,N E, WashngOID\ C2 0002( 202)543-1517.' UNITEDC HURCHO F CHRISTP ARENTOS FL ESBIANASN D GAYS,c /o Rev.J ucithC laussenB, ruceR e.nn,i.e 505 Orchard Dr.,C arlxlrdaleIL, &!901(. 618)457-5479. UNITEDL ESBIANA NDG AYC HRISTIANSC IENTIST-SB ox fii~\?~~o. RobertsooB lvd., BeverlyH ills, CA 90213. UNITEDL ESBIANA NDG AYC HRISTIANSC IENTISTSB ox 2171,B ewr~Hills,C A9 0213-217(12.1 3)85'.l-6258 ' UNITYF ELLOWSHICPH URC,H 5149W . JeffersooB wd., Los ArgelesC, A9 0016(.2 13)936494F9A, A( 213)936-4973. UNIVERSAFLE LLOWSHIOPF METROPOLITACNC MMUNITYC HURCHE5S3 00S antaM oo_icBalv d,. l304,L osA rgeles, CA9 0020,( 213)464-510P0ll., ,:aion: Ke~nginTouch WILDERNESMSA NN,A 1404ArnddA "'·• SanJ ooeC, A9 5110. (408)~1-9310. A Christiane nviroomenl tma inisl!y;n ewsletter andtrps. THEW ITNESSP, tt;ishedt ,,,l he EpisccpaCl hurchP tt;ishing Co, 1249W ashingtoBol vd,S te.3 115,D etro<M! l 46226-1868. (313)962-2650 ' WOMEN'SA WANCEF ORT HEOLOGYE,T HICSA NDR ITU· Al, 603513thS I., Silvers~ MD2 0910( 301)500-250F9A A (301)589-315N0ll.< atioo:WATERvmeet. ' WOMEN'SO RDINATIOCNO NFERENCPE.,O .B oxa ;93,F airlax, V A2 2031-000(l7 03)352-1005. THE WOMEN'SP ROJECT2, 224M ain SI., Lilt~ Rock,A R. ~. (~1 )372•5113.W orkshq:,osn women'sis sues,s ocial W~o:~~~-~~rawl for women 25 w. Diamond ~-;2x ~\~= 14 MN 55419,( 800)279-05,5 (5612)622· International LibertyC ommunit}CI hurchS, te. 402·2388T riumphS I., Van• · IXlMlr, BCV 5L1L 5C anada(8 04)254008S2m ., 6::lql.m.a t St Jctin'sU rltedC h.Jdr i, 1401C ornoxS t, VancoJVeBr,C . :~;~ gtBo;t~Pf:;e~=,:~~~:: rfr~~A~~~~~i~: g.,ne, μ,sklr. Alabama · BIRMINGHA(2M0 5) AllbamaF Olllll,P OB ox5 5004,3 5255-500342,8 -9228 BirminghamCo mmunityC hurcllP, O Box1 302213, 5213.6 49- 850, COlenanHICCPO, B ox1 014733,5 2105. 99-33S6l3rl.. , 11a.m., 7pm. 511? 1st Ava, N. FriardsM eeti,g( Quakers5),9 2-0570. In tegity,B 71-1815. Pilg-imC ongegatonaCl ilJrch6, 79-1624. St Anrtev/sE pisr:q)aCl htrch, 251-7698. UnitariUann il/ersaCliosolg egalbn,8 79-5150. Urii'fChllCI\ 251-3713 ~;i~~'i;l:,6B1ox,1 o00 213, 5tll1.8 51-6914. MOBILE(3 34) MCCo l -~. PO Box6 3113, 6600-831417. 6-462. 1Sunday, l:f'o~TGOMER(3Y3 4) MCCP, O Box6 03, 36101-060236. 4•7887S.u nray5, ::lql.m.a t 5200Vau;ttR, d · Alaska ~~~r~E~ \~nant P.O.B ox2 8689, 96457. 46-1089H.o oardH . Bess,p astorA. Welcominagn dA ffirminAg mericanB aptol Coogegation Arizona ~~~(°"' Gommunii'fChurc2h1, 28N &Ith St., 85215- 2811. PHOENI(X6 02) Alfirmatroo(M ormoos)P, O Box 26501, Tempe6, 5265-6601. 433-1321. ~ DeCristoEvang,icalChurc1ll0, 29ET. u-nay8, 50142. 65- Dg,ilyllnlegilyP, OB arI D!58,8 5002-09582 58-2556. ~~ls=ned Western Region, P.O. Box 66906, GentleS hepherdM CC,3 425E . MountainV iew.8 50289. 96- 7544. HeatingW atersM inistries2,2 5W . University.D#r.1, 05T, empe, 85all. 894-8681. lu1tllransCoocerooPdQ, Bo,(75198, 50118. 70-3611. OasoM CC2, 405E . CoronarilB, !OOl.2 75-3584. Presbylerianlso r Lesbian& Gay ConcernsP, O Box 61162, 85082 ~~~o:,ellowshp, 2902N . Geronimo8, 57056. 22·462.6 Sunday9, a.m.,1 0:30a.mW., eooesct,~ym, . RadaS chaffl," S· l'.lr. lntegity,r JoGraceS t PaursE piscq:>Cahl urch2, 331E .A dams St, 857197. 91-74al. MCC3, 269N . f.bln1ainA1e8.,5 7192. 92-9151. Men'sS ociaNl etwr:rk4,2 07N . l.inberlooCt ir., 857056. 90-9565. Sooiaal ctMtiesfo r (JII'fm eno f all a~. EUREKAS PRING(S5 01) ~Ji~li'.i'.\?P(O~B oFx3 6·5 .7 26322 5'3-933177. E lk EcumenicCala tholicC hucch4,4 4-969~P auS! mithc, ontacpt er• son. MCCo t theO zarksP, OS CI9<2 ,7 2702®2 443-42/ll. mRestomratioFne Mllowsh1iipn J~esus C hrist,P .O. Box3 820,7 27fi2. (~~ JosephP aulS mith.p,ul111@a.coolm. BrxlfolCms\ POB ox1 3647, '2Z133.7 +1693. HolyC rossE cumenicCala tholicC hurc,h 663--685F9r. Christo--- ph':-Er hemann · Hq>eA postoliCc hurchP, .O.B ox4 563,7 2214.6 53-3711T. DD 653-3987b. rojvirgilio@OO~i.coBmro. .J . Vir91iop,a stor. MCCo l theR ock,P O Box1 964,7 2203-196745. 3-70752.0 17 Chaooert,o . LittleR rx:k. ~~t 1i~!; ~ Box 586, = 223-al28S. unray2, p.m. ~~i:U.ni versalisCt hurch1, 818R eservoRir ockR d,7 'Z2fJ7. California . APPLEV ALLEY( 619) Lighto t the DeserCt hurchP, OB ox2 47,9 23072. 47-2572S.u nday, 6:3'.l).m. ARROYDG RANDE(0 05) i1 l 1 ,BJ::_n 4 ~; 51 i~tholic ChurchA postolate2, 58 AspenS t, BLYTHE(6 19) Grx/s GardenG rr:mthC enter,2 83 N. Solano9. 22-1194B7r.o . MichaeWl .T uckerp, aster. CONCOR(D5 10) FreeC athdicApostolaotef I haR 900eme1r4, 40DetroAttv e.H 3 945207. 96-5281. ' ' EAST BAY AREA (510) DiabloV al~y MCC,2 253C oncordB t.-d.C, oncord9,4 5208. 27- 2960S. unday1,0 tm., 7p.m. FirstB aplolC ht.rch2, 345C hamingW ,;, Berkeey9, 47046. 48- 5838.~ slherH args,p astor~. els in smalcl hapeol f Fits!C ongegat! OllaClh urchA. Welcominagn dA ffirmingA mericanB aplol Congegation FreeC atholiAc p:istotatoef the Reooeme3r8, 49 MaybellAev e,. #6, 946195. 8Q-7055. Gay, lesbia~,.a ndA ffirmingD iscples,U ntv.C hristianC hurch, BerkeleyT.h irdS un.,4 p.m. lakeshoreA venueB aptisCt hurc,h 3534L akeshorAe w., Oak• land,9 4610 . 893-2484.J amesH . Hcpkinsp, ast>rA. Welcoming andA ffirminAg mericanB aptiscto ng€gation. ~~~MCC, 1~ 9thS t, Berkeley9,4 7108. 43-936S5.L ml)l, ~::~w:~ 1 f~s M.&: G;ary.C oncerns3,. 900H arrisonS t., IRVINE(714) IMne UniledC hurcho l Christ,4 915A llooP kwy.,9 271.4 733- 0220.A n CJ!,e&n Alf,mingC ongegatioop,r ouct;p rogess;,,,, r::~+t~rte. - SunnseM CCo t the Hi DesertP, O Box8 86,9 3564-08869.4 2- 7076. ' LONGBfACtt(310) Dg,ily,P OB a<9 23759, 0009-23759.8 4-8400. FirstC ongegaliooaClh urch2, 41C adarA ve.. 90802 436-2256. ~~~n andA ffirmingC ong-egatiooof the UnitedC hurcho f MCC1, 231L CCtJSIAw90.,8 13-311443. 2-3641. LOSA NGELEASR EA(2 13) A~i"matiorvloAsn gelesU: nttedM elhcx:isfotsr G ay,l esbiana nd ~~ms, PO Box 691283, West Hol~ CA 90069. 989· Christh eS hepherLdu 1heraCni lJrch1, 85W . AltadenDa r.,A lta· dena, 91001. (818)794-7011. =~~ UMC,1 296N o.F airlaxA ve.,W estH ci~ood, Dg,ily,P OB ar4 204'.l9, 00!2-00403.4 4-0064. Di!Jlity/SanG abrieVl alley,5 02 MesaC ir., Monrovia9,1 01& 1636(.8 18)620-5167. . OiVineR e0'3emeMr CC,3 46 RiverdaleD r., Glendale9, 1204. f~~IW,~124. Sunday1, 0:45a.mW., ed,. Fn., 7:Jq>.mR. ev. EcumenicaCla tholicC hurchin HuntingtoPna rk,5 89-6903F. r. OtilioG al~.S panish-speakcinogn gegalon. EvangelicalsC oncernedW est Holl)Wood(, 818)580-7884. ;~,n:: ~~iSa~~a~~sc;~:k~~w:1~:~~~ tlOllk l a women'ms onthlyc iscussiogno upi n OntarioE. CN ew• ~:f:: r;~7e~~Santa MoorB.aM i, 1109,B ox1 6, 90046-. 0. ETN ews F"'e Spin!M CCP, OB r,c4 6600,9 00464. 60-2911. ~t ~weos'!~~urch, PO Box4 2964,9 00423. 84- =~:,f•nta MonicaB lvd, #109-113W, estH ot~ood LambdCa hristiaFn elloNshfP),O B a<1 967H, awtnoro0o0, 251. LatinC hurcho f ChristianF ellcmship3,3 23W . BeverlyB lvd., 900l4. 433-2047. ~:anw~. ~11¥/~~:,n~Cooaolitsion-7, 985 Santa ~r:,'~\'k~~l1225 Ma!J10B!M•: !.B, ox2 90,N n Hot,,~ 7'/.l~1~I1ey, 5730C ahuengBal vd,N o.H otly,,ood9,1 001. ~ 1 '!:i.~neyarcts, 11012venturBaW .,1 1254,S tooioCily, MCCo l Sitvertak3e6, 21B ruriswickAve9.0, 039·172010. 5-8818. NewH ~ ChristianC hurch,P O Box3 16, Van Nlf,'S9, 1408. (818)765-159S(u1n day5,p .m.a t 9550H askeAll ve. Presbyterianfosr lesbian& GayC oncems3,3 73D escansDor ., #1, 90026.262-0019. . St. John'sE piscq:laCl hurch5, 14W . AdamsB !vd9 0007.7 47• 6285. St Matthew'Lsu theraCn hurch1, 1031C amaril~S t., No. Hollywood, 9 1602.( 818)762-29.0 A9SL interpretatiolnir st andl ast Slll. . UnitedL esbiarJGaCyh ristianS cientistsP, O8 ox 21.71, Beverly Hils,9 0212-217(13.1 0)850-62. 58 UnilyF elloNshiC> hurch5, 149W . JeffeIBoBn lvd,. 900169. 36- 4948 MDOEST0(209) MCCP. OB a<3 092~. 578-:Jl94. PAGE 13 SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Resource Guide NAPA (707) ~irc~~1Ml)Vil~gl PkY,y, 9. 455!!2 55-6917. ChristC hapeMl CC7, 20N . SpurgeoSn t., SantaA na,9 2701· 3722.83&-0722. . Ecumen:cCala tholicC hurch9, 79-1840Y. adraT aylor·,contact =loa• Concernetd.a gina, 45•13 m. Week~B ille studies andwors~. Atso newg(l{)S 11 FulertooandSanDieg>. PALMS PRING(S6 19) ClristC l\tl)elo l lJ-eD esert9, 38VellaR d, 92264.1/27-2795. ~et~4 ·: ~::~ ~~ca~~~~= 322-9W6. REDONDBOE ACH(3 10) CenlerfoPr assionaSlep iritualtf'y2,f JJH7 arrimalnn , #1,0 0278- 4547.3 74-7718R. ich Rossiterd, rector.S pirituadl rection, retreatsa ndf amaticxel ~nts k>rg 'Vt:vpt ersoos. REOWOOCOIT Y( 415) Call'aryM CCP, OB o<7 0,9 4064-0l073.6 8-01662.1 24B rewsler St RIVERSID(E9 09) Communiotyf Christ he LifeG iver,P OB ox5 11589, 25177. 81· 7391. RUSSIANR IVER(1 07) MCCB, ox1 055G, ueme'.119k5l4, 468. 87-76228a. :J-05fQ1. 4520 Armstr(nJWa:xisRd. SACRAMENT'(9016) Dgiily, POB ox1 617659,5 816. 1ntegrity/NOflheCmal ifornia2, 620.C apitol9, 5816.3 94-1715. . barb@g,,.rot Webs fte:h ttpilwN.l""neU--llart>llalb.htm K~noiaC hristianF elk1osh~P,O B ox1 894449, 58184. 52·5736. TomR oss~p asot r. Thet .atesIts sue, POB a<1 605849,5 8167. 37:1066 R. . rclyMCC, POB ox2 451259,5 8244. 54-47627. 413 4~ St. ~~:scl~urch of theG oodS h<pherd3 01C orradl eT karr,a 93908.294-2Cl!6. SANA NDREA(S2 00) lnfegify,6 77P iooeeAr w Apt4 ,T urbe~9 5'.!80-262467.6 -351. 5 SANA NSELMO(4 15) Specfrun1, @Sir FranciDs rakeB wd,# IZ 9400:J4.5 7·1115. SANB ERNARDJNOl111VERS\DEIP(O90M9)O NA Affirmatkl!(lM etho<lsts1),3 25N . C•remoo\ Box 302.C •remoot 91711. 6?:~2159. coremooUt ritedM elhcxlsCf hurch2,1 1W . FootbaBll lvd,C ar· emon\9 17116. 24-9021A. R eoooolnCg ongeg,tKXqli,e n to al. GreeoC.rratiooCoffeehou1s5e8,0 N ~ D St.,S il. 7, 9240!i3 81· ~e~~si~rl~s!~mmEpiscq,al Church (Oki Cafhol~). 1580 No. D SL, Ste. 5, San Bernardno, 92405. 384·1940, P8reton714@aol.cRoemv..D r.J .E. PauBl retonp, astorW. ed, 7p.m.;Sun1.,1 a.m. SAND IEGOA REA(6 19) Affirmatio(oM amoos)P, OB ox1 3646992,1 -. - AnchoMr nofries3, 441U niveraifAyv e.,9 21042. 84-865C4.h ar· ismaticf,u llg :ispecl hurch. Dgiify, PO Box3 3367,9 2163D. giify Center4, 561P ar!<B lvd 295-2584. ~·~c':n~ 21 =it ~~921052. 8<-8488 ~~i:•~.~~~D~4m 4333:l(XhSt PaciftcB eachU nitedM ethods!C hurch.,1561T homa,s 92109. 274-6573S.l ll., 10:1S a.m. SANF RANCISCBOA YA REA(41S) • BethaeUy nitedM ettlOCISCth urch,1 268S anchez9, 4114.6 47· 8393. Sun., 11a.m. Rev. Karen Oliveto, pastor. betha"fUmc@a~.oom Di,ity, 11/279t hA w., 941222 55-9244S.I J1Cll5y:,J q>.m. Dolores Street Baptist Church, 938 Valencia SI. at Liberty, 94110. 826-2641. FAX, 282·2826. Doug Donley, pastor. ?v!=~ol~rned, 62t-3296orecsroa@aol.cWomee.l ey meetllg)., Gdd!n GateM CC,1 & l8 COOrcSht , 94131·2016. Freed:>mIn ChristE v'ang!iecal ChurchP, .O. Box 14462S, an Fran,C A9 41149. 05-6509s., 11.t,: :iq,.m.a lOOBelcherSbLe, tween14thStandOJxx: e. LutheranCs oncerned5 66 ValkljoS t. . #25, 94133·40339.5 6- 2009. Ad,mt MCCf,O OEurekSaL ,9 4114-249826 3-443.4 Surday9, , 1f a.m,. ~~is/California, 110 Julian Ave., 94103. 522-0222. oasisca1if@aol.cGomay.a ndl esbanm il)istryo f the Episcq:>al Diocesoel Calibmi.a Rairlx7NF elklwshpo f FiratC ongegatml Church4, 32M ason SL, 941023 92-7461M. ontho/poUucksapnladn ningm eetings. t~:r=·Churdl, 16688ushSt9, 41097. 75-1117. UnitarianU niversalisGt ay/Les/B1i,1 87F ranklin9, 4100. 731· 391~ UCCUGC2,0 Wooctia,Ave.,9412577. 6-1554. g::,~;~6n . SantaC ora,9 50559. 77-4218. EcumneicalC atholicC hurch,3 74-3430S. cottB urris,c ontact ~~hrislian ChLJchB, Os : 5thS L,9 51122 34•2944R.i erard K Miller,pastor. Gay, Lesbian,a nd AlfirmingD isciples,r lo First Christian Clllroh,B OSo5. thS t, 951122 94-2944. Hoo.nnaChLJchPorla oe2, 4N .5 thSL,9 51122 93-0700. MCCP, O Box22669, 5109-226267. 9-27116.5 S. 7thS t. Sunday, ~a:i,.m., Wed, 7:3:p.m. Newc ommunitoy f Faith, 6350R airmND r.,9 51292. 53·1408. :,~rd 8~11:i::~~~~i~eit°~:iS:~te . A Wei• Valka~estChLJch5,9 1W . HamltionA ve.,S fe.2 15,C ami:t,ell, ~~~6~~«) SanL eancioC ommunitCy hurch1, 395B ancrofAt ve.,9 54n. ~ 1ro1J:~trJ\f"· pasllr . , MCCo f GreateJr -lay&ar1d0, 0H acielm,~ - 481-9720S. un, 1230~m. SANL UISO BISP.(09 05) MCCo f theC entraCl oast,P O Box 1117, GroverC ity,9 3483- ;~f; r~lr JA~={S:c'i~+,A;:\WA~~ter, pa st "' MCC2, 30Lg,lholoeR d, SantaB albera9, 3100-190556. J·1615. MCC, PO Box 25610, Ventura, 93002. 643-0502 Sunday, 6:2qlm. at 4949 Foo~i l Rd. SANTAC RUZ( 408) LavendeRro adMCCP,O B oc1 76,4 9!l:l613. 35046fi ~:::n~it,g: Church8, 65-011..9A rchbishcMp arKS hir> OU. . NewHq,eM CCP, OB ox1 12789, 5400-127582. 6-HOPES.u nday, nom at 3632 Aiway Dr. STOCKTO(N2l 9) ChristiaSn okar<L:ee soonsB, ox7 1049, 5267·710447. 3-2129. DeltaH arvestMCCf t,6 W. Wik>YSL9,5 202-10445n. ·t440. WHITTIE(R3 10) . GoodS amaritanM CC,1 1931W ashingtoBol vd, 90600-2607. 6966211 Colorado BOULDE(R3 J3) . . . Gay& ConcerneCd atholicsS, t ThomasA quinasU nrvers1. ty Pa,.h, 90414thS t, 800(2 443-838. '.l COLORADSOP RING(S1 19) Evang3licalCs oncernedW esternR eglonR esourceC enter, crewman@aol.com. Pi<esPeakMC7C3, 0N.T ejoo8, 00036. 34-3771. DENVER(:m ) Axios: Eastern OrthocbxC hristians,1 1635E . Cedart we., Atraa, tDJ12, 343-9997. CtristCha!>'9I,2 2E.2 3rdA w., 00205-5111. EvangelicalsR econciled3, 31-2709o r erdenver@aolcom. :1:;:~~~·441 H~mooldSt t, A~ fJJ7,0 021&237.0 422-317fi MCCc t theR od<ies9,B OC arksonSt,8 02188. 00-1819. SLP mts UMC1, 6150g!mS L,8 Ce188.3 2·492l. PUEBLO(1 19) MCCP, OB ox1 918, 810015. 43-6400. Connecticut HARTFCR(D86 0) CentraBl aptisCt hurc,h 457M ainS t., 061C Xl5 22·9275P. aulG . Gillespiep,a storA. Welcoming andA ffirminAg mericanB aptist 9"V<g110n. SLWJg<r,L1- l)forg,ysa ndl esbars. ~c~·1~1~:dC:{ 4 k~~4-4005 Surday, 1030a.m. Meetsa t theC crnmuFltyCenkR!re. v.D av.dF .J arvisp, aslor. MANCHESTE(8R6 0) EcumenicCala tholbC hurchD ioceseo f NewE ajand,P .O.B ox 3800,0 0045-380784. 2-1412 ~.:l1'!l!l. 06515 38M750. NOANK(l03) NoankB aptisCt hurch1, 8 C.fhed'alH eg,ts, 063405. 36-712l. JamesL Prat~p asto.r A Welcominagn dA ffirmingA merican Baptoo1o ngeg,liOn. TOLLAND(2 03) UCCL/GC1,4 7VirgriaL n,O OJ848.7 2-6537. VERNCN(8 60) EcumenicalCatho!icChuKrocihro niaM iflistries8,7 1-0153R.e v. ~::~~203) ~itH~tM:~~~rch, 16ChurchSt(,Y 510428 2-4239. SL Francis& ClaireE CCR3, 60 ParkR d, Apt A·2 061192. 32· 5119. District of Columbia DISTRIC _T OF COLUMBIA (202) ~~:::[~~\'Mk~~~~,~~ CtristU MC4, fh& I SISS. W,2 00245:4 4-9117. ChLJcohf theD is"l)klsM CC9, 123rdS L,N W,2 00l1.8 '2·4670. SLJ'tm, ,..m .T heR ev.H arryB .S toel<p,a sto -. Dgiily, POB o<5 00012, 0C093. 67-4516. Duml:erllrul ~. 3133D umbarllrAl ve.N W,' JXIJI3. 33-7212 i~~\~1~~ f9~~f1~\m:~::G')Sll<ing Ki1sllp<SD1A4, 0021XhSNt.,W # 6072, 0:ffi. 296-2441. LutheransC oncerned2, 12 E. CapitolS t, SE, 2Xl01·1036. (703)486-3567, MCC4, 74RidgeSt.N, W,'200016.3 6-7373S.u rday9,1 1a.m., 71>m. PLGC,c /o WestminstePr resbyteriaCn hurc,h 400 I St, SW, =•·f, 5/•2679. RiversideB aptisCt hurch6, 80 Eye SL SW, 200245. 54-4330. MicraeBl kadsoep,a sllr. WashingfoFor klnds( Quakers)2,1 11F londaA ve.,N W2 0<:00. =to. Florida BOCARATON(407) . Churcho l OurS avio!M CC,4 770-CN W2 ooA ve.,3 34319. 98- gfe_.,~~'17'1:Jqe>.~mR. oev.Ji o~ontF ·.J aro,s,! >'Sllr \ . FreeC atholiCc hurcho f theR esurrectioPnO, Box3 454,3 4615.' , 442·30073.C XNl. M )rtleA ve. 'COCOA(4 07) BreakilgtheSikar<:eMCPCO,B ox1 5851/29236.3 1•4524. COCONUGT RO.VE( 305) P~oufh CongegationaClh urch3, 400D evonR d 331334. 44- 6521A. IDSo otraachm inistryA. ll arew elcom.e St. Stephen'sE pscq,al Parishin the Gr<>12a7, 00M cfarlane Rd, 331334. 46-:!'l:ltF AX4 46-2153~.e hensiveAIDS mn- ~~tONA BEACH(9 04) . Hq,eM CC;POB ox1 51513,2 1152. 54-0l93. FORTL AUDERDAL(E95 4) Churcho t IJ-eH olyS piritM CC,3 30 SW2 7thS L, 333154. 62- :rot Dg<ilyP, OB o<2 2664,3 3335 463-4528. FORTM YERS(9 41) . All SaintsC oogeg,tioo( Independent2)7, 56M cGregoBr lvd, il39Q1M. amnagc ltess:1 630M ara'.11Alvae .,N 51Z3 3901R. ev. MichaB~a llourp, astor. SLJ oontheApost~M CCP, OB ox2 1073, 3902,210277. 6-5181. W Unilya t the cornero f Broar!NayS.u nday1, Da.m.7, p.m. Rev. Reme Sha\wer. GAINESVILL(E35 2) UritadC lllrch,1 624N W5 thA ve.,3 2003. :ei:~~~:ic:~inistries, Inc, PO Box1 7781, /21486.6 4· 6479. JACKSONVILL(9E0 4) St. Luke'sM CC,1 140S . McDufAf ve,. 32205-755318. 9-7726, FAX3 89•7626S:.u nday9, a.m.,1 1a.m.7, p.m.R ev.F rankyeA . Whilep, astorP. eaceliz@aol.com. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 KEY WEST (305) MCC,1 215Pe~ooSil L,3 30402. 94ll912S unclly9, :30 11a.m., Wed,7 1>mR. ev.S l>venM Torrer<:ep,a ste,, ~(;5~~::,.E/'J~iel~ify EcumenicaCl .lhol~ Church,3 3 Las Pamas, 347433. 4&5440.F r. BerrercbMorais. MIAM(I3 05) . Clrisl MCC7, 701S W.76fAh ve.,3 31432. 84-100. GraceC hurooo tM iamSi taes, 1Cll90N Ea id Ave:, 331367. 56- 6822.J ohn Amy,p astor.S un.,1 1:30a.mp.,r aisea ndw orshp. 1 oa m., Bille studf. OCAtA(904) Houseo !V~fcxyChurchP, OB ox2 841,3 2676-284316. 8-rol4. 3820E . SilverS pringsB wd OR.ANDO(4 07) j=~~.~~fi~t 2351 S. Fer• noreet PENSACOL(A9 04) HolyC rossM CC,4 15N .A oarizS t.,3 25014. 33-8528S. urday, 1 fa.m., Wed, 7pm. STP ETERSBUR(G81 3) Dig,ify,P OB ox1 337P, 1nelaPs ar~3 4664-133273. &28ffi. Kirgo f PeaceM CC3, 1005 thA ve.N , 337133. 23-5857S. unday, 1C..m.7, :Jq>.m. St.· Phil'1E cumenicaCla tholicC: hurch3, 67·8352R. ev.P atricia ~:00-s"/iTA (813) • ChLJcohl lJ-eT nnifyM CC7, 225N . LockwooRdi dgeR d., 34243- 4526.$ 0047. SIJ1Clly1,D a.m. lntegity, rlo St BonifaceC hurch,5 615 M!cilightP assA d., 34242-172314.9 -5616. TAMPA(813) MCC, 2904 Corro<ia Ave., 33629. 639-5939. St JohnT he Evan~!isl EcumenicaCl atholicC hurchP, O Box 2803503, 36829. 79-494. 0Fr. DanieWl iliams. WESTP ALM BEACH(5 61) Dgify, POB ox3 0!4,T e(JJ<!,s 3ta3400.7 44-15916.4 1-9944 ~~·~ 0 P: li!~.":\~i~ ~~ 1 ~tl!l43. Sunday9, :15,1 1a_m. . Servicesa lsoin Ft Piercef,i 87•3943a nd Pl SLL L£ie3, 400421. Georgia ATLANT(A4 04) Dg<i\yP, O Bo<1 434Z3 01/2. 4400-02Cll. First MCC,P O Ila<8 356,: mJS-03568. 72·2246B. OON . HiglondA ve.N E. lnfegify,P OB ox1 :m:l, :.'.!324-000634.2 -3183. LliheransCoocemePdO B ox1 3673:.,' .!3246.0 0-7100. AlS aintsM CCP, Olla< 1:196, 8:.'.!3246.2 2·1154. PLGCP, OI la<8 362,: mJ6. 373-5830. soou-.rnvaoeP, OB a<1 62153, 03168. 76-1819. UULGC1,9 11C @ValllyWay3, 0329.6 34-5134. DECATU(R4 04) ClristC <M,nanMt CC1, 09H bemaA ve.,3 00002. 97-0350. SI. Aelred ECCR, 203 Wilton Dr., 30030. 377-3780. .ekae@wsef!li).co· m. LITHIAS PRING(S1 10) Ecumeniccaal tholicC hurch7, 39-6479. richwl@aol.com. MARiETTA(770) Ml C.t,ary l.iglthouse5, 46 UttkaS L, Apt 8, 30000-26534. 21· 96)6, Bro.P .J chrson!.> 'SDT. SAVANNA(9H1 2) Discpesoft heT rinityM CCP, .O.B ox1 46243, 14162. 31·1065. Meetsa t 321Y orkS L i1 fil!l HotoricD istrictM. elB aileyp, astor. Hawan MAUl(1118) NimL .i:eratioMo X, PO Box3 47,P u!Jlere9, 67848. 79-6193. OAHU(lll8) Affirmatioo(M ormoro)P, O Box7 5131H, onolulu9, 6636-0131. 239-499i Dg,ily,P OI la<3 956,H ono\u,u 96812-395563. 6-5536. KeA nuenuOe KeA lohaM C:CP,O Box1 2200, Hono!Uu9,6 828- 12609. 42-1027S.l llday,1 1,.m,. Dolec annerys~.7 p.m.1, 212 un .. raifyAve. Rel90usS cience5, 20 MalrapuAu ve., Honolulu9, 66169. 42• 0000. UULGC2,5 00P aliH w,,.H, ono\Ll9u6, 8176. 23-4726. Idaho BOISE(2ll8) MCCP, OB ox1 959, 637ce3. 42-6764. Illinois · ALTON Ctrot IJ-eV cio-Clllrch, ~3 MaxeyS t.,A ttooI,L 62002-4779. CHICAG0(773) Clicag)l nfertaitCh orgess,P OB a<6 00396, 00607. 84-2635. ClicagJOUfli1e3s0, 59N .S ootl'porftJ, :l:ISl8. 71-7610. Christt he RedeemeMr CC,P O Box6 146,E vansto,n 60204.- ~!J7:l~=urr~~~s~. W~cxx lawn6, 0037. 288-1535W. OfS~se.lVi:e 10:30am.S uh. Dg<i\y9, 0l w.B emOnAfv e.,# 2058 J657·44002.9 6-0780.· ErnerglnceP,O B ox2 547a, mi . GoodS hepherdP arishM CC6, 15W . WellingtoAo ve.,=· 53054. 27-8700S.L JL<il7y1, >.m. GraceB aplistC hurch1, 307W estG ran~lleA ve.,6 0060.2 62· 8700.K eilyS prinklep, astorA. Welcominagn dA ffinnirigA mencanB aptisot ongeg,lion Ho~ CovenanMt CC, 17 W. Maple,H insdale, 60521·3495. (708~ Suncl!y~, .m HolyF amilyE cumenmlC atholicC hurch,7 21-5383F. r. Jim :=k~~~W.ik a:ool-(m1)314&26J;32 2 LutheransC'=med POB ox1 01~. 003103. 42-1647. PLGCc, lo Linron ParkP resbyteriaCnh urch0, 0'.lW . Fullertoo Pl<,,y0.,0 314-28l07.8 4-2635 ShammaChh ristianF elK>'/ShPi>O, Box5 427,E vanstoo0,0 204. 561-55!4. UULGC,c /o SecondU nitarianC hurch,6 56 W. Sany Ave., fJJ'N.549-0260. UCCUGC,617N1.S heri<lmRd,!'270f,0Cli60-2B56.338-0452. EVANSTO(N7 08) take StreetC hurch,6 07 Lake St., 60201.8 64-2181R. ooert Thompso, npastorA. Welcominagn dA ffirmi~A mericaBn aptist oongeg,lim JACKSONVILL(E21 7) . SL MaximilonK ot>eE CCR,P O Ila<1 345,6 26[1)-13452.4 3- 4539.F AX2, 43-4735E. CCR• an inclusivec hurch.A Uw e> corned ~~~.lo Box421,62306-0422214. -2930 ROCKIS LAND(3 0il) LutheranGso ooemedP, .O.B a<3 0016, 1204-3691. MCCQuadCifie1s0, 0i-18thAve.,61204-6173826 -5655. SPRINGFIEL(D21 7) FaithE ternalM CC,3 04 W, AllenS t., 627045. 25-9597S. un., 1oa.m.anc1~m· . URllANA/CHAMPAI(G2N17 ) lnfegify,1 011S .W rigltS L,C ha""8!JL.6 18203. 44·1924. PLGC, 809S. 5thSl.,Cha""8igl, 61820. WAUKEGA(N84 7) . FiratC oogegafkxlaUl nitedC hurcho f Chro\ 315N . UtoaS L, • 60065.3 36-5368R. ev·.BradS . Lutz, ministerA. n Opena nd AffrmingC ortgegation. Jo,oflife MCC5, 11S . LewoAve.,O OJB:;610(750. 8)57B-5G'2. 2Cll1D uglaoRd Indiana BLOOMINGTO(8N1 2) lnfegify,P O Ila<1 /2324 7402-3Zl23.3 9-0426. FORTW AYNE(2 19) NewW orldC hurch,P O Box 115534, 6859.4 56-657. 0222E . L~thSL OJ>,nD oorC hape3l 426B road.va4y,6 WJ7.4 4-1199. Task Force, First PresbyterianC hurch,3 00 W. WayneS t., 46002 426-7421. INDIANAPOL(I3S1 7) Affirmaton( MelhoclsfS3)3, E. 32ndSt,4 62059. =. ~~t~:'Ch~~~ r=t. Ste.7 , 4622512-40526.. JesusM CCP, OB a<4 415514,6 244-155315. 7·9687. Iowa ~f~::.R~~~ 412 524003. 96-9207. CORAVL ILLE( 319) lnfegify,P OB ox5 225,5 22413. 5!· 9263. DAVENPOR(3T1 9) GlAOAllonce2, 628WestemAw5.,2 003-14731/24-6231 DESM OINES(5 15) ChLJcohl theH o\ySpi'iMl CC,P .O.B ox84265, 0301.2 64-7940. Officea ndworahps pacloec ateda t 15468thS f. Sun.,~ .m. Rev. Pau WMirJ!p) astor. Wordo f GodM i1•triesP, .O.B ox4 396,5 00332. 70-2709M. aets it SL Mark'sE pisccpaC.1h urc,h 3120E . 24thS t, DesM ones. IOWA CITY (319) . FaithU nitedC hurcho f Christ,1 609D eForesSt t, 52240.3 3& S238A. nO pena ndA ffimirgC ongeg,fioo. PLGCP, OB ox1 i205Z2 244. NASHUA(515) UCCL/GCcl,o carmen-LindCao nkli1R, AZ 500684. 35-fll6/l SIOUX CITY (712) MCCP, OB o<3 61,5 1102-036-1· . URllANDALE(5 15) UroondaU\en itedC lllrcho f Chris\7 002O liverS mithD r.,5 0322. 276-0525A.r i Opena ndA ffrmi1gC ongeg,fioo. WATERLO(O31 9) Churcho f NewH q,e MCC,P O Box3 4,0 07042. 34·1981M. eets at3912GedarHfS.,GedarFat~. · · Kansas TOPEKA(913) MCC,P OB ox4 7766, 6604-0n6. 232-6196S. E lndanaAvea t 25th WICHITA(316) FrsfMCC,1 56S.K ansaAs ve.,6 72112. 67-1852. WiohttaP raiseandWorshj)CenfePrO, Box1 13476, 7al2.6 51· oom Kentucky :J::!:~taysMil!Rd, «J500. 223-1448 LOUISVILL(E5 02) Affirmatkn(M lfhodis!SP),O Box7 692,4 0257·009623 5-1402 Alego, POB ox4 0344, 02;)45, 81-1629. CentraPl resbyteria, 3n18W . KentuckyA ve.,4 0203.5 87-6935. SLJ1da1y1, am. ClristC hLJcCh .the<ta(4 21S . 2ndS L, 402025 87·1354. COnferencfoer ca1ho1iLce sbiansP, O Box4 778,4 0204-0778. 895-0930. ' Dg<ily,P O Bo<4 77~ 402045. 81:1641. lnfegify,c lo SL George'sE piscqlalC hurch1, 202S . 26thS L, 40202584-6658. LutheranGso ooemedP, OB ox7 WZ lfZ7WR.. 897-5719. MCCP, O Bo<324744,0 2327. 75-€6364.2 22B ankS t P008nMR isillJP, O Box1 98.974, 02fB-00079. 66-8357. PLGCP, OB ox7 692,4 0257-069020 7•5719. ThirdL utheranC hurch1, 864F rankforAt ve.,4 0206.8 96-6383. Slllday,1 1a.mT. lCX2@ecuneto-g TrinityL utheraCn hurch1, 432H igl\andA ve.,4 al04. 587-8395. SLJ1da9y:,3 0a,mW., ed,6 :3:p.m.P HILGAABER@ecu"'Lor~ PADUCA(H5 !11) MCCP, OB o<1 76,W es!P aw:a~ 420064. 41·2307. Louisiana ~:J~N~~~ Box6 49967,0 8963. 8'.Hl400. So\i:faritHy ~too RougeC athol~W orker1, 275L aureSl L, 70802.3 89-9~ 383-00o1 .G ay-friendyC atholicW orkerc om• munilyo f hoopitalily/loctjnfogr spousalill use victims. PLGC2, 285Gedarda7~a, lOO. ~~~~Ti~a~6hrisfon Fellowship8, 32 E. BostooS t., #3, 704336. 71-1152P7a.s tooL, eeT oomi,;ooa ndY olandYea eger. LAFAYETT(E31 8) MCCP, OB o<9 2682,7 0fUJ.2 32-05462.1 1G artieki tAKE CHARI.E(S3 18) MCCP, OB o<3 84,7 rxrtl. 439-98595.1 0BroadSL NEWO RLEANS(5 04) · ECCRD ioceseo 1t heS outh,4 473M apleL eafD r., 701313. 93- 7244 FiralJ esusN ameC hurchP, .O.B ox5 S362,7 0158-s.36A2n.A cts 2:38cxrg>g!fioo. GraceF eb'lshi>,P OB o<1 05557,0 17294 4-963/i Re\afiCl1sThh\)e raf7fCenl>6r2, 0 N.C arrdltooA ve.,7 01194. 8& ~1~=~u~~ns~=hlfJt:i UCCUGC9,4 4Jo,,cSe t, Manero7,r /J/2·'2:!/J3',4. 1-4003. v~uCxa rreM CC,1 128St Rocl\Aw.,.70117-771964. 5-5390. SlJldey1,Q am. WESTM ONRO(E3 18) GoosG ardenG rOW1Mhi ssionP, .O.B ox2 631,7 1294S. r. A. Bo,<f,pastor, . Maine BANGOR(2 07) ~Kr/lDif· Ncrlhs ullr,an0, 4664-0103. ~t~~~ (~ 04104, lmegit,,P, OB o<2 5,0 4572 Maryland ADB.PH(I3 01) InterfaiCtho alttiofoor F reeS tateJ usticce/ oP ainBt rancuhu Cl,m:h3, 215P ONdefJr illR d, 207837. 76-6881. BALTIMOR(4E4 3) TheA llemam,P OB ox2 3512, 1W. (301)235-3401. ArchdocesaGn ay/lesbianO ulreach2, 034 ParkA ve.,2 1217. 728-2638. ~ti!i::~~~h1:48-h1~:F.J ;oA~r;vt~ e1.2, 30- 44!7.5 23-7700S.l lldey,2 1!'j).ma. l DorgrthU MCS, ZIS ootSt I. lntegityc,l oE mmanuCelh urch8,1 1C atheaaSl t, 212017. 32· ona Lu1heraCnso oolrile<B\ ox2 32712, 1203-SZ/212.5 -0563. MCC3, 4010 ~ YorkR d,2 1218~. - BETHESD(A30 1) OpenD oorM eeP, O Box1 27,B c,;ds2, 0841-012070. 1-9112 Sllldey,1 0::ni.m.. 7p.ma. 115817BameiMRled Massachusetts ~:i~:5<:i,~ St, 1616, ~ 16. 423-9558. . . Ecumeniccaal :lc Church2, 27-5794B.• hql PaulD iederich. sg;woc.a@aol.oom. SLW>tGr<X4CJh,u rohollhe0mnan,1 67Nev.!xrySt,0 211.6 2ffi-7400. lnegit,,,c /oChrislClllrc,h 12QtincyAve.Q, uincy0, 2169T. l'J. 0010. MCCP, OB ox1 5590K, enmOS!ei n.,C /221258. 8-0029S. unday, 7p.ma. 1131c anll!icgeS I.,B eaooHn il. ~~::ir~~aCoyoo lms(Q takers)5, Loogfelo.PYa r~ C038.87&61lfla . hurch1, 151 MassachusetAtsv e., =~~tor, A Welcominagn d St Mar1~d e PorresE CCR3, HoldenS t, Apt 1, 021248. 22- <51151. FRAMINGHA(5M0 8) ParkS treetB eptisCl hurcti3, 8 FranklinS L, 017018. 72-1091. Peg;)'W/ allacep, astorA. Welcomin&g AffirminAgm erican ~list Coogegalbn. HOLDEN(5 08) UCCUGCP,O B ox4 03,0 15208. 56-931& OSTERVILL(E50 8) · . HeatthsgClSO OnselCinegn ter1, 00A canD r.,0 26554. 20-0258. A(lnele rardd, recb". ~ri:~~~Em="f l-n. SPFINGFIEL(D41 3) ~~A~?sm5ffi1,01101·5'.l51. 737-4786 Lutherancso ncernedr:,J oR andaRll ice,1 001 /2C hestnuStt , 02154-0«J8a 93-2783. WORCESTE(R50 8) F\rstBeptis!Churc1h1,1 Parf<Ave0.,1 0097. 5!>6143B. ertiaia SinclaiWr ard.,a ssociatpea storA. Welcominagn dA ffinni[1J Ameri:anB eplis0l 0f9'eg,tioll. MO!ninSgt arMCC,2 31 MainS t, CherryV alley,0 16118. 92· 432:0 PLI>M: tmingS iarW itross UnitariaUnn iversalisfotsr B ~Gay/LesbiCaonr x:ernPs,O Bcric 59ZW estsoSe in.,0 1B J2.7 55-0005 Michigan ANNA RBOR(3 13) cani>IJuryHoos7e2,1 E . HuronS L,1 2A;4 8104-1526. HuronVal~communityChuro1h0,0 1G reenR d, 48105-2896. 741-117S4,u nday2,p .ma. l GladeWr ayU MC. Treeo f LileM CC4, 85-39226. 65-6163M, eetsa l FirstC oogeg,lionaCl hurch2, 18N .A darroY, psilan1Mi,l 48197-250S7u. nday, 6pm, DETROIT(313) g=~a:~=+~t 48203 369-1901 lntegityc, /o EmmanuEelp lsccpCalh urch1, 8320J ohnR St., 48203 &7319. MCCD etroiP1O. 8 0'<8 38.R, ('IBOI ak,M l 4806&083S(8. 10)339- 7741P. LIJicati<CJlo: rnerstonMe.e etsa t DraytoAn ve.P resbfleronC h\lCI\F erooaos.u ~. 1oa.m.,7 ~m. ~ns~==~::,~:,~~!1,~LB7~]~' NewG eneralioYno uthG r~. PO B<»1e1 4994, 8211,m eets Wed,! 'j).ma. l3a'll EasGt randB M!, 872-2424. FERiDALE(8 10) BetheCl hristianA ssemblEy ast PO Box2 01934, 8220.5 43- 9545b. elhelca@aol.coAmn. A postol~c hurchf orl ')U. PaslO!S Brucea ndP hil~R oller-Pletcher. FL!NT(810) Og,it,,, PO Box 585, 4B!ll1. RedeemeMrC C1, 665NC. he;rolelAv,,e 48504-316243. &6700. Sunday6, p.m.R ev.L inchJ . Stonerp, astorP. ub:S ouncto f Aeooemer. FT.G RATIO(T8 1C, , · AltS oulsA' postolCica tholiCc hurch4, 65.1D esmoO•BOe ach, 40059.38!>922H4d.y Eucraris1Sun.11a.m. , =~;,A_t;~~~~6)of Our God Jesus Chnst PO Box 6935, 4954a 956-00l!Ib. elhelca@a~.com. Dg,it,,,P OB oe1 3734, 95014,5 4-9779. AeoondliatiMonC CP, OB ox1 2594, 95013. 64-7633. KALAMAZO(6O1 6) PhoeniCxo mmuniCtyh urchP, O Box2 222, 49003-22223.8 1· 3222,S llldey,6 pm.a l UnitedC hcrcho 1C hrist. LANSING(517) Og,it,,,P OB oe1 255E, astL .ansi~4 882l. . Ecclesiam, eetsa t Peq,le'sC hurch2,0 0W . GrandR iver-s. un- ~;rel~ AHS aintsC hurchB, OOA l:txlttR d, Eastl .ansi~ 481113. , WYANOOT(T3E13 ) MariavifOe ldCalholC~h U!ch2,0 03101Sht ; !18192·499248,1 · ~ Minnesota MARSHAL(L50 7) Lu1heranCso ncerroo'lnlegitP,,,O 8 0'<3 0135, 6258.( 800)235- 3700. MINNEAPOLIS/SPTA.U L( 612) Affirmati<(JMl O!mO!OP)O, B oe3 878,M inneapof5is5,4 03.7 53- 3345, . . Affirmatio(nU niledM ethocists1),0 1E . GranSt t., Minneapolo, 554038. 74001a871-3585. AllG odsC hiktenM CC3, 100P ar!A< ve.S .,M inooapcj-i5s5,«>7. 824-2673W. ncbNo fW ellnesCso unseliCnegn teor !J3r~st tive affinninCgh risticaonu nselikn>ghr omosexuals. Calh~ic PastoraCl ommHlee1,1 18F arnngtonS I., SI. Paul, 55117-48J324 0001a Diglity,P OB oe3 585,M i1nei¥XJ5ls5,4 03.8 27-310. 3 . ln1eg1tcy/,o UnM!rsit,,Episcq:)alCe, n3l1e7r17~AwSE,M mneapdis5, 54l4 .8 25-:ID1. JudsonM amonaBl eplisl,4 101H a~t Aw. So.,M inn.5, 5400. 822-(649D. aeK .E cl11oods, lo"Snlor.A Welcciminagn dA ffirmingA merica~nti s! COf1f1egation. Spin!o f theL akesc ommunityC hurch(,U CC)2, 9301 31hA ve. s., fJinooapcj5s,5 4077. 24-231. S3urda,y HJam.W, ed,l p.m. LutheranCso ncerne1d0. 0N . Ox!OfSdt , St Paul5, 5104-6540. 86xl941. TempleB eptisCl hurch3, 100C olumbuAs ve.. S, 554078. 23 6268.C herylW inch,W elcciminagn dA ffirmingC ongegation COltaCt TrinityR ~erC hurchP, .O. Box6 936,M inn, 554088. 7().895. 6 Se~s hekla t 1819N KX>lAlevte .S . UCCul'.lC1,3 4W .4 3idS I.,M nooapcji5s5, 408. ~~:a~itrs~~~~t~~tW:1~~~~~~~~ing5~~~: lbn. WngsμmM inistty1, 00N :Oxfor~S f Paul5 51042.2 4-3371. Mississippi JACKSON(6 01) Gaye ndL esbianT askF m:e, POB oe7 7373, 9284-773377. 3- 8610. Pl'oon~ Coalition,I nc., PO Box 7737,3 9284-77373. 73- 8610,939-718C1O. Olselngservic:es. St Stepllen'Us nitedc ommunitCy hurchP, OB oe7 6543, 9284- 7654.9 39-71813,7 3-8610S. unday!,'j ).m.a t UnitariaCn hurch, 4872N .S taleS t Missouri COLUMBIA(314) ChristI lle KingA gapeC hurch5, 15H dcmanA ve.,6 5201.4 43- 531& UnitedC ownantM issionC hurchP, O Boe7 152 65205.4 49- 7194. KANSASC ITYA REA( 816) AbidngP aaceL ulheraCn hurch5, 090N EC houteaTur aff,cway, ~~;:,;.,_~ =~,:i~~",t,MeryGerl<en, Affirmatio(nU nttedM alt<xists)5,7 09V igniaA ve.,6 4110-2855. 363$2. ~~~of4~':i. ~~m.7~i~1 432-6131 Lu1heraGnsm :emad,P OB oe4 137026.4 14.1 MCCP, OB oe. 1CXX6l74,1 11-00l95311. -075308. 01W yanci:ttl. MCCJollnsonCoun1ly2,5 10W6. a>dTerr.,#10S6h, av.neMe ission8, 6216(.9 13)631-1184. NewJ erusalemF ello.vshiM> ;nistrosP, OBc»c1 04966, 4111. 763,3134. , ST.L OUISA REA(3 14) ~g:,~~tg°~~~:.A~04 864-3686. ~. POBo<7 226,6 3177·7226.231-910102 01lofmanSt Montana ~!~i~~J:>MCc , 645 H""ar~ 591012. 45-7006S. unda,y 11,.m.W, ed,'?pm. ~~e:~ (~ Malflxists,) HOON.1 7thA ve,. #29,f ,871.5 586-7438. GREATFALL(S~ Shepherodf Ille P~,nsM CC, PO8 0'<2 1625, 9403.7 71-107. 0 15ffi 17Mve., SW, $404. Nebraska OMAHA(4 02) MCCP, OB ox3 1736, 81033. 45-25638 19S .2 2rdSl PLGCc,1 oE van,s 381013thS I.,I Q2,6 810.7 733-138.0. Nevada LASV EGAS(7 02) MCC, 11!9S.MainSl,89l04-1026.384-2325. MustarSd eedM inistriesP,. O.B ox7 005.8'\9 170.SrW. ./ >brey, ~~(702) MCCctlheSierra,POila<2119289515-119282l-86Cll, New Hampshire - FRANCESTOW(6N0 3) PFLAG7,3 1B ENNINGTORND. . 030436 23&l2a MANCHESTE(6R0 3) P-FLAGP, O Bc,c3 86, 031056. 23-0023.M onthlym eetingisn ConOON!da, shuaS,~ alflamM, mad1o.c k NASHUA(6 03) :i'WT¾J~u~¥t\~ 030618. 82-5352 JudthA . PalaisM, SW, BCD,p s~hotherapisGl.a ynesbian ~n<lviclJals . 43t-19(Xt New Jersey ASBURYP ARK(9 00) Dignit,P,, 08a<9010, 77127 74-403!. ELMWOO(D2 01) St Johnt he Forerunrn EeasternE CCA,1 03P arkV iewA ve., 074077.9 7-1866. JERSEYC ITY( 201) . Cooso! ur TeacheEr CCR2, 19F irs1S t, #1,0 7302-286383. 3- ~~tile..ttt"roo';f Oigltty,St GOO!g:C,'sh urcl\5 50 RidgewooAdd , 070407. 61· 7321. NEWARK(201) TooO asis,c altedraHl oose2, 4 RederS L,< 5110622. 1-8151. NEWB RUNSWIC(K9( l1) ' ~a,';g=~:tc,~S:)~~- 846-822. 7 PLGCP, OB oe3 8, C8903-0XlP8.L I>M: O!eL ig1LI \Jdale. SUSSEX(2 01) Thel. cMnBgr olhechcPxOxI il a<5 56,0 74618. 75-4710. New Mexico ALBIJQUEFllUE(505) Di!Jlily,P O Box2 7294,8 71258, 98-3343<. l!Jlrt@swqJ.com, Web sie: ~itwv.w.S\Vql.com/-dgily. . Emmenuel MCC, 341 Dallas NE. 268-0599. k~=!:b~..:cl.'enlists, POB oe2 00128, 7125. MCC2, 404SanM ateoP l.,N E,8 71108. 61·9068R. ev.D r.F red c. WiH~mpsa. stOS!. un,. 1oa.m. AMl<OLI ileH eaiogM <istrie~1 34Q uinc,y NE,8 710.8 LASC RUCE(S5 05) ~~1~~m~ = 1~.~1~=.~7~~~~i~:r:~m:rh ~~~ .tt.216D2 oracDbr .,8 80115. 21-1490G. aya ndl es.bian ~~M~ Thec ats1C:1onJn ectio5n5, 1W .C O!dcMSli,l . DIE8, 75019. 86- 1794. New York ~!~iiA;i~L !~c~J~an Orth- Churcl\ PO Bc,c 9073,1 2:m.3 46-0207F.r .H ermanP.L I>M: alancia llg,it,,, POB ox1 1204L, oucbtvi1le2,2 11-<ID4I.3 6-854. 6 Emmanuellal plisl ChiKch2, 75S taleS 1.,A llany,1 22104. 65- 5161R. oyA . Oookinp,a sta.A WelcomingandAffrmingAmencan ~list Coogegation lnlegit,,,c /oG rac:e& Hol{ Innocents4,9 8 ClintonA ve.,1 22)!;. 465-1112 Lg!tthoole Apostac Church, PO 8c,c 1391, Schenectacly, 1:ID1-139317. 2-oo?lB. ro.W .H .C areyp, aslO!. MCC2, 75StaleSt,1 22107.8 5-7941. BUFFAL0(716) Dg,i1yP,O B oe7 5s rcooSntn .,1 42058. 33-a195. l-ntegily,c /oC h!Kcho f file Ascension1,6 L irmooAd ve.,1 4209, PinkT riarga ChristianF ell:lwshpP, O Box7 22 Elli:ott Sin., 14205-072824 5-{!l71P. ei>S: pri!Works. GENEVA(315) PUGCP, OB oc278O, lesde1r4\ 441-027$87.7 53. · UCCl/GC,333A'!P"'Dr., 14217·2417.877-04!'/l. HAMPTOBNA YS(516) GoodS ~rd Americanca 1holiC: hurchP, .O. Box7 25, #10 FaitlDr.,1 19467.2 3-2012 NEW YORK CITY AREA ·. ~t\kci,:2 95S t Am'sA ve, 1'0455485.- 8325. Bmoklyn(71B) Dg,lty, PO BoeC 0313, 11202-131736.9 -3447.M onitl'J"""~ andsooiainl t heR omanG athoitcr ai::itkln. FirstU nitariaCnh ufchL, esbianG,a y,B isexuaClo ncernCso m· mittee5, 0M"1roeP l, 112016. 24-5466. k~~ J~reI,n c.,P OB oe2 Bfll,H untilgtoSn in.,1 1748. 385-AIDS. Circleo f MoreL igl\ 80'<W , Brool<haw~1 1719-020238. 6- ffi42. - g?'~PO Boe4 8,E astM earow1, 155.4 781-622L5e. st;antg:,y Gay& LesbianU nitariaUn nr,ersalistcs/,o UUFo f StonyB rook, POI la<0 02,S ilny Brook1, 17903. 119-4967. ln1emationFacle ec alhol~C hurc:!vGoSohde pherCdh urchP, O Boe4 36,C entralls liJ, 117227. 23-0348R. ev.M sg. RoberJt . AHme~p astor. M-""' YorkC itya m,,-(212) AxiosE: asi>m& 0rtoooo(C hristianPs,O B oe7 56, Vilag,S in., 100149.8 9-8211S.e condF riday~, .m., CommunityCen2le0r9, W.131hS1. CliistianS cier,:eG r<X4cJ/0, 444: l'dAve.,/ 14,1 00165,3 2-8379. DiglilyP, OB oe1 02BO!dChels·Seatn.,1 00118. 18-1309P:c ,t,: Outlook ~~'c'\\i':°o1f~i~ :tr1~~71~ Frank Rocco. rock~@aotccxn. Evang:,li:a~C oncerned3,1 1E . 72ndS t, #1Gc /o Dr. Ralph Bew,1 0(0 . 517-3171N,, ; ROOOR!de, ,iew Gay& LesbianQ uakers1, 5 Ru1hertoPrdl. , 10003-397417. !> 0195,97S-0170. . Gay,L esbia&n AffirminDgi stj:JleAsl liancec,/ oA llenH arris, 1453AL exilgonA'Al.1, 0128-250230.0 -:ll19. lnlc,grityP, OB ox5 2)2, 10185-004(37.1 8)720-30P54e i>O: u1· lool<. JudsonM emoriaCl hurc,h 55 WashingtoSnq .JarSeo ., 10012 477-cG51P.e terL aarma, npastorA. Welcominagn dA ffirming Ameri:anB eplis0l 0f9'0!Jllbn. lesbianardGayCommunilySeM:eSCeInnct.ea, r:,: isw.1 3th ~cl:~ :i-nc:~~:":fba.:~~:~~0:0 !1 668 5- 1377M i:haeBl . Easterlingp aSIOA!. Welcciminagn dA ffirming e:~:~,:~~&~rvGayCoooarrn , rjo R~rs~ Church4,9 0R wraideD r.,1 CX2272, 2-=. MCC2, 09W.131hSL1,0 0112. 42-1212S undey1,D a.ma.1 209 fiJ~\~Jfa,~t:JfwW.,::- ParfA< venueC lvistianC hurch(D ~es of Christ)1, 010P ar!< Ave.a t 85thS t., 10028.2 88-3246A. vibran, tcreativea, nd clverse0 0f9'8!J"liocann mittedlo extendrgIl le kM>o f Christto an peqile. PotlucrkJ;o Allen.V-Harris1, 010ParkAve1.(, X)28.009218. 6- 3248F. oorlFhr m'{, 7p.m. R~rslooC hurch4,9 0 RiYersoidre., 1 00272:2 2-590J0a.m es Foibes,p astor.W elcomin&g Affirming( ABC)a nd Open& Affirmin(gU CC). . Aug,rs PresbyteriaCnh uro,h ~ W.7 3rdS t, 100238.7 7-BZE. Sllldey,1 1a.mM. O!el. igl1c hcrch Seventh-DaAyO /entisKt inshilpn temationaPlO, Box2 0595, 10025(. 716)ffi2.8651i Resource Guide Templeo fM iraculouPse rcepti,o 2n37W . 100S t, 100252. 22· 2874. UCCUGCd, o CraigH offman1, 453AL exingtoAnv e.,1 012.8 2=lll-001 & Felk:NlshCj>h urc,h POB ox2 708,1 000&270(87. 18)636- Was~on S(!.llleU MC1, 35w .4 thS t, 10012m -2528. 1 WestP arkP resbyteriCanh urch1,6 5W . 86thS t, 100243. 62· 4890. Queens(718) ~~r,s~~ t~afi::'~~,i:.r~ 4154C, olleg:P, dnt, UnitariaUn nMlrsalisC1h urchL, esbianB, isexua&l GayC orroemCso mmffie1e4, 7-54A shA ve,. Fushi'g 113553.5 31l960. Westcheol(e9r1 4) lntegity,P O Box2 038,W hileP lains1, 0002-203984. 9-4367. PLI>T:h eG r~~ne. NIAGARFAA US (716) Rairbo,yc ommunitAy posl~i:F elk:Nishci>lo, Roberts4,5 64 1h ~t:..1'i::-e;i044B:ro4H C R ooertpsa, slJr SI. Mal'/s Ecumeni:aCl aMc ChurchP, O Box1 59,C hazy, 129214. 93-327(2\O ic:eanFdA X)R. evF. r.M draeRl .F rost. POUGHKEEPS(9IE14 ) Dg,ily/ln1egilyP, OB c,c3 56,L .agang:,vill1e2, 540-035762. 4- 3200. ROCHESTE(7R1 6) CommunitCy hristianF elk:NlshpP, O Bc,c6 8005, 1461B .2 34- :iseeabh~ic~r:~a~nidBs :bel e s tu(1f/o r9 -'lYa ndl es· Dg,it,,nnlagit,1,,7 s .F lfzhugSi t, 148142.8 2-1210. LakeA venueB eplisCl hcrch5, 7A mbrosSeI ., 146084. 58-5765. PeterC armanp, astorA. Wek:ominagn dA ffirminAgm erican Bai;isl oongeg,tion. The EmptyC loset,1 79A llan!~A ve., 14607-12.5 N5ewY ork ~~sA~~~a~t N., Ste. 10, 14007 -1153. 271-847a PLGCc,l oGarter1, 11M 1bumS t, 146<Jl-i!l12a7 1-7649. SYRACUS(E3 15) MayM emoriaUl nitarianU n~ersalistIsO !L esbian& GayC on• oems3,& :lCJGEe. nesseSet , 132144. 24-7628. Rayo!H q,eC hurchP, O8 0'<69551,3 217-695t5-8. 00-FOA-1- ~~?B~=~a~m=n;;;;:.v. JooepCh . Fischer, UTICA(315) Dg,lty,l 'O Boe3 52, 135037.3 &-0599. WANTAGH(516) ~~il'c'oo8r 31 ~, 117937_8 1-5942 SLA nltooyo l PaclraE cumenkC:aal lholbC hcrch5,3 9-4323F.r . Tom Sterner. North Carolina. ~~~;;t.E roo4rl.cnonsP, O Bc,c1 BOSB28, 814. 258-3200. Newspapfeorr t heS outher~nl achian gay/lesbicaonm muni- 1/ . - MCCP, OB o<23 59,2 88(11-23. 5-9 CHARLOTTE(704) ~~rr\.k>=o!r~J~=f~)fr'J.;~1)t/:~1a1~1 ~'. person. LulheranCso oolrile<P\ OB irx9 562, 282993. 34-2315P1L. I>T:h e Clarion MCC4. 037E .l ndependeoBoM, !, /f7'X52, '<105-737556. 3-5810 MetroinSa WilctboanP\ OB ox1 11442,8 Z!O5. 35-6277. NewL ifeM CCP, OB ox2 21404,2 8222 3430070. GREENSBOR(9O1 0) LutheraCnh urcho f 1heR esurrectio6n7,2 0W . FriendlAyv e., 274102. 92-4984R. ev.M arkJ ohnsonp, astoSr.u n.1, oa.m.; Fri,. 7p.mH. cWco mmuniosenr vedat al serviceBs.. CA. St Mal'/sM CCP, OB o<5 8082, 7435-00C2B7.2 -1006M. eetsa l UnitariaCn hurch3, 001 MoriteryD r.; Sun.,4 p.m.7, p.m.M, ori,. ~m., Wed,7 ~.m. Rev.C hrismeOscapra, stor. HICKORY(71)4) MCCc, /oUnilarianChur1o0h9, 11thAveN.,W ,2 86013. 24-1900. TFIANGLAE REA(9 19) Affirmalbn(U nitedM elho(lsts)P, OB ox5 961,R aoigl,2 7650. Bfll.9380. . Dg,it,,,P OB o<5 1129D, uiham2,7 717-112499.3 -8269. ~i~~?~;~~I lle GoodS hepllerdP, O Bc,c2 8024, LulheranCs ooo,me~P O Box6 65,A pex,2 75023. 87·0824. MeetsinRalei;jt PFLAGT riargeC haptePr, .O.B ox1 0044A, aleigl2, 7005-0l44. Raoigl:3 00o932C5h. epllH il:9 29-0192 PullenM emoriaBla ptisCt hurc,h 1~ HillsbocouSgtr. Raleigl, 270058.: 'lH.119M7.. M ehanS ier,J r.,p asb.' •RaleighR eligousN emorkf or Gaya nd LesbianE qualit,,P, O lla<59612, 7€60-596718.1 -2525. St John'sM CC, POB ox5 626,R aoigl,2 76508. 34-2611S.u n• ~. 11a.m7.,: 1!'j.m) .,8 05Gklnv.ocx!Ave. T[1ang-8lesbian& GayC oncernsc,/ o UnitariaFne llC1NShip, 3313W edeA "'·• Raeigl,2 70078. 34-33Ce WILMINGTO(9N1 0) GROWc ommunitSy erviceC olp., POB ox4 5352, 8406.6 7!> 9222 Youtho ulreaolAr:L IVEf org ,y, lesbianb, isexua\l' )(JIit St Jooe'sM CC,4 326M arkeSt t., Ste,1 70,2 8403.S anctuary: flJ/ castle St 762-5833, WINSTON-SALE(9M1 0) Lesaan& G ayC oncernTsa skF Of'CUe,n itariaUnn iversalFisetl kl'/ sh2p8,7 3R rorlloodR d,2 71007. 23-763. 3 Pie<inonAl eligousN emork1 0!G aya ndL esbianE (J)alitfP, O Ila<1 510,4 27113-010(941. 9)76&9&31. Ohio AKRON(330) · MCC,1 215K enmorBe lvd.,4 43147. 45-5751P.e i>B: eaoono f l.iglL -cascadec ommuni.tCyhurch1, 19<Y11I9n6m anS L,4 430T0l'.J . 5298.S llldey,2 p.mP. ei>c:a sa,deN ""'oriar. Lu1heranCso ncernedP OB c,c6 7114C, Uf<lhogFaa lo, 44222 , ' sal-0041. .. t~t/lt/~-C~ol ~Sl, 45701$.3 -7301 . AooU riledC ampus Ministrayt Ohi~oi versity, an affirminpgla cefo rl esbigay stllientsJ.a nG rieisrgir,d recbr. CANTON(330) · EmmanuFeel llaNshCPh urdlP, OB oe3 56044, 4735-560347. 6- 8725 CINCINNA(T5I1 3) Dg,itf, PO Box 983, 45202. (006)581-9014. lnteg,ty4, 905Cte~Dt r.,# 11,4 5217-144254.2 -7297. PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 ·, ' ~A~r.:tt:1~= •~: ~m~:Ji"ia~:~ ~~: :: = ~b~?'~ister St., 45219. 241-8216. Pub Visions. · CLEVELAND (440) A Commoo Boo( PO Bax 91853, 44101. Jel'olah's \Illnesses. Churcil of loo Redeemer United Methods\ 2420 So. T ay,:,r Rd, CllveMd Hts., 44118 .. 932-2005. A Reconcilirg C<:ngegatbn. Dgtlty, PO Bo< 91697, 44101. 531-4400. Emmanuel MCC, 10034 Lorain Ave., 44111-5429. 651·0129. Sllltlly, 10:45a.m. Plb: Good N...-s PL.GC, 841 Engol\OOCI 44121. =1. g~~~~~~~ ~/,g,u,.1 Church, PO Bax 141264, 43214. 297. 6317. ~~~ii!~a~.:l1fuf c:~~~h~t:214 . 267-4946. Stnlliy,_11a.m. Frilr\dS 1or Lesoon & Gay Con<erro (Qual<Brs), 48/J.2096. Gay Men's Su~ G~. c/o Newman Center, 64 W. lane Aw., 43!01. 29H67~ MCC, PO Bax 10009, 43!01-0509. 294-3026. 1253 N. Hg, St Sllltlly, 10::n! .m. Pto: The Beml News Spirit of loo Rivers Communi1yClllrch, PO Bax f Cll33, 43201. 48&1774. SllreNal Unicll Repa1s, Bax 10814,43!01·7814. 299-7784. UCCUGC, 294-0010, 48&2006. DAYTON (937) Communi1y G"3pel Church, PO B<>< 1634, 45401. 252-8855. Spiri1 filled, Chrilt cenllred. Meets Tlllrs., 5t>m., Slll 11la.m. at 546 Xeria Ave., Da)1on.SemLOI Kader, pas(or. ~~pi:?= ~~~r~,1031. 1630 E 5th St Sun, 10:3:lam. GRANVILLE (614) ~:~~:~1~~~:: ~~~ %:i~r.tie~~1:i!~~ Amercan Bapost Corgegatioo. ~f ~~~&OO!mef Ecumenical Calho!i:: Church, 22&7344. Fr. ~~~~~~(419 Cenler for Pastoral Care, 3100GermanChurch Ad,_44004. 7fh 2977, 774-5377. FAX 774-9805. Sundayfrturg;, 10:15a.m. Pas· toralcou,se~ relreats. OBERLIN (216) l~=G~&'(~~ 440740087. 775(1341. Community Church ol Truth, POB<>< 3005, 45501·3005. 325- 7691. P_resenlirg DMne metapl,/5"5 and praclic3I Chnslianily. TOLED0(419) Dgilty, PO Bo< 1~ 436Cll. 242-9057. lntegity, c/oSI. Marl<s Church, 2272 Goling,,ood Blvd, 43620. 2#3707. MCC, Good Samaritan Partsh, 7'XJ W. Delaware Ave., 43620. 244·2124. St.nelly, 11a.m. - --- - ----··· · Oklahoma g~i:~J~ni~. P08c><754B1. 73147. 528-8417. Dgtfyinllgity, PO Bo< 25473, 73125. 755:9175. Fr~nds Meetaj (Quakers), 312 SE 251h St, 73129. 632-7574, 631-4174. HolyTriniyECIJlllenic:al Cithoic Church, PO Bax 25425, 73125. 942-3334. Fr. RaMJ Lyci,. TULSA (918) ~%~,~.~W.~~Wt1,~~ St JelOOMI Eaimenic:al Citholic Chi,ch, 742-7122 Fr. Ri:k Hof. ingswot1h. i:kraohnja@apl:can, staoott@aol.can. Oregon EUGENE (541) ~,~}:~=~:.:~.B~=u::i::m . at First Corgegalional Church, Condon_ Chapel, 23rd & Harri! Sis. Plb: Commoo GroJfld Rev. Maf!JJ8r!a Scr0910, past>. PORTLAND (503) - Affirmation (Unilad Melhodsts), PO Box 12673. 97212. 234- 8654. American Friends Serice COmmittee1 Gay & Lesbian Prcgam, 2249E. Burmila, 97214. Zl0-9430. Conlatl Dan Dgilty, PO Bo< 6708 9~ 295-1868. Evargelic:als Cor<:e!ned PO Bo< W41, 97240-0741. 232-7451. lntegily, c/oAFSC, 2249 E. Bumskl!, 97214. 774-1064. Plb: St Aa•eds Messenger. Me~noia Paaca CommooityUMC,-2116 NE 18th Ave., 97212· 46ll. iB1•3697. MCC, 1844 NE 24~, 972:2 iBHll68. Reach Outi (Former Jehovah's Witnesses), PO Box 1173, Clackamas, 97015. SisterSprtt, PO Box 9246, 97207. 294-0645. Plb: Spiri1ed Women ROSEBURG(,03) MCC, P.O. Bax 455, Ollar~ OR 97432-0455. Some ministries may have moved · or closed. We are not able to keep current information on ministries that do not subscribe to Second Stone. If you reach a phone number that ha s be en disconn ected or if you get returned mail, please let us know: P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 secsto n e@aol.com SAL'Ell(,03) Dgiily, PO Bo< 532, 97308 :moo,:J; . sweet Spin! MCC, PO Box 13969, 97W9, 363-0018. 141012th Sl, SE. Pennsylvania ALTOONA (814) . Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Spiritual Fellcwsh~. 1805 81h Ave., 16002. 949·5852 Plb: Recorcilotirn ELWYN (610) Pilgim Fetlcmship Church, P.0.-Box 4305, 19063. 237-1367. lvieets Sun. at Philaa!lphia Airμ:,rt Comfort Inn. ERIE(814) lntegily ot Nor11mest Penn., 134 W. 7th St , 16501-1004. 774· am ~~:e~~f ~ic Church. 235-6937. Rick Nare. contact per• Sal. HAMLIN(717) ~it:ai: ff,~ 18427 829-1341 ~~I~ ~n~~e:a\f~'.~i : ~ 1 ~738 7 Plb Spirit Wings LEHIGH VALLEY (610) Grace covenant Felk7Nship, 247 N. 10th SL, Atlentoxn, 18102. /4(),{Y,147. Sundey, 10:45a.m. B')l'.ln Rooe, pastor. Thorn Ritter, music minister. Serving the Lehigl Valley. . ~~·:.o~J~;,:,~"'~1:.~1~~1:,~~ 439-8755. Sunday, ~ .m. at Unitarian Church. 424 Center SL, Bethleham. Plb: Valoy Siar. PHILADELPHIA (215) D~nity, PO Box 53348, 19105. 546-2093. Pub: The I ndependeflce. Evargslicals Concerned 885-2'92. Regilar monthly meetirgs. lntegily, c/o Holy Trinity Church, 1904 Walnut St, 19103. 382· 0794. MCC, PO Box 8174, 19101-8174. 563-6001. Sunday, 7p.m. at 2125Ches1nut St N>:Tte Bell Ringer. UCCUGC, P08c>< 6315, 19139. 724·1247. Unitarian Universalisl Church, Stenlon Ave. & Gorgas Lrt, 1915Cl 247·2$1. Ptl1,IAN(717) Chrilfartlrunn l<loster, RD 1, Bax 146, 17964. Gay rarmooists. PITTSBURGH (412) Affirmation (Unitad Methodsts), Box 10104, 15232-0104. 683- 55:!S. ~~%~~J~~-:::21-6747 Lutterans Concerned, PO Bax 81800, 15217.0000 521·7746. MCC,4836Els\\l:lr1hAve., 15213.683-2194. PLGC, PO 8c>< 0012, 15224-0l22 WAYNE(610) Cintra! Baptis1 Clllrch, P.O. Box :x>J, 19067. 688-0664. Marcus pomerc,;, pastor. Marcia Bailey, co:pastor. A Welcoming and Attirmtrg American Baptis1 Corgegation: Rhode Island PROVIDENCE (401) Dgilty, PO Bo< 2231, P-e\ 02861. 727·'2£57. SL Peter's & SL An:hvls Episccpal Church, 25 Pomona AV&., 029:)9.5255. 272•9649. Rev. Jan Nun!!¥, rector and co-conwnor of tntegity/Rhocl> Island. We are a •rairoov corgegaliort ot · Clvistians from all walks ol me, wilh an active tntegity chapter, haa!rg and AIDS m~istry. Se habla E!l)anot. UCCUGC, 1S Oak Ave,, Riverside Congregalional Church, Cl!915.433-2al9. South Carolina CHARLESTON (lll3) MCC, 2010 Haw1horne Dr., N10, 29418. 747'6738. Mary M. ~~ii:l"(003) . Lutherans Conceme~ PO Bo< 8828, 29202-8828. 738-1899. Mee1S at 728Picl<ens St en USC ca!T!)US. MCCCoiJmbia, P.O. Box8753, 29202 25&2154. Mee1Sat 1111 Belleww St, 112. GREENVILLE (803) MCC, PO Bax 6322 29606<l:l22 m-0919. Sun., 7p.m. at 37 E. Hillcrest Rev. Mick Hinson, pastor. South Dakota • LAKE PRESTON (605) UCCUGC, Rt 1. Bo< 7~ 57249. 847·4623. . SIOUX FALLS (605) St Francis & St Clare MCC, PO Bax 266,'57101-0266. 332. 3966. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA (423) • lntegily, PO 8c>< 4956, 374ffi 756-8225. MCC, PO Box B0183, 37411. 892·2138. Sun, 7p.m. at 3224 Navajo · ~NJ<>~ ~~6ttl::~ Box 1612, 37a:JS.1612 92&43l3. KNOXVILLE (423) MCC, PO Bax 2343, 37901·2343. 521-6546. MEMPHIS (901) ~,\%~=~~i~~ ~u/:",u1:,.,Madson, 38104. 72& ~'~to Catr.iry E!liS=I Church, 102 N. 2nd St., 38103. NASHVILLE (615) Daysp<irg F~lcwshp, 120-B S. 11th St, Box 68073, 37.m. 227· 1.448. . ~1.,6°S:X~'.\~~= Sun, 11am, 7p.m., 10:21 Russel St Texas ABILENE (915) covenant of Hope Cc?mmunity Church, 1342 No. 4th SI., P.O. Boc2961, 796)4 . 671-7955. Sun., 11a.m. ExociJs MCC, PO Box 2473, ~ 672·7922 904 Wal rut St AMARILL0(9)6) , MCC, PO Box 1276, 79105. 372-4567. 2123S. Pol< St. ~:';-~~~:~rumanSt, 7ro11265-5454 Sun, 1045a.m. PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 . j !~(~~1~nited Melhodsts), 7400 Shoal Creek Blvd, 78757. 451·2329. All Saints Ecumenical Ci1h<i~Church, P.O. Box 91597, 78700- 1597. 280-91S1. The Rev. Rd:>ert 0. Hall, frrcbert@aol.com, ciotlalla@aolcan. Dgtil'f. PO Bo< 2666, 7B7fJJ. 467•791)l. lntagily, PO Bax 4327, 7B7f!S.4327. 462-0077. Joan Wakeford Ministries, Inc., 9401 Grouse MeaOOW Ln., 7B758-6348. 836-7354. CORPUS CHRISTI (512/ MCC, 1315Crag St, 784Q4.33,l)_ 882-8225. Sun.,oa.m .. Wed, 73:1).m. DALLAS'FORT WORTH AREA (214) Attmaticll (Unitad Malhodsts), Box 48382, Wa1auga. 7614& 0382 (817)6$8056. _ ::,1~ (Unitad Melhodsts), PO Bax 191021, DalLas, 75219. Ag:,peMCC, PO Box 15247, F<>1Wor1h, 76119-0247. (817)535- 5002 4615SE l.cq)820. Sun, 9a.m., 11a.m.~Ne.vs. Cilte<nl of H(!l8 MCC, 5910 Cedar Sprirgs Rd, Dallas, 75235. 351-1901. S111., 9am., 11a.m. Dgii1y, PO 8c>< 190133, Dalas, 7521!,-0133. 226-1101. St\,:3i\3o~u~~ ~~~~~::3.;,:~~~w~a tos, 75204. 827·5008. 'A horna tor every haart' servirg Iha Dallas ~soan and g:,ycommufi!ylcr 18)Ears. Honasty/Texas;P.O. Bax 190069, Dalas, 75219. 521·534Z ext 233 Gay and lest:ian Baplists. k~~¾:~~1=~ •. oa~s~f/~ 1 . ~~~11 . 52(). tll5& While Rock Community Church, 722 Tennison Memorial Ad., 75223. 320-0)43. FAX, 32()-.0098_ Sun., 9:30a.m., 11am. Rev. ~~i~s\"•r Harvest MCC, 5900 S. Stemmons, 762:J5. 497-4020. Sun., ~i~TiN i;;l Community Gospel Church, 501 E. 18th at Columbia. 88(}9235. Sun., 11a.m. Chf'SChies,pasb". Dawn 01 Faith MCC, 10319 Sage)Olk Dr., 77009-2017. 991-6765. Digily, POBax 66821, 7726&a!21. 880-2872.Sat, 7:~ .m. at 13:>7Ya~. Iii. First Unitarian UniversarJSt Church, Gay/Lesbian Task Force, 5aXl Famin St, 77004-5899. 533-52X) . Hoostco Mission Church, PO Box 1633 Maishall 770CXi 52S- 8225. Sun., 1oma.m. Re,. Rdler1 L Carter, past>. lnlegily, PO Box 66008, 772fR,.'5X1!,. 432-0414. Plb: Marfjnal Nctes. l(,rg:t,m Community Church, 614 E. 19th St , 77CJYJ. 862-7533. 748-6251. Sun., 11am. MCC of the AesITTectioo, 1919 Decatur, 77007-7oJ6. 861-9149. Pll:l: The Good N""' St. Raphael Ecumenical CalholC Church. 890-617. Deacon Gary ra'~\,l~~@ adcom Church Wtth A Vision MCC, PO Box 1287, 75606-1287. 753- 1501. Sun, 11la.m.at420E.CotiJrrSI, LUBBOCK(IIJS) MCC, 5501 34~ St , 79407. 792-5562. Sun., 11a.m., 7p.m. Rev. e:::~~~%~:. \:!, tZ~x 64746. 79484·4746. 791· 4499. N> : Lambda Tines MIDLAND(915) HolyTril\ityGommunityChurch, 1007S. Main, 79701. 57o-4822 Aw. G!om E Hammett, pastor. SAN ANTONIO (210) MCC, 1136W. WCO<ilv.,i, 78201. 734-0)48, R""' 9tx lMrg Church, 202 Hctland. 78212 734-0377. ~r~~tr!..~munilyChurch , 13904CourrlyRd. 193, 75703.· 581.fll23. Paster Denna A. Campt,etl. ~.0~~ 22043 76712 752-5331. WICHITAFALLS(617) MCC; PO Bax 00l4, 76307. 696-2668. Utah LOGAN(lll1) MCC, PO Bax 4285, 64323. 751Hi026. Sun., 11 am. SALT LAKE CITY (801) Sacred lg,t of Christ MCC, 823 S. &XJ E, 84102·3507. 59& 0052. Vermont •• BURLINGTON (lll2) ~Pb~=~~ Unitarian Universalists for Gay & Lesbian Goocerns, 152 Pearl St, 05401. lll2-56JJ. MONTPatER (lll2) . lntegity, c/o Chrilt Episcq,al Chi.rch, 64 Stale SI., 05002.2933, Virgm,a ALEXANDRIA (703) . ;~~o/.' ~::"m~~r~~e\=:,=f\l4 ci,~~vi,,. #301, 22303. 32lH896. Byzantine Christian community. ARLINGTON (703) Dgii1y, PO Bo< 10037, 22210. 912·1662. • FALLS CHURCH (703) Affirmation (Mamor,;), PO Box 19334, 223200034 828-3006. MCC, 7245 Laa Hwy., 22048. 532-0992 sun., ~ .m. at Fairtax Unitarian, 2701 Hunter MiH Ad., Oakton. Teles Mini,tries (Baplis1S), PO Bo< 3390, 22043. f,60.2680. FREDERICKSBURG (540) . ~ Chrillian Community, 1213 Dancl'i<\la St., 22401. 373- ~:i?~ Ir: 434, 2'3:,01. &?.5-5337. NON Ula MCC, PO 8c>< 1026, 23501-1026. 85&8450. 1530Jolv> ston's Rel Sun., 10:30a.m., 6:~ .m .. Wed., 7:~ .m. at 1530 Jclrnstor,;Rd Unitarian Universalisls for Lesbian & Gay Concerl"$, 739 Var• marMt , 23510. 627·5371. Sm, 11a.m. RICHMOND(804) Alfirmalion (Unilad Me-1S), PO Box 25615, 23200-5615. 7'1:,7279. 700 W. Frarldin St D!Jllty!nteglty, PO 80< 5207, = 226-8140. MCC. 2501 Part< Ave., = 353-9477. Resource Guide ROANOKE (540) Boo~ lambda Prass, PO Bo<-237, 2«:Ce tl900184. Lesbian & GayCilhol,:s & Episcqlalians, PO Bax 4163, 24015. 774-0:&l. MCC ol the Blue Aid;}!, PO Box 20495, 24018. 365-0839. Sun., ~ .m. at Unitarian Church, 2015 Grancin Rd SW. Pub: Blue Rk!;!eBanner. VIRGINIA BEACH (!Ill) All Gods Chikten Community Church, 4B5 S. Independence Blvd, #108, 23452 499-7006. WILLIAMSBURG (lll4) Foundations of Slooe Ministries, 149 Nelson Dr., 23185. 229-- 0832. Teactirg, seminars, retreats, reviVals. Heaven's Tab•land Church, P.O. Bax 2674, 23187. 77&9224. Rev. Adel• L Barr, pastor. Meats Sun. Boundary St. Lilrary at 1:3'.lp.m. Washrngton BELLINGHAM ~Y~tr'f"'9 Us MCC, P O. 8c>< 4369, 9!1127-4300. Ne,,CreationMCC, 111242llh Dr SE, 9trol-522B MOUNT VERNON (206) MCC, PO Bo< 205T7, seaftte, 9B102 = · OLYMPIA(36()) Eemal lg,! MCC, 207 N. Washirgl:Jn, 98501. RICHLAND (509) RiJer ol LWe MCC, PO Box 1678, 99352-0059. 544·9669. Shalom UCC, 505 McMmay, 99352. 943-3927. ci,en and afl-.m• ~,FnitE(206) Affirmation (~mons), PO Box 23223, 98102 8'."0-5729. Pl.b: Tha Open Giesel Affirmatbn (UnltadMe-1S), 2115N. 42nd, 98103. Companis, Mission Workers for Seattle, 1111 Harvard AV&., 98122. 328-6156. Cra~ Daling, drector. Dgilty, Box 20315, 98102·1325 3?5-7314. Evargsf<als Corcerned 781-6754. Grace Gospel Chapel, 2052 NW €>4~ St, 98107. 784-6495. Sun, /n\' mfy:~e:;;'~~;'!i~~ira, pest,. I ~ 1202 E. Pike SI., #930, 98122. 325--2421. Rev. Chen L Stardlman, paS1or. Call f()( servce limes and locati:Jns. Ortlrooo< Church ol lhe Moors, 5311 13th Aw. s ., 98106. 763- 24€9. ocan@aol.cotn. ~ sik!: hll):/tn:iembers.aol.rom/cxxm/ CMrtake MCC, PO Bax ffi12. Bellwue, 98000 885-0414. 12700 SE32rxlSt Seatto First B'l)lol Clrtrch, 111 Harvard Ave., 98122. 325-0C!i1. Rocllay A. Romney, ~stor. Seattle Gay N..s, 704 E. Pike, 98122. 324-4297. UCCUGC, 317'18th Ave. E. N4, 98112·5132 329·3l27. Uritaria:n l esbians & Gays, 655635thAve. NE, 98115. 483-0045. UniJersity Baptist Church, 4554121hAve., SE, 98105. 632·5188. Anne Hall, assooiate pastor. A Welcoming & Affirming American Baptist Ccngegatbn. SPOKANE (509)· . Attirmation (Unitad Methodists), 3 N. 9th St., Cheney, 99004. 299-2500. ,. Emmanual MCC, PO Box 769, 99210. 838·0085. Sun., 10:3'.lam., 7p.m. at w W. 4~ Ave. Urirarian Churcl\ 321 W. Bl~ 99al4. &14-4802. TACOMA (206) Hiokl! Comm1'1ily Clllrch, 2!lJ8 s. :!llh St, 9MJ9. 47~23881 MCC, 2150S. Ct.0hmanAw., 98405-3438. 272·2382 VANCOUVER (2116) MCC ot loo Gerr1Je Shefirer~ PO Box 5004, 9E688. 25,001. West Virginia MORGANTOWN (:i04) Freedcrn FellONshp, PO Bax 1'552, 265(1;, 292-7784. Wisconsin FOX VALLEY (414) Angel d H(!l8 MCC, PO Bax 672, Green Bay, 54305. 496-8688. MADISON (606) First Baptist Church, 518 North Franklin Ave., 53705. 233-1880. Alan Newton, associate pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming ~r~;□tf;:,t~ega&.153701 83&8886 1001 UnM!~ity Ave. 01 A Like Mnd. PO Bo< 0021, 53716-0021. 255-!ll92 MILWAUKEE (414) . Dg,ily, PO Bo< 597, 53?01. 444-7177. Lutherans COOcerred, PO Box 167~ 532JH676. 481-9663. ~.sro~~~.~1~~273-1991. St. Camillus HIV/AIDS Ministry,. 10101 w. Wiscoosin Aw ., 53226.259-4ffi4. United HIV Services, 10100 W. Bluemoond Rel, 53226. 259- 4610 Wyoming 0~ wall... Wa rad the space bu1 W)<rnirg dml have loo place. Some area codes have changed. We hav e updated the Resource Guide with new area codes assigned by ·the phone company. If you get a wrong number, plea se let us know: P.O. Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 secs tone@aol.com Metropolitaarne avs ote againsPt resbyteri'afnid' elity andc hastitya'm' endment Chicago: "No morality police" By Joanne von Alroth Special to the Chicago Tribune CHICAGO - Local officials of the Presbyterian Church USA voted overwhelming Jan. 14 against an amendment that would have required fidelity in marriage as a require, ment for all church officers, including ministers and elders. The amendment, known as the fide)-· ity and chastity amendment, was voted down 320-167 by the Chicago Presbytery at a meeting at the First United Church of Oak Park. ,• The Chicago Presbytery has 117 churches with rriore than 40,000 members. · A member of the church's ordination. and human sexuality committee said that the policy would ensure that church officers led lives that are in conformity with Scripture. "The church is the last place I would expect the morality police," said Gordon Zerkel, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Homewood who opposed the policy. "We can go forward or we can go back to the glory days of witch hunts. We've been there. We've done that." Robert Badertscher, an elder at the Village Church of Northbrook, argued that officers of the church "must be held to a higher stanaard than the general membership" a's he spoke for the amendment. The Presbyterian Church has been discussing the issue since 1978 and has ordained non-celibate gays as ministers, deacons and elders. Those on both sides of the issue have feared that the policy would cause the church to splinter. San Francisco: "No witch hunts" By Don Lattin San Francisco Chronicle Religion Writer SAN FRANCISCO c Delegates representing 72 Bay Area churches voted to oppose a nationwide crackdown on gay and lesbian ministers, deacons and elders in the Presbyterian Church USA. The vote was 179 for the change and 214 against the proposed amendment to the church's constitution. An. overflow crowd representing churches in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties packed the First Presbyterian Church in San Mateo, listening to 13 speakers on each side. The proposed change in the constitution would make it harder for gays and lesbians to mini.~ter to people in San Francisco, argued "''the --Rev .. Timothy Hart-Andersen, pastor of Old First Presbyterian Church on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. The amendment would punish gay people for "simply being who God made them." The Rev. Mary Naegeli of Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church in Contra Costa County spoke in favor of the tighter church standards, arguing Presbyterians must stand against "a: world where sexual anarchy reigns." "We arereaching a point of moral bankruptcy," she said. At a national church convention in June, delegates defeated a proposal to allow local congregations the option of ordaining gays and lesbians to church office: Instead, the convention adopted stricter standards, voting · to change the church constitution to limit ordination to Christians who maintain "fidelity in the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness." "That constitutional amendment must now be approved by a majority of the 171 regional presbyteries of the Calvin Theological Seminary terminates.p ro-gayp rofessor 'GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Dutch theologian Dr. Jan Veenhof arrived at Calvin Seminary this past fall with widespread fanfare as the seminary's second-ever "distinguished visiting professor of theology." Less than three months later, he was terminated by the seminary board of trustees for his pro-gay views. His position at Calvin Seminary called for him to teach during the fall of 1996 and 1997 as well as give special lectures on theological topics. While Veenhof's academic writing led to significant acclaim in the academic realm, his other writings led to trouble in the United States. The biggest problem centered on some of Veenhof's less-known work, particularly a chapter entitled "The Bible and Homosexuality" which Veenhof contributed to a larger book on homosexuality entitled "Who Am I That I May Not Do This?" This book appeared ten years ago in the Dutch language and until this winter Veenhof's chapter had never been translated into English. Calvin Seminary was apparently not aware of Veenhof's participation in the book until it was called to the seminary's attention by the conservative publication Christian Renewal. Veenhof, who left the United States one day before his termination on Nov. 15, could not be reached for comment. denomination. As of rriid-J anuary, 15 presbyteries had voted on the amendment. Eight approved it,-and seven presbyteries, including San Jose, voted against it. ■ The proposed amendment would punish gay people for "simply being who God made them." Conservative leaders in the Christian Reformed denomination who are often critical of Calvin Seminary said they were pleased by Calvin's prompt response. "We're happy that they are sticking by the synodical stand and that of course is what all the conservatives are anxious about," said Rev. Andrew Cammenga, chairman of the Interclassical Conference of Christian Reformed Church conservatives which had met earlier in suburban Chicago to plan a response to liberalizing trends in the CRC, including the issue of CRC members who have called for a revision of the CRC's position .that homosexual practice is contrary to Scripture. On the other hand, gay Christian Reformed minister Rev. Jim Lucas expressed concern that the Veenhof termination would have a chilling effect on discussion of homosexuality in Christian Reformed circles.· "Basically what I would be concerned about is the message that this action might potentially send · out to gay people that they're not welcome in this denomination, that the church is not willing to provide a safe place for dialogue," said Lucas. "That's not making a judgment about whether they did the right or wrong thing, it's only how I third< this decision will be perceived by gays in the Christian Reformed Church and outside the · Christian Reformed Church." Presbyterians like Sprott are especially concerned about how the stricter church. code will be ·enforced. Some fear conservatives will begin "witch hunts" for gays and lesbians. "As a gay man, it directly affects my participation in a congregation I have been a member of for six years(' Sprott said. "The proposed constitutional amendment states that "persons refusing to repent of any selfacknowledged practice which the , confessions call sin shall not be · ordained and/ or installed as deacons; elders or ministers ." "Rev. Eugene TeSelle, a professor of ■ church history and theology at Van-------------•• derbilt University's Divinity School "It's urban vs. suburban," said in Nashville, Tennessee, said he Richard Sprott, a part-time professor fears that language will be selecat California State University at lively used to go after church memHayward and an openly gay elder at bers whose alleged sin is homosexual- .. Montclair Presbyterian Church in ity, rather than those who are guilty Oakland. of sins such as usury or gluttony. PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 National News MiMMMii Third millennium may have already arrived By David Briggs AP Religion Writer Luxury hotels in New York are already planning $1,000-a-person celebrations to usher in the year 2000. On the other side of the world, in New Zealand, the Millennium Adventure Co. has secured the rights to the world's "first light" on the slopes of Mount Hakepa on Pitt Island, just east of the international date line, about 745 miles southeast of Christchurch. Discounting the fact there was no year zero and following the Roman calendar to the nice round number of 2000, most people will be celebrating the beginning of the third millennium after the birth of Christ the moment the clock strikes midnight on the final day of 1999. However, for scholars who have long claimed that Jesus was born earlier than the traditional date, the third millennium may . have already begun. According to one scholar who has extensively researched the date of the first Christmas, Christians may have just missed the actual date. Historian Paul Maier of Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, calculates that Jesus probably was born in November or December of 5 B.C. . "It was most likely during this [past Christmas) season, 2,000 years ago, ■ between 7 B.C and 4 B.C. One of the main problems with the current dating is the Bible's reference to King Herod's learning of Jesus' birth and consulting with wise men from the East. Herod would die soon after, but historical sources indicate he died in 4 B.C., making it impossi- According to one scholar who has extensively researched the date of the first Christmas, Christians may have just missed the actual date. that the baby was born who would change the world," says Maier, author of "In the Fullness of Time ." "This Christma s, then, is the sort of milestone that only one generation in 30 has the chance to celebrate." Scholars . who have tried to determine when Jesus was born have generally come up with a time somewhere ■ ble for him to have talked to the wise men in A.O . 1, according to the traditional dating system. The original mistake, according to Maier, was made by a sixth -century Scythian monk named Dionysius, who was responsible for the B.C. and A.D. calculations. He was about five years off in his calculations: Jesus was born 748 years after the founding of Rome, not 753, Maier said. In addition to the timing of Herod's death, there are other chronological markers that support a nativity date during 5 B.C., Maier said. If Jesus was born later than 5 B.C., he would have been .too young to fit with the Gospel of Luke's report that he began his ministry at about 30 years of age, Maier said. The testimony of the church fathers also sup ports a date closer to Herod's death, although the events that occurred before his passing make it unlikely the first Christmas would · have occurred in 4 B.C. Since there is no year zero, that means the third millennium after the birth of Christ probably started in November or December 1996, according to Maier. · He says recognizing the date is important. "We only have one crack at it," he said in an interview. "If we ·miss it this time, we have to wait another J,000 years." Baptist woman's ordination becomes hot issue . GREENVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Two Baptist ministers, a husband and wife, are caught up in a women's ordination controversy that has escalated to involve the Baptist association in one ,,,14J:11i=t• ji! (~'~f•._,,v~r-~:·,~\.·· .. I~ - . /!\, ,~. . , . I) ,: lii ;. ; -; {fl :., { . (• { 1.· t ·: in:; We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps, please write us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70i82 Mercy of God Community western Kentucky county . The Muhlenberg Baptist Association has set up a committee to determine the best way to handle concerns within the organization about the Rev. Angie Flack's ordination . Her husband,the Rev.David Flack, . . has been pastor of Drakesboro First Baptist Church since last spring. The committee could · recommend "withdrawing fellowship" from Drakesboro first Baptist, to tc,lerate the situation, · or to take a position · against women's ordination without taking action against the congregation, said the Rev. James Shutt. Shutt, pastor of Calvary Bapti.st Church in Central City, made the motion to have the committee appointed . A credentials committee of two preachers and one layman is expected to recommend a course of action to the : association's executive committee. Shutt agrees Baptist congregations are autonomous. "That's not our purpose to usurp the authority or autonomy of the local church . This is an .associational matter now." Yet, he notes, member churches agree to certain doctrinal statements when they join . the association. "It's doctrine that binds us together," Shutt said . He opposes' Angie Flack's ordination, he said, because "we consider it PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 a scriptural matter." The Bible only speaks of ordination of pastors and deacons, Shutt said . . And all the qualifications listed for . those jobs in the Bible mention men candidates, not women, he said. Tbe ... Rev, Charles Midkiff, pastor_<:,£. Greenville First Baptist Church, supports the couple under fire. Midkiff said while the perception among some local Baptists is that the Flacks "have just kind of come here and rubbed this in our face," the Flacks are not campaigning to win acceptance for women's ordination . Angie Flack isn't on staff at the Drakesboro church but she does teach a teen-age Sunday school class and sings in the choir. She works part-time for· a statewide Baptist counseling agency in Hopkinsville and Madisonville. She's also doirig a clinical residency in pastoral counseling with Alliant Ment.al Health Services in Louisville. Her status as an ordained minister became controversial when her ·husband listed her as an ordained church member a few months ago on an annual report filed with the association. Churches usually list all their ordained members on the reports, whether they are staff members or not, Midkiff said. Yet the Drakesboro congregation did know about Angie Flack's ordination when it called David Flack as pastor, the Flacks said ; Indeed, that has been one of the objections opponents in the association have raised in discussing action againsUhe churdl. _ They say the Drakesboro church knew about the Muhlenberg Association's position on ordaining women. In fact, in the association, women aren't allowed to serve as messengers, or local church representatives, at associational meetings. The Flacks were ordained in the same ceremony at David Flack's home church in Forest City, N.C., in 1993. Angie Flack sees her ordination as crucial to her work as a counselor. "My ordination," she said, "gives me accountability to a community of faith as a minister," just as her accreditation with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors makes her accountable as a counselor. "I do consider myself first of all a minister," she said. Mrs. Flack, who said the entire controversy has .caused her "some sadness," has rejected suggestions by association members that she send her ordination papers back to the church that ordained her. ''That's not even an idea I can entertain," she said . National News Lutheran statement on sex emphasizes fidelity By David Briggs AP Religion Writer It makes no mention of masturbation and contains no biblical discussion of homosexuality. It emphasizes the goodness of sex within marriage, but it makes no definitive statement condemning sex outside marriage_. After years of heated discussions, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has decided to just say no to sexual controversy and · to release a pastoral. statement concentrating on areas of agreement. "We pray for the grace to avoid unfair judgment of those with whom we differ, the patience to listen to those with whom we disagree, and the love to reach out to those from whom we may be divided," the ELCA Church Council said in a statement sent to the church's 11,000 congregations. After riling some of its 5 million members with a draft statement saying the Bible supported homosexual relationships, then coming up with a more moderate one that alienated · both liberals and conservatives, the church decided at its biennial assembly in 1995 to postpone aclion indefinitely on a chu.rchwide statement on sexuality. Seven years of discussion had failed to produce any consensus on issues such as the ordination of gays and lesbians and the blessing of same-sex relationships. To give the church some breathing room, officials decided to take a pub- NewW aysM inistrfyo teedto . moveT oledow o~hop TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Frank DeBernardo has · been helping R_oman Catholic gays and lesbians return to the church by holding workshops that promote understanding and healing. But DeBernardo said Nov. 12 he's dis .appointed that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo has pro ·1ubited his New Ways Ministry from holding a workshop at a local church . "I'm disappointed because we are a Catholic organization. We work primarily with other Catholics and we present Catholic documentation on gay and lesbian issues. And yetthe church won't allow Catholics to discuss this issue in a Catholic setting," he said . Bishop James Hoffman canceled the Mount Rainier, Md.-based New Ways' workshop scheduled at Our Lady of Lourdes Church because the group's teachings run counter to the church, the Rev. Donald Heintschel, . spokesman for the diocese, said. The group, formed _in 1977, attempts only to "build bridge:, between the gay and lesbian commurllty and the church," DeBernardo said. . The group has held workshops in two-thirds of th_e nation's 151 dioceses. New Ways has been banned from Catholic churches in other dioceses, DeBernardo said. He did not say where. "We've always found a Protestant church nearby that was hospitable and accommodating," he said. The Toledo meeting was moved to St. Mark's Episcopal Church. DeBernardo said his group asked the diocese for permission to use a church. The pastor of Our Lady of. Lourdes agreed. When Hoffman·found ■ "Holding the meeting in a Catholic church setting would have been a great sign of welcome and hospitality ... " out, he canceled the meeting: ■ "Holding the meeting in a Catholic church setting would have been a great sign of welcome and hospitality to people ·who want to reach out to homosexuals. But our work goes· on," said DeBernardo', who is gay. "The Catholic Church in America often stresses the family, to the exclusion of those in nontraditional families. We face misunderstandings based on myths and stereotypes. And sometimes, those translate into official . practice." lie stand on areas i1;1w hich there is consensus, such as opposition to pornography and prostitution. The latest statement - "Sexuality: Some Common Convictions" - begins by saying that Scripture is the "source and norm of our proclamation, faith and life as a church. "In Scripture we read that God created humankind male and female and 'behold it was very good,"' the statement says, referring to the creation passage in Genesis. And church leaders refer back to the Ten Co.mmandmerits in encouraging truth•telling in all relationships, condemning sexual desire that lures people away from their spouses or family and considering marriage · a sacred u_nion. In a section on marriage; <l!u:rch leaders say it is a lifelong covenant of faithfulness b.etween a man and a woman, and that in marriage two people join "in a personal and sexual union that embodies God's loving purpose to create and enrich life." Later, the church leaders "affirm the importance of education about sexuality . that emphasizes respect, mutuality, responsibility and abstinence outside of marriage." In a special message to single adults, however, abstinence is not mentioned. ''Tlus church seeks to be a place where, as sexual beings, single adults can find guidance for their particular spiritual, ethical, psychological and social issues," the statement said. And while emphasizing monogamy and abstinence, the church also advocated sex education about practices intended to prevent the transmission of disease during intercourse. The document does not take a stand on ·homosexuality, but says that Christians are called to respect the dignity of all persons, whatever their sexual orientation. Church leaders did condemn as sinful such practices as adultery, sexual abuse, promiscuity, prostitution, pornography, and sexuality in media and advertising that emphasizes sexual gratification apart from marriage .. "To a world obsessed wi.th sexual self-fulfillment, divided by differ- ■ Seven years of discussion failed to produce any consensus on issues such as the ordination of gays and lesbians and the blessing of same~sex relationships. ■ ertces over sexuality and weary of how sexuality is abused, the message of the grace of God lightens our burdens, lifts our spirits, renews our commitments, and reminds us of the deepest basis for mutual respect - the love of God we have in Jesus Christ," the statement concludes. Disney profits up THE WALT DISNEY Company continues to feel no impact from boycotts by the Southern Baptist Convention and the Assemblies of God. The company's fourth quarter profits rose 27 percent to $858 million. Executives· cited strength in all three of its major divisions. l'TIGAYELLOWPA GES TM INFORMTINHGEL ESBIAGNA, YB,I SEXU&A[LT I ~ TRANSGENCDOEMRM UNSIITNYC 1E9 73 ~ Complegtaey -lrlenrdeisyo urcaensdb usinessaecsc:o mmodatbioanrssb,, o okstordeesn, tistdso, ctorlsa,w yers, therapisttrsa,v esle rvicepsr,i nterOsr, ganizatiMone,d, iaR,e ligiogurso upHs,e lplin e&s A .I.D.SHJ.I .Vre. sourc. es Listingbsro kedno wbny S lale& C ilyI.n de&xf asat ccespsh onleis t.U PDATAENDN UALLY. For an •ppllcatlon to be listed (no charge), or for details of currenl editions and prices, or Informationa bout mallingl abels, pleases end a seH-addressedst ampede nvelopet o Renalss■ nce House, PO Box 533-SS, Village Station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directlyf rom the addressa bove,o r you can find us.yourl ocal gay-friendlyb ookstores. 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Hardl.ya weekg oes by thati t is not consuMedin the Out offices.·. Reviewedb y.Jeff Howells, OUT( Pittsburgh, PA), Oecemb6r1 994 •Foro v~r1 2y ears Gayel/owP agesh as been ourm ost-usedr esourceb ook. We recommendit to eve-'>p.e'r. fo""e_r, ~=,~~~{;u~~5Jt1~~g:,':gP~J~:8.J:;';;/,'j ';:',/~%~':ng%gr,~:;f ~In' c;o;n;ta~ctw ;ihth.I; t'sst Che :fe PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 National News Smvey says ID1Churched rank Baptists with high negatives · BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Southern Baptists are weighing the wider implications of a 1995 survey that shows their faith with the highest negative rating of any Protestant denomination . It was conducted in suburban Washington, b.C. by Southern Baptist associations in the area. PROTESTS, From Page 1 sage of "God Hates Fags." Phelps and the church's members regularly picket in public places. They have been accused of using vulgar language and of being abusive but they deny doing so. In 1995, Phelps and others traveled to San Francisco to picket that city's gay pride parade . "The whole thing is calculated to warn this evil city that they're going the way of Sodom," Phelps said then. Phelps and other Westboro Baptist members targeted St. David's after its leadership criticized the picketing ministry. "Fag church" was one of the signs pickets toted while they marched outside St. David's. The Episcopal church went to court and complained that the picketing created a nuisance for people attending worship services. A state trial judge agreed and issued a temporary restraining order. A state appeals court upheld the order, and the Kansas Supreme Court rejected Westboro Baptist's ensuing appeal on Sept. 9. In the appeal acted on Jan. 21, lawyer Margie Phelps argued for the church that the state courts wrongly DISCRIMINATION, From Pagel friend and would not allow him to have a gay sponsor . Boettcher is suing the Salvation Army for $2 million under Portland's ordinance that protects gays and lesbians from discrimination. Salvation Army attorney Blair Allan in Los Angeles had not yet seen the lawsuit, so couldn't comment on Boettcher's allegations; Allan said the Salvaiion Army's mission statement indicates that the charity does not discriminate against gays and lesbians in providing social services. But the lawsuit claims that the religious component of the Salvation Army became intertwined with its social services. The survey, involving 1,300 telephone interviews, found 12.2 percent of people who are not active in a church gave Southern Baptists a negative ranking, a percent surpassed only by Black Muslims (22.7), Mormons (17.3) and Muslims (1,5.0). Roman Catholics, at 12 percent, folconcluded "that a church building is entitled to the same level of privacy as a residence." The appeal also contended that St. David's congregation had waived any privacy interest claim by engag- ■ "Fag church" was one of the signs pickets toted while they marched outside St. David's. ■ ing in counter-picketing before its court complaint was filed. "It is incredible that · after many months of picketing by .its members, St. David's filed a petition and affidavits claiming that picketing on the public sidewa1ks outside the church building constituted a private nuisance and interference with the worship experience," the appeal. said . From the early 1980s to 1992, th ~ . Christian charity's theological position statement described homosexuality as deviant behavior . The Army's current position statement says a sexual relationship is intended to be between a woman and tnan, citing the Bible's book of Genesis. Courts have upheld Portland's antidiscrimination ordinance, said Madelyn Wessel, a city attorney who helped write it five years ago . "Would it be illegal if the Salvation Army discriminated against African-Americans in its drug treatment program? If it were, then it would also be prohibited for them to discriminate ag~nst a gay or lesbian person under the city_ordinance," she said. PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 lowed Southern Baptists. Viewed by the unchurched as having the least negatives were Luther- · ans (a 2.4 negative rating), United Methodists (2.8) and Presbyterians (3.8). "While one must be careful in making inferences about areas of the country outside the · metropolitan D.C. area, the similarity of results with other national studies indicates that some of the findings may be applicable to other metropolitan areas," said Research Review, a newsletter of the Southern Baptist Convention's Home Mission Board, which published the survey findings in its summer issue. "While not critical, Southern Baptists do have a public relations problem that is not shared by Baptists generally," the newsletter said. Bill O'Brien, executive director of the Global Center at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, said the unchurched may look with disfavor toward the perceived threat of proselytism, particularly from Muslims, Mormons and Southern Baptists. "In a pluralistic mindset; you tend to have a negative reaction to any group perceived as pushing its views on-you or that tends to be exclusivist," he said. VATICAN, From Pagel ordains women. The pope has called the practice an "obstacle" to unity with the Catholic church. In January, a Sri Lankan theologianpriest was excommunicated for challenging the pope's authority and several core church teachings. Among his arguments are that women should be ordained. Despite the Vatican 's numerous efforts in recent years to quash the debate, the issue of ordination of women will not go away . In 1976, the doctrinal office issued a major statement on the issue. When Anglicans opened the door to women priests, John Paul responded with a 1994 apostolic letter seeking to shut the door on women priests. After some clergymen expressed doubts, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head of the doctrinal congregation, formally reiterated that John Paul's stand was "definitive ." All three documents are in the book, which includes writings by European theologians, the late American Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin and others. He said Southern Baptist infighting between conservatives and moderates since ·1979 may also have added to the negative impression. "Stereotypical images may get reinforced by events like the controversy we've had," said O'Brien. The survey found four out of 10 people interviewed were not active in a church, a ratio consistent with other national surveys, according to the report. When asked about the greatest concerns in their community, 43 percent of all 1,300 respondents gave answers that fit the catego ·ry "safety and crime," followed by "don't know" (12.9 percent), "schools" (11.8) and "jobs". (10.1). ''To a significant extent, what is not being mentioned as concerns by either group are abortion, the lottery, prayer in school, racism and politics," the newsletter said. "While a word needs to be spoken about these moral issues, Southern Baptists often fail to speak to those areas that concern people most." The poll was conducted for Southern Baptist associations in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Phil Jones, a spokesman for the board in Alpharetta, Ga., said there was no margin of error published with the survey's findings . At a news conference, Bishop Angelo Scola called the book "an obligatory point of reference" on the matter. Scola heads the Vatican's prestigious Lateran University. In summing up the church'~ arguments, Scola said: "The church does not have the power to modify the practice, uninterrupted for 2000 years, of calling only men to the ministering priesthood, in that this was wanted directly by Jesus." He cited arguments that Jesus decided to choose only men for the 12 apostles and that the priesthood is "objectively linked to the male sex of Jesus." On another issue, John Paul called the practice of marriage by divorced Roman Catholics .a "moral disorder." In addressing a meeting of the Vatican's Council on the Family, he also assured such individuals that they remained members of the church, which he said should make greater efforts at counseling troubled couples. World News Canadian Anglican bishop St.JPIX)rts gays, l~bians THE ANGLICAN BISHOP of the Diocese of New Westminster, Vancouver, B. C. spoke in support of fuller inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church in an address given at St. Leonard's Church in Toronto, Ontario on Sept. 27. Here are some excerpts from Bishop Michael Ingham' s statement: · Three years ago, in July 1993, we held a debate in Vancouver between John Stott and Bishop Spong. Both men spoke passionately and persuasively . They spoke with an evident measure of respect for each other. But what they described were two fundamentally different understandings of human sexuality, human freedom, the interpretation of Scripture, and indeed the Gospel itself, and they were applauded by two quite different sections of the imdience. .. .In the last few years I have m<;>ved over from one side to the other. I no longer believe some of the things I once did. I continue to believe that sexual activity needs to be between people of relatively equal power, between people who have both the maturity and security to give themselves freely to each other in mutual -Jove, and that all forms of exploitation and degradation, coercion and manipulation, are morally wrong. But I no longer believe that only heterosexual people are capable of such sacramental relationships, and I no longer agree with the double standard our church has imposed on gay men and lesbians as a condition of their inclusion within the Christian community. I've crossed over from one side of the divide to the other rtot because I've lost sight of the Gospel, but because the Gospel itself cannot and will not sustain continued discrimination against people simply because they are attracted to others of the same sex. I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ now requires us to recognize the full humanity of every child of God, whatever their sexual orientation. There is nothing in the teaching of Jesus which supports [rnis]treatment of gay men and lesbians. On the contrary, it's hard to imagine our Lord condoning the contempt that has been directed against this community in his name. He seems to have been far more concerned with justice and with love than with male and female anatomy. His whole life was a demonstration of the importance of faithfulness in relationships . He revealed a faithful God . He taught us the meaning of fidelity. He remained faithful to us even unto death . Vatican forms study group on inclusive language By Daniel J. Wakin Associated Press Writer VATICAN CITY (AP) - A drive by American Roman Catholics for gender- neutral scripture readings got a boost Dec. 14 when the Vatican said that a working group would give their readings a final review. The American bishops conference prepared a revised English edition of Mass readings from the Bible four . years ago containing inclusive language, and has been seeking Vatican approval for it. The bishops asked to meet with Vatican officials to make their case. Seven U.S. cardinals sat down Dec. 13 with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Congregation for the Doc-. trine of the Faith, and other church officials. The result was the working group, which Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore said would "essentially (grant) approval of what's been prepared." The scripture "will be sensitive to the ear of the typical person in a pew in the United States," Keeler told The Associated Press. The American bishops lost a similar battle over the 1994 English editiqμ of the church's catechism, a compendium of Roman Catholic teaching, when the Vatican ruled out such changes . Papal spokesman Joaquin NavarroValls said a working group including American bishops and Vatican officials responsible for doctrine and worship will begin meeting early this year to make a "final review" of the texts. · The American cardinals were Keeler, Bernard Law of Boston, John O'Connor of New York, James Hickey of Washington, D.C., Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia and Adam Maida of Detroit. JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1997 OUTREACH PARTNER REPORT The Jan/Feb '97 is~ue is our 50th issue anniversary! 800 copies of this issue were distributed by Outreach Partners in seven communities. That number is down from previous issues . The fewer copies may be attributed to our having to plan distribution during our Outreach Partners' busy holiday season. The Outreach · Partner program helps local ministries make Christ known in their gay and lesbian communities by providing free copies to distribute at gay pride events. at P-FLAG meetings, in bats . etc. The local ministry receives free advertising space in Second Stone. inviting everyone who reads a copy to visit for worship. Partners considering outreaching with the Mar/Apr ·97 issue should get their free ad to us by March 1. (Ad size is 2 1/2" wide by 3" tall.) Be sure to include in your ad your logo, address and phone. service or meeting times, and A .CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at..." or "Call for information about.." In determining the number· of copies you need. consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pride events. PFLAG meetings . gay bars. etc . Multiply every location you think of by at !~st 15. And remember how advertising works. Most often it takes 100 people to see your ad before you get your first response. And remember how outreach works. You may not get a response right away. You are planting seeds. The Ou1reach Partner program is a community fund which looks like this right n~w: MARCH/APRIL '96 MAY/JUNE '96 JULY/AUGUST '96 SEPI'EMBER/OCTOBER '96 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER '96 First Congregational UCC 100 copies Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 250 copies Community Gospel ChurcH 100 copies Park Avenue Christian Church 50 copies Holy Trinity Church (Memphis) 100 copies Dayspring Christian Fellowship 100 copies Celebration of Faith 100 copies Community of Bethel 250 copies Thirdffrin _ity Lutheran 50 copies Gerry Young KC MO 200 copies TOfALEXPENSES CONTRIBUTIONS Balance forward Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Bethel Evangelistic Ministries Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Holy Trinity Community Church (Memphis) Park A venue Christian Church First Congregationa l Church Wiregrass Community Fellowship Holy Trinity Community Church ·(Dallas) Community Gospel Church Craig Hoffman and Allen Harris Celebration of Faith Celebration of Faith Third/Trinity Lutheran Freedom in Christ Tor ALCONTRIBlJ!lONS CONTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES 83.11 272.29 279.86 323.72 27.79 59.37 25.11 14.97 24.18 24.18 29.24 56.67 14.97 52 . 10 1287.56 639.97 59.37 60.00 50.00 50.19 25.00 57.71 25.00 50.00 25.00 200.00 125.00 40.00 35.00 57.07 1499.31 211.75 Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like to participate in this program. please follow the guidelines above or see page 15 in the Nov/Dec '96 issue. For information call (504)899-4014, write to P.O . Box 8340. New Orleans, LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com. PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 ;. • The mailable, faxable and e-mailable fonn for just aoout evei:ything. ,Subscribe Today. INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION Your Name-----------Address -------------- City, state, zip+4 _________ _ GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS ]1 yr, 6 issues $17 ]2 yrs, 12 issues $28 [ ]NEW ]RENEWAL ]3 yrs, 18 issues $39 ]Plain envelope add $2 per yr .. ------. ]International, add $10 per yr I TOTAL .. THtS SECTION., _____ __. 2/97 Please fill in the section above, entering your name as you want It to aP.pear on gift cards. All gift subscriptions are maied in plain envelopes.' lndicate: [ ]SEND NOW [· ]SEND AT CHRISTMAS. 1 gift-$17; 2gifts-$29; 3gift&-$42; 4gift&-$54. 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Name ______________ _ New address ____________ _ City ______ __.\ _· _______ _ Supply old address or label here. ._ _____________ __,State, zip+4 ____________ _ HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHE:R INFORMATION TO US IIAIL:Maih:omplewlfoimto P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 • .FAX::.'ffis.fomnaay,leftimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-899-4014. Pi'ess 3~ whertprompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL:Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND . STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Chrlstla _n Patient with HIV calls himself a srnvivor By Karen Garloch The Charlotte Observer Steve Dalrymple was 22 when he found out he was infected with HN. It was l986, five years after the mysterious -immune system disorder called AIDS showed up in the United States. Back then, people with AIDS didn't live long . Dalrymple figured he had two years. So he partied a lot and drank all night with friends. He flew to Cancun and New York. He charged up his credit cards - more than $15,000 for TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment and all the things he didn't have time to save for. Ten years passed. He's still alive. He's never even been sick. Anti-AIDS drugs have kept Daliymple's immune system strong, and a good therapist has helped restore hope for the future. He's paid off his bills and plans ·to move out of his . mother's house . He's thinking about quitting his job delivering packages to start a career as a computer consultant. Instead of waiting to die, he's planning to live. It's a transformation common to many people with HIV infection today. New drugs, called protease inhibitors, in combination with older drugs are prolonging lives by reducing the levels of virus in the blood. Doctors and patients are daring to think of . AIDS as a long-term chronic illness instead of. a quick and .certain death sentence. "It's a new era," said Dr. Lewis Schrager, an AIDS researcher at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. "The question is how far can we take this? "Our goal is eradication (of the virus), and it's still not clear whether that is achievable. But a few years ago, it was unthinkable. Now it'.s at least thinkable." .. At the heart of this revolution is a new class of drugs called proteas e (PRO-tee-ace) inhibitors that appear more powerful_than any previous t,.IDS drugs. The first of these new drugs was approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration toward the end of 1995. Protease inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme - protease - that is critical to the virus's ability to reproduce . The drugs are used in combinations with older medications, called nucleoside analogs. The older drugs, such as AZT, interfere with viral replication al an earlier stage in HIV's life, but the virus quickly develops resistance to their effect. Combining the two types of drugs - to attack the virus at different stages of reproduction - has produced remarkable results in some patients. The effect is measured by counting ''.viral load" - the amount of viral genetic material in a person's blood . No one knows yet whether a reduced viral load means that the virus hs1s disappeared or that it's -hiding out elsewhere in the body. It's too early to know if the drugs will significantly increase survival time. "The studies haven't gone long enough to find out," Schrager said. " ... But there's a lot of reason to be optimistic." With new hope and health come psychological adjustments. People who have been planning their funerals suddenly face futures and choices. "The revolution going on around these medications has enormous implications," said Bob Barret, a University of North Carolina coun- Art museum calls attention to AIDS among Native Americans By Jerry Nachtigal Associated Press Writer PHOENIX (AP) - In the American Indian community; AIDS is a silent killer that no one talks about. "There's still a lot of taboos and cultural implications about AIDS with Indian people," said Dr. John Molina, associate director of ambulatory care at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center . The Heard Museum, renowned for its collection of American Indian art, wrapped · "Earth Song," its bestknpwn sculpture, in black nylon Dec. 1 to call attention to the AIDS problem among Indians on World AIDS Day. "It's very important that people know that the Native American community is being devastated by this epidemic," said Margaret Archu_leta, the museum's curator of fine art. "The ratio of a Native American woman's ability to contract the disease is three times higher _than the general population . "That's pretty devastating." AIDS cases among Indians in the United States have doubled in three years, to 1,439 this year, and another 10,000 are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, officials said . And once they are .diagnosed with HIV; Indians on average have a 50 percent shorter life span than any other ethnic group with the disease. "We see a lot of people coming from the rural areas seeking anonymity," said Connie James, a medical center spokeswoman. "It's a very shamebased disease and they don't want it to reflect on their families." , Molina, who is an Indian, said many Indians believe AIDS is contracted beca_use the person "broke this taboo or there was something wrong in the behavior or actions of the individual." Many of those infected seek traditional healing frommedicine men. "By the time they go to their physician, it's probably the later stages" of the disease, Molina said. But the future isn't hopeless, he said . "It's gaing to-take time, but I'm very optimistic. In time, I think we'll be able to catch up and educate our people and find ways to work with them and treat them," Molina said. seling professor and Dalrymple's therapist. "All of our training is based on the underlying certainty of death in the short term, not the long term . A Jot of_ that work was about giving up." Instead, he and other counselors are now trying to give AIDS patients realistic hope and help them embrace a life they thought they'd lost. Barret tells of one Charlotte man who was so ill two years ago that he ended his career and gave his heirs their inheritance. Then he started taking a protease inhibitor, and in the last year, he's been feeling well. "He's watched his (viral load) numbers improve with disbelief and fear," Barret said. "He realized he had to completely reorient his life . .. He faced career and personal decisions that overwhelmed him." Barret is pleased about the . new drugs, but he also sees patients for whom protease inhibitors don'.t work or who can't afford them. He doesn't want to instill false hope. "There's always the possibility that over time these medications will prove ineffective," he said. " ... But if this holds up - and a lot of people say it won't - we've got a whole new ball game." A compelling source of hope in a world gone mad with hopelessness. The Witness considers today's societal, cultural and religious issues from a left-wing, Anglican and frequently iconoclastic perspective. Each issue is topical; study guides and back issues are available. For more information and /or a complimentary copy, call: 313-962- 2650; fax: 313-962 -1012; e-mail: The Witness@ecunet.org. $25/10 issues. Checks, Visa and Mastercard accepted. The Witness, 1249 Washington Blvd., Suite 3116, Dept. SS, Detroit, Ml 48226. PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE • - JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 'Threshold'' meetings provide txm for Reconciling Congregation Program OVER 400 UNITED Methodists met in 18 regional gatherings this past fall to work for fuller inclusion of gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons in the church. Building on the powerful "Open the Doors" campaign at the United Methodist Church's quadren- · nial conference last spring, participants "crossed a thteshold" into 0higher levels of networking and activism, according to organizers. The ''Threshold" meetings were organized by the Reconciling Congregation frogram, a national network of 117 United Methodist congregations, · 16 campus ministries, and six regional conferences that publicly welcome all . persons regardless of sexual orientation. 'These meetings have generated such energy and spirit for our movement," said James Preston, outreach coordinator for the Reconciling Congregation ·Program. '' A growing resolve to making our church · more welcoming to gay, lesbian, and bisexu. il persons is emerging across the cduntry. We have truly crossed a major threshold." The meetings were held in numerous cities across the country including Seattle, Omaha, Fort Worth, Brunswick, Maihe and Billings, Montana . Similar gatherings have been scheduled in eight additional ar!!as in early 1997. · erated creative strategies for continuing the expansion of the Reconciling Congregation movement. Groups planned to increase local organizing by recruiting additional Reconciling United Methodists, impacting regional conferences through legislative action, and creating resources for supporting congregations and campus ministries in the process of becoming "reconciling." Reconciling United Methodists will gather in Atlanta, July 24-27, for the fifth national Reconciling Congrega. hon convocation. About 500 people are expected to attend the weekend of celebration, worship, grass roots training, and reflection. Events Announcements in this section are provided free of c/rarge as a service to Christian organizations . To have an event listed, send information to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340. New Orleans. LA 70182. FAX to (504)899 - 4014, e-mail secstone@aol.co~ . · The Evangelical Network _ 10th Annual Conference FEBRUARY 21-23, The Downtown Ramada lrin in Phoenix is the setting for this conference themed "A Time T_o Heal," focusing on an exploration of .spirituat', emotional and physical healing. The conf~rence offers workshops, worship services; fellowship and sharing. For infonnation write to '<TEN, P.O. Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ 85011-6104. · The "Open the Doors" campaign; a national witness to the April, 1996 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, sought-to redirect the church's focus from judging lesbi- Other Sheep Worship Service an, gay, and bisexual persons to "opening the doors" to all .persons, FEBRUARY 23, The sexual minority . regardless of sexual orientation. community of Richmond, Indiana, and vicinity is invited to worship together. Over 10,000 publicly identified Rec- The service will be hosted by Other onciling United Methodists carried Sheep, an inclusive, ecumenical ministryout creative . witnesses calling the in-formation in Richmond. To ensure the church to open its doors. As a result of privacy of the gathered community, details the campaign, the Reconciling Con - of time and location wiU be provided to gregation Program has a greatly interested persons who contact Other expanded grass roots constituency and · Sheep by mail at P.O. Box 2448, Richa higher national profile, leaders mond, IN 47375, by telephone at 317- say. 966-4458, or by e-mail at Designed as opportunities for grass crameba@earlham.edu. Additional services roots organizing and networking, will be planned fpr the fourth Sunday of "Threshold" meetings celebrated the subsequent months if sufficient interest is · success of "Open the Odors" and gen- indicated by the community. PAGE ,24 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 Church & Or anization News UFMCC's big dream comes true THE UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP of Metropolitan Community Churches moved into its new headquarters last fall. UFMCC founder Rev. Troy Perry and others campaigned tirelessly to raise funds to purchase the new facility. The church's offices had been in the previous location for 18 years. It took the entire fellowship staff, three moving trucks, and a 12-person crew t.o move the offices to the new . location in West Hollywood. UFMCC leaders say neighbors, local · businesses, and government officials are "thrilled to have the headquarters of the 'largest gay and lesbian organization in the world' in their city." MCC opens in West Virginia .APPALACHIAN MCC held its first worship service Dec. 1 in Charleston, W .Va., rriaking the city the only one in the state with a church with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. The turnout of 73 people was one less than the record attendance at the PLGC Mid-Winter Retreat FEBRUARY 21-23, "Love Matters : Working Toward a Loving Church" is the theme of the 1997 Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns mid-winter retreat to be held in C leveland. Ohio at St Joseph Christian Life Ce nter. Lisa - Larges , M.Div., is facilitator. The retreat will be a time to talk about what it means to be a loving church. Participants will explore through study, reflection, and work how they can support the transfonnatio_ n by being the church. Fee is $75. For infonnation write to NE Ohio Chapter-PLGC, c/o Noble Road Presbyterian Church, 2780 Noble Rd., Cleveland Hts,-OH 44121 or call Stephen Gracey,. (216)737-8274, stephen.gracey@ey.com. Second Annual Knutson Conference MARCH 6-9, This conference , hosted by Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor , -will esplore the ministr y in daily life of gay and lesbian Christians in the coniext of the vocation of all the baptized. Themed "The Gifts We Offer, The Burdens We Bear," the conference will offer sp_eakers, worksh _ops, panel discussions, worship and conviviality to provide opportunities to celebrate and refl ec t on how we live in response lo God's ·call and lo the gifts we have been given . Speakers include Rev. Herbert W._ C hilstrom, fonner Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad , Pastor of Our Saviors A tenement Lutheran largest-ever inaugural service of an MCC in the Mid-Atlantic District of the UFMCC. Pastor Becky Dickman, a former Southern Baptist, said "There is really an air of excitement around here . I have these little stickers I use on our mail t.hat read, 'Expect ·great things froin West Virginia.' We do expect great things, both from and for MCC in West Virginia." The church meets every Sunday at 6 p .m. at the Unitarian Church, 520 Kanawha Blvd.; West, in Charleston. Pastor Dickman can be reached at (304)343-5330. St. Camillus offers free publications ST. CAMILLUS HIV/ AIDS Ministry is offering free copies of two publications : "A Christian Response to AIDS" and "Letters of Hope: Words ·· of Support and Advice for HIVPositive People from HIV-Positive People." Single or bulk copies are available by calling (414)259-4664. Both booklets are appropriate for all ages. The ministry is encouraging parishes and schools to make the booklets available for members and students . Church in New York City. Fee is $50 for students, $90 others. For information call (313)668-7622 , or e-mail john_rollefson.parti@ecunet.org. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JUNE 28 - JULY 1, "Rooted in the Word" is the theme of this year's biennial meeting of the American Baptist Church/USA and American Baptists Concerned. The retreat will be held at the Waycross Conference and Retreat Center in Beanblossom. Indiana (near Indianapolis). Fee is $200. Promised is a wonderful time of community building , worship, . and play. For infonnation contact ABC, P.O. Box 16128, Oakland, CA 94610, (510)530- 6562 , ambaptists@aol.com. UCCLGC 1997 National Gathering JUNE 30 - JULY 3, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Concerns is celebrating its 25th anniversary during this meeting to be held at .Ohio State University in Columbus. This gathering will. include affinit y groups, worship, a dance, · a talent show, an Open & Affirming dinner at North Congregationaf Church. and many opportunities lo share s tories and make friends. For information call 1-800-653-0799. ., Chnst1an Communit News Names Ivlakin News New director for UCC women's organization REV. LOIS M. (LOEY) POWELL is the new executive director of the national women's agency of. the 1.5 million member United Church of Christ. The minister from Tallahassee, Fla., began work Feb. 1 overseeing the UCC' s Coordinating Center . for Women in Church and Society. The center monitors the status of women in the denomination and develops policies and programs to address women's concerns and eliminate sexism inside and outside the church. Powell has been pastor of the United Church in Tallahassee since 1989 and before that held several . church positions in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a former national coordinator of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. "I am excited to be joining the staff of CCW at this critical time for the whole church," Powell said. "As we move towards a new national structure; it is essential that the particu- '97 Lazarus Award recipient REV. HOW ARD B. WARREN, JR. has been · -honored · with--the · 1997 Lazarus Award presented by The Lazarus Project of West Hollywood Presbyterian Church. Warren is a recently retired Presbyterian Church/USA pastor and long-term HIV survivor currently serving HIV infected and affected individuals as the Director of Pastoral Care at the Damien Center in Indianapolis, Indi- · ana. Since the mid-80s when he burst from his glass-door closet in which he had silently supported gay liberation causes for decades, Warren has not stopped spreading God's grace and love in .public witness and in quiet private healing prayers. Says Warren, "As I look back at all of my life in the PC/USA, I am so thankful for the old Northern Presbyterian Church which showed me the wildly inclusive extravagant love of God, Transitions THE REV. JAMES W. HENSLEY of Glenolden, Penn.,. founder and pastor of Pilgrim Fellowship Church of Essington, died Dec. 1, 1996 at home from heart failure. He was 49 years old. In addition to his duties as a minister Hensley was also a case manager at Elwyn Institutes for the past 21 years. He was a founder of the Delaware County AIDS Network, Jar concerns of all women in the T JCC'women of color, lay women, clergy women, lesbian and bisexual women, young women and girls, retired women and women of diverse economic backgrounds - are assured a place, a voice, and a presence in the full life of the denomination. Rev. Loey Powell the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley which in funding the work at The Damien Center showed me what that means and folks like PLGC, More Light -and -Witherspoon that helped me lovingly to come out in the midst of a still hostile church." i Rev. Howard Warren the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Delaware, and Immanuel MCC in Wilmington, Delaware and served as treasurer for the Alliance of Christian Churches. Hensley is survived by one brother and two sisters, and Puppy. His family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to Pilgrim Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 4306, Elwyn, PA 19063. BOOK BARGAINS Save as much as 50%1 (W11te your order in t11e: Payment Information section of the order term on page 22 l °CHRISTWPIE RSPECTIVOENSS EXUAi.iT;(Vli b GENDERed tedb y AtilanT hatchearn dE Hzllbelh Stuart. A collacti~ 01 l~rtanl articles for an· interesteds exualtlya rdg enderi ssuesf rom a ChristianR 0flll)8C!lvPea. per. . lies 19.95N OW14 .16 A SEPARATCER EATIOTNh: eS earcfho rI haB iologcal Orignosf SexuaOl tierlafionb y Chander Burr,HaraxmrW. as2 4.95N OW1 9.115 SONGLINES: Hymns, Songs, Rounds, and Refrainfso r Prayear ndP raiseb y MinamT herasa 'Mrler. Bringst ogethera specialc ollectiono f ~~~~'f~nd sorgs. Paper. SEXUALID ENTITYO NT HE JOB:l ssuasa nd ~"i':i.E=' 1~95~;Jllis ard Ellan Rig- HEALTHC AREF ORL ESBIANASN DG AYM EN: confronti1/fH. omophobiaa nd Helarosexis.m i:.e~~~:et erson, ~w.P aper. THE MASCULINME ARINEl1 fS lavanZ eeland ~fse''~l•e:•]~in theM armasP.a per. LESBIANT HERAPISTASN DT HEIRT HERAPY From ·Both sicils of the Couch, Edted by Ors. Nancy Davis, Ellen Cole and Esther Rotfl>lum. PaperW. 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Paper\.\e s 19.95N OW1 5.95 AFREKETEA:n A rlhologof f BlackL esbia\n\I rr• ir,;ib y McKirjooa,r,d DelaneyH. ardcover. \\es 27.95N 0\1121.85 INT HEC OURTSO F THEL ORDg, ayE piscopal t::J5' ~= 1 t:S by Feny. Hardcover. · :is~~f :gi~b~yS ~fok asP. aper. JESUS:M iriam'Cs hild¾, Jhia'sP ropllell1 fF ior· enza Har_,_ \\es22.95NOW18.95 ~~f9~tg:~:b.y:J SimS IeTarsYP. ap er. GAYSL, ESBIANAS,N DC ONSUIAEBREH AVIOR: TheoryP, racticea ndR esearclhs suasin Market• ini; Edtedb y DanieLl warrJfNPI, hD.P aper, \\es 17:95N OWB.115 THE·WORDIS OUTT: heB ille Reclaimefodr L esbiansa rd Gay Men.3 65 cilifv mediationsB. y ChrisG laserP. aperW. as1 2001lOW9.96 KNOWM YN AIE: A GayL iberatioTnh eologBf. y RichardC leaverA. wliasl iberatiotnh eologtyo the stnma of gaym ena ndl esbianisn thec hurclt \\es15.99NO1W3 .95 GENDERS HOCKE: xplodintgh e Mythso f Male ard FemaleB. yP hyllisB urkeE. xamineths ec oming revolution in human identity sparked by ~%~~':rw"t~e Hardcover. WEW EREB APTISETDO OC: laiminGg odsG race for Lesbianasn dG a:,,,B. yM arilynB enooAtt lexendera rd JamasP restonw itha forev.arbdy lleslOOrTdu luP. aperw. as1 8.99NOW14.95 THE PSALMSM: editationfosr EveryD ayo f·the YearB. vJ oanC hitlistaPr. aper. \\es$1295NOW9.95. PASTORf ,A M GAY.A Baptispt astorsjo urney tmvardu nOOrstardig~r ym ena ndl esbianfsr om ~~t~n~:~: By Rav.1 -'<lwaHrd. B ess. 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A straight evangelist shares her unique perspective on ministry to gays and lesbians From that momentous conference God began to operi doors for Evelyn and · Dennis both to begin ministering among the gay and• lesbian Christian community. Theirs was no longer a ministry of judgment and alienation but one of reconciliation. Through their ministry and over the course of ·recent' years many people who had struggled with alienation from the church and God have found reconciliation and healing through the anointed ministry of these servants. ForSuchA Time As This Books By Rev. Samuel Kader Contributing Writer A NEW BOOK BY evangelist Evelyl) Schave entitled "For Such A Time As This" has just been published by Cristo Press in Phoenix. Evelyn Schave has been an evangel- · isl for more than forty years. She and her husband Dennis have ministered and pastored for many years. Prior to her marriage, Evelyn traveled the country holding revivals in primarily Pentecostal churches throughout America, often with another woman, Naomi Harvey. After their traveling days were over and Evelyn got married, it became known that Naomi was a lesbian. Evelyn, in h~r fundamentalist mindset felt Naomi was lost forever with a "reprobate mind." As she says in "For Such A Time As This," " ... when I received word that my faithful · co-worker and dear friend of 16 years had come out as a lesbian, I naturally experienced great shock. ...My early religious training delivered an instant judgment...there is no need to pray for her she is beyond hope!" But through the Lord's dealing with Evelyn and her husband Dennis, they · discovered it was not Naomi who had the problem with God, but them. Evelyn says "We discovered ourselves to be under bondage through prideful considerations." Little by little through grace and mercy, God led ihe couple to start a Pentecostal church in their hometown. One day after years of silence and separation, Naomi walked through the doors of their church bringing her . same-sex mate along. Once it became known that Pastors Dennis and Evelyn had opened the doors of their church to known lesbians and gays, a great persecu lion arose. Their building and parking lot were targets of hate crimes. Leaders and members alike left the church, and eventually Dennis and Evelyn were left with no congregation at all. Yet doors to the couple's understanding were being opened. Evelyn was asked by then pastor Naomi to visit and minister in the Christ.ian and predominately gay churches she pastored in Seattle and Portland. EventuaHy an invitation was extended by Rev. Thomas Hirsch, for Evelyn to not only attend but even to minister at one of the national conferences held annually in the Christian gay community, called Advance Christian Ministries at that time. Evelyn said she went as a "lookyloo" not sure what to think of all this business of gay people and Christianity. She said she had lots of questions. But she had been in worship services most . of her life, and she knew the presence of God. God was clearly present that conference, she said. The lives of the Christians present bore witness that they loved God, and God loved them too. She was changed. Evelyn cried much of the conference because of the awesome presence of God and the witness born in her _heart. She and Dennis now joke, that when she called long distance from Houston, to let Dennis hear the tremendous worship taking place by holding out the telephone toward the worshipers in the sanctuary, alf she could do was cry. Dennis says she ran up the phone bill for him to listen to her cry. Evelyn recalls in her book "When I saw with my eyes and recognizecj in my spirit these people had the same Sp_irit of God that I had, a major change took place." Throughout "For Such A Time As This," testimoni~s of restoration are shared, as people had their faith in God restored, or were set free from years of hurt and torment. Many are able to share what a difference it made to come to hear the voice of the Lord speak to their hearts personally while ministry was taking place, and for Him to tell them "I love you and receive you just the way that you are." The scriptural analogy is made to modern day homophobia in the . church to the disdain of gentile converts coming into the first century church of Jewish converts. Many Jewish converts were requiring newly saved gentile Christians to become just like them to be acceptable . In their day that meant taking on the outward appearance of circumcision and following the Old Testament laws. Today's church leaders often require more of newly saved gay Christians than Jestis does. Jesus is looking for "whosoevers." Modern day religious leaders are looking · for "whosoevers" who will convert to heterosexuality, be delivered from their so-called spirit of homosexuality, and if not to. get married to an opposite sex partner, then to at minimum remain celibate eternally, and be joyful about it. The Apostle Peter was called on the carpet for associat-~-=-=-----...---------------, Evangelist and author.Evelyn Schave and husband, evangelist Dennis Schave PAGE. 26 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 ing with Gentiles in Acts 1 i, even though this was a sovereignly directed encounter. A great council was held to finaBy settle this issue in Acts 15. As the book of Acts ends, there was still opposition to PaU:1' s ministry to non-Jews. ·Dennis and Evelyn still receive opposition for their ministry to "nonrepentant" homosexuals. Yet as Evelyn points out in the book, Samuel was sent by God .to anoint a king.in I Sam.16. Samuel assumed who was qualified, based on exterior appearance . God's answer is that " ... people look at the outward ■ " ... no one can kick you out of the church! You didn't join it, the Church of our Lord, the Body of Christ. You were born into it through the new birth that comes by believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord." ■ appearance, but God looks at the heart."[v.7] As Evelyn states, " ... no one can kick you out of the church! You didn't join it, the Church of our Lord, the Body of Christ. You were born into it through the new birth that comes by -believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord." The book is powerful and to the point. The only disappointment is that it doesn't go on for many chapters more! It is easy to read, and ministers as it is read. It would be good to give to parents, pastors, relatives, coworkers, other Christians and preChristians alike. It will be especially effective ministering to those who have been hurt by people in the church, and eye-opening to those who know and love gay and lesbian people and/or other sexual minorities . Copies of the spiral bound paperback "For Such A Time As This" can be ordered with a check or money order for $3.00. For books or more information about her ministry, write or call Evelyn Schave Ministries, 2613 Cooks Hill Rd., Centralia, WA 9 8 5 31, ( 360 ) 7 3 6 - 7 6 81, Evelyn.Dennis@localaccess.com. Samuel Kader is senior pastor and founder of Community Gospel Church in Dayton, Ohio, and President of SK Ministries, Inc. Jesums eetsa l esbiaant t hew ell By Ann M. Amideo · Guest Comment Nod ancinagtI nauguration IT IS AN especially hot; dry, arid day in the mountains of Samaria. Because you are a wom,m, you have been chosen for the tedious and mundane task of gathering water at the well at the outskirts of town. The sun beating against your brow, and sweat dripping from your face, you journey toward the well. As you approach,you notice a man resting by the well, weary from his journey. You sense he is a holy man. A letter from-Mel White, Minister of Justice and Reconciliation, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, to President Bill Clinton on Inauguration Day, January 20, 1997: Dear President Clinton: Four years ago, lesbian and gay Americans cheered your acceptance speech and danced for joy at yourInaugural celebration. This year most of us have ceased cheering and few will come to dance. Instead, in Dupont Circle and across America people of faith are lighting justice candles that will burn throughout your second term. We hope our flick- Lansing, Michigan Dignity still meeting on church property Dear Second Stone: , I am the secretary of Dignity/ Greater Lansing, a chapter of Dignity /USA SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P,O, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com, Copyright 1997 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ering lights will remind you: First, that we are deeply grateful for what YQU and the Vice President have done . to bring lesbians and gays to the table and to support our struggle for equal rights. Second, that there is much more to be done to win equal rights, not just for lesbians and gays, but for all who suffer from sexism, racism, poverty, and discrimination in any form. Third, that we will work and pray to help you do it. In 1992, during your first campaign, you promised to help end our sec~nd, SEE INAUGURATION, Page.28 which serves the greater Lansing Michigan area. In your November/ December issue, you ran a story headlined "Catholic bishop evicts Dignity chapter, supports ex-gay ministry.' '. While it is true that our new bishop is pushing Courage in the diocese, we have had no communication from him, or anyone else in the church, informing us that we have been ousted. The parish has always been supportive of our efforts, and we have received no word that this has changed. In fact, we continue to meet. at St. John Student Parish every Tuesday night at 8, as we have been for the last eight years. Sincerely, Jim Toczyski, Secretary Dignity/Greater Lansing Jesus: Woman may I bother you for a drink? I am weary and thirsty. Woman: How can you, a heterosexual, holy man ask me a lesbian woman for a drink? Jesus: Woman, if you knew of the precious gifts for God; s beloved gay children and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked me, and I would give you living ·water. Woman: Living water?? For me!! But your church and people say I am not worthy of this living water, nor am I to be so close to you, talking with you. Won't you get excommunicated?? Jesus: Woman, I personi!lly offer my living water to you, a iesbian, because it is the will of my God. · Please, the water I will give you shall become a deep well, inside of you, spring up to renew you each day. No one can take this from you. Now, go get your fami- 1 y ! Woman: I do not live with my family . Jesus: Yes, you are honest. Your family of origin wishes nothing to do with you because you are my special, beloved gay child. I know, I've had similar problems. But the woman yoq live with now, she is your family. She is your love. Now, go get her. I the Messiah, invite you both. Woman: But Jesus, your people say we are not welcome ·at your temples and churche.s. We don't even worship at church anymore. Where can we go? . ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)899- 4014 or write to P,O, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, Classified advertising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements. church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. c._ffJ.P._o_n tius' Puddle SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey f-1/1 PONl"\l>S. HCW'D YOUR S0"1PAY SCHOOL t>tsc.uS.SION G-0 '? , G1?E~T\ T EXPOSED T\.\1<EE t'\ISCONCE.t>TION, S~CO"TiLEPT WO SHALLOWC ON\/ICTIONS1 ANt> CROS\.IEPO t-lE. \~P\VIDOAL!S ENT\RE' ?,EL\E\1= S'/STE~. Jesus: My precious woman, tell you gay friends and family who .are lonely and cast o.ut that the time has come for true worshipers to worship God in spirit and. truth. For My presence, my living water is not limited · by buildings made of stone, gender, ' race, ethnicity, or sexual' orientation. For such people like you, a loving God seeks to be His worshipers. Please, do not allow those of mine who lack in knowledge, understanding and love, keep you from coming to me. For I alone offer the invitation to my •precious gay /lesbian children. Our family, the church is incomplete without you. Woman: But Jesus, sometimes it hurts so much to be there, when you not wanted . Jesus: I know and it hurts me too. At those times, promise me you will visit with me at the well deep inside yourself each day. It is here I will give you an endless supply of rest, joy and peace that passes understanding. I LOVE YOU, and all my gay/lesbian sisters and brothers. Woman: I must go back to town and tell everyone, especially my gay/ lesbian family. I hope they listen to me,awoman! Quietly Jesus blesses her. She runs off filled with joy. The whole town returns, including God's gay and lesbian children, to receive His living water. We welcome your letters and opinions .Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be originala nd s. !sr.z ed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld, We reserve the right to edit. · Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail,s ecstone@aol.coomrF AX to (504)899-4014. . !='ORS OtJ\E' PEOPLE, RE.LIG-tON \S A \ C.ONTAC.T sro~:, . PAGE 27 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 INAUGURATION, FromPage27 class citizenship and iri the first months of your presidency it looked like you would deliver on your promise. You invited our leaders to the White House. You heard the stories of discrimination and violence against us and you were genuinely moved. ·You included us in your speeches. You appointed several lesbians and gays to high office. You promised us a powerful campaign to find a ct1re for HIV/ AIDS and to mobilize federal resources to help end the suffering. You read the Pentagon and Rand Corporation studies that prove irrefutably that lesbians and gays serve with honor and courage in every branch and at every rank of the military, and you promised to end the ban . However, when you tried to keep your promise , Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, and other religious extremists launched another furious misinformation campaign . against us. They flexed. You flinched. We understand . . We've been victims of their media blitzkriegs before. In order 'to govern the nation,' you thought it best to pull back from your commitment to end the ban. You felt it necessary to sacrifice our equal rights for some 'greater political good.' From that day, things got worse instead ofbetter. · M,. President, the 'greater political good' you gained by moving away . from us towards 'the middle' continues to cost individual lesbians and gays a. terrible price. We are hoping and praying that your reelection will free you from such political expediency to do ,what is morally right. · · For the next four years our justice candles will burn. We hope you will see the light and use your second term to help win equal rights, not just for lesbians and gays, but for all who suffer sexism, racism and injustice in all its tragic forms . More specifically, we ask you: To provide courageous, determined leadership in the war against HIV/ AIDS; to continue your support for the Employment NonDiscrimination Act; to help lesbian and gay partners win the 175-250 rights that go with marriage; to defend our rights to child custody, foster care, and adoption; to slop the military inquisition and end the military ban; to use your influence to include us in hate crime protections; to use your powerful voice against the . extremist campaign to eliminate us; to help defeat the move to reestab lish and/or enforce , the · 'sodomy' laws; and to help us gain the equal rights (not 'special rights') promised all Americans. Please, sir, try to understand why we are not dancing at your Inaugural Ball. We stand outside the White House in the cold, holding up our justice candles ; feeling a little foolish, consoled by .the. words that Adlai Stevenson spoke at _Eleanor 1\oosevelt's funeral: "She would rather light one small candle than curse the darkness." We light -our justice candles in that same spirit of love and support. Sincerely, Mel White classified ad oraer rorm Whel)? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ )SepiOct [ ]Nov/Dec . Where? [ JBooks/Pubs [ !Business Ops [ )Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships '< [ ]Genl Interest [ ]Mail Order [ )Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services I ]Rea l Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates I ]Tr~vel [ ]Videos Your name, __________________ _ Add res. __________________ _ City/State/Zip'----------------- Your ad copy ________________ _ How much? Count tbe number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P .O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. If your !Id has less than 20 words, think of some more words. If today is after the .first of the .. month, it's too late for the current issue. Just like the grocery store, you have to pay for it before you get it. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 22. PAGE 28 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1997 / classif. BOOKS/PU BL! CAT IONS ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist church in Jesse Helms' hometown decided as a congregatioh to offer rituals of blessing for gay and lesbian couples. The church's history with gay issues, discussion within the congregation, reaction from outsiders, e xp ulsion by fellow Baptists, celebrations of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by _lesbia~ Pat Long, the only "out11 deacon during the process. Send $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hill sbor~ ugh Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF ,"WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," 11Philosophically intriguing," "Excellent." Why do reviewers highly esteemC HRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians · and New Agers as entertaining as •it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEWAGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ . 07011-0276 . TF EMPLOYMENT THE OTHER SiDE, the Christian magazine of . peace, justice, and spirituality, seeks a full- . time editor. Solid . editorial and writing experience, good organizatio~. grounding iμ justice i;sues, and ·strong · biblical background essential. We offer excellent benefits and work on a common salary structure - currently $17,745 per year for individuals with generous &tipend for dependent children. Contact: Search committee, 300 West Apsley, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-849- 2178 . TOS.PA@ecunet.org. 2/97 FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS HOLY GHOST ALLED rnRISTIAN! 3 7 years GWM seeks stable same or older. I a m · attractive 5'7", 155 lbs, Br/Bl living in Hou ston , Texas. -Enjoy old movies, friends, working -out, but mostly I love the Lord. Not int~ drugs, bars ; smoking(anything), or promiscuous sex. Old fashioned in many ways, like love. I enjoy a fast pace filled with laughter and decency. Rather high energy. If interested write: Personal, P.O. Box 7360, The Woodlands, TX 77387. GAY CHRISTIAN MAN - soon to be released from prison - wishes to correspond with other GCM. Have many interests and love in my heart to share. Please write: Maximillian M. Schmidt Ill, Smithfield - BW 3466, P. 0. · Box 999 - 1120 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 2 197 GENERAL INTEREST WHISPERING PINES Bed & Breakfast Hospitality In Our Home. In the heart of the Sono · ma-Napa wine country, hidden in wooded hills , you will find a quiet, peaceful and relaxed setting. • Full country breakfast •Private · entrance •Private· bath •Queen bed •Wood burning stove •Air conditioning •Hot tub and pool -Close to wineries, balloon and glider rides •Close lo mud bath and message •Pets okay in outside ke"imel •Smoking in outside designated areas •$105 one hight/$! 90 two nights. 5950 Erland Road, Sonoma County, CA 95404. Phone / Fax (707)539-0198. GOSPEL ASSEMBLY - Anyone formally or. currently attending a church commonly , known as Gospel Assembly or School of the Prophets: ff you are dealing with gay/lesbian i ssu es contact me ASAP. G.A. Inquiry , P.O.Box 7360, The Woodlands, TX 77387. Co mplete discreti6n observed. LESBIANS - Study seeks lesb ians for telephone interview s about °feelings and barriers related to breast exa ms. Co nfidentiality guaranteed. Seeking midwest women, over 51, with n6 cancer and no mammogram in last 13 months. Please call 1-800-991-5539. CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by aud io cassette of our weekly wor_ship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship , P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach , CA 90809. 2197 PASTOR SEEKS CHURCH - compassionate, Southern raised, seminary trained, 10 years ministry experience. with vision and charisma. Seeking affirming congregation that desires to meet the spiritual/physical needs of their community. Contact: Brother Christian, P.O. Box 2411, Mill valley, CA 94941. 2/97 CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES - Meet new gay and lesbian Christian · friends from across the nation as you tour one of the most sacred places in the world: Christian Pilgrimage to Israel including a stop in Amsterdam. Visitors often remark that this trip to Israel was the journey of a lifetime! This 12-day trip through this ancient and holy land includes a 2-night stop in delightful Amsterdam. $2,469.00 per per so n. Contact Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New · Orleans, LA 70182 , secstone@aol.com ORGANIZATIONS · THECENTERFORPASTORALCARE,3180 Gennan Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904, (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy 10: 15. Followed by a lite brunch. Retreats, workshops and pas- . toral - counseling. ·Rev. Daniel Dickman, M.Div, M.Ed. 2/97 Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni of Principia Upper School and/or College, for infonnation write: David, Apl 124, 2900 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008. E-mail : Mrblanc@aol ,com. B WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in their intent,_ some are not Readers are cautioned to pro- . tect themselves from scams : .I. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks ·ot money orders from prisoners. Persons cashing altered Checks or money orders are responsible for the difference between the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal personal information about yourself that would be harmful to you if passed on to employer, family or others .• 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 Second Stone #50 - Jan/Feb 1997 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/245063e93f9127afd5a97405e10e6533.pdf bb79135d9cbea008cae79fc7720014df 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 49 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published Nov/Dec 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 ~~m ( NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL 1996 ISSUE #49! Two thousand attend Cathedral's gay seivice LONDON (q> - A service organized by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement drew more than 2,000 worshipers to Southwark Cathedral Nov. 16, along with a few dozen protesters. The Right Rev. John Gladwin, bishop of Guildford, said in his ser mon that British society "abounds in self-deception, delusion and sheer humbug when it comes to matters of sex." · He s~d ·there had been a loss of confidence in marriage, but endorsed the church's traditional teaching that it was strictly for heterosexual couples. The service at Southwark, on the south bahk of the Thames, had caused some controversy in the Church of England, and protest vigils ];lad been organized at about 50 par- _. ,sh churches during the week. About ·three dozen protesters stood outs ide the cathedral. The Rev. Richard Kirker, one of the organizers of the service, said it was a sign of growing acceptance of gays in the church. "The numbers of people who oppose us are diminishing rapidly and that is one of the reasons why there is such anger amongst them," Kirker told reporters. Atlanta Presbyteiy votes to keep transsexual minister ATLANTA (AP) - A transsexual who was ordained as a Presbyterian minister before undergoing a sex change has been allowed to retain her ordination. The Rev. Erin Swenson, 48, formerly known as Eric Swenson, closed her eyes in relief after the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta voted 186-161 in her favor Oct. 22. "I'm really looking forward to getting on with my life and counseling," said Swenson, a marriage therapist. The Rev. Bill Adams, executive presbyter, said .he was glad the decision had been made. "I think it's an indication that there are a lot of things in life that we don't understand, and this is one of them," he said. "This is a very fine person, always has been." · BLlK RATE US POSTAGE PAID SUBSCRIBE TODAY! NEW ORLEANS LA PERMIT No. 511 Please see page 22 for information on becoming a new subscriber. Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event , a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location , there 's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your area. Their brochure is enclosed . They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships . For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation . Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay . Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychologi ·cal Association or the American Medical Association . . After.all the rejection I got from my church, why should l even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has . God 's nature is to draw you closer to Him , not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors , bishops, lay people, committees ; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishuess or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads.. In the past. the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the hoinophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible .wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a follower of society, not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church.) There is a place for _you in a church in your neighborhood . 111ere are many Christian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay andlesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? - E-;en if you've never"set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a _ loving God who seek~ you out. If there's a barrier between your self and God, it is not God's responsibility . Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: 1. God is alway; anv~rk aronnd you . 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God iuvites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways . 5. God's invitation for you to work w_ith Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make majqr adjustments in your life to join -God in wl)at He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and . want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may be able to PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 recommend · a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or -a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to -ask. Sue)). a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us. · If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13 . But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation , ei titer gay or straight - is a good , God-given part of your being. A homosexual orienta tion is not a sinful state . . The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships . Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality .] Jude condelllOs·sex with angels, not sex between men . Not a single Bible . text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and !"Timothy I: 10. All these texts are concerned with something other than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an answer ... The Bible never addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately tmconcemed about it. I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to , btit the point is to cotmecl with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are . Or you m ay want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (There is no "one true church .") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God. who is always at work around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn'tit just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of-their job ·or other circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of th~ir being faces a difficult stmggle indeed. To de11y on~•s-sextiality to oneself while in church or at work or 'whii straight friends. and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An ·inability lo weave your sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and .allows _you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues . · w ,.,.,,,,,_ "~" - -.. ' the other " Front Page news past deadline Commissioners decided to award the permit to the pastors' group. KeyW estO Ksμ tradfeo rp astors opJX)StoO gOay s "We're glad we have our parade," Gary Redwine, pastor of the Big Coppitt First Baptist Church in Big Coppitt Key and a leader of the pastors' group, said. "It's been something of a tradition for approximately 15 years. ... 1 think the city's going to see two By Raju Chebium very nice parades." · Associated Press Writer MIAMI (AP) - A pastors' association has gotten the go-ahead from Key West, a nationally known mecca for gays and lesbians, to hold a Christmas parade on Dec. 7 even though a gay church won't be invited. As a compromise, the city decided to hold its own parade on Dec. 14. The gay Metropolitan Community Church and all residents of Key West, about 200 miles south of here, are ii1vited. The pastors' group banned the gay church from last year's .parade, causing an uproar in Key West's large gay population. Key West commissioners in October told the Lower Keys Ministerial Association - a group of 15 pastors •$AN JOSE, CALIFORNIA . (£!e~%.P'J k :wi .f :.~\.I • iqimiJ.a,WJo,/,l1t,,J, 1 Come Celebrate With Us 'I7ie New Life In Jesus! (Luke 15:32) Pastor David H;1rvcy Sunday Services - 10:30 AM at The Billy DeFrank Center 175.Stockton Ave., San Jose, CA (408) 345-2319 . http://www:best.com/~cdnley/celebrnte/ LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA FIRST CONGREGATIONALC HURCH LONG BEACH UNITTD CHURCH OF CHRIST An Open and Affirming Congregation We welcome you to worship in a nurturing environment. 241 Cedar Ave • Long Beach CA 90802 (310) ll-36-2256 • F2~ (310) 436,3011! http://users.aol.com/revmekAndex.html from about a half-dozen churches - parade permit would not be issued unless everyone was invited. The pastors' group pointed to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling making that stand untenable on First Amendment grounds. The court allowed a Boston veterans' group organizing the St. Patrick's Day Parade to ban gays saying the private .parade was a symbolic form of free speech. NEW YORK, NEW YORK It's about . makirJ.g connections ... Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) New York City 1010 Park Avenue at 85th St. Phone: (2) 2) 288-3246 \Vorship: Smt<lays at 11 a.m. -Open & Affirmh1g- The lV!_etropolitan Community Church said it's happy to be taking part in the city-sponsored parade. "City agencies and Key West High School are coming to the holiday parade, which is going to dwindle the Christmas , parade participation," said the Rev. Julia Seward, an associate _ pastor at Metropolitan COmmunity. "Key West is very com- INTERLACHEN, FLORIDA Community Of · Bethel i\ Christian I;'vangrlical N011-l)enominaticmal (:<1mmlmity. Sharing (Jo,.rs word to t.hC missing REMNANT of the Church world. (Gay. IA'!"ibian. and l'ransGcmier Communities) [i'or more JnfonnaUon: Bethel I;'vangelisllc Ministries P.O. !lox 1778 Interlachen, ~'132148 Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH A NON-DENOMINATIONAL . CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY . SERVING THE MID-SOUTHPROCLAIMING GOD'S LOVE FOR. ALL PEOPLE Sunday School- I 0:00 a.m. · Holy Communion-I 1 :00 a.m. SundayE veningP rogram-7:00 p.m. WednesdayB ibleS tudy-7:00 p.m. 1559 MadisonA ve.'iJ>MemphTisN, 38104 90 I /726-944 3 Rev.T imothyM eadowsM, . Div., Sr. Pastor KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Come share your 0ministryw ithu s at ... ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (North ofthc River) Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am http://www.tyrell.net/ ~pickle munity .oriented. (There are) not too many places you're going to go where you will be excluded." She said the city has never sponsored a Christmas season parade before. Some 200 people held a protest prayer vigil last year when the pastors' parade peacefully proceeded down Key West's famed Duval Street. Abou~ 400 others dressed as angels and shepherds and marched past the vigil. Some_ bystanders held protest placards and gay groups accused the pastors of unchristian behavior. The city was eager to avoid such problems this year, said Commissioner Merili McCoy. "The commission felt that we should have a parade that everyone could be a part of," she said. "We're a small island community and we don't want to be divisive at Christmas time." the NEWSc ontinues onPage8 DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O!. DX1 634 • DAYIONO,H 4 5401 DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY! ALL A.!IB WELCOME meets:5 46 XeniaA ve. lliytnn, Ohio . SundaylOam E-MAIi.; RevSamuelK@ool.com Visit OW' Web Site http://www.home.aol.rom/=ueJk 513-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE ~~~:TI:00'@ ~:IT ~'TI' :n:&mr ~JL:iIT,::icw;w~.m:mll" ~ II ~ ~- 71't J!A ~'Jl' !mW 1llJo!fllo(i;;o li~li~ IB©lili~ ~~~~ ~~0 ~~ C Questions'? Call (615) 227-3261 PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DEC!;MBER, 1996 !W!t j :-:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::· iE4i6i . A new dOOr o~ns ... •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds Holiday gifts of reconciliation Second Stone asked 100 gay and lesbian Christians on America Online to tell us a holiday story. We got two responses from this usually very ''.chatty" group. Here are their stories. A home among fiiends ... · By Kurt L. Jacobowitz-Cain Contributing Wtiter FoR ME, 1989WAS the year of more life-changing events since my decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was the year of my liberation from the closet, from homophobic ex-gay ministries, and from singleness. After three years in the ex-gay movement, I was a wreck. I wasn't receiving the promise of "healing" . or "deliverance" from homosexuality that so many like myself sought. As a leader in the movement, other s would confide in me their inability to control their homosexual desires. While I tried to comfort them, my own failure indicated to me that I was living a lie. In desperation, I turned to a bornagain Christia n psychologist who specialized in treating sexual compulsive disorders. One thing he told me I'll never forget. He said he would never judge me if I embraced my homosexuality, and that my decision was between God and me. Never abundance. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was home. I continued attending Casa de Cristo, but nagging questions remained • if this is of God, what about all the scriptures I had . learned that condemned gays and lesbians? Senior Pastor Fred Pattison began a series on sexuality anc;I the Christian. I absorbed his teachings like a sponge. I realized that other Christians interpreted the "clobber scriptures" differently . Fred challenged us to study scripture for ourselves. In so doing, like Saul of Tarsus, scales of spiritual blindness fell from my eyes. I saw that God .loved me just as He created me, that my sexuality was a gift from God, and that I was to respect the gift He gave me. In August 1989, I met my husband Paul through a personal ad in a local alternative newsmagazine. What drew me to his ad was his statement that he was a Chri stian. Despit e this, I was hesitant to pursue the relationship; so many people had failed me before. Yet I trusted God. in all my Christian walk had a As Christmas 1989 approached, I Christian told me he/ she would not felt called to make a more permanent judge me based on my sexual orienta- commitment.to Casa de Cristo. I was tion. After all the years of struggle, accepted into membership at the his words were the impetus I needed Christmas Eve service. Reflecting to jump off the fence. back on 1989 that evening, I realized I During this time, one of my gay co- began the year in turmoil, afraid of workers told me about his church, my sexuality and disbelieving of Casa de Cristo . The first service I God's love for me as I was. I ended attended at Casa de Cristo was the the year walking in freedom as an Sunday of The Evangelical Network openly gay man . I threw the closet (TEN) conference in-1989. Throughout door wide open and proclaimed to my my Christian life I'd been taught to family and friends of my deliverance look beyond the gifts of the Holy from ministries determined to change Spirit to the fruits of the Holy Spir- what God fully intended me to be. it. Were the fruits of love, joy, peace, God didn't heal me of homosexuality; --- 1Jafa!rrce, kindness, goodness, gentle- there was nothing from which I ness, faithfulness, and self-control · needed to be healed except my own evident? Indeed they were, and in inability to accept God's love for me. PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 By Robert Ellis Contributing Wtiter I HAD BEEN RAISED in a Christian home receiving Jesus as my Savior at the age of four. As I grew up and the truth about my sexual orientation became known to me, I learned to be a master of deceit. Closeted and believing the myth of the sinfulness of my thoughts about other men, I married in the mistaken belief that it would somehow cure me. After l4 years, the real me fought to the surface and my marriage (made in heaven) came to an end .. The world I had created by deceit could no longer be maintained and my dark secret would no longer be contained. My parents were devastated by the divorce, especially my father . I, on the other hand, was relieved . It was at this juncture I had my reckoning with my heavenly Father. The divorce became a test case 'that proved God's unconditional accept• ance while all others (including my parents) showed their acceptance was conditional. A line had been drawn distinguishing God's love from all others. The difference between what people said about God and what God said about Himself was and is true revelation. A door that I didn't even know existed was suddenly opened . and the love of the Heavenly Father c~me streaming through . The truth about my identity could now reveal itself because the cushion of God's love was there to break my fall. It was then I met my beloved Ray. He swept me off my feet. I had never before had a real loving relationship with another man and it was the beginning of my coming out to myself and God, and to the world, that is to Rev. Bob Ellis, seated,and partner Ray all the world except my parents. After mother died of cancer, I saw an opportunity to reacq .uaint myself with my father . We began spending a . lot of time together . . When he· would ask me to go to a movie or out to eat somewhere, I asked him, of course, if Ray could come too. Pretty soon on these occasions, he would automatically ask both of us. This went on for some time with no direct word of information about the true nature of our relationship. On formal occasions when my father would come to our house, we removed things that might lead him · to the truth. This was the last dark corner of my closet which kept me from being completely myself at all times and on all occasions. This went on for four years. At Thanksgiving one · year, we invited my father, Ray's mother and several other friends, all of whom were in the know about Ray and me . But my father still did not know. Rushing to get things prepared for my favorite holiday, the house had not been completely "de-gayed" and so after a very pleasing meal and truly positive time of fellowship, my father suddenly noticed a picture of Ray and me and the way we related to one another as we cleaned up the kitchen together. A revealing light of truth came on. He sat on the couch wide eyed as the true nature of his son welled up in tears. His pride was quickly replaced by shame because the lie had consumed his love and replaced it with disgust. He said nothing. Then, quietly excusing himself, he finally announced that he had to go home . I sensed the change in his • appearance and mannerisms and as I waiked . him to hi s car, his composure was close to collapse and though he said nothing, I knew he knew. In the month separating Thanksgiving and Christmas, conversations with my father were short as he exasperated himself in th e attempt to know how to relate. It never oc~urred to him to just keep doing what he had been doing. Several attempts to confront me directly were made. From his point of view, somehow he had failed as a father and I had been duped by militant homosexual propaganda. But I knew that what had really happened was the love of my Heavenly Father had become so real, ·that it was okay (if necessary) to lose the love of my earthly father for the sake of the truth. Faith 1n Daily Life Noe asya nswerwsh ens hoppinfogr '~' Bible By Dave Gathman ElginC ourier-News ELGIN, Ill. - Mariy religions rely on the Bible as a source of guidance, of divine instruction and an archive of the ultimate truth. · But which Bible is the truest? The New Life Bookstore in Elgin stocks 16 translations ranging from the King James Version, written in Shakespeare's "time, fo David C. Cook's comic book-style Picture Bible. The store can order al least 35 other variations. But even the novice readers need not fear choosing the wrong translation, some Bible experts .say. "You hardly ever have people (deliberately) making some new . translation with the goal of adulterating the Scriptures," says the Rev. Phil Congdon, pastor of Elgin Bible Church and a former teacher of biblical studies. Most translations, in fact, have been done by large committees of scholars representing many denominations . . Ninety linguists have been work ing on the New Living Translation, which hit the shelves last month, for six years. Originally, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew; the New Testa ment, in Greek. Some English versions, such as the King James Version and the New Revised Standard Version, are translated from these original languages, more or less word for word. But if your first priority is to understand clearly what you 're reading, without extensive research, that may not be the best approach. Your best bet, some say, is "paraphrased Bibles." · Best know .1 of the paraphrases is The Living Bible. Somewhere between a literal translation and a paraphrase is a "dynamic equivalence translation. " These translate into "thought for thought" rather than · "word for word ." It js in this category that the current best seller, the New International Version, falls as does the New Living Translation. Dr. Philip Comfort, a senior editor for the New Living Translation and a professor at Wheaton College, say~ students often ask him what is the . "best" translation . Comfort asks, "Best for what? For reading? For studying? For memorizing? And best for whom? For young people? For adults? For Protestants? For Catholics? For Jews?" "A modem reader would do well to use five or six different translations," some literal, some paraphrased and some thought -for-thought, Comfort writes in the Complete Guide to Bible Translations . Dr. Leslie Keylock, a professor of . Bible at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, says there isn't a best Bible. . For those just delving into the Bible, Keylock suggests a dynamic equivalent or paraphrase . "In my own devotions, I tend to use the NIV," she said. "But I find many places where the NIV is mystifying, where the Good News Bible makes the meaning clear." Cynthia Popejoy, manager of New Life Books, recommends that newcomers μse an edition called The Journey. "The text is the New International If you're facing a life-threatening illness, you know how precious time is. Don't let money stand between you and the way you want to spend that time. Faced with news of a terminal illness ... John paid off the mortgage and bills, then set money aside for his future personal care needs. Davidr ented a convertible,d rove his mother to DisneyW orld and spent a week living a cltildhood fantasy. Sue Ellen found the best doctor in the country and participated in a special treatment program. Scott donated money to his community theater and attended the dedication ceremony in his honor. Elizabetgha thered her scatteredf amily and cltildhood friends for a longoverdue "reunion." How did they do it? LifeTime Benefits "Viatiml Settlement" They converted their life insurance policies and took an immediatec ashp ay-out,n ow - when they needed the money most. It's simple. Fast. And there are no fees, ever. LifeTime Benefits could be your key to more independence ... choice ... security ... and control. Version; But it includes a lot of questions that might guide someone," she says. Popejoy also recommends The Inspirational Bible. This combines the text of The New Century Bible, whiclt has a third-grade reading level, with daily devotional paragraphs from writers such as Max Locado and Billy Graham . Someone in a more advanced study might prefer a more poetic version. Congdon says that when he prepares a sermon, he first reads the related scripture in Greek and Hebrew. Then he decides which translation captures the original meaning most understandably and eloquently. Often, Congdon says, he finds the New Testament is best translated by the New American Standard Bible, while the Old Testament is better translated by the New International Version . Some fundamentalists accept only the King James. But "the Bible must be able to communicate with us," Keylock argues. SEE BIBLE, Page 24 Faith 1n Daily Life 144 BM ws+AA-e@i❖&iilw&i# & ic§kfff! iAA\¥€@¥½/i#ll'i@ti@ SSISi ··I Transgendered Christians From Pagel and the resulting conflicts regarding . transgendered persons on the part of many of my lesbian, gay, bisexual, and straight sisters and brothers, and I would simply say to you that transgendered individuals are people who have spiritual needs like anyone else. As a Christian who is proud and nappy to be transgendered, I have developed a deep concern for my sisters and brothers who · often find themselves in the midst of a spiritual struggle to harmonize their Christian beliefs with their deeply felt and completely valid need to express a transgendered orientation or internal desire. This article will deal with the reality of the situation and offer some potential alternatives to the complexities that are raised. Please do not take my word for anything - I urge you to read, study, and learn for yourself, using as many resources as possible, so that you may be empowered to make wise decisions concerning the topic of faith as it intersects with transgende.r issues. I offer my thoughts humbly, with love, and with respect for all who read them, regardless of your spiritual viewpoint. gender and sex are also considered it becomes evident that transgendered · Christians have a great deal with which to contend regarding their spiritu~ status, at .Jeast in terms of their affiliation with the church as a Christian institution or, even more probably, specific denominations within the Christian church. This can lead to a great deal of confusion and spiritual suffering on the part of ■ people-bashing) is neither productive nor is it based in Jove. People are not, and never have been, the enemy . Instead, the real enemy is evil. If anything is to be bashed it ought to be the attitudes of exclusivity, prejudice, and bigotry that exist and that are institutionally maintained toward human beings out of fear, ignorance, and/ or a desire for security or power. The question of who holds spiritual authority in our individual lives is an extremely important one, and we need to define for ourselves where the power to determine spiritual authority lies. Does that power reside in a religious system rooted in legalism and heteropatriarchy, or is it to be truly found in the all encompassing love and grace of God through Christ Jesus? ■ many transgendered persons who may However, I do feel it necessary to possess an abiding love for God but stre~s the dichotomy that so apparwho find themselves ostracized, ently exis ts between the Gospel o f In our society it is often extremely -rejected, or oppressed by the church, Jesus Chri st and the usual dem ondifficult for the transgendered person an institution in which the individ- straled attitude s and behavior s of who is also a Christian to cognitively ual transgendered Christian may the church toward the transgend ered . and spiritually reconcile her/his have a profound, personal , spiritual We need to be reminded that it is transgender behaviors/ orientation and/ or psychological investment. Chri s t, and not Christ's church, with a relationship to God in Christ. It is important for those of us who which is the means of ou r salvation ; That difficulty is even further exac- consider ourselves both Christian and · it is Christ , not the prejudicial docerbated by the lack of understanding, transgendered to understand the trines or the socially constructed respect, love, and acceptance that the necessity of placing our trust i!) and mechanisms of any religious system, church often seems to exhibit toward our emphasis on the person, the that is our ultimate source of evertransgendered individuals. teachings, the example, and the role lasting life; and ii is Christ, not the These negative attitudes are closely model of Jesus Christ, God made cultural institutions that loo often and, I believe, intrinsically related to human. Ignoring our personal experi- seem bent on subjugation and oppresthe church catholic's historical and ences with Christ while buying exclu- sion of the "other," who is our irrefutable lack of regard for women sively into the traditional Redeemer . h b · hi h d b k t patriarchal teachings and/ or the as uman emgs, w c ates ac o God loved humankind, including th I I d . 1 · · d · E often-uninformed negative attitudes e a er me 1eva peno m urope, those of us who are transgendered, d Ii · w· 1 of the church can lead to heartbreak, an even ear er, m some cases. 1t t enough to send Jesus to die and subseth G f confusion and alienation from the liv- e regorian re orms · of that time, quently be resurrected on our behalf. th ch ch ·t · ti I b ing, loving God. e ur wr1 mgs 1emse ves egan It seems logical to me that we should to show a.tendency to regard women . Organized religion's often hostile then concentrate our energies and as the "other," which in tum created teachings ancr attitudes toward trans- efforts more on fully developing our the basis for a growing misogyny that gendered persons are almost exclu- relationship with God in Christ Jesus has continued lo flourish throughout sively cult urally based and are far rather than concerning ourselves to · the centuries up to the present. Since too often diametrically antithet ical excess with the traditionally negamany (certainly not all, but many) lo the true and pure Gospel ·of Jesus tive and often spiritually damaging transgendered persons tend to identify Christ, which is founded upon the doctrines and/ or dogmas that any with women to a large extent, the concept of unconditional love and . religious system may attempt to perchu. rch as an institution generally acceptance for us as persons who are petrate or foist upon the transgenappears to have very little problem made in the image of God. It is not my dered individual or community. in neatly transferring a misogynistic, intention, however, to dismis s the I realize that my words may sound bigoted and oppressive attitude institutional Christian church out- har sh and possibly even heretical to toward the transgendered. When the right, to defame ii, or to deny the some persons. It is not my intent to -- - -addi t ional sociocultural factors of importance of the church as a poten- offend simply for the sake of offense, patriarchy, homophobia, and gener- tial agent for good in the world . but rather to draw long overdue attenthe lack of genuine Christian l9ve, acceptance, and compassion, and the legalistic approach · to spirituality that the church so often espouses toward the transgendered. It is necessary for us to recognize and point out the negative altitudes and behaviors that exist within the church so that these negative factors may be addressed and dealt with in a -more effective, beneficial , and po sitive manner which affirms the validity and legitimate worth of each person, transgendered or not, who seeks a genuine relationship with God in Christ Jesus. · True Christians believe that we are saved by Jesus' blood atonement alone, not by the Old Testament laws of Moses, by a "code of holiness," or by the harsh legalism which many religious systems continue to promot e. As Christians and as transgendered persons we need lo understand that we are fully loved and accepted by God, and that in so doing we can learn t o celebrate the spiritual fre ed om which we find in our relationship with Christ Jesus. God's love and acceptance have been amply illustrated and defined by Jesus' sacrifice for each of us, and we would do well to work toward a deeper und erstanding of the intrinsic value that we po ssess as human beings and, yes, as transgendered people who, despite the shrill protesting voices of those on the radical right who may veh emently disagree, are made in the image of God. There are .those who will reject this thesis out of hand. It goes against the grain of what many of us were taught in Sunday School, catechism or confirmation class, and it may be seen by some as an attempt to subvert the authority of the church. However, since the Christian church as a maleoriented social institution has a vested interest in maintaining the traditional, androcentric , and patriarchally-dominated status quo, I would propose that the church can hardly be viewed as a bastion of objectivity or even moral rectitude in this particular discussion. The question of who holds spiritual authority in our individual lives is an extremely important one, and we need to define for ourselves where the power to determine spiritual author- . ity lies. Does that power reside in a religious system rooted in legalism and heteropatriarchy, or is it to be truly found in the all-encompassing love and grace of God through Christ Jesus? . There are those in some interpretive SEE NEXT PAGE alized negativity toward matters of Church-bashing (and, by extension, lion to the spiritual inconsistencies, PA~ 6 • SECOND STONE • NOV EM BER/ DECEMBER, -=-1-=-99::c6:-----------_:;_ ______________________ _ Milik@ii ibriatMW itM@§!WBi&/4§ ,z 4iM K£W hA& ± t *W Christianity, the Christian church, and the tr~nsgendered From Previous Page communities of the Christian church who will flatly deny that a transgendered individual has . any right whatsoever to a full and right status before God. These semetimes-wellintentioned persons usually base their belief systems upon a literal interpretation of Scriptu.re (the ever-popular, oft-invoked, and even more misunderstood and/ or misinterpreted Deuteronomy 22:5 immediately springs to mind), upon the traditional teachings and doctrines of the church catholic, and upon the cultural mores that ·have been integrated into the consciousness of Western culture over the centuries as a result of JudeoChristian patriarchal influences on . that culture. The real problem is not the people but the paradigm: it is the -oppressive, prejudicial, and bigoted mindset that has been created and maintained by mainstream religious systems operant in our culture. I have encountered many transgendered Christians who were fully convinced of their "uncleanness," their "perversity," their "sinfulness" and their subsequent lack of staius before God as a direct result of their ongoing need to outwardly express the transgendered components of their personalities through crossdressing or other transgender- identified behaviors. This internalized attitude is hardly surprising, although extremely saddening, given the sex- and gendernegative culture in which we live. The Christian church is something of a microcosm of that society because it so often mirrors the negativity/ gynophobia toward women and thus, by extension, toward the transgendered that our culture fosters and maintains . To be fair, there are some individual churches, clergy and laity who strive diligently to typify and exhibit the concepts of inclusfvity, acceptance, respect and Christ's love toward trallsgendered persons (and, indeed, tow<1rd all people) as children of God; but unfortunately these stellar examples of humanity are u~ually the exceptions rather than the rule. One need not be a rocket scientist to know and understand that the transgendered are not yet welcomed with open arms in most our our culture's institutions! Many Christian churches, .particularly those who are aligned with mai'nstream denominations, pay a great deal of lip service to the idea of affirming people as individuals . wlule not necessarily affirming their "lifestyles" (would someone please explain to me exactly what constitutes the "transgender lifestyle?") -' · as if it were healthily desirable to separate an individual from actually being who or what she/he truly is or needs to be! If you are a transgendered person who disagrees with my . findings in this regard, I would invite you to attend services at a typical, local congregation while crossdressed next Sunday. You may discover that you are somewhat Jess than enthusiastically received, especially if you do ■ oppressed. Surely the transgendered qualify as an "oppressed" people, and therefore the Christian church should follow Jesus' example of concern and compassion for any and all who are part of the "community of the oppressed." The next step toward spiritual reconciliation should be that of selfexamination. I mentioned earlier that many transgendered Christians have been convinced of their lowly .. .it would appear that the first step toward spiritual wholeness as transgendered Christians should -be to focus on the development of one's personal relationship with God; and not necessarily with a religious system that, far too often, exhibits intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry toward those of us who are considered to be "the other." not tend to pass well in public. On that basis, then, it would appear that the first step toward spiritual wholeness as transgendered Christians should be to focus on the development of one's personal relationship with God, and not necessarily with a religious system that, far too often, exhibits intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry toward those of us who are considered to be "the other ." These xenophobic,' negative attitudes on the part of the church can serve only to further distress, confuse, and alienate the Christian who is transgendered, and it is necessary that we become aware of the potential for great spiritual harm that exists in such a climate of ignorance and negativity. Liberation theologian James H . Cone writes in his book, "God of the Oppressed," that, "Any inter .pretation of the gospel in any historical period that fails to see Jesus as the Liberator of the oppressed is heretical. Any view of the gospel that fails to understand the church as that community whose work and consciousness are defined by the community of the oppressed is not Christian and thus heretical." In Cone's words we see the essence of Christianity: the oppressed are to be liberated from the source of their oppression, and this is to be done in the name of Jesus . When Christ read from the Book of Isaiah in His local synagogue (Luke 4:16-21), he spoke of bringing good news to the poor, sight to the blind, liberty to the captive, and freedom to the status before God because of their need to express their very real inner selves through various forms of transgender behavior . If we can coine to a realization of the actual worthy standing that all Christians hold in God's eyes then it may become easier · for all of us to accept and affirm ourselves as valuable members of God's inclusive family. It is imperative for the transgendered Christian - and, indeed, for all of us, transgendered or not - to know; to discern, and to comprehend that we have infinite merit, through Jesus Christ, to the God who created us. God, in the being of Jesus Christ; died for you and for me! Should that not tell us something about our worth as human beings? We are not losers! We · are so valuable to our Creator that Jesus Christ gave up His life for us! Can you really and truly believe that a Go.d who loved us that much would actually condemn us because of the clothing style or gender presentation that we may .adopt? It would be an extremely irrational, petty, and shallow God who would base a relationship with us (or withhold one from us!) that was predicated solely . upon our sense of fashion! ' Yet, there are many within the confines of the Christian church who would attempt to force the transgendered into just such a skewed theological perspective and correspondingly warped relationship with God, based on their particular versions and inter- Faith in Daily Life pretations of traditional doctrines and dogma. Any negative feelings that we may hold ·toward ourselves as a result of transgendered behaviors are totally culturally and socially instilled. Negativity certainly does not emanate from our loving and accepting Creatol' who has, in my humble opinion, given our transgender status to us as a gift (and not a curse, as some would atgue) in order that we might more fully understand and comprec hend ourselves, others, the world and our place in it, and our complex yet infinitely rewarding relationship to God through Jesus Christ. To me, the inherent complexities of my own transgender situation give new and incredible insights into the nature of the God who created me. The writer of · the Psalms speaks of being "fearfully and wonderfully made," and so ·are we. Let us examine ourselves, our situations, and our very existence in the light of our uniqueness in all of God's universe, and let us give thanks to our God for the special gift of being transgendered - for we are, indeed, blessed. It is extremely important that transgendered Christians understand something about why we so often "beat ourselves up" on a psychological and spiritual basis . We tend to internalize negative self images regarding ourselves, usually at an early age, because of the socialization process that we traditionally undergo as biological males or females in our culture . (This process is, of course, not unique nor is it confined to the transgendered; many gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons also suffer from internalized negativity and a flawed self image as a result of their developmental situations.) Our self concepts are informed and shaped by this process, which generally includes our religious belief system, and we often grow up feeling and believing that we are "bad," "wrong," or "sinful" because we have discerned and/ or acted upqn our unique transgendered situation. From birth our society teaches us, for example, that males and females dress and behave in a certain way (remember the blue blankets for boys and the pink ont'i, for girls?), and many of us, myself included, quickly learned to avoid or deny anything that was intended for the opposite gender - at least outwardly. We couldn't, hewever, rid ourselves of our feelings. How many of us, beginning in childhood, secretly yearned to dress, behave, and/ or generally express ourselves like the opposite gender from SEE TRANSGENDERED, Page 15 PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 ,,-· -- ------ --- - -- - - - - - - ------ - • Faith 1n Daily Life God has made room for all kinds. Imagine that! A place for all nests, evenmme. In my Father's house there are many mansions - John 14:2 SOME PEOPLE LIVE so deeply inside themselves that it doesn't matter where they are. They live low on the nesting scale. These people don't unpack their suitcases when they get to hotels. The conteilts of their bedside table have not been picked up for years. They don't spring clean. Other people are more ·in the middle of the spectrum on the nesting scale. They live rich interior lives but outside matters too. They are place conscious. Place alert. They interior decorate. They recycle their knick knacks. They spend hours at yard sales, searching for that something that will express themselves at table or at rest. Still other people are high on the nesting scale. I am part of this group. We rearrange the furniture in the hotel when we arrive . We remove all the advertising from the room and then unpack all our clothes. We also put our cereal in jars at home. We don't like advertising and its excessive stimulation . We choose to look at things; we don't like to be invaded by messages. All three of these nesting types are part of the large world, the one where God has made room for all kinds. Imagine that! A place for all the nests, even mine. Let us Pray: When we foci homeless, 0 God, bring us home . Remind us how very big Your house is. PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 . ---- - -- - - I What does it take to make a good home? Through wisdom is a house b11ilded ... -Proverbs 24:3 HIGH NESTERS ARE so affected by place that our interior lives are affected by the quality of the place we are in . If the counter is messed up when we arrive home, we screech at our own family. Who did this to me? Who caused this upset? Who placed their things on top of my things? To call the high ncsters compulsive, or the middle · nesters, balan ced, or the low nesters, sloppy, is an unnecessary use of the adjectival. We are who we are. No one both ers to insult birds about the precise arrangement of their grasses and twig s. A New Yorker cartoon in October of 1995 has one bird saying to the other, as they overlook their nest, "I built it; you feather it." People arc difforen ·t when it comes to nesting. What does it take to make a good home? Surely it is at least a wise combination of the interior and the exterior. It is also a knowledge of how important it is to be nested, to be held up, to be sheltered. It is a look at God, or a place from which to look at God. Let us Pray: Give us good nests, 0 God . Shelter us. Home us. Grant us a place of peace. Amen. Jesus implies a nest as a nearly spiritual right. He doesn't get into the subject of nesting correctness. . .. the birds have nests - Luke 9:58 ONE AS ELEGANT AS Jesus said, ''Bother not about what you shall eat or w-hat you shall wear. The birds neither sow nor reap and still your Heavenly Father protects them." Jesus implies a nest as a nearly spiritual right. He doesn't get into the subject of nesting correctness. Rather he suggests that we shouldn't bother too much about the nest at all. Jesus could say those sorts of things. He was celibate. He did not own a modern house. He did not have children . He had no idea what a high proportion of people's time in . the modern era would be spent interacting with their designed surroundings. Contrast his sink and our sink. Our sink is one of several in the home . It has plumbing which means plumbers . It has choices about dish detergent. It has, perhaps, a garbage disposal. It has choices about designer shades of dish racks . Some even come in wood and collapse. It ha s a need of scouring powder. At my sink, there is a spray job. The faucet has its own fancy gizmo. I also have two jars of stuff and things on the counter of my sink . Maybe this placement is a mistake. But I don't have a modern kitchen. I have very little counter space. I could move the two jars of spatulas and wooden .spoons but I don't know where I would put them . I am not really sure that their placement ruins the lines of the big old sink or not. I am slightly embarrassed at how much I ponder the matter of th e jars' placement. Jesus would not be pleased. Let us Pray: Focus us, 0 God, on what is important. And then let the details have their say. Amen . Ifwe live, we too will get bumped and bruised. We will · be.come holy in the larger way ... ... as it sho11ld be holy a11d witlio11t blemish - Ephesia11s 5:27 HOLY, SOMETIMES, TO God is being without blemish, Holy is also being with blemish and being with God, anyway. Sooner or later I need to acknowledge that the old beautiful sink is not going to be just a place of great lines, or cleanliness, or simplicity. It also gets used. Benedictine as I have become about the grand art of washing dishes, with that great foci on the hands I like to compare to the art of a manicure, still, -and nonetheless, that dish drainer is going to be a catch all. It is going to get blemished. If we live, we too will get bumped and bruised . We will become ho ly in the larger way, holy with blemishes, not holy without blemishes. , Right now the sink has three different mugs in it, a wooden finger brush for the return from the garden (1 li.ke that being there), a paint brush; assorted swim masks from children who are allergic to putting anything away, and a copper bowl in which the eggs have just been picked up from the chickens . . Plopped. All there. On top of each other. Just the way my bruises are. One not yet healed before another one comes alo11g, Some of my blemishes have been there for years. Some won't go away. God holds me nonetheless, blemishes and all. Let us Pray: Thanks be to you, 0 God, for holding our holiness, blemishes and all. Amen. God takes care ofme by using me to take care ofme. ···l!let a woman of Samaria, drawing water ... -John 4: 7 WHEN JESUS MET the woman at the well, he arriv.ed with nothing in h·is hand. The great artists portray her as having only one earthen jug. Consider not the birds of the field; they . neither sew nor reap but still your heavenly Father feeds them . YES, but, how? Yes, but, when? .Yes, but? I trust the point but not the process. For me, as a high scale nester, without the budget, keeping house is the way God takes care of me by using me to take care of me. It is the art that sustains me. God gave me the art. God is my muse. I paint. I draw. I position. I angle. Jesus animates. That is the theology of my home and environment and birdnest. I am not so crass as lo believe that God helps those who help themselves. God even helps those who don't or can't help themselves! ·But now that the promise to Abraham and Sarah, that their descendants would be like the stars, has been so abundantly fulfilled, God wants us to be God's agents on earth. I am not even sure that God is displeased with the modem sin,k and its accoutrement, the French word for stuff and things. If Martin Luther could argue convincingly that even garbage workers praise God, then the modem sink can. join in the liturgy . But what about the woman at ·the well? She had no house. Nor did Jesus. Neither had much to "keep." · But God kept them with promises and with words. God kept them with the truth. "Woman, you've had five husbands." She was known by Jesus, and she liked it. Then they left the little home God made for them and their truth and their mutual recognition - they left the well - and went on their way . Well nested, I'd say. Needed so much less than I think I need every day. Maybe truth is enough! Let us Pray: God, give us truth, then let us nest it. Amen. Things ·have to be right for praise to emerge. Or so I think. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (The Doxology) I DON'T SEE MY homemaking as compulsion ·so much as praise. It can be compulsion: ask my husband. He is convinced that I ha:ve a crazy space inside my otherwise normal psyche. It has to do wHh housekeeping and homemaking and who pays attention how. He works very hard at the details and the dust, the diapers and the dailiness of it all. But he still drives me nuts. He can leave a coffee pot turned on for hours and not noticed that it is on. It can spill over on the counter and, if he has · done his "duty," he doesn't see the brown spots on the space meant for cleanliness. He does not see the house the way I see the house. He doesn't even try. And, sometimes, when I am into multiple compulsions, like getting to work on time, and 'he is home for the day, I can tear into him like a seagi.iJJ on an overpopulated island. The g~ll rampages for her young when human forms appear. I know why she does this. She feels invaded at a biological and spiritual interior level. When my husband invades in one of these "little" ways, I get into his face. I get into his hair. I want to scratch his eyes out. "You call this clean? You call this finished? How can you be so disrespectful of me and my space?" That he does not see pains me. It feels like he doesn't love me. Since he ·does love me, these accusations drive him slightly berserk. Things have to be right for praise to emerge. Or so I think. I wonder what God thinks about my proper praise. Let us Pray: Teach us the power of praise, 0 God. Let our beauty praise You. And let our clutter join in the act. Amen. Faith in Daily Life "-:~Afenl·people more important than beauty? · Yes, they are. "goodness; how great is thy beautyc ·" - Zechariah 9: 7 AT THE END OF THE day I want to see the table set, new flowers .in the jar, mail stacked nicely, phone messages in a "regular" place, calm, quiet, clean counters, and a place for me to sit down. This desire seems impossible in our home. What really ,happens when I come home is this. One of my three children hits me with a pressing concern, to which their father has already said no . Another reports what happened to him by virtue of the previous party's injustice . A third · is surly and wants to know why I am only paying attention to the other two. Warren tells me that so and so called and must be called back asap. One of the other ways my lover of 13 years and .I disagree is that he. gets excited about other people's needs for return phone calls. I don't. In my u,nnested state, I can't afford to care. I can't even think about them. There is a way in which I am capable of this level of family transition and actual welcome. I can deal with the people part, especially if the place part is clear. I do, but I can't. I act like I am but I don't. Inside something is breaking. It is my homemaking, high nesting, that is breaking . It is the keeping of the house. It is the way one task should be done before another is completed. It is the enemy of the Normal Rockwell in me. It is a violation of my eye. I may be hearing about the children and Warren and patting the puppy but what I am really thinking is when cart I restore enough order to genuinely pay attention to them. Goodness, how do you connect? Aren't people more important than beauty? Yes, they are. Let us Pray: Give .us Goodness first, and let beauty attend it. Tlie Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with the Massachusetts Conference of the United Ch11rcl1 of Christ. PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Monnonp residenwt omen shouldst aya th ome By Vern Anderson Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Mormon Church President Gordon B. Hinckley says mothers should forego full-time employment in favor of the childrearing that makes women "the real builders of the nation." "It is well-nigh impossible to be a full-time homemaker and a full-time employee," Hinckley said Oct. 6 in a sermon directed to the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hinckley said he realizes many women are driven into the job market by economic necessity. · "To you I say, do the very best you can. I hope that if you are employed full-time you are doing it to ensure that basic needs are met and not simply to indulge a taste for an elaborate home, fancy cars and other luxuries," he said. Major points in Hinckley's address on the final day of the church's 166th Semfannual General Conference were echoed by other leaders of the faith. They emphasized men and women since Adam and Eve have had different but complementary roles. Moreover, Hinckley said, although women are forbidden the Mormon priesthood, their contributions "working hand in hand with the priesthood" make them "an absolutely essential part" of God's plan for humankind. · "We sustain the priesthood and are sustained by its power," said Elaine L. Jack, general president of the Relief Society, the church's women's auxiliary . "The sisters of the church ... treasure our opportunity to be full partakers of the spiritual blessings of the priesthood." Hinckley said he often is asked by reporters about the role of women in a church where only males 12 and older hold offices in the lay priesthood. "They do so in an almost accusatory to.ne, as if we denigrate and demean women," said Hinckley, 86, who became president and prophet of the church in March 1995. "I invariably reply that I know of no other organization in all the world which affords women so many opportunities for development, for sociality, . for the accomplishment of great good, for holding positions of leadership . and responsibility," he · said. Mormon women have leaders hip roles in the Relief Society and organ- SEE MORMONS, Page 24 Extremist groups spur statement by church association GREAT FALLS (AP) - Concerned that just and loving purpose" and repuextremist groups have misrepre- diates "the teaching that God's love sented Christian teachings, the Mon- in Christ is not inclusive of all human tana Association of Churches has life." issued a theological statement. The document says that: Racial The association said the 81-day diversity is a gift of God, and there is standoff between the Freemen and no basis for teaching that one race is the FBI this year in eastern Montana superior to others; teaching hatred is was a wake-up call, because it dehumanizing; and church and state involved some "reinterpretations and are separate institutions, and God co-op'tation of Christian teachings" has author ity over both. "We repuintended to serve Freemen purposes . diate as false the teaching that joins The church association has una- church and state in an unholy nimously adopted a document titled alliance which tyrannizes people of -~ ~''TexfofDeclaration on Distortions of diverse backgrounds." the Christian Gospel." · The association represents 10 main- It affirms "the sovereignty of God's line denominations . -1'1AGE- 10 • S-ECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 By David O'Reilly Philadelphia Inquirer BY A WIDE MARGIN that surprised even the bishop, the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has endorsed the blessing of gay and leibian relationships. A majority of the diocese's clergy and lay delegates, meeting in diocesan convention, have called on the church ,to develop "a rite or rites for the blessing of committed relationships between persons of the same sex." The 176-96 vote, taken Nov. 9 at the Cathedral Church of the Savior, "was a surprise to me," said the Rev. Allen Bartlett, diocesan bishop of Pennsylvania, who like many other clergy had expected the measure to be decided by a much smaller margin. Diocesan ,clergy voted 101-43 in favor of the measure. Lay delegates, who cast one vote for each parish, voted 75-53 in favor. Both groups, pr "orders," must approve a measure for it to pass. The 65,000-member diocese, which includes 163 parishes and missions in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, will submit the resolution to the Episcopal Church's general convention when it meets here. in July. If the general convention's House of Bishops and House of Delegates vote to approve this or a similar resol ution, the church's Standing Liturgical Commission will be asked to devise a rite for blessing committed gay and lesbian relationships. Such a blessing would have no legal standing unless' a state . legislature chooses to recognize it. If adopted, a same-sex liturgy rite would most likely be included in the Episcopal Church's Book of Occasional Services, which includes prayers and rites for such incidental ceremonies as the blessing of a house or an Advent wreath. The Episcopal Church's traditional wedding rite is included in the Book of Common Prayer. The Rev. David Moyer, rector of Good Shepherd parish in Rosemont, decried the vote. "It's just one more step in the erosion of Christian morality in the Episcopal Church," Moyer said. "Church doctrine says either engage in married heterosexuality or lead a chaste life, but the diocese seems to think the established, biblical historical doctrines of the church are no longer applicable .... We seem to have two different religions under one roof." The vote was based "on emotion rath .er than theology," complained Moyer, _who also opposes the ordination of women. "These people were pleading: 'Yo!] have to understand what my lover and I go through, we're victimized people, we need church affirmation.' How can I now lecture young people and tell them my diocese says fornication and sodomy are not to be avoided?" But the Rev. Ruth L. Kirk, cosubmitter of the resolution, said that a liturgy for committed gays and lesbians is good and right. "The biggest difference between me and David Moyer is the way we look at scripture," said Ms. Kirk. "If I quote the Ol<l°Testament in terms of condemnation of same-gender sexual expression, I can also say slavery is OK, masturbation is sinful; multiple wives is OK. So we can't develop Christian moral codes purely on the moral codes of the first century and before. "As I said at the convention: Can God. do a new thing? And can God use the church to do. a new thing? For centuries we have condemned gays and lesbians. It is time to support committed, loving relationships." Catholibc ishope victsD ignity chapters,u p[X)retsx ~gaym inistiy LANSING, MICHIGAN DIOCESE Catholic Bishop Carl Mengeling has · ousted at least two Dignity chapters from churches under his control. Mengeling has prohibited the Flint and East Lansing chapters from using church facilities for meetings or other activities. The Flint chapter had been meeting at St. Michael's Catholic Churcl1 and the East Lansing chapter had been using the facilities at St. John's Student Parish on the campus of Michigan State University. In East Lansing the parish, with strong support from Mengeling, has started a chapter of Courage, an organization that encourages Catholic gays and lesbians to deny their sexual orientation. M ti MM f1iiM l @ii#ii# H@/ii9#iSIB/ti&b¼iiAAtffliii MM ®fifi@fki Uf¼!·'" Ji£ J#iA· u;;f 4f.;b1l National News Archbishospa ysG uholicg roupc an'tm eeto nc hurchp roim)' • DENVER (AP) - A nationai Catholic Stafford called on churches "lo organization calling for renewal in the church, including acceptance of married priests and gay parishioners, has been banned from church property in northern Colorado. We Are Church, which hopes lo gather 1 million signatures in the United States for a referendum calling for sweeping changes . in the Catholic church, will not be permitted to hold meetings on church property. In. an editorial in a late-October issue of Denver Catholic Register newspaper, Archbishop J. Frands refrain from or cease any activity which promotes or supports" the group. Stafford, who was scheduled to assumJ a new job in November at the Vatican, wrote that We Are Church "is a creature of contemporary political culture." "The church cannot reinvent or reconstruct herself. We Are Church is founded on the polarization of disc sent," wrote Stafford, who becomes the first high-ranking U.S. bishop to forcefully condemn We Are Church. Fran Maier, Stafford's spokesman, Church with gay-affirming maverick . minister goes independent SPRING LAKE, Mich. (AP) - The Reformed.Church in America has formally severed ties with a large Ottawa County congregation and its ·minister, who was reprimanded . for views on salvation and scripture. Christ Community Church, about 30 miles west of Grand Rapids, can become independent after a vote Oct. 1 by regional church leaders. 'Tm not saddened one bit," said the Rev. Richard Rhem, 61, pastor of Christ Community. "I think that all of this has revealed that the Reformed Church in America, as it's conceived here locally, is a house. in which I obviously cannot dwell," he said. "There is no doubt we have suffered," Rhem said of his church. "But the solid core is there, the spirit ~ hlgh~ . Witl1 3,500 members - about 1,800 active -. Christ Community is among the largest in the Reformed Church in America. Rhem and his supporters say he was targeted because he opened Christ Community to a gay group last year. Rhem has also said that homosexual acts are not sins because homosexuality occurs naturally and is not a choice. In February, regional church leaders meeting in Muskegon called for Rhem's "peaceful separation" unless he recanted. He didn't. In May, the church voted to become independent. The congregation can keep the church, property and $1.3 million mortgage. Rhem said he will pursue an alliance with a different denomination. ''I'm glad to see this, although I don't necessarily agree with all the wording," said Howard Connell, an elder at Fifth Reformed Church of Muskegon. "We spent a year strug ·gling over this. It has not benefited any of us or the church of Jesus Christ." · A first for Toledo: lesbian ordination TOLEDO, Ohio - About 55 people gathered Nov. 10 to watch the Rev. "Elder Wilhelmina Hein lay . her hands on Elaine Thomas's head and ordain her to the ministry . As average as the players and roles might have seemed, the event was a first for Toledo. Ms. Thomas, pastor at the Good Samaritan Parish Metropolitan Community Church, is "the most 'out' lesbian in town," she said. As far as they know, no other lesbian has been ordained in the city. Ms. Thomas's ordination in the little stone cllurch in the Old West End passed with little notice, as intended. The music, smiles and dancing were in the building, as members of a "safety team" watched the doors. In her two years of ministry here, she said, no one has threatened her or held. protests outside the building. Help from the church is welcomed at social service and ecumenical projects. But the Old We&t End is known for its liberal attitudes. In another neighborhood, the church might not fare so well, she said. 'Toledo isn't overtly · hostile to us," Ms. Thomas said. 'We're tolerated more than accepted." said the archbishop's editorial doesn't mention any punishment for disobeying his order because "the assumption is that the people will cooperate." ■ We Are Church supporters are "The church cannot reinvent or reconstruct herself. We Are Church is founded on the polarization of dissent." ■ enraged over the editorial, saying they are faithful Catholics and have a right to discuss church rules. "What's he going to doto me? Arrest me?" said Clare Harris, the group's coordinator in Colorado, of Stafford's order. The group announced plans to gather signatures in May. Maier said the archbishop is reacting only now because he has been busy with other things and needed to clarify his stand for the administrator who will succeed him in the interim, before a new archbishop is named for Denver. The referendum for which the group is seeking signatures is similar to ones signed by Austrian and German Catholics in last year. More than 500,000 Austrians and 1.8 million German Catholics called on the Vatican to talk about relaxing church rules. The referendum calls for a dialogue on ordaining women and married men, lay involvement in naming pastors and bishops and welcoming gays in the church. Several national polls have shown that high percentages of Catholics would accept female priests and married priests. We Are Church, formed specifically to gather the signatures, is supported by several organizations, including Call to Action,· which has been banned in the Lincoln, Neb., diocese. Catholics there who hold membership in Call to Action were told they are excommunicated. "What he did was an outrage," said Sister Maureen Fiedler, head of We Are Church in Fairfax, Va. "He's treating Catholics in Denver like children." Issues EROTIC JUSTICE · ~ Liberating Ethic f Sexuality Marvin M. Ellison aper $17.00 KNOW MY NAME A Gay Liberation Theology Richard Cleaver Paper $16.00 WE WERE APTIZED Too !aiming God's Grace r Lesbians and Gays arily,1B e1111Ae;Itet xander 1dJ amesP reston •oreword by esmond M. Tutu per $17.00 UNCOMMON CALLING A Gay Christian'sS truggle to Serve the Church Chris Glaser Paper $20.00 PROCLAIM JUBILEE! A Spiritualityfo r the Twenty-firsCt entury Maria Harris Paper$ 13.00 SEXUALITYA ND THE SACRED Sourcesf or TheologicaRl eflection JamesB . Nelsona nd SandraL ongfellowe, ditors Paper $25.00 HOMOSEXUALITYA ND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Choon-Leong Seow, editor Paper $15.00 I~~! At your bookstore, your Cokesburyb ookstoreo r call toll-free1 -800-227-2872 PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Natio nal News ESW!h rrifiilfo#iit-i! "'ii ¥W#iiii¥iliFNfi9Wk!/'1<1@@¥YWM¥ fi¥¥ii4iif##4¥fi .;f i&;Fii#½i-MJ Q)nseivative Methooist group challenges Reconciling Congregations Program; SUPJX)rts ex-gay ministiy A BELIEF THAT the United Methodist Church is embroiled in a state of confusion about its identity and mission has led the board of directors of Good News, an evangelical group within the denomination, to issue and adopt a document entitled "A Resolu- · tion to a Church in Crisis." The resolution, which calls the church "to repentance and recommitment to ourl.ord's commission to make disciples," was adopted during a meeting of the 40-member board Sept. 25-27 in Wilmore, Ky., the headquarters for the caucus. Good News is also the name of the caucus' magazine that is selfdescribed as a "forum for Scriptural Christianity within the United Methodist Church." The resolution calls on the United Methodist Council of Bishops "to adhere to, in practice as well as in teaching, the doctrinal standards and moral principles of the church ." The resolution asks any bishop not willing to uphold United Methodist principles to "step down from their episcopal office." Meeting for the first time since the 1996 United Methodist General Conference, the board adopted the call to Couldn't get a call 30 years ago Woman installed as Methodist bishop for New England BOSTON (AP) - The first woman bishop of the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church was installed in a ceremony Sept. 21 as the new head of 600 churches with 116,000 congregants in five states. The Rev . Susan Wolfe Hassinger, 53, was welcomed at a ceremony in Marsh Chapel at Boston University. She replaces Bishop F. Herbert Skeete. Hassinger had a - long wait. No church would take her when she was Ecumenical & Inclusive We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps, please write us: Vocation Director Dept . 55, PO Box 8340. New Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community • • • • ordained as a minister 30 years ago, even with a master's degree in d_ivinity . "They said they could not find a place for me as a woman," she said. Finally, Hassinger was posted to a small church in eastern Pennsylvania, then rose through the ranks until she was named to .the New England job. "One of the key issues is not wheth er women are to be p laced in churches, ,but what kind of churches," Hassinger told The Boston Globe . "Many times it's acceptable for women to be placed in smaller congregations or to receive lower salaries, but it's not acceptable for them to be senior pastors at larger congregations or to _be in larger administrative positions. 1' Next year, the New England Conference is scheduled to vote on whether to publicly welcome gay and lesbian worshipers. ,,,11~ • t•o111es of this issue of Second Stone . Ideal for study groups and bar ministry! II sale SEETHE ORDERFORM , ON PAGE22 ... the church and its leadership to show "a deep concern" about the church related to the issue of homosexuality . In the resolution, board members said that some leaders in the denomination have views and beliefs "contrary to Wesleyan theology and the Articles of Religion." According to outgoing board Chairman . Donald Shell of Lake Junaluska, N.C., the entire meeting "was dominated by an intense, prayerful concern for the unity of the denomination ." He recalled that in 1976, the Good News organization was accused of being divisive by making homosexuality an issue for the church . "Today, the leadership of our church is keeping this divisive issue before the church," he accused. During the meeting, Good News, through its ~oard of directors, went on record, "officially" challenging the Reconciling Congregation Program and "its theological validity." The program is a moveme11t of churches and congregations working for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of the church. The directors took the approach in response to those annual conferences that have embraced the RCP and are designated as "reconciling conferences." According to the board, the RCP is "contradictory to church law; but more importantly, it promotes a counterfeit gospel of grace without repentance, and salvation without transformation.". According to the Rev. James V. Heidinger II, Good News president and publisher, the RCP "ignores th e actions of the last seven general conferences and reflects irreconcilable difference in the church in this issue." The board unanimously voted to become a 'Transforming Congregations Board" in support of the ministry of Transforming Congregations, because the program "offers a warm and welcoming place for those struggling with homosexuality, including friends and family members of strug- SEE EX-GAY, Page 24 MCC victim of hate crime GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Metropolitan Community Churcl1 was the focus of a hate crime, officials said Sept. 24 . Earlier in the week, silver _graffiti was sprayed on the front door and north wall of the church. It included the symbol "666," a swastika, a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle, and other markings on the north wall and an upside down cross on the front door. • The graffiti is similar to that sprayed on the Mount Olive Christian Fellowship church last year . Mount Olive's congregations is mostly black. Vandals sprayed "666 No niggers" and other racial slurs on the door and stoop of the church . The incident outraged community and church leaders, and the congregation and local residents held a rally decrying the vandalism. No arrests have been m!lde in either case. The Great Falls interfaith community rallied around the MCC. The church received supportive letters from the Bishop of the Eastern Montana Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church and the Great Falls Ministerial Association. The Rev. Gina Hartung, minister of the Metropolitan Community Church, says there could be a correlation between the two acts . "I think this is a statement against gay and lesbi~n people," Hartung said. She had been featured in local news stories voicing her opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act. The desecration of any church is deplorable, said Mount Olive's minister, the Rev. Phillip Caldwell. "To single out any group of people for condemnation is abhorrent," Caldwell said. "I think you can assume it's likely the same people," said Ken Toole, director of the Montana Human Rights Network in Helena, which monitors hate crimes. Toole said individuals or groups with strong racist views are also extremely homophobic. "It isn't surprising that you see the same kind of targeting against a gay church as well as a black church," Toole said. About 100 people turned out for a rally and work day to dean up the graffiti. Several businesses in the Great Falls community donated paint and supplies to take care of the damage and other organizations donat e d money to help with repairs . Local clergy attending the rally included some Methodist ministers, two Catholic priests, a Lutheran pastor and the president of the Montana Association of Clergy . I Af~t+ +ua@ ,S@#ffii#iP§ili@!i#J ?MW;.;;;;w tiSN4i?i:4 i&M,&lt4 ~2WM&#:iiiiiiif i¥iiM Nat:onal News Alaska American Baptists admonish gay-affinning church AN ALASKA BAPTIST organization is considering yet another "disfellowshipping" of a church that welcomes and affirms gay and lesbian people . The Alaska Association of Baptist Churches and Institutions s~rved notice to the Church of the Covenant in Palmer, Alaska to conform to national denominational standards regarding homosexuality or face being kicked out of the association. The "admonishing" action was taken October 8, at the annual meeting of the AABCI at the True Victory Baptist Church, near North Pole, Alaska. The Church of the Covenant is a charter member of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, a national organization of American Baptist churches that both welcome and affirm gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons in their congregations. Earlier this year, a Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist Church in Granville, Ohio, and four American Baptist churches in California were disfellowshipped from regional associations. In a motion that Rev. Evan Jones of Fairbanks called "an effort toward reconciliation," the association "admonished the Church of the Covenant to accept the stand of the General Board of American Baptist Churches/USA and the Alaska Association of Baptist Churches and Institutions, (the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching), and if they choose not to accept this standard, that they · Catholic bishop attends funeral of fonner priest who died of AIDS TAMP A, Fla. (AP) - Dozens of fellow priests and a Roman Catholic bishop came together to celebrate the life of a 36-year-old priest who lost his battle with .AIDS. . Michael Downing, who served three Tampa area parishes, died Sept. 3. Bishop Robert Lynch of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg presided over the . funeral Mass Sept. 6 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Lynch could have taken a low profile in Downing's death. A priest with AIDS can be embarrassing to a church that requires celibacy of its clergy, and preaches that homosexuality is a sin. Instead, the bishop decided his role as spiritual leader for area Catholics was to show compassion: ''Bishop Lynch is breaking the mold. We applaud him for that," said Marianne Duddy of Dignity/USA. "More bishops need to take this kind of pastoral ·stance." Downing learned he had the HIV virus that causes AIDS in 1990. He requested a leave of absence and moved into a Davis Islands apartment with his partner. He took a job as a librarian with Hillsborough County . "He didn't wanUo cause any scandal or embarrassment to the church," said his father, John, a retired engineer. "We didn't even know he was gay until he left the priesthood . It's something we had to come to terms with." "Michael always saw himself as ·a child of God," said the Rev. Tom Madden of Tampa, a longtime friend. "Until the day he died, he was always a priest in his heart." r South Carolina church wins wning battle THE METRO POLIT AN Community Church of Greenville, S.C. has won a zoning battle to move into a new building after first being told by a city board that they .could not move their church into a historic residential neighborhood. "It certainly is an exciting time for us," said Rev. Mick Hins~n, pastor of the church. ''There is much to be done betwe en now and the day we move into the building ." The congregation planned to move in by Thanksgiving. When the church bought an old school a year ago and began renovating, the city's Board of Zoning Adjustments would not approve a permit becaus e they said the use of the buildii1g as a church would bring too much traffic to the area. But church members suspected their sexual orientation was the real issue when Rev, J. Allen Smith of nearby Central Baptist Church spoke out against them. "Many have grown frustrated and angry," Hinson said. "Some have left altogether and we hope they will return." The church endured two zoning hearings and a round in court before be ing granted use of their building . Church members began dreaming about the p ossib ilit¥ of purchasing their own worship space over two years ago. clearly identify their views and actions as their own as opposed to the stand of American Baptist Churches/USA and the Alaska Association of Baptist Churclies and Institutions ." In the discussions that preceded the action, Rev. Gary Gilm·an, pastor of the First American Baptist Church of Anchorage, made it clear that his goal was to remove the Church of the Covenant from the fellowship . However, Rev . Earl Clark, moderator of the AABCI and pastor of the Community Baptist Church of Kodiak, cautioned that the bylaws of the organization did not give clear authority to disfellowship a cliurch. Clark was then directed to appoint a committee to propose bylaw amendments that would clarify the author ity and procedure to disfellowship . Moderator Clark appointed a corlunittee and asked them to report back to AABCJ in April of next year. The delegates to the meeting from the Church of the Covenant cast two of only three votes against the "admonish" resolution. The Rev. Howard Bess, pastor of the Church of the Covenant and author of the book, "Pastor, I Am Gay," attende.d the meeting and made it known to the association tha ·t the Church of the Covenant would stick to its position. "We are firmly committed to the cause of justice for gay people," said Bess. The issue of homosexuality and the Church of the Covenant first emerged in the AABCI in April of this year when Rev. Helen Phillips of Fairbanks, the Alaska representative to the General Board of. the American Baptist Churches/USA, said that the church had "become an embarrassment to the denomination." A resolution was then adopt ed by AABCI that states "the practice of homos exuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." A three-person committee, made of Rev. Alonzo Patterso n of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Anchorage, Rev. Earl Clark · of Kodiak, and Rev. Evan Jones of Fairbanks, was appointed to meet with repr esentatives of the Church of the Covenant to"bring the Church of the Covenant into accountability." A meeting was held in September. "It was obvious to all in attendance that the differences were not reconcilable," said Bess. Presbyterian church leader urges 'cease-fire' in disputes over gays GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - The top elected official of the Presbyterian Church (USA) says church leaders should declare a cease-fire in disputes over homosexuality that he says threaten to divide the denomination. "We do not agree at all about what the Bible means on this issue," said John Buchanan of Chicago, elected moderator of the 3 million-member denomination this year. ''The question becomes for me: 'Can we find some way to live with that diversity or must we resolve the issue in a way ... that divides us?"' he said. · Buchanan spoke Oct. 15 to members of the Foothills Presbytery, which represents 21,000 members in 65 churches . In the coming months, presbyteries nationwide will vote on whether to amend the church's constitution to require that ministers be faithful in a marriage between a man and a woman or live· in chastity if single. The church already has a policy statement that bars practicing gays from ordinaJion, but its Book of Order does not include such a restriction. Buchanan said .Presbyterians traditionally interpret passages in context with the whole Bible and · through debat e within the church. • "Everybody knows that if you are willing to simply pick things out of the text you can pretty much find justification for whatever position you want to take on any given issue," he said. .. Catchup on the newsyou missed! New subscribers can order a complete set of six back iss ues - and read-up on a years worth of information of · interest to gay and lesbian Christians. See the order fonn on Page 22. PAGE 13 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Catholic Chmch agrees to disc~ a8JroS of legal prqject aoout same-sex marriage PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (ALC) - The Catholic Church abandoned its refusal lo address the issue of same-sex marriage and agreed lo discuss some aspects of a legal project being debated in Brazilian Congress about the civil marriage· of people of the same sex. There are, however, some points which are non-negotiable, said journalist Elton Bozello from the social communication area of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference in the southern region of Porto Alegre. The church, for example is opposed to the adoption of children by gay couples and that said unions be defined as marriages and their members given the status as spouses. In a declaration before a Federal Chamber Commission, the Rev. Lenard Martin, president of the Brazilian Moral Theology Society, proposed stipulating a minimum age of 25 for the union of homosexuals and excluding the word marriage from the legal project presented by Congresswoman Marla Suplicy ofthe Workers Party of Sao Paulo. The Rev. Martin did not explicitly request that the adoption of children on the part of gay couples be excluded from the project, but did call on legislators to reflect about whether or not a gay household would be an appro- · priale erivironmenl lo bring up child- / ren. This change of attitude on the part of the Catholic church, up to now vehemently opposed to discussing the project, was explained by the General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference Raymundo _Camasceno. According to ■ This change of attitude on the part of the Catho~ church ... was explained . by the General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference Raymundo Camasceno ... in order to avoid a · greater evil, it would toF erate a lesser one. ■ Camasceno, in order to avoid a greater evil, it would tolerate a lesser one. The Bishops' Council also indicated that if the project was submitted to vote in the Chamber plenary, legisla-. tors of good conscience should reject it. However, if there is no way to avoid the approval of said law, they should expr!!ss their repudiation and ·. attempt to limit their prejudices as much as possible. Church of Wal~ approv~ onlination of women Welsh Anglicans isolated from the rest of the church. The Church of England, the Church of Ireland and the Scottish Episcopal Church have already ordained women to the priesthood. THE CHURCH OF Wales approved the ordination of women to . the priesthood on Sept. 19 by the neces. sary two-thirds vote. Bishops and laity voted in favor of the change two years ago but it failed with clergy. This lime ii passed, but by a single vote among clergy. It is estimated that nearly 80 women · deacons will be ordained in Wales in the corning months. Archbis~op of Wales Alwyn Rice Jones said that continuing to oppose women in the priesthood would leave j - Episcqpal News Service PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER. 1996 / Churches told to put aside differen~ on sexuality ·tofightAIDS By Stephen Brown Ecumenical News International GENEVA - Churches world-wide have been challenged lo put aside their theological and ethical differences about sexuality and become "actively involved in the global struggle against AIDS." The response of the churches - "by and large" - to · the impact of HNI AIDS "has been inadequate and has, in some cases, made the problem worse," according lo a major report, two-and-a-half years in the making, drawn up for the World Council of Churches. Many churches have shown "courage and commitment" in their work with people living with HIV/ AIDS, but others, according lo the report, "have helped lo discriminate against persons affected by HIV/ AIDS, thus adding to their suffering." Christoph Benn, moderator of the WCC consultative group that drew up the report, told a meeting Sept. 14 in Geneva of the WCC's central committee that the world was wailing "for encouraging words from the churches." The World Co~cil of Churches has 330 member churches around the world from the main non-Catholic traditions, with widely differing views on sexual ethics. After a meeting in January 1994 of the WCC's central committee which accepted that WCC member churches had "difficult ethical dilemmas" in responding to HIV/ AIDS a study was commissioned on the theological and ethical dimensions of HIV/ AIDS and "how the pandemic affects the human community particularly in the area of sexuality." Benn, a German Lutheran theologian and medical doctor, said that while many churches and Christians had made a positive contribution in the pastoral care o( •those living with HIV/ AIDS, others had contributed to a climate · of "disa,imination, misinformation and fear." But the report was challenged by a prominent Russian Orthodox leader, Metropolitan i<irill of Smolensk, who said . that it seemed to "avoid the question · of personal ethics and per ·sonal sinfulness." Metropolitan Kirill said that the report seemed to find the reason for "sexual wickedness" only in social conditions. He then spoke of God having "punished human beings." According lo the report, the fact that homosexual men in industrialized countries were among the first to be affected by HIV/ AIDS, followed by intravenous drug users, had led to prejudices that "are still alive today, despite the fact that more and more groups are being affected," including women, children, heterosexuals, and those who have not been sexually active. "Sadly," the report says, "many Christians and some churches shared in the promotion of negative, judgmental and condemnatory attitudes." The report points out that, according lo- World Health Organization figures, by rnid-1994 about 80 percent of all cases of AIDS w ere in lessindustrialized countries - 60 percent in sub-Saharan Africa, 15 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and six percent in Asia. "Globally speaking" heterosexual contact accounts for 70 percent of HIV infections, homosexual contact for 15 percent, injecting drug-use for seven percent and the transfusion of blood and blood products for five percent. However, transmission patterns are not uniform, since heterosexual transmission accounts for 90 percent of infections in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia, and only 10 percent in North America and Europe. But the link between "sexual promiscuity" and HIV transmission between heterosexuals has "entrenched self-righteous, negat ive judgments about people living with HIV/ AIDS," the report says . The report points to a variety of measures that can be taken by churches to "stand with persons who are affected by HIV/ AIDS" including working for better medical care and improved counseling services; defending basic human rights; ensuring that accurate factual information is available within the church and lo the general public; and ensuring that "a climate of understanding and compassion prevails." Churches are also urged lo "recognize the linkage between AIDS and poverty, and- to advocate measures to promote just and sustainable development" given that nine out of ten people with HIV live in areas where poverty, the subordinate status of women and children, and discrimination are prevalent. Transgendered Christians FromPage7 time to time? Yet, our own already internalized and culturally instilled sense of guilt, often reinforced by our socioreligious teachings, simply would not allow that to occur on any sort of regular basis Jor most of us. It is this rigidity, this mindset, this paradigm of behavior that so often creates the cognitive dissonance that many transgendered Christians experien ce in their lives, and the spiritual confusion and anxiety that results is typically to be expected. After all, if one feels an intrinsic need to somehow defy the institutional- · ized and systemic conventions that one has internalized all one's life, the result is almost bound to be a heightened sense of psychological, emotional, and spiritual difficulty, anxiety, and/ or distress. It is this sense of uneasiness or discomfort that psychology calls dysphoria. It is certainly true that many · transgendered persons who are not Chr1stians suffer from cognitive dissonance or gender dysphoria as a result of their :secular socialization process (Christians have never had a monopoly oh'suffering, especially suffering that arises out of the complexities surrounding our society's gender expectations), but it does appear to me. that transgendered Christi~ns carry· sffmelh.ing of a "double . whammy" in- that we are often discriminated against, not only by society in general, but by the church - our spiritual heritage - in particular. It is ironic and very saddening that the institution of the church, which was intended by God to be a source of strength; comfort, acceptance, and ·Jove· for . all human beings, has _ through the cen.turies become instead a bulwark of .intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry toward those it arbitrarily considers to be outside the pale of "righteousness" as defined by a literalistic and -legalistic interpretation · of Scripture and traditionally based doctrine. The crux of the issue for the transgendered Christian is the matter of distinguishing between the concepts of the Mosaic law, as exemplified by the legalistic tenets espoused in the Old Testament, and the good news of the Gospel, which God has freely offered to us as a result · of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf . The law cannot save us. We fallible human beings can • never completely or adequately fulfill the requirements of the Old Testament law, and so basing our relationship with God on our compliance with the law is a fruitless and ultimately condemning e.ndeavor . The law indeed condemns, while the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our only legitimate hope of salvation and recondliation with our Creator . Our sal- · vation does not depend on something we do, and therefore attempting to . keep the law is pointless. Rather, the saving of our souls and tl~e establishment of a right relationship with God is totally dependent upon our · acceptance of what Jesus has already done for us . in our stead. . The church often tries to place arbitrary stipulations upon us and attempts to set up a series of qualifying steps that we must complete before we can be deemed "worthy" of having a relationship with God . This usually includes the relinquishment and complete denial of our transgender behaviors and desires. There are those who actually believe that we should be able to "pray away" our intrinsic need to express our differently gendered selves! Let me assure one and all that it is not feasible, realisfic, or even healthily desirable to t_ry ridding ourselves of something that is an important, even intrinsic part of what we are as human beings. As we attempt to comprehend the depth of the relationship that we are entitled to possess in God through the sacrifice·ofJesus on our behalf, we can learn to appreciate ourselves as unique, special creations of that God. Transgendered persons have a multitude of reasons to be grateful for, happy in, and proud of who and what we are. Of these reasons, the most important one is the fact that God loves us just as we are, and we can thus be empowered to reach out in love toward others as well as to ourselves. Love is tne only thing that will last - throughout eternity, love will always be the one constant. Hatred, . bigotry, prejudice and intolerance are, by their very nature, doomed and -will eventually die; those actions and attitudes are ultimately rooted in spiritual death. May aH transgendered persons who call ourselves Christians learn to embrace and then fully, openly express the love of God toward others and toward ourselves with pride, dignity and self-respect in every part of our existence. Vanessa S. is t~e author of "The Cross and the Crossdresser: Personal Reflections On Crossdressing From A Christian Perspective" and a forthcoming book, "Cross Purposes: On Being Christian and c_rossgendered." She is active in transgender community educational outreach in the St. Paul, Minn. area and is recognized nationally within the transgender community for her work in the area of Christian spirituality. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER '96 OlITJIBACH PARTNER REPORT Secon~ St?ne's Ou_treach Partner : program wraps up its first full year with the Nov/Dec 96 issue, wh1~h ." the first issue of our ninth year as a national publication for ~ay and lesbian Chnshans . The Jan/Feb '97 issue will be our 50th issue anniversary. . . The Nov/Dec '96 ·issue of Second· Stone was distributed free in eight comm~nities by eight Out_reach Partners. One thousand fifty copies were distributed, down from the 1200 copies of the Sept/Oct issue distributed by seven Outreach Partners. Partners considering outreaching with the Jan/Feb ·•97 issue should hav.e their free ad to us by December 15, 1996. (Ad size is 2 lit' wide by 3" tall.) Be sure to include m your ad. your logo, address and phone, service or meeting· times, -and A CALL TO A~ION hke "Come visit us at..."" or "Call for information about.." In d_etermining the number of copies you need, consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pnde events, PFLAG meetings, gay bars, etc. Multiply every location you think of by at least 15. And remember how advertising works. Most often it takes 100 · people to see your ad before you get your first "s•ponse. And rem~mber how outreach works. You may not get a response right away. You are planting seeds. The Outreach Partner program is a community fund which looks like this right now: Church of the Resurrection MCC First Congregational UCC EXffiNSIB MARCH/APRIL '96 200 copies 100 copies MAY/JUNE '96 Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Freedom in Christ Evangelical Church St Peter's St Andrew's Episcopal Church of the Resurrection MCC Community Gospel Church 100 copies 250 copies 200 copies 200 copies 100 copies 75 copies 150 copies 200 copies 50 copies Mercy. of God Community MCC Bridgeland Logan Rev. Pamela White W&A Baptists JULY/AUGUST '96 Holy Trinity Community Church 100 copies Irvine United Church of Christ 100 copies Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 200 copies Liberty Community Church 100 copies W &A Baptists 250 copies Church of the Holy Spirit MCC 100 copies Thirdffrinity Lutheran Church 100 copies Church of the Resurrection MCC 200 copies . SEPfEMBER/OCTOBER '96 Thirdffrinity Lutheran Church 100 copies Community Gospel Church 100 copies Holy Trinity Church (Memphis) 100. copies Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 200 copies Other Sheep Richmond 150 copies First Congregational UCC 100 copies 52.80 30:31 20.48 57.07 41.07 38.50 20.48 17.05 34.14 28.40 15.10 22.86 26.47 45.12 33.81 58.90 23.79 23.79 45.12 26.94 26.94 26.01 51.42 39.02 29.92 Holy Trinity Church (Dallas) 500 copies 123.47 TOTAL EXPENSES 958.68 Community Gospel Church Name of Jesus Church O)NTRJBUTIONS Sl Peter's St Andrew's Epis Mercy of God Community Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Thirdffrinity Lutheran Church Community Gospel Church Irvine United Church Christ Rev. Pamela White First Congregational UCC Abiding Peace Lutheran Church MCC Bridgeland Logan Vf . Holy Trinity Com~unity Church W&A Baptists Community Gospel Church Martin Matson Anonymous Irvine United Church of Christ Abiding P~ce Luthe .ran Church Dayspring Christian Fellowship Celebration of Faith Center 25.00 25.00 41.07 17.05 25.00 25.00 25.00 21.00 50.00 30.31 45.12 34.f4 22.86 74.00 25.00 25.00 · 25.00 3.00 51.42 25.00 25.00 Tar AL O)NTRJBUTIONS 639.'T/ EXPENSES LESS OONTRIBUflONS (318.'.71) Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like to participate in this program please call (504)899-4014, write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans. LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com. PAGE 15 ·• SEC.ONO STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 AIDS Warriors & Heroes O.yxovan New AIDS drug helps woman reclaim life By Bob Bestler The Myrtle Beach Sun News MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Rosemary Cooper learned in 1990 that she had contracted the AIDS virus and for the next six years she watched her life parents, who still lived in Nesmith, took Cooper's 7-ycar-old son to live with them. "That did not suit me or him," she said. "My goal was to get back where he was, so I decided to move back there ." She returned to Nesmith in Decem- slip steadily out of reach . "I was fine until about two years ber, unable to do much on her own . ago," she said. "In 1994, I started get- She kept in touch with old friends ting chronic bronchitis and neuro- back in Virginia and soon one of them, pathy in my legs. 1 had a lack of ener- another AIDS patient who had been gy, and pain . Then I started getting ■ migr<1ine headaches - severe migraine he<1daches." Cooper, 39, was working at the time as a teen-age pregnancy prevention counselor for the Alexandria, Va., Health Department. " .. .I thank God just for the fact that I am able to wake up again with no aches and pains." She is a native of Nesmith, a small Williamsburg County town near Kingstree. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in educational psychology . ■ As the AIDS virus began to take plagued by severe headaches, began over her life, she ·eventually had to to sing the praises of a new drug. stop working and go on permanent dis- She urged Cooper to try it. ability from the state of Virginia. The drug was a protease inhibitor On Oct. 16, 1995 - Cooper remembers called Cryxovan. the date well - her migraines were It is being heralded as near miracufinally out of control, and she was lous. Davis himself is as optimistic as admitted to the emergency room at a he has ever been, nearby Maryland hospital. "It has the potential of turning "They ran tests and thought I had AIDS into a treatable chronic dismeningitis," she said. "It turned out to ease, much like diabetes," Davis be cryptococcal meningitis." said. Bill Davis of SOS Health Care said According to some accounts, doctors cryptococcal meningitis is one of the are beginning to think the oncemost severe illnesses a person can unthinkable: Is a cure for AIDS near? have. "It is a fungus 'that eats away Even the low-key Cooper cannot conat the brain," he said. "It can often be lain herself when talking about Cryxfa tal." ovan. It took 25 days of constanthospital "I started taking it about five care, but Cooper managed to survive. months ago. At the time, I could "l got o~e.r it, but I was still pretty barely get out of .the bed in the mornweak when I left the hospital," she ing because of all the aches and said. pains." "I lost a lot of weight, about 20 And now? pounds, and looked preity bad. I "Now, I'm more optimistic than ever looked like a person witli AIDS," she - before," she said. "I don't set the said . "It was 'unmistakable . A bony alarm, but I wake up every morning. face. Skinny. Dark skin. I stopped And every day, I thank God just for looking in the mirror for a while." the fact that I ·am able to wake up With her reluctant permission, her again with no aches and pains." PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Physcian one of_few (ll@.l doctors specializing in AIDS JESUP, Ga. (AP) - Claire Hicks was pursuing a dream when she set up a medical practice in obstetrics near the Georgia coast - where her family wanted to live the small-town life and a place the practice was needed. "I wanted to deliver lots of babies," she said . Her focus shifted after she encountered a gay couple in 1988 - from delivering babies to treating A.IDS patients. Today, she has a reputation as one of the few such doctors in rural Georgi a . With a practice including about 40 AIDS patients, Ms . Hicks also participates in an AIDS-care program serving a 16-county area. Her duties involve regular trips to see more than 100 patients in Douglas, Vidalia and · Statesboro who have AIDS or HIV. That first couple in 1988 showed her the need , "They wanted to stay in town and get their care," Ms. Hicks said. "But I felt like I wasn't ready to take .them on in their late stages of HIV." The 42-year-old mother of two daughters was walking into an area of medicine she knew little about. After agreeing with the couple that she would learn about AIDS as she went along, she spent the next four years absorbing all she could . One partner lived until 1991, the other until 1992. ·- " At first I had a lot of anger toward the disease and the epidemic," she said. "Now I look at it as an opportunity to learn a lot of stuff about the folks I see in my practice." Word spread quickly that she was . accepting patients . At the same time, there was an upsurge of A.IDS. In January 1987, Georgia had 615 diagnosed AIDS cases. As of June, there were 15,630, half of which has resulted in death . Helen Wildes, spokeswoman for the Southeast Health Unit, which runs the multi-county AIDS program, said Ms. Hicks' contribution help _ed the program flourish. "She serves as our medical consultant for all of those wellness centers," Wildes said. "She has done wonder- fully for this program. Not only is she a good doctor, but she is a compassionate and caring person ." Ms. Hicks has been featured twice on ABC's Nightline, and there has even been some talk about a movie being made about her. · "We tease her all the time because she's pretty taken aback by . all the publicity," said Ellen Richardson, a family practitioner and friend. "Her • medicine is so sound. She brings a well of compassion so deep that it's enriching to work around her." _ The Southeast Health Unit"s AIDScare program was developed in 1988 by the district health director, Ted Hollo\vay. Five state and federally funded wellness centers cater to AIDS patients. _ Over the years, Ms. Hicks has dedicated m_uch of her practice to treating HIV and AIDS patients with the full support of her family and staff . She told her staff if_ any of them disagreed they could -leave. "They're all -still here," she said . The need for specialty physicians and service care centers has become ■ Her focus shifted after she encountered a gay couple in 1988 - from delivering babies to treating AIDS patients. The 42-year-old mother of two daughters was walking in to an area of medicine she knew little about. ■ increasingly important as the AIDS epidemic grew, she said. "In the district, we're seeing more and more African-American women who are infected and are having babies," she said. "And their sexual partners are drug users." Ms. Wildes said the centers offer an alternative not readily available 10 years ago. The centers, which are staffed by nurses, are located in Ware; Coffee, Wayne, Toombs and Bulloch counties. They also have case managers, social workers and community- based organizations to work with patients. "We're very proud of our centers," Ms. Hicks said, "because a patient can walk in and get services in very short time ." Ii i¥ AMA@ MMIMUM iihiiiii&-WMSY BY REV. DONN A E. SCHAPER . ... Let us go now to Bethlehem andseethis thing which has come to pass. -Luke2:15 PLACE OUR HOPE ON Bethlehem this Season, 0 God. Convince us that small is victor over large, that we are able to find a lot in a little. Slow us down. Require us to plant less. And help us to help our friends plant less. Move the world out of its fast lane. Let every plan we make contain the seed of your Son's birth so that when the silent night comes, we can know the song in its silence, the gift in giving gifts and the peace that passes understanding. From those who wager on your Son, Amen. We Wait for New Heavens and New Earth - II Peter 3: 15a COME, THOU LONG Expected Jesus, come as footprints in the snow and show us your way. Thou who brings the scattered home, Thou who heals the abandoned senses, Thou who brings streams to the dessert, come softly to us in this · Advent Season. Bring us home by your path. Open our eyes and ears . Revive the desert 'places in us that we may yet blossom. Don't let the world be cold. Don't let the world be dry. But bring your promises close to it. Freshen it. And let us stand on tiptoes of expectation, daily through Advent, convinced that we will find your footprints on our paths, and that one .day soon we will see the new heavens and the new earth as well. With gratitude for Your promises, Amen. For He has regarded the low estate of his Handmaiden ... • Luke 1: 48 HOLY SPIRIT, THOU who broods over all the space where silence reigns, hear us when we find no words, no justifications, no excuses, only the thud of fact and memory, only the knowledge that too many tables are too thinly laid, that too many fathers drive their children on tires too bald, that even we are poor in ways ·that frighten us . Come, as you have promised, to the place in us that cannot speak, and stir us up . .Stir us up to memory and to hope. Restore our voice to us. Remind us that you have regarded the low estate of many handmaidens. Remind us that you do not put down the poor or the little but rather exalt us. Break through the drumbeat of violence and poverty and show -us ways to raise our small voices to large hopes. Overcome in us the fear of exposure and let us willingly make the case for the handmaiden, with the handmaiden, that we may in our time know the exaltation of those of lciw estate, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. "and lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone ·round about them; and they were sore afraid." Luke 2: 9 · IF WE PRAY FOR peace, and there is no peace in us, 0 Lord, still thou_wilt hear. If we pray for justice and keep our own fists clenched, 0 Lord, still thou wilt hear . If we pray for healing, and our bodies tum in towards their own ·tension, 0 Lord still, thou wilt heal. And if fear of the unknown gets in the way of our waiting for you, you will send a band of angels. They will watch over us and wait with us until again we are ready to wait for You. Send them now, Lord. Send them now so that fear may tum soon to rejoicing. In the name of the Babe, Amen. ... and lo, the days are hastening on. WE COME AS A people nearly weary with hope, having waited too long, and ashamed of our weariness . We know how long You have waited . Waited for us to come to our senses. Waited for us to acknowl edge rainbow, tablets, red seas parted - one .sign _after anoth er. Now instead of being weary you send one more Sign. This time a baby, one that sneaks into our world almost silently. Remind us this day that the days are hastening on. That what the prophets foretold is soon to be true. And gather and focus our attention on the manger. This time, let Your people see Your sign. Amen. .... let heaven and nature sing. SOMETIMES WE SCURRY so for joy that we forget what it feels like. Sometimes we work so hard for peace that we neglect the peace that is sitting with us in our chair. Sometimes we hope so much for hope that we miss the hopeful signs that are right underfoot. Give us this day, a song, one we sing in harmony with heaven and nature. Let the song recollect joy, be peace itself, let the song hope a little ahead of our own hope. You grant us joy and peace and hope: these are not our .own accomplishments. Let this day find us, with heaven, and with nature, singing about You. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. .... 0 Little Town of Bethelehem .... WE ARE AMAZED at Bethlehem, sometimes, 0 God . It is so small and so insignificant, so much like the places we live or were born. It seems nearly impossible that you could use it for Your grand historical purposes. But if You can, that means You can use us . If Bethlehem is worthy, then so perhaps are we. Come now, into our quiet space and into our little town, and point us to the purposes You have. Why are we here? To what end have You dedicated us? On this day make a little sense of our lives. Thatiks Be to You O God. Amen. For we have seen his star in th e east... - Matthew 2:2 ANCIENT OF DAYS, wh ose glor y the cradle tells, whose hope th e star displays, who se love th e birth confirms, guide us now by the light of the Star . Let us forsake the romance of moonlight, the plans w e had to be our own s elves all that we would ever need. Let us regard less th e pragmatism of sunlight, tl1at the ways of this world would be adequate to the Ways you had in mind originall y. Let us be wild in our hopes by Starlight, that AIDS will be cured, that peace will splatter all the earth , that we ourselves will calm down in midnights clear, that ,our children will pick up th eir toys. Let the Star show . us how mountains will be brought low and valle ys will be raised up, how in the small we will find the large . Take the mountain part of us and bring it low, take the valley part and lift it up. Let us follow Your Star. Amen. On This Day, Earth Shall Ring ... HOLY SPIRIT, Living God, if we listen with You today we can almost hear the packages rustling, the ribbons blowing, the children squealing . If we listen with You, we hear the church bells ringing, the choirs singing, the whole bright World less heavy, just by virtue of this day . Many of us don't even know why . We just know that the day is meant for lightness, meant to mention Christ, made to help us remember that we were not put on this great big planet alone, or without comfort. On this day our Warfare has ended. God is With Us. We are not alone. A Child is Born. Thanks and · Praises, Amen. PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Alliance of Christian Churches seeks to encomage evangelism By Samuel Kader Contributing Writer REPRESENTATIVES FROM 27 independent Christian churches met in early October to charter the Alliance of Christian Churches, an organization formed to encourage evangelism by the proclamation of the Gospel and to further the work of missions, both globally and domestic. The meeting was held in conjunction with the international Advance Christian Ministries conference in New Caney, Texas . Other goals of the Alliance include cultivating a deeper spirit of fellowship and co-operation among churches, encouraging the process of education, training and discipleship in the Body of Christ, and providing I PACT lesbian & gay · News & Entertainment for New Orleans since 1977 Wicked Stage Lesbian Voices QuarterScenes Movie Police HIV News Realpolitic Directory Queer Planet and more phone 888-944-6722 fax 504-944-6794 email impactmail@eor.com www.eor.com/impact/ a means through which all affiliate churches may share in these endeavors. Organizers described the Alliance as a networking of churches to further the work of the Gospel and Great Commission. As the initial organizing meeting began, bylaws were adopted, delegates were seated, (each church, regardless of size was allowed three delegates), officers to the executive council were elected, and committees were appointed. Elected to serve as the Executive Committee were moderator Rev. Jerry Cook, pastor of White Rock Community church in Dallas; vice-moderator Rev. Judy Horn, pastor of Christ Chapel of the Rockies, Denver; and clerk/treasurer Rev. Jim Hensley, pastor of Pilgrim Fellowship Church in Philadelphia. Three other executive council members at-large were elected to serve : Rev. William Memmott, pastor of Agape Church, St. Louis; Rev. Tom Gashlin ; pastor of Family of God Worship Center, Panama City, Florida; and Rev. Samuel Kader, pastor of Community Gospel Church in Dayton, Ohio. Information on the Alliance of Christian Churches is available by contacting the moderator, Rev. Jerry Cook, White Rock Community Church, 722 Tenison Memorial Road Dallas, TX 75223, (214)-320-0043. rno1YELLOW PAGES TMINFORMIN61HE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL •rn ~ TRANSGENDERC0MMUNITYSINCE1973. ~ Complete gay-friend~ ruources and businesses: accommodatl6ns, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, !ravel services, printers, Organizations, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D,SJ H.I.V. resources. Uslings broken down by Slate & City. Index & fast access phone llsl UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an appllcallon to be listed (no charge), or for details of curran1 editions and prices, or Information about malling labels, please send a oeH-addressed stamped envelope to Renalaaance Houoe, PO Box 533-SS, VIiiage Station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFl'ERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA.and Canada call 1-212-989·4850. (A Different Light has stores in New York. Los Angeles. and San Francisco. Thay are not involved with production or publication of Gayellow Pages, so please don1 call them except to order.) . :::U~i~! '?l J~d~ff:e~~~/,:: ,~~':~:rs 't:J;':/,aV::/::/bl!: if.l:~:ie~v~~0!;1rt~::a1%1s;fafej·;, ~~ ':::;~:ec:;,s the infonnation contained in the Gaye/low Pages.• Pat Calllla1 The Advocate Advisor "By far the most comj:,rehensive and up-to-date gay guide ••• Gayel/ow Pages . • . includes the standard entries for bars and restaurants . .. But ths Gaye/fow Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings bi city for AIDS and HIV services, legal rs sources, organizations (categorized by purpose or interest), religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual people, no matter how unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probably listed in the Gaye/low Pages . ... Hardly a weak goes by that it is not consulted in the Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Hows/ls, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA), December J994 •For over 12 years Gays/low Pages has been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every performer, :~~t~":/,:;;J:~~j!s;;:r:%;~:r::Pht,~r;::i a;:t1,s~:cn::::~u~~;:1s1;s in contact with_. It's the PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 Miri➔fa#1iMJ.MASk•P.Mk4W4NrnftMii4Wtii5,ffe '•I Church & Or anization News Minneapolis non-profits receive church's tithes TRINITY RIVER CHURCH, Trinity River, Minn . has completed the first year of a plan to divide 10 percent of its checking account balance among Minneapolis non-profit organizations, charitable causes and individuals in need. Trinity River has donated over $3,600 to recipients suggested to congregational officers by members, friends and visitors of the church. "Our faithful tithing to the community is a large part of what's keeping Trinity River going," said Diane Ferreira, vice moderator and founding member of the church . "The amazing thing is that since we started doing this, we have never had a need for money to run the churd1." Trinity River is a small, 25-member open and affirming nondenominational Christian church. Services are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 1819 Nicollet Ave. So. in Minneapolis. Readers may contact the church at (612)870-8956. National gay and lesbian hotline now taking calls AFTER NEARLY 14 months of planning and fundraising, the Gay and Lesbian National Hotline started taking calls Oct. 1. The hotline, available weeknights from 6 to 11 p.m., EST, provides peer counseling, information and referrals to gay, lesbian and bisexual people . The services are without charge and completely anonymous. The hotline maintains a database with more than 13,000 local community groups, organizations, businesses and profession .als. Take Your Place At The Table Toe Catholic Church of the Ainericas is a small, independent Catholic community whose ministries strive to be loving, inclusive and justice-promoting. We celebrate contemporary liturgy with a sacramental foundation. If you seek a spiritual home or feel called to the ordained priesthood or diaconate, join us and ."take your place at the Table of the Lord." For information, contact Fr. Jerry Wood, Jr. 2239 S. 15th St Springfield, IL 62703-3640 (217)753-3889 e-mail: Timm.56@aol.com The toll-free number is l-888-843- 4564. The volunteer-based organization has a web site at http:/ /www.glnh.org. Agape Church of St. Louis Relocates PASTORS BILL MEMMOTT and Joe GaJle have announced · that The Agape Church of St. Louis will be sharing facilities at Tyler Place Presbyterian Church, 2109 S. Spring. "We have seen the hand of the Lord guiding every step of the way to this wonderful forward movement," Memmott said. "We are very excited that our praise and worship music will be accompanied not only by a grand piano and other instruments, but also by the thrilling sound of a real pipe organ." A 2 p.m. worship hour gives the church an opportunity to reach out. to their community at an attractive and unused time slot in the St. Louis area . The church office has been moved to 2706 A Armand Place, St. Louis, MO 63HJ'4--2214. Readers seeking information may call (314) 664-3588. Events . Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service lo Christian organitalions . To have a11 event listed. send information lo Seco11d Stone , P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX 10(504)899- 4014. e-mail secstone@aol.com. Mission to Mexico NOVEMBER 23-31, Camp Sister Spirit sponsors its annual trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The organization is seeking donations of medical supplies, small toys, and school and craft supplies to take·to Mexico. Departure is from New Orleans and lodging is at a hotel on the island. Flight and accommodations are very reasonable. , For information contact Camp Sister Spirit, P.O. Box 12, Oven, MS 39464, (601)344-1411, sisterspir@aol.com. The Evangelical Network 10th Annual Conference FEBRUARY 21-23, The Downtown Ramada Inn in Phoenix is the setting for this conference themed "A Time To Heal," focusing on an exploration of spiritual, emotional and·physical healing. The conference offers workshops, worship services, fellowship and sharing. For information write to TEN, P.O . Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ 85011-6104. Christian Communit News Convention matks 20 years for Brethren/Mennonite group. TWO HUNDRED PEOPLE joined · included a tour of the National Galtogether Oct. 11-13 in Washington, lery of Ari, a .banquet and 20th anni- D.C., to celebrate Jhe 20th anniver- versary party, a charity auction that sary of the Brethren/Mennonite raised $2,600 for BMC, and an oppor- Council of Lesbian and Gay Concerns. !unity to participate in the AIDS Gay, lesbian, b,isexual, and hetero- candlelight vigil on the evening of sexual supporters of the organization Oct. 12 with 150,000 other people. gathered for the sixth BMC conven- , One workshop, "Struggle & lion centered around the . theme, Strength: Stories of LesBiGay Stud- "Piecing New Patterns from Old ents" served as a catalyst to form a Cloth :' The theme tied the event new group, The College Network with the AIDS Memorial Quilt that (TCN), gives gay, lesbian and bisexthe Names Project brought to the cap- ual young people opportunities to itol that same weekend. share stories and find support as they Leadership for the convention was come out to their family, their provided by Phil Porter and Cynthia friends, and their communities. An e- Winton-Henry, founders of the · mail network is now being formed . WING IT! performance ensemble, and Readers may contact Monica Haines church leaders in the United Church (mooream@mail.auburn.edu) or of Christ and Disciples of Christ M o n i c a K a u f m a n respectively. As dancers, story- (monicajk@goshen.edu) for informatellers, and performance artists, lion on TCN. Porter and Winton-Henry created a BMC provides support for Brethren space for the group to share their own and Mennonite gay, lesbian, and ., stories and struggles, and to celebrate bisexual people, and their parents , the connection of body and soul, sexu- spouses, relatives, and friends and ality and spirituality . The closing supports all person as they seek to worship, led by Porter and Winton- know God' s will for their lives , Henry, focused on naming the com- including those open to same-sex relamunity gathered as the community in tionships, those seeking a life of cel- Revelation · 3: 7-13, a people · who ibacy and those exploring question of while persecuted by the world were sexual· orientation. Readers may condearly loved by God. tact coordinator Jim Sauder at Other activities at the convention (612)305-0315 for more information. Church & Or anization News . Gay Pentecostals open second international church, web site THE NATIONAL GAY Pentecostal Alliance has opened its second overseas church, Apostolic Mission of the Rising Sun, in the southeastern Ukraine . Brothers Leonid Shvedov and Vyacheslav Karpukhin are the founders. This follows the opening of St. Peter's Lighthouse Apostolic Church in SI. Petersburg, pastored by Bro. A Basarguine. Bro. Sergei Bashkirev is the coordinator of NGPA's work in Russia and several other former Soviet republics. The NGPA has also opened a web site at http://www.cris.com/~NGPA where visitors can explore information such as the history and beliefs of the alliance, a directory of NGP A churches, information on same-sex unions in Scripture, and personal testimonies of some of the church's members. NGP A Foreign Missions publishes a bimonthly newsletter in Russian, Apostol s ky Golos, (The Apostolic Voice), for the brethren in Russia and the Ukraine . For information on NGP A Missions or the Ukrainian chu_rch readers may contact NGPA Foreign Missions, P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, NY 12301- 1391, ngpa@concentric.net. ARE YOU SPONSOWNG A CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN GAYS AND LESBIANS?? YOU CAN TAKE THE SPIRIT QFYQUR CONFERENCE ALL ACROSS AMERICA THROUGH CABLE ACCESS. WE PROVIDE QUALI'IY, LOW COST VIDEOTAPING AND EDITING FOR TELEVISION BROADCAST . CALL: WORD OF LIFE MINISTRIES (504) 883-8281 FOR MORE INFO. BOOK BARGAINS Save as much as 50%1 1Wr1te your order in t11e Paymtr1t lnformat1011· ~ection of the order form on page 22 I CHlllS1WI PERSPECT1VES ON SEXUALITY AND GENDER edted by Mian Thateher and Elizebeth Stuart. A collee11on .,t l~rtant articles for all i[ltarested sexuality and gender Issues from a Christian PMl)9Ctive. P'l)9f. Wis 19.95 NOW 14.15 A SEPARATE CREATION: Tho Search for the Bio- ~8/i.~ .o~i'f.~O=-:~ ll'f Chander SONG.LINES: Hymns, Songs, Rounds, and Refrains for Pray"' and Praise l>f. Miriam Tha<ese v.lnter. Bnngs together a 5p9Cial collection of _selected hvmn t9>Cls and songs. Paper. W!S1495IIOW111115 SEXUAL IDENTITY OH THE JOB: Issues and ~"f.;:, _E~ 1r95~.'.'9illis and Ellen Rig- HEALTH CARE FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN: controntil/f. Homophobia and Heterosexism. ~eg,: NO:~et9fSOII, OOW. Paper. THE MASCULINE MARINE l>f Steven Z99land. t~u•~~in lhe Mannes. Paper. 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YUGOSLAVIAN INFERNO: Etlvloraligious W!!fare In the Balkans bv Mojzes. Hlrdcover. Wls24.95 NOWIO.al WOIEN AT WORSHP: Interpretations of North ¢=,~ ~~ 17/ Smith and Y,lilon. Pl!J9f. SEASONS OF THE FEIINIIE DIVINE: Cycle C Christian Ferrinisl Prayers for the Lilllgical Cyde b\'Sctrnil. P8j)OI. Wis 13.95 NOW U5 SEASONS OF THE FEIIININE DIVINE: Cycle A Christian Feminisl Prayers for the Lilll'gical Cycle bv Mary Kathleen Speege Sclmll Papi,,. Wis 13.95 NOW U15 NOW DARE EVERYTHING: Tales of liV -Related f'sycl'llthelarlv bv Dansl<y. Paper. Wis 1:195 l¥iN f1.95 GUESTS IN THEIi OWN HOUSE: The W:,men of Vatican II bv Carma! McEr,oy. Pr!pOf. Wis 19.95 IIOW 11.95 HOMOSEXUALITY AND CIIIISTWI. COIIIJNITY. Princeton Theological Seminary faculty actlress pract~al Issues pertaining to gays ·ana lesbians in the .Chll'clt Edted bv Choen-Leong S- . PIJ)9f'. Wis 1499 NOW 12.15' REVIVINQ 1IE 'llltBE: Regenarating_!lay Men's Sexuality and Cu!ll'e In the Omolng Ep1Qlf11_ • le by Eric l«il86. Pllper. Wls14.95D7J5 Ill THE HOMOSEXUAL MY IEIGHBOR? Ravised and ~ed bv Scanzor, and Mollenkolt. Paper. W!s11.00N0Wt.N JESUS ACTED UP: A Gay and L.est,;an Manileslo . by Goss. P1!>9f. Wis 1400 NOW 10.N GAY AND LESBIAN STUDIES IN ART IISTORY by l)a,,;s_ Pr!pOf. Wis 19.95 NOW 15.15 IEISTER ECKHART AND THE BEGIRNE MYS• TICS Di lkGinn. Haa:over. Wis 19.95 NOW 15.95 THE SECOND PLAQUE OF EUROPE: AIDS Prevertion and Sexual Transrrission Aff'Cng Men in ='rJ: ~Pollak. Pr!pOf. ANO THE FLAG WAS STI.L THERE: StraiQ!lt People, Gay PEIOflle and Sexuality in the U.S. "1'ili· taryl>fShaw,er. PIJ)9f'. Wis 19.95NOW1U5 AFAEKETE: An Artholog)r of Blacl< Lesbian VU ing bv McKinley and Delaney. Hardcover. Wis ~7.95 NOVI 22.15 IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD, gay Episcopal ~~~~ 1~ by F9fl}'. Harci,over. :s~~f~~~ t,,,Stol<es Paper. JESUS: Miriam's Ctild, &,phia's Prtf)het b\' Fior• enza Harci,over. W!s 22.95 NOW 18.95 (:1~9~~:~~ITY by Jim Sears. Paper. GAYS, LESBIANS, AND CONSU/AER BEHAVIOR: Theory, Practice and Research Issues in Market• ing Edted bv Daniel L Wardow, PhD. Paper. Was17.95NOW8.95 THE WORD IS OUT: The Bille Reclaimed lor Lesbians and Gay Men. 365 deilv medlalions. By Chris Glaser. Pllper. Was 1200 t{()w 9.95 KNOW MY NAME: A Gay Liberation Theolog,,. By Richard Cleaver. ~ies Imation theologf to the stnme ti rJff men and lesbians in the chll'clt W!s15.99NOW1:US GENDER SHOCK: Expfoclng the Myths ol Male and Female. By Pf¥1is Bul1<e. Exarrines Ille coming revolution in human identity sparked 1>f QEl(lder independerw::e. Hardcover. l'es23.95 NOW 15.15 WE WERE BAPTISED TOO: Clairring Gods Groce for Lasbians and Gays. By Marilyn Bennett Alex· aooer and James Preston v.tth a lllf9"11rdb; DesrroodTIAu. P8j)OI. Wis 16.99NOW14.95 THE PSALMS: Me<itations for Every Day of the Year. Bv Joan Chittlst9f. Paper. Wls$1~95NOWU5. PASTOR, I All GAY. A B,pisl pastor's journey toward llldarstanding fP.i men and lesbians trom a Chistian P9fS!)OCflve. By Rev. H:Jward H. Bess. Wis 15.00N0Wh2J5 . GA YELLOW PAGES. Greater Northeast E<ition 131. 1986-1997. W!s9.95NOW7.95 GAYELLOW PAGES. South/Southern MiclM>st 6tionll2, 1996-1997. Wls9.95NOW7.95 UNCOIIION CAI.LING: A Gay Cmstian's Strugge to· Ser,,o the CtlJrclt ~ed with a new introduction, conclusion, and llhologaphs. By Chis Glaser. Paper. Wis 19.99 NOW 17.95 HIDE l SPEAK: How to Ff89 OLIS8lves lrom 011' Secrets. Bv Rev. K'illr9!Vl Cheny. Hard::over. Wis 1&95 IIOW ll.116 WHAT GOD Al.LOWS: The Crisis of Faffh and Conscience In one· Catholic Church. By Ivor Shapiro. A year in the life of St. Palls Crurch in Kenff'Cre, New York, irclucing a )'01119 priest's conirgooJ. Ha!d:oYer. W!s23.95NOW1t.15 JOURNAL OF GAY, LESBIAN, All> BISEXUAL IDENTITY, Voh1ne 1, Nu- 1 t,{HIIMn Sciences Press. Pr!pOf. Wis 27.~ NOW 11Jl5 WHATTIE 8111.E REAl.l Y SAY$ ABOUT HOii(). =~~ s%. ~1~,:.,":,f/ radcal re.v Wis 9.95 HOWi.ii. HEALING JOURNEY: The Fl!JO( of Heaven. ~ided W!s~~t~=e !ape 17f Rev. Deame PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DE~EMBER. 1996 TheGo od Book: Reading the Bible With Mind and Heart Harvardp reachesra ysB ible is a hxlk of inclusion Books By Robin Estrin Associated Press Writer CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - Peter J. Gomes is a preacher who defies stereotypes. He's an ordained Baptist minister who presides over Harvard University's non-denominational Memorial Church. And he's a black, gay Republican. He's also Harvard's Plummer Professor of Christian Morals. But he knows that title might not sit well with the Jerry Falwells of the world. "I'm sure I don't fit your idea of Christian morals, which is why I think you're quite wrong," he said in a recent interview in his basement office at Memorial Church, gesturing A persP,ectifvroe m the margin The Wit11essc onsiders today's societal, cultural and religious issues from a leftwing, Anglican, and frequently iconoclastic perspective. Each issue is topical; study guides and back issues are available. For more information and/or a complimentary copy, call: 313-962-2650; fax: 313-962- 1012. For a one-year subscription send $25 to The Witness, 1249 Washington Blvd., Suite 3115, Dept. SS, Detroit, Ml 48226. Visa and Mastercard accepted. as if in imaginary debate. "They have patented the notion of Christian morals, but .it is not theirs to coin or mint." Gomes (rhymes with homes) rejects the anti-gay Biblical interpretations of the so-called religious right. And in his new book, "The Good Book: Reading the Bible With Mind and Heart," published in November by William Morrow, he argues the Bible's words support him. Throughout history, he says, some Christians have manipulated the Bible to oppress certain groups: Jews, women, black.s and homosexuals. And it's those Christians who claim to be most devout who traditionally have been the biggest oppressors, he says: the white Southern Baptists who perpetuated slavery, for example, and the German Nazis who executed millions of Jews. But, "Just because white people had. abused Scripture didn't mean Scripture was abusive," he said. "I wanted black people, women and homosexuals, among others, to see and to hear that the Bible was both for them and with them," he wrote. But it's also for the white, Christian mainstream - those who might tome to understand that the Bible's authors never meant to persecute, he said. However, he does not expect everyone to be swayed by his ideas. His words, he said, will do nothing "for those whose minds are already so firmly made up they operate out of prejudice." Gomes says he felt a moral imperative to examine the · text ·of the Bible and explain what he sees as its true contextual meaning. Those who use the Bible to denigrate gays and lesbians have taken the boo~'s words out of its historical context, 1\e argues. · "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is· an ab.ornination," Leviticus 16:22 reads. When the Old Testament was written, Gomes argues, homosexuality was seen as a risk to the Jews' cultural identity a_nd- procreation. But that does not mean yod disapproves of all homosexual relationships. "The biblical writers never contemplated a form of homosexuality in which loving, monogamous and PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER1, 996 liil IMW ff weeermws-#INMi4%HiiMfiWi1Mil faithful persons sought to live out the implications cif the gospel with as much fidelity to it as any heterosexual believer," he wrote. "All they knew of homosexuality was prostitution, pederasty, lasciviousness and exploitation." Gomes' moral imperative to write the book became especially clear five years ago. It was 1991, and a conservative Harvard undergraduate magazine devoted an entire issue to attacking gays and lesbians. The authors, most of whom were conservative Roman Catholics, argued that homosexuality should be condemned on biblical grounds. The journal outraged many on campus. And Gomes was asked to address a Harvard Yard rally from the porch · of Memorial Church, over which he has presided for 22 years. He was asked to speak as a calming influence, not as a gay tnan. Indeed, few knew of his sexual orientation at the time. After all, this was the man who had prayed .at the inaugurals of Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Gomes hadn't planned on disdosing his sexuality that day. But he did, he wrote, because he wanted to demonstrate "that there was more than one way to read the Bible." His book, however, devotes only' five pages to his own corning out. His primary intention was to help others find meaning and virtue - and, ultimately, religion. The Right Reverend Lord Runcie, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, calls Gomes' work "easily the best contemporary book on the Bible for thoughtful people" and one "we desperately need." Gomes also contends the Bible is silent on abortion, and that abortion protesters have misinterpreted Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not .kill." , A more accurate tran~lation frortl the Hebrew would be, "Thou shalt do no murder," Gomes said. In Hebrew, murder refers to the premeditated taking ·of life outside the womb; killing was associated with the ritual slaughter of animals for sacrifice. Gomes, 55, is a short, stocky man with an expressive face, demonstrative hands and a strong, theatrical voice. He has a lifelong love of antiques - his church office and his Plymouth home are full of them - and is partial to three-piece suits, adorned by a gold pocket watch. Gomes preaches to a wide variety of faiths in his Sunday sermons at the 17th century Memorial Church. Time Magazine once called him one of the country's top seven preachers. The only child of a middle-class _black couple in Plymouth, Gomes fell in 'love with ·religion as a small boy; His mother was a Baptist, and he attended Sunday morning services at the town's predominantly white Baptist church. But Sunday nights, he and his family would go to the tiny Bethel A.M.E. church with some 20 other black worshipers. Gomes majored in history at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and planned to study antique decorative arts after graduation. But a religion professor urged him on to Harvard's Divinity School. . There, he said, "I found it was possible to be both intelligent and thoughtful on the one hand and pious and believing on the other that •mind and heart thing." Memozyo oogkui desc hildrenth roughg rief "CHILDREN KNOW DEEP inside where they need to go to be healed," said Gretchen Gaines-Lane. "They will lead us." Gaines-Lane is the author of "My Memory Book: A Journal for Grieving Children," a new book for children age 6-12 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. A clinical social worker, G"aines-Lane brifiiS to this little book her approach to helping children cope successfully with the loss of loved one. She is a children's bereavement specialist at Montgomery Hospice Society in Rockville, Maryland, and is also in private practice. "My Memory Book" helps a child bring grief to closure by articulating in words and pictures memories and feelings about the lost loved one. The result is a book the child has done Gretchen Gaines-Lane, author of "My Memory Book'' him or herself, an appropriate tribute ·to treasure. "My Memory Book" is available for $11.45, including shipping, from Ch.i Rho Press, P;O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898. For information call (301)670-1859. C &f:& t:&1ffi½#iiifiiiiiiirr;¾ * fu#f£&,.44¥i¥fJi¥&4@¥5ii#il4iM® WW\EiWM '@\i M Gatherings Facintgh eh olidayasf tearl oss Videos By Rev. Richard B. Gilbert Contributing Writer • TO THINK ABOUT watching a Christmas video at the time this review was written didn't seem to fit. But "A Ray of Hope: Facing the Holidays Following A Loss" is not really about Christmas, or even "the holidays" per se, but about grief, about loss, and about any special events, days or traditions that crop up (rear their ugly head?) as we mourn. How "tough" are the holidays? They may not always be tough, artd not for all the bereaved, but they do present special challenges, a deepening of the intensity surrounding our loss, and new curves or detours in our feelings. "What do we do? How will we get through the holidays? I am so scared!" That is the holiday issue, the spe<;ial .days (anniversaries, birthdays, family ·ritual days, "minorholidays"), and they are in our grief work, too. Paul Alexander does a good job in "A Ray of Hope" of balancing insights, with subject themes clearly prese11ted on the screen, balanced by the sharing of individuals and groups. Perhaps I rea~ted differently because I knew so many on the video. It increased my sense of the credibility of what they are saying. I know them. I know their story. The information is something we need to hear . The video is divided neatly into subjects, with the balance of presentation and sharing, so we are able to select sections, and determine the pace, for our viewing and for the viewing of others. Christmas. Thanksgiving. Birthdays. Anniversary of a first date, a first kiss, an engagement. Mother's Day. Father's Day. So many different possibilities, because they are all your story, your memories . . There is something in this video that will help you approach · any of these significant days. Those of you who only know of Paul Alexander as a concert performer (which is a very special experience) need to see these very added and rich gifts that he has to offer. uA Ray of Hope: Facing the Holidays Following A Loss" is available for $39.95 from Paul Alexander, P.O. Box 125, Rockville Centre, NY 11571. Explorin'fga milyva luesr'e yondth et hetoric Books By Gip Plaster Contributing Writer Rainbow Family Values by Rev. Michael S. Piazza; Source of Hope Publishing, 1996 THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT often seems to be trying to destroy the lesbian and gay community, . but by forming stronger relationship with partners and others, the gay and lesbian community can become stronger than ever. Rev. Michael Piazza, whose .church serves a congregation of three thousand mostly gay and lesbian people and has already outgrown a 900 seat sanctuary completed in 1992, shares his personal experiences and research into gay ai1d lesbian relationships in his fourth book, Rainbow Family Values. The book is divided into two parts. First, Piazza Looks at family formation, then he offers advice on beginning a healthy family by starting with a committed rel"ationship with a partner . Piazza points out that right-wing religious zealots are destroying the family fabric of America by attacking gay and lesbian people. "Today, overt racism is socially frowned upon, and Communism has been defeated. The Radical Right requires another 'enemy,"' Piazza writes. But their rhetoric, he says, causes children . to be rejected and abused. "The hateful Right should b.e worried, because they are undermining the very institution they purport to esteem." - Piazza examines the Religious Right's attacks on gay and lesbian people and suggests the "Family of God's Dreams," made up of more than just one or two people, but of an extended family of choice - people who · may or may not be related by biology but are related by emotion. · The pastor says relationships don't have to be based on a committed couple. His relationship with Bill, his partner, though, forms the basis of his other relationships, which include two children (one adopted, the other born by artificial insemination) the mothers of his children and a circle of close friends. Piazza is the senior pastor of Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church. He pastored Methodist churches for almost a decade before joining Metropolitan Community Church. He hopes to build the Dallas church into a "Psychological Cathedral" for the lesbian and gay community, a goal that is rapidly becoming a reality as the congregation embarks on a plan to build a new church home designed by the worldfamous architect Philip Johnson. Most of Rai11bow Fainily Values is devoted to Piazza's advice for -couples. He uses his own relationship as an example as well as examples from the couples he has encountered in more than 20 years of pastoring Methodist and Metropolitan Community Church congregations. Piazza points out that many lesbian and gay people don't get to date as teens and often must either rush ahead with no experience to adult relationships or try to date like teens in later life. Neither is a really good option, he says. He encourages readers to enter relationships slowly. Time is important in relationships, he says, just as it is in cooking with yeast. "Without time, the proper chemical reaction does not occur-and you end up \Vith something that is halfbaked," .Piazza says. He notes four keys to forming healthy relationships: commitment, covenant,-communication and compatibility. Each have their own chapter, and he also provides several lists of do's and don'ts about forming and sustaining long term relationships. Ultimately, Piazza's book recommends relationship based on trust, mutuality, ·communication, prayer, love and fun. Piazza says he suggests readers live a life like Jesus -- the Jesus who turned water into wine at a wedding feast and called a group of outcasts who weren't biologically related to him his family. The Religious. Right may see healthy gay and lesbian relationships as a threat, but Jesus sees those relationships as modeled after God's plan. If the book is· not yet available in your area, it can be ordered from Cathedral of Hope at 800,501-HOPE. New CD: Gospel singer Melanie B crosses over Music NEWCOMER MELANIE B brings a fresh voice that celebrates the fun, the romance and even the· struggle of being gay /lesbian. Together with producer John Defoore, Melanie is soon to complete production on ·her first CD of lesbian and gay original music. In her music, singer/ songwriter Melanie reflects the broad· range of lesbian/ gay life and experience, speaking to the heartaches, love, hopes, fears and humor that is the reality. of lesbian/ gay life. Her thoughtful lyrics weave around musical styles ranging from blues to country to contemporary folk .. Her rich alto voice offers up tunes that touch the heart and remind you how good it is to be who you are and to love and be loved. Melanie, a West Texas native, has been a gospel singer/songwriter, teamer, and director of an organization she founded called Rainbow Ministries. She was director of the Office of Women's Concerns for a Protestant seminary while living in Kentucky from 1992-1994. Singer/songwrite r Melanie B While with Rainbow Ministries, she recorded two albums of original contemporary gospel music. However, in moving to the lesbian music genre, she feels she has found her niche and has answered her true calling. Melanie and her partner, Kathy, a writer and editor, reside in Tyler, Texas. Between them they have four sons, ages 11-14, who are with them periodically. To order Melanie's new CD, readers may write to Two Hearts Productions, P.O. Box 131552, Tyler, TX 75713, fax (903)595-5006. . PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 The Iru;lilable, faxable and e-mailable form for just a.rout everything. Subscribe Today. 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When you hear the tone, begin transmission . E-MAIL:Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMB'ER, 1996 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian cal correctness is the essential human task of "loving your neighbor as yourself ." Thank Goo I'm JX)litically correct(orwhyJ.C. wasP.C.) I recognize that the term "politically correct" originally was employed most fervently as an denunciation of liberal values by political religious extremists . Even so, I seek to rebuke the use of the term as a slur against what I consider to be basic Gospel values of compassion, self-less giving, and love. I also chastise liberals for glibly taking on the term of our oppressors in order to attack our own. It is quite clear that we have an English language fully furnished with other, more appropriate terms for our needs. We should be decrying those persons who are dogmatic, judgmental, and who use stealth tactics to promote their own agendas, yet let us not erode our own values through the casual use of our oppressor's language. fut Allen V. Harris Guest Comment IT HAS BECOME fashionable these days for both conservatives and liberals to ridicule "political correctness," a term that has only been in existence for about half a decade. While in the home of a cl;urch member at whose congregation we were leading antihomophobia workshops, my partner Craig and I watched televangelist Jerry Falwell preach, "It's gotta be J.C. not P.C.!" on the television. That was 1992. Today, it is not at all unusual for me to be reading an article in a lesbian/ gay or a progressive journal and come across a quote which vilifies political correctness as a tainted means of looking at life. The time has come for someone to speak out on this . Much of the problem lies in how we define our terms. If, by political correctness, you mean to speak of that way of viewing the world which SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971 . is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182; secstone@aol.com. Copyright 19% by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, u .s.A : $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)899- 4014 or write to P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements. church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com, Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey demands rigid adherence to a prescribed set of beliefs or rules, .then you should be speaking of dogmatism. If, by political correctness, you mean to speak of persons who are narrowminded, who can only see one view of the world - their own, then you should use a word such as judgmental or inflexible . If, by political correctness, you mean to speak of a secret or hidden strategy on the part of a group of people which is inserted into social and political agendas at any given - opportunity, then · you should be discussing stealth tactics and veiled schemes. While these facets of our common life together are also of concern to me, they are not the essence of what political correctness seeks to address. All of these are social and political ways of interacting which can be utilized by persons of any political stripe, conservative, moderate, or liberal. I believe that the original intent of political corr ectness was ess entially life-affirming . If one understands all of creation to have integral worth, · then one might be politically correct. If one lives from the value that being in community means not only appreciating other p ersons perspectives and needs, but actively working to ensure those needs are met, then one might be politically correct. If one views human history with a critical eye, confessing the persistent history of human intolerance, hatred, and selfcenteredness, then one might be politically correct. At its core, politi- ~~ Pontius' Puddle Practically speaking, when I am being politically correct, I may be showing my awareness that my own personal reality cannot be the sum total of my decision-making apparatus . I must extend myself to feel the ·frustration of a person in a wheelchair who cannot access restrooms in the church which I serve. Religious buildings remain the most inaccessible structures in our .society. I may be labeled politically correct \Vhen I stop a colleague in the middle of a joke which is clearly antiSemitic or racist, but as a responsible · citizen of this world I can do no other. Likewis e, I fully expect my family, friends, and colleagues to extend their realfty and speak up when lesbian and gay persons are left out of the picture wh en decisions a_re being made regarding human rights and common decency. It is true that there are better and worse way s of nurturing others to take responsibility for their unkind words fl<Etmy \./ONT 'BJ;: IN S0NDAV SCt-tOOL TCOAYNO, \4£ STA'/Et, HOl"\E. TO PLA'I wrn~ HIS COMP(}'T£.R. • · and deeds. An arrogant person is difficult to ·bear by anyone's account. Likewise there is a certain talent to the process of offering one's perspective in contrast to another's. I have found, however, that even the kindest attempt will oftentimes be labeled "rude" or "fanatical" by persons who do not want to address their own biases, no matter how gentle I may be. In the-end, I must ask myself whether or not I am speaking out on behalf of a greater good rather than out of my own need to control or belittle, and if so, then I cannot be silent. It is this greater good, the needs of "the least of these," that reminds me of my calling as a Christian. It is the model of Jesus Christ, who did not take into account the scorn of those who would mock his ways, but instead crossed the line and touched the leper, commissioned the prostitute, and befriended the tax collector. If this isn't politically correct behavior, then I don 't know what is. Rev. Allen V. Harris is one of the pastors of Park Avenue Christian Churc/1 (Disciples of Christ) in New York City. It is an Open & Affirming Congregation which tries to live up to its reputation of being politically correct, according to Rev. Harris. We welcome your letters and opinions .Write to Secane Stane. All letters must be origi~al ~nd s!gned by the writer. Clearly· indicate if your name 1s to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstane@aol.com or FAX to (504)899-4014 . WFMMMMMWA MORMONS, FromPagelO izations for children and young women. 15ut men hold all other leadership positions from bishops of local congregations to the approximately- 100-member hierarchy of the 9.6 million- member church. "It was the Lord who designated that men in his church should hold the priesthood," said Hinckley, who cited no scriptural or other reference· in the printed text of his remarks. · In a "60 Minutes" interview broadcast in April, Hinckley said only males hold the Mormon priesthood "because God stated that it should be so. That was the revelation to the church.That was the way it was set forth." Lavina Fielding Anderson, a member of the staff of the independent Mormon Women's Forum Quarterly, pointed out no revelation specifically excluding women from the priesthood. has ever been published or announced. "I think what we have here is a case of · interpretive drift. ·ooctrine is being invented to bolster a tradition," said Anderson, who was excommunicated in 1993 for publication of a paper detailing church leaders' conflicts with Mormon intellectuals and feminists . The male-only priesthood has been criticized for years by a small minority of Mormon women. Some have been excommunicated or otherwise disciplined for raising the issue publicly. In his conference address Oct . 6, Hinckley_ acknowledged that among Mormon ·women, there is "a certain spirit of independence, and yet great satisfaction in being a part of this the Lord's kingdom and of working hand in hand with the priesthood to move it forward." "You sisters are the real builders of the nation wherever you live. For you have created homes of strength and peace and security. These become the very sinew of any nation," he said . Beverly Hoppe, an active Mormon who works for the Veterans Administration in Salt Lake City, watched Hinckley's address on '.elevision and felt he succeeded in conveying concern for the plight of single mothers. "My opinion is that President Hinckley wanted to assure women in the church of their inherent value in the sight of God and in the sight of the leaders of the church," she said. In an afternoon a_ddress, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told husbands not to urge their wives into the workplace at the expense of their children. "One of Satan's most effective approaches is to demean the role of wife and mother in the home," Scott said. "This is an attack at the very heart of God's plan to foster love between husband and wife, and to nurture children in an atmosphere of understanding, peac~, appreciation and support." Hinckley also had a message for men, upbraiding husbands who "put on a fine face before the world during the day" and go home and abuse their wives and children. "No man who engages in such evil and unbecQming behavior is worthy of the priesthood of God," he said. classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]SepK:lct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Booksiflubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment .[ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Gani Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]March [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Tr~vel [ ]Videos Your name __________________ _ Add res..._ ________________ _ City/State/Zip'-----'--------,---------- Your ad copy ________________ _ How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure l;>y .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to : Second Stone , P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 . If your ad has less than 20 words, think of some more words . If today is after the first of the month, it's too late for the current issue .. Just like the grocery store, you have to p,iy for it before you get it. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears . TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFCRMATION ON PAGE 22. PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1996 classif. BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Pullen', . Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist church in Jesse Helms' hometown decided as a congregation to offer rituals of blessing for gay and lesbian couples. The church's history with gay issues, discussion · within the congregation, reaction from outsiders, exp ulsion by fellow Baptists . celebl'lltions of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by lesbian Pat Long, the only 11out 11 deacon during the process . Send $10. plus $1.25 postage to BOOK , Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF "\Vui ·JDERFUL DIVERSITY ," "Heartily reco mmended." · "'Philosophic al.Iy intrig. uing ." "Excell ent." Why do re.viewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great· articles and lively · columns . make this b;idge of dialogue between Chri stian s and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. . Subscribe for only $1Z.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50 . CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS HOLYGHOSTAI..lEDOffiISTIAN! 37 . years GWM seeks stable same or older. I am attractive 5'7", 155 • lbs, Br/Bl living in · Houston, Texas. Enjoy old movies, friends , working out, but -mostly I love the Lord. Not into drugs, bars, smoking(anything), or pr°" miscuous sex . Old ·fashioned in many ways, like love. I enjoy a fast pace filled with laughter and decency. Rather high energy . If interested write: Personal, P.O . Box 7360, The Woodlands, TX 773';!;7. 12/96 GENERAL INTEREST GOSPEL ASSEMBLY - Anyone formally or .currently attending a church commonly known as Gospel Assembly or School of the Prophets: If you are dealing with gay/lesbian issues contact me ASAP. G.A. Inquiry, P.O .Box 7360, The Woodlands, TX 77387 . Complete discretion observed. 12/96 BIBLE, FromPage6 "As long as we enshrine Scripture inside archaic language, it will never be able to make the impact on the 21st century the way it did on the centuries that went before." When the Pilgrims land ed, Keylock said, they thought the 9-year-old, government-sponsored King James Version was work of the devil. The Pilgrims considered their "Geneva Version" the only God-inspired English translation. "No one iranslation has been 'inspired' by God in the same way the original text was," Comfort writes . "King James enthusiasts would discover the ir Bible reading would be infused with fresh life and new light If they read a modern version (also)." WHISPERING PINES Bed & Breakfast Hospitality In Our Home. In the heart of the Son°" ma-Napa wine country, "hidden in wooded hills, you will find a qui et, peaceful and relaxed setting . •Full country breakfast •Privat~ entrance •Private ba th •Queen · bed • Wood burning stove •Air conditioning •Hot tub and pool -Close to wineries, balloon and glider rides •Close to mud bath and message •Pets okay in outside kennel •Smoking in outside designated areas •$105 one night/$190 two ~ights. 5950 Erland Road, Sonoma County, CA 95404. Phone /Fax (707)539-0198. LESBIANS - Study seeks lesbians for telephone interviews about feelings and barriers related to breast exams. Confidentiality guar anteed. Seeking midwest women, over 51, with no cancer and no mammogram in last 13 months. Please call 1-800-991-5539. 12/96 CAN'T GEf TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowship, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809. 12/96 PASTOR SEEKS CHURCH - compassion .ate, Southern rai sed, seminary trained, Hi years ministry experience, with vision and charisma. Seeking affirming congregation that desires to meet the spiritual/physical needs o r their community. Contact: Brother Christian , P.O . Box 2411, Mill valley, CA 94941. 2/97 ORGANIZATIONS THE CENTER FOR PASTORAL CARE, 3180 Gennan Church Road, Mansfield; OH 44904 , (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy 10: 15. Followed by a lite brunch. Retreats, "'.Orkshops and pastoral counseling. Rev. Daniel Dickman , M.Div, M.Ed. 2/97 Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni of Principia Upper School and /or Coll ege, for infonnation write: David, Apt. 124, 2900 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington , DC 20008. E-mail: Mrblanc @aol.com . B EX-GAY, FromPage12 glers" and "proclaim s the biblical understanding that homosexual behavior is sin, and that hope and healing are available to all persons through the transforming power of God through Jesus Christ." Board members also went on record saying that they will organize to support any entities who desire to withhold their giving from those things . "they deem inconsistent with the Gospel." "This action does. not make them unfaithful to their calling in Christ or disloyal to the church," the board said . "Coercion to support actions or causes inconsistent with one's Christian conscience display an authoritar. ian spirit unbecoming of the Gospel." 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 Second Stone #49 - Nov/Dec 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6248c257fe5e8a7fad33e6cd47292a6a.pdf 3b41370872320f4da14eb44bba18ad18 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 48 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published Sept/Oct 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS . 2.95 Lesbian and gay Christians prayed for OOMA defeat WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Sunday, September 1, in Metropolitan Community Churches and other churches across the country, lesbian and gay Chri stians were asked to fast and pray for the defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act. · · Rev. Troy Perry, founder and Presid- · ing Elder of the UFMCC called DOMA, " ... one of the most dangerous and misleading bills in the nation's history. To say that Congress and the President can permit one state to disregard a legal marriage from another is to ignore the spirit and the letter of the U.S. Constitution and its full faith and credit guarantees. Of Dr. Mel White, Justice Minister for the Uni versal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches began a fast in front of the Capitol on Sept. 4 to pray for the defeat of DOMA. SEE FAST, Page 10 tz,t-@li i§%'. Ji@:1 1li\;it"m:i~,1!/!Jffli41l ial!t it! @@MM\il@t!l1>1 !!'4itl!l1Wi-'#4/M¾ ·!:#£1'11 Anti-gay marriage bill will \ not stand, activists say WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate 's passage of the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act is nothing more than election-year gay bashing and is destined to be undone, a spokesperson for the Human Right s Campaign said Sept. 10. First time? Second Stone's about being gay and Christian. If this is the first time you've seen Second Stone, turn to page 2 to read more about being a gay Christian. You 're also invited to visit an Outreach Partner near you: Richmond, Indiana Long Beach, California Memphis, Tennessee Louisville, Kentucky Kansas City, Missouri Dayton, Ohio Dallas, Texas (See page 3 for inform.ation .) m~~ [ NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL ''The Human Rights Campaign is appalled over the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act," said Elizabeth Birch, executive director of HRC, the largest lesbian and gay political organization . "Denying lesbians and gay people equal marriage · rights will not stand . HRC vows to continue . to fight this legislatively and in our country's courts of law and public opinion ." Birch also deplored the Senate's failure to pass the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA), a bill to outlaw discrimination against gay people in the workplace . However, she said some important accomplishments were achieved nonetheless. "We are saddened by today's vote and believe that it underscores why we must stay focused and engaged this el ection year and elect a Congress that supports treating people SEE DOMA, Page 3 By Rev. Dr. Rembert S. Truluck Contributing Writer F EAR OF RELIGION and the used the Bible to justify the Jewish holocaust of pain and destruction and death during World War II. Slave merchants and owners used the Bible Bible has often developed among to justify and maintain slavery in the people who hav e been abused and United Stat es up to and beyond Presioppre s sed by religion: women, gays · dent Lincoln's Emancipation Proclaand lesbians, divorced • people, mation . Racial segregation was and racially mixed couples, people of col- still is · defended and preached by or, and many other minorities. Jesus many ignorant Bible abusers. came to set people free from sick and The history of Bible abuse against abusive religion. oppressed people has come to climac- The Bible has been used for centuries tic expression in the outpouring of to control and injure misunderstood and oppressed minorities . The Nazis SEE RECOVERY, Page 7 J BU.K RATE US POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS LA PERMIT No. 511 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Please see page 22 for information on becoming a new subscriber. Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this ropy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, th.ere's a Second S.tone Outreach Paru1er in your area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as ·ir' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay progran1 cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church couuselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of .being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the Ameri can Psycho logical Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has . God's natur e is to draw you closer to Him , not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, · bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among us , and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfislmess or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church fai led to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and vi9lence will be seen as a terrible wrong . As Ep iscopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a foliowcr of society, not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church.) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. There are many Christian churches and organizations arouud the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders ; choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or .thought much about God, you were created by a loving God MY PARENTS KEPT TELLING ME ABOUT THE TERRIBLE 'CHOICE' I WAS MAKING FOR MY LIFE. I WAS REALLY CONFUSED UNTIL IT DAWNED ON ME THAT THE 'CHOICE ' WASN'T MINE TO MAKE. GOD MADE WHO I AM. THE CHOICE I HAVE TO MAKE IS HOW I AM GOING TO LIVE MY LIFE . who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: 1. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit \!trough the Bible , prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God 's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing . 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may · be able to PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 recommend a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us. If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; S:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straigh t - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports COlillnitment and fidelity in loving relationships . Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helmiitiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male -male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy l • 10. All these texts are concerned wi t11 something ot11er than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay .or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an answer... The Bible never addresses that question. . More than that , the Bible seems d eliberately unconcerned about it. I would like explore further. What canl'donow? While there are many good books and videos available, t11ere' s something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered ." You may want to check out a llli1tistry in your area with a specific outreach to gays ai1d lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to co1mect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (There is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is al ways at work around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silen t about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate t11eir sexuali ty with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. the other * &54' ¥· Protesting passage of DOMA Front ~ag~ cover items conunued & late stories Episcopal priest won't sign maniage licenses THE REV. JAN NUNLEY, redor of situation as an opportunity to teach DOMA, From Pagel · equally and fairly," she said at a · news conference after the two votes. "The civil rights struggle in this country has been a long journey and we will, with steadfast commitment, continue working toward the day when America's promise of life; liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be true for gay Americans as well." The vote on ENDA "represents a small but profound victory ," Birch said. "The U.S. Senate, for the first time in the history of this country, debated and voted on a major piece of civil rights legislation for gay people," she said. "Though the outcome is not what we had hoped, it lays a strong foundation for work in the next Congress." The Senate voted 85 - 14 on the Defense of Marriage Act, a bill to RICHMOND, INDIANA NOW FORMING Other -Sheep Ecumenical Christian Ministry Richmond, Ind., Chapter Write or call Other Sheep P .O. Box 2448 Richmond, IN 47375-2448 (317)966-4458 LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH LONG BEACH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST An Open and Affirming Congregation We welcome you to worship in a nurturing environment. 241 Cedar Ave , Long Beach CA 90802 (310) 436-2256 • fa~ (310) 436-30H http://usars.aol.comlravmekflndax.html allow states to ignore same-sex marriages performed in any other state. No state currently recognizes samesex marriages. Shortly after passing the anti-gay marriage bill, the Senate defeated the ~mployment Non-Discrimination Act by a vote of 49 - 50. Currently, it is legal in 41 states to fire employees merely for being gay or lesbian. "With today's vote, the struggle for gay rights has been embraced by the longstanding civil rights struggle in this country," Birch said. "We have also established bipartisan support for treating gay people fairly . And finally, it is no longer a question of if we will win equal rights, it is a question of when." Birch also called on President Clinton, ''in the strongest possible terms," to veto the Defense of Marriage Act. "This bill is discriminatory, unconstitutional and nothing more than election-year gratuitous gay bashing," she said. "The Defense of Marriage Act violates a cornerstone of our nation's most basic principal of fairness, that all people are equal in the eyes of the law." St. Peter's and St. Andrew's Episco- all couples about the covenarttal pal Church in Providence, R.I. said nature of Christian marriage, which following the Senate's approval of she said transcends the contractual the Defense of N\arriage Act .that she aspects of a legal relationship. would no longer sign marriage . "Maybe this is the shot heard round licenses or act in any way as an agent the block," Nunley reflected, "but of the State for mixed-gender couples. it's one small way I can say no." "I've been praying about this for quite a while," Nunley said, "and after passage in the Senate I've been led to take action." Nunley said she would not sign marriage licenses until same-gender couples are respected "on an equal footing in both Federal ·and State law." "I will continue to bless the Christian relationships of couples of mixed gender just as: I will bless couples of the same gender, as is fitting for a priest," the pastqr said. "It is, after all, the couple who act as the ministers in Holy Matrimony . The ordained convey blessing on what already exists by the grace of God." Nunley also said she viewed the the NEWS continues on Page 10 DALLAS, TEXAS Holy Trinity Community Church If l/4me, /oF EIH,FJ l!e-aFt/ 4402 Roseland Ave. Dallas, Texas 75204 , (214) 827-5088 The Rev. Chuck Campbell, Pastor DAYTON, OHIO COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHURCH P.O. BOX 163-4 • DAYTOll', omo 45401 Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. DISCOVER YOVR DESTINY! ALL ARE WELCOME m H ts: 546 Xenia Ave. Dayton, Ohio Sunday 10 am MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE W HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVING THE MID-SOUTH Sunday School- I 0:00 a.m. Morning Worship- I I :00 a.m. Sunday Evening- 7 :00 p,m. Wednesday Bible Study- 7:00 p.m. IS59 Madison Ave.'ii'Memphis, TN 38104 90 I /726-9443 Rev. Timothy Meadows, Sr. Pastor LOUISVILLE , KENTUCKY Everybody needs a little Third Lutll.er.m Church t 864 Frankfort Avenue Loulsvlllc, KY 40206 896-6383 Worship: Sunday 11 AM Trinity Luther.m Church 1432 Htghland Avenue Loulsvllle, KY 40204 587-8395 Worship: Sunday 9:30 AM Rev. Phil Garber Reconciled in Christ Congregations Everyone is invited You are invited Ew MAIL: Rl!l'SamuelK@aol cam vi~it our WebSite! http://www.home.aoLcomlrMa1TtJ1elk ~ 513-252-8855 REV. SAMUEL KADER, PASTOR KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at ... ~ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 (816) 452-1222 Caring for People and Creation (North of the River) · Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:00 am PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 -- - --·- ·-- --'-- • - -- - 1m . t #M¥+f4?Wr e *¥ 1 ¥ .'A ⇒ 1 _i , 8f # ·" • Prayer •The Bible • Words & Deeds Frred fiom his diocese, 'vn;tual bishop' reaches out by internet By Mort Rosenblum Special Correspondent PARIS - The pope took away Jacques Gaillot's flock, but fate gave him a Macintosh. No longer a rural bishop, he is monsignor to the masses, championing the downtrodden with a worldwide reach via the Internet. "I don't know much about this electronic .business, but it seems to work," said Gaillot, .who as a 60-year-old politically active priest still likes noisy street ll\arches and living with squatters . "Maybe this will help." He offered a technophile's tally of who has approached his "virtual diocese" on the information superhighway. In just the first six weeks of 1996, his Web site had a quartermillion "hits." The number of interactive readers now soars. From Sydney to Sitka, he is consulted on everything from poignant spiritual dilemmas to matters better left to an advice columnist. Gaillot, still a Roman Catholic bishop, planned to be among the prelates welcoming Pope Jean Paul II to France on Sept. 19. He did not expect overwhelming warmth. "I miss my parishioners, but now I can address people · everywhere," he said, . irony playing across the soft features of a round, gentle face. "I must remember to thank the Holy Father." In January 1995, Gaillot was fired from his post as bishop of Evreux, a diocese of 550,000 Catholics northwest of Paris, an area that includes desperate ghettos of Arab and African immigrants. No explanation was given, but the ______________ hierarchy apparently had enough of Gaillot's outspoken and muchpublicized stands against French policies on immigrants, the homeless and others known as the excluded. Ecumenical & Inclusive We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant tradition s involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps , please write us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 M~rcy of God Community • • • Gaillot also defends gays and lesbians, supports marriage for priests and speaks out on other matters that he says involve individual choice rather than religious doctrine . Reaction was lively, and mixed. Thousands thronged the majestic SEE BISHOP, Next Page )ltlli. of this issue of Second • Stone. t•o111es Ideal f.or study II groups and bar ministry! sale SEETHE ORDERFORM . ON PAGE22 • . : ... Teenager heading offto;: college reflects on life with lesbian mother By Anne Wallace Allen Associated Press Writer CLARENDON SPRINGS, Vt. - Erin Gluckman didn't know it when .she stood up before a hall full of strangers at a public hearing last summer, but she was coming out of the closet - a place she'd hidden as the child of a gay parent. Gluckman was 16, and the occasion was a June 1995 hearing on one woman's campaign to move a children's book about two gay men to a special shelf in the public library. "I did not choose to be straight, just as my mother did not choose to be a lesbian," Gluckman told the crowd. Until that night, Gluckman hadn't told many people that she grew up in the home of her lesbian mother, Lynne Barton, and her mother's partner Lynn Reardon. 'From the age of 10, when she found out her mother was gay, she had kept her home life private. "I was scared that people who I knew would find out. I was afraid my teachers would grade me lower because of it," said Gluckman, now a poised and athletic 18-year-old starting her freshman year at Hampshire College in Massachusetts. "I wa·s very paranoid about it for the longest time." · But when about 400 people gathered last summer to give testimony for and against relocating a book about gays out of children's reach, Gluckman was moved to say she had turned out just fine. "Let me get one thing straight: I like men," Gluckman told the crowd. The Rutland library hearing was a turning point for Gluckman. It was the first time she had told her friends her mother was gay. And it wasn't nearly as hard as she thought. "I guess it's a lot easier to say in a public place where a lot of strangers are listening ," Gluckman said . In fact, telling turned out to be a relief. "I really wanted not to hide. It kept me so uptight," she said. "After the hearing, the next day I went into school and all my friends were cheering for me and saying great things . It was terrific ." Gluckman's story isn't that unusual, said Stefan Lynch, the director of a San Franci s co-based group called Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere, or Colage. · Children of gay parents usually hide . the truth about their family until they feel secure enough to come out, often in their late teens, Lynch said. "A lot of kids kind of fear these terrible reactions, and sometimes they materialize, and often ·· they don't," said Lynch, 24, himself the child of a lesbian and a gay man who separ<!ted when he was very young. "Because what you hear about lesbian and gay .people from some sources ... is not necessarily what everyone thinks." Gluckman's parents got divorced when she was 8 years old, and she · grew up with · her mother, who is an artist and a teacher. She was about 10 when she found out her mother was gay. She didn't tell anyone. ·"I was · very into normal when I was younger," said Gluckman. But hiding her mother's sexual orientation "was a strain. It kept me so limited," she said. Even though she didn't tell, Gluckman thinks some of her friends figured it out. "Lynn was always here when they came over," she said. Gluckman remembers kids in school making jokes aboul gay people in general, but she doesn't remember anyone harassing her family because her mother was gay. "For the most part people who knew were supportive," she said. "And if not supportive, respectful." And she doesn't remember how she first found out that some people thought being gay was wrong . But over the years, she did find out. "I remember one year my mother marched in a Halloween parade in Rutland with the Rutland Lesbian and Gay Coalition and people threw eggs at them," said Gluckman. "I was watching and I thought, 'You know, this is not something I want to tell people if they're going to throw eggs at me."' She was quiet at school, with just a very small, dose circle of friends, and she was a good student, focusing on art and running cross-country . She liked writing poetry, and she stayed home a lot. And after tenth grade, she switched largely to homeschooling, earning her GED last year. But after she spoke at the library hearing, she became more socially active. This summer she had a boyfriend, a job at a bookstore and a car. SEE TEENAGER; Next Page --.._ ~ . . .. .. ·._ .. Faith In Daily Life - .,, .. .· :':,:.:B·· ·•1:s···:u:- 0 P ·. . .. . V , From Previous Page Evreux Cathedral for ·caillot's last Mass, a day that he remembers as the most moving of his life. Polls said two-thirds of French Catholics opposed the dismissal. But many traditional-minded Catholics declare themselves out. raged at unorthodox views that some call apostasy .· "Many strangers wish me well, but you cannot imagine the looks I still get in the street," Gaillot said, with a touch of rue. "If eyes were pistols, I'd be dead." Having removed him from Evreux, the Vatican had to find Gaillot what it calls a titular see. Bishops, ordained by God, cannot be stricken from the rolls unless excommunicated. They need a diocese, even if it is a symbolic one. The answer was the "Diocese of Partenia," a no-longer-existent territory somewhere in the dunes of southern Algeria that ceased to be a real place inhabited by Catholics in the 5th century. Soon, a political philosopher and Internet whiz named Leo Scheer · .offered Gaillot ·an idea: If Partenia · ·, a . small stylized crucifix. ·was nowhere, then it was also every- Mostly, he is out on the street or in where. If he had no pulpit, he could the Metro . have a home page. When 300 illegal African immi- Anyone who taps out grants spent two months camped in a http :/ /www.partenia.fr calls up the church demanding visas, he went to face that France knows so _well: laugh visit almost ~very day and then wrinkles, gold wire-rimmed glasses, joined the vigil of sympathizers who sparse panels of graying hair flank- stood guard out front. ing a shiny bal4 pate. He is a fixture at protests for hous- A map shows a patch of Sahara. ing an4 human rights, a slight, short Users can download the bishop's lat- figure in basic black. He favors Test book, "Friends of Partenia," in shirts an4 turtlenecks . Sometimes a Fren _ch or English. A newsletter discreet silver cross rides on his reports on little-known and lost caus- lapel. es. Gaillot is unsure where he stands In a defense of the German theolo- with ·Rome. He receives a bishop's gian Eugen Drewermann, Gaillot ech- salary, if no· expense money. Last oes his own main theme: "He allows December, he had a friendly but people who are disappointed with frank chat with the pope, which the church, or are far away from it, to brought neither a new post nor a repbe free to speak." rimand. All e-mail gets an answer, hunted At a recent funeral in Algeria for a and pecked by Gailiot's own index bishop murdered by Islamic milifinger. tants, the senior cardinal simply "I spend hours a day at it/' the avoided him . "He just didn't see me," bishop said at the single room where Gaillot said, with another of those he lives and works. ironic twinkles. The tidy room, above the less tidy When he is not talking into the office of Partenia 2000, is· decorated mobile phone pressed to his ear, the only with the icon of a black Madon- bishop of Partenia is questioning, na, a gift from priests at Evreux, and encouraging, or plotting. Often, he is suir.ounded by a crowd of ecumenical admirers. During a tumultuous demonstration to support Africans in the Paris suburb of Montreuil, an elderly Arab in a tie and a Muslim skullcap approached a reporter. "Where can I find Monsignor Gaillot?" he asked eagerly. "I just want to shake his hand." Not long after, yet another well- . wisher shook Gaillot's hand cybernetically. The virtual bishop found a message on his screen from an admirer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota: "Stay strong, brother." TEENAGER, From Previous Page "Once I left school I started to learn a lot more about my life, about trusting myself and taking risks," she said. "I started making some serious commitments, like being honest and saying, 'This is who I am, and this is who my mother is."' These days, college is far more on Gluckman's mind than family matters. She hopes to enter a field that allows her to shape public policy to help children, especially in school. 1-- ~diate Financial Assistance : ~t~rminally ill & their families ! 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LifeTime Benefits could be your key to more independence ... choice ... security ... and control. '/im1i11g rv11r lije i11,111w1ce "death /Jcnefit" i111v" "li,,i11g l>r11efi1" i11 rour liJi'ti111e To receive free, no-obligation information and learn if you're eligible, CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-766- 77 44 Ask for ext. 30 j All requests are strictly confidential. I ~-- AM_e_m_h_er 01_v_ia_1ic_a_1 A_s_s_oc_i_a1_io_n_o_1_A_rne_ri_ca _ _J Faith in Daily Life Patt Two of ai'r fnterview with Dave Ferrell Struggle to accept gay son o~ns ministly doors for Christian dad By Rev. Samuel Kader Contributing Writer In Part One of tlzis interview (Jul/Aug '96) Dave Ferrell, an Assembly of God Christian, described lzis journey toward acceptance of lzis gay son. In tlzis conclusion of Ferrell's interview, he talks about his growing involvement with the gay and lesbian Cliristian community. Second Stone: WHERE HAS THE LORD LED YOU IN THIS JOURNEY SO FAR? WHERE DO YOU THINK THE LORD IS LEADING YOU WITH THIS? IN WHAT WAYS HAS THE LORD USED YOUR EXPERIENCE TO TOUCH OTHER FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS? understand in the gay community. But, there are some things I don't understand in the religious heterosexual community. I don't understand how good Christian people can treat their pastors the way some do. I don't understand how people in church can gossip, run down and a young man and the Spirit impressed me that he was. the one. I was sitting and the service was going on and I prayed for God to tell me at what point. A few minutes later the pa stor asked for the me mbers of th e panel that were to spea k on Saturday to come forward and pray with anyone · who wanted to· be prayed for. 1 went to the front and the Spirit said now, so I motioned for the boy to come to the front. He came up to the front and I took both of his hands and began to give to him what I felt God had asked me to give him. He began to weep and the spirit of the Lord was so strong. After a time of prayer he went back to his seat. After the serv- DAVE: From that small beginning has come a wonderful relationship. My son and I have grown closer than ever before. We love Jose and the boys. We have now enjoyed three Christmases together. Those Christmases have been three of the happiest in our lives. I will never forget that first Christmas. It was like we were in the presence of the Holy Spirit all during Christmas. It was the feeling of revival. There is a lot of things we don 't understand, but have left these in the hands of God. There is a lot of things I cannot explain but God has not called me to give a theological explanation. He has called me to be a Christian dad Dave Ferrell, standing in front of the Christmas tree, with so~ Todd next to him, and their families during one of the "happiest Christmases" of their lives. There was a time when Dave wouldn't let Todd bring his family home for Christmas. sometimes spiritually kill new baby reaching out to my hurting brothers Christians . There is one thing I do and sisters. know and that is God is a God of love and mercy. I believe that I am a spir- Since that time I have had the itual being as well as an earthly opportunity to speak at a camp meet- being. The Bible talk$ about the ing in Houston conducted by Advance fruits of the spirit. I believe those Christian Ministries. I arrived not fruits will be a part of my life if I knowing anyone . I had met Thomas truly am born again . Hirsch on America Online and he was On Friday Feb. 23, 1996 I flew from the only one I knew ot' all the people San Antonio to Phoenix to attend my there. On Saturday night I was asked first TEN [The Evangelical Network] to speak to the group. I began by con- conference. The service was outstand - fessing ,!11y unconditional love to my ing. The music of praise and worship son. There were men and women there was wonderful. It was during this who knew Todd. service-that the Holy Spirit began to 1 have also been a part of a panel impress me that I was to personally discussion in Phoenix in February, minister to someone there. This is 1996 and was asked to speak at the something that happens not very Spiritfest meeting in Arkansas in often and I am scared and nervous May, 1996. I accepted those invita- when ii' happens . First I want it to be tions and have been in those services, God and not David. Second I don't also. want to offend anyone. As I looked There are a lot of things that I don't across from me the Spirit zeroed in on PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • SE.PTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 ice a man came up to me and said before clrnrch tonight I went to the altar and prayed that God would send someone to speak to this young man as he has many needs. I didn't know this man and was amazed at what he was telling me . Later that same night the young man I had prayed for talked to my son and confirmed what I had told him was true. I had never laid my eyes on this young man in my life. This is not a special thing nor am I special. God wants to use his children in ministry and he will do it where there is a willing vessel. Saturday was a good day. The services just seemed to build with each service and the blessings and presence of the Lord was just wonderful. Saturday afternoon was to be a panel discussion. On the panel was Peggy Campolo, wife of noted author Tony Campolo. Also Dennis and Evelyn Schave, Pentecostal evangelists from Washington, and me. Prior to the panel discussion Peggy Campo lo gave a stirring message on her life and how God had led her to begin a ministry with gays and lesbians. Dennis and Evelyn shared how they began to minister to the gay community and how this had affected their lives and caused them to be re moved from a mainlin e denomination where Denni s was a church official. Soon it was my time to share the things that we had been through. I began by telling the congregation that there was something I wanted to do before I began to talk. 1 wanted to profess my unconditional love for my son and his family. niis is something that I feel God would have me do for He has brought me from a place where I was very angry at my son ani:i ju st praying that God would get to him. Well, littl e did I know that God was going to answer that prayer so forcefully but the "him" in that prayer would not be my son but me. After the time of sharing was a time of questions. There were several qu estions asked of all the panel members. Sunday morning was to be the crown on the trip. Jose's ,mother came to the service and Jose was one of the worship leaders during praise and worship. As I sat next to Jose's mother I noticed her begin to cry. There was such a sweet spirit ,and God was all over that place. Brothers and sisters were singing, some crying, some praising and some just standing in awe of the mighty presence of the Lord. During the service communion was served. Pastor Fred Pattison came up and took a loaf of unsliced bread and broke it into several pieces . As I sat there in that service the spirit of God came over me and I began to weep and I was afraid I couldn't weep quietly as the emotion was coming from deep within. Finally it was time for the four of us, Todd, Jose, his mother and me to go up for communion. As we approached the table I began to weep in the presence of the Lord again. In the front of the church are three crosses. As the four of us stood there, shoulder to shoulder, the presence of the Lord just became even more real. Very few times in my life has the presence of the Lord been that strong. It was like I didn't know if I could stand it... When each of us had taken communion we stood there and prayed. I again was crying tears of joy. The music was softly playing and it was like all at once the four of us turned toward one another and stood before the cross, weeping and embracing one another. What a beautiful time of fellowship, what a presence SEE CHRISTIAN DAD, Page 24 Recovery from Bible phobia and abuse 13 steps towanl getting over badreligion From Pagel ,fear, hate, alienation, rejection and torment of gays and lesbians by millions of otherwise loving and caring church-going people . The result of this evil abuse of Scripture has been to deny to millions of suffering people the love and comfort of God in Jesus Christ. Robert is a 35-year-old man who called me to ask for help in dealing with his suffering as a church-going gay male. He was a Southern Baptist living in a small town near Nashville, Tenn., where I was pastor of a Metropolitan Community Church. He was very depressed and confused about being gay and hearing what he heard in church about homosexuality. We talked a while about how the Bible does not condemn anyone for . their sexual orientation and how the Bible passages used against gays and lesbians are taken out of context and incorrectly translated in order to hurt people not intended in the original text. He had never heard any of this before. I asked him if he had ever invited Jesus into his life. He said, "No. I did not think that Jesus wanted me." I was very touched by this answer. He is not the only gay person w.ho has been convinced by abusive use of the Bible that God does not love them and does not want them. We prayed on the phone and Robert invited Jesus into his Ii fe. Robert's experience was one of hundreds of similar situations that finally convinced me that the abusive a·nd oppressive power of religion against lesbian and gay people needed a clear, reasonable, Christ centered, and workable approach. About a year ago, I began to develop steps to recovery from Bible abuse and religious oppression, and I have put together a book of 52 weekly spiritual studies to help individuals work through these steps to recovery. Most of the material was used in a weekly spiritual group that I led at my home for over two years in Nashville. Here are the steps with brief scripture and comments: Step one : Adrni t tlrat you /,ave been lrurt by religion. Read what Jesus said about abusive and oppressive religion in Matthew 23. In John 10:10, Jesus said "All who came before me are thieves and robbers . The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy . I came that you might have the abundant life.'' When Jesus told religious people that the truth will sef them free, they denied that they had ever not been free (John 8:33), yet they had been slaves in Egypt, captives in Babylon, ruled by many foreign nations, including the Romans who ruled them at the time, and were under the control of sick and abusive religion even as Jesus spoke to them. Even if you have not been rejected and abused by religion, you are surrounded by other gay and lesbian people who have. Abuse is the use of power by th e strong to control and oppress the weak. Religious abuse begins early in life and often is caused by parents, pastors, teachers, and friends . We accept it as okay or deserved. Abuse is never okay and is not deserved! Step two: Turn to God as yo11r guide to recovery. Pray and ask God to guide you into a healthy spiritual life and into a Christ-centered use of the Bible. "Be anxious for . nothing, but in everything by prayer and sup plication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ." Philippians 4:6-7 Step thre e: Invite fesus Clrrist into your life. You cannot win this battle by yourself . Jesus faced and won the victory for all people over abusive and oppressive religion. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved (set free)." Romans 10:9 Step four : Face and deal witli your anger. Anger toward people and toward God or yourself can delay your recovery. Resist seeing yourself as a victim. "Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for human anger does not achieve the righteousness of God;" James 1:19-20 Step five: Avoid negative people and churches. Listening to legalistic and abusive fundamentalists can undercut and delay your recovery. "Paul in all his letters said some things hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable distort as they do also the rest of Scripture, to their own destruction. You, therefore, - beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, you· fall away from your own steadfastness ." 2 Peter 3:16-17 Step six: Face tire Scripture used against you .. Learn the facts. The truth ·will set you free! Jesus said, "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; but it is these that bear witness of me . You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 5:39; 8:32 Take the time you need to learn the facts about the incorrect translations and out of context use of .Genesis 19:5; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; I Corinthians 6:9; I Timothy 1:10 against lesbian and gay people. The most thorough and accurate treatment of this is still John Boswell in "Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality ." Step seven: Find positive, supportive Scripture. Make a list of the Bible passages that especially speak to you and give you hope and encouragement. "God so loved the world (you) that God gave God's only begot- Faith in Daily Life ten child, Jesus, that whosoever (you) believes in Jesus should -not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world (you) but that you through Jesus should be set free (saved .)" John 3:16~17 Step eight: Read and study tire Gospels. Learn the content of the Gospels, especially Luke and John. Become your own expert on what it means to "follow Jesus ." "These have been written that you may believe (continuously) that Jesus is the Christ, the child of God; and that believing (following) you may have life in Jesus' name." John 20:30 Step nine: Corne out and accept yourself. You can't change your world from the closet! Accept yourself and connect with others like yourself . "Let your light shine before people in such a way that they can see your good works and glorify your God in heaven." Matthew 5:16 "Speak the truth in love. Laying aside lies, speak truth eacl1 one of you with your neighbor, for we are members of one another ." Ephesians 4:15,25 Step ten: Develop a support system. Find accepting and affirming people who can e.ncourage you and share in your spiritual recovery. Others also need y\iur support. Start your own spiritual recovery group. "We who are strong ought -to bear the weak nesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Therefore accept one another just as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God." Romans 15:1,7 Step eleven: Learn to slrare Clrrist witli otliers. Write out your own experience with God and share it. Your spiritual confidence will grow as you give your faith in God to others. Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers for people." Matthew 4:19 Step twelve : Become a freedom missionary. Encourage others to accept and feel good about themselves . Develop and share with others your new joy and freedom. Grow through daily study and meditation. Jesus said "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give. As you go, make disciples of all people. I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 10:8; 28:19- 20 Step thirteen: Give yourself time to SEE RECOVERY, Page 24 PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER. 1996 What if we ,were to root ourselves in God's promise of good things? 0 God, whose gift it is, that the rain doth fall, the earth is fruitful, beasts increase, and fish do multiply ... GOD !NfENDS GOOD things for us. And s_till, we find ourselv es living .without the depth of that promise. Pr e tty soon, we will be making New Year's resolution s. The real gogetters have already started. If you have ever wond ered why New Year's resolves are often high on the joke circuit, won der no more . Glenna Salsbury, in her book 'T he Art of the Fresh Start," gets to the root of our per ennial failure to become who we wan t to become. She roots our resolves in our fears and anxieties . Fear can't. motivate us, and thus every time we even think of our resolve, we become more afraid. What if we were to root our resolves in God 's promi se of good th ing s? What if we were to root ou r resolves in our hopes and our calm? From there we can become who we wan t to be. "T he good that I would do, I do not. And the evil that I would not do, I do." So said St. Paul. We are in good com pa ny living in fear instead of h ope. Some live eve n more cynically: "Wo uld that I didn't know now what I didn't know then." I found that on a coffee mug . Human being is deep complexity . When we move to the place where we can just be - without becoming "better'' - we can become, slowly and carefully, who we want to be. I think of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "All that I wanted to be and Am Not/Comforts Me." If we live in promise, we can keep resolutions. If we live in fear, we cannot. PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 "Love is a mugger, striking without warning and ov~rwhelming us." ,.,Behold, we beseech thee; tire afflictions of thy people ... THROUGH A TERRIBLE brush with str ee t crime , Tracy Cochran found out that "moments of clear attention" ar e ordinary. She experienced a protecting light one night in Hell 's Kitchen in New York City - and went on to show how many others hav e ex perienced the sam e thing. The mystical expe rience s of Wordsworth, Helen Keller, Augustine, Ram Das s, and Petaga, a Sioux Medicin e Man are all real. No one doubts that what happened to ordi('\ary Tracy Cochran genuinely h appened. Wi th her partner, Jeff Za lesk i; she came away from this exper ienc e knowing ab ou t th e ordinary so urce of safe ty, which is inner not outer. T hese ordinary people wrote a book abou t their experiences called " Tr a nsform a tion s ." What are ordi nary people? They drink deep coffee with friends; they have encount ers with former lovers . They drop in and out of what mo st Americans call normal life . Can these people count on God? Absolutely. Jeff describes the death of his father as a gateway to life and joins, of all people, Scrooge and other imagined characters throughout time, as a fellow traveler . Ordinary people can make the extraordinary, ordinary, and vice versa. Tracy uses the subject of love to show how love sneaks up on people and wakes them ·up. "Love is a · mugger, striking without warning and overwhelming us." Rather than being afraid of being overwhelmed, we should welcome the experience . "Give the dynamite room to explode, and tben it can't do any harm," a friend told Tracy. How can we become more open to the dynamite of religious experience? One way is to spend a week doing one thing very carefully, like making breakfast or undressing and then to conclude the week, Sabbath like, with a meditation on what our attention taught us. The capacity to attend to matter is what these ordinary people recommend .' God uses friends to turn scarcity into plenty. God uses friends to turn anxiety into calm. ... Grant that scarcity and dearth ...may through thy goodness be turned into ... plenty ... MY SEVENTH GRADE son told me, when asked about his accelerated, careerist math test, "at least I wasn't nervous." I asked who wa s . He described the girl sitting next to him as "going to the bathroom thr ee times, her hands shaking so much, and biting her pencil." This girl is eleven y ea rs old. Why weren't you nervous, I asked my son. "Because I have friends ." The connection between math and friendship, accelera tion and accomplishment, p e rformance and anxiety are all part of the tool box of God. God uses friends to tum scarcity into plenty. God uses friends to turn anxiety into calm. When community is not a part of people's lives, peop le embody their loneJiness and anxiety. They drink too much. They get nervous. Th ey become part of their own obstacle in developing the _ very community that could calm them. · Why is there so much substance abuse? It is the absenc e of community and the "meaninglessness" of many lives. I am not talking about Camus' old fashioned, now shabby sounding, existential angst so much as about careerism as a falsely posed but controlling value . There is a tremendous paradox in today's human being. He/she is lazy - and works too hard . He'/ she is eager for ecstasy and meaning - and looks in all the wrong places for it. He/she is lonely - but operates as a unit in a kind of conformist horde. Too many prayers ask that God "make me a money making machine ." Instead we shou ld pray for friends. . ;z · > ~ : - .;tp;, '1?fc:4.~4· fdi .,. \'l+P t> •{ What we call God matters less than the fact that God calls us. O God, the creator and preserver of all... WE NEED SILENCE, sense and spontaneity, according to Ruth Duck, liturgist, to be able to pray. She recommends several pointers to prayer. They include imagination and brainstorming, focus and flow, then stepping away and coming back to revise. . But who do we call God? How do we name God's name? Yes, God is the Creator and Preserver of us all. But is that all we can call God? Don't we need more? No serious theologian claims that God is male. But still lots of people can't pray to a God without_gender. Such prayer is too impersonal. • I often image God as an old woman fumbling for her keys in a parking lot. I think of God as more like us, than not.- I don't believe God is all powerful. I hope I'm wrong. I just can't imagine a big sky God. The earthy ones warm me. How do I pray? Like the Hebrews . By breathing. By silence_. By sense. By spontaneity. - A long time ago, I wrotea poem . It began, "God, I cannot -call you Father ... " It ended, "But still you call me Daughter." What we call God matters less than the fact that God calls us. "Recognize -your faults as your best ingredients." ... We humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men (people) THIS EPISCOPAL PRAYER really means inclusion, only to exclude! Anyway, "all sorts and conditions" is a wonderful phrase to catch life's experience, both inner and outer. We are so many different things, all at once. Some . of us are ZeMy. In a new, very · inclusive book about Zen, Bernard Glassman encourages us to eat as a way of knowing God. Eucharist is at the heart of Zen, which is another way of reminding us of all sorts and conditions. Glassman tells us that Zen is the art of eating the supreme meal, that we may prepare this meal for o_urselv~s both in our kitchen and outs ide of 1t, that nothing should be wasted, that all should be savored, and that good food comes from the right mixture in life and at the table. Glassman is an unusually interesting person. Raised Jewish, and attracted at an early age to the teachings of the thirteenth century Japanese monk, Dogen Zenji, Glassman has taken his large spirit to the poor just this year by celebrating an open street Seder for homeless men in New York City's Bowery. He is also one of the founders of a profitable bakery in Yonkers, which is an economic development project which employs and trains the poor\ He has just begun an HIV/ AIDS ministry in New York City as well . _ His witness is not just social or economic. It is also personal and meditative. "Use what you have." "Throw nothing away ." "Recognize your faults as your best ingredients." Life has at least five main courses: spirituality, study, livelihood, social action, and relationship and community . The art of living involves a good mix of these five ingredients. Roshi Glassman is a spiritual leader of the White Plum Sangha and Abbot of the Zen Community of New York and the Zen Center of Los Angeles . He is also an aeronautical engineer, an entrepreneur, and social activist who founded the Grcyston Mandala of soc ial service organizations in Yonkers, New York. For all sort and conditions of p<'ople! Amen. God's goodness is weird. It's not what the Christian Right~ wrongly, thinks it is. ... that thou would be pleased to make thy ways known to them IF YOU ARE ONE of the many people who find yourself using the made up word "Zenny" more often that not, you have already "grocked" the matter of understanding God. God behaves in wild ways. God combin es things that are not normally combined well, like socia l action and meditation, or eating well and living spiritually . God's goodness is weird . It is not what the Christian Right, wrongly, thinks it is. Imagine being opposed to services of gay union! Does that mean they are in favor of sex outside of marriage? God favors fidelity. Imagine being self-righteous in the service of Jesus, as though welfare mothers had done something wrong by being poor. God favors the poor . Imagine the plight of the writer of these sentences . She knows she is to love her enemies and be good to those who hurt her. How can she find the compassion to love the so-called Christian Right. O God, if you would be pleased, make your ways known. Even if they are Zenny. Faith in Daily Life The healing touch: - Hands don't have to be expert: -they are -ancient healers ... . .. Thy saving health unto all the nations ... IF THERE IS ANYONE left in America who thinks that medical methods alone lead to healing the sick, Deborah Cowens' book on "Healing Touch" should be handed to them. Cowens artfully uses a both/ and method to show just how simple touch can enhance scientific heatings. Cowens combines over twenty years of experience as a nursepractitioner with now available scientific research . This combination makes her book an enriching read for either the "home-made" health crowd or the medical crowd. Both can benefit: both can leave the book with greater re~pect for the other . The saving health of the nation will also benefit. Practical, hands-on guidance is given for "building the energy b_all" and applying it to appropriate chakras or points in the body particularly open and availabl_e to healing touch . Ministers and pnests have long known the value of holding hands during hospital visi\s or saying-prayers while laying hands on the head. The healing power that comes from religious faith is given further affirmation by the medical and biological data in this book. · Hands don't have to be expert : they are ancient healers and _ have been used by people throughout history. The average person can learn from this book how to be useful to members of their family and to their own comfort when sick. People are more afraid -of pain than death - and healing touch can · do more to stop one than the other! For the terminally ill, the connection of healing touch can help them ma_ke the transition to the other side with ease . Healing touch can .also help the newborn, those who are HIVpositive, those who have just had surgery, and those who _are facmg chronic, undiagnosed pam. It can contribu te to the health of the whole nation . Prayer excerpts are from the Book of Common Prayer. Tire Rev. Donna E. Schaper is Associate Conference Minister with tire J\,fossaclr11setts Conference of tire U11ited Clr11rclr of Christ. PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER , 1996 Activists plan to try again on job discrimination bill By Marcy Gordon Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate Democratic leader said Sept. 11 there is little chance a bill prohibiting job discrimination against gays and lesbians will be revived quickly. In a double setback to gay-rights activists Sept. 10, the Senate voted 50-49 to kill the anti-discrimination bill and to reject same-sex marriage in federal law, 85-14. Heartened by the closeness of the vote on job discrimination, activists said they would lobby supporters to pass the bill before Congress adjourns this fall. But Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., asked whether Senate s..1pporters would try again, said, "I don't think so. I suspect that given the time that we have and the realization that it's not likely to pass in the House, that we'll try to find more votes and make an even more concerted effort next year." . sign it. The House passed the same ' bill by a 5-to-l margin in July. Conservatives cheered the Senate action. But gay rights activists said the same-sex marriage vote amounted to gay-bashing. "This vote is a deplorable act of hostility," said Matt Coles, director of the Lesbian & Gay Rights Project at the American Civil l,iberties Union in New York. 'This bill does nothing to defend marriage." Clinton cautioned that congressional approval "should not be cause for any sort of discrimination or gaybashing," adding that he regretted the discrimination bill had failed. But the one-vote margin of the bill's defeat emboldened supporters to try again quickly for its passage, perhaps as an amendment to another Senate measure. Americans "want to free the workplace from discrimination," Sen. Edward · Kennedy, D-Mass., the bill's Earlier, Candace Gingrich, \he Jes- author, told reporters after the votes. bian half-sister of House speaker Had Sen. David Pryor, D-Ark., been Newt Gingrich, said congressional present on the Senate floor, he likely battles over gay rights are far from would have voted for the bill, makover: ing the vote 50-50, said David Smith, "In the loi:tg run, the things that spokesman for the Human Rights have transpired over the past two Campaign, one of the country's larmonth s are going to produce a whole gest gay political groups . new generation of active, involved "We could pass this with Pryor's gay and lesbian Americans and our vote and with Vice President Al Gore allies," she said on ABC's "Good breaking the tie," he said. "We are Morning America." going to consider moving this on Twenty-six of the Senate's 47 Demo- another bill this Congres s." crats joined Republicans in voting for Pryor was at the bedside of his 33- the marriage bill but also voted for year-old son, who had cancer surgery the j_ob discrimination measure - Sept. 9, said Bo Morrison, Pryor's secunderscoring the political predica- retary. ment faced by senators who have sup- "He felt he could not leave his son's ported gay rights. bedside during the very critical Across the country, meanwhile, a recovery period on Tuesday," Morrilawsuit went to trial that could lead son said. Hawaii to become the first state to The Defense of Marriage Act defines issue marriage licenses to gay cou- marriage in federal law as a legal pies. Supporters of the same-sex mar- union between one man and one woman riage bill said the Sept. 10 vote was a and allows a state to refuse to honor a pre-emptive strike against such same-sex marriage performed in any action by states. other state. States still would have The Senate's overwhelming appro- the · authority to legalize gay marval of the Defense of Marriage Act riages, but the federal government sent ii to Clinton, who said he will would not recognize them. PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 Mel White 'fasts fortn1deIBtanding' during DOMA vote Marriage Act" lands on your desk. You have promised io sign it. Please; course," he added, "undermining the reconsider. We thank you for all the Constitution and replacing it with costly steps you've taken on behalf of ancient biblical law is exactly what •. justice for lesbian and gay Americans. the religious and political extremists Take one more. Veto OOMA. Help us are trying to accomplish." hope and dream again. White was scheduled to continue For ten days, Gary and I, wi.th our his fast until President Clinton took friends and allies have fasted and action on the bill. Clinton was prayed for justice on the Capitol expected to sign it. steps . Millions of gay and l.esbian Following OOMA's passage, White people of faith are praying with us. sent an open Jetter to President Clin- Today, on Day 11 of our Fast for Justen urging him to veto the act. The lice we move to I..:afayette Park across letter reads: from the White House. "Dear Mr. Clinton, · Please, Mr. President, as.you con- Yesterday, injustice flowed like template the fate of God's lesbian mighty waters from the floor of the and gay children, look out your windU. S. Senate, sweeping away the ow. Every day froml2 noon until 1 pm hopes and dreams of millions of Jes- you will see millions of us out there, bian and gay Americans. We shall in the Park and across the nation, hope and dream again, but we will praying for justice. And justice, sir, is not forget this tragic Tuesday, Sep- in your hands." tember 10, 1996, the day the so-called The Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, a "Defense of Marriage Act" - a mean- UFMCC Elder and the Africanspirited, unnecessary, and ultimately American pastor of.an MCC congregaunconstitutional attack on same-sex tion in Falls Church, Virginia, marriage - was passed by the Senate said, "Not since the Jim Crow laws (85-14) in a landslide of intolerance segregating and demonizing Africanand misunderstanding. Americans has the legislative and My partner;Gary Nixon, and I sat the ·executive branches · of" the U.S. in the . . Senate Ga llery during the government combined their forces in entire OOMA 'debate,' blinking back such an aggressive, hostile action tears of anger and grief while Senator against an entire American minoriafter Senator stood to taricature and ty ." condemn our loving, committed rela- "OOMA," claims the Rev. Candace tionship. We could not believe how , Shultis, Pastor of the MCC congregaeasily these distinguished Americans tion in Washington, D.C., "is just one abandoned truth, ignored the histor- more step towards achieving the ic, scientific, and biblical data, and ultimate goal of the extremists: to rushed to echo the false and inflam- single out homosexuals for secondmatory rhetoric of Pat Robertson, class c;itizenship, to rob us of our legal James Dobson and the other religious .. rights, to force us back into closets and extremists who have declared war on ghettos, to criminalize our loving God's lesbian and gay children. relationships, and to eliminate Please, Mr. President, declare a day of mourning. Lower the flags. Bow your head in shame and weep real tears, for God's gay and lesbian children have been betrayed by the highest legislative body in this land. It wasn't enough that the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would deny us hundreds of Federal rights granted automatically to support and sustain heterosexual relationships. The Senators also. seemed determined to use the occasion to demean and dehumanize all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people and to diminish and degrade our relationships. Today, ·sept. 11, the 'Defense of homosexuality and homosexuals altogether ." 0.nce an Evangelical pastor, seminary professor, filmmaker and ghost writer for leading conservative Christians (including Pat Robertson), Mel White battled his own homosexuality for 30 years with various exgay therapies, exorcism and even electric shock. After attempting suicide, White decided to accept his sexual orientation as a gift from God. · In 1995, Dr . White was arrested and jailed while trying to meet with Pat Robertson in Virginia Beach. White refused to pay the $50 fine SEE FAST,Page 15 National News Episcoμd church head dismisses romplaint against bishop who ordained gay man By James H. Thrall Episcopal News Service PRESIDING BISHOP Edmond Browning has announced that he will not proceed with an investigation into a complaint brought agalnst Bishop Allen Bartlett, Jr., of the Diocese of Pennsylvania for ordaining a non-celibate gay man as a deacon. Two priests - one from Pennsylvania and one from another diocese - and more than 100 lay people signed a complaint in June, 1995, charging that Bartlett violated the discipline of the Episcopal Church when he ordained the Rev. David Morris as a deacon in 1994. Browning postponed action on the complaint pending the resolution of an ecclesiastical court trial of Bishop Walter Righter, retired bishop of Iowa, for ordaining a non-celibate gay man as a deacon in 1990. The charges against Righter, l>rought by 10 other bishops, were dismissed by_ the. court in May. · In a letter in late August to Bartlett and those bringing the complaint against him, Browning said that he would not be taking the next step in the investigation of convening a panel of bishops to review the allegations. Based on the Righter court ruling and an . earlier decision by a fivemember panel of bishops that dismissed similar charges against Bishop Stewart Wood of the Diocese of Michigan, Browning _~aid, ''I conclude that the paper submitted to me by the complainants regarding the QUOTABLE "The las_t time anyone cared about me in this religion, I was a fetus!" -A post on pflag-talk ordination -by Bishop Bartlett does not on its face charge any 'offense,"' under church canons. "These rulings have . '. . definitively established for the church at this time that the ordination by a bishop of a non-celibate homosexual person is not a disciplinary 'offense' for which a cha~ge may be brought" ■ . " ... the Episcopal Church has a better way of addressing serious disagreements .. : than presentments and trials." ■ under the canons covering discipline for dergy,- Browning said . "It would be an unwarranted use of the church's procedures - and resources - for me to convene a panel of bishops to consider this matter further." .. The Righter court in particular r;nade dear, he said, that the issues raised by bishops ordaining noncelibate homosexuals "are · appropriate for consideration by the General Convention and not our ecclesiastical courts." General Convention, the chief legislative body of the Episcopal Church which meets every three years, is neJ(t scheduled to be held in Philadelphia in July, 1997. In a letter to clergy in his diocese dated September 5, Bartlett welcomed the decision saying that it "means that those of us in this diocese and the wider church as well can devote all our time and energies to ministei;ing in the name of Christ to a confused and hurting werld, without the distractions of a lengthy investigation and possible triai." Acknowledging that "some in the diocese . and beyond · may disagree with the presiding bishop's decision," Bartlett added that "thanks be to God, the Episcopal Church has a better way of addressing serious disagreements about matters of faith than presentments and trials." Bartlett noted that "some of . those most concerned with these matters have already announced plans to bring resolutions" to General Convention . ;,I have faith that the church gathered in legislative session can discern the voice of the Spirit, through faithful listening to one another, honest sharing, and prayer," he said. SEPfEMBER/OCfOBER '96 OUfREACH PARTNER REPORT The Sept/Oct issue of Second Stone was distributed free in seven communities by seven Outreach Partners. Nine hundred fifty copies were distributed •. down from the 1150 copies of the Jul/Aug issue which were distributed in seven cities in the United States and one city in Canada · Partners considering outreaching with the Nov/Dec issue should have their free ad to . us by October IS: 1996. (Ad size is 2 _1/2" wide by 3" tall.) Be sure to include in your ad your logo, address and phone, service or meeting times, and A CALL TO ACTION like "Come visit us at..." or "Call for information about.." In determining the number of copies you need, consider stacking 10-20 copies at gay pride events , PFLAG meetings, gay bars, etc, Multiply every location you think of by at le.ast 15, And remember · how advertising works. Most often it takes 100 peo ·--ple to s.:e your ad before you get your first response. And remember how outreach wo_rks. You may not get a response right away. You are planting seeds. 'f-he Out·each Partner program is a community fund which looks like this right now: MARCH/APRIL Church of the Resurrection MCC First Congregational UCC Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Freedom in Christ Evangelical Church St Peter's St Andrew's Episcopal Church of the Resurrection MCC Community Gospel Church Mercy of God Community MCC Bridgeland Logan Rev . Pamela White W&ABaptists 200 copies 100 copies MAY/JUNE 100 copies 250 copies 200 copies 200 copies JOO copies 75 copies 150 copies 200 copies 50 copies 52.80 30.31 20.48 57.<J7 41.<J7 38.50 20.48 17,05 34.14 28.40 15.10 JULY/AUGUST Holy Trinity Community Church Irvine United Church of Christ Abiding Peace Lutheran Church Liberty Community Church W&A Baptists Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Third/Trinity Lutheran Church Church of the Resurrection MCC CONTRIBUflONS Community Gospel Church Name of Jesus Church St. Peter's St Andrew's Epis Mercy of God Community Church of the Holy Spirit MCC Thirdrfrinity Lutheran Church Community Gospel Church Irvine United Church Christ Rev, Pamela White First Congregational UCC Abiding Peace Lutheran Church MCC Bridgeland Logan Uf Holy Trinity Community Church W&A Baptists 100 copies 22.86 100 copies 26.47 200 copies 45.12 100 copies 33.81 250 copies 58. 90 100 copies 23.79 100 copies 23.79 · 200 copies 45.12 TOTAL EXPENSES635.26 25 .00 25 .00 41.07 17.05 25 . 00 25 .00 25.00 21.00 50 .00 30.31 45 .12 34.14 22.86 74 .00 TOTAL CONTRIBlITIONS 460.55 EXPENSES LESS CONTRIBUflONS - (174.71) . Please support the Outreach Partner program fund in whatever way you are able. If your church or organization would like to participate in this program, please follow the guideli~es above (send in your ad or ad copy and let us know the number of copies you \ can distribute in your community) For information call (504)899-4014 , write to P.O. ) Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or e-mail secstone@aol.com. PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 ) National News Tern~ over Monnon same-sex histoiy delays publication· By Vern Anderson Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY - It isn't often that a respected university publishing house replaces 5,000 book covers, razors out a page of photographs and fields nasty calls and letters about a scholarly work its critics haven't even seen. But that was what it took for the University of lllinois Press to get "Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth- Century Americans: A Mormon Example," out to bookstores, months behind schedule. · "I knew that this would be troubling to some of the Mormon community," said Liz Dulany, associate director of the press in Champaign, Ill. "I didn't anticipate these kinds of mine fields." Neither did the book's author, D. Michael Quinn, a Yale-trained historian and former Brigham Young University professor who was excommunicated from the church in 1993 for research on women and Mormonism's male priesthood. "There is a level of hatred among otherwise good people in Mormon culture that is very disturbing," said Quinn, who still considers himself a believing Mormon. "It's ·a gut reaction they have to these isSues, and it's a blind spot for them." Likely to enhance the high feeling is the 53-year-old Quinn's first public statement about his own sexuality in the August issue of Out magazine. atives of the late Evan Stephens, composer of many of Mormonism's most cherished hymns and director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 26 years. Stephens, who died in 1930, never married and spent much of his life ■ "There is a level of hatred among · otherwise good people in Mormon culture that is very disturbing ... It's a gut reaction they . have to these issues, and it's a blind spot for them." ■ Though once married for 18 years and with a succession of young male comthe father of four children, Quinn panions he called his "boy chums," said, "I am overwhelmingly all of whom later married. In his attracted to men." book, and in an excerpt printed last The brouhaha over the book was winter in the independent Mormon touched .off in.early March by a pub- journal Dialogue, Quinn raises the lished article based on a pre- possibility Stephens had erotic interpublication copy of the work, which est in other males. He stressed, howexamines all types of same-sex rela- ever, that the composer may never tionships and attitudes among early have acted on the impulse . Mormons, both erotic and platonic. "When I encountered the (Dialogue) The story triggered a flood of angry article my first reaction was that I calls and letters .to two newspapers in had before me a 'case study' in the use Utah, which had 25-30 subscription of innuendo to vilify the dead," cancellations apiece. George L. Mitton of Provo wrote "It's the most letters we've received Dulany in ·a letter urging the press to about a single news story in the two cancel publication of the 416-page . years since I've been here," said Stan- book.• <lard-Examiner Managing Editor Ron Mitton, a grandson of one of Ste- Thornburg in Ogden. phens' young friends, Samuel Bailey "I've had that kind of reaction on Mitton, called Quinn's premise subjects before, but I've never had it "categorically false," and .accused last that long," said Bruce Smith, him of misconstruing and taking quopublisher of The Herald Journal in tations out of context and of "finding Logan. "I received some nasty, vile homosexual allusions wherever he comments, both written and verbal. looks." Most of those kinds of comments were Mitton also pointed out a problem anonymous." with the book's dust jacket, or cover. Later, the newspapers printed guest It featured a photograph of Stephens columns and letters, several from rel- and One of his companions, Noel 5. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 Pratt, that had been cropped to exclude a woman, Stephens· longtime housekeeper, Sara Davis, standing at Pratt's side. Although the photograph was obtained by Quinn from the Utah State Historical Society, which cropped it at his request, it originally had appeared uncropped in a laudatory 1992 biography of Stephens. When the owner of the picture, Stephens relative Don Noble, learned of its intended use, he threatened the press with legal action. The result: The U of I Press faces the tedious task of ·removing the dust covers from 5,000 already printed books and replacing them with another title-only cover. It also is cutting out of the book a single page of photographs that includes the disputed portrait. "We didn't want to further delay the book" by seeing the copyright issue settled in court, Dulany said, · even though copyright law generally gives .ownership to the photographer, not the owner. Quinn said the cropping was intended merely to illustrate Evans with one of his chums, not as evidence of the nature of their relationship, which he said was amply supported in the text and notes. But Mitton and others cite the cropped photo as proof of what they claim is Quinn's use of innuendo "to reinforce the false premise on which this work is based." · If Quinn is receiving rough treatment in Utah, early reviews of his book elsewhere have been glowing , Publisher's Weekly called it "a model of critical religious history" and Library Journal "nothing short of astonishing." But Quinn's quarter-century of Mormon scholarship, often sharply at odds with official histories of The Church cif Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is viewed by many mainstream members as anti-Mormon. And in the case of "Same-Sex Dynamics," the author's homosexuality is now fodder for his critics. Even before the Out interview, Rhett James, another Stephens relative, had accused Quinn in guest newspaper columns of engaging in gay apologetics. Asked about the magazine interview and its timing, Quinn said that when he began research on the book he decided he would make no secret of his sexuality if asked, and Out asked first. "l just assumed that was common knowledge already," said state archivist Jeffery 0. Johnson. "It's hard for me to see this as anything more than creating interest in the book ." Johnson, who will critique Quinn's book at the upcoming Sunstone Symposium, has not yet seen a copy. But he doesn't believe Quinn's research in the Dialogue excerpt proves Stephens was gay. "I have deep respect for Mike's historical work," Johnson said . "I believe, though, to prove his point or issue, he will sometimes not be careful about whether the sources really prove what he's saying." Though Quinn concedes his book is fair game for critics, he believes some have been quick to ignore the weight of his sources in favor of folklore, poor research methods and claims of personal bias. "Inevitably you have to interpret at certain points," he said, "but on controversial ' issues I do my best to lay out the evidence and let the readers come to their own conclusions." Sheriff dismisses chaplain in dispute over gays ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Outspoken televangelist John Butler Book will no longer serve a~ the sheriff's office volunteer chaplain because of his criticism of gays and lesbians . Book, a longtime supporter of Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary, recently argued that the department violated its own policy 1,y allowing a patrol car and deputy to be part of a gay-pride parade , in downtown Orlando. Book called the parade a political event, and said the sheriff was quietly reversing his stand on gay rights . Beary responded by sending the preacher a letter, telling Book his public stand against gays means he can no longer be a counselor for deputies and their families. Those who work with the sheriff's office must serve all people and not show bias against any group, sheriff's spokesman Steve Jones said. "If they had a Jewish parade, the sheriff would be . involved even though he's a Christian," Jones said July 22 in Beary's absence. "He's not endorsing the parade . .. The sheriff is the sheriff for all people." Book said he had been so dismayed by the handling of the gay-pride parade that he sent the sheriff's department a letter of resignation before Beary told him to step down. National News SDA book calls {X)~ the . devil's ally By Jan Cienski Associated Press Writer RICHMOND, Va. - Roman Catholics and some Protestants are denouncing a book published by a major Protestant evangelical denomination that claims the pope is in league with the devil. "God's Answers to Your Questions," likens the papacy to the beast in the book of Revelation, an ally of Satan in the world's final days. The Seventh- day Adventist Church publishes the book and distributes it nationally door-to-door. "That the seventh head (of the beast) represents Antichrist, or the papacy, there can be little doubt," the book asserts. The book's conclusions have no biblical basis, said Catholic clergy and lay officials and a Protestant Bible scholar . William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights in New York, said he often sees anti-Catholic literature but was surprised to see it coming from a major denomination. "For this to come from the Seventhday Adventists and not from a splinter group makes this offense particularly egregious," he said. ''This raises the ante and makes it all the more serious." "It's typical anti-Catholic bigotry," said Sister Mary Ann Walsh, spokeswoman for the United States Catholic Conference. · Sibley Towner, professor of biblical interpretation at Union Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian .institution in Richmond, said he was surprised the Adventists published the book. "It's· outrageous and inflammatory and untrue biblically in any sense." George Reid, head of the Biblical Research Institute of the Seventhday Adventist Church, said the book merely follows the lead of such Protestant reformers as Martin Luther and John Calvin. Assemblies of Goo jmnps on Disney ooycott lmdwagon . By Karen Testa Associated Press Writer SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Assemblies of God, a promoter of the Walt Disney Co. for 25 years, asked its 2.5 million members Aug. 14 to boycott Disney for "abandoning the commitment to strong moral values ." In urging its members not see Disney movies, visit Disney theme parks or buy its other products, the Pentecostal denomination became the third religious group to criticize the company in recent months. "In recent years we have watched with dismay the productions of the Disney Corp. abandoning the commitment to strong moral values, and have noticed this moral shift in a number of Disney-sponsored films and events," the church's General Presbytery said. Disney said it had no comment. The General Presbytery criticized "Growing Up Gay," a book for teenagers published by Disney-owned Hyperion Press, and Disney's acquisition of Miramax, which then distributed the movie "Priest," about a gay cleric. The Assemblies also · criticized Disney's Orlando, Fla., theme park, which has been the site of a Gay and Lesbian Day for several years. Though Disney does not sponsor the event, the church said it should have warned families. In June, the 16-million-member Southern Baptist Convention threatened a boycott because Disney extends benefits to companions of gay employees and releases R-rated movies. And in April, the Roman Catholic group Knights of Columbus sold $3 million worth of Disney stock to protest "Priest." Disney said it was hardly affected by earlier calls for boycotts. In June, it said demand for its products was high, .with .surging attendance at the theme parks in Florida and California. The General Presbytery adopteA the anti-Disney resolution Aug. 6 during its annual meeting. For more than 25 years, · the church offered free Disney discount cards to employees, missionaries or anyone related to its 11,800 churches or 17 colleges. That program was discontinued in May. Carol Maxwell, who works in the James River Assembly's children's department, said she has noticed a deterioration in Disney's morals. "It's real subtle," said Maxwell, mother of a 6-year-old boy and 8- year-old girl. "It's like putting a lot of satanic things into . the movies. A lot more evil is prevalent, with the good guy not always being able to be identified as the good guy." Maxwell said she lets her children watch Disney movies, but they discuss the content. "We still believe that it's the reasonable way to understand ihese prophesies, arising f.rom. the text itself and not political correctness," he said. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is based in Silver Spring, Md., and ■ "That the seventh head (of the beast) represents Antichrist, or the papacy, there can be little doubt." ■ traces its origins to William Miller of New Hampton, N.Y., who predicted that the world would end in the 1840s. The Church says it has 9 million members worldwide. The book is published by the Review and Herald Publishing Asso- · ciation in Hagerstown, Md., one of denomination's the : main · publishing houses. · Richard Coffen, vice president for editorial services at the publishing house, said he did not know how many copies of the book had been distributed . Coffen said the book was a critique, not bigotry, and that it attacks the papacy, not specific popes. "Our position is that we are criticizing the system and not individual Catholic Christians." Donohue said he has heard that argument before. "It's like saying to children, 'I hate your father and I hate your mother but I don't hate you,'" The book says those who follow papal teachings are Satan 's allies. ''Those who acknowledge the supremacy of the beast by yielding obedience to the law of God as changed and enforced by the papacy ... worship the beast. ... Such will take the side of Satan in his rebellion against God's authority," the book says. Linking the pope to the Antichrist springs from the days of the Reformation 500 years ago when new Protestant churches were battling Roman Catholics, Towner said. "In the Reformation, Protestants threw the word Antichrist around a lot," he said. "But that has not been done in mainline Protestant circles for centuries." Anti-Catholic language these days usually comes from small sectarian groups affiliated with right-wing political causes such as the Ku Klux Klan, Towner said. The book· comes at a time when relations between evangelical Christians and Catholics have been improving. In 1994, Southern Baptists, the country's largest Protestant denomination, and the Catholic Church endorsed a dialogue between the two denominations. The Christian Coalition also has been trying to build ties to socially conservative Catholics . "There have been a number of attempts to build political coalitions between Catholics and conservative Protestants," said William Dinges, professor of religious studies at the Ca.tholic University of America in Washington. "Conservative Catholics who would move to the right on cultural issues might be offended by this." Some Quakers.sup{X)rt same-sexrnaniage THE PACIFIC YEARLY Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends released a statement Aug. 9 supporting same gender marriage . The Pacific Congress of Quakers represents Quakers from California, privileges to couples who legally marry, we believe that a commitment to equality requires that same-gender couples have the same rights and privileges." Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico. The Pacific Congress of Quakers The statement said it is fundamen- said they recognize marriage in genial to Quaker faith and practice that era! as a way to affirm individuals in the equality and integrity of all their choice, to support loving human beings be honored. "Therefore, families, and to strengthen spiritual it is our belief that it is consistent community. This recognition should with Quakers' historical faith and be extended to gay and lesbian testimonies that we practice a single families as well, the organization standard of treatment for all couples said, and they called on states to perwho wish to marry," the statement mil gay and lesbian couples to marry reads . "Given that the State offers and "-share fully and equally in the legal recognition of opposite-gender rights and responsibilities of marmarriage and extends significant nage. PAGE 13 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 Zimoobwe Council of ChUIChes president replaced By Noel Bruyns Ecumenical News International GENEVA - The Zimbabwe Council of Churches [ZCC] has replaced its president, Anglican Bishop Jonathan Siyachitema, of Harare. . Bishop Siyachitema has recently caused controversy in Zimbabwe by publicly criticizing gays and lesbians, but this was not, a ZCC official said, the reason for his .replacement ZCC vice-president, Enos Chomutiri, moderator of the -Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, was elected July 3 as the new head, according to Densan Matinyani, administrative assistant to the ZCC general secretary . ·· Speaking to ENI on July 10, Matinyani denied that Bishop Siyachitema had been replaced because of his close support for President Robert Mugabe's strong opposition to homosexuality. 'This [the homosexuality debate] has nothing to do with his presidency of the ZCC," Matinyani said. 'The bishop was president for two fouryear terms, so the council felt a change was needed." Bishop Siyachitema recently repeated remarks in support of President Mugabe, whose sharp criticisms of gays and lesbians last year were followed by protests in many countries. President Mugabe was reported as saying to journalists: "We do not believe they [homosexuals] have any rigqts at all. They can demonstrate, but if they come here, we will throw them in jail." Many church leaders in the country have supported President Mugabe's stand. The ZCC, which has 20 Protestant churches as members, said in a statement last year that homosexuality was "totally new and out of step with the Zimbabwean tradition and culture." Some of Zimbabwe's church leaders - while condemning homosexuality as a sin -have described President Mugabe's "witch-hunt as "regrettable." Bishop Siyachitema was quoted in a Harare newspaper in June expressing gratitude for the government's strong stand against homosexuality . The stand, he said, was in line with the principles of the church . The • Bishop Siyachitema was quoted in a Harare newspaper.,. expressing gratitude for the government's strong stand against homosexuality ... The bishop also told the newspaper that there was no way of preventing homosexuals from attending the next World Council of Churches assembly ... • bishop also told the newspaper that there was no way of preventing homosexuals from attending the next World Council of Churches' assembly; which will be held in Harare in 1998. The ZCC is playing a major role in helping to arrange the assembly. "Homosexuality is a sin, and there is no way we can compromise on that SEE PRESIDENT, Next Page PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 Evangelism ad camixrign provokes a row By Russell Jenkins The Times LONDON - Church leaders are setting out to shock this Christmas with a deliberately provocative poster campaign aimed at young nonchurchgoers which its creators admit will alienate traditionalists . The poster shows three kings, depicted in somewhat graffiti-ized style, and the caption reads: "Bad hair day?! You're a virgin, you've just given birth, and now three kings have shown up ... " Passers-by, attracted by the poster 's arresting streetwise argot and zany line drawing of three cartoon kings, are invited in small print to "find out the happy ending at a church near you." -· The campaign has provoked a furious row . The Archbishop of York, Dr. David Hope, is leading opposition against a message that he believes demeans the Christian faith. The Archbishop of Canterbury has pointedly given only his "guarded support" and senior clergy are refusing to use the material. Dr. Hope is said to be "livid" and has written a strongly-worded letter to the Church of England's communications department with a copy to the Archbishop of Canterbury complaining that it is a "step too far" from the real meaning of Christmas . The Rev . John Broadhurst, national chairman of the influential Forward In Faith and Bishop-designate of Fulham, said, "It is slick and supercilious . It is about time that trendy liberals realized the world is not interested in gimmicks." The campaign, created by The Churches Advertising Network, is a conscious attempt fo get away from "authoritarian and preachy" campaigns of previous years, to court controversy and "create a media splash ." Its supporters say that the poster is not designed for the fai.thful but aims to use the language of the streets as part of the Church's mission to draw non-believers into the fold. The Churches Advertising Network is sending brochures containing the artwork to 40,000 ministers in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and evangelical and Baptist churches. Roads ·side and bus stop posters, radio spots, T-shifts, flyers, badges, Christmas cards and wrapping paper bearing the copy will start appearing in October in the run-up to Christmas. It is the work of Christians in the Media, a group of committed Christians who work in the higher echelons of the advertising industry and give their time and expertise voluntarily. Dr. Tom Ambrose, vicar of Witchford in Cambridgeshire, who is the campaign coordinator, said that this • "Bad hair day?! You're a virgin, you've just given birth, and now three kings have shown up ... Find out the happy ending at a church near you." • year they set out to provoke discussion among congregations. They wanted to get away from the "safe" campaigns of recent years. He said: "It will be a struggle for some people in the Church to cope with this. We want it to be talked about and the more people who discuss what it is about the better." John Griffiths, a London-based advertising executive who led the group, said it was important to adopt a different "tone of voice" and one immediately recognizable as everyday speech . . The phrase "bad hair day" - it is transatlantic-speak for · a lousy day where everything goes wrong - was thoroughly researched. It is an Americanism that was once used in the 1988 cult film "Hairspray," directed by John Waters, and is now creeping into everyday parlance in Britain . Television commentators used the SEE CAMPAIGN, Next Page FAST, FromPagel0 (for trespassing) and spent the next 21 days fasting in jail, waiting for Mr. Robertson to hear his case. "When he finally came to visit me in jail," White recalls, "I asked Pat to tell his 700 Club viewers about the terrible rise of hate crimes against God's lesbian and gay children, to condemn anyone who incite or commits those crimes, and to meet with P-FLAG parents whose children have been bashed and murdered in the current hostile climate created in part by Pat's anti-gay words and political actions supported by his Christian Coalition. Robertson refused ." CAMPAIGN, From Previous Page phrase several times in -their commentary on the Olympics in Atlanta, "It is not some bastardized form of street-speak,''. Mr. Griffiths said, "If we had said 'Happy Christmas is wicked or crucial' we cou_ld have been accused of going for the -youth vote with borrowed clothes. We have not simply picked up on a buzzword. It co ·MMENTARY, FromPage23 riages is to be construed and understood in relation to those persons only to whom that law relates," thundered a Virginia judge in response to a challenge to that state's nonrecognition of same-sex unions. "And not," he continued, "to a class of persons clearly not within the idea of the legislature when contemplating the subject of marriage." To sum up: Legal recognition of such ,marriages would offend tradition, God, the sensibilities of the majority · and the natural order while threa- LETTERS, FromPage23 tion, adoption, inheritance and, yes, taxes. For what purpose are lesbians and gays excluded from entering such binding contracts? This is just everyday heterosexism. Whert you are denied the right to apply for immigration of your partner just because you are not a heterosexual couple, this is not a fluffy "extra privilege." Nor will laws "eliminating discrimination against single people" be an adequate salve . Sincerely, Scott Shippy ctr White said that the Fast for PRESIDENT, Understanding would not a hunger From Previous Page strike b11t rather a fast in the tradition of the Jewish and the Christian prophets who prayed and fasted that the Creator's loving Spirit would break down the barriers of intolerance and discrimination and open stubborn minds to justice and to truth. As the fast began, it seemed certain that DOMA would be ·passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President. White said he still hoped "that God will use our small sacrifice to advance the truth that lesbian and gay Americans love and serve the nation, too, and that we deserve the same rights, not special rights, enjoyed by heterosexual Americans." has integrity. It is supposed to ruffle a few feathers and to unsettle them." Some dioceses like the new theme . In Oxford, the youth officer is organizing "bad hair day" events. The Bishop of Aston, the Rt. Rev. John Austin, said: '.'It is a measure of the Church's commitment that they want to engage with 16 to 25 year old_s." tening conventional marriage, children and the future of our civilization. The quotes are culled from a Boston University-Law Review artide and a brief filed with the U. S. Supreme Court, though I did take the minor liberty of changing the subject of the strangled rage, fear and righteous indignation. Everywhere I quoted the speakers referring to same-sex marriage, homosexuality and heterosexuality, they were actually referring to interracial marriage and their views of black people, white people and the proper interaction thereof . And yes, that includes statement No. 6, which in original form articulated the old white . supremacist belief that offspring of whites and blacks were - like mules that result when horses mate with donkeys - sterile. The quotes date from 1823 to 1964 and, though the sentiments look hatefully ridiculous to us in 1996, they had sufficient appeal and staying power that 15 states still criminalized black-white marriage until the U. S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned those laws in the appropriately named 1%7 case, Loving vs. Virginia . Those whose unaltered words today resemble statements 1 through 12 above, take note. The stench is familiar. The future is listening. . .. [but] when they arrive atthe airport there is no way their passports will indicate that they are homosexual," Bishop Siyachitemil said. . Church spokespersons in Harare in early July accused Bishop Siyachitema of "going too far" and of "political appeasement." Jonah Govoka, coordinator of Ecumenical Support Services, was quoted as saying the bishop's remarks were "most unfortunate, and compromised the pastoral responsibilities of the -church." 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W!s9.95NOW7.95 PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 .Mary Fisher returns to Republican Convention Activist seeks leaders with 'moral courage' to fight AIDS AIDS does not keep 10-yearold :from living life to the fullest By Karina Bland The Arizona Republic PHOENIX - Stephanie Ray has short, red hair that curls at the nape of her neck, freckles across her nose and huge brown eyes. The 10-year-old has so much spunk, you'd swear she had Tabasco for blood. But it's not Tabasco in her blood. It's AIDS. The Glendale girl was born with full-blown AIDS, not just infected with HIV. Stephanie shouldn't be alive. Stephanie plays softball and isn't much interested in Barbies. She loves in-line skating . And she delights in the briefest of touches from people who aren't afraid of the disease inside her. "I tell people, 'Don't be afraid of it because you're not- going to get infected,"' Stephanie said . . But people are afraid. Her school principal in New York was so afraid that she pretended Stephanie had cancer. By Connie Cass Associated Press Writer SAN DIEGO (AP) - Four years after she brought delegates to tears with her story of life as a mother infected with AIDS, Mary Fisher returned to the Republican National Convention seeking le_aders with the "moral courage" to fight the disease . "I mean to live and will die a Republican," Fisher said, choking back emotion . "But I also live and will die in the AIDS community - a community hungry for the evidence of leadership, and desperate for hope ." She brought onto the podium 12- year-old Hydeia Broadbent of Las Vegas, a black girl who has been infected with AIDS since birth and who read a poem that ended, "You can't cru .sh my dreams . I am the future, and I ha:ve AIDS.''. If you had one wish, Ms. Fisher asked the girl, what wouid it be? "To have a long and healthy future and to live, because life is a precious Her mother didn't know she had contracted the human immunodeficiency virus from a blood transfusion until after her baby got sick. The average life expectancy for children infected at birth is two to three Neighbors in New York and then in Florida tormented Stephanie and her parents after going through their mailbox and trash and figuring out that the girl and her mother had where Stephanie will be in fourth AIDS. grade, she was welcomed. One neighbor screeched, "Get off "No one teases me or any thing," that girl's bike! You'll get '·AIDS!" Stephanie said. years . when Stephanie swapped bikes with And, now, ~he little girl who got so "For a 10-year-old to have been the woman's daughter . The mother good at keeping her secret travels all· infected at birth and to still be alive, demanded to know who would pay for over the country talki_ng to other, kids that is pretty out of the ordinary/' ■-----------------------------said Bert Jacobs, an Arizona State University microbiologist and nation" ally known expert on AIDS. In fact, doctors at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., have been studying Stephanie since she was a toddler. "I don't know what it's like io not have AIDS," Stephanie said . But she is living with AIDS at a time when doctors, for the first time, "For a 10-year-old to have been infected at birth and to still be alive, that is pretty out of the ordinary ... " are hinting at a cure. At the 11th annual international AIDS conference, held this past summer in Vancouver; British Columbia, doct;ors hailed a combination of three the bike. drugs that reduce HIV concentrations "I just forget about them," Stephain AIDS patients, sometimes to below nie said . "Like a bug on a windshield, detectability. I just wipe it off." It could work · for Stephanie, said It's not that Stephanie doesn't want Dr. Janice Piatt of Phoenix Children's people to know. It's been a hard secret HospitaJ,, /one of the child 's many for a little girl to keep . doctors. "I would go to tell someone, then 4"t PCH's pediatric-AIDS unit, the pause and not tell," Stephanie said. fjlrst center in Arizona solely for "It's like taking a breath and then children with HIV and AIDS, the you can't ever breathe again." patient load has doubled since it When she moved to Glendale a year opened more than a year ago, to 28 ago with her father, Robert Ray, 35, fron;i 14. she decided she no longer could keep Asear before that, the hospital her secret. saw ·~y eight children with AIDS. At Discovery School in Glendale, PAGE 16 '.' SECO.ND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 ■ about AIDS, which killed her mom four years ago . "She's not going to live in a closet," said Ray's sister, Cathy Stelter. "She's got the guts to do it. And if she can handle all she's had to handle, we can handle it, too." Stelter's children, Scott, 12, and Ryane, 6, are learning what to do when other kids taunt them about their cousin with AIDS. "If they're talking, you 're walking," Stetler tells them. Twice, Ray has been taken aside by doctors and told to plan for his daughter's funeral. So, for. him, every thing," answered Hydeia . The delegates in front r ose to their feet when Ms. Fisher came on stage, and many who had been milling about festively paused to listen somberly to the pair. But the hall was not hushed as in 1992, when delegat es seemed stunned by the words of the mother of two from a wealthy and politically prominent Florida family. She riow lives in New York. "I may lose my own battle with AIDS," said Ms. Fisher, whose former husband . already has died of the disease . "But if you would embrace moral courage tonight, and embrace my children when I'm gone, then you and Hydeia and I would together have won a greater battle, because we would have achieved integrity," she said. Afterwards, Gerti Thomas of Albany, Calif., a California delegate , said, "Uwas a good thing for a lot of these delegates t~ see. A lot of people still think it's a moral disease .'.' day with Stephanie is a gift. "He always gives me hugs and kisses, and he doesn't have AIDS" Stephanie said. "I Jove him." ' Ray, a former military man, loads plastic syringes with medication every morning and puts them in a backpack ·for . Ste; hl!nie. Twelve times a day, she takes a combination of drugs - AZT, DOI, an anti-retroviral drug, and bactrim, an antibiotic. Twice during the night, her dad gets . up to feed them to his sleepy daughter. It all tastes nasty, but Stephanie takes it without complaining. "I know it keeps me alive," she said. In the United States, an estimated 650,000 to 900,000 people are infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, 20,000 to 30,000 are children, and most take AZT, which can knock down the viral concentration for a while. Eventually, however, the virus becomes resistant to it. That hasn't happened to Stephanie. She keeps taking iron, magnesium and other vitamins. Her dad makes sure she eats the right foods, even bananas, which she hates but eats anyway .. . And, every month for four hours, Stephanie gets a drug through a chest catheter to boost her imrnune system. "When she was a baby, she was feisty," Ray said. "Now, she doesn't know anything else but fighting." .; ,·, AIDS Warriors & Heroes North Carolina man bas lived for 15 years with AIDS By Nicole Brodeur The News &· Observer RALEIGH - F-1. F-2. F-3. So read the ent ries. on the pages of Bill Brantley's pocket calendar, the one he used to keep his business appointments. The one where he recorded his sons' birthdays. His wedding anniversary. F-4. F-5. The "F" was for Fred. The numbers kept count of their encounters. They met on a sidewalk in New York City. Brantley, in town on business, was standing outside a restaurant at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, reading the menu taped to the window. A man walked up and stood next to him. "See anything that looks good?" the man asked. Brantley turned and looked at him. "Not until right now." Fifteen y ears later, Brantl ey is celebrating a bittersw eet anniver sa ry: That is the night he believes he contracted HIV. But this is a story of hope, for Brantley, 62, is alive - the longest-living AIDS patie n t in Duke University Medical Cen ter's Adult Infectious Disease Clinic. "I have very mixed feelings about this anniversary," Brantley said on a recent afternoon at his home ir, East Raleigh. "It's a time of looking back and regretting, bu t it' s regretting something I didn't know was happening." How could he know? No one knew about AIDS back then. How it was spread . How deadly it was. "On the other hand," Brantley said, 'Tm celebrating that I'm still 'alive to take notice of it." Indeed, Bill Brantley is very much alive, doing what he has done .all along: Talking too much; quoting the Bible, favorite authors and poets; cooking gourmet meals; laughing a lot; painting; pontificating; and caring for his roses. He also takes 80 pills a day. Brantley is thin, with white hair, a white beard and clear brown eyes. His voice comes from deep-down and 40 years of Kool Milds. It is authoritative, stubborn and poetic, all at once. Used to hold entire meeting rooms rapt when he was vice president of investor relations for the Lowe's Companies. Now, instead of schmoozing investors, he is advising everyone how to live. And every day he is alive, Brantley shows that living with AIDS can be a pretty wonderful, . fulfilling adventure. AIDS is, Brantley believes, freeing in its finality. "Finally getting to be honest with myself is what has made me tile most happy ," Brantley said. "And AIDS rnade me do it. I know who I am, what I am, how I am and why I am." First of all, he has come out as a gay man - a fact he finally faced wholeheartedly when h e was officially diagnosed with HIV in 1988. He had been married for 28 years before that. Raised three sons and was a good provider - everything they told him to do back at Bunn Baptist Church, his childhood congregation. In 1987, he paid off the mortgage on his house in Wilkesboro, gave his wife the deed and moved to Raleigh to star t life over on his own terms. Two years later, when he found he had bee n HIV-positive for eight years, Brantley divorced his wife, so she would not be financially responsible for him. ■ Disease Clinic, where he became a volunteer and peer counselor. "It's a joy when Bill comes in," said clinic manager Robert Dodge, who has been caring for - and studying - Brantley for almost five years. "I think the .big thing is Bill's mental attitude. He's not letting the disease ccntrol his life, and the other patients see that." And, because he has lived so long with the disease, Brantley is also one of the clinic's guinea pigs, giving blood, answering que stions, trying new treatments. Last May, Brantl ey was told he could live another five ye ar s. "But that'.s the mean," he said. When a new patient comes in, Brantley offers to take him or her to the N .C. State University Arboretum, where they walk and talk about nothing for a while, just look at the ·ward to.'' His experience has fueled his activism and his desire to make things better for those who may take up the fight after he is gone. · fn 1987, he co-founded the AIDS Service Agency of North Carolina in . Raleigh and served as its first director. "Bill was right there telling us what we needed to do," said Beth McAllister, the agency's former executive director. "He did get frustrated with us in the beginning, saying 'Hurry up and get busy! Hurry up and get organized!' "I understood," McAllister said. · "People were .dying. "Bill is one of those memorable people that you meet," she said. "He's a remarkable man, not only for fighting this d isease, but for what he's been able to accomplish. He's helped a lot of people understand HIV. He is extraordinarily compa ssionate." "There is nobody in the world who is more fortunate than I am ... It is just incredible . God said, 'OK, you have this disease, but I am going to give you something no one has ever had and that's friendship beyond belief."' Once a jet-setting executive and before that a vital Midwestern newspaperman, Brantley has retired and lives modestly on Social Security and disability. He lost 30 pounds with in six months of his diagnosis. He also suffers from AIDS-related fatigue, memory loss and confusion. Recently, Brantley addressed a class of psychology students. His s ubject: death and dying. "Death is a wonderful climax to what we've got here," he said. "It's a continuation of life. Who is to say that it's not a continuation of the natural order?" He thought he was being kind . "Well, I'm glad you got it," she said when he told her he was ill. "You chose it. I hope you die and I hope you die painfully." She then announced it to everyone in the annual Christmas letter. The fallout has been painful. Two of Brantley's sons stopped speaking to him, as did his sister, who lives in Cary. Only his eldest son, John, maintains any semblance of family ties. Along w ith the beefcake postcards friends send from their vacations, Brantley keeps "grandson art" on his refrigerator. So Brantley made a new life, a new family for himself . · He started where his journey through HIV began: At Duke University Medical Center's Infectious ■ flowers . Then, in the shade house of the Japanese Garden, Brantley sits He recalled the night he sat with 40 Seconals and · a glass of water, ready to commit suicide. "Somehow, I decided it wasn't time because I still had something to do," he said. them down. Recently, Brantley's oncologist told ''Tell me your story," he will say . him that the AIDS-related cancer he "And then we'll sit there until we run had suffered with for almost three dry." years was gone. Gone. When someone is told he has HIV, And so Bill Brantley continues on, Brantley believes, he will often living with AIDS. fashion his life after the first person That means savoring every moment he meets with the virus. in the garden, every prayer in For Brantley, that person was Se!- church, every face at the clinic . den Cuniff, who returned Brantley's Every bowl of chocolate ice cream. desperate call to an AIDS service Every morning. Every friend. agency after he had been diagnosed. ''There is nobody in lhe world who Cuniff, who died in 1990, is one of is more fortunate than I am," he said. the only people for whom Brantley "It is just incredible . God said, 'OK, still cries. you have this disease, but I am going "I think it was his courage and con- to give you something no one has ever fidence that stayed with me," Bran- had and that's friendship beyond tley said. "You don't have to give up. belief.' Even on bad days, you have the good "You can live a long time off of ones to look back on, if not to look for- that.'' PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER. 1996 . . -..:·:-::• N S M Wi ......... Church & Or anization News Led Casa de Cristo for 19 years Pastor Fred Pattison retires MORE THAN TWO decades ago, there was a little church started in downtown Phoenix, Arizona called ·Casa de Cristo. On one Sunday in October, 1977 - 19 years ago - Fred Pattison was installed as the pastor of that assembly. Little did anyone realize what was to happen over the next several years with the littl e church. "God gave Pastor Fred visions, plans, and insight that would lead to changed lives, renewed . hearts, reconciled families, and restored communities in places we could have never imagined," said Chuck Jorgenson, moderator of Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church. Pattison is retiring on October 6. His congregation and many friends in ministry set aside September 21 as a celebration of Pattison's work and achievement at Casa de Cristo . Many of the visions that Pattison had were birthed at Casa and Transitions DAVID HOGAN, former organist arid choirmaster at St. Francis Lutheran Church in San Francisco, died July 17 in the explosion of TWA Flight 800. Hogan was a published composer of church music as well as an accomplished performer . He served on the faculty of the Peabody School of Music for nine years. For the past three years he had been living in Europe, writing music for the thea,ter. He was enroute to his home in Paris after a trip to the Bay Area and Florida. He worshipped at St. F rands the Sunday prior to his death. During his time at St. Francis , David wrote a "Mass for St. Francis" in which he set to music the text of the liturgy used by the church . Hogan, an Episcopalian, is survived by his former wife and 14-year-old daughter who live in Walnut Creek, Calif., and his partner who lives in Paris,_ France. · became instruments of God ' s service to the community. Through Cristo Press, The Evangelical Network, Phoenix Evangelical Bible In stitute, Cristo AIDS Ministries, and hundreds of writings, Pattison kept writing, kept preaching, and kept' the faith. "I am in church today because of Fred Pattison," ·Jorgenson said. "He was like a lighthouse for me back in 1988 ... It is very bittersweet to think of Fr ed retiring. However, it is also · an exciting, wonderful time of beginning for Fred and Joseph, a new chapter in their service to God." New church opens in Chattanooga JOYFUL SOUND Christian Fellowship in Chattanooga, Tenn. began worshiping on June 30. Rev. Church D. Thompson is pastor . For information on the church call (423)629-0887, or write P.O. Box 8506, Chattanooga, TN 37414. KELLEY COMBS, coordinator arid chaplain for the San Francisco chapter of Evangelicals Concerned (EC) for the past 12 years, died peacefully at home on August 15, 1996 after an eight year battle with a rare form of lymphoma complicated by HIV . He passed from .this life into the next in the arms of his beloved spouse of twelve years, David Kincaid. From 1992 to 1995, Kelley was on the Board of Directors of EC for the western United States, serving as Vice President._ One of Kelley's missions in life was to help people reconcile a strong Christian faith with a healthy gay sexuality. Kelley received a Bachelors of Theological Studies in 1988 from the School for Deacons, a program of the Episcopal Diocese of California . He was an active member of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church. He is survived by his mother, Doris Williams, and brother Tim Combs of Karnack, Texas, and _brother Pat Combs of Waco, Texas . PA&i 8,, • SECONP_SJONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 Attendance up 60 percent at disfellowshipped Baptist church FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Granville, Ohio, kicked out of the Columbus Baptist Association for welcoming gays and lesbians, has been blessed by the punishment, according to Rev . George Williamson, pastor of the church. Since the church was ousted from the CBA, gays, lesbians aqd bisexuals from around the state have joined First Baptist. Now attendance is up 60 percent, and the congregation has become stronger and more enthusiastic. ''.I think w_hen we got thrown out of the church, that was what had Events Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service lo Chrisrian organizations. To have an event listed, send information lo Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340 , New Orleans , LA 70182, FAX 10(504)899~ 4014, e-mail secstone@aol.com. Pentecostal Alltance District Conference SEPfEMBER 13-15, The Northeast District of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance meets at Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Schenectady, New York. For information contact Lighthouse Church, P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, NY 12301- 1391, (518)372-6001. Advance '96 OCTOBER 2-6, Advance Christian Ministries sponsors its tenth annual conference at New Caney, Texas, just north of Houston. "A Call to Repentance" is the theme, based on the promise and hope of II Chronicles 7: 14. Advance Christian Ministries has a primary goal of supportin_g local ·pastors and churches. For over ten years it bas been a leader in building fellowship among independent, denominational and support ministries. For information contact Advance Christian Ministries, 4001-C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219, (214)522-1520, FAX, (214)528- 1070. Solidarity Sunday OCTOBER 6, Roman Catholics and others are asked-to show their support for gay and lesbian Catholics by wearing a rainbow ribbon to church and throughout the day. For information contact Bruce S. Jarstfer, P.O. Box 701592, San Antonio, TX 78270-1592, FAX (210)545-6906 or email brucesj@aol.com. Brethren/Mennonite Biennial Convention OCfOBER 11-13, "Piecing New Patterns from Old Cloth" is the theme for the 1996 Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (BMC) biennial convention to be held at the Hotel Washingt6n in Washington, D.C. With this conhappened to all of them, and that made it possible for them to think of us as someplace safe they could come," Williamson said. In June 1995, the CBA voted 101-34 to revoke the membership . The decision was acknowledged by the Granvillebased American Baptist Churches of Ohio in September . News of the CBA's decision brought gays and lesbians to the church "very tentatively," Williamson said . They soon becam e "just so enthusiastic and so thrilled and so grateful." vention, BMC celebrates 20 years of building community and creating dialogue within the church . The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be in D.C. during this weekend and a wide variety of · events are taking place around the Mall and the city . The facilitators of the General Sessions and the Worship on Sunday will be Cynthia Winton-Henry and Phil Porter. Phil and Cynthia are teachers, performers, lecturers, and philosophers. They have co-directed WING-IT! Performance Ensemble since 1989, and have developed a · technique and philosophy called "Interplay," a combination of improvisation, spiritual discipline, and play, which they teach to groups of all sorts. In addition to the general sessions, other activities will include workshops, dinner, and an auction. The workshops will address topics such as art, relationships, racism & heterosexism, and spirituality. Conference participants include lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, their families and friends. Registration fees are based on each participant's income level. For more information, write BMC, Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300 or .email BMCouncil@aol.com or call (612) 305-0315. Mothers & Sons Campout OCTOBER 12- 13, Camp Sister Spirit sponsors a campout for mothers and sons. Registration fee of $10 includes food and tent or RV space. For infonnation contact Camp Sister Spirit, P.O. Box 12, Ovett, MS 39464, (601)344 - 1411, sisterspir@aol.com. Mission to Mexico NOVEMBER 23-31, Camp Sister Spirit sponsors its annual trip to lsla Mujeres, Mexico. The organization is seeking donations of medical supplies, small toys, and school and craft supplies to take to Mexico. Departure is from New Orleans and lodging is at a hotel on the island. Right and accommodations are very reasonable. For infonnation contact Camp Sister Spirit, P .O. Box 12, Ovctt, MS 39464 , (601)344-1411. sistcrspir@aol.com. Church & Or anization News More Light churches receive Witherspoon Society award THE 73 MORE LIGHT Presbyterian congregations across the nation were given the Witherspoon Society's Congregation Award at the society's annual luncheon in Albuquerque on June 30. About 75 members and p_astors of More Light churches came forward to receive the award . The Rev. Byron Shafer presented the award on behalf of the sodety to Virginia West Davidson, a member ·of Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, N.Y. "The More Light churches are demonstrating the advent of a new heaven and a new earth - . one of full inclusion and participation for all Presbyterians," Shafer said. Davidson said "the heart of the [More Light) movement is hospitality - loving each other as we love ourselves." She said that "as love grows, mistrust and fear melt away." The society gave its Andrew Murray Award to the Rev. Bruce Rolstad, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister from nearby Santa Fe. For more than 33 years, Rolstad has been active in economic and social community _ development, rural health and housing d'evelopment and various social welfare ministries. Welcoming and Affirming Baptists hold first national gathering THE LAKE STREET Church of Evanston, Illinois was the host of the first national gathering of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, August 16-18. Over fifty people registered for the conference, representing the 27 congregations and 4 organizations that compose the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. The conference began with a strong presentation by Peggy and Tony Campolo. They modeled how to disagree and remain in relationship. On Saturday morning, members of disfellowshipped American Baptist churches participated in a panel discussion about their experience and where they are now. Nearly every church has experienced a new sense of vitality and growth. Budgets have increased, worship attendance has grown and enthusiasm has exploded. The afternoon session was divided between a panel that explored the wider implications of Welcoming and Affirming and a time to develop strategy. UFMCC founder honored by Human Rights Campaign REV. TROY PERRY has been selected to receive the 1996 Human Rights Campaign Equal Rights Award. He is being honored for his "commitment to fairness, dedication to equal treatment of all people, and zealous and remarkably successful efforts to help everyone better understand gays and lesbians," according to Keeping In Touch. "I am deeply honored by the award," Perry said. "I look forward to sharing with gay brothers and sisters who will be in attendance to this first-ever gay and lesbian political convention." The award was scheduled to be conferred at the Human Rights Campaign's first lesbian and gay political convention, OUTVOTE '96, at an awards dinner in Chicago. Long-time lesbian leader ordained REV. JUDY L. MAYNARD, a minister at Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond, Va., was ordained to the gospel ministry on Aug. 10. The long-time leader and activist in the lesbian and gay· community said that she was "committed to taking our message outside the four walls of the church, !l)ld committed to building bridges of understanding through every creative means God opens to us." · Rev. James Birkitt, Jr., a former staff member of MCCRichmond and executive director of the Lamba Church Growth Institute said, "Judy's ordination is especially significant, first becaus.e it was celebrated in historically conservative Richmond and, secondly because the ARE YOU SPONSOWNG A CONFERENCE FOR · CHRISTIAN GAYS AND LESBIANS?? YOU CAN TAKE THE SPIR.IT OF YOUR CONFERENCE ALL ACROSS AMERICA THROUGH CABLE ACCESS. WE PROVIDE QUALI'IY, LOW COST VIDEOTAPING AND EDITING FOR TELEVISION BROADCAST. CALL: WORD OF LIFE MINISTRIES (504) 883-8281 FOR MORE INFO. ordination . site was geographically equidistant between two of America's most notorious gay television preachers, Jerry Falwell to the west /Ind Pat Robertson to the east." Presiding at the ordination were Rev. Arlene Ackerman, Mid-Atlantic District Coordinator for the UFMCC, and Rev. Thomas Bohache, associate minister of MCC of Northern Virginia. Mercy of God Cominunity has new web site • THE MERCY OF GOD Community has joined the Internet by launching its new site on the World Wide Web. The URL is http://mgc.org/mgc. MGC is a Christian, ecumenical, inclusive, non-canonical, and nonresidential religious order. The main purpose of the website is to extend the community's outreach and set the stage for "cyberministry." St. Michael ECC reopens ST. MICHAEL ECUMENICAL Catholic Church in Monte Rio, Calif. was scheduled to begin holding serv- Christian Communit News ices. on Sept. 1 at the Monte Rio Community Church. St. Michael parish was started in 1994, but services were ended when the lay minister in charge as well as many members of the congregation were displaced by the January, 1995 flood. Lyle Dotson, the parish's pastor, was scheduled to be ordained at the church on Sept. 8. He is a graduate of Presbyterian seminary and a resident of Guerneville. For information about the church call (707)869-3781. I PACT lesbian & gay News & Entertainment for New Orleans since 1977 Wicked Stage Lesbian Voices QuarterScenes Movie Police HIV News Realpolitic Directory Queer Planet and more phone 888-944-6722 fax 504-944-6794 email impactmail@eor.com www.eor.com/impact/ Can we do anything to counteract the homophobia rampant in the United States? You bet we can! Celebrate Solidarity Sunday, October 6, 1996. Solidarity Sunday invites all Americans to stand together and say: •Enough is enough. Let us end_ verbal and physical gay bashing." Wear a rainbow ribbon on Solidarity Sunday and take the Solidarity Pl6dge Invite your friends and loved ones to join you! Prayer cards and ribbons are available from your local Dignity Chapter or order them for $15.00 per 100 plus postage and handling from: Bruce $ . Jarstfer, MD National_Solidarity Sunday Coordinator, Dignity/USA P .. O. Box 701592 San Antonio, TX 78270-1592. Fax: (210) 545-6906 Check, Visa or MasterCard accepted. PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 RightroJs Religion By John L. Holleman Contributing Writer Righteous Religion: .Unmasking the Illusions of Fundamentalism and Authoritarian Catholicism by Kathleen Ritter and Craig O'Neill · Haworth Press, New York, 1996 IT IS CURRENTLY fashionable in some circles to speak of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States as being a "dysfunctional family" without much specific content beyond an expression of dismay about personal experiences or tales one hears. If one does not hear this phrase applied lo fundamentalist Protestant Christ ianity, it may well be due to the congregationalist polity which discourages us from thinking of an extended family beyond the local congregation . Nevertheless, this does not preclude the experience of dysfunctionality by a number of people devoted to both brands of Christianity. This book has been written for such people . . By delineating the character of that experience, and offering insight into the depths from which it springs, Ritter and O'Neill hope to Books help such people transform their confusion and bewilderment into an opportunity for spiritual maturation. Their effort will be dismissed by some as "heresy" or "humanism," but such people will be poorer for the preemptory reaction . For those who have ears to hear, let them hear. If there is a common denominator to these two seemingly disparate approaches to Christianity, it might be summed up in the word "authoritarian." Now, this has always been a tempting choice when chaos and forces beyond our control threaten to overwhelm us. Thomas Hobbes, for example, · reacted to the English Civil War by arguing for a strong central authority (monarchy). We instinctively rally to a strong leader or a clearly formulated teaching when there is social distress and the old familiar guide mark ers no longer seem to be in place. Even in the calmest of times, there is plenty in life to make us uneasy about our Jives and what they might signify. Coming Outof Shame: So far, so good . If there is one thing the human psyche cannot tolerate, it is confusion. Gen. 1:2 even describes creation as the initiation -of order out of chaos (formless void). But there is a danger here. If concern is allowed to become desperation, tyranny of whatever , description too easily can ■ see the insensitivity toward other . people so often associated with "control freaks" and "Bible-bashing." Such insensitivity is the font of the abuse of legitimate power and the obsessiveness with loyalty and conformity that can occur in authoritarian, or righteous, religion. One of the One of the oldest control techniques is to induce what John Bradshaw calls "toxic shame," the conviction that one is worthless and fatally flawed, which renders the victim dependent upon the overseer of salvation, be it a priest, pastor, bishop ... be chosen as the way out. That such a fateful decision can have highly destructive consequences is borne out in the personal stories illustrating this book. At the very least, the embrace of absolutism can dehumanize us, devaluing the authentic "inner voice" of a person to the point of extinction. When that happens, we ■ oldest control techniques, of course, is to induce what John Bradshaw calls "toxic shame," the conviction that one is worthless and fatally flawed, which renders the victim dependent upon the overseer of salvation, be it a priest, pastor, bishop, or Board of Deacons . The result is a dutiful, obedient, docile slave - not a child of God. Transfonning Gay and -lesbian Lives If one were to offer a criticism of this book, one might be that it too easily glosses over the profound mistrust of human beings that underlies so much of righteous religion. Individualism may indeed be a problem in this country, but going to the opposite extreme only produces people so devoid of any self-worth that they become self-destructive and torch others in the process of selfimmolation. Of course, one could also argue that this book is only for those with enough emotional health to overcome denial and awaken to the serious dysfunction in the religious beliefs they have so fervently held . The trick is not to be destroyed by the experience . AN EMPOWERING GUIDE to living Kaufman, one of the nation's leada healthy, proud, gay life was ing experts on the subject, and rather quietly released almost a year Raphael, an award-winning fiction ago and deserves revisiting. "Coming writer, charted their way out of Out of Shame" shows gays and lesbi- shame by having "the courage to ans how to reclaim self-worth, using suffer and the determination to tools of awareness and self- endure." The key, they say, is to acceptance. break the silence that is the hall- By; its very nature, shame damages mark-of shame. self-esteem and disrupts intimacy, Their book is unique because it is the leading to a crippled identity. Trans- first to systematically apply shame forming shame's inherent self- theory to th~ lesbian/ gay experience loathing and self-destructiveness, in order to illuminate how shame two men began a deliberate journey impacts the lives and development of toward wholeness and self-respect. lesbians and gay men. Gershen Kaufman and Lev Raphael "Coming . Out of · Shame" takes illuminate that path for the gay and several approaches: The book traces lesbian community in this book . how gays and lesbians have been Everyone has felt the sting of shaped by society's historical and shame to some degree or witnessed cultural shame; explores the sources the subsequent loss of dignity and of shame directly connected to being honor. Tragically, for so many in the gay; examines how shame becomes gay and lesbian community, these internalized and why; probes the feelings have become a way of life. four critical emotions that make -up PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 homophobia; offers strategies for healing; shows how to collect and store self-esteem; and reveals how to enhance self-esteem, deepen intimacy, and strengthen identity . In "Coming Out of Shame," the authors spotlight society's obsession with perfection and difference and challenge the perception that gays and lesbians ,are somehow flawed . To remove gay men and lesbians from the line of fire, they construct a model for change that supports, defends, and empowers the gay community. Self affirming and inspirational, this book transforms gay shame into gay pride, breaking down the wall of silence that has imprisoned the gay community. Finally -free to _ travel the path to personal growth and acceptance, gay men and lesbians can begin a profound process that is nothing less than reinventing themselves. In that regard, "Righteous Religion" is certainly a step in the right direction. It seeks to help those wounded by their experiences of authoritarian religion by means of revealing the source and nature of .their trauma and giving them hope that their disillusionment need not be the last word . Spiritual maturity is not a luxury, but a necessity, if "religion" is not to become an obscene word in our vocabulary . . . . ,a@ iv re,;,'f:it%~t%@P!HitiMM MMM M !®bMMm · Gatherings By Robert A. Bernstein Contributing Writer THE STORY OF Jane !1fld Jim Spahr, told in a compelling new video, casts a _wry light on the n,ational "family -values" debate. Jim and Jane wer.e married in 1964, and they celebrated · the 30th anniversary of the event in late 1994 with a gala weekend - fete at the Silver Penny Farm, a Northern California resort. The ambience was pure Norman Rockwell. Celebrants spanned four generations, including Jane's twin sister and their parents, Jane and Jim's two sons, and the sons' wives and children. All joined in · hailing the constancy of Jane and Jim's commitment to one another; arid · the richness of their contribution to the lives of others. · That celebration forms the backdrop of the video, and ii opens with Jim reprising his wedding toast to Jane of 30 years before. The toast, -he· says, "was really corny, sexist, r.eally terrible - but I really like it." And indeed, even Rockwell himself ·inight have blushed at the sugary prose: "She's true/ she's sincere/ a perfect dear almost divine./ All the others are fair/ but none can compare/ to that dear old girl of mine.'.' But the Rockwellian blush presumably would soon turn to bewilderment. For as the video goes on to explain, Jane and Jim were divorced in 1977. The video's title - ''_Your Mo.m's a Lesbian, Here's Your Lunch, Have a Good Day at School" - suggests the reason. What the improbable title fails to convey, however, is the astonishingly candid spirit that converted potential family tragedy into gentle drama. "Mom" happens also to be the first openly gay minister ever to be called as pastor of a Presbyterian church. After nearly two years of often-bitter litigation before church courts, however, the denomination's highest judicial commission in 1993 denied Jane's right to serve, and . her case has become a kind of metaphor for the tensions cleaving mainstream churches over the role of gay clergy. Through her ordeal, Jim remained · one of her staunchest supporters, along with sons Jimmy and Chet, Jim's second wife Jackie, and Jane's mother, father and twin Joan . All of whicl1 could of course be rather unsettling to the "traditional family values" crowd. But to the Spahrs - after the initial Videos . angst accompanying Jane's coming out 13 years into the marriage - it shakes down to a few simple points. One is that they made a vow at their wedding to love one another forever, and they -refuse to treat the pledge as mere formality. So when they divorced, as Jane puts it in the video, "you just keep loving one another into the next part of your life." Another of their ·guiding tenets has always ■ "A sorority sister of mine ... saw me at a funeral. She said, 'I saw some information about your sister in the paper.' And I thought oh, God ... Now people will know. And she looked at me and said, 'Aren't you proud?"' ■ been "truth-telling" - a term that has become a sort of family mantra and the quintessential Spallr family value. Absent truth-telling, they say, Jan e's lesbianism would have brought disaster to the entire family. "I probably would have died an alcoholic or something," Jim says. • And both he and Jane marvel at how Jane's coming out seemingly cured a facial skin infection that had resisted prolonged medical and psychiatric treatment. As Jim recalls: . "I don't mean a little red mark here and there ... .I watched her face rotting off her bones. Then Janie said, 'Jim, I'm a lesbian,' and out walked this healthy-skinned, mentally alert human being . And I want a refund of all those doctor bills." Their sons, only 9 and 7 at the time, also credit openness and honesty as their life lines during that crucial period . As Jimmy, the then 9-yearold, remembers it, in the remark that spawned the video's title: "It wasn't like, 'Your ~om's . a ,le,sbia9, here's , your lunch, ' have a good day at school.' It was, 'Your mom's a lesbian, . your dad's heterosexu<1l, and here's what that means .': .. So there was a lot of tru"th-tellirtg, and we were prepared for whatever might happen ... .If you're honest with your kids and show them the world [as it is), they're going to turn out a whole lot better than if you teach secrecy, teach them lying." Chet agrees: 'The scandal would be then to lie to us and to each other and be totally phony and totally unhappy in their relationship and think that the kids would not see that.'' And Jimmy sums up, "If you want a wealthy family, not in cash, but boy, we were wealthy in terms of spirit and love." Jimmy is now a New York documentary film producer, and Chet is in law school. A particularly touching moment in the video is sister Joan's description · of her own personal moment of truth that occurred during Jane's litigation with church authorities. Joan had told few people about her sister's lesbianism and so was unprepared when the story hit the nation's front pages . "A sorority sister of mine, a lovely elegant woman, saw me at a funeral," Joan recalls. "She said, 'I saw some information about your sister in the paper.' And I thought oh, God . .. it's finally come .. . Now people will know. And then she looked at me and said, 'Aren't you proud?"' At this point, Joan's eyes mist <!S she relives the emotion of the moment. "Hah, man, aren't I proud? I said, 'Yeah , thanks.' And I thought, oh, you idiot, you've been hiding this wonderful person, and people are saying, aren't you proud? I said [to my husband), 'Did you hear ,•t,!'" ,,i.-.• ;2:~ ~.;..; . .,, i....:-c-.r;;,,.:-a.=..-.,;:_ ~.: ... ~, ~ ·~, . .,. ··,fl';!-:--~--·_.,.-,._ what she said. She said, aren't you proud?' ... I started coming out . .. .. And p'eople ... wer~ really nice about it, saying, '(Janel really is wonderful."' Jim and Jane laugh togethe r -as they recount the boys' reactions to the news that their mother was a lesbi · an . Jimmy _said, ''Mommy, you love people and that's what really matters." Little brother Chet added, "Oh, Mommy, you love people, let's go tell the church ." Jane chudUes. "Jim and I said, well, we don't think the church is going to be as excited as we are.'' True. _But video viewers, I predict, will be excited by what Producer/ Director Ann Macksoud has fashioned into a poignant, moving tale of genuine family values. It's avail able for $32.25 ( or $25 each for orders of two or more) from Leonardo's Children, Inc., 26 Newport Bridge Road, Warwick, NY 10990, (914)986- 6888, e-mail Jobywan@warwick.net. ,.. Catchup on the, newsyou nlissed! ... New subscribers can order a complete set of six back issues - and read up on a year's worth of information of intere s t to gay anQ lesbian Christians . See the order form on Page 22. rnoAYELLOW PAGES TM INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &fTI 1£1 TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 1£1 Complete gay-frlendiy resources and businesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organlzationo, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.SJ H.1.V. resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed -{no charge), or for details of curren~ editions and prices, . or Information about malling labels, please send a self.addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-SS, Village Station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA and Canada call 1-212-989-485u. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, and-San Francisco. They are not involved with production or publication of Gayellow Pages, so please don't call them except to order.) :::i~t~!7J,f;;~~!!:;i;,g2z th~1t~ik7s Y:J~~e":~~~:: 1Ki~~v~inw~i7:~;~;t~~i~7~~'~~~ t;:;:;~:/~~e the information contained in the Gayeflow Pages.• Pat Csllfla, The Advocate Advisor •ay far the most comprehensive and up-to-date gay guide . . . Gayel/ow Pages . . . includes the standardentries for bars and restaurants . . . But the Gayel/ow Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV se!Vices, legal resources, organizations (C8tegorized by purpose or interest), religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual people, no matter how unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probably listed in the Gayelfow Pages . ... Hardly a week goes by that it is not consulted in the Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Howolls, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA), December 1994 •For over 12 years Gayel/ow Pages has been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every pet1ormer, ;~~:i, ~~':Yn~edu1~Jk'J~sRg;,zg;v~r;r;:u,,tr,,;~'E,a~;~h J:::,~s~:cn:r:~'l:~~~;~;3;e in contact wlth. It's the PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 The mailable, faxable and e-mailable form for just arout everything. Subscribe Today: INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION vpiirNru:ne------------Address ___________ _ 11 yr, s issues $17 ]NEW J2yrs, 12issues$28 [ ]RENEWAL )3 yrs, 18 issues $39 City, state, zip+4 _________ _ )Plain ·anvelope add $2 per yr )International, add $10 per yr I I TOTAL THIS SECTION I.. ----..1. 10/96 GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS Please fill in the section above entering your name as you want it to aepear on gift cards. All gift subscriptions are m:i!ed in plain envelopes. 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E-MAIL:Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian Orangevale, California Article on Episcopal bishops incorrect Dear Second Stone: The Associat ed Press article on the Episcopal bishops who signed a document indicating that they may break away from the church because of the church court's decision in the case of Bishop Walter Righter got the facts wrong as to who signed and where they were from. H ere are the corrected dioceses/ cities and .the correct names of the people who signed Hie document calling for schism: Dallas, Texas - James Stanton; Fort Worth, Texas - Jack Ike r; Eau Claire, Wisconsin - Wil ·liain Wantland; Memphis, Tennessee - Jim Coleman; Orlando, Florida - Jack Howe; Jacksonville, Florida - Stephen Jecko; Albuquerque, New Mexico - Terence Kelshaw; Houston, Texas.- Maurice Benitez (retired}; San Joaquin, California - John-David Scofield. Sincerely, Paul Co1my SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Commu nications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright 1996 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. A II payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising infonnation call (504)899- 4014 or write to P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcements, church and organization news to Second Stone P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey *' Maniage ~jHSt-esiJlaifl as black and white Urbana, Illinois The difference between church weddings and civil marriages Dear Second Stone: Unfortunately, I am not- surprised by Jim Baile'y's editorial in the July/ August 19% edition of Second Stone. Heterosexist / homophobic opponents to gay /lesbian marriage almost without exception equate church weddings with state -recognized marriage. Mr. Bailey's editorial starts with this same assumption. To illustrate that in fact there is a difference I need only point to those ministers who will perform weddings but will not sign a marriage license. Until the couple has an agent of the state sign their license, they are not yet married legal I y. From the perspective of the church, a commitment_ ceremony - what the minist er does excluding signing the license - is a sacred and spiritual ceremony that should not be entered lightly by any couple. Clearly, what God's purpose is for queer persons can be open to interpretation with respect to the religious ritual and the purpose and meaning of having a wedding. It would also be beneficial for heterosexuals to do the same given their abysmal record of long term commit ment. However, the marriage license is merely a legal contract binding · two individuals. This contract allows the government to recognize . "familia l units" for the purposes of immigra - SEE LETTERS, Page 15 By Eric Zorn The Chicago Tribune STATEMENT NO. 1: Same-sex marriage must be forbidden, said the Republican senator from Wisconsin, "simply because natural instinct revolts at it as wrong." No. 2. An organization opposed to gay marriage claimed legalizing them would result in "a degraded and ignoble population incapable of moral and intellectual development," and rested this belief on the "natural superiority with which God (has) ennobled heterosexuals." No . 3. "I believe that the tendency to classify all persons who oppose gay marriage as 'prejudiced' is in itself a prejudice," grumped a noted psychologist. "Nothing of any significance is gained by such a marriage." No. 4. A U.S. representative from Georgia declared that allowing gay .marriages "necessarily involves (the) degradation" of conventional marriage, an institution that "deserves admiration rather than execration." No . 5. "The next step will be that gays and lesbians will demand a law allowing them, without restraint, to ... have free and unrestrained social intercourse with your unmarried s~ns and daughters," warned a Kentucky congressman . "It is bound to come to that. There is no disguising the fact. And the sooner the alarm is given and the people take heed, the better it will be for our civilization." No . 6. "When people of the same sex marry, they cannot possibly have any progeny," wrote an appeals judge in a Missouri case. "And such a fact sufficiently justifies tho se laws which forbid their marriages ;" No . 7. Same-sex marriages are "abominable," according to Virginia law. If allowed, they would "pollute" America. No. 8. In denying the appeal of a d~:. Pontius' Puddle WE $C.1Et(n&,s ARE" ~IN~TO SPENt> i:\ ~ILL\0t-,\ !)0U .. 11.~S SEA.RCl--\lN~ FOR L\i=E l=ORl'I\S ON MARS ,1-\AT" 1,HWE: LON~ SINCE BEEN l=0SS,IL\'1.EO At--10 INMnVE". same-sex couple that had tried unsuccessfully to marry, a Georgia court wrote that such unions are "not only unnatural, but. .. always productive of deplorable results," such as increased effeminate behavior in the population . "They are productive of evil, and evil only, without any corresponding good ... (in accordance with) the God of nature." No. 9. A gay marriage ban is not discriminatory, reasoned a Republican congressman from Illinois, because it "applies equally to men and women." No. 10. Attorneys for the state of Tennessee argued that such unions should be illegal because they are "distasteful to our people and unfit to produce the human race ... " The .state supreme court agreed, d eclaring gay marriages would be "a calamity full of the saddest and gloomiest portent to the generations that are to come after us ." · No. 11. Lawyers for California insisted that a ban on same-sex marriage is nec es sary to pr e vent "traditional marriage from being contaminated by the recognition of relationships that are physically and mentally inferior ... (and entered into by) the dregs of society." No. 12. "The law concerning mar- SEE COMMENT ARY, Page 15 We welcome your letters and opinions Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and signed by tire writer. Clear[y indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)899-4014. REAL.L.'/? !=OR ,EN BOC.l<.S. 'I' LL SI-\OW VOU 11--\E Sf>.l"\E T'l--\lNG-CN ·nu~ SAC.I<. v'E'v-1 Ot=° t'\Y C:I-\UR..C.1-\ \\\ \ RECOVERY, FromPage7 grow, heal, and learn. Love is patient. Lo ve yourself. Be patient with yourself . Growth takes time . Give yourself and others time and space needed for growth, healing and recovery. "Jesus kepi growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people." Luke 2:52 "We are to grow up in all things unto Christ." Ephesians 4:15 These steps to recovery are just a beginning .. You can follow through in CHRISTIAN DAD, From Page 6. of the Lord. As we began to return to our seat one of the men came to me and laid hi s head on my shoulder and cried. What he had just witnessed with the four of us at the altar he want s to see in his family. He doesn't hav e that now from his family. I felt God would havl) me encourage him though . I told him that God is no • your own spiritual growth into self esteem and effective Christian living and sharing by finding a group or starting your own spiritual support group in your home. Be creative. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into whatever is fitting and workable for you. God wants you to be whole and happ y even mor e than you do! · "13 Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" is soon to be published by Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898. in their church . One young man told me of the time his pastor called him into his study verbally abused him, took him by the ,arm and showed him the door and as the young man was going out the door kicked him in the seat as he left the church . That isn't God. When I got on the plane Sunday evening to fly back home, I noticed my eyes were stinging from all the tears. But my heart was full of love · and admiration for the group of men classif. BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS ENLARGiNG THE CIRCLE: Pullen's Holy Union Process, the inside story of how a Baptist church in Jes se Helms' hometown decided as a congregation lo offer rituals of blessing for gay and lesbian couples. The church's history with gay issues, discussion within the congregation, reaction from outsiders, expulsion by fellow Baptists, celebrations of covenant, and consequences for the church are shared by lesbian Pat Long, the only "out" deacon during the process. Send $10 plus $1.25 postage to BOOK, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. TF "\l,ui·lDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartiiy recommended," ·11Philosophically intrig. uing," "Excellent. 11 Why do 'reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this b;idge of dialogue between ChristianS and New Agers as enterta ining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $11.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRIST!AN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011~0276. TF FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS with no cancer and no mammogram in last 13 months. Please call 1-800-991-553-9. 12196 CAN'T GET TO CHURCH? We'll come 10 you by audio cassette of our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Holy Spirit Fellowhip, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90E09. MERCHANDISE PIANO FOR SALE - Needed: A responsible person to take on a low monthly payment of a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll free: 1-800-609-1177. ORGANIZATIONS THECENTERFORPASTORALCARE,3180 German Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904, {419)756-2977. A unique pl~ce of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy 10: 15. Followed by a lite brunch. Retreats, workshops and pastoral counseling. Rev. Daniel Dickman, M.Div, M.Ed. 2197 Gay and Lesbian Principians Group -- Alumni of Principia Upper School and/or College, for information write: David, Apt. 124, 2900 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008. E-mail: Mrblanc@aol.com. B "One young man told me of the time his pastor ... showed him the door and ... and women that I had spend the week- - HURTING - SEEKING real friends and perend with. What a precious bunch of haps that special person to share my life friends, with. l'ni 40, blue eyes, brown/gray hair, 6', WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in their intent, some are not. Readers are cautioned to protect themselves from scams: L Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do ·not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. · ·Persons cashing altered checks or money orders are responsible for the difference ·between the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal personal information about yourself that would be harmful lo you if passed on to employer, family or others. kicked him in the seat as he left the church. That isn't God." ■ respecter of persons or families and what He has done in oudamilyHeis able to do for his. The theme I feel God wants me to share is the responsibility that the gay person has toward their family. It's normal to get upset when we are mistreated, but I feel God would have us show Christian love and kindne ss when mistreated. The fruit of the Spirit that come from a Christian's life is to be Mercy has become one of the most beautiful words in the _ English language to me. Recently 1 got a message over America Online from a Christian young man who told of the times he has prayed, begged God, confessed it and still God never made him heterosexual. One day I felt God gave me a thought. I-didn 't one day decide I was going to be heterosexual. It was natural and the way I felt . I don't believe that the kids in the gay community one day wake up and decided they will be gay. Second Stone: Thank you, Dave for • sharing your story. It gives many people the hope they need to see that not only is our Sovereign God able to open some hardened hearts in the chu rch, but that God is busy doing just that! God bless you ! "Love and Joy and Peace ... " So many REV. SAMUEL KADER is the Senior Christians in -their frustration in Pastor and co-founder of Community having a child that is gay want to Gospel Church in Dayton, O/iio. This ·spiritually beat them up -with scrip - gay-positive, full-gospel clzurch has lure . If scriptur e could change the reached out through televised serfeelings and desires of the homosex- mons to the greater Metropolitan ual then we would see gays becoming Dayton area, and is now 10 years old. straight overnight. I have talked to Previously, Pastor Kader·· · also young people that have been kick ed founded Reconciliation MCC -in Grand out of their churches, relieved of Rapids, Michigan, and pastored the ir Sunday School classes, asked to other MCC churches in Dayton, Ohio, leave the choir. I have met so many and Melbourne, Australia. Samuel wonderful musicians that have such Kader has been a conference speaker talent with the p,iano and organ only and has written several articles in to be told they are no longer welcome the gay press since 1975. PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1996 195, incarcerated. Love the L9rd! Believe in real love like Grandma and Grandpa shared. Play guitar/sing, -art, lift weights/work out. Please give me a chance. Thank you. Please write: Michael David 648558, Eastham P.O. Box 16, Lovelady, TX 75851. 101% /.,ENERAL INTEREST LESBIANS - Study seeks lesbians for telephone interviews about feelings and barriers related to breast exams. Confidentiality guaranteed. Seeking midwest women, over 51, classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]Mat/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Genl Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name, ___________________ _ Address, ___________ ~------ City/State/Zip'------------------ Your ad copy ________________ _ How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. If your ad has less than 20 words, think of some more words. If today is after th e first of the month, it's too late for the current issue . Just like the grocery store, you have to pay for it before you get it. We'll send you a copy of the issue (s) in which your &d appears . TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 22. 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 Second Stone #48 - Sept/Oct 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6080fa8e69919b3cd798c80c3be0d716.pdf 434d9980eabe08a73879aa9120fbb86a 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 47 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published July/Aug 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2 .95 Disney unaffected by OOycott, analysts say By E. Scott Reckard AP Business Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) - To boycott Disney, Southern Baptists will have to do a lot more than just steer the kids clear of Epcot Center; "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Home Improvement," "Monday Night Football" and the Mighty Ducks. There's "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee." '.'.Siskcl & Ebert." "Bill Nye the Science Guy." Hollywood Records. Hyperion books. Discover magazine. ESPN. Ten daily newspapers. Ten TV stations. Twenty-one radio stations. And that's just a fraction of the ventures Disney is involved in making it tough for many to follow the boycott, approved by Southern Baptist leaders in June for the denomination's 16 million members. They said Disney's tolerance of gay nights at its theme parks and benefits for gay partners of employees "disparages Christian values." Then again, if Wall Street and Hollywood observers are right and his- SEE BOYCOTT, Page 24 Baptist preachers a growing fixture in political arena By David Briggs AP Religion Writer SOUTHERN BAPTIST CLERGY have come out of the political closet and they're not going back. In surveys of Southern Baptist pastors over the past four presidential elections, the percentage of clergy desiring to be more involved in.social and political action nearly doubled, and the percentage who joined a national political organization more than doubled . In what might be particularly troublesome news for Democrats, the political preferences of the spiritual leaders of the nation's largest Protestant church have almost completely turned around. In 1980, only 33 percent of_Southem Baptist clergy expressed a preference for the GOP; by 1992, more than 70 P.O.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY percent leaned Republican, according to James Guth, a political science professor at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. Where once Southern Baptists traditionally made their home in the Democratic Party - a party that still has a populist appeal on economic concerns - issues such as abortion and gay rights have not only alienated many Baptists from the Democratic Party but have pushed them away from a sole emphasis on ''.soulwinning" and into an active political . role, observers said. "Most of the involvement ... has been defensive, not offensive," said Richard Land, head of the denomination's Christian Life Commission in Nashville, Tenn. "Evangelical Christians have been impelled into SEE PREACHERS, Page 9 BULK RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 ISSUE #47! Visit our Outreach Partner in Memphis, TN., Irvine, CA., Chic'aJJO, IL., Louisville, KY., DesMolnes, IA., Kansas City, MO., and Vancouver, BC. See page 3. Activists disappointed with 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy Prooyterians: Gay ~must be chaste - From Associated Press and other reports ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Gays and lesbians who abstain from sex can be ordained in the nation 's largest Presbyterian church organization. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved the policy July 5. Unmarried heterosexuals who are ordained would also be banned from having sex. The 313-236 vote was watched by about 4,500 Presbyterians attending the session at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Nineteen of the 568 voting delegates were absent. Interview : Acceptance of gay son a long struggle for Christian dad PAGE 6 National News PAGE 8 World News PAGE 14 Christian Community News & Calendar PAGE 18 The Rev. John Buchanan, the newly elected leader of the Presbyterian Church (USA), said prior to the vote that he did not object to ordaining gays and lesbians. Buchanan said he was in favor of letting congregations decide for themselves. "I have come to the conclusion that there is no scriptural reason that homosexual persons should not be ordained. I can live in a church that trusts churches and presbyteries to make their own decisions," Buchanan said in a speech before his election. After the ordination vote, hundreds of gay and lesbian church members and leaders gathered to sing, "We Are Staying in the Church of God." But opponents said the vote was a step backward. "We are asking people again: 'Don!t ask. Don't tell. Let's live our lives in secrecy.' I don't believe that is th e Gospel," said the Rev. Myra Kazanjian of Pittsburgh, who was among 300 people marching through the hall to pr9test the vote. One longtime Presbyterian gay rights activist said he will leave the church as a result of the vote. "I do not like how this heterosexual dictatorship treats my people," the Rev .. Howard Warren said. Warren told his Indianapolis con- SEE PRESBYTERIANS, Page 8 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! See Pa e 22. Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific out reach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In the mean time, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. EJ<-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay . Also, any psychol ·ogist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the Amer- . ican Medical Association . After all the 'rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has . God's nature is to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and· me - sometimes connected with God at work among us, and sometimes not . Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the . church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homopho bia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said , the church is a follow"r of society, not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the ch10ch .) There is a place for you in a ch10ch in your neighborhood. There are many Christian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people . Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastorn, youth leaders, choir mastern, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream ch10ches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 MY PARENTS KEPT TELLING ME ABOUT THE TERR IBLE 'CHOICE' I WAS MAKING FOR MY LIFE. I WAS REALLY CONFUSED UNTIL IT DAWNED ON ME THAT THE 'CHOICE' WASN'T MINE TO MAKE . GOD MADE WHO I AM . THE CHOICE I HAVE TO MAKE IS HOW I AM GOING TO LIVE MY LIFE. who seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's .responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship _with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If yoti've never really believed in God, and want ·to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may be able to recommend a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a · friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us , If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condenms some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather tl1an loved . The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single B ible text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy 1:10. All these texts are concerned with something other than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to look elsewhere for an answer ... The Bible never addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately llllconcerned about it. I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in yo10 area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a var iety of ch10ches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (There is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will co1mect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step . Wouldn't it just be easier to keep , my sexual life a secret? · Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or oilier circumstances. (The day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay'or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexnality witl1 the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in ch10ch or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave yo10 sexuality into the fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yo10self and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. the other Front Page cover items continued & late stones Louisiancah urchre jects "spirituaaln uganceo'' f resolutiotno converJte ws MONROE, La. (AP) - A resolution by the Southern Baptist Convention calling for members to work for the conversion of Jews drives a wedge deeper between conservatives and moderates, a miraster at a northern Louisiana thurch said June 24. · · "I think the move further reiterates the split that was already there," said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, pastor of Northminster Church. "We feel it's another . step in a direction we can't go." The Northminster Church rejected as "spiritual arrogance" a Southern Baptist Convention opinion that Christians should try to convert Jews, and said it may break ties with the convention. Northminster Church congregation members adopted a written statement saying the convention does not speak for the local congregation. Northminster members will decide within a few weeks whether to sever its affiliation with the convention, Gaddy said. The Southern Baptist Convention split after internal conflict between theological conservatives - who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible - and moderates erupted in 1979. Conservatives have taken over the convention leadership since then and moderates have stayed away from the annual meetings, although many, like the Northminster congre- MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE w HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY S.ERVING THE MID-SOUTH Sunday School- I 0:00 a.m. Morning Worship- I I :00 a.m. Sunday Evening-,-7:00 p.m, Wednesday Bible Study-7:00 p,m , 1559 Madison Ave:il'Memphis, TN 38104 901/726·9443 Rev. Timothy Meadows, Sr, Pastor gation, retained membership, Gaddy said. uwe certainly are not · part of the fundamental group still in the con : vention, but most of the moderates · have continued to be part of the convention even though they ha .ve gone to other groups," Gaddy said. The ·convention's resolut.i'on is not binding on individual Baptist churches, Gaddy said. But Northminster felt it had to make a statement "because of the national prominence given to the statement and because of local interpretations given to it. ... We don't want there to be any misunderstandings ." The local church sent a letter to Monroe's Temple B'Nai Israel, reaffirming its commitment to improve Christian-Jewish relations . Northminster's action comes in response to the convention's mid-June meeting in New Orleans. The Southern Baptist Convention - the nation's largest Protestant body - passed a resolution calling for increased efforts to convert Jews to . Christianity and appointed a U.S. missionary for the SEE ARROGANCE, Page 24 the NEWS continues on Page 8 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA IRVINUEN ITECDH UROCfHC HRIST We are not a congregation that tolerates difference, but WELCOMES and Celebrates it. We believe that the Heart of God is Open to A 11, and do not ask that each of us believes as the other, or lives as the other, or loves as the other. WoRSHIP & SUNDAY ScHOOL 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM WEDNESDAYS - OPEN MEDITATION - 6 P.M . 4915 ALTON PARKWAY • IRVINE • 733-0220 CHILDCARE PROVIDED ····--- --- ··- ' ; Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ClrNrcolrf tireR tsHrrectio11 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURC 5540 South Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, IL 60637-1621 "Serving Chicago's gov and lesbian community for 15 years.· Worship services Sundays 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Sundays l 0:30 a.m. Ask us about our house groups. Give us a call at 312/288-1535 DES MOINES, IOWA Church of the Holy Spirit ,MvetroCopmmoulniit~y C hurch PO Box8426 Des Moines IA 50301 Tel.(515)284-7940 Visit us this Sunday at 6pm. Our worship & office location is at 1548 8th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Calling people to new life. Confronting the injustice . Creating a community. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Come share your ministry with us at. ... LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Everybody needs a little Tblnlti/dNOr...,c, h l864ft~AVC!ft Uf! loulsville, KY 402~ 896-6383 Wor,hlp, S~nday I i AM TJ1nltylu lherall Cl>ur<II t432 Hlghland Ave nue lou~lllc; KY 40204 587-8395 Worshfp: Sunday 9:30 AM Rev. Phil Guber Reconciled In Christ Congregations Eveiyone is invited You are invited NATIONAL. W&A BAPTISTS 'Ifie .91..ssoc.iatoiofn 'Wefcoming& .91.Jfinning '.Baptists Invites you to worship with a lesbigay affirming American Baptist congregation. For a listing ofW&A churches orto locate an affinning pastor near you see the Resource Guide (Second Stone, May/June '96) or contact the Association at: .,:,P O Box 2596, Attleboro Falls MA 02763.0894 phone/fax: 508-226-1945 e-mail: WABaptists@aol.com http://users.aol.com/WABaptists/ VANCOUVER, BC CANADA ~ Liberty Community Church ~ Vancouver, H.C. Canada ! ~ 4th Intl. T.E.N. Conference Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 1996 Abiding Peace Lutheran Church 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64119 "In His Image" (816)452-1222 Caring for People and Creation For info and registration call (Northo f theR iver) (604)254-0082, FAX (604)687-2610, Sunday Worship: 9:30 am e-mail Church@XL.CA or write (Summesrc ltedule) 402-2388 Triumph Str., Vancouver, BC V5LIL5 PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds F.piscoJEI bishop detennined to rem~ cancer PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The head of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island says her desire to watch the children of her parishioners grow up will carry her through a battle with breast cancer. In a letter read from pulpits June 16th, Bishop Geralyn Wolf told the state's Episcopalians she will undergo a mastectomy. The operation was scheduled for July 3. Wolf delivered the news in person at St. Michael's Church in Bristol, stepping down from the altar after communion to share what she referred to as the "sad news and the good news ." "What I need from you is your prayers, your thoughts," she said. "What I don't need from you is for you to tell me every prognosis your cousin or aunt had" and how it all went. "I've already received that from Diocese of Rhode Island," she said. "And the children (of parishioners), that I would see them grow up . Things like that were in my mind, in my heart." Wolf said she is being frank about her cancer because the church community benefits when members "trust one another with some of the more difficult things." "I've tried to do that in my life," she said, "and I hope you will try to do that in yours." ■ \ "I was aware of how much I had to live for ... " ■ members of my family," she said, as Wolf, 49, was elected the 12th Episthe congregation chuckled. copal bishop of the Rhode Island Parishioners said they were Diocese last October and was impressed by Wolf's words. installed in February . "It was a shock, but she has such a Wolf, the -former dean of Christ positive attitude that we're very Church in Louisville, Ky., said she encouraged." said Marie Tucker, 70, of has been told that recuperation from Bristol. the removal of her right breast and Margaret Daniel, 16, the daughter several lymph nodes, and subsequent of church rector Rev. Canon Clifton reconstructive surgery, will be long Daniel III, said Wolf's illness is Ira- and uncomfortable. gic, but added, "a lot of good may "I'm not looking forward to that, but come from it. We will see her then, 'further down, there's life," she strength through this, and we will said. "So it's a small price to pay - fo~ also coine together to support her as a seeing those children grow up ." community." In her letter, Wolf said she needed Wolf found a lump smaller than a time before sharing her illness with pea during a self-examination in the church. April. On June 5, !,he received results "I waited until now to share this of a biopsy showing the lump is with you because I needed to intemalignant . grate the many emotions which I Her doctor has told her the chances have experienced," she said. "I have for a full recovery are excellent, said found inner peace and resolve during Wolf, who is only the second woman this time of prayer and preparation." to head an Episcopal diocese in the Wolf said she will monitor the United States. daily operations of the diocese while She said she became determined to she is treated. beat the cancer in the days after the The only other woman in charge of diagnosis. an Episcopal diocese in the United "I was aware of how much I had to States is Bishop Mary Adelia live for - like all the people in the McLeod of Vermont. PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • JULY /A UGUST , 1996 "We're home now." Burned black church rises from the ashes By Julia Prodis Associated Press Writer GREELEYVILLE, S.C. (AP) - Carrie Wilson was the first to rise from her pew June 16, though soi;newhat slowly at her age, to sing out in thanksgiving at the first worship service in her newly built church. "Holy Spirit, you 're welcome in this place," she sang, swaying back and forth in her white dress with a lace cap delicately pinned on her head . During this hour of hope and joy, the congregation seemed to forget the hatred that torched their old church one year ago or the threats made just weeks ago . While the Rev. Terrance Mackey was inspecting the construction, three young white men drove by in a pickup truck and taunted him. "We're going to get you, nigger!" . They already had. : A few blackened cinder blocks and ·burnt Bibles were all that remained when Mrs.· Wilson arrived at the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal church that sultry, summer afternoon one year ago. The 72-year-old woman cried inside. For 90 years , the church next to an expansive oak tree had meant home, family and God to six generations of her family. Her greatgranddaughter, Sharon, was sup posed to be married here in three weeks. Her grandmother, Chinnie Filmore, was a slave .on this very land 140 years ago. She lived through the Civil War here, bore children here, and was freed here. Long after emancipation, Chinnie remained on the plantation living in a little board house . Here she raised three children and picked cotton, string beans and garden peas. In the early 1900s, the plantation owner donated a small piece of land - a plot hidden in the woods off a dirt road - to the Mount Zion church. And that's where Chinnie worshipped every Sunday, walking seven miles each way . Chinnie died in the early 1950s at the age of 103. By then, her greatgrandchildren were being baptized and attending Sunday school at Mount Zion. Amelia Dunmore, just 12 when Chinnie died, is one of them . She's 56 now and remembers well the picnics under the shade of that old oak tree. As a child, she played under that tree, churned ice cream and drank lemonade while a brass band played. Amelia and her cousins came of age during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s, and she knew of Southern black churches being torched by the Ku Klux Klan. But she felt safe at Mount Zion here in Greeleyville, a farming community ot about 500 people in the South Carolina lowlands. ■ A few blackened cinder blocks and burnt Bibles were all that remained ... at the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal church that sultry, summer afternoon one year ago. ■ Whites and blacks didn't socialize much but for Flag Day every year. They didn't bother each other, either, she said. After all, most of them had one thing in common, poverty. When a sewing and medical supply company closed _ down last year, Wil· liarnsburg County's unemployment hit 17 percent. Amelia was somewhat surprised when, just a few years ago, the KKK marched through her town in white hoods. They burned a cross -in th e school yard and left. "I think we still carry a bit of tllat slavery on," she said . Through it all, she said, Mount Zion was a safe haven, a refuge from the hatred. On June 20 of last year it became a target. · Two white men with ties to the KKK, Christopher Cox, 22, and Timothy Welch, 23, were charged with torching Mount bon and another black church in neighboring Clarendon County. Welch and Cox lived in Bloomville, SEE CHURCH RISES, Page 20 · Faith in Daily Life Grandmother forges relationship between Baptist church, MCC WHEN FRAN TAFT of Jamestown, New York visited her grandson in Wilmington, North Carolina in the spring of 1995, she had no idea of the lasting effects it would have on literally hundreds of people. While vacationing in Carolina with her daughter and son-in-law, she attended St. Jude's Metropolitan Community Church with her grandson, Dr . Matthew L. TenHuisen, who is clerk of the board of directors of St. Jude's. "I received exposure to the gay and lesbian community I had never had before," said the 90( + )-year-old Taft. Impressed with the spirit and worship at St. Jude's, and the warmth with which she was received, she returned to her own church, the Judson Fellowship (American Baptist), and with the support of her pastor, Rev. Margaret Monroe-Cassel, proposed a "sister'' relationship between th e two churches. When presented at Judson for a congregational vote, the proposal became an official church action. "I wanted to find a .way for our church to express support for the gay /lesbian qJmmunity in general and the specific Christian community of St. Jude's," Taft said. Both Taft and Rev. Monroe-Cassel hope their churches will be an example to American Baptist and other churches that have been struggling with the issue of those who are both openly gay and Christian. St. Jude's congregants received the suggestion with great enthusiasm . "When Matt made the announcement," said St. Jude's pastor Kathi Beall, "our people cheered and wept. We knew Grandma Fran loved us, and to get the additional affirmation and support from her church as well touched everyone." It is the only such relationship between an MCC and a mainline church of which Beall has heard, although many"MCCs get their start in worship - space through opening and welcoming congregations of other denominations . Rev. Monroe-Cassel sai d she believes that the relationship between her church and one with a predominantly gay congregation will do more to open minds and hearts than efforts to issue denominational policy statements, which are typically met · with fierce opposition. Beall agrees . Rev. Monroe-Cassel elaborated that it is far easier for someone to object to the concept of a gay Christian than it is to reject someone who obviously loves and serves God, no matter the sexual orientation. Mrs. Taft felt that others in her church would benefit, as she did, from seeing a side of the gay and lesbian community that is seldom depicted in the popular media . It began as an attempt to help her church of approximately 50 members live up to its statement of purpose which says "God calls us to be a community of Christian love and to continue Christ's ministry of building the kingdom of God on earth. We will respond!" It has resulted in an "adopted" family of children/ grandchildren numbering well over 100. "When we speak of her," Beall said, "we call her Grandma Fran. It we said Mrs. Taft, or Fran Taft, only a handful of folks would know who we meant. Everybody - even those who haven't met her - know who Grandma Fran ls." If you're facing a life-threatening illness, you know how precious time is. Don't let money stand between you ~d the way you want to spend that time. Faced with news of a tenninal illness ... John paid off the mongage and bills, then set money aside for his future personal care needs. David rented a convenible, drove his mother to Disney World and spent a week living a childhood fantasy. Sue Ellen found the best doctor in the country and panicipated in a special ·treatment program. At Christmas , Taft's grandson Matt visited Judson, and was presented with a banner made by them for St. Jude's. The banner features the names of Judson and St. Jude entwined and the legend "Woven Together in Love." Months of planning and discussion resulted in a visit by ten members and friends of Judson making the 13-hour drive to Wilmington in April. From a tour of historic W ilrnington, to a traditional "chicken bog," the visitors enjoyed a sunny southern springweekend. "We were treated like· royalty," one of the visitors commented. "Isn't that just the point?" asked Beall. "We' re all children of the Most High. That's the way we should all be treating one "another." The weekend was the first of many visits bad< and forth, hope both pas tors and Mrs. Taft. St. Jude's MCC is working on plans for a visit to Judson in late summer . "You can escape Wil- . rnington's summer heat and humidity," promised Rev. Monroe-Cassel. Beall sees the relationship between SEE GRANDMOTIIER, Page 20 Scott donated money to his community theater and attended the dedication ceremony in his honor. Eliz.abeth gathered her scattered family and childhood mends for a longoverdue "reunion." 1i1rni11g your life i11s11ra11ce "death /Jenejir" i1110 ti "lil'i11g /Je11efi1" in your /iferime How did they do it? LifeTime Benefits "Viatical Settlement" They convened their life insurance policies and took an immediate c11Sh pay-out, no1v - when they needed the inoney most. It's simp le. Fast. And there are no fees, ever. LifeTime Benefits could be your key to more independence ... choice ... security ... and control. To receive free, no-obligation information and learn if you're eligible, CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-766- 77 44 Ask for ext. 30 All requests are strictly confidential. A Member of Viatical Association of America Faith in Daily Life Part One of an interview with Dave Ferrell Acceptance of gay son a long struggle for Christian dad By Rev. Samuel Kader Contributing Writer H A VE YOU EVER wondered how the church is ever going to get the truth in their hearts that God loves people without regard to sexual orientation or any other condition? The Gospel is so clear; that God so loved the world that He gave His only beloved Son tnat whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life. There is a great move of God in the Earth among whosoevers! But the traditions of our Elders are making them miss this great truth. Dave Ferrell is a case in point. His 30-year-old son Todd is gay, Christian, and happily married to his male spouse, Jose. Dave was raised in the conservative, Bible-believing Christian traditions of America . It looked to Todd as if there was no hope of having his dad understand, much less accept him and his family. DAVE: My name is David Ferrell and my wife"s name is Becky. I am 54 years old. We have two children, Shelli, and Todd. Our background is Pentecostal. I was raised in the Assemblies of God Church. My father was a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher in a small town in southern Missouri. When I graduated from high school I went to college in Springfield, Missouri. At that time I was young and immature and dropped out for a semester and worked on my uncle's farm. After a year I enrolled in college again at Central Bible College in Springfield. In 1962 I married an Assemblies of God minister's We had a normal life, working all week and in church all day Sunday. My wife and I worked with the youth as one of the sponsors. Our kids grew up going to church everytime the doors were open. Second Stone: DID YOU EVER SUSPECT YOUR SON TODD WAS GAY? HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THIS? WHAT RE./\.CTION DID YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAVE? DA VE: When Todd was around 12 or 13 I began to get concerned because he was not a "jock." I wanted him to do "manly things" like play football, baseball, soccer and run with the guys. He liked to run with his sister and her friends. These were good kids but it was not manly to me. I bought a football, a baseball, bat, and glove and would ask Todd to go in the back yard and play pitch and catch with me. This was not his thing but I would insist and he would humor an old man Todd prayed as many of us have. He wanted to do what was right before God. Yet he knew he was gay and that could not change. Since his family was deeply steeped in the traditions of the conservative Christianity it seemed there was no hope of having his biological family take part in his life any more. Many of us have faced this challenge, and responded rather creatively. We have tried in vain to present all the right and persuasive arguments, but families hearts seem unmoved and even deeper entrenched in their position . The Word of God shows us another possibility: . Dave Ferrell and son Todd Zech 4:6: So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord ... : 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. (NIV) We don't always recognize that all our arguing, by all our power and with all our might will never accomplish what only God can do by the Spirit. I asked Dave Ferrell if he would tell his story . Here is just one example of what only God can do. Second Stone: DAVE, TELL ME A LITdaughter in St. Louis. On July 25, 1966 our daughter was born. Prior to my wife and I marrying we were told we would probably not have children. Needless to say when after four months of marriage we were told we were going to be parents we were happy and excited. I was in school, my wife worked at the juvenile office and brought home $210 a month. Our big deal then was to go to A&W Root Beer, get a papa and a mama cheeseburger and a root beer. That was the extent of our social life at that time. I was working in the summer for an ambulance company making 35 cents a hour. I worked 100 hours a week and made $35.00. TLE ABOUT YOUR OWN LIFE. On March 27, 1966 our son Todd was HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOU born. When we brought him home HAVE ALTOGETHER? WERE YOU from the hospital our daughter who A CHRISTIAN WHEN YOU GOT knew she had a little brother didn't MARRIED, AND THEN WERE expect him to be so little . When she YOUR CHILDREN RAISED AS looked in the baby crib and heard CHRISTIANS? him crying she said "Take him back." PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1996 as I referred to it and we would play ball. During Todd's high school days he was in the school band and played trumpet. I always encouraged the kids to be in the band in high school. In my youth I had been in the band and had a lot of fun going places with the school band. It was during Todd's high school days he also got involved with the theater group. In February, 1988 I was transferred from St. Louis to San Antonio, Texas where I am a sales manager. I had known prior to that move that our son was gay but was praying and trusting God to make it go away. In March of 1988 our son, and a friend who was a girl, came to visit us. The girl told our daughter that Todd was gay and our daughter told my wife the next morning . About 9 a.m. I got a call from my daughter crying and wanting me to come home. She told me what the problem was . I , ,, i@·C\. :;~ always knew this day would come, _but had hidden the fact that our son was gay as long as I could. I knew what it would do to my wife. It is normal for a parent to blame themselves when they find this type of "problem" exists in their family. Becky did go through this blaming herself, searching her own life for answers that did not come . It was my intention to protect her as long as I could . At first my wife was upset with me not telling her. At the time we moved from St. Louis to San Antonio Todd was working in St. Louis and finishing college at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. When Todd got back to St. Louis from his trip, I told him what had happened . My heart was broken. Becky and Shelli were afraid for Todd to be around Lara, my grand-daughter, because of the AIDS scare. We only knew that the possibility of AIDS was something that .happened to other families and not ours. We went through several years of depression, confusion, confessing the Word of God and begging God to change Todd . Unbeknown to us, Todd was also praying and asking God to take away the feelings he has for men. I have since learned of times he would beg God, cry and even thought of suicide. After finishing school, Todd moved to San Antonio and worked for a credit department. After a short time there he went to work for a Hotel in San 'Antonio. About a year later he was transferred to San Francisco to open a new hotel property there. I questioned God as to why He would let this happen. We were praying, believing God for his deliverance and God allowed him to be transferred to the gay capitol of the world? I was angry at God and felt that God had deserted me and I was mad about it. However, we continued to pray although I must admit it was a prayer of demands rather than a prayer of love and peace. I knew all the scripture and had beat my son up with those scriptures. Second Stone: HOW DID THE LORD MINISTER TO YOU OVER THU, SITUATION? WHAT THINGS DID THE LORD DO TO CHANGE YOUR HEART AND FEELINGS TOW ARD TODD AND HIS FAMILY? DAVE: I got a red letter Bible and searched the scripture looking for anything that Jesus might have said on the subject. It seems this is a subject Jesus didn't ,deal with . There are no scriptures on gays or homosexuality where Jesus said anything on the subject. God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit began to deal with me SEE INTERVIEW, Next Page Faith in Dally Life Departing pastor was a prophet for community- By Gary D. Robertson AP Writer RALEIGH (AP) - Jimmy Creech defended gays and lesbians, and he lost his pulpit. He visited brutal killers on Death Row, and pleas for clemency were turned down . The victories were few a:nd the 'heartache great for Jimmy Creech, a longtime minist er and activist who left North Carolina the end of June for a pastorate in Nebraska. Creech started out as a rural minister and evolved into a prophet - raising his voice against society's ills while knowing many people won't listen. "The church has to respond to the problems of injustice in our society and all over the world," Creech said . "As long as there's someone facing oppression, the church has to be at the forefront advocating for their salvation." Creech never thought he would leave North Carolina. The Goldsboro native, still boyish-looking at 51 except for salt -and-pepper hair, was INTERVIEW, FromPage6 about my attitude. At this time there was very little love, joy or peace in our family. It was an uncomfortable time of being together. We all tried to make it through Christmas each year as best we could. That was the only time w e saw Todd during the year . I feel God gave me a dream . I dreamed that I had two grandsons in California. I awoke the next morning and was happy and excited and finally felt I had some hope and something to hang on to . I was excited that I was going to have a daughter-in-law . I thought about what she might look like, what color her hair might be, and what my grandsons might look like. About two months went by . I never told Todd about my dream. I was confessing it, claiming it, and reminded God almost daily about it. One dayTodd called and he said, "Dad, I've met a man named Jose and he has two boys and he is moving from Phoenix to San Francisco and we are going to be a family ." I felt like God was playing a bad joke or at least allowed a bad joke to be played on me . . Once again I was frustrated and upset and questioned God. Everything I had been taught seemed to be crumbling in front of me. Why God? Why would you allow this to happen? Where are you when I need you the most? Don't you care? content with his position as program associate for the North Carolina Council of Churches . He and his wife, AIDS activist Chris Weedy, only recently bought their first home in downtown Raleigh. Btit he had always longed to return to parish ministry. So when a church official in Nebraska told him about the opening as senior pastor of the progressive First United Methodist Church in Omaha, he knew it was time to make the jump. "This is the chance of a lifetime," said Creech. Creech's last pastorate turned his life upside down . The up-and-coming preacher was drummed out unceremoniously from his post at Fairmont United Methodist Church in 1990. He prompted controv ersy after aligning himself with a gay rights group formed by Raleigh ministers and participated in gay pride parades. "He is a man of principle and a man of deep conviction," said Pat Long, a A few months passed and Todd asked me if he could bring his family hom e with him for Christmas. I said no, At this time I was rebuking the devil out of everything I could. Out of my home, behind that bush, anywhere I thought he might be. I was hurting bad . I know and knew how much Todd loves his family. I was hurting for him as well. It gives a father joy to be able to give to his children .and I couldn't give to Todd the request he had asked for, and bring his family home for Christmas. Todd came home that Christmas by himself and we all tried to make it happy and joyful but it was uncomfortable. A year went by, Jose and the boys moved in with Todd in California. Toward the end of the year we once again began making plans for Christmas . Todd again asked if he could bring his family with him. I told him no. Todd told me if he couldn 't bring his family with him then he wouldn't be home for Christmas. This was like a knife and I felt like I couldn't stand it. It was as though my body would explod e with the hurt and pain . I love my family and I could see it coming apart. I was also very angry, at God, at Todd, at the world . During this time I had stopped praying about Todd and was still angry about my dream . I felt I had no one to talk to. My father-in-law was in his 70's and still pastoring and Raleigh gay rights activist. "He has been an example of trying to take the gospel seriously, despite years of prejudice that's part of our culture." But his work burned too many bridges among Methodists in eastern North Carolina, and no one would take him as their pastor. Then single and without a job for six months, Creech was not without supporters . One church provided food; another paid for his apartment. After coming on with the council in 1991, he took up more social justice causes, including education, race and gender equity. Some of Creech's most public confrontations came while he fought for life sentences for death-penalty inmates. There was Kermit Smith, executed last year for the rape and murder of N.C. Wesleyan College cheerleader. And he spoke on behalf of Philip Ingle, who killed two elderly couples. He wa s David Lawson's confidant I couldn't go to him because of the family ties. God through the prompting of the Holy Spirit began to deal with me. In desperation, I once again turned to God. As a Christian I would show love and joy and peace to the men of Teen Challenge, a group for men who have primarily bee11 drug addicts. I would work with them in the church but I was showing contempt, unhappiness and no peace toward my son . I was convicted over this. After much prayer and discussion with my wife I called Todd and told him if he wanted to bring his family home for Christmas he could. It was like a weight moved off my shoulders. On the day that Todd and his family were to come home I went to the butcher shop and got a long piece of paper and wrote on the paper, "Welcome Home Todd, Jose, Jose Jr. and Frankie." I taped this all across the double garage of my home. Everything went fine. On Saturday night, I was considering taking the boys to a different church than my own. Todd knew that was not where I went to church but I would tell him we were goi_ng to visit another church today. Beside, I had heard that pastor was hard on the gay issue and he might preach on it that Sunday. At least I hoped and had told God it would be all right with me if he wanted the pastor to preach on that subject. God began to convict me of during the inmate's attempts to show the inhumanity of the death penalty before his 1994 execution. Death penalty proponents scorned him. They complained that he helped Lawson tum his execution into a circus by asking talk-show host Phil Donahue to televise his death in the gas chamber. Creech "tried to make sure that every person had support," said Leigh Eason, head of People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, formed after Lawson's death and co-founded by Creech. "He tried to give people the benefit of doubt, even the governor." Lawson always will have a special place in Creech's heart, adding that the inmate found Christ during his final days. "Before his execution I saw a man who had been radically changed," said Creech, fighting back tears. "He was so clear on his purpose of life to SEE CREECH, Page 20 would think . On Sunday morning, we got up and away to the Assembly of God we went. Church had already started and we marched in all five of us. The ceiling tile didn't fall off nor did any of my fellow church members pass out. Then came the end of the service. I knew the pastor always stands in the middle isle and greets folks so I thought I would head out the side door and we would be gone. Well again God began to deal with me. So I marched all of us to the center isle and there .he was, the pastor . I just said well, okay God this may be my last day here but I'm going to be truthful. I introduced my son and his family by just those words to my pastor . He welcomed them and didn't flinch a muscle . I know I was watching to see what he would do to me. I have since had the opportunity to talk with him about that day and he asked me, "How did I do?" I told him he did -great and his Christian con; duct made it easier for me. I am proud of him and will always be grateful for the love and spirit he · demonstrated that day. When we got to the car Jose asked me if the ·pastor knew about Todd and their family. I said no . He began to cry when he realized the love and acceptance I had shown toward them . In Part Two of this interview, Dave Ferrell describes his entry into the gay and lesbian faith community. this for that would not be the truth. I Manna Weekly Devotionals will be was concerned as to what my church back in our next issue. PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE • J ULY/AUGUST, .1996 Pnsbyterians:Gay pNOCSml.N beclme From Pagel gregation eight years ago he is gay. He spent the week of General Assembly wearing rainbow scarves and hats with signs dangling around his neck that say: "God cries that the Presbyterian Church works for civil rights, not spiritual rights for lesbians, gays and bisexuals." The Rev. Laurene Lafontaine of Denver said prior to the vote that the proposal was disappointing. "We'd have to stop breathing to comply," she said. "Being gay or lesbian is who we are." If more than half of the 171 presbyteries in the nation approve the policy within a year, the church's Book of Order would be modified to reflect the change . Sandy Martin, a church elder from Pittsburgh, said she believed the policy would drive people away from the church. "Oh, yes, a lot of people will leave," she said. About 20 ordained pastors have told their congregations they are gay or lesbian, and 73 Presbyterian congregations have declared themselves More Light churches, meaning they are willing to ordain gay and lesbian members to church office. Ileen Mitchell, a Presbyterian laywoman from Webb City, Mo., said the potential loss of members shouldn't • influence the decision, -- either way. ''The church is open to all, but I do not believe that an avowed, practicing homosexual should be a leader in our church," she said. The Pr(!sbyterian Church (USA) is a 3 million-member church formed by a 1983 merger of the northern and southern branches of Presbyterianism. It has long welcomed gay and lesbian members, but has debated for years whether · to change a 1978 policy that said "self-affirming, practicing homosexuals" are ineligible for ordination. The church's Ordination and Human Sexuality committee concluded that the standards for ordination should be "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman - or chastity in singleness ." The committee heard a long stream of two-minute pro and con arguments prior to the vote on the proposal. Nearly 230 people signed up to speak, but ,:inly 103 were able to do so because of time constraints. • Merrill Proudfoot, a pastor from Heartland Presbytery who said he is a gay man, described his 25 years of struggling to overcome his sexual feelings toward men "through all kinds of counseling" only to have them changed "not a whit." He described how in 1978 he was overcome by joy in accepting his gayness. He said his neurosis was lifted. "Please consider that God's will might work for healing in this way also," he said. The last speaker, a 10-year-old girl, spoke powerfully for ordination rights for gay and lesbian people. Danielle Thibeaux-Milner from Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, said: "In the past, the Presbyterian church has found ways to justify their prejudice towards African-Americans and women. Now African-Americans and .women can be ordained. Does that tell you something? My mom has worked her butt off in seminary doing the same papers, studying for the same tests, trying to make good grades, trying to get an internship just as well as straight, white men, who get ordained . And I know that women can be ordained. But if they [men] aren't straight, they have to lie about it, _lesbian women have to lie about it. Gay men · have to lie about it, transgendered people have to lie about it, and bisexual people have to lie about it. The Presbyterian Church says we shouldn't lie, and they say God's love is inclusive. My mom deserves to be loved, to live happily, and she deserves to have her call to ministry recognized. You can vote no, and you can justify your fears through Scripture . When you vote no, you will hurt us with your fears and condemnations~ PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 Prior to vote on ordination recommendation Gay, lesbian Presbyterians have upbeat gathering at church's general assembly ALBUQUERQUE (PCUSA) - The Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Celebration of Reconciliation at the 208th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) overflowed the ballroom of the Double tree Hotel where three sides of the room displayed a "Shower of Stoles." Over 350 stoles have been given by ministers, elders, relatives, friends and churches on behalf of gays and lesbians, many of whom cannot reveal their true identity, or who have been forced from the path of ministry and service at every stage. The mood was upbeat because of the large turnout and the posifive feeling about the election of Moderator John Buchanan. PLGC's Inclusive Church awards were presented to: Elder James D. Anderson for his tireless efforts in the publication of the "More Light Update;" and Deb Price, syndicated columnist, for her excellent writing that has led to better understanding of gay and lesbian concerns. Moderatorial candidate, Norm Pott, who attended, received a standing ovation when he said to the large crowd: "I would rather have the love Seminary president and respect of the people in this room than to be moderator of the Presbyterian Church." Martha J uillerat introduced the Shower of Stoles by relating the response to a pamphlet requesting stoles at last year's General Assembly . Eighty stoles came in six weeks, 200 in one year, and more than 350 were received by the time of General Assembly. A sampling of the messages of the stoles included the following: "John - an ardent Presbyterian 'son of the manse.' He might have become a_minister, but the non-acceptance of his sexuality by family and Presbyterian Church has directed him into another profession and another denomination." And from a lesbian: "You know me. I am your daughter, your pastor. You nurtured me, encouraged me, ordained me. For over 20 years I have served at every governing body level." And it continued: "Yet I cannot tell you my name. For me the risk is still too great. I work and pray for the day when . I am free to say who I truly am." Presbyterian church hasn't done 'theological homewotk' on human sexuality ALBUQUERQUE (PCUSA) - Keynote speaker Rev. Jack Stotts told the gathering at the annual luncheon of the Witherspoon Society that the real issues of the current debate over ordination of gay and lesbian persons are the church's theology of order and its theology of human sexuality. Stotts is the soon to retire president of · Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary . "It is a theological issue to discover how . God is ordering the world toward the fulfillment of God's purpose," Stotts said. "And Christian discipleship then becomes ordering what we have been given in light of God's ordering of creation." Stotts said that order is "a community of inclusive friendship." "Human sexuality is part of that ordering process, The issue is not ordination," he insisted. "The issue is how we order our lives as human sexual selves." Stotts said the Presbyterian Church has "not yet done sufficient theological homework" to produce an adequate theology of human sexuality . He said that theological work needs to be done in congregations and presbyteries - "in contexts where people know each other as friends, because ordination cannot be done by strangers." Friends, Stotts said, "are nurturers, not adversaries. Friends treat each other decently." But now and then, he continued, "theological vigilantes arrive - crusaders for their own absolute truth." Citing "The Presbyterian Layman" as an example, Stotts said, "These vigilantes seem to have forgotten tltat Christians are friends. They loot the time and attention of church leaders, with the result that they scandalize the gospel of Jesus Christ." Stotts said he had just one question . for "The Presbyterian Layman" - the same question asked of Sen. McCarthy during the witchhunts of the 1950s - "Have you no decency?" Decency and order - hallmarks of Presbyterianism - "offer hope for the future," Stotts said. "Hope," he concluded, "is a stem taskmaster because it requires us to stay together as friends even when we are most tempted to separate." National News After 25 year wait: Ordination dreams come true for Baptist preacher AMENS PUNCTUATED the dignity · of the worship, stately hymns ,resounded from the sanctuary rafters and tears flowed freely during a twoand- a-half-hour ceremony on June 30 when Randle R. "Rick" Mixon was ordained to the Gospel ministry after almost a quarter-century of waiting. The ordination took place at the Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, one of four congregations disfellowshipped by the Board of Managers of the American Baptist Churches of the West because it welcomes gays and lesbians. Representatives of the other three disfellowshipped churches and members of several sympathetic congregations were present. Although containing all the traditional elements of a Baptist ordination, the ceremony was unique in several ways. In addihon to the usual "Charge to the Church, " a "Charge to the Community" and several "Charges to the Candidate" were Jed by Mixon's mother, Mrs. Loyce Frazier. She spoke of God's words in Jeremiah's call ("even before I formed thee in the womb") and Hannah's prayer for a son who would serve the Lord. She charged her son to continue faithfulness to his call. Perhaps the outstanding mark distinguishing this ordination from the usual such service was the obvious absence of denominational staff and officers of the region. While there were many present who hold office in the American Baptist Churches of the West none attended or participated as official representatives of the denomination. When pastor James Hopkins commended Mrs. Rosa James, president of the American Baptist Churches of the West, who was present although not an actually participant in the program, for her courage in being present, the congregation gave her a standing ovation. At the close of the service Mixon received an extended standing ova tion. An offering was received early. in the service and designated for help in rebuilding the churches recently destroyed by acts of arson. The offering seemed a silent reminder that the burning of church building and the disfellowshiping of churches both stem from the same cause: the nottoo- subtle attitude that prompts some to be always ready to take judgment into their own hands and attempt to purge the Christian fellowship of unwanted elements. Since he attended and was graduated from the American Baptist Seminary of the West in the mid- 1970s Mixon had sought ordination. Although meeting all specified requirements for ordination in the American Baptist. Churches of the U.S.A. he has three times been denied approval by a majority of the Ordination Commission of the American Baptist Churches of the West on the grounds that he was openly homosexual. ELCA collllcil will consider 'self-asses5ment' on sexuality issues After the most recent refusal of the region's commission to recommend Mixon, Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, where he has been a member for 23 years and which had sponsored him for ordination, voted to proceed with his ordination without regional permission. CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will have a "self-assessment" of where it stands on certain issues of human sexuality, said the Rev. Karen L. Bloomquist, ELCA director for studies. A message is being drafted for cqnsideration this fall by the ELCA Church Council. · The council gave the ELCA Division for Church in Society the assignment last fall to develop a message on those areas where there appears to be consensus in the church regarding issues of human sexuality. "It is clear that our purpose is not to develop a new social statement," said Bloomquist. "It is a kind of selfassessment, trying to discern where we as a church are and to do that in a way that can be genuinely helpful for people." The ELCA has been studying the topic of human sexuality since 1989 with the hopes of developing a social statement on the subject. Two drafts of a possible statement were met with great interest and largely negative response, but portions of the drafts were praised for clearly stating the church's opposition to abuses of human sexuality. ''The message itself is building upon and trying to gather some of the consensus that has occurred through that conversation," said Bloomquist. It is also influenced by statements on marriage and sexual behavfor that former Lutheran churches adopted between 1970 and 1982. Bloomquist is writing the message with the help of a ten-member advisory committee and a consultant - the Rev. Roland Martinson, professor of ·pastoral theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. "We have a_ good sense of the kind of document that needs to be produced - one that can speak to an anxiety in our church in the face of our not having adopted a social statement and one that, at the same time, recognizes the number of things we can say with a significant amount of agreement," said Bloomquist. Martinson said the advisory committee offered several suggestions on the language and length of the message. They're hoping for a "modest" document that's brief and clear, said Martinson. "We need to say something about who we are to ourselves in PREACHERS, From Pagel the political arena by challenges to what they consider their core values." Guth said he drew a random sample of clergy from Southern Baptist publications and mailed surveys just after each presidential election. In 1980, 460 pastors responded, representing 63 percent of those surveyed; in 1984, 902 responded (56 percent); in 1988, 653 responded (about 50 percent); and in 1992, 458 responded (47 percent). In an article in a recent issue of the magazine Books and Culture, Guth and Lyman A. Kellstedt noted that in recent years, researchers have lost interest in studying conservative religious clergy, with activist groups on the right targeting their attention toward people in the pew. Some argued that clergy were an regard to our faith and human sexuality, as well as to say something to the wider culture about what we stand for and what we stand against in terms of constructive and destructive forces around us in society." Drafting of the message will continue this summer through a series of revisions and conference calls. The DCS board must approve sending the message to the ELCA Church Council .for action. The advisory committee is made primarily of people who serve on a consulting panel the ELCA Church Council assembled to assist it in the development of a social statement on human sexuality. unlikely political base because they would tend to emphasize "soulwinning" over things of this world and fear congregational resistance if they took political stands. But the surveys' of pastors show an incr~asing political activism among Southern Baptist clergy. -In 1980, 25 percent said they wanted to become more involved in social and political action; in 1992, 48 percent. -In 1980, only 14 percent said they had formed an action group in church; in 1992, 28 percent. • -In 1980, only 4 percent said they had participated in a protest march; in 1992, 22 percent. The most striking change, however, might be in the political allegiances of Southern Baptist clergy. In 1980, 33 percent said they were Republican or leaned Republican. By 1992, 72 percent identified with the It is widely assumed that Mixon's ordination will not be recognized by ABC of the West or ABCUSA, but that remains an open question. June 30th marked the end of Rick Mixon's quest for ordination, but the questions his ordination raises for ABC of the West and ABCUSA mean the matter of ABC's inclusiveness has not been put to rest. Ecumenical & Inclusive We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries and are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. We are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more information or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps, please write us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Republican Party - even though Pres- Mercy of God Community ident Clinton is a Southern Baptist. PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 National News Heresy saga ends in lxx)k deal for Righter ALSTEAD, N.H. (AP) - Bishop Walter Righter, almost tried as a heretic for ordaining a non-celibate gay man, says he's already made a book deal. Righter , 72, was only the second man in the Episcopal church's 206- year history to face the charge of heresy for ordaining the Rev. Barry Stopfel as a deacon in 1990 even though he knew Stopfel was involved in a long-term gay relationship. Righter said he sold the rights to his story to Knopf Publishing Group. "My editor is an Episcopalian priest who also edited the Pope's book . I feel like I'm in good hands." Righter said . "It was really a test of optimism - a test of my faith," said Righter. The church says it wants to be allinclusive, Righter said, and the church court's decision not to try him helps the organization uphold that belief. "They can't say 'Yes, we'll be all inclusive except for you, you, and you,"' said Righter . "This decision has set the church free. There is no deterrent now to ordaining gays and lesbians - no violation of doctrine or canon.~ Like many retired bishops, Righter still performs confirmations, sermons and other priestly duties. Had he been tried and found guilty of being a heretic, he would not have been allowed to continue. Before the ruling, the church allowed only the ordination of married heterosexuals, celibate single heterosexuals and celibate homosexuals. Righter's lawyer, Michael Rehill, said the ruling clears the way for gays and lesbians to participate fully in the church. Righter said that throughout. the whole process, he never felt he would be declared a heretic. Righter said he now will be busy attending monthly meetings of Integrity, a national gay and lesbian group within the Episcopal Church. "I've always been a supporter of gay No appeal in Righter case; bishops tum efforts toward national meeting NEW YORK (AP) - The ten Episcopal bishops who charged a fellow bishop with heresy for ordaining a noncelibate gay man will not appeal the church's decision to dismiss the charges. A. Hugo Blankingship Jr., the attorney for the 10 bishops, said in a document dated June 11, they would not continue legal proceedings. The 10 bishops want the church to prohibit such ordinations when its General Convention meets in July 1997 in Philadelphia. At the meeting, the bishops plan to propose a ~hange in church law requiring all ordained clergy . to abstain from sexual rel alions outside of a heterosexual marriage. Retired Bishop Walter Righter of Alstead, N.H., had been charged with heresy for ordaining the Rev. Barry Stopfel as a deacon in 1990, even though he knew Stopfel was involved in· a long-term relationship with another man. 'Tm really on top of a mountain now," Righter said after the announcement. 'Tm glad it's over. I'm glad they're willing to let it go to General Convention. I'm sure there will be other voices there as well," Righter said. The Word 365 Daily Meditations For Lesbians and Gay Men The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Is Out Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an antigay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 daily meditations, the Bible's good news "comes out" to meet all of us with love, justice. meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word ls Out, $12, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • JU LY/AUGUST. 1996 and lesbian rights," said Righter. "But in a quiet way. I'm a quiet man." While his personal faith has not wavered, his faith in the church has suffered, he said. "We've gotten obsessed with sexuality and there are so many other issues we should be concerned about and spending time on," he said, citing homelessness and spousal abuse as examples. "We're not being true to our mission. It's time we stopped that." Nevertheless, he said he hasn't forgiven his accusers and won't soon forget the ordeal that called his 45 years of ministry into question. "There is no question about the fact that I am angry," said Righter The bishops who brought the charges against him are "narrowminded, mean-spirited, schoolyard bullies wlio could not see beyond the ~nds of their noses," said Righter. Righter said he was a pawn in a failed power grab by his accusers who sought to pressure the House of Bishops into barring the ordination of gay ministers. "That's just reprehensible," he said. In fact, there is precedent for Right-· er's actlons. More than 100 gays and lesbians with partners have been ordain ,ed by about 40 Episcopal bishops, according to Integrity. "Because of this decision, the church is a safe place for the gay community," he said. It also means the church is safer for gay priests who have kept their lifestyles secret in fear of censure, he said . One such priest called to thank him for enabling him to_ come out of the closet, he said. At the Church of the Good Shepherd in Nashua, where Righter was rector from 1954 to 1971, he is a local hero . "The majority of people here are ecstatic about the decision," said Rev. Robert Odierna . A Righter defense fund has raised about $110,000 to help pay the $150,000 in legal costs. The Rev. Desmond Tutu contributed. Disappointed bishops hint of schism following court decision By Kevin O'Hanlon Associated Press Writer DALLAS (AP) - Ten bishops representing about 10 percent of all U.S. Episcopalians hinted that they might break away from the church because of a church court ruling that may pave the way for ordination of gays and lesbians. "We will take steps to create a fellowship of Episcopal parishes and dioceses which uphold Scriptural authority," the bishops said in a document issued May 28, adding that they would refuse to ordain, admit, or license gay clergy. The document was signed by the bishops of the dioceses of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.; Albu querque, N.M.; Sacramento, Calif .; and Eau Claire, Wis.; and the retired bishop of Houston. Those dioceses comprise about 250,000 of the church's 2.5 million members. Bishop James Stanton of Dallas stopped short of saying the group planned to break off from the church. "We certainly have not talked about it," he said. But "if the other side continues to press this thing ... they are really inviting division. The seeds of disunity and division are there and they are growing." In a decision that averted the first heresy trial of an Episcopal bishop since the 1920s, a church court ruled May 15 that church doctrine does not explicitly bar the ordination of gays and lesbians. The decision was condemned by church conservatives, who said it could result in many lay people abandoning a nationwide flock that has dropped to 2.5 million from a high of 3.6 million in the 1960s. The ruling by the panel of eight bishops said the issue should be dealt with by the full membership, possibly at its next general convention, scheduled for July 1997 in Phtladel phia. Before the ruling, the Episcopal Church allowed only the ordination of married heterosexuals, celibate single heterosexuals and celibate homosexuals. The ruling did not say whether the church now condones the ordination of gays. Bishop Jolrn S. Spong of the 40,000- member Episcopal Diocese of Newark said the church should realize that people cannot control their sexual orientation . "They are not evil," Spong said after the ruling. "It's a given like being left-handed is given or being redheaded is given, and the churcl1 has got to learn how you live with the givens .of life." Lutherans ronsider outreach strategy for gays MUNDELEIN, Ill. (ELCA) - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will develop "outreach strategies to gay and lesbian people, especially in communities where there are large populations of homosexual persons, either with new ministries or through existing congregations." Without dissent the board of the ELCA Division for Outreach passed a three-part resolution to that effect when it met here May 8-11. "The purpose is to ensure that we get the basic gospel message of salvation by grace through faith to the lesbian and gay communities throughout this country," said Joseph E. McMahon, Washington, D.C. He said he introduced the resolution "to engage straight, lesbian and gay people in reaching out to these communities, to enrich peoples lives through the Lutheran church and our traditions." "Young men and women who are lesbian and gay are welcomed and affirmed by the bar crowd, by the sex crowd and by the drug crowd," he At last: Seattle couple gets longsought blessing by church dean By James Solheim Episcopal News Service THE TWO GAY men who sought a blessing for their relationship in the fall of 1994, and were blocked by the bishop, stood before the altar at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, May 19, surrounded by hundreds of friends and parishioners who gathered to express their support. Citing his responsibility to respond to a pastoral situation, Dean Frederick Northup said in a Jetter to Bishop Vincent Warner, Jr., that "nothing could be more natural than for us to gather as a community to thank God for their 11 years together and to ask God's continued blessing on their future." As Dr. James Black and Thomas Monnahan exchanged vows and rings and knelt, Northup said, "Let their love be without shame, a sign of a new world of justice and peace." Bishop Vincent Warner, Jr., stopped the blessing in 1994 because he said ' that the bishops had agreed to "stay in community with each other" and not move until the church as a whole makes a decision on the issue. In a letter to the diocese, Warner said that a clarification at a House of Bishops meeting in 1995 observed that permission was "not in the hands of anyone to give or withhold." And he said that "permission for this blessing was neither sought, nor given." Warner also pointed out that the blessing "is not a statement on behalf of the bishop, nor was it St. Mark's acting as a cathedral, the seat of the bishop. It was St. Mark's Parish responding, in love, to the two men whose committed relationship was celebrated. Northup acknowledged that "as a church we are in a period of indecision, testing, and searching." He added that the parish has been discussing sexuality for years. "It is because of our long and deep involvement in ihis area, and because of their knowledge of Thom and Jim, that the vestry voted 13-2 a year and a half ago in support of the blessing of their life together." Monnahan, who is HIV-positive, said that he and others may not be alive by the time the Episcopal Church reaches consensus on blessing same-sex relationships . Presbyterians oust gay elder CINCINNATI (Reuters) - In a move described as unprecedented within the Presbyterian Church in the United States, a governing body has ordered an elder stripped of his ordained office because he is gay . The Judicial Commission of the Cincinnati Presbytery voted 4-3 to annul the layman's ordination as an elder at Knox Presbyterian of Hyde Park, one of the denomination's most influential churches in the region. The elder has not been identified. The commission acted after another elde~ at Knox complained about his ordination. The Rev. Lloyd Dunavent, stated clerk of the Cincinnati Presbytery - the church official in charge of record keeping - told Reuters the action marked the first time in the United States that a Presbyterian judicial body had overruled a local church on the issue. ' The Cincinnati Presbytery consists of 86 churches in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana. said. "They are not welcomed by the church crowd, and we have to reverse that." "We have to Jet these young people know that they are every part of God's creation as are all of us," said McMahon. "We are their partners in this journey, and we are going to be with them into living lives that are responsible and · respectful as we respect them as young lesbian and gay people." "The resolution on gays and lesbians simply called us to do what we should be doing • to be open and affirming to all people," said Michael Kohn, West Columbia, S.C., board vice chair. The three parts of the resolution direct division staff to engage gay and lesbian Lutheran organizations in dialogue, to develop Book Sale! NEW LIST SOME 1/2 OFF To order s ee page 22. OUT IN ALL DIRECTIONS : The Almanac Of Gay and Lesbian America, an entertaining and Informative mirror ol' the American l eeblan and gay e>q:>erl· ence. Hardcovar. 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"We call the church to nurture a faith that is not so insecure as to be threatened by human differences in expressing committed love," said the Jetter, according to a story in The Grand Rapids Press. The group drafted the statement in response to local controversies over gay issues. Those include the case of Byron Center music teacher Gerry Crane, a gay man whom some in the community want fired .. The statement's signers include pastors from 18 West Michigan churches totaling more than 9,000 members, most of them United Church of Christ, United Methodist and Presbyterian. Others include the nondenominational Fountain Street Church and the Metropolitan Community Church . No Catholic or Christian Reformed clergy are among the group. The signers said they want to counter a church response that has been mostly conservative and judgmental. "We wanted the area to know there are some of us that are grieved by some of the reaction to folks like Gerry Crane, whom we consider to be a good role model for our children, " said the Rev. William Evertsberg, pastor of the 1,300-member Westminster Presbyterian Church . Crane is a member at the Grand Rapids church, and Evertsberg presided over a union ceremony between Crane and his partner. Many clergy who "hadn't been making much noise" felt it was time to make a statement, said the Rev. Ronald Skidmore, pastor of the 300- member South Congregational United Church of Christ. "I felt personally like this was an important thing to do for the integrity of the church," Skidmore said. "A lot of people in the gay and Jes- Two ministers protest Methodist bishop's appearance as convention speaker JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi United Methodist Annual Conference began June 10 without the support of two ministers wha protested the conference's guest speaker. The Revs. Donald E. Wildmon and Casey "Buddy" Smith of Tupelo did not attend morning worship services Monday and Tuesday because they disagree with the beliefs of speaker Bishop Mary Ann Swenson of Denver. Swenson, formerly of Jackson, is one . of 15 United Methodist bishops who unsuccessfully urged the denomination's 1996 General Conference to change church law to accept the ordi- UNCOMMON CALLING:A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church BY CHRIS GLASER Expanded and with a new introduction, conclusion , and photographs. In this book , Chris Glaser describes his personal journey of coming out to his family, friends , church - and to himself. nation of gays and lesbians. She had been invited to speak at the Mississippi meeting before taking the stance, including publicly supporting same-sex marriages. Smith asked Bishop Marshall "Jack" Meadors, Miss issippi's resident United Methodist bishop, to withdraw Swenson's invitation . Meadors refused. Wildmon said he and Smith "had considered walking out when Bishop Swenson began her sermon, but that could be perceived as an attempt to embarrass Bishop Meadors, who invited her ·to preach." UNCOMMON CALL11~-G CHRIS Gl.A5JER -:.: .. , ..... ,.,,_.., .. ,,. ' .... .o..,-.,_., .... -.,., •. , .. Uncommon Calling, $ 19.99, paper back Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • J ULY/A UGUST, 1996 bian community have been hurt and wounded by church judgmentalism." However, another pastor who urged Byron Center school board candidates to publicly oppose homosexuality insists the Bible clearly finds homosexual activity "an abomination in the sight of God." "Many of the mainline denominations have abandoned their commitment to the authority of God's word as entirely inspired by God," said the Rev. Richard Gregory of Byron Center Bible Church. "They feel free to take what they will and dismiss what they will." Among those who signed are four ministers at Christ Community Church of Spring Lake - including the Rev. Richard Rhem - who added their names after the document was drafted. Rhem, who believes homosexuality isn't necessarily sinful, faces expulsion from the Reformed Church in America for his scriptural views, the Press said. They came together out of concern for what Evertsberg called "class discrimination" against gays, -such as proposed state legislation outlawing gay marriage . "We're involved because we have these folks in our churches," Evertsberg said . "We love them and they're contributing, faithful members." A few involved with the pastors' group declined to sign the statement, including two Reformed Church in America ministers. One of them, requesting anonymity, said they feared signing would jeopardize funding for an inner -city church agency. Unitarians support recognition of same-sex marriages INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Unitarian Universalist Church has voted to support legal recognition of gay marriages, the first major religious denomination in the United States .to doso. The vote in late June at the church's annual general assembly made support of same-sex marriages official policy for 1,040 Unitarian congregalions. Individual churohes, however, may decide whether to have such weddings. The Bostoncbased denomination has a history of support for gay rights . In 1970, it called for an end to gay discrimination, and 10 years later said gays should be allowed to serve in the ministiy. Jewish center starts anti-hate hotline to find church bmners LOS ANGELES (AP) - A noted Jewish human rights group has announced a national hate crimes hotline for information on the wav e of black church burnings. Th e Simon Wiesenthal Center launch ed an 800-number hotline and an Int e rnet address, with a poster campaign scheduled for major cities. "Like everybody else in America, we've b een quite concerned about the recent spate of hate crimes. We wanted to come up with something that was more than just a gesture," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, de a n of the_ center . The center will turn over anonymous hotlin e information to authorities. The posters show a burning church and admonish : "Silence Only Fans the Flames." Using $1.1 million in donated space, they went up in July in bus and railroad stations in 12 s tates and in Washjngton, D.C., Cooper said . "This is a state ment of solidarity with the African-American community but it's also form of self-defense" for Jews because tolerating hate crimes against one minority group eventually leads to attacks on others, Cooper said. The Rev. Rosie Grier helped announce the campaign at the Museum of Tolerance, which has exhibits on the Holocaust and 'the civil rights mov ement. "We watched assassinations. We watcl1ed the Holocaust. We watched th e murd er of the rights of hum an beings, civil rights and so forth, " Grier said. "Yet many tim es people stood by, they said nothing. They said absolutely nothing. They say, 'It's OK because I can't get involved.' "Well if you don't get involved, your house is going -to go down in flames." Th e hate crimes hotlin e number is 1- 800-900-9036. The Internet sit e is www.wiesenth al.com/ cyberwatch.ht ml. National News North Georgia Methooists Sllp{X)rt gay anti-discrimination bill "I work for a woman who is suppo~- The resolution easily passed by a sexuality incompatible with Chris- ROME, Ga. (AP) - North Georgia United Methodists representing 287,000-church memb ers voted to support legislation that would'bar most job discrimination against gays and lesbians. tive of me personally, but I'm one show of hands during the group's tian teachings. change in supervisor away from being annual meeting in Rome, attended by An unsuccessful push to change that fired," said Harry Knox, a member of about 2,500 delegates from 937 north policy dominated · the 8 .6 million- St. Mark United Methodist Church Georgia United Methodist churches, member denomination's annual meetin Atlanta who is gay. said spokeswoman Alice M. Smith. ing in Denver last April. ---------------------------- It will be sent to Georgia's congres- Call to Action banned from meeting on Catholic church property SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - First it was church leaders in Nebraska. Now, the local chapter of a liberal Catholic group has been banned from meeting . on property owned by the Catholic Diocese of Fort WayneSouth Bend . The ban on future meetings by members of Michiana Call to Action comes after a fall program at St. Joseph Church during which they discussed the issue of women in the priesthood - a topic Pope John Paul II has forbidden Catholics from discussing. Sister Christine Schenk, of the group FutureChurch of Cleveland, also discussed celibacy in the priesthood, granting the Eucharist to all Catholics and other reforms. Some Catholics, including those who have divorced but have not had their marriages annulled, are forbidden from taking the Eucharist, which the church teaches is the body of Christ. Members of the group, who have been invited to meet at a nearby Lutheran church, issued a statement declaring that it was time to ",edefine church property." "We have now come to understand that wherever we go, wherever we worship, wherever we meet, becomes church property. It is we, the people, who make church, by gathering two or more in the name of Christ," the statement said. A four-person commission formed to investigate the issue recommended to Bishop John M. D'Arcy that the Homosexuality and Christian Community Choon -Leong Seow , editor Contribut ors to this volume, all members of the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty, addre;ss the various exegetical, interpretiv e, and practical issues pertaining to gays and lesbians in group be banned from meeting on parish property. The commission maintains that Call to Action is at odds with the church's teachings on women priests and celibacy. On April 24, the group was informed of D'Arcy's decision. Fran Boyce, a member of Michiana Call to Action, said that while the church has educated all its members in theology, it now doesn't want them to think and question the church's teachings . Ann Carey Schmiedeler, a member of the church commission, says the parish priest as well as the bishop has the right to regulate what happens on church property . Call to Action is a liberal Catholic organization with chapters in the United States, Canada and Europe . The group calls for such things as equal rights for women in church decision-making and in all ministries and optional celibacy. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Lincoln, Neb., diocese ordered hundreds of Catholics to quit Call to Action or risk excommunication from the church. The bishop also ordered church members to leave Planned Parenthood, the Hemlock Society and various Masonic groups. Call to Action, a Chicago-based group which claims more than 15,000 members - including a number of bishops, priests and religious leaders - also has come under fire in northern 11nm,1.,l'xualitv i;hristia(i",1..,.... . ~<>llllllllllll\' the church. Ideal for churches and individuals engaged in theological $14.99 reflect ion on this issue. Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. sional delegation, she said. Official policy of the United Methodist Church, the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States, still declares homo- The north Georgia group, which includes most of the state north of Macon, says the church still supports economic and civil rights for gays and lesbians. Priest hopes to offer~rspective on Disney's trouble with critics BURBANK, Calif. (AP) - A theologian anti educator named to the Walt Disney Co.'s board of directors hopes to use his experience to help the company when religious values clash with popular culture . Father Leo J. O'Donovan, president of Georgetown University, was named to the board not long after Southern Baptists and other religious conservatives accused Disney of adopting "anti-family and anti-Christian" positions. "I hope I would have some perspective as an ·educator and a theologian that would be helpful · to the company," said O'Donovan, a Jesuit priest. O'Donovan, a professor of theology, said that the values of "secular Hollywood" are not much different from those of popular culture in general. "You look at painting, Sculpture, theater and the movies - we don't have an easily identified corpus of religious art," he said. "But we do have a recurrence of religious themes in popular entertainment because the American people remain an intensely religious people - more so than most every Euro- ' pean country," he said. O'Donovan ,' 62, said it was "utterly accidental" that his election to the board was announced soon after the company was hit with protests by religious groups. He · said he was asked to join the Disney board in February by Chairman Michael Eisner, who only last year had completed six years on the board of Georgetown, the nation's oldest Catholic university . Regarding the Southern Baptists' principal criticism - Disney's extension of insurance benefits to partners of gay employees - O'Donovan called that a humane policy. lt11lli. of this issue of Second Stone. Ideal for study groups and bar ministry1 SEETHE ORDER FORM ON PAGE:22 Pastor, I Am Ga y By The Rev. H. Howard Bess Order from Second Stone Pres s. See page 22. Although more and more parishioners are comfortable with coming out at church, many pastors still aren't equipped to hear the words, "I aJ)l gay." This remarkable book chronicles a Baptist pastor's first fumbling encounter with those word& to his deep and compassionate understanding of what is means to be a gay Christian. An extr aordinary book ;.. a prophetic witness to the church ... -James B. Ashbrook . Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary PAGE 13 • SECO N D STON E • JULY/AUGUST , 199 6 Fonner Archbishop of Cantetbmy ordained gays LONDON (AP) - A former Archbishop of Canterbury says he knowingly ordained non-celibate gays as priests in the Church of England. Lord Robert Runcie, the leader of the worldwide Anglican communion for 11 years until l 991~ said in an interview broadcast May 15 that he had a "don't want to know" policy about ordaining gays. His remarks revived debate over a sensitive issue in the Church of England, which is still raw from divisions over a 1993 decision to permit female priests. The church allows gay relationships among lay people, but "practicing" gays may ·not become priests - although some are. Runde described this policy as "ludicrous." Asked if he ever knowingly ordained "practicing homosexuals," Runcie, 74, replied: "Yes." He added that he refused to ordain anyone who "told me they were a practicing homosexual." "On the other hand, there have been times in my ministry when I have acted in a 'don't want to know' way and 'why should I inquire?' way, and I never liked the prospect of inquiring into what happened in a man's bedroom unless he's prepared to tell me." With attendance declining, conservative clergy accuse the church of dropping old tenets to try to be trendy, while others say the church is out of touch with ordinary people. Hundreds of Anglicans, including ministers, opposing the ordination of women joined the Catholic Church . It does not allow female priests and regards all homosexual relations as, sinful. The editor of a leading Catholic paper, The Tablet, said Runcie's ■ "A lot of blind eyes are being turned and that is one of the reasons why what [Runcie] has said is so explosive." ■ remarks underlined "a general perception of the Church of England as being ruled by secular political correct fashion." But, editor Clifford Longley added, there were also gay Catholic priests. "A lot of blind eyes are being turned and that is one of the reasons why what Archbishop Runde has said is so explosive," Longley said in a radio interview . The Rev. David Halloway, a conservative clergyman, said Runcie had "defied the Bible." l'TIGAYELLOW PAGES ,,.INFORMING THE LESIIAII, &AT, IISEXUALl[TI 1£:1 TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 1£:1 Complete gay-friendiy resources and businesses: 1e1:ommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organization,, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.SJ H.I.V. resources. Listings broken down by Slate & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. 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Gaye/low Pages . . • includes the standard, entries for bars and restaurants . . . But the Gayel/ow Psgss sxcols thanks to its -additional alphsbeUzed /isffngs by city for ~~:,,~~~~==~~ r,::;~~a:~=i<':~'::'m'::'r:;, fe~~~e :J::~~ =~: &iro::.:e, how ~"'f:::ui":::, 'J::d~.~"k',:=~:i1o!~:.~~f~~,;;;.!:ft/!c!;::: ~ by that ff ·For OV8r 12 )WIS Gayel/ow Pages has been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every performer, :==:c:mbuJ;,,~=~,;:'}:',,t;rei, j:~~1:cr:::~=~i=" in contact with. It's the PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST. 1996 NMM&◄i# t4W WE W1P¥%iM4 Presbyterians overturn ordination of gay minister CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island (AP) - The Presbyterian Church of Canada has overturned the ordination of its first acknowledged non-celibate gay minister in a decision that has left the church deeply divided. The church's 300-member general assembly supported by a wide margin June 10 a committee report reversing the ordination of Darryl Macdonald by St. Andrew's Church in the Montreal suburb of Lachine. Macdonald, 32, was ordained last year with support of 90 percent of St. Andrew's congregation. "It's very disappointing," the Rev. Glynnis Williams, a supporter of Macdonald's ordination, said following the emotic;mal, day-long debate. ''Darryl's probably going to take this better than the rest of us ... He had so much support in the congregation." Opponents such as John Allan, a commissioner with the Vancouver Island presbytery, warned that homosexual ordination would tear the church apart, driving conservative members away. Supporters saw the matter as a measure of the value of human rights in the church, which has about 800,000 members nationwide . "W e should be trying to know the mind of Christ here," argued the Rev. Alan Stewart of Toronto . "What woulcl he do?" A special committee formed by the church examined the matter last year after angry members of the Presbytery of Montreal appealed the ordination. The committee's report said Macdonald shouldn't be ordained unless he gives up his lover and remains celibate. · It acknowledged the decision would hurt Macdonald and the congregation. But such "hurt and damage to the denomination as a whole would be far more devastating should the Presbyterian Church in Canada act in discontinuity with its deeply rooted understanding of Scripture." The assembly also voted to direct the Presbytery of Montreal to review Macdonald's status in the church . Macdonald wasn't present for the vote and reportedly was on vacation this ·week. He has been working at a Montreal store selling compact discs, and another minister has been overseeing St. Andrew's cong regation while the controversy has unfolded. ■ "It's very disappointing. Darryl's probably going to take this better than the rest of - us ... He had so much support in the congregation." • MacDonald had stated publicly that he had been in a gay relationship for 2 1 / 2 years, saying, "I've been .very honest with people." His path-to becoming a minister started with his home parish in Nova Scotia, which gave him the necessary go-ahead to study for the ministry . After time at the church's seminary in Montreal, he was examined by the Presbytery of Montreal , and found lo be a suitable candidate for ordination. There is no policy in the church explicitly forbidding gay clergy, although a report on human sexuality adopted in 1994 declared homosexuality is not a Christian option. Gay ministry opens in Taiwan TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -A gay and lesbian group has set up its own Presbyterian congregation, but church officials said they will not recognize the group. The Tungkuang, or Light of Fellowship Church, opened in May in Taipei with scores of gays and lesbians attending a service presided over by sympathetic missionaries, said Cheng Yin-er, a Presbyterian Church pastor . He said the Presbyterian church does not accept homosexual behavior, and will not appoint pastors to minister to the group. "We will not accept them," Cheng said of the new church. "But we can understand that they were eager to form their own group to avoid the disapproving eyes of other members of their congregations." Gays and lesbians, once unseen in Taiwan, have gradually begun to participate openly in social institutions . But the Light of Fellowship Church is operating behind closed doors at an undisclosed venue, the United Daily News said. Q '- y • d\ tz-., n: .w4ii ;'i *; t ,j.., Mtf oi#fl Wo r ld News Assembly site iu;es risk to gays, WCC told By Edmund Dooque Ecumenicai News International GENEVA - The World Council of Churches (WCC) should change its plans to hold its next world assembly in Harare because "any person suspected of being homosexual" will. be at risk in the Zimbabwean capital, according to a joint board of two WCC member churches in the United States. The Common Global Ministries Board - a joint agency recently set up by two churches, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ - has publicly called on the WCC to relocate the 1998 assembly because of the risk to gays and lesbians and because the views of the Zimbabwe president conflict with the human rights policies of the two churches. However, a spokesman for the WCC, which has 330 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican member churches, told ENI on May 10 that the WCC had been assured by the Harare government that participants at the assembly in September 1998 would have freedom of speech and of entry into the country. The Common Global Ministries Board supervises the overseas activities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. A Disciples of Christ spokesperson in Indianapolis told E~I that the board's views did not automatically represent the policies of the two churches. "The actions of the · board represent the feelings of the board," the spokesman Australian church issues gayaffirming report By Michael Perry Reuters SYDNEY - Australia's third largest Christian church has broken with centuries of biblical tradition in issuing a controversial report on sexuality supporting gay clergy, same sex marriages and relationships out of wedlock. ''The historical distance between our times and biblical times means we cannot simply translate the writers' conclusions about sexuality into our own time," said the Uniting Church report "A Journey Into Sexuality." The report, which took four years of biblical study and worldwide consultation to complete, has been issued as a discussion paper before a final report is voted on by the church in July 1997. "We take the view that sexuality is an int egral part of the human person," the report said. "Though it may include genital activity, sexuality is much broader and may involve many different forms of awareness and expression," it added. "Our task is to bridge the gap between the ancient world from which the scriptures come and our contemporary situation." Moderator of the New South Wales Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia, Reverend Dean Drayton, urged church members to "break the zone of silence". regarding sexuality and respond to the controversial report with an open mind . "Sexuality is part of all our relationships," Drayton said. "If the church is going to be responsible, it must look at its own life with openness. This interim report gives us the opportunity to break through the zone of silence about the nature of sexuality in human relationships," he said . · Drayton said the report does n ot deviate from the Bible, but reflects an understanding of the Bible and contemporary society, which now had to cope with AIDS and sexual abuse of children. The report supported gay relation ships if they were right relationships. "Right relationships are characterized by agape, the love, caring and compassion embodied in Jesus Christ," the report said. "We believe that the critical moral issue that faces the Church in the field of sexuality is not homosexuality but the unjust treatmenf of people and their devaluation as sexualspiritual per sons, " it said, adding gay and bisexual people said the clmrch penalized them for their sexuality . On the subject of gay clergy, the report said : "The task group has found no evidence that a person who is a homosexual is less fit for ministry, or that a homosexual minist er damages the credibility of the ministry, any more than anyone else." ''To reject a person from the ministry because . that person is a homosexual is a rejection of their personhood ." Th e Uniting Church is Australia' s third largest after the Catholic and Anglican churches. said . The WCC assembly, held every seven years, brings together thousands of representatives and observers from churches around the world and elects the WCC's central committe e, its governing body . The Harare assembly will coincid e with the WCC's 50th anniversary. Harare defeated Amsterdam in a vote for the assembl y site taken by the WCC's central committee in January 1994, and plans for the gathering are now well under way, with conference facilities already booked . The wee told ENI that preparations for Harare were continuing. How ever the Common Global Ministries Boa rd suggested that South Africa, "where homosexual civil rights are constitutionally protect -. ed," be chosen to host the WCC assembly . In a press release issued by Disciples News Service, the Common Global Ministries Board quoted press reports that Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe, had "made several public attacks on Zimbabwean gays and lesbians," calling them "worse tqan dogs and pigs. " (President Mugabe made several speeches against homosexuals in 1995, making it clear that they were not welcome in his country and that he regarded homosexuality as an import from the West.) According to the board, "such statesponsored attacks could provoke acts of violence toward any person suspected of being homosexual, without reference to due process of law ." The board also said that several of President Mugabe's anti-homosexual statements "were allegedly made in church settings and endorsed by religious groups . One of them, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, is a partner organization of the United Church and th e Disciples of Christ." (Officers of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches were not available for comment to ENI.) President Mugabe's comments "conflict with open and affirming policies in the United Church of Christ and the Disciples' commitment to human rights in general," according to board members. Homosexuaiity is a sensitive issue for the WCC as there is a wide range of moral views on sexuality among its member churches . However after some members of the WCC's central committee raised concern~ at its meeting at WCC headquarters in Geneva last September, WCC officials drew up·" a memorandum of understanding" with the Zimbabwean government. The memorandum was signed in February this year . The WCC spokesperson told ENI: "The government of Zimbabwe has agreed to facilitate the entry into the country of all legitimate participants of our assembly, and to respect the freedom of the assembly to speak and act on matters of its choice within the premises in which the event will be held . "In response to an inquiry from Dr Paul Sherry, presid ent of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr Wesley Ariarajah, deputy general secretary of the World Council of Churches, wrote to Dr Sherry on April 3, giving details of the memorandum of understanding . "Our information is that Dr Sherry found Dr Ariarajah's letter assuring. We do not wish to comment on th e decision of the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, except to say that · preparations continue for our 1998 assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe," th e wee spokesperson said. WE WERE BAPTIZED TOO ·/···:. WE WERE BAPTIZED \1,,t,,I ,., \1 ,.1, ,.; I, .. h .. ,, "'fYY"\ Claiming God's Grace .l \:AJ for Lesbians and Gays By Marilyn Bennett Alexander and James Preston with a forward by Desmond M. Tutu This book challenges the church to take seriously its understanding of baptism and communion as a means of grace . justice and liberation for everyone ... includ ing its gay and lesbian members. $16.99 from Second Stone Press. To order, see page 22. · PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 tf\•iihr,;, ' 5- $- :.::. :& ~ rlr:ato ' ::n:·'li: t 1 ! ~¥1 Oi f ' - ~ . i;; .~ ,t t 'Lost' family brought com~ion, inspiration to stricken man By Anna Marie Lux The J.anesville Gazette JANESVILLE, Wis. - As Doug Cich lay dying, he stroked his sister's · hair, squeezed her hand and murmured that he loved her. He knew Cheryl Petersen for less than a year. But having her and her family in his world gave him newfound inspiration and unconditional ·Jove in the final, hardest months of his life. And for Cheryl, getting to know Doug fiHed an emptiness that had welled inside of her since childhood. On June 2, Doug died of complications from AIDS in Reno, Nev. But not before he sent almost $3,000 to fly Cheryl, her four sisters, her father and four other family members from Wisconsin to visit him one last time. And not before he spent happy times with a family he never knew he had. Last year, Cheryl went looking for Doug. The Janesville woman neverforgot the baby brother she held in her arms. She was 5 when she last saw the 3-month-old child. In the mid} %Os, the former Cheryl Dary lived in Edgerton with her family. She had four sisters and two brothers, including Doug and another brother who died. When her parents divorced, her father got custody of all the children except Doug, who was not his son. Cheryl's mother couldn't care for the baby. So Doug lived in a foster home . A family adopted him at age 6. Three years ago, Cheryl went into recovery for alcoholism. As she faced tough issues in her life, she thought more and more about her lost brother . She began searching · old records, yearbooks and newspapers to find a clue about where he went after adoption. Eventually, Cheryl and her sister, Diane Dary, tracked him down in R1mo, where he was gravely ill at a veterans hospital. When they called Doug, he was ready to die. No more blood transfusions. No more painful medical procedures. No more despair. But when he heard their voices, he found a reason to go on. Within two weeks, Cheryl and two other sisters were in Reno visiting Bicyclists pedal 525 miles to raise money for AIDS services LOS ANGELES (AP) - More · than 2,000 bicyclists who pedaled for seven days from San Francisco to Los Angeles raised close to $8 million for AIDS, crossing the finish line on June 8. Hundreds of people lined the streets of West Hollywood to cheer on the riders as they finished the last leg of the 525-mile ride. Mayor Richard Riordan, an avid bicyclist, rode the last leg of the AIDS Ride 3, from Ventura, about 70 miles. "We had great fun," Riordan said. "I haven't had so much fun since I've been mayor." About 2,275 riders participated in the event, raising $7.9 million for the AIDS-fundraiser . The money will benefit the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation . The mayor of West Hollywood, Paul Koretz, pedaled the entire route from San Francisco. "The California AIDS Ride 3 is not only a great way to raise funds for AIDS services, but is also a way for people to show their determination to eradicate the scourge in our community," he said in a statement. PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • JULY/A UG UST, 1996 15-year-old who raised AIDS awareness dies PAYNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) - A 15- year-old Paynesville boy who helped his classmates understand AIDS and the virus that causes the deadly disease has died. Jimmy Jimenez, who four years ago told his fifth-gtade classmates he was HIV-positive, died of complications from AIDS at home on May 28. "He was probably as courageous as anyone could be," said Bob Bowden, Jimmy's homeroom teacher four years ago. "He always seemed to have a smile or a kind word for people . He was a remarkable little kid." Jimmy was born in Los Angeles and moved to Paynesville in west-central Minnesota at age 10. He contracted the HIV virus as a newborn when he received a blood transfusion. But his family did not learn of his diagnosis until Christmas their brother . They persuaded Doug to come to Wisconsin to meet his biological family. Doug stayed in Janesville with Cheryl, her husband, John, and their four children for almost six months from late September until March. He met unknown relatives at a fam- ■ When they called Doug, he was ready to die. No more blood transfusions. No more painful medical pro..: cedures _. No more despair. But when he heard their voices, he found a reason to go on. ■ ily reunion, celebrated his 32nd birthday and felt compassion from newly found family members who didn't know much about AIDS. "! think we all learned a lot about the disease," Cheryl said . "There were times when Doug was very sick and ne~ded a lot of atten- Eve 1991. Three months later, he told his classmates at Paynesville Elementary School. "It was his choice. But (first) we had to educate ourselves before we could educate anybody else," said his mother, Julie Jimenez, at the time. Bowden said classmates never shunned Jimmy. "The kids embraced him, and the community embraced him," he said. When he first went public, Jimmy received sta~ew1de media . attention . At the time, he and a Minneapolis girl were the only grade scl1oolers in Minnesota who had gone public with their status . Funeral services were held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry, where Jimmy had volunteered as a Mass server. tion. My youngest children had to be on their best behavior . They saw me care for him . I didn't shoo them away. "Sometimes it was hard," she said. "But, if I had to do it all over again, I would ." Cheryl's father, Eug ene Dary of Madison, said the family made the most of every day. "Doug called me 'Dad.' We all enjoyed each other's company so much. It was both a happy time and a .sad time," he said. "Doug was like a magnet . If you got to know him, you were drawn to him. You couldn't help but love him." Cheryl has photo albums filled with pictures of Doug, his sisters and other family members- laughing, loving, living . When Doug knew the end was near, he returned to Reno .. "He had made his funeral arrangements out there," Cheryl said .. "He told me it was cheaper to fly back now than to ship back a dead body." Cheryl flew out to say goodbye to , Doug in late May. After he saw his family, he refused to take any more intravenous nourishment. The family combed Doug's hair, trimmed his mustache and held his hand as he faded in and out of consciousness. Cheryl told Doug that he would s ee a lot of people he knew in heaven . That someday she would join him. That God had provided him with a final chapter. "I think that meeting all of us completed his life when he needed ii most," Cheryl said. 'Tm so glad that God gave us some time together ." j- Chnst1an Responses to AIDS1 In family-centered Vietnam Relatives often ahmdon AIDS victims By Kathy Wilhelm Associated Press Writer HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (AP) Her son's forehead wrinkled in pain, and Tran Thi Xuan leaned over to massage his temples. Her largeknuckled fingers moved vigorously despite the weariness in her own face. "He misses me very much when I go out," Xuan, a vegetable vendor, said fondly. "He always wants me to stay home, but I can't." Her son, Pham Manh Cuong, was dying of AIDS, apparently contracted from a contaminated needle during more than two decades of opium addiction. He didn't have medical insurance, enjoyed mainly by those with government or state factory jobs, and couldn't afford the daily hospital fee of 20,000 dong, about $1.80. No doctor came to call. Still, Cuong was one of Vietnam's luckier · AIDS victims - his family took care of him until he died. Social workers say most families desert AIDS victims as soon as the disease is confirmed. In a society that traditionally stresses family ties, the abandonment betrays the terror AIDS inspires. It may also reflect the fact that most of the victims are drug addicts who long ago wore out their families' patience. "He is my son, so I must help him," Xuan said when asked to explain her faithful care. Vietnam's biggest holiday of the year was nearing, Tet, the lunar new year. She wanted all 10 of her children there, including Cuong. "We want to be close to him," said Xuan, a widow. They almost made it. He died four days before Tet, at age 41. Nearly 3,500 cases of full-blown AIDS or infection with the AIDS virus have been officially reported in Vietnam since the first case was detected in 1990. But health experts believe the true number is several times higher, with most cases going undetected because blood tests are rare. Over the past two years, the government has undertaken large-scale Woman with AIDS hopes to educate others MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) Terry Gleason knows what it's like to live with AIDS, and she wants others to know. The Morgantown woman works with the Mountain State AIDS Network and visits colleges, civic and church groups to explain the disease and how it affects her life. "I'm proud to stand up and say Tm HIV positive.' If I am just one ripple that gets women to say, 'So am I,' then it's made a difference," Gleason said. "I've made somebody else's life easier." Gleason said she is surprised by the reaction she receives. 'Tm amazed at the number of people who come up to hug me, from medical students to sixth -graders. They want to touch. They've been afraid long enough," she said. "Of all the things I've done, this is my last hurrah, by being an active participant in my illness," she said. Gleason, 47, a tespiratory therapist, was living in New Jersey when she learned in November 1994 that she not only had acquired immune deficiency syndrome but was in the last stages of the disease. For 14 years, doctors had misread symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, herpes, a reaction to medication, anemia and a low white cell blood count. She said the possibility of AIDS was overlooked because she "didn't live the lifestyle" of those most at risk, such as gay men or intravenous drug users. Gleason said she had unprotected sex because "I had a hysterectomy at 25. There was no reason for me to use protection." She refuses to blame the man who gave her AIDS. "I can't judge how he got it any more than I would want anyone to judge ine. I still care about the person who did it. All I did was practice my humanity. I laid down with the wrong person," she said. Gleason quit her job, gave away most of her belongings and moved to Florida to be with her mother. But a visit with her sister in Morgantown prompted her to move back to the Mountain State, where she had lived with her son when he was young. 'Tm exactly where I want to be," Gleason said. "I got my longtime wish of living in West Virginia after raising my son. It's a wonderful opportunity to live with my best friend, gorgeous surroundings and wonderful people." public education about AIDS through street posters, television ads and school programs. Worried by the diseas. e' s rapid spread in nearby Thailand and Cambodia, it has promoted condom use with a frankness unusual for an Asian country where talk of sex is normally taboo. ■ In a society that traditionally stresses family ties, the abandonment betrays the terror AIDS inspires. ■ Nonetheless, many people still fear casual contact with AIDS victims. Unlike many Western countries, no public figures have stepped forward to acknowledge having the disease and give it a human face. There is little public sympathy for victims. The Binh Trieu drug treatment center, one of the few places in Ho Chi Minh City where AIDS tests are routine, is building a new, separate facility for AIDS victims. It's not to segregate and confine them, authorities insist, but to give them a place to go. "Once a (regular) hospital knows someone has full-blown AIDS, they try to push them out to another hospital," said Bui Quang Thuy, a center worker. "They don't have separate wards for HIV patients and they're afraid of driving away other patients." Cuong and his mother never told the neighbors why he was ill, unsure of the reaction. Cuong developed his drug habit in the South Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War. "I was 18 years old, too ·'young to understand," he said. Like many soldiers, Cuong drove a pedicab after the war. He bought opium, grown in Vietnam's highlands, from dealers who provided needles. Three years ago, during an anti-vice sweep, police sent him to the Binh Trieu center, where doctors found he had the AIDS virus. Cuong wasted away slowly after release. He developed a fever and skin lesions. His legs refused to support him. "I feel as if someone is pulling my head ·apart," Cuong muttered. "Especially at night. I can't sleep." He sprawled on a thin straw mat · atop a metal bedframe, his limbs poking stick-like from a faded green workshirt and baggy brown pants. ·From a cassette player came the sound of Willie Nelson singing, "You were always. on my mind." Tran Minh Hue, a patient at the Binh Trieu center, would give anything to spend his last months as Cuong did - at home. Like Cuong, he was brought to the center by police and learned there that he had AIDS. His disease has followed a similar path. Hue lifted his green uniform shirt to show the bluish scars of healed skin lesions. "These · hives are the worst," he said. "Some people have so many they can't sit or stand. It feels like insects crawling under your skin." But Hue's experience took a different turn from Cuong's. He wrote home to tell his wife and two children about his illness and ask their support. He hasn't received a reply. "We know we can get good treatment here, but we want to be close to our families," he said. "A counselor from the center went to see my family and asked them to visit me, but they didn't come. I don't know what is wrong." HealingJo ·THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN· Guided meditation and music for healing and restoration with vocals by The Rev. Deanne Aime and music by James Bass. The power to heal lies within the spiritual and psychological nature of every person. Tap into your healing power and potential through the process of spiritual deepening as you experience guided meditation . J/,c l· luor r Jf Hearc11. S 12. rn,st'llc OR\ll:I{ l ·RO.\I Sl:CO:\D SHJ:\\. l'l{l:SS SJJ : l'\Cil: 22 Church & Or anization News UFMCC gets new headquarters THE UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP of Metropolitan Community Churches has closed escrow on the $3.8 million purchase of a complex of buildings on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. The property, which includes a 5-story office building and an adjacent 2-story building will be the new global headquarters of the UFMCC and the new .home of MCC Los Angeles, whose previous church was destroyed by the 1994 earthquake. New Hampshire .church becomes Open & Affirming ON A VOTE OF 123-26 at their annual congregation meeting, the South Congregational Church of Concord, New Hampshire voted in favor of becoming an Open & Affirming Congregation. Only about 200 of the country's 6,400 United Church of Christ parishes have passed similar resolutions. The vote came as a relief to one lesbian couple who already felt accepted at the church. "They've given a bigger gift than they realize," said one of the women who wished to remain anonymous. South Congregational Church has spent about five years studying the issue of homosexuality through classes and discussion . - Presiding bishop speaks at Oasis anmversary JOINING IN AN exuberant celebration of the seventh anniversary of Oasis, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark to gays and lesbians, Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning praised the organization for offering "living water" to those struggling in the "difficult and dangerous desert ." "Oasis . The name is about shelter, about nurture, about drawing aside from the dusty and dangerous road for refreshment, for rest _and cool water," Browning s_aid in his sermon at the service, June 4, at All Saints Parish, Hoboken. A colorful procession up one of Hoboken's main streets, led by a troupe of African drummers, opened the service and included banners from many of the more than three _dozens parishes that sponsor the ministry . - Episcopal News Service Web page for 'green' Christians WILDERNESS MANNA and Christians in Communion with Creation has opened a web site at http:/ www.ecr .anglican.org/wm/. Director Roger Wharton says visitors will be surprised at the content and the amount of information that is available. He is seeking articles, sermons, announcements, poetry, book reviews; and links for the web site. Names Iviakin News Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish THE EPISCOPAL Diocese of Utah ordained Rev. Carolyn Irish, a former Mormon, as its first female bishop. With a rough-hewn cross as the backdrop, Rev. Irish received her church's blessing to become the nation's sixth female Episcopal bishop. She took office June 29. Irish, 55, was confirmed as an Episcopalian 20 years ago. As bishop, she will succeed the Rev. George E. Bates, who is retiring to Oregon after 10 years because of poor health. The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, the denomination's presiding bishop, said that the Utah diocese is "in good hands" with Irish, who was the staff associate for spiritual development at the National Cathedral in Washington and has taught ethics, philosophy and history. Irish pledged to attack poverty and violence, largely through supporting the local community "as they embrace those issues." The daughter of the late Salt Lake businessman and philanthropist O.C. Tanner, Irish has been chairwoman of the O .C. Tanner Co., a jewelry manufacturing and sales company, since her father's death in 1993. PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 Events Announ cements in this section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizations . To have an event listed, send information to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)891- 7555, e-mail secstone@aol.com . Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 3-11, Toe Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition has declared the first week in August "Gay and Lesbian Family Week." Toe organization will celebrate the week in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI will host a barbecue and the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce will suggest activities for families to enjoy during the week. For information contact GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, (202)583-8029, FAX (201)783-6204. World Gathering on Bereavement AUGUST 14--18, This international conference brings together the bereaved, bereavement support organizations and professionals. More than 90 workshops and sharing groups are offered. Toe Red Lion Airport Hotel in Seattle is the setting . The conference is sponsored by Accord Aftercare Services of Louisville, Kentucky and Family Services, Seattle. For information call (800)346-3087 or (206)246-6142. First National Gathering of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists AUGUST 16-18, Lake Street Church (W &A), Evanston, Illinois, is the setting for the inaugural gathering of the Welcom-ing and Affirming Baptists . Keynote speakers are Peggy and Tony Campolo. Among the workshops and forums being planned are discussions of the "disfellowshipping" situation, resources for W &A ministries and planning for the next gathering at the 1997 Biennial. Toe organization had not released registration information as of press time. Gay Male Rites of Passage: Moving Beyond Coming Out to Being Out AUGUST 16-18, How can gay men ritually negotiate their identity-development tasks and spiritual challenges? This weekend will channel joys, rages, griefs, and powers of gay experience, providing spiritual tools to nurture happy, open, successful lives. Fee, $225. Contact: Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013- 9359 (610-588-1793). 4th International T-E-N Conference AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 2, The Evangelical Network will meet at Liberty Community Church in Vancouver, Canada for their gathering themed "In His Image." Toe cost of the event is $40 per person or $70 per couple. For information call Liberty Community Church (604)254--0082, FAX (604)687-2610 or e-mail todd327@aol.com. Gay Men of Color AIDS Institute AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 2, Toe Fontainebleau Hilton Resort and Towers in Miami Beach is the setting for this conference sponsored by the National Task Force on AIDS Prevention. It is the on! y national conference focusing on the lllV prevention needs of gay and bisexual men of color. For information contact Willis Johnson at (415)356-8134 Pentecostal Alliance District Conference SEPTEMBER 13-15, Toe Northeast District of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance meets at Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Schenectady, New York. For information contact Lighthouse Church, P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, NY 12301- 1391, (5_18)372-6001. Solidarity Sunday OCTOBER.6, Roman Catholics and others are asked to show their support for gay and lesbian Catholics by wearing -a rainbow ribbon to church and throughout the day. For information contact Bmce S. Jarstfer, P.O. Box 701592, San Antonio, TX 78270-1592, FAX (210)545-6906 or email brucesj@aol.com. Transitions THE REV. JOHN KEENER MOUNT, an Episcopal priest, died at his home in Easton, Maryland on June 15 of congestive heart failure . Mount shook up the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland in 1992, when he told church leaders he Was gay during a task force report on human sexuality. "For me, it's ov er· the struggle, the deceptions. And it was the deception that was the terrible part," Mount said at the time . Last year, Mount officiated at a same-sex blessing in Talbot County for two gays who were also HIVpositive. As a result, Mount was stripped of his license to preach or serve communion in any church of the Easton Diocese. Mount was born in Baltimore, and he earned his master's degree in English in 1932 from the Johns Hopkins University. In 1935, he received his divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. Ordained that same year, he served at St. Stephen's in Severn, St. Bartholomew's in Ten Hills, St. Barnabas in Sykesville and at Tidewater Parish Church in England . He retired to Easton in 1972. He was married in 1960, at the age of 50, to the former Alice Thornton Dashiell. She died in 1991 at the age of 84. Church & Or anization News Group aims to increase dialogue among ministers about gay issues · THE REV. KEN PRUNfY, a Church of God minister who lives in Anderson, Indiana, has formed an organization dedicated to creating broader communication among Christian leaders about gay and lesbian people and their issues. In announcing the creation of SeaCom, Prunty said that "religious communities are torn over what · to say and do about lesbian , gay and bisexual persons. In every congregation there are families with gay sons and daughters, gay brothers and sisters gay uncles and aunts and gay parents. Closeted gay and lesbian persons are active members of religious communities and seek their ministries ." The first SeaCom forum was held April 12 in Columbu s, Ohio. It was hosted by a local SeaCom organizing committee and the Columbus PFLAG chapter . Over 100 church leaders came to the day-long presentations and discussions. Th e evaluation s were enthusiastic and positive. Presentations were made by the Rev. Howard Bess, American Baptist minister and author of the book "Pastor , I Am Gay" and the Rev. Dr . Edgar Towne, Professor Emeritus of Theology at Christian Theologkal Seminary in Indianapolis and the author of many scholarly articles about the · Bible, theology and the gay population . One of the unique features of the SeaCom forums is the insistence by Prunty that gay persons and their families be represented in the discussions and that a variety of points of view be welcomed. SeaCom forum sponsoring committees are presently being formed in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Washington, D.C. SeaCom W('··ks with local committees, providing literature and direction in the necessary steps that must be taken to insure a successful event. According to Prunty, it takes a minimum of six months to organize a successful forum event. For information on organizing a SeaCom forum, contact SeaCom, Attn: Ken Prunty, 145 Nursery Rd., Anderson, IN 46012. Dignity/USA endorses national Catholic reform referendum DIGNITY /USA HAS announced its endorsement of a nationwide referen· dum calling for substantive reform in the Roman Catholic church . . The effort, sp earheaded by a coalition of progressive Catholic groups called We Are the Church, seeks to gather a million signatures in support of a referendum document addressing such issues as the ordination of women, local election of bishops , and reform of the church's teaching on human sexuality. "This re ferendum effort gives Catholics who love our church, but who believe that some of the church's teachings are inconsistent with the messages of Christ, the chance to express themselves," said Marianne Duddy, president of Dignity/ USA. "These issues represent the real concerns of tens ·of thousands of grassroots Catholics, concerns that are often rtot reflected or voiced by many church leaders ." Among the issues addressed in the referendum is a call for new thinking on sexual morality, including homosexuality, and for th e church to support civil rights legislation that protects all people, regardless of sexual orientation. "The forthright acknowledgement of gay issues in this referendum marks a real victory for Dignity and reformmind ed Catholics, and truly, for all people who work for justice for gay, lesbian , bisexual and transgendered people," Duddy said. "Equality for gay and lesbian people · is now a stated goal on the Catholic social jus tice agenda, just like equality for women. "Every Catholic who signs this document will make an act of conscience in which · they acknowledge that gay and lesbian people are part of the Catholic church, and that our church has a responsibility to act justly toward us in the centuries-old tradition of social justice that is at the core of Catholic belief. Every signer says 'yes' to freedom for gay and lesbian people from discrimination and violence." Duddy contrasted this stance with recent Papal pronouncements that demanded American Catholic bishops oppose legislation that would ensure equal protection for gay people. In one example, Maryland Catholic bishops helped def eat two anti-discrimination measures pending before the Maryland legislature that would have protected gay and lesbian people in that state. Chnst1an Commun1t News Solidarity Sllllday set for ilioref6 LEADERS OF DIGNITY / USA have scheduled October 6 as the second annual Solidarity Sunday, according to Dr. Bruce Jarstfer, national coordinator of the event. The day has been set aside for all seekers of justice for gay and lesbian people to wear a rainbow ribbon to church and throughout the day. At its spring meeting back in 1995, the board of Dignity/USA discussed polls which showed that more than 70 percent of American Catholics supported civil rights protection for gays and lesbians . Considering the hatefilled rhetoric and frequency of antigay physical violence that had been growing during recent years, the question raised at the Dignity meeting was whether such violent words and acts could be countered by inviting those inclined to support gay and lesb ian people to show it by wearing some token . The idea of Solidarity Sunday, in which both gay and nongay people are invited to wear a short piece of rainbow ribbon, came from these discussions. Although th e project was started in late June, by Solidarity Sunday, October 8, 1995, tens of thousands of ribbons, explanatory folders and prayer cards had been distributed across the United States. Most of these materials were made and di stributed by Dignity chapters . "This project is a proactive effort to increase the number of those who know gays and lesbians and to give our supporters an opportunity to stand with us with the expectation that as more straights know gays, anti -gay rhetoric and physical violence will decrease," said Jarstfer. "For too many Americans it is a matter of life and death ." Cards with ribbons are available for $15 per 100 plus postage and handling . For information about Solidarity Sunday or to purchase cards, "contact Bruce 5. Jarstfer, MD, National Solidarity Sunday Coordinator, P.O. Box 701592, San Antonio, TX 78270- 1592, FAX (210)545-6906, brucesj@aol.co m. Can we do anyth ing to counteract the homophobia rampant in the United States? You bet we can! Celebrate Solidarity Sunday, October 6, 1996 . Solidar ity Sunday invites all Americans to stand together ahd say: ~enough is enough. Let us end verbal and physical gay bashing." Wear a ra inbow ribbo n on Solidar ity Sunday and tak e the Solida rity Pledg8 . Invite your friends and loved ones to join you! Prayer cards and ribbons ar1=1 available from your local Dignity Chapter or order them for $15.00 per 100 plus postage and handling from: Bruce S. Jarstfer , MD National Solidarity Sunday Coordinator, Dignity/ USA P. 0 . Box 701592 San Antonio, TX 78270-1592 Fax: (210) 545-6906 Check. Visa or MasterCard accepted. PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE • J ULY/AUGUST, 1996 Songs in the Night: Sounds ofho~ resonate from hymns born in suffering By David Briggs AP Religion Writer THEY WERE PEOPLE who had lost children at sea, who had gone from being perfectly healthy to being bedridden invalids, and who had their faith tested amid the seemingly random tragedy inflicted by deadly epidemics and wars. Yet they would go on to write some of the most inspirational hymns in Christendom - songs such as "Just As I Arn;" "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "I Love To Tell the Story" and "Shall We Gather." For author Henry Gariepy, who researched the stories behind popular hymns that originated during ARE YOU SPONSORING A CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN GAYS AND LESBIANS?? YOU CAN TAKE THE SPm.JT . OF YOUR CONFERENCE ALL ACROSS AMERICA THROUGH CABLE ACCESS. WE PROVIDE QUALI'IY, LOW COST VIDEOTAPING AND EDITING FOR TELEVISION BROADCAST. CALL: WORD OF LIFE MINISTRIES (504) 883-8281 FOR MORE INFO. times of trial for their composers, the experience kept bringing to mind the observation of the theologian C.S. Lewis: that God whispers when all is well; God speaks with a microphone when people are in trouble. "There is a dominant note of hope that resonates through these songs," said Gariepy, national literary consultant for The Salvation Army in ■ "There is a dominant note of hope that resonates through these songs ... All is not lost in the midst of our deepest despair." ■ the United States. "All is not lost in the midst of our deepest despair." His new book - "Songs in the Night: Inspiring Stories Behind 100 Hymns Born in Trial and Suffering," published by Eerdrnans - takes readers from the biblical struggles of Job recounted in the -traditional hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" to more modern musicians such as Joni Eareckson Tada, whose "Joni's Song" was written after a diving accident made her a quadriplegic. Gariepy said he hopes the book will give a new appreciation of the SEE SOUNDS, Next Page BIBLICRL ETHICS RND HOMOSEHUHLITY Listening to Scripture Robert L. Brawley, editor This bold new book offers a challenge to _the church to give heed to the multiplicity of voices that are engaged in biblically responsible and constructive debates about the volatile issues regarding sexuality. Contributors include Robert Brawley , J. Andrew Dearman, Elizabeth Gordon Edwards, Dale B. Martin, Ulrich W. Mauser, Sarah J. Melcher, Cheon-Leong Seow, Jeffery Siker and Hennan C. Waetjen. Biblical Ethics and Homosexuality, $16.99, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. c· x e fl ; ,tt::h • x h CREECH, FrornPage7 claim his humanity. He protested until his last breath." What Creech calls a -major success was not with.out pain as well. He was instrumental in letting the Metropolitan Community Churches join the · council in 1993. The decision led his own Methodists to stop giving money to the council. Creech felt betrayed, but tried not to take it personally. "It was a prophetic act for the council to do. And it was groundbreaking," CHURCH RISES, FrornPage4 a rural crossroads 10 miles away, Greeleyville's while police chief is quick to point out. "There 's no racial tensions here. Everybody speaks to everybody," Chier Daniel Mcfaddin said. "The only time you 'II see segregation is on Sundays ." Weeks before the fire, Cox and Welch attended a KKK rally at Bloomville. James Dennis, a construction worker who lives in Bloomville, says he attended out of curiosity and found that most of the people there were the "low-lives" of the community. He didn't join, he said, but sympathized with some of the KKK's contentions, that black people are living off his tax dollars. "There ain't nothing wrong with them except the ones in the food line," Dennis said, frequently interjecting racial slurs. "Blacks are treated good unless they ask for it." In mid-June, President Clinton visited the new Mount Zion church, denouncing racism and calling for unity. About 80 members of Mount Zion GRANDMOTHER, FromPage5 the two churches as a real boost for many of her congregants, who feel rejected by their own families and . childhood churches. "For some of them, the opportunity to say 'Grandma Fran, this is my spouse,' and to be seen as an 'old married couple' is such an uplifting experience, they can't even begin to describe it. The Judson visit was the family reunion - sharing and joking with 'Mom and Dad,' and aunts and uncles and cousins - that some of them have not had since they were adolescents." Beall hopes the relationship between the churches will encourage her congregants to develop ways of reconciling to the families from which they have been estranged, and to begin to heal the "us against them" a·ttitudes. Mrs. Taft and her pastor he said. His new job also will give him the chance to fight against social injustice. First United Methodist in Omaha is home to a support group for parents and friends of gays and has been on the forefront of racial reconciliation in Nebraska . Even as Creech enters a new chapter in his life, he still wants to return to North Carolina when he retires. 'Tm very grateful for what I've had here," he said. "I look at a life as an adventure, another part of being a . part of God's plan in the world." met under the old oak tree . They · marched a mile down the dirt road and onto the paved, two-lane highway to their new church, three limes the size of the old one. "We're marching for the churches tha t have not been built back," Mackey said. Insurance covered half the cost of the new church, with more than $20;000 in donations and a $90,000 loan making up the rest. While the old church with the oak tree was isolated and easy prey for arsonists, the new red brick church, crowned by a white steeple, sits out in the open along the highway, surrounded by com fields. "We'll plant an oak tree and come back in 100 years and see the tree spread" all over the church to . give shade and comfort like the old one did," Mackey said. To Carrie Wilson, that Sunday 's service was a day of renewal for the congregation and a lime _lo pay homage to her ancestors who built the original Mount Zion. As she walked across the new red carpet and passed the new wooden pews, she smiled and said: "We're home now ." are also looking to the experience as a way to transform negative attitudes into positive. They expect the rela. tionship will also encourage them to seek ways lo open doors to their local gay and lesbian community. QUOTABLE "If I've seen this once I've seen it a hundred times: God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Well, then, will somebody please tell me who DID make Steve????" -An internet post by Rev. Jan Nunley , .... Gatherings Lesbianlbisexuol/gay people within organized religion: U~ntant, Self-Affinning, Practicing Books THE RELATIONSHIP between homosexuality and religion · has always been an uneasy one. Throughout history, gay and lesbian people have found themselves excluded, vilified, and persecuted by centers of worship w_hich consider homosexuality to be unnatural or against God's will. But the debate has risen to the top of the agenda for virtually every mainline denomination, thanks in large part to the to gay, lesbian and . '----------'bisexual people who have chosen to stay within organized religion and embrace their sexuality within their particular faiths . These are the people whom Gary David Comstock has studied in his new book, "Unrepentant, SelfAffirming, Practicing: Lesbian/ Bisexual/Gay People within Organized Religion.'' Comstock is also the author of "Violence against Lesbians and Gay Men" and "Gay Theology without Apology." Comstock, a Protestant chaplain and associate professor of sociology at Wesleyan University and a gay man himself, has collated material from 27 different surveys of gays and lesbians within various denominations along with information from his own SOUNDS, From Previous Page faith on which the songs were created to contemporary churchgoers who may at times take a glib attitude toward some traditional hymns. In story after story, Gariepy tells of songs of faith being composed in the crucible of tragedy and suffering. In the late 19th century, Horatio Spafford lost his four daughters on a trans-Atlantic voyage when their ship sank after colliding with another vessel. Spafford, who was not with his family during tlie accident, took the next ship out. When he arrived at the approximate spot where his daughters' ship had sunk, he composed "It Is Well With My Soul." Tending to the dying amid an epidemic in New York in 1864, the Rev. Robert Lowry would assure surviving family members that they would be reunited one day by the river of life flowing from the throne of God described in Revelation. As he reflected on the suffering one day in July, he composed the words millions still sing today in affirma- Author Gary David Comstock questionnaires to produce the most comprehensive examination yet of how gay, lesbian and bisexual people feel about their own religious expression and the way their denominations treat them and their sexuality. Far from being either blanket condemnation or unblinking acceptance, the reactions of both gays and lesbians and thei( churches are more nuanced, casting light upon the often confusing and seemingly contradictory realms of spirituality and sexuality, individual freedom versus group cohesion, the private world and the public sphere. Words like "unrepentant," "selftion of their belief in life after death : "Yes, we'll ·gather by the river; The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river, That flows by the throne of God." The ability to retain a sense of hope amid tragedy is a common theme behind the compositions. . "In the midst of trial and suffering, when our faith is strong, the Lord does provide to us a sense of his presence," Gariepy said. Thomas Dorsey, the blues entertainer who became a gospel singer, composed his most famous hymn after his wife died in childbirth and the baby died soon after. He buried his wife and son in the same casket. In a state of despair, he began to sing the words that would become "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." "When darkness appears, And night draws near, And the day is past and gone, At the river I stand, Guide my feet, hold my hand, Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home." affirming/' and "practicing" have been written into the doctrine of some religious bodies to describe the kind of gay person who is not accepted. To be accepted one must be selfreproaching, self-denying and celibate. One is not to declare frankly and openly love for or sexual intimacy with a person of one's own gender. These prescriptions have created a dilemma for many lesbian/bisexual/ gay people who have been encouraged by the gay liberation and civil rights movements from the 70s to the present to be more visible and assertive throughout society. Comstock argues that the issue of homosexuality in many ways seems to have galvanized churches into reexamining their most sacredly held tenets, and has often led to a painful, but ultimately reinvigorating, change in their outlook. Because churches over the last 40 years have often been the focus for progressive social change - particularly in the area of civil rights - it is not surprising that they should also be the place which mirrors most intensely the social upheaval created by acknowledging homosexuality's reality and taking on the burden of past discrimination. Particularly relevant here has been the tragic irony of the impact of AIDS on the gay community and many churches' roles in - on the one hand - ministering to the sick and counseling the dying, and - on the other - condemning the actions of 'practicing homosexuals' as sinful. "Unrepentant, Self-Af(irming, Practicing" covers all major religions - from Protestant denominations, Catholicism, the Orthodox churches, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, as well as Native American spiritualities. It explores how each religion accepts, half-accepts, or rejects gays and lesbians and how they themselves feel about their religion. The book is also filled with personal stories of how spiritual people who discovered they are homosexual came ·out within their community and their congregation, and how they feel about the central figures and tenets of their belief. The book comes with a chronological index of events from 1946 to 1972 and the numbers of members of congre. gations in the United States and Canada. · Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible w~i!Bible and homosexuality. Really Says About Homosexuality -'"' .. "'""_ ,.,. __ _ Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D. Joh!IS. Spor,g Kr1ow A Gay My liberation Theology Name Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D. , respected theolo-. gian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insig~ts. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed." - L William Coun_tryman What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality, $9.95, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS . SEEPAGE 22. Writer and activist RICHARD CLEAVER talces a fresh approach to the ongoing debate by examining the struggles of gay men and lesbians in the church through the lens of liberation theology. He offers a "gay reading" of scripture, but one that is also spiritually challenging to all readers. Cleaver interweaves biblical reflections with historical, social, political, and personal commentary. Know My Name, by Richard Cleaver Now available in paperback, $15.99 Order from Second Stone Press, page 22 PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 The mailable, faxable and e-mailable form for just a.rout everything. Your Name ____________ _ ]1 yr, 6 issues $17 ]2 yrs, 12 issues $28 [ ]3 yrs, 18 issues $39 ]NEW ]RENEWAL Address------------- City, state, zip+4 _________ _ )Plain eovelope add $2 per yr r------, )International, add $10 per yr I 8/96 · TOTAL THIS SECTION ... ----- GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS Please fill in the section above, entering your name as you want it to appear on gift cards. All girt subscriptions a,e Mailed in plain · ~nvelopes. Indicate: [ ]SENO NOW [ ]SEND AT CHRISTMAS. 1 gift-$17; 2 gifts-$29; 3 gift&.$42; ~ gilts-$54. First name_____________ Third name ____________ _ Addres:,,______________ Address _____________ _ Ci1y, state, iip+____________ City, state, zip+4 __________ _ Secondntam ____________ _ Addres,.._ ____________ _ · City , state, 2ip+.._ ____________ _ TOT AL THIS SECTION, .. I ____ ... BACK 1ss~ t=S t ]Set of 6, $17 includes postage I [ ]One issue, $4 - Indicate issue# or date, ______ TOTAL THIS SECTION~====~ BULK COPIES I ]10,$14 [ ]25, $30 [ ]50,$45 I 1100,$68 Indicate issue# or date ______ _ TOTAL THIS SECTION~'====~ PRODUCTS Quantity Title Autlior/ Artist Price I The Wo,rd Is Out by Glaser, $12 paperback. Biblical Ethics And Homosexuality by Brawley, $17 paperback. What The Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Hehniniak, $10 paperback. The Floor Of Heaven by Aime, $12 cassette tape. ) Pastor, I Am Gay by Bess, $15 paperback. ] Homosexuality And Christian Community by Seow, $15 paperback. ] Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle To Serve The Church, newly expanded, by Glaser, $20 paperback. ] Know My Name: A Gay Liberation Theology by Cleaver, $16 paperback. ] We Were Baptized Too by Alexander and Preston, $17 paperback. ]Other item _________________ _ Total this item 8/96 . TOTAL THIS SECTION .. , ____ ___, PAYMENT INFORMATION Order total Books and other products add $3 first item; $1 each additional item CHECK ENCLOSED this amount U. S. currency. 8/96 Join Second Stone subscribers on-line New or current subscribers only Your e-mail addres,"----------- Gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight-----~ Yournarr,e ______________ Single, committed __________ _ Location ______________ Religious affiliation _________ _ Birthdate Occupatio,~------------ Gender Other ____________ _ You must notify us 1n advance for u,11nterrupted service 1f you move! The Postal Service WILL NOT forward Second Stone to you. Please send both old and new addresses four weeks prior to your move. Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adfustment of · the subscription expiration date. Supply old address or label here. New address------------- Name _______________ _ City _______________ _ ,__ ______________ ___, State, zip+4 _____________ _ HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMA "FION TO US MAIL: Mail completed form to P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 FAX: This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-891-7555. Press 3• when prompted or at any time·during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL: Send a me.ssage supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996- SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian Slfif§ i WiSSE#4 ¥$#MMW!iiMM Response ried life have not been good marriage material themselves. Co en In spite of marriage being held up early on as the model for family life, it is clear that many couples who marry have not seen far beyond the wedding day itself. They anticipated booking the chapel and inviting guests to hear their vows exchanged. They were driven to the reception in a limou sine and greeted guests in a receiving line . They ate cake and threw a garter and a bouquet. And a few years later, the wedding photographs also get thrown. There is no magic spell cast from the altar for any marriage lacking in essentials like trust and commitment. Back to basics in same-sex marriage debate Don't be too quick to say 'I do' By Jim Bailey Editor THE DEBATE RAGES on in statehouses and in newspaper columns, churches and comer bars everywhere . Should gay and lesbian couples be given a shot at marriage? It's amazing that those opposed to the idea of two men or two women exchanging vows in front of the altar haven't brought out their E!ibles in this debate as much as they have in opposing other gay rights issues. In not doing so, opponents of same-sex marriage miss their best opportunity . The Bible offers a very clear definition of the wedded state as well as succinct guidelines for making it work. First of all marriage is honorable, says the Bible. It is a good thing. Jesus attended the marriage feast in Cana and there performed His first SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971 , is pub lished every otper month by Bailey Comm unications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182, secstone@aol.com . Copy: right 19% by Second Stone, a regis tered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year . Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display adver tising information call 504-891- 7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182. Classified advertising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL , Send letters, event announcements, church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE , a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people . PUBLISHER/EDITOR: iim Bailey miracle - changing water into wine . Jesus described marriage as a union between a man and a woman in which a man leaves his parents and cleaves to his wife and the two become one flesh. The guiding principle of mar riage - fidelity - is set forth in the Ten Commandments: Do not commit adultery. Adultery is defined (then and now) as sexual intercourse between a married person and someone . other than his or her spouse. Marriage, then, is a commitment of oneself in lifelong fidelity to · a beloved mate ._ Children may be born from this union and if so, marriage is the ideal environment for childrearing, however the wish to parent in itself is not a reason to enter into marriage. Nor is financial security or any benefit of wealth which may come from marrying a "good provider." An envy of married couples and a feeling of being "left out" is not a good reason to marry nor is any thought of attaining any benefit of marriage . such as income tax breaks, dependent benefits, or inheritance rights. Perhaps the Protectors of Tradi- . tional Marriage have come out in such force against same-sex marriage, · crea_ting the "Defense of Marriage Act," because marriage in America is indeed in a fragile state, with fully half of all marriages falling apart within a few years, ending in divorce. Many people who would deny gay and lesbian people a chance at marr.._ ffl:.._ Pontius' Puddle Can gay and lesbian couples do any better? Can we stand ·before the altar and promise an enduring commitment, a life of fidelity, and faithful companionship through the years? If not, the great debate about same-sex marriage is rather pointless . Many gays and lesbians are no more ready to "get married" than lawmakers are to give us the chance. Indeed, many of the activists who are pushing for same-sex marriage would not be willing to · make the commitment marriage calls for. Are we fighting for something less than marriage? Is what we really want the right to have a weddinglike ritual and be given the extra privileges we perceive married individuals have and we don't? Jf that is what we really are seeking then we will fare no better at marriage, and probably do much worse, than our heterosexual counterparts. Gay divorce court will be jammed. If the same-sex marriage debate is really more a concern about rights married individuals have that singles don't, perhaps we should work toward eliminating discrimination against single people. Ultimately w,hat is lacking in the debate on same-sex marriage is that we have failed to seek clear direction I.JE' C.1-\1:U':."fiM-IS. 1-t~VE ~ LE'I\~~ -r-o t>EII.L w,ni. eol'IS:LIC.'f° Wl1"1(01Ji \l.ott11~0,. c~e~ o'™tt. fi.\£' KEV IS T"o 1'CI-IIE.VE' UNITY OM CRut.tAL l'I\A"'t'\"'0..S, 13u'f" it.LLOW D11,'E~1'('y ON °™OSE T~._,-~~Et-l'f. M,~EEt>, ~l)'f" HOW DOI.JC: KMC>WHIC~ f,\A't"TE~S "U Cll:OC,1 .. \. '? from ·God on how we are to structure our lives in relation to someone who we can indeed claim as our one beloved and with whom we can live a life of fidelity. Perhaps we are troubled enough by Jesus' defining marriage as a relahonship of fidelity between a man and a woman that we don't seek direction from God, fearing that God may have planned something radically and wonderfully dif ferent for us. Even after 25 years of liberation many gay and lesbian people painfully fret over their sexual orienta tion, unable to find God in their being, and often even tum to ministries who promise to change them from what God created them to be to what they want to be for themselves. That we are created by God to be who we are is still a joyful new idea for us. The process that has begun with that wonderful discovery is lost if we do not ask God the next question: "What is our purpose in being gay?" We need to be prepared to hear the revolutionary answers . We need to understand the plan God has for us as a people may not be the plan we have for ourselves. (And I believe God is the better planner.) Perhaps there is a better way for us to celebrate and live out our relationships than a heterosexua.l model of marriage which works in only half of all attempts. We welcome your letters and opinions Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be 01iginal and s!gned by the writer. Clear(y indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secston'e@aol.com or FAX to (504)891-7555. EU V. i'I-\E'l''1<.E ~E' 01\lES "T),(lt,"i l<\1'~Ri0 1'\e"( BOYCOTT, From Pagel tory repeats itself, there really won't be that many people boycotting anything for long anyway. Sidney J. Sheinberg, the president of MCA/Universal when it became the first studio to offer health insurance to partners of gay and lesbian employees, said he knows of no case in which boycotts have had a material effect on an entertainment company . Universal Pictures was embroiled in a bitter feud in 1988 when it released "The Last Temptation of Christ," denounced by some conservative Christians . for its portrayal of a very human Jesus. · "I personally always love these people who know what God wants and likes and think others are misguided. The humility of that kind of thing always bothers me," Sheinberg • said. "They've spoken their little piece and they've gotten their little headlines and nothing's going to happen." Analysts said repeated boycott threats against Disney, many stirred up by the gay-cleric film "Priest' ' and other mature-themed offerings from its Miramax subsidiary, have had no discernible impact on the company's results . Indeed, despite earlier boycott calls from groups like the American Family Association, Disney officials say demand for all their products is high, with surging attendance at the theme parks in Florida and California. Disney limited comment to a statement saying, "We find it curious that a group that claims to espouse family values would vote to boycott the world's largest producer of wholesome family entertainment." The company said it would not accede to demands to deprive people of health benefits and said that to ARROGANCE, FromPage3 ta sk. In its written response to the resolution, Northminster states," Affirming the historic Baptist principles of the priesthood of every believer and the autonomy of every local church while seeking to be obedient to the truths of the Bible and compliant with the life of Jesus, Northminster Church deny admission to a group, as the Baptists wanted, was something no tourist attraction anywhere would do. American Family Association President Donald E. Wildmon said he thinks the boycott is gaining momentum. Accusing companies from TimeWarner Inc . to AT&T and MCI of catering to homosexuals, Wildmon said Disney is the most appropriate boycott target because it promotes itself as a family-oriented company while producing filth. Disney recently purchased Capital Cities/ ABC for $19 billion, adding to its empire network television, cable operations, television and radio stations in most major markets, a newspaper chain, and extensive publishing operations. Indeed, it's hard to imagine mainstream America without Disney and hard to imagine a successful boycott, said JHI S. Krutick, a Smith Barney entertainment analyst. "They're very far-flung and it's very hard to avoid Walt Disney," · she said. "They 're an important part of our cultural fabric." Merrill Lynch analyst Jessica Reif agreed. "Disney has a very highquality product and I don't think consumers want to butt into corporate America, especially over healthcare issues," she said. Richard Jennings, executive director of Hollywood Supports, a group that lobbies for workplace rights for homosexuals, said 40 entertainment companies, including every major studio, have extended benefits to samesex partners of employees. To boycott every such company would essentially mean shunning popular culture, he said. "I think you'd sell your TV and not go to any movies and not go to theme parks. And probably noi listen to the radio much either," he said. ' ham, 77, has also separated himself from the convention, saying, "I have never taken part in organizations or projects that especially targeted Jews." American Jewish leaders say the convention's resolution singling out Jews for conversion is a setback in Christian-Jewish relations . refuses to identify with a spiritual In its letter to temple members, arrogance that judges the acceptabil- Northminster says, "We see the spirity of other people's relationship to itual arrogance implicit in the South- God." em Baptist resolution as a reprehen- The convention's resolution has sible affront to the mutual respect, caused other conflids among Bap- shared freedom and cooperative lists. vision which we continue to enjoy in Well-known evangelist Billy Gra- relationship with you." PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE • JULY/AUGUST, 1996 classif. BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS PASSION, Ch ristian Spirituality From A Gay Perspective, a four-page monthly publication. $ 16 per year. For free sample send stamped business envelope to: David Schimmel, 4520 N. Clarendon Ave., #801, Chicago, IL 60640-6171. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE (The National Gay & Lesbian News magaz ine) . One year: 26 issues . (Pub lisher' s price : $44.00) Second Stone readers only $29.00. Send CK / MO to: Bill Smith, Be n Hur Publicatio ns , P.O. Box 58336, Louisville, KY 40268-0336 . Renewals encouraged. Questions: 502-935-7 I 90. "Vi vl,DERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," "P?l.i1osophically intrig. uing." 11Excellen"t. 11 Why do re.viewers highly es teem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles aed live lv columns make this b;idge of dialogu~ between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $1Z.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES USE A PHONE LATELY? One of the fastest growing telecommunications co. in America offers opportunity to sell a product that everyone uses. Long distance industry can work for you! Also a great CHURCH FUND RAISER. Paul@Zia Communications. P.O. Box 3820, Fayetteville, AR 72702. 501-444- 9607. EMPLOYMENT RIVER OF LIFE Healing Ministries, an independent, charismatic ch urch in Albuquerque, New Mexico is seeking a mature, experienced, Holy Spirit filled pastor to spread the Word of God to our community, Send resumes to 111 Montclaire SE, Albuq., NM 87108 or call (505)265-9534. 8/96 GENERAL INTEREST CAMPING RETREATS for environmental C hristians guided by gay Episcopal priest. Also Biblican and Christian Nature Wisdom Traditi on Newsletter. 800-764-3794. CAN'f GET TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette of our week) y worship. Send request and donation lo Holy Spirit Fellowhip, P.O. Box 91'.l77., Long Beach, CA 9oeo9. MERCHANDISE PIANO FOR SALE - Needed: A responsible person to take on a low monthly payment of -a beautiful console piano. nc money down. Ca ll toll free: 1-800-609-1177. ORG~NIZATIONS THE CENTER FOR PASTORAL CARE, 3180 German Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904, (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy I 0: 15. Followed by a lite bruncfi. Retreats, workshops and pastoral counseling. Rev . Daniel Dickman, M.Div, M.Ed. 2/97 Gay and Lesbian Principians Group .. Alumni of Principia Upper School and/or College , for infomfation write: David, Apt. 124, 2900 Connecticut Avenue, N .. W., Washington, DC 20008 . E-mail: Mrblanc@aol.com. B ·CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC Lesbians (CCL) is a national organi zat ion for lesbians of Catholic heritage. Quarterly newsletter. Supportive network. Advoca tes for lesbian issues in political and Churc h forums. For membership informati on please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Bo x 436, Planetarium Station. New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963. classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ )Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep,Oct [ ]NovtDec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs . [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Genl Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]March [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name ____________________ _ Add res..._ _________________ _ City/State/Zip'----------------- Your ad copy _______________ _ How much? Count the number of words in your ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in that amount and this form to: Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182. If your ad has less than 20 words, think of some more words. If today is after the first of the month, it's too late for the current issue. Just like the grocery store, you have 10 pay for it befo re you ·get it. We'll send you a copy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears . TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 22. 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 Second Stone #47 - July/Aug 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5f79da4e0b1e1631edeb6a3cde6c346f.pdf 07daece7a0361c2985f105bca9a2ea75 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 46 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published May/June 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NA TldNAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEX U AL CHRIST I ANS 2.95 Vote in favor of gays increases by 15 percent since last meeting Gay ~gain ground at United Methodist General Conference - From Associated Press, United Methodist News Service, Ecumenical News International, and other reports · THE NUMBER OF delegates to the United Methodist Church's General Conference who believe that language in the denomination's Book of Discipline that describes homosexuality as "incompatible with Christian teaching" should be overtumed has increased by 15 percent in four years, indicating that gay and lesbian act ivists have gained substan° tial ground since the church's 1992 General Confenince. In denominations where church activists are struggling for ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians, the trend places the United Methodist Church behind the Episcopal Church and ahead of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the · Presbyterian Church (USA) as the next likely church to approve ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians. The United Church of Christ is the only major Protestant denomination to permit the ordination of non-celibate gays. Issues surrounding the place of gays and lesbians in the church dominated last month's church-wide meeting of the 8.6 million-member United Methodist Church, the second largest Protestant- church in the United States - exceeded in membership only by the Southern Baptist Convention . The 10- day international conventio n drew 1,000 del egates, some from as far away as Europe and Africa. Half of those attending the meeting were lay people and the rest were clergy. More than 3,000 proposals were submitted Protesters outnumber participants 20-1 at anti-gay lecture MADISON, Wis. (AP) ~ Protesters who organized a "March for Tolerance" outnumbered by more than 20-1 those who came to a Madison church to hear the message of a man who contends gays inspired the Nazi .movement. Police said fewer than 20 people showed up at Trinity Evangelical Fellowship Church April 12 to hear Scott Lively, author , of "The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party." Police allowed about 100 protesters in the church, while an estimated 300 P.O.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY remained outside . Ralph Ovadal, whose Wisconsin Christians United sponsored the lecture, asked police to remove one man who held up a sign and shouted inside the church . The church's pastor, Ron Greer, is a Madison firefighter accused of distributing anti -g ay pamphlets on the job. Greer faces possible disciplinary action in that case. Capt. Luis Yudice of the Madison police said Ovadal requested tight security for the lecture after receiving death threats. BU..K RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 --- - -~ --~ ~ - = =-~=~- ~ - - - ---· - for consideration. Current teaching condemning homosexuality was approved in the church 's Social Principles in 1972. Delegates to the quadrennial Methodist General Conference have upheld the language ever since. This year, supporters of gay rights were more hopeful for change after 15 bishops announced their personal opposition to church policy. But that hope faded on April 24 when delegates voted 577 to 378 to uphold NO HERESY TRIAL! church policy, which bars "selfavowed practicing" homosexuals from ordination or jobs in churches. The vote, however, revealed a sizable shift in denominational sentiment since the 1992 General Conference, when the vote for keeping the SEE METIIODISTS, Page 9 Churchcomt~ charges agahN Righter By James Thrall Episcopal News Service WILMINGTON, Del. - An Episcopal Church court dismissed heresy charges May 15 against retired Bishop Walter C. Righter . The Court held that neither the doctrine nor the discipline . of the Church currently prohibit the ordination of a non-celibate gay person living in a committed relationship. In early 1995 Righter was charged by ten bishops under Church canons for "teaching publicly and advisedly that a practicing homosexual may properly be ordained" in the Episcopal Church and for violating his ordination vows for ordaining Barry L. Stopfel, a candidate from the Visit our Outreach Partner in Providence, R.I., Dayton, Ohio, Chicago, Ill., Des Moines, Iowa, San Francisco, Calif., and Long Beach, Calif. See a e 14. Diocese of Newark, who was living and continues to live in what is described as a committed relationship with another man. Seven of the judges agreed that the ordination did not violate the Church's doctrine or discipline. The majority opinion stated that 'The Court is not giving an opinion on the morality of same gender relationships . We are not deciding whether life-long, committed, sexual same gender relationships are or are not a wholesome example with respect to ordination vows. We are not rendering an opinion on whether a bishop and diocese should or should not ordain persons living in same sex relationships. Rather , we are deciding the narrow issue of whether or not u nder Title IV [the Church's disciplinary canons] a bishop is restrained from ordaining persons living in · a committed same gender sexual relationship." SEE RIGHTER,Page 3 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! See Pa e 22. .Welcome! _/ IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Partner in your area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follow. When I told my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's thaf all abc;mt? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot ·be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however , an ex-gay ministry can orily teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results . Au ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the Amer- - ican Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has. God's nature is to draw you closer to Him, not to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected with God at work among us, and sometimes not Sometimes the people who run the church, because off ear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to.follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure _to affirm gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a follower of society, not a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? · Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more ·than you need the church .) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. There are rnany Christian churches and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people . Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across the country have moved into positions of welcoming and affirming gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 '' ALL I HEARD FOR THE FIRST 18 YEARS OF MY LIFE WAS HOW MUCH GOD LOVED ME_ WHEN I TOLD MY COLLEGE FRIENDS I WAS GAY THEY TOLD ME GOD HATED HOMOSEXUALS I THINK GOD KNEW WHO I WAS ALL ALONG AND HIS LOVE FOR ME HADN'T CHANGED . MY FRIENDS WERE WRONG ·who seeks you out If there's a barrier betw~n yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility . Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: L God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5:God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God ·by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may -be able to recommend -a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be -glad you asked. It is bow God works among us. If you've never -read the Bible before, start with ~omans 3:23; 6:23; S:8; 10:9-10; and io: 1J. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - ei titer gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships. -Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in Wha t the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: The sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bib le text clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Orily five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy I: 10. All these texts are concerned with ·something other than homosexual activity itselL If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or eviL they will have to look elsewhere for an answer... The Bible never addresses tha t question : More than that, the Bible seems deliberately unconcerned about it - I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to connect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (Ibere is no "one true church.") . There are gay and lesbian people iu almost every church and God, who is always at work around you, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (Ibe day will come when that is no longer the case.) Bnt a gay or lesbian person who cannot integrate their sexuality with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or with straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience . Au inability to weave your sexuality into tl1e fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop rela tionships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. the other Front Page cover items continued & late stories ~ bishop ~clerfire from lntegiity chapter THE DALLAS CHAPTER of Integrity, Inc. has accused Bishop James Stanton of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas with "worsen"ing the climate of fear and self-repression of samesex attraction" by spearheading the movement to bring charges against Bishop Walter Righter and by his silence surrounding the arrest of a priest in Stanton's diocese on sex charges. On January 19, 1996, the Rev. Rex Perry, Rector of the Episcopal Churd, of the Incarnat ion in Dallas, pied no contest to charges of public lewdness stemming from an arrest in which police allege Perry made improper sexual contact with an undercover officer in a p ublic men's room. He has been inhibited from his functions as a pries t by Bishop Stanton and has ·resigned from the Church of the Incarnation. Perry was known to have made statements both publicly and privately · condemning sex between persons of the same gender, No public announcements regarding RIGHTER, From Pagel The Court also stated , "We remind the Church that this issue will not be reso lved and the Church unified in its faith and practice by presentments and trials, nor by unilateral acts of bishops and their dioceses, or through the adoption of proclamations by groups of bishops or others expressing positions on the issues." The Court ruled that the Canon on doctrine protects only the Church's Core Doctrine . It also ruled that other Church teachings and resolutions of the Church's legislative body, the General Convention, may, at times, be enforceab le under the Canons but concluded that the teaching against the ordination of non celibate homosexual persons was not presently enforceable under the Constitution and Canons of the Church. In a concluding section on pastoral concerns, the majority offered several suggestions about how the General Convention, which next meets in 1997, might offer greater clarity to order the Church's life on this issue, stating that it could pass a Canon the facts that led to Perry's suspension and resignation have been made by anyone connected with the churdl, including Bishop Stanton or the Church of the Incarnation. Leaders of St. Aelred's Chapter of Integrity charged that the actions of Stanton in calling for a heresy trial of Bishop Righter and th~ actions of Perry prior to his arrest "perpetuate and deepen a climate of hostility and fear toward persons of same-sex orientation." In a prepared statement the organization went on to say that such a "hostile climate drives out of the church persons of same-sex orientation who attempt to lead lives of openness and accountability in response to the gospel, and sends a clear message to those who seek ordination to hide and repress any hint of same-sex attraction, This climate of fear and repression will continue to lead to the type of severe spiritual self-alienation and irresponsible sex-· ual activity that led to Perry's arrest." stating explicitly either that ordination of non-celibate homosexuals persons is or is not permitted. It also stated that a trial is a poor way to clarify doctrine or to secure good order in the Church. A pre-trial hearing was held in Hartford, Connecticut on December 8 of last year. The Presenters, represented by A. Hugo Blankingship, and Michael F. Rehill, Chancellor of the Diocese of Newark representing Bishop Righter, agreed that the basic issue in the case was the doctrine of the Episcopal Church, At a widely attended public hearing on February 27th, the Court heard arguments on the doctrine of the Church, The Court thereafter concluded that the Presentment also raised the question of whether the Church's discipline had been violated and requested briefs from the parties on that issue. The Presenters can appeal the question of the Church's doctrine on the ordination of non - celibate homosexual persons living in committed relai° ionships to a Court of Review consisting of nine Bishops. ;- ·5 ' City denies site for MCC GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - Members of a Metropolitan Community Church have been tol d by a city board they cannot move the church to a historic residential neighborhood. The church has hired a lawyer and is looking to the courts to overturn the city's decision. "In the old days, everybody would stand up and say they're not going to do this because homosexuals are moving in, but now things are more subtle and they're trying to find a pretext to . stop them . The true motivation is they don't want a church with homo sexual members," said the church's lawyer, Suzanne Coe. Members of the city's Board of Zoning Adjustments said they rejected the church's request not because of the parishioners' sexual orientation but because it would bring too much traffic to the area. The churdl bought an old school in December and began clearing away four years of decay in hopes of starting worship services in March. Members liked the site because it is close to downtown and was adver tised as ideal for a school or church . . They didn't expect problems because two other churches are on the same block and the building was used by a small Greek Orth'?dox congregation after the sdlool closed. Contractors found they needed the city's permission for renovations because the area is planned for family housing, and that's when the Rev. J. Allen Smith of nearby Central Baptist Church spoke up in opposition. "It's a homosexual church group," he said. "We don't hate homosexuals and would like to see them get their lives straightened out, but the Bible in many, many places condemns that as a sin . We'd hate to see it in our community because it would encourage that sort of thing." Metropolitan Community pastor Mick Hinson said about 80 percent of his 114-member congregation is gay. "We are a Christian church," Hinson said. "We are not the gay church that people perceive us to be, but a church that opens its doors to everybody. What is happening · d'6esn't make sense, and we're confused." The city zoning staff said renovating the deteriorating building would improve the historic neighborhood, but zoning board Chairman Brian Todd said board members were concerned that traffic and parking would destroy the area's character. "If it were any other church, we would have made the decision based on the same conditions," Todd said. "The composition of the church and the beliefs of the church had nothing to do with the board's decision." City Councilwoman Elizabeth Gower said she believes the church's membership played a role in the ,rejection. Greenville is a center of the conservative religious movement in South Carolina. "I've lived in Greenville long enough to know that it is very likely possible that it did," she said: "It raises a lot of questions about the legitimacy of our process." Gay day at Ohio park irks conservatives By Bob Batz The Dayton Daily l~ews IF DON JACKSON has his way, June 2 won't be just another day in the park at Paramount's Kings Island. That Sunday is the date set for the regular get-together at the Warren County (Ohio) amusement park for the Greater Cincinnati Gay and Lesbian Coalition. Members of the coalition traditionally wear red T-shirts that day. But Jackson, president of the Dayton- based Christian Family Net work, said he was so upset by last year's event that this year he wants to confront the thousands of gay men and lesbians with a like number of white-shirted church-goers. "Our goal is to inundate the park with 4,000 Christians who would bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to people we know are hurting," Jackson said, adding that it would be a peaceful confrontation. Spokesmen for the coalition declined to comment, but tire Rev. Samuel Kader, pastor of Day.toi'l's Comm1,mity Gospel Church, which has some gay and lesbian members, calls Jackson 's plan "ludicrous.'' "What makes it so upsetting is that he is assuming gays aren't Christians, which, of course, is absolutely untrue," Kader said. "Some gay Christians I know say they'll wear red-and-white striped shirts . to the park that day." the NEWS continues onPage8 PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE • MAY/J UNE, 1996 . EM WSK2!f 4 ·t:U ·71 • Prayer ,The Bible • Words & Deeds Sound familiai:? 'Little person' has tall struggle toward oroained ministry WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) - The Rev. Stella Dempski faced an unusual problem when she was looking for a congregation that would accept her as their minister - her size. At age 28, Ms. Dempski is just 4 feet 1 inch tall and has been made a Presbyterian minister. She is the first female dwarf to be ordained in any denomination, according to the National Board of Little People. ''The process tested my patience but not my faith," she said. "I knew I would find a church. God had called me to pursue ordained ministry. The ministry is my life choice - not a job, but a way of life." Armed with a two master's degrees - one in divinity studies, the other in Christian education - Ms. Dempski began her search for a job. She sent her resume to more than 60 congrega- · lions, but none of the jobs seemed to pan ·OUt. In November, her patience paid off when she was installed as Westminster's First United Presbyterian Church's first full-time assistant pastor of education and discipleship. The congregation of 455 "immediately accepted me for who I was as a person," Ms. Dempski said. ''They were open to adjusting to my UNCOMMON CALLING:A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church BY CHRIS GLASER Expanded and with a new introduction, conclusion , and phot.ographs . In this book, Chris Glaser describes his personal journey of coming out to his family, friends, church - and t.o himself short stature." Ms. Dempski was born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that stunts growth and causes dwarfism. Members of the 35-year-old congregation immediately built a platform for her to stand on behind the communion table and another for the pulpit. "Ste lla is a unique, gifted person wno is supposed to be here with us," said the Rev. Steven R. Fleming, pastor at the church. "People were really impressed with . my dossier but when I got to the interview, there were not many questions," she said. "I can tell when size is the issue and people are not ready." "I believe everyone is a child of God, even though we have different opinions and different understandings of how we live our lives," said Ms. Dempski. "Size is just a piece of who I am." On her first visit to the 174 children in the Sunday school program, her dimensions drew questions from the youngest children. "I told them they were going to grow, but I am going to stay like this," she said. "God m akes different people in differ ent ways. God chose to make me short." Uncommon Calling. $19.99, paperback Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Gay teens find comfort in numrern By Kathy Matter The Lafayette Journal and Courier LAFAYETTE, Ind. - For teens struggling with their sexuality, putting together the words ''I'm gay" may be the first step to finding ways to cope. When confused and isolated gay teens don't know what to say, Indianapolis Youth Group (IYG) - one of the three largest gay-serving youth organizations in the United States - is there to listen. IYG has six branch chapters, including Lafayette, and is one of 10 projects to receive federal funding from the Ryan White Act. At IYG meetings teens who have been afraid to talk about their sexuality find an atmosphere of caring people and no pressure, says Michele O'Mara, an Indianapolis social worker with IYG. In confidential locations free of society's stares and judgments, they can socialize, discuss problems and get health information or counseling. Still "the nerve it takes to get gay teens here (the first time) is incredible," O'Mara says. "We don't put them in a position to define themselves. We don't ask if they're gay. Putting those two words - I'm . gay - together is th e hardest thing a person who's not heterosexual can do." Frank, a Jefferson High School junior, says he understands. He says he is afraid to reveal to friends - let alone a newspaper - that he is gay. 'T m normal. I just want to have a normal word for it," he says. "If I could just tell (people I'm gay) I would probably feel better and have better friends. I would just feel ll<?rmal. I know I'm normal but people don't think so." That's the idea behind IYG: help gay teens who hide their identity understand ..their feelings and get self-confidence. Then gay teens might be mor e comfortable sharing with family and friends. Talking through gay teens' feelings is essential, O'Mara says. "It's absolutely critical that a young person be able to tell," she says. "We all need to feel we have a voice and that that voice matters. To keep quiet about something as significant as the nature of our heart and who we care about is a very s tifling way to live." Rob Mate co-sponsors Lafayette's newly formed IYG with Sandie Brown. Mate says he wishes something like IYG was around when he was young. As a teenager in the 1960s, when homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder, Mate was filled with confusion. High school "was a very painful experience. I would not want to wish this pain on others," he says. "I worked for years to be OK with myself." Brown, who's 22 and working on a pre-law degree, struggled as a lesbian teen . "As a youth growing up, 1 went • through hell. I had no idea I could be who I was," says Brown. Looking for a niche in junior high, she turned to the outcast crowd. ''They all did drugs," Brown says. "I · did a lot of drugs. I sold a lot of bad drugs. I had my life threatened." She conquered her drug habit and dealt with her sexua lity, but not all her lesbian friends could. When one committed suicide, Br own got involved with IYG so she could help others. Looking at their own experiences, Brown and Mate agree that kids growing up gay today will have an easier time in society than the generations preceding them. "With IYG, I have a lot of hope for this generation I'm working with," O'Mara says. Pastor, I Anl Gay By The Rev. H. Howard Bess Order from Second Stone Press. See page 22. Al though more and more parishioners are comfortable with coming out at church, many pastors still aren't equipped to hear the words, "I am gay." This remarkable book chronicles a Baptist pastor's first fumbling encounter with those words to his deep and compassionate understanding of what is means to be a gay Christian. An extraordinary book... a prophetic witness to the church ... -James B. Ashbrook, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary Faith in Daily Life ChUICh leaders-explore limits of dissent the faithful. By David Briggs Associated Press Religion Writer EPISCOPAL CHURCH officials are considering trying a retired bishop for heresy because he ordained a noncelibate gay man. Bishop Walter Righter is only the second bishop in the 206-year history of the church to be charged with heresy. In his own case, Righter said the charges against him were politically motivateq. In Nebraska, a Roman Catholic bishop has warned the 85,000 members of his flock to sever ties with 12 groups - from Planned Parenthood to several Masonic organizations - or face excommunication, the severest church penalty. "The Episcop~I Church says the Bible exists for the church to interpret," Righter has said. "That's the crux of this whole thing. Are we going to be a church which buys into the funny farm of saying, 'Every word in the Bible is true?' We never have. In highly publicized cases in the fall of 1993, five high-profile scholars and feminists were excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ■ "The circle of faith cannot identify its center without recognizing its margins ... " ■ In an age when it sometimes seems that anything goes in the secular world, some church leaders are going to extraordinary means to impose limits on dissent. "We 're a church that takes serio1.1sly what's in the Bible, and we try to interpret it for each generation." The striking actions have prompted considerable debate over whether such strong ecclesiastical sanctions are needed to protect the faith, or whether they represent a conservative attempt to impose their will on But the bishops who brought the charge against Righter said it is precisely about the authority of Scripture in the church. Bishop James Stanton of Dallas is worried that the church is allowing itself to be reshaped by culture rather The Word The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Is Out WE WERE BAPTIZED TOO ... ·· \l,11t11I! IOl \j I :,,] "' j\ · h 365 Daily Meditations For Lesbians and Gay Men Aut ho r Chris G las er fearlessly liberate s the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an antigay agenda. In this inspiring collectio n or 365 daily meditations. the Bible's good news "comes out" to meet all or us with love, justice. meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author or Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate or Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. WE WERE BAPTIZED ,.....-yy-\ Claiming God's Grace .l \..AJ for Lesbians and Gays By Marilyn Bennett Alexander and James Preston with a forward by Desmond M. Tutu This book chal lenges the church to take seriously its understanding of baptism and communio n as a means of grace, justice and liberation for everyone ... including its gay and lesbian members. $16.99 from Second Stone Press. To order, see page 22. than the other way around. ".What we see is a steady movement in the direction of radical relativism, which says there isn't any truth, and radical autonomy, which says every human defines him or herself. Both of these positions are a move away from the Christian faith itself," Stanton has said. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, the leader of the Catholic diocese of Lincoln, Neb., said his excommunication threat is "less a punishment than it is a sanction urging people to reevaluate their faith with God." "We need to make clear that the matter is serious," Bruskewitz said. "It places the very gift of one's Catholic faith in danger." However, no other Catholic bishop has followed his lead, and some observers have said publicly that the threat of mass excommunications is an embarrassmen t to the church. In the latest issue of Commonweal, a professor of church law also ~aid the threat is so outrageous it is an idle one as well. "A law so contrary to the spirit and letter of canon law, so sweepingly 'broad and aimless, so unsupported by evidence of necessity, so intemperate and harsh, and so contemptuous of the precious value of ecclesial commun ion; is invalid on its face," wrote James A. Coriden of the Washington Theological Union. Stuart Wright, a sociologist at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, saidjn both religion and politics, "Liberalism has bec.ome the new evil in society." He traces the movement back io the early 1980s, saying the recent crackdowns follow the long conservative takeover in the Southern Baptist Convention. ~ "There's definitely a perception of threat, even to the point of becoming quite aggressive in their attack on liberals," Wright said. But in an editorial in a recent issue of Christianity Today titled "Why We Believe in Heresy," theologian Thomas C. Oden said the rediscovery of boundaries will be the preoccupation of 21st-century theology. ''The circle of faith cannot identify its center without recognizing its margins," write ·s Oden, a theology professor at Drew University in Madison, N.J. ''The debate about whether heresy can be defined is a struggle to specify margins, the legitimate boundaries of the worshiping community ." THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian by Michael B. Kelly "The Erotic Contemplative is the most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of. I have watched The Road from Emmaus (tape 6) three times and still find new riches." - JOHN J. McNEJLL, PH.D., author of The Church and the Homosexual "In my theology classes, both gay and straight seminarians benefit from Kelly's integration of sexuality with Christian mysticism." - ROBERT Goss, PH.D., author of ]ef.us Acted-Up "An excellent resource ... a worthwhile investment." -BONDINGS, a publication of New Ways Ministry. "The Erotic Contemplative video course has helted Gay men and Lesbians who grew up as Christians move toward healing rhe wounds of the past." - jOSErH KRAMER, M.DIV., EroSpirir Research Institute A SIX-VOLUME STIMULUS FOR LMNG, LOVING AND PRAYER: 1) The Truth of Our Experience (7S min); 2) Revisioning Sexuality (80 min); 3) Exodus and Awakening (75 min); 4) The Desert and the Dark {88 min); 5) Liberation (84 min); 6) The Road from Emmaus (63.min). Six videos and study guide: $ J 99 (CA residents add 8.25% tax) VlSA/MC/AMEX 'o00-581-3303 or check to EroSpirit Research Institute, PO Box 3893, Oakland, CA 94609 PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Faith in Daily Life WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY REV. DONNA E. SCHAPER WEEK1 When we call on God, we hear the great sound of justice ... Yet you did not call upon me, 0 Jacob; but you have been weary of me, 0 Israel! · -Isaiah 43:22 ... we are not driving so hard for later and more and better. We stop the .hustle. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness ·of the flesh. -Ecclesiastes 12:12. WE ARE TIRED OF a nearly unceas- WE WANT MORE books or more earing need to explain ourselves to peo- rings or a bigger house. Want, for pie whose attention should focus many of us, has no end and it has somewhere else than on our sexual become a weariness of the flesh. orientations. My friend just found out The weariness we feel is a friend. that one member of her church is Fatigue is a friendly warning . Like "uncomfortable" with her now that the early signals for serious disease, she has come out. fatigue can be a friend if noticed. It is Being tired is a result of injustice. It an enemy if not. is also the result of packing too much We befriend fatigue by stopping to into too small a unit of time. There deny its existence. We look it square are both internal and external reasons in the eye and accept its permission to for injustice. do less in our days. Metaphorically, Action at the economic level is cru- we write fewer books . cial if we are to avoid Israel and Less becomes more in the spiritual Jacob's problem . When we call on strategy of befriending fatigue. We God, we hear the great sound of jus- see deeply enough into now, and we tice, the sure promise that we are to experience now deeply enough, that live unwearied lives. God is not lying we are not driving so hard for later about justice! and more and better. We stop the We do less. We unclutter our lives. hustle. We get off the merry go We wait on the Lord. ': ·,,.:round. Let us Pray: Hear our Call, 0 God. Let us Pray: Stop us, 0 God. Let Wearenotwearyofyourpromisesnor weariness warn. In Jesus' Name, ofYou. Amen. Amen. PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Steal time back. Remove some of the obstacles m our way. In vain, I have wearied myself, its thick rust does not depart . To the fire with-its rust! - Ezekiel 24:12 IN A VISION, THE prophet sees the fruitlessness and pointlessness of the way he is wasting his life. He vows to burn the rust off and to steal his life back from ruin. There is a new group of social scientists who call themselves "Failure analysts." They argue that things fail from the interaction of difficulty, not just one thing. We rust not from a simple mistake but from a collection of them. How to get over waste and ruin and its weariness? Use the prophet's strategy . Steal time back. Remove some of the obstacles in our way. One step at a time, one difficulty at a time, even it we have to take years to restore ourself, will work. We will u.nweary ourselves. .Let us Pray : Remove the rust from our sheen, 0 God. Restore us to vigor and self-control. Let weariness leave our steps and let us walk beyond our failure. In Jesus' Name, Amen. [We are] Bored to death while being bombarded with stimulation. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. - Hebrews 12:3 THE MOST SERIOUS charge that can be brought against New England is not Puritanism but rather February, according to Joseph Wood i<rutch. Those who know severe New England winters know exactly what he means. Not that we needed February to remind us of wilderness. We know. We are a people living so deeply in a wilderness time that we don't need reminders to keep our shovels ready. Chipping ice is something most of us get to do year round . If you ask almost any member of a modern congregation what their real spiritual condition is, they respond pelleted. Exhausted. The ancient monks called it acedia. Bored to death while being bombarded with stimulation. Pelleted exhaustion, bored but bombarded. Like snow storms that don't stop corning, one right after the other, covering over last week's ice with this week's sleet . Modern acedia is the result of violating the Sabbath. From living in a culture that we have put on permanent fast forward. From never resting. From never taking cover. From never giving IT a break. Can we remember Jesus deep in winter? Can we remember what he endured? If we can, we can find a way to hang on to our heart. Let us Pray: Sometimes we feel like we have lost everything, 0 God. Even our way. Save us. Help us to hang on to our heart -- and to find o,ur heart in your heart. Amen. ™ The monotony ofthe ... monoculture is the name of our wilderness Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength .... -Isaiah 40:30,31 WAITING IS A WAY through weariness. We wait on the return of the Lord. We stop going in circles -- and start going towards God, no matter how long the journey. Many walks in the wilderness seem to lead nowhere, only to new and more lethal versions of Egypt. There is tremendous monotony in obeying our cultural and economic instructions. We live in a one dimensional world too often, a single place, simultaneously enormous and cramped. Not a roomy place. But a single place. The monotony of the monoculture is the name of our wilderness. But we can live in more than one world! We can live here and in God's world at the same time. We can place our feet towards glory. I may be in the wilderness but I am also awaiting the land. I may live here beside you and send my children to those places you call schools but I am on my way to a better land. I am on my way. In case any of you have hummed this tune lately, on my way to the promised land, I don't need to tell you about the stones. To even hum this tune, much less organize a choir, you would . have thought that you had done something as serious as violating the Sabbath . When all you were doing was protecting the Sabbath. Giving the drum a little different beat. Making a little fissure in dominant ideology. Giving IT a little break. The dominant ideology is CAN DO - - vigorous American optimism -- as long as you are in favor of more, better, growth and progress . It is CANT BE DONE should you recommend sustainability. Job Sharing. The Six hour work day. The Protection of the earth, air, and water from further damage . Children being taken care of by loving parents instead of commodified along with health care, drama, and music . We wait for the Promised Land. We will wait as long as we need . Let us Pray: 0 God, plant our feet towards promise and let us not faint. Amen. We don't listen to those who want us to "stay in our place." My Soul Longs, indeed it faints for the rourts of the Lord .... -Psalm 84:2 WHY FAINT FOR THE courts of the Lord? Why not do something about our longing? Why not pin a fringe, a piece of embroidery to the garment we wear, and add color to a dull world? Take a little Sabbath . Give it a break, even an afternoon a week, and you have done something quite damaging to the monotony. As strong as the monoculture looks, it is really quite vulnerable. Ask the people you know who already do wear the cross embroidered somewhere on their lifestyle . How do they manage to spend so much time in the courts of the Lord. They already do things differently. Watch how the best among us manage. We tithe. We give thanks at meals. We take the strangers in. We keep the doors of our churches open. We visit with our people and disagree with them that their daily grind is hopeless. We travel out of our place in the one dimensional world into the courts of the Lord. We don't listen to those who want us to "stay in our place ." We go to court · with criminals and st'and next to them, whispering one, two, three strikes, no matter how many times you mess up and miss the ball, God will never abandon you . Not my God and not Your God. We go out of our place. And we go out of our way. We hope for things that other people don't hope for. We make friends with people who other people don't make friends with. We enter the courts of the Lord. Let us Pray: Move us, 0 God, out of our daily grind into your glorious Court. Amen. We feed the 5000, one sandwich at a time. If I send them away hungn; to their homes, they will faint on the way - and some of them have come from a great distance. -MarkB:3 JESUS IS AFRAID NOT to feed the 5000! He doesn't want them to weary on their way home. Jesus has a great tenderness in his heart. That tender ness keeps us from fainting. A therapist once said to me, ''Don't sweat the small stuff." Then he continued, "It's all small stuff." Jesus paid attention to the details . In that attention was his tenderness. His tenderness keeps us from fainting. I was shopping the sales rack of winter coats with my ten year old son, Isaac. The one coat in his size was multicolor with just a splash of pink on it at the neck. "I couldn't wear that, he said." Why not? 'The pink. Mom, can you imagine what would happen to me if I wore that coat to school?" He also went with me to the wood pile the same weekend. As we approached it I grabbed a particularly gnarled piece. Isaac grabbed it back and said no don't burn that one. What? That one reminds me of Jimmy. Jimmy is the boy in his class that is also paraplegic. "I never want to burn that one," he said. Tenderness doesn't need to wear pink. Nor does toughness need to wear blue . Strength for Christians is not based in the pink and blue rules so much as in the great love and tenderness of God, the way God loves us in ways that assure we have a sandwich for the trip home. God is courteous. God cares for us. If we want to keep from fainting, we may simply do and be the same. We feed the 5000, one sandwich at a time. Let us Pray: Let us be more Godlike, more polite, more attentive to the small stuff, in imitation of your Son, Jesus, Amen. Faith in Daily Life w Why DO we gad about? Why not focus on what is important? Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? -Jeremiah 2:36 FOCUS IS ONE OF THE great gifts of great people. They seem to be able to concentrate . To pay attention. To hear their own depth and to follow it. Gadding about is one of the temptations we all face, even those called great . We flit. We do what the Buddhists call "monkey mind ." We wander from one room to another, looking for our lost glasses, or the telephone, or the gym bag. We gad about, even in our own home, much less in our spiritual lives, or at our jobs, or while writing a letter. We lose our way instead of. following our way. We get in our own way! We clutter our center with what Martin Luther called the "adiophora." Adiophora means the unessentials. Theologians love to debate the unessentials . Many homes live in clutter . Many politicians clutter our mind with things we don't want or need, just to make us feel good long enough to vote for them. When we listen to the probing question Jeremiah says God asks, we find ourselves needing to respond. Why 00 we gad about? Why not focus on what is important? What is important? It is the mind and heart of Jesus. It is love. It is warmth. It is a central place from which to live - a place that knows God loves us and therefore we may also love. The rest is adiophora. Let us Pray: 0 God, let me be of one mind and one heart today. And let the rest go by until its time. Amen. , The Rev. Donna E. Schaper is an Area Minister of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. PA G E 7 • SECOND STONE • MAY / J UNE, 1996 Dignity/Ba;ton: Catholic newspaper refused ad for Holy Week setvices By Diego Ribadeneira The Boston Globe BOSTON - An organization of Catholic gays and lesbians has protested the refusal by the Pilot, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston; to print a paid advertisement announcing the group's Holy Week and Easter Sunday services. The group, Dignity /Boston, said the Pilot sent a letter in late March refusing to run the ad, but did not cite a reason. Joan T. McAllister, the Pilot's advertising manager, said that she referred Dignity /Boston's ad request to the paper's editor, Rev. Peter V. Conley, who rejected it without explanation. Father Conley could not be reached for comment. Officially, the Catholic Church does not accept homosexual behavior but it has denounced discrimination against gays and lesbians. But the group 's members argued their holiday services should have qualified for advertising space. "We may not agree on all the issues, but we're just as Catholic as the folks at the Pilot," said Peggy Hayes, past president of Dignity /Boston. The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts rebuked Dignity /Boston for criticizing the Archdiocese of Boston. League members called the complaint "disingenuous" and the incident "a tawdry publicity stunt." Dignity /Boston, a 23-year-old organization with about 100 members, holds Sunday services in St. John the Evangelist Church, an Episcopal parish on Beacon Hill. Dignity /Boston members pointed out that the Pilot last December printed an ad submitted by The Catholic Alliance, an offshoot of the conservative Christian Coalition. The alliance has been criticized by many US bishops as not representing Catholic Church positions on social issues such as welfare reform and capital punishment. At the time, John Walsh;-a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston, said The Catholic Alliance's ad was a routine paid advertisement. "We'd love the chance to purchase a routine paid advertisement," said Michael Leclerc, president of Dignity /Boston. Presbyterian churches withhold money; await action on sexuality is.sues COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Eight Presbyterian churches are withholding $47,000 in mission money from the Presbytery of Scioto Valley because of conflicting views on homosexuality. Will Browne, acting presbyter, said the money is being withheld until the churches learn what action the national General Assembly of the church will take during its meeting in New Mexico in late June. He would not identify the churches. The presbytery covers 113 churches in central and southern Ohio. Churches give money to the district for service work. At issue are whether homosexuality is a sin and whether homosexuals should be ordained . "Some of them want a strong statement on it and others want to leave matters up to local churches," Browne said concerning the churches' views of homosexuality. "For some folks, it seems that to ordain homosexuals would support a homosexual lifestyle . Our current position is that homosexuality is a sin and homosexuals cannot be ordained." PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Churches, university to discuss sexuality issues By Jerry L. Van Marter Presbyterian Church News DAVIS, Calif. - A consortium of churches, campus ministries and the University of California at Davis are gathering 300 religious leaders from across the United States next fall to explore how American religious institutions can talk about issues of sexuality without creating division within their communities. The Sept. 5-7 conference, "Finding Common Ground: Human Sexuality and American Religious Institutions," will be hosted on the UC-Davis camF ,s by The Belfry, the Lutheran/ Episcopal campus ministry at the university. Among the co-sponsors are numerous congregations, including the Davis Community Presbyterian Church, and several denominational entities in northern California. "All of us in American religious communities are now, or soon will be, facing major issues around sexuality in our institutional life," noted the Rev. Jim Kitchens, pastor of the Davis Community Presbyterian Church. "What we are seeking to do through . this conference is to help one another discover ways to engage in civil conversation and debate about these issues which do not tear .our denominations apart." The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America-related Knutson Endowment, which has provided major funding for the conference, stipulated that the conference "address human sexuality and the church from a broad-based perspective lo encourage dialogue and promote respect, dignity and courageous awareness among Christians." Featured speakers at the conference will include the Rev. John Buchanan, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago and a leader in the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s efforts to find reconciliation after the furor that surrounded the denomination's involvement in the November 1993 Re-Imagining conference. Keynote speaker is the Rev. Mel White. Further information about the conference is available from Jean Hol ·sten at The Belfry, (916) 756-1550. MCC member files discrimination complaint against Morrison's RICHMOND, Va. - A gay man has filed federal employment discrimination charges against Morrison's Cafeterias. David M. Lambert charges that he was fired from Morrison's management training program solely on the basis of hi& sexual orientation and due to false rumors that he was HIV-p a"§itive. Lambert, 30, is openly gay and a single parent will full legal custody of his seven-year-old daughter . He has been active in the gay community, having served as pianist and worship leader for MCC Richmond . He also served as a founding member of the Richmond chapter of the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition, and is the past Music Director for the MidAtlantic District of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. · Lambert's attorney has encouraged people to get involved with the case by writing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Attn: Ms. Churchill, 101 West Main, World Trade Center, Norfolk, VA 23510. Lesbian couple's church duties nixed MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A lesbian couple is no longer participating in activities at their south side church because leaders there say homosexuality is against Bible teachings . The decision to remove one of the women from the church choir was made by the Board of Deacons at Mount Zion Baptist Church . The board has spiritual authority over the church. The woman's partner voluntarily stopped working with the church's food pantry, said Percy BrBwn, president of the Board of _ Deacons. The women were not identified because they have children who participate in church activities. One of the women said the couple will not leave the church because of their children. The woman said she has written a letter of appeal to the deacons. Brown considered the woman's · removal a.moral issue. A person can also be removed from their duties for drug abuse and adultery, Brown said. National News Methcxlists uphold opin;ition to gays From Pagel "incompatible" language was 710 to 238 - revealing a shift of 15 percent in favor of a gay-affirming policy. Delegates refused by a vote of 598 to 304 to approve holy unions, same-sex covenants or any other marriage-like ceremonies for gays and lesbians. They later voted to have the Judicial Council, the church's highest court, decide whether the prohibition would be church law or simply a statement of guidance. In an odd twist, delegates adopted a resolution opposing discrimination against gays and lesbians serving in the armed forces. The Methodist organization for gays, Affirmation, called the vote to uphold church policy "bearing false witness." "I would just say it's disappointing, and we'll be back," said Jeanne Knepper, a spokeswoman for Affirmation. The church's action banning ordination of gays sends a message to the entire gay community that they are not welcome, say leaders of the Reconciling Congregation Program . An independent United Methodist movement, RCP counts 130 members - churches, campus ministries, annual (regional) conferences and others - that welcome gay, lesbian and bisexual people into the _church. The organization's "Open the Doors" campaign placed placards at a rally - attended by about 250 people - held during the General Conference that displayed the names of more than 10,000 people proclaiming themselves as "reconciling United Methodists." Steve Marlatt, a gay man, was among the speakers at the April 18 rally and press conference sponsored by the RCP. In 1991, Marlatt and his partner were active members of a United Methodist congregation in Southern California.Then a new pastor arrived. "Your type is not needed here," he told the pair . Marfatt recalled the pain of his own dismissal by the church pastor. "He was not antagonistic," he exp lained . "But his feeling was • church was no place for a sinner." Katherine Fuller of Willoughby, Ohio, lamented that her daughter, Marjorie, cannot fulfill a long-time dream of being ordained in the United Methodist Church because she is a lesbian. "I was and am fully able to support my daughter," she said. "Now, if only the church would support her, too." A United Methodist pastor in New York State would not baptize the son of Lynn Miller, a lifelong church member, because he is being raised in a lesbian household. And Diana Chalfant, a coach with a winning record, was fired from a United Methodist college in Kentucky because of her sexual orientation. · Chalfant does, however, take solace in her involvement with Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., a reconciling congregation. The church, its pastor and members "did and still do give me the strength to get through the week," she said. The Rev. Karen Oliveto, pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco and chairperson of the RCP board, noted that as long as such discrimination exists in the denomination, "our fellowship is flawed and the body of Christ is weakened." Also holding a press conference on April 18 was the Transforming Congregations Program, an ex-gay program with no official ties to the United Methodist Church. Rev. Robert Kuyper, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Bakersfield, Calif., and founder of the group said the primary reason for the press conference was "to challenge the possibility that people believe change (from a gay lifestyle) is impossible." The ex-gay rally was attended by several dozen people. Prior to the vote on overturning the anti-gay language in the Book of Discipline, fifteen bishops signed a declaration supporting gay rights, taking exception to church doctrine. The 11 active and four retired bishops released a statement April 18 expressing "pain ... over our personal convictions that are contradicted by the proscriptions in the (Book of) SEE ME1HODISTS, Next Page Traditional Episcopalians protest church visits by female suffragan bishop By Marcy Gordon Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Saying they are being persecuted by their bishop for holding traditional beliefs, a group of Episcopalians marched past the National Cathedral on April 13 to protest church visits by a female assistant bishop. At a rally preceding the march, the group of about 60 Episcopalians from the Washington area protested recent appearances at two churches by Jane Holmes Dixon, one of six female assistant Episcopal bishops in the United States. The event was organized by a group called Concerned Parishioners of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which opposes the ordination of women and gays. Carrying signs saying "Save Souls, Jane Dixon Resign" and "Save Us From False Doctrine," the marchers chanted a slogan taken nearly verbatim from the 1549 Book of Common Prayer and aimed at Washington Episcopal Bishop Ronald Haines: "From the tyranny of the bishop of Washington and all his detestable enormities, good Lord deliver us." The word enormities, in that context, means deviation from moral rectitude or extreme wickedness. The chanters substituted the word Washington for Rome in the original. Haines, who sent Dixon to the churches, has said that while he could have avoided confrontation, he wanted to push the issue lo attempt lo unite the diocese around Episcopal Church acceptance of women priests . Haines also has ordained gay men. Church traditionalists say they view Dixon's church visits as a way of forcing women priests on· unwilling parishioners. "They persecute us because we adhere to the Holy Scriptures on issues of morality," Stella Morabito Green, a member of St. bike's Church ■ "They persecute us because we adhere tJ the Holy Scriptures ... " ■ in Bladensburg, told the rally. "What they care about is political theology .... This is pure arrogance." Haines and Dixon and their supporters, she said, are seeking "the total abolition of the church as we understand it." She decried what she called "ecclesiastical harassment" by the diocese's leaders. Added the Rev. William Ilgenfritz, rector of Mount Calvary Church in Baltimore: "Throw us out if you must, but know that you are in for the biggest battle of your life ... . We will not go away." Utah Episcopals denounce Legislature's anti-gay clubs action SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Utah Legislature's passage of a law banning gay student clubs in public schools ~ as rebuked by the state's Episcopal Diocese. In a statement issued on behalf of the Right Rev. George E. Bates, the diocese's bishop, and the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, the church denounced the action taken during the special session. "Not only have lawmakers blocked a variety of good and laud'cltory high school clubs, they have singled out one particular minority group for criticism and condemnation," the recruiting tools . church stated . "First, these (student clubs) have Episcopal leaders also said the Leg- absolutely nothing to do with islature had "perpetuated and exac- 'recruiting' someone who is heterosexerbated the seminal problem of preju- ual into homosexuality," Firmage dice and bigotry toward gay, lesbian said, dismissing the contention as and bisexual persons. "absurd." "We believe God's love and grace "Support groups for our adolescent are unqualified; that God's accept- children offer simply a safe haven - a ance of, and love for people is not place where they may be heard and based on their sexual orientation." understood with loving acceptance of Also criticizing the bill was Edwin who they are," he added. B. Firmage, a University of Utah law Firmage also said that-singling out professor who pointed to proponents a particular group in such a manner arguments that gay-lesbian support was a "gross and spectacular violagroups could serve as homosexual tion of human rights." PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 National News Big talk or big threat? Militia preaches 'holy war' against Jews, gays By Kelly Kurt · Associated Press Writer TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The man who calls himself "prophet of the most · high" shuffled slowly into the federal courtroom in early April and took his seat. Willie Ray Lampley clasped his hands and leaned forward _in his chair as prosecutors flipped on a video player. Suddenly, his passionate voice filled the courtroom. "If you want to have freedom in this country, you 're going to have to shed somebody's blood for it," the 65-yearold says on the video, standing at a podium dressed in military fatigues. Lampley preached holy war against Jews, gays and the government. But should such talk be considered rebellious rhetoric or real threat? ."I take it dead seriously," said Morris Dees, the head of the Southern Poverty Law Center and one of Lamp. ley's alleged targets. While the trial for Lampley and two other Oklahomans accused of plotting to bomb buildings continued, Dees' group issued a report warning of a growing threat of domestic violence. "Unless we take decisive steps now to respqpd to this threat, it is only a matter of time before the country endures another nightmare like the Oklahoma City tragedy," Dees wrote to Attorney General Janet Reno in a letter accompanying the report. A bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, killing 168 people and injuring more than 500. In "False Patriots: The Threat of Antigovernment Extremists," the law center's militia task force identifies 800 anti-government "patriot" groups, including 441 unauthorized militias nationwide. The members of these groups often are linked by an apocalyptic belief in a "New World Order," a totalitarian government intent on disarming its citizens, Dees said. "These people are training because they believe our government has turned on our own citizens," he said. Lampley believed troops were amassing in Mexico to install the new. world government in the ·united States. Civil rights centers, gays and the federal government are part of the movement, according to literature he distributed. Attorneys for Lampley and two others accused in the case plan tu show a METHODISTS, bishops said. "We will continue our responsibility to the order and discipline of the church but urge United Methodist churches to open the doors in gracious hospitality to all brothers and sisters in the faith." From Previous Page Discipline against gays and lesbians within our church and within our ordained and diaconal ministries." Portions of the Disciplinary para graphs to which the bishops refer say: - the church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers the practice "incompatible with Christian teaching;" - "self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as Nevertheless, they affirmed their commitment to uphold the Discipline -of the church. "We believe it is time to break the silence and state where we are on this issue that is hurting and silencing countless faithful Christians," the BIBLICHL ETHICS HND HOMOSEHUHLITY Listening to Scripture Robert L. Brawley, editor This bold new book offers a challenge to the church to give heed to the multiplicity of voices that are engaged .in biblically responsible and constructive debates about the volatile issues regarding se,uality. Contributors include Robert Brawle.y, J. Andrew Dearman, Elizabeth Gordon Edwards, Dale B. Martin, Ulrich W. Mauser, Sarah J. Melcher, Choon-Leong Seow. Jeffery Siker and Herman C. Waetjen. Biblical Ethics and Homosexuality, $16.99, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 government informant led three otherwise peaceful, law -abiding citizens astray. The head of a militia in nearby Eufaula sees the case as a government trap, designed to help get a restrictive anti-terrorism bill through Congress. "I think he was a puppet and the strings were being pulled," said Ross Hullett, the leader of the Oklahoma ■ guy who kicks in my door is bought and paid for," said Hullett, 67. No bomb was never detonated in the Lampley case, but federal agents said they found ingredients at his home similar to those used in the bomb in Oklahoma City. . Dees said that unless more is done to control militia groups, more violence on the scale of the bombing is imminent. "If you want to have freedom in this country, you're going to have to shed · somebody's blood for it..." Citizens Militia. The biggest threat isn't the talk of militias, Hullett said, but that of people like Dees who "are pushing the disarmament of the American government." "We're not out to overthrow the government, but when they declare war on the people or turn foreign troops on the people, then the first ministers, or appointed to serve The United Methodist Church;" - no churchwide money may be given to any "gay caucus or group" or be used to "promote the acceptance of homosexuality." Among the signers ·was West Ohio Conference Bishop Judit'.1 Craig, one of seven female bishops in the church. Craig delivered the bishops' statement - the first woman to do so in the 184-year history of General Conferences. Also signing was Bishop Melvin Talbert of San Francisco, president of the National Council of Churches and a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches . The 11 active bishops signing the statement were: Craig; Talbert; William W. Dew Jr., Portland (Ore.) Area; Calvin D. McConnell, Seattle Area; Susan M. Morrison, Philadelphia Area; Fritz Multi, Kansas Area; Donald A. Ott, Michigan Area; Sharon Zimmerman Rader, Wisconsin Area; Roy I. Sano, Los Angeles Area; Mary Ann Swenson, Denver Area; and Joseph H. Yeakel, Washington Area. Retired bishops signing the statement were: C. Dale White, Newport, -R.J.; Jesse R. DeWitt, Naperville, Ill.; Leontine T.C. Kelly, San Mateo, ■ "What does it take for a guy to mix up a batch of ammonium nitrate? To put a car in front of our building ... and blow it up?" he said. "You don't just say, 'This is just some old kook.' "We can expect more bombs," Dees said. "Oklahoma City wasn't the first. It was the worst ... but I seriously don't think it will be the last ." Calif.; and Melvin G. Wheatley ·Jr ., Laguna Hills, Calif. The Rev. David A. Seamands of Nokomis, Florida, said that he supported the anti-gay church policy as "our basic, bottom-line biblical and theological standard on sexual practices." Luis Travino, a delegate from Mexico, asked the conference to remember the church in Mexico and Latin America, where homosexuality is not accepted. "Methodism is not only yours. Don't make us ashamed to be United Meth odists." Others argued for a change. , ''The church must be careful not to condemn when it doesn 't have a really clear basis," said the Rev. Philip Wogaman, pastor at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. "My friends, we need one another. We need healing on this issue ." The Board of Church and Society had recommended dropping the condemnation of homosexuality and replacing it with the statement that the church "has been unable to arrive at a common mind on the compatibil ity of homosexual practice with Christian faith." About our Resource Guide ... The churches, organizations and publications listeq. below are resources for gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians. Listmgs are correct and up to date through May 11, 19%. Accuracy of an organization's listi!' g is the responsibility of the organization. We apologize for any omissions. Corrections may be sent to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. In most cases, area codes are listed in the city heading only. National AFFIRMATION: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, P.O. Bo,c -46022, Los ~A~A~o=ii~~~~~~,;\ll' Gay & Lman Concerns, P.O. Box 1021, Evlrlsbl , IL692()4. (708)733·95.90. AlDS NATIONAl. lNTERFAfll1.NE1WORK, 110 M81)1and Ave., NE, Si>. 50<, Washingtai, OC 20002. (202)5'6-0807, (800)288-9619, FAX (202)~&5103. Plblication: lnl8'acfon. AMERICAN BAPTISTS CONCERNED, 13318 Cla•eponte Way, Oakland, CA9<C619-3531. (510)-465-8652. Voice oltie Tur'de AMERICAN CML LIBERTIES UNION, Gay,tes~an Aig,IS Projel1_ 132West43"dSt, New York.NY 10036. AMERICAN FRIENDS $ERVICE COMMITTEE (Quaker) 22-49 E. &mside SI., POlfand, OR 97214. (503)m!M27. ASSOCIATION OF WELCOMING ANO AFFIRMING BAPTISTS, P.O. Bo~ 2596, Atleboro Fa/ls, MA 02763~. VfF (508)~5. WABaphts~aol.com. http:Alsers.aol.comNtabaptists. A network of churches, O(ganizations and inciviaJals who welcome and a~ocate Zi:rc~~ =~rd::~: gay, and bisexual peoplewitiln lhe AXIOS: Eastern and Ortlodox ams~ans. 328 w. 17tti St l◄ •F, New YorkNY 10011. (212-11 . BALM MINISTRIES, P:O.S::>x 1981, Costa Mesa, CA 92628. (71-4)641-8968. Ma,ooa Stevens,silger/soigwriler. SUzarme MeKeag, manager. BLK Magazine, Box 83912, Los Aflge!es, CA 90083-0912. {310) ◄10-- 0808. BRETHREN/MENNONITE PARENTS OF LESBlAN/GAY CHILDREN, Box 1708, l.ma, OH 45802. BRETHREN / MENNONITE COUNCIL FOR LESBlAN AND GAY CONCERNS. Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300. {612)305- 0315. BMCouncil@aol.com. h~1hvww.w~.cooi,bmc/5upport for Brethren and Mennonile gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, and ~:+ro~c5 C~~~e1n~esGA~gi1~tR~~f:.~~~~~ew Yak, NY 10159. (718)629-2927. CATHOLIC PARENTS NElWORK, c/o Fr. Robert Nugen\ 637 Cover r~~=@~Ss2.:\Wt (301)927-8766, FAX (301)864-6948. CENTER FOR HOMOPHOBlA EDUCATION, Box 1985, New York, NY 10159.(301)86 ◄ -8954. · CHI AHO ~RESS• A special wo,k of the UFMCC Mid-Attantic Dis• trict Publisher of religious books and materials. P.O. Box 7864, g~~=~ ·l~g~J:·b~~~~~ ·ER. P.O. Box 10062, Corum· bos, OH 43201. COMMON BONO (former Jehovah's Witnesses, Morm011s) Box 405, Elwood, PA 16117. (412)758-0704. COMMUNICATION MINISTRY, INC.· Dialogue and support goop /or gay and lesbian Catholic clergy and religious._P.O. Box 60125, Chi· cago, IL 60660-0125. Publication: Communication CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESBIANS, P.O. Box 436 Planeteri1.1n Sin., New Ycrk, NY 10024. (718)921-o-463. DAUGHTERS OF SARAH· The magazine for Ouistian Feminists, 3801 No. Keeler,Chicag>, IL00641, (312)7=99. OIGNITYAJSA, 1500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, S1e. 11, Wash1ngtori, OC 20005. (202)861-0017, FAX (202) ◄ 29·9808. Gay and lesbian Calllolics and their friends. ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC CHURCH, P.O. Box 32, Villa Grande. CA 95486-0032. (707)865-0119, FAX, (707)865-2437. The Mos! Rev. Mark s. Shirilau, Ph.D. plusmark@aol.com. Publicaliori: The Tablet EROSPIRIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 3893, Oakland, CA 94609. (510)◄ 28-9063 . NetNork ol gay and lesbian ecstatics offering ~AfJG~t~C6"N~~~Nft~:~i . Ralph Blair, 311 East 72nd st , New York, NY 10021. (212)517•3171. Publicatioos: Review and Recad THE EVANGELICAL NElWOAK, Box 16104, Phoenix, Iv.. 85011. (002)265-2831. FEDERATION OF PARENTS ANO FRIENDS OF LESBIANS ANO GAYS, INC. P.O. Box 27605, Washinglon, OC 20038.(202)638-4200. . ~:IJSooFi~a~~':A~f':~ti~AY CONCERNS (C\Jakers) 143 Campbell Ava., l~aca. NY 14850. (607)272-1024, FAX (607)272· 0801. GAY ANO LESBlAN PARENTS COALITION INTERNATIONAJ., P.O. Box 50360, Washington, OC20091. (202)583·8029. Publication: Nel• W"'1t GAY, LESBlAN ANO AFFIRMING DISCIPLES Al.LIANCE, P.O. Box ~~·~~:~n~;~'r~:~~ChW~1f)~t!~~~~~~:s~1 GAYELLOW PAGES • P.O. Box 292, Village Sin., New York, NY 10014. (212)674-0120. t?~~~~ ~~~•:'~u~~~~.l~~l~r~~/~~~• c/o Da~d HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, 1101 14th SI., NW, Ste. 200, Washilg-- 1ai, 0C 20005. (202)628- ◄ 100. INDEPENDENT CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE, ◄102 East 7~ St., #209, long Beadl, CA 90804. (310) ◄33-0384. INNER HEALING, 22385 Bayview His., Los OSos, CA 93402. f~5fc;3~j.g.~1 1N~~;,eg:~;~1~~York, NY 10185·5255. (201 )868·2485. Publication: The Voice of lnteg1ty INTERNATIONAL FREE CATHOLIC COMMUNION, P.O. Box 51158. Riverside, CA 92517·2158 (909)781·7391 Publication: The Free Catholic Communicant •UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES 5300 Sanla .Monica llvd., #30◄, Los Ang~es, CA 900~. {213)464-5100. Ptbhcation: K~ngin Touch WILDERNESS MANNA, 140◄ Arnold Ave., San Jose, CA 95110. ~:_)451·9310. A Christian _environmental ministry; newslel!e< and THE WITNESS, Pu~ished by ~a Episcop~ Church f\J~ishing Co., ~Washington Bvd., Ste. 3115, Oe•oit. Ml 48226·1868. (313)962· WOMEN'S AWANCE FOR THEOLOGY, ETHICS AND RITUAL, ~m1~~~~~i~tt~~0 20910 (301 )589-2509, FAX (301 )589- WOMEN'S ORDINATION CONFERENCE, P.O. Box 2693, Fairfax, VA 22031-0693. (703)352-1006. THE WOMEN~ PROJECT, 2224 Main St , Liffle Rock, AR 72206. _ ~f~~2~~~orkSlops on women's issues, social justice, racism INTERNATIONAL GAY ANO LESBIAN ARCHIVES, The Nalalie WOOOSWOMEN•Ac1Jenhlre1r,i~forwcrnen,25W.Oiamondl.ake ~~:(~~)~~:t~~bl~~~-~~ti~x 38100, Hollyirtood, CA ~t~~~~is, MN 55419, (800)279-0555, (612)822-3809, FAX INTERWEAVE, 25 Beacon st, Boston,_MA 02108. (617)742·2100. A lay organizatioof Unitarian UniversaHsls fol' lesbian, bisexual, gay and tr«isgender concerns. LAMBDA CHURCH GROWTH INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 370, Aulhe, Glen, VA 225'6. (804)448-2031. FAX (804)◄48 ·3146. Church g0\V1h ~~{aTr~ :~~~!i~ gayAesbian churches. Rev. James N. LESBIAN CATHOLICS WITNESSING FOR CHANGE, Box 3&91, New York, NY 10185-3891. (718j680;;107. LIFELINE BAPTISTS, Rev. James T. Williams, Sr., M.O. 8150 Lakecresl Or., Greenbel\ MO 20770. LIVING PENS, PO Box 254, Avoca, AR 72711--025◄. Pen pals for HIV/AIDS indvidlals. LIVING STREAMS, P.O. Box 178, Concord, CA 9◄522-0178. S· r~~l~WJ%~cERNED I NORTH AMERICA Box 10◄61, Fort =.ri1~ti~b~:ifriJLF~1~~~~~~ •;;.;:;:g, mulH'lssue neM'ork, 76 Cfintori Ave., Slaten ls-land, 10301-1107 (71S)273·MFSA. ·Publicam: Social Ouesions B.JRein. MERCY OF GOO COMMUNITY, PO Box ◄ 1055 , Providenca, Al 02!M(l-1055. ( ◄01)722·3132. Chrisian, Ecumenical Md inclusive communify ol' sistecs, broilers and associates. MORE LIGHT CHURCHES NElWOAK, 600 W. Fullerton Pkwy., cticag,, llt;a;1 ◄-2690, (312)338-0452. Resourcepad<e\ $12. f\Jbfi- :~6~A~ ~~~ON Nowt~rJ~ IOCESAN LESBIAN ANO GAY MINISTRIES, ◄33 Jetferson st., Oakland, CA 94607. . (510)465·93 ◄-4. Newsleller and nalional conference. ~~ONla~oo'ER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS· 166.'3 Mission St, 51h Fir., San Francisco, CA94103. NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR LESBIAN CHRISTIANS PO Box 814 Capi1oa, CA 95010 (800)861-NCLC. , ' NATIONAL COALITION OF Bl.ACK LESBIANS ANO GAYS, P.O. Box 192◄8, Wa!hingtori, DC 20036. NATIONAJ.COUNCILOFCHU~HES, ◄75 Aive,gde Or., Naw York, NY 10115. AlOSTask Force, AC0'11572, (212)870--2421. Hum!Wl Sex• ~~gf,,~'to<;JroWt~t~J~~k. Washington Office 110 Mar- ~and Ave., NE, Wasllin<1on, OC 20002. (202)5' ◄ ·2350. ' NA TIONAJ. ECUMENICAL COAJ.mON, 1953 Colum~, Pike 12◄, M'1glon, VA2220<-4569. (703)553-8931. ();'.!l;~,~~~Blr T~~~t~~~ 7NW, NATIONAL GAY. PENTECOWl.L ALUANCE (also Pentecostal ~~1 1 ~1s:,~e 1~~tr.::t~~~ti~~~=f:.af, NY NEW OIREC~ON Magazine for gsyAesbian Mormons, 6520 Selma Ave., Ste. AS·◄.«>, Los Mgeles, CA 90028. · NEW W,A:YS MINISTRY, ◄012 291h st., Ml Rainier, MD 20712, :~~7~!~~(3~:-::d~r~:~I\:~~~ OPfN i AFFIRMING t1NISTR1El, Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples. Alliance, Rev. Alleo V. Harris. cJo 1010 Park Ave., New York, ~~~:is:!1 m\~:Jl:0~4:~ri::~~ur~(J:~~C:~~-) which seek to welcome and affirm test1an. gay, and bisexual PE!f· sons. THE OTHER SIDE Magazine, 300 W. Apsley St, Pl'll!adelphia, PA ~!!!~2s~5)849-2t 78. Publishes articles ol interest to jl'ogessive OTHER SHEEP Multicultur11I Minislries with Sexual Minormes 319 N. Four1h 11902, SI. lou!s, MO 63102·193.S. (3U)241·2400.' FAX (314)2 ◄1·2403. E--rnail: 9herzog@aol.com. Theological and ed!ca• ~~j~r=al~·;:s~,1:l~nstn:!~Z:~~~ .positive PRESBYTERIANS FOR LESBIAN & GAY CONCERNS, P.O. Box 38, New Brun,.ick, NJ 08903-0338. (908)932-7501, (900)249-1016. Publication: More Uglt Update PRISM, 733 15trl St., NW, Ste. 317, Washington. DC 20005·2112. (202)3 ◄7•3313. Dva--sity wOO:shops for chu-ches and g~. RECONCILING CONGREGATION PROGRAM, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., g;:?;°~ 60641. (312)73&-5526. FX (312)736•5◄ 75. Publication: REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA GAY CAUCUS, P.O. Box 817◄ Philadeph!a, PA 19101·8174 ' RELIGION WATCH, P.O. Box 652, Nor#l Bellmore, NY 11710. A $~~s1Se~~~~origi~~c%~xct~rs~~~~~ION, 1205 No. ~~¥Z~~'¼ t~~ ~~rotffe~tsJ~3k8~·We:C{k 01 the American OthOOOx Catholic Church o!St Gregxios, P.O. Box 1543, ~~\rN"ftf°6W2o~~i 3 JiNSHIP INTERNATIONAL, Box ~~c~:,~~~ecroo 90078-3840. (617)436-5950. (213)87&-2076. SILENT HARVEST MINISTRIES, PO Box 190511, Dallas, TX 75219- 0511. (21 ◄)520-6655. SUPPORTIVE CONGREGATIONS NETWORK, Mennonite and Brethren, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406·0300. SCNetwork@aol.com. A network ol Mennonite, General Conference Mennonite and Oml'ch oflhe Brethren congegatiooswhich welcome gay, lesbian Elld bisexual members. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST OFFICE FOR LESBIAN/GAY CON· CERNS, 25 Beacon st. Boston, MA02108. (617)742·2100. UNITED CHURCH COAJ.mON FOR LESSjAN i GAY CONCERNS, 18 N. College, Athens, OH ◄ 5701, (GU) 593-7301. Publication: Waves UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Office for Olurch in Society, 110 Marylllfld Ave., NE, Washilglcn, OC 20002. (202)5-43-1517. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PARENTS OF LESBIANS ANO GAYS, c/o Rev. Juditti aaussen, Bruce Rennie, 505 Orchard tx., C.-bonda~.IL62901.(618)◄ 57·5◄ 79. UNITED LESBIAN ANO GAY CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS· Box 2171, ~::oR= ~'h ~;~:~:;~N~~~~:v~:~,11. Beverly Hil s, CA 90213-2171. (213)85().8258 UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, 51 ◄9 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016. (213 )936-49◄ 9, FAX (213)938-4973. International Liberty" Community Church, Ste. ◄02·2388 Triumph St, Vancouvef, OC V5L1l5 Canada (604)254-0'.182. Sun., 6:30p.m. at Sl John's United Church. 1401 comox St, Vancouver, BC. ~ct::·:lt~e:~t~~~j~7~~~:~~o~At!::~~:~~ tor . . Alabama BIRMtlGHAM(205) .AJabama Forum, PO 8ox 55894, 35255-5894 328-9228 Srmilg1am Com1T1Jntty ChU1ch, PO Box 130221, 35213. 849-8505. Covenant MCC, PO Box 101◄ 73, 35210. 599·3363. Sun 118 m 7p.m.51171s1Ave.,N. ., · ·• Frioi<II Meelilg (Clulk8!S), 592-0570. ln1~.871-1815. Pitgim Coog-ega.tional Churd'l, 879--162◄ . StAncl'eW's EpiacopalC!lurch,251-7898. Unitarian Universalisl Congegstion, 879-5150. I.JrjtyC!lurch,251-0713 HUNTSVIU.E (205) MCC of Huntsville, PO Box 10021, 35801. 851-6914. MO!IILE (205) ~CCJb~':~:g:,x 6311, 36660-6311. ◄ 76·4621. SUnday, 7pm. • MCC, PO Box 603, 3610H)603. 264·7887. Sunday, 5:30p.m. al5280 Vlllg>nAd. Alaska PALMER(907) Church of the Covenan~ P.O. 8ox 2888, 996◄5. 746·1089.Howard H. ~ . pas1or. A Welcoming and Affirming American "Baptist Coog-egs! ion. Arizona MESA Boundess LoveCommunit)'Church, 2128 N 641h St, 85215-2811. PHOENIX (602) Alfirmation (Mormons), PO Box 26601, Tempe, 85285-6601. ◄ 33· 1321. Casa De Cristo Evangelical Church, 1029 E. Turney, 8501 ◄. 265-- 2831. Oig,i~lrllegily, PO Box 60953, 85082-0953. 258·2558. Gentle ShephErd MCC, 3◄25 E. Mountain View, 85028. 996-7644. Healing Waters Ministries, 225 W. University Dr., #105, Tempe. 85281. 89+a681. l.utleuris CortCEmed, PO Box 7519, 85011. 87()..3611. Oasis MCC, 2405 E. c«onado, 85008. 275-3534. Presbylerianslor Lesbian &Gay Cortcems, PO Box 61162, 85082. TUCSON (520) Casa De Le Paloma Apostolic Church, PO Box 1-4003, 85732·4003. 323-6855. 1122 N. Jones Bvd Rev. Margaret "Sandy Lewis, pasb'. Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo, 85705. 622·4626. Sun· day, 9a.m., 10:30a.m., We<ilasday, ~ .m. Recla Schaff, pastor. lntegity, c/o Grace St Paul's Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St, 85719. 7!11 -7◄30 . MCC, 3269 N. Moun tan Ave., 85719. 292·9151. Man's Social Network, ◄207 N. Umber1osl Cir., 85705. 690·9565. SOCial activities IOI"' gay men ol all ages. EUREKA SPRINGS (501) MCC of~e Living Springs, PO Box 365, 72632. 253-9337. 178k FAYETTEVILLE (501) · Ecumenical Catholic Church, ◄◄ 4 ·9692. Paul Smith, contact person. MCC ol lhe Ozarks, PO Box 92, 72702--0092. 443·4278. Restoration Fellowship in Jesus Christ, P.O. Box 3820, 72702. ◄◄ 4· 9692. Rev. Elci!f Joseph Paul Smith. jpaul111@aol.com. LITTLE ROCK (501) 8cxt; o!Christ, PO Box 136◄ , 72203. 374•1693. Holy Cross Ecumenical Cath.olic Church, 663-6859. Fr. Christopher Ehemann Hope Apostolic Church, P.O. Box ◄563, 7221 ◄. 663-3711. TOD 663· i~6·!tr,~~~~tr964~~~~_' fti~fQ75_ 2017 Chan~ der, NO. Little Rock. ~r~t =~ -PO Box 586, 72203. 223·2828. Sunday, 2p.m. al ~:_nan Universatist ChlKch, 1818 Reservoir Rock Rd, 72207. 225-- California APPLE VALLEY (619) Ug'lt ol the Desert Church, PO Box 247, 92307. 247•2572. SUnday, 6:lOp.m. A RAO YO GAANOE (9J5) ~~~~J~r Catiolfc Church .A9ostolate, 258 Aspen St , 111, BLYTHE(619) Gocfs Garden Growl'! Cenlt!', 283 N. Solano.922-0947. Bro. Michael W.Tucker,paslor. CONCORD (510) Free Catholic Apostolate of !he Redeemer. 1440 Detroit Ave. #3 94520. 798-5281. ' ' EAST BAY AAEA (510) ~ablo Valley MCC, 2253 Concord Blvd.. Concord, 94520. 827•2960. Sunday, 108.m,, 7p.m. Firs1 Baptist Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, 94704. 848· ~ - Esther Hargis, pas!_or. Meets in small chapel of First Coog-ega• ~~al Church. A Welcoming and Affirming American Bap~st Conge-- rr!e00Catholic Apostol ate of tie Redeemer, 3849 Maybelle Ave. #8 9◄619. 53(>-7055. ' ' Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples, Univ. Christian Church, Berkeley. Third&m ., 4p.m. lakeshOfe Avenue Bapist ChUfch, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, ~10. 8~2464. ~ames H. H~lns, pas!«. A Welcomi'lg and Alfir~ mg Arnenca.n Baptist congegation. New Life MCC, 1823 911 St., Eiefkelay, 9<710. 843-9355. SUndey, 12~m. Presbyterians !or lesbian & Gay Concerns, 3900 Harrison st., Oakland, 94611. 653-2134. IRVINE(714) Irvine United Ch~rch of Chris~ 4915 Alton Pkwy., 92714. 733·0220. ~ OP:(ln & Affirming Congegation, proucty progessive, intentionally inclusive. LANCASTER (805) Sunrise MCC ol the Hi Desert, PO Box 886, 93584-0886. 942·7076. LONG BEACH (310) Diglity, PO Box 92375, 90809-2375. 9&4-8400. FirSt Congegational Church, 2◄ 1 Ceder Ave., 90802. ◄36·2256. AA Open and Affirming Coogegation of Iha Un led Church ol Ctfist MCC, 1231 Locu~Ave., 90813-311 ◄. ◄ 32-3641. LOS ANGELES AREA (213) · ~~~~ 1 ~l=~~e0lodsts), PO Box ◄6022, West Hollywood, Chris1 tie Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185W. Altade'la Dr., Altadena 91001.(818)79+70(1. ' Crescent Heights UMC, 1296 No. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, 900◄6. 656-5336. Oig,ity, PO Box ◄20◄0, 90042-00<0. 344-8064. Dignity&n Gabriel Valley, 502 Mesa Cir., Monrovia, 91016-1638. (818)62()-5167. Divine Rede·emer MCC, 346 Riv8f'dale Or., Glendale, 91204. ~500--712◄. SUnday, 10:-458.m., Wed., Fri., 7:30p.m. Rev. Stan Ecumeoical Catiolic Chl.lfch in Huntington Park, 589-6903. Fr. Otilio Gallo. ~ish-speaking ca,17egation. Evangelicials Together, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., #109, Box 16. 900◄ 6. 6.56-8570. ET News Free Spi~il MC9, _5208 Hartwick St, 9004H 515. 464·5100. Sunday, 6p.m., pnson m1nisby. Hoy Trinity Community Church, PO Box ◄ 296 ◄, 900◄2. 38◄-5◄22. 3323 W. Beve,-ty llvd. lnteg-ily, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., #109·113, West Hollywood, 90046. fl62.6301. Lambda Christian Fellowship, PO Box 1967, Hawthorne, 90251. La~n Church ol Christian Fellowship, 3323 W. Beverly Blvd., 90004. ◄33-2047. Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Refigous Coalition, 7985 Santa Monica Bvd., #109, Box 104, 900◄ 6. Lutherans Concerned, 11225 Magnolia Blvd., Box 290, No. Holly· wood,91601. 665--lCNA. ~f~7 ~~:Jalley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., No. Hollywood, 91601. ~CC of the Vineyards, 11012 Venlul'a Bvd., #125◄, Stucio City, CA 91oo+3546. MCC otSi/verlake, 3621 Brunswick Ave., 90039--1727. 665-8818. New Hope Christian Church, PO Box 316, Van Nuys, 91 ◄08. (818)765-1590. SUlday, Sp.m. al9550Haskell Ave. Presbyterians_ tor Lesbian & Gay Concerns. 3373 Oescanso Dr., 11, 90026. 262-8019. . Seventh Day Awentist Kinship tnterna~ooal, PO Box 3840, 90078· 3840. 876-2076. St. John's Episcopal Church, 514 W. Adams Blvd, 90007. 747-6285. SI. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 11031 Camarillo St., No. Hollywood, 91002. (818)762-2909. ASLintEJpretatia, frst and last Sm. ~~~~~f;I~;~O=~~cientisls , PO Box 2171, Beverty' ~~~fJ,Chllch, 51 ◄9W . Jefferson Svd., 90016. 936-4948. MCC, PO Box 3092. 95353-3092. 578-3694. NAPA(707) ~~~i~ec~~e~y~;~~)Viltage Pkwy., 94558. 255-6917. Chrisl Chapel MCC, 720 N. Spurgeon st., Santa Ana, 92701 ·3722. 635-0722 Ecumenical Catholic Church, 979•1840. Yadira Taylor, contact persoo. . Evangelicals Concerned South Coasi PO Box ◄ 308, Costa Mesa, 92628·◄ 3~. 222·4933. Bible study, fellowship meetings, prayer ,~~ss:;~~~~~~j· Christ Chapel o! the Desert, 938 Vela Ad., 92264. 327·2795. ~~i~·:: 46e~e.,{::0 ~;:,~~:~:9 cf:~~i~: ·322. 9696, RBJONOO BEACH (310) Center loc Passionate Spiritualltj, 2607 Harriman Ul., #1, 90278-4547. 374•n18. Rich Rossiter, drector. Spiritual cireetion, retreals andlor· mation events tor ~ib/1 persons. REOWOOO CITY (◄ 15) Calvary MCC, PO Box 70, 9-4064-0007. 368-0188. 2124 BrewstEr St. RIVERSIDE (909) CommunttyofChristlhe Life Giver, PO Box 51158, 92517. 781-7391. ~g~~x~~:1 i~te~lle, 95446. 887-7622. 869-0552. 14520 Armstong WOOOO Ad. SACRAMENTO (916) Oi!lf'~. PO Box 161765, 95816. Koin01a Christian Fellowship, PO Box 189444. 95818. 452-5736. Tom Rossi,paslor. The latest Issue, PO Box 160584, 95816. 737-1088. River City MCC, PO Box 245125, 95824. 454•4762. 27◄1 34th St. SALINAS(◄ O~ lntegity, c/o Church of the Good Shepherd, 301 Corral de Tierra, 93908. 294-2026. SAN ANDREAS (209) ~"ftN:~:rsfve Apl 4, Tunock, 95380-2626. 478-3515. Spectrum, 1000Sir Francis Drake EWvd.,#12,9-4960. 457·1115 . SAN BERNARDINO/RIVERSIDE/POMONA (909) Affirmation {Methodsts), 1325 N. Claremont, Box 302, aaremon~ 91711.624-2159. Claremont United Methodist Church, 211 W. Football Bvd., Clare• ~:!o9b~~~:·~~~·~~6:1~8 ~giti;e.TI~~o~ : aa1- 5025. Moo.-SSt, 7p.m.·12am. St Aelreds Parish, Sarum Episcopm Church (Cid Ca~olic), 1580 No. 0 ·st., Ste. 5 , San Bernardino, 92 ◄05 . 384·1940. PBreton714@aol.com. Rev. Df.J. E. Paul Breton, pas1:or. Wed., 7p.m.; sun., 11a.m. SAN DIEGO AAiEA (619) J ffirmalion (Mormons), PO 8ox 86469, 92138-6-469. ◄89-6602. Ancha Minislries, 3441 UniverSty Ave., 92104. 284-8654. Cherismat• ic, full gospel church. Dig1ity. PO Box 33367, 92163. Dig1ity Center, 4561 Park Hvd. 295- 258◄. lnEg-ily, PO 8ox 34253, 92163-0801. 234·1829. MCC in theCoonby, 3901 Manzanita Cx.,#C, 92105. 282·8488. Son• :&:"PE·~~:r:2'f~3~1. 261H3l3. 4333 30thSI. Pacific Beach United Melhods1 Church, 1561 Thomas, 92109. 274• . 6573. Sun., t0 :158.m. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA (◄ 15) Digity , 132971lAve., 94122. 255--9244. SUOOiy, 5:3(:p.m. PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Resource Guide Do\OfeSlraet 8ap1st Church, 938 Valencia St. at Liberty, 94110. 826-26-41. Fl>X, 282·2826. Drug llool"f, i>'SI«. q,a12031iaol.rom G~des GateMCC, 1500Cllurcl1 S1.,94131-2018. Freedom In Quist Evangelical Church, P.O. Box 1 ◄462 , San Fran, CA 9-411 ◄. 905-6509. sun., 1:30p.m. at 50 Belcher Sl, between 141h Stand l)Jboce. Lulherans Coocerned, 566 Vallejo St , 125, 94133-4033. 956-2069. AdVent MCC, 150 Eureka SL, 94114-2492. 863•4434. SUnday, 9, 11a.m., 7pm. Oasis/California, 110 Julian Ave., 94103. 522·0222. oasiscatft~aol.com. Gay and lesbian minis~ of the Episcopal Diocese of California. ~:~:.~~~:r~::~s~C:cls~~~:n~~:ee~n2:.~~:p leaders. . Trinity EpiScq>al Church, 1668E\lshSt.,94109. ns.1111. Unitarian Universa11s1 Gay/1..eSIBi, 1187 Franklin, 94109. 731·3.915. UCClJ3C, 20Woodside Ave., 94127. 576-1554. SAN JOSE (408) Dig,ify, PO Box 21n, Santa Clare, 95055.977·4218. Ecomenfcal Catt,olic Church, 374-3430. Scott Burris, contact person. First Christian Church, 80 S. 5th St., 95112. 294·29◄◄. Richard K. Miller,pastor. Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples, c/o Firs! Christian Church, 80 SO. 51h St, 95112. 294·2944. Hosanna Churd'I of Prais-e, 24 N. 5111 St, 95112. 293-()708. MCC, PO Box 2288, 95109·2288. 279·2711. 65 S. 7!'1 St Sunday, 6::rop.m., Wed, 7~ .m. New Community ol Faith, 6350 Rainbow Dr., 95129. 253·1408. ~~~hfffi~~!~~~t~~tr~tJ:/ssocia!e . A Welcoming Valley West Church, 591 W. Hammon Ave., Sle. 215, Campbell, CA 95008{)521. 379-0740. SAN LEANDRO (510) San Leancio Community Church, 1395 Bancroft Ave., 954n. ◄83· ~1J·Li~~~~r5~ot"t°'· MCC of Greater Hayward, 100 Hacienda, 94580. 481-9720. Sun., 12.30pm. SAN LUIS OBISPO (80~ MCC of the Cent:a! Coss~ PO Box 1117,.Grover City, 93483·1117. ~1:l~~C:~~~tTJ~o~~,!~f'5;stlr · MCC, 230 Liglttouse Ad., San\8 Barbara, 93109-1905. 569·1615. MCC, PO Box 25610, Ventura, 93002. 643-()502. Sunday,.6:20p.m. at 4949 Foolhill Ad. SANT A CRUZ (408) Lavender Road MCC,PO 8aK 1764, 95061. 335-0466. SANTA ROSA (707) Ecumenical Catholic Church, 865-0119. Archbishop Mark Shir~au. New Hope MCC, PO Box 11278, 95406·1278. 526·HOPE. Sunday, noon al3632ftirway Dr. STOCKTON (209) Christian Scieoce Lesbians, Box 7104, 95267-7104. 473·2129. Delta HSI\1851 MCC, 116W. Wilow SL, 95202·1045. 477·1-440. WHITTIER (310) Good Samaritsn MCC, 11931 Washington ~d., 90606·2607. 696- 6213. Colorado BOULDER (303) Gay & Coocemed Ca1holics, st Thomas ACJ.linas University Parish, 904 1 <th SL, 80302. '43-8383. COLORADO SPRINGS (719) Pikes Peak MCC, 730 N. TE1on, 80903. 634·3771. DENVER (303) Axios: Eastern Orfiodox Christians, 11635 E. Cedar Ave., Aurora, 80012,343-9997. Christ Chapel, 922 E. 23-'d Ave., 80205-5111. Evangelicals Reconciled, PO Box 200111, 80220. 331-2839. Color• aooSp-ngs, (719)488.,')158. Luflera,s Concerned, 14◄1 Humboldt st, Apl507,80218·2370. 422· 3176. MCC orlhe Rockies, 980 Clarkson SI., 80218. 86(>-1819. St Paul's UMC, 1615 ~ SI., 80218. 832·4929. PUEBL0(719) MCC, POBo_x 1918, 81002 543-6460. Connecticut HARTRlRD~03) Central Bap5st Church, 457 Main St, 06103. 522-9275. Paul G. Gil· lespie, pa:stor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist Conge& lion. Slflport!Jouplor gaysandlestxans. M-~~1~ f:~IJS1~i:t1~il:·os. Sunday, 10:3011.m. Meels at IJ'le Community Cente<. Rev. David F. Jarvis, pastor. NEW HAVEN (203) MCC, 34 Harrison SL. 06515. 389-6750. NOANK(203) f:::~ ~~~~ ~~~\ ~~~~~n~~i:i' n~:~:ns-cia~~~ -, coor,egafoo. TOLLAND (203) UCCUGC, 147Virginia Ln, 06084. 872-6537. VERNON (860) Ecumenical Catholic Church Koinonia Ministries, 871-0153. Rev. Dennis Finnegan. WATERBURY(203) ln!egify, c/o St. John's Church, 16 Church St, 06702. 482·4239. District of Columbia DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (202) Affimatioo (Methocists), PO B,x 23636, 20026. 667-0008. Affirmation {Mormoos) PO Box77504, 20013-7504. 828-3096. Christ UMC, 4111 & I Sis. SN, 20024. 544·9117. Oig,fy, PO Box 53001, 20009. 387~516. DunbM.m UMO, 3133 Dunbcrtoo Ave. NW, 20007. 333·7212. Fait, Temple, 1313 New YOl'k Ave., 20005. 5«·2766. lntegify, PO Box 19581, 20036'0561. (301)953·3421. Gaysp,ng Kimt1ip/Sll4, 140020!hSL, r-l>Nlf607,20036.296-2441. Lutherans Concerned, 212 E. Capitol St., SE, 20001-1036. (703)486- 3567. MCC ol tie Disciples, 1638 RSI., NW #1, 20009. 387·5230. MCC,474 Ridge St., NW,20001. 638•7373. SUnday 9, 11a.m., 7p.m'."' PLGC, c/o Wesminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St, SW, 20024. 857·2679. Riverside Baptist Church, 680Eye St. SW, 20024. 554·4330. Michael Bedsoe, pasl°'. Washi ngtoo Friends (Quakers), 2111 Florida Ave., NW 20008. 483· 3_:3:10. Florida BOCA R•TON (407) Church of Our Savi°' MCC, 4770-C NW 2nd Ave., 33431. 998-0454. Sunday, 10:30a.m., 7:30p.m. Rev.John F. Jacobs, past()(. - CLEARWATER(813) Free Gatholic Church ol lhe Resurrection, PO Box 3454, 34615. 442- 3867. 303 N. Myrtle Ave. COCOA(,07) ~~"JJ';'a~~v~ ~~ PO Box 1585, 32923 631-4524. Plymouth Congegationsl Oiurch, 3400 Devoo Ad, 33133. 44◄-6521 . Albs oulreach rrinistry. All are welcome. SL Stephen's Episcopal Parish in lhe Grove, 2750 Mcfarlane Rd., 33133. 448-2601. F/>X 4'8·2153. Corrjl(eheosive AIDSminis1!y. DA YT ONA BEACH (904) HopeMCC, PO Box 15151, 32115. 254-0993, FORT lAUDERDALE (305) Church ol Ile Holy Spirit MCC, 3:J> SW 27th St., 33315. ◄62·2004 . o;g;~, PO Box 22884, 33335. 463-4528. FORT MYERS (813) ~~:~~~J":er~00 M~~~A~~)Jif ~;~_~Mi~=: IClJr, pasiX'. ~~ 0n~:~:res:~er~i :ar:~: . 1:n:.0 1 20!~:-,~~!5~:i: REnne Shawver. GAINESVILLE (904) Unied Chllch, 1624 NW Sltl Ave., 32603 JACKSONVILLE (904) St Luke's MCC, 1140 S. Mcl)Jtt Ave., 32205-7551. 389-7726, F/>X 389-7626 .. Sunday, 9am., 11a.m., 7p.m. Rev. Frankye A. WMe, pastor. PeaceLlz@aol.com. KEY WEST (305) MCC, 1215 Petronia St., 33040. 294·8912. Sunday, 9:30, 11a.m., Wed., 7p.m. Rev. Steven M. Torrence, pastor. KISSIMMEE (407) - Sts. Perpetua & Felicity Ecumenical Catholic Church. 3◄ 8·5440. Fr. Berna-do Moralis. MIAMl(305) Christ MCC, 7701 &N 76th Ave., 33143. 284-1040. Grace Cnu,Ch of Miami Shores, 10390 NE 2nd Ave., 33138. 758· 6822. John Arny, pastor. Sun., 11 :30a.m., praise and worship. 108m., a~esrudy. 0CALA(904) House of Victory Church, PO Box 2841, 32678-2841. 368-£014. 3820 E.SilverSp<ings Blvd. 0Rl.AN00(407) lnEgity, POlbx 530031, 32853-0031. 332·2743. Joy MCC, PO Box 3004, 32802·3004. 894-1081. 2351 S. Ferooeek. PENSACOLA (904) Holy Cross MCC, 415 N. Alcaniz Sl, 32501. 433-8528. Sunday. 11 a.m., Wed., 7p.m. SAINT PETERSBURG (813) Di(Jlity, PO Box 1337, Pinelas Park, 34664-1337. 238-2868. King o1 Peace MCC, 3150 5th Ave. N, 33713. 323-5857. Sunday, 10a.m., 7~.m . Rev. Dr. Fred C. Wimams, SJ., pastor. SARA9'.lTA(813) Church of ttle Trinity MCC, 7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., 34243- 4526. 355-0847. S.mday, 10un. lntegity, c/o St. Boniface Church, 5615 Mi!il ight Pass Rd., 342◄2· 1n1.349-5816. TAMPA(813) MCC, 2904 COocada Ave., 33629. 839-5939. Sl John The Ewmge!isl Ecumenical Catholic Church, PO Box 280350, 33682. 979-4940. Fr. Daniel Wiliams. WEST PALM BEACH !•07) Oigity, PO Box 3014, T~esta , 33469. 744-1591.641·9944. lntegi1y, PO Box 14583, No. l'8lm Beach, 33408. 627·1400. MCC ol the Palm Beaches, 3500 45th St, #2A, 33409. 687·3943. Sunday, 9:15, 11a.m. Services also in Ft Pierce, 687·3943 and Pt St.L.ucie,341>-0421. Georgia ATLANTA(•o•) o;g;~, PO Box 14342, 30324. 409-0203. First MCC, PO Box 8356, 30306-~56. 872•2246. 800 N. Highland Ave. NE. rnegity, PO Box 13603, 30324-0003. 642-3183. lullera,sConCEJned, PO Box 13673, 3032◄. 636•7109. All Saints MCC, PO Box 13968, 30324. 622·1154. PLGC, PO Box 8362, 30306. 373-5830. Souttlern Voice, PO Box 18215, 30316. 876·1819. UULGC, 1911 Oiff Valley .Way, 30329. 634·5134. DECATIJR(,OC) Olrist Covenant MCC, 109HiberniaAve.,30030. 297-0350. MARETTA(77tl) ML Calvary Liitilhoose, 546 U11e St, Ajll 8, 30060-2653. 421·9606. &o. P. Jotnson, pastor. SAVANNAH (912) Disciples of the Trinity MCC, P.O. Box 14624, 31 ◄16. 231-1065. Meets at 321 York St in the Historic Ois~cl Mel Bailey, pastor. Hawaii MAUl(808) New Llberaton MCC, PO eox 347, Puunene. 96784. 879-6193. 0AHU(908) Affirmation (Mormons), PO Box 75131, Honolulu, 96836-0131. 239- 4995. Dig1ity, PO Box 3956, Honciulu, 96812-3956. 536-5536. Ke Ariuenue O Ke .AJoha MCC, .PO Box 12260, Honolulu, 96828· 1260. 942·1027. Sunday, 11a.m., Dole Cannery Sq., 7p.m., 1212 lk1i· versityAve. • Rel!g'ous Science, 520Makapuu Ave., Honokllu, 96816. 942-0SOO. UULGC, 2500 Pai Hwy., Hooolutu,96817. 623-◄726. Idaho BOISE(20~ MCC, PO Box 1959, 83702. 342-676-4. Illinois ALTON Christ the Victor Church, 2613 Maxey Sl , AJ!oo, IL 62002·4779. CHICAG0(312) Chicago Interfaith Con!Jess, PO Box 60039, 60660. 784·2635. ChicagoClutines, 3059 N. SoulhJX)rt, 60057. 871·7610. Christ lhe Redeemer MCC, PO Box 6146, Evans1on, 60204·6146. (708)262-0099. 933 Olicago Ave. Church of the Resurrection MCC, 5540 S. Woodawn, 60637. 288· 1 ?35. Worsh~ savice 10:30am. Sun. Digiily, 909 W. Bel merit Ave., #205. 60057·4408. 296-0780. Emergence, PO Box 2547, 60690. Good Shephe<d Parish MCC. 615 W. Weltingloo Ave., 60657·5305. 427•8708. Sonday, 7pm. Grace Baptist Church, 1307 West Granville Ave., 60660. 262-8700. Kelly Sprinkle, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist cc:ogregaion. Holy Covenanl MCC, 17 W. Mai;Ae. Hinsdale, 60521·3495. (708)325· · 8488. SUnday, 6p.m. Jnteg-ity, PO Be»< 2516, 60690. 349-6362. LutierEns ConcB"ned, PO Box 10197,60610. 342·1647. PLGC, c/o Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Fullertoo Pkwy.,60614-2600. 784•2635. Shammah Christian Felowship, PO Box 5427, Evanston, 60204. 561-5524. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 13. k : , ,; _ th UULGC, c/o Second Un~arian Church, 656 W. Barry Ave., 60657. 549-0260. UCCl.,llC, 6171 N. Sheridan Rd, 12701, 60660-2858-338-0452. EVANSTON (708) . lake Sb'eet Church, 607 Lake SI., 60201. 864·2181. RobertThompsoo, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist COO!Jega• tion. QUINCY(217) MCC llliamo, P.O. Box 421, 62306-0421. 224-2800. ROCK ISLAND (309) lullerens Coocemed, P.O. Box 3891, 61204·3891. MCC Quad Cities, 100118fl Ave.,61204-:6132. 786-5655. SPRINGAUD (217) . Fai~ Eternal MCC, 304 W. Allen SL, 62704. 525-9597. Sun., 10a.m. 1:'~6rrwcHAMPAKlN (217) lntegify, 1011 S. Wrii,itSt , Champagn, 61820. 3'4-1924. PLGC, 809 S. 5th St, Champaig1, 61820. WAUKBlAN (847) Frrst Congega!ional lklited Olurch of Chris~ 315 N. Utica SI., 60085. 336-5368. Rev. Ei'adS. Luiz, mirister.AA Open andAffirmingConge- t~j Ufe MCC, 511 S. Lewis Ave., 60085-6105. {708)578·5022. 2031 l>Jgdoa Rd Indiana BLOOMINGTON (812) t~~:'?~:~r ,7402-3232 =<l426 . New World Cllurch, PO Ba< 11553, 4685e. ◄ 56<;570. 222 E. Leith St. Open Doa Chapel, ~26 Ei'oad#ay, 46607. 7◄4-1199. Task Force, First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., 46802. 426-7421. INDIANAPOI..IS (317) Allimaia, (Metoo<lsls), 33°E 32nd St, 46205. 925-0043. llignly, PO Ba< 431, 46206. 251-0680. Jesus MCC, PO Box 441551, 462◄4·1551 . 357-9687. Iowa CEDAR RAPIDS (319) All Faidls MCC, PO Box ◄ 12, 52◄06. 396•9207. CORALVILLE (319) lnlegrify, PO Ba< 5225, 522◄1. 35H!263. DAVENPORT (319) GLAD Alliance, 2628 Western Ave., 52803·1473. 324-6231. DES MOINES (515) Church of the H~ Spirit MCC, P.O. Box 8426, 50301. 284-7940. Office and worship space localed al 1548 8th St Sun .. 6p.m. Rev. Paul Whiting, pastor. · . Word of God Ministries, P.O. Box ◄396, 50333. 270-2709. Meets at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3120 E. 24th SI., Des Moines. IOWA crrv (319) . Failtl United aiu rch of Christ. 1609 OeForesl St., 52240. 338-5238. ~~POan~~~.gs~f.egaton. NASHUA(515) UCCUGC, c/o CarmEn·Linda Conldin. RR2, 50658. ◄35·5068. SIOUX crrv 11121 MCC, PO Box381,51102-0361. 25,-8005, URBANDALE(51~ Urbandale United Church ol Chrisl 7002 Oliver Smith Or., 50322. 276-0625. An Opeo and Affirming Congegstion. WATERLOO (319) Church of New Hope MCC, PO Box 34, 50704. 23!4·1981. Meets at 3912 Cedar Hts., Cedar F~ls. Kansas iOPEKA (913) MCC, PO Box ◄776, 66604-()776. 232-6196. SE !nciana Ave al 25111 WICHrrA (3161 First MCC, 156 S. Kansas Ave., 67211. 267-1852. Wichita Praise andW«shipCenter, PO Box 113◄ 7, 67202. 651-0603. Kentucky LEXINGTON (606) lntEJWeave, 3564 aays MU Ad., 40503. 223·1«8 LOUISVILLE (502) Aflrmafon (Mettodsts), PO Box 7692, 40257-o692. 635--1402. Allego, PO Box 403-4, ◄020,(, 581-1829. Cent:al Presbyterian, 318 W. Kentucky Ave., ◄0203. 58Hi935. Sun· day, 11a.m. ChristOlurch Calhe<tal, ◄21 S. 2nd SL,40202. 587•1354. Conlefence for Cslholic Lesbiails, PO Box ◄778, ◄0204-0778. 895- 0930. llignil/, PO Box ms, 40204. 58H841. lnlegity, Clo SL George's Episcopal Church, 1202 S. 26th SL, 40202. 584o658. Lutherans Concerned, PO Box 7692, 40257-0692 897·5719. MCC, PO Ehx 32474, ◄0232. 775-6636. 4222 Ban< st. Phoenix Pising, PO Box 19897, 40259-0897. 966-8357. PLGC, PO Box 7692, 40257-0692. 897·5719. Third Lutheran Church, 1864 Frankfort Ave., 40206. 896·6383. Sun· day, 11a.m. llCX2@ecun-etorg Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 ◄32 Higlland Ave., 40204. 587-8395. Sun• day, 9:30a.m., W00.;6:30p.m. PHILGARBER®ecunetorg. PADUCAH (502) MCC, PO Box 176, West Pall.Jcah, 42086. 441·2307. Lnuisiana BATON ROUGE(504) ?le~~~J~~~:!1643:~~. 383-0450. SOiidarity House/Batoo Rouge Catholic Worker, 1275 ~urel ~-, 70802. 389-9572, 383-6010. Gay-lriemly Catholic Worker commumty of hospila!ity~odging lor spousal abuse victims. PLGC, 2'285 Cedardale, 70808. COVINGTON (504) Abundant Grace Ctvistian Felowship, 832 E. Boston St., #3, 70433. 871·9527. Pas!cts Lee Thc,mPf,00 MdYdanci! Yaeger. UULGC, c/o Unitarian Church, 8470 Goodwood Blvd., 70806. 926· 2291. LAFAYETTE (318) MCC, PO Box 92682, 70500. 232-()546. 211 Garfield. LAKE CHARLES (318) MCC, PO Box 384, 70602. 439-9869. 510 S.-oadSt NEW ORLEANS (SO,) Firsl Jesus Name Church, P.O. Box 58362, 70158·8362. AA Acts 2:38 congegaton. Grace Felowsh~, PO Box 70555, 70172. 944·9836. Relationship Therapy Center, 620 N. Carrollton Ave., 70119. 488· 9924. Counseling and support seNices, gay and lesbian. UCCLA1C, 944 Joyce St., Mtnero, 70072-2306. 341 · 4608. Vieux Carre MCC; 1128 St Roch.Ave., 70117•7716. 945·5390. Sun· day, 109=.m. - ~!,S: G~?!n~~owth 'Mission, P.O. Box 2631, 71294. Sr. R. Boyd, pasb'. Maine 8ANGOR(207) Dignify, PO Box 103, Norll SUiiivan, 04684-0103. PORTLAND (207) ~r~=:~~,04104 lntegify, PO Box 25. 04572 Maryland ADELPHI (301) lnterlaith Coalition for Free Slate Justice c/o Paint Elfanch UU Cha ch, 3215 Powder MiH Rd., 20783. n6-6891. BALTMORE('10) The Allemative, PO Box 2351, 21203.(301)235-3'01. Archdocesan Gay/lesbian OJtreach, 2034 Park Ave., 21217. 728· 2638. Oig1ily, PO Box 1243, 21203·1243. 325-1519. First New Covenant Fellowship Church, 5 W. Fort Ave., 21230-1407. 523•n89. Sunday, 2:15p.m. at Dor~th UMC, 527 Scon St. lntegity, ckJ Emmanuel Church, 811 Cathe<i'at St., 21201. 732-0718. Lutherans !Ancemed, Bat: 23271,21203-5271. 225-0563. MCC, 3'01 llkl Yock Rd., 21218. 889-6363. BETHESDA (3011 0peo Door MCC, PO Box 127, Boyds, 20641-0127. 601·9112. Sun· day, 10:30a.m., 7p.m. at 15817 Barnesvile Rd. Massachusetts BOSTON (617) □;g,fy, 95 Berk~"! St., #616, 02116. 423·9558. Support G1oup, ChlJch of the Covenant, 67 Newbury St , 02116. 266- 7480. lntegity, c/o Christ Church, 12 Quincy Ave., Quincy, 02169. 773· 0310. MCC, PO Box 15590, Kenmore SO,., 02215. 288·8029.Sunday, 7pm. at 131 Cambridge SL, Beacon Hill. CAMBRIOGE(617) Friends fOf lesbian/Gay Concerns (Quakers), 5 LoogleUow Park. 02138.876-6883. ~~ -~~~~i~ 09ea~:~;~~hPa~\~. ~a~~~:~~ a~~e~~~g Amefica, Baptisl congegation. HDLDEN(508) UCCI..KiC, PO Box 403, 01520. 856·9316. OSTERVILLE (508) Healthsigns Counseling Center, 100 Acorn Dr., 02655. -420-0258. Ameler.vd,ci"ector. SPRINGFIELD ('13) ~W.1¾lrlttfn 5051, 01101•5051. 737-4788. Lutherans Concerned, c/o Randall Rice, 108112 Chestnut St. 02154· 0406. 893-2783. WORCESTER (508) First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave., 01609. 755-6143. Barbara Sin· cl air, associate pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Bap~st ccrigegafon. Morning Star MCC, 231 Main St., Chllfry Valley, 01611. 892-4320. Pub: Morning Star Wtb'less . Unitarian Universatists !or eiiiGay/Lesbian Concerns, PO Box 592. Wes'rside Stn., 01602. 755-0005. Michigan ANN ARBOR (313) C!r'l!Erbory House, 721 E. Huroo st. #2R, 48104·1526. Huror1ValleyCommunityChurch, 1001 Gr~ Rd., ◄8105-2896.741· +~::o~:Jc!·~at~~:,i;{~~a~ts at First Coogegational Church, 218 N. Adams, Ypsilanti, Ml ◄8197·2507. Sunday, ~.m. DETROrr(313) gru~.M~:~eJ:~r◄~~~~200. 369-1901 . lntegity. c/o Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 18320John R Sl, 48203. 459-7319. =~~a:!:=i~~d:::r~r~~ew~New Generation Youdl Group, PO Box 11499, ◄8211, meets Wed., 5p.m. at 3CX28 East Grand ftvd., 872•2424. FUNT 1313) Oigni~, PO Box 585, 48501. Redeemer MCC, 1665 N. Chevrolet Ave., ◄8504-3164. 238-6700. Sunday, 6p.m. Rev. Ulda J. Stooer, pastor. Pub: Sounds ol Aed'aem- "· FT. GRATIOT (810) AH Souls' Apostolic Catholic Church, 4653 Desmond Beach, 48059. 385-922◄. Holy Eucharist Sun. 1 ta .m. GRANORAPIOS(616) Bethel Christian Assembly, PO Box 6935, 49516. ◄59 ·8262. Rev. ~uce Aoller-P1etcher, pask>I'. Pub: Bethel Beacon. Oigiity, PO .Box 1373, 49501. 454•9n9 . Reconciliation MCC, PO Box 1259, 49501. 364·7633. KALAMA2D0(616) Phoenix Community Church, PO Box 2222, 49003·2222. 381·3222, Sunday, Sp.m. at Un~ed Church ol Christ. LANSING (517) Oigiity, PO Box 1265, East Lansing, 48826. Ecclesia. meets al People's Church, 200 W. Grand River. Sunday, 7~ .m. lntegity, c/o All Saints Church, 800 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, 48823 :!f!i~e o~~~~ c Oiurch, 2800 10th St, 48192·4994. 281-3002. Minnesota MARSHALL (507) lulherans Concernedfnte!Jify, PO Box 3013, 56258. (800)235-3708. MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (612) . Atfrmaticri (Moonons), PO Box 3878, Minneapolis, 55403. 753•3345. Affirmation (United Methocists). 101 E. Grant St, Minneapolis, 55◄03 . 874-6613,871-3585. All God's Children MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55407. 824·2673. Window of Wellness Cixmseling Center offefs posllive affirming Christian counseling !or homosexuals. Catholic Pastoral Comminee, 1118 Farrington St., St. Paul, 55117, 4802. 340-0618. Digiity,PO Box 3565, Mimeapolis, 55403. 827·3103. lnt~ity, c/o University Episcopal Center, 317 171h Ave SE, Minnea· pois, 55414. 825·2301. Judson Memorial Baptist 4101 Harriet Ave. So., Minn., 55409. 822· 0649. D~le K. EOOlondson, pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming Ameri• can Baplst coogegaticri. Spirit ol the la kes Community Church, (UCC), 2930 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55407. 724·2313. Sunday, 10am., Wed, 7p.m. Lutherans Concerned, 100 N. Oxford SI., st. Paul, 55104-6540. 866· 8941. Temple Baptist Church, 3100 Columbus Ave., S, 55407. 823·6268. ¥~:it ~~~C~u~~~J~8.a:x":: ~~~i~i! .~ 1~:~ . Serv· ices held at 1819 Nicollet Ave. S. UCCL/GC, 134 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, 55409. ~;~9si!d~:~c:~~~~~iv$rsity Ave., SE, 55414. A WfJWrigspan M1msty, 100 N. Oxlord, SL Paul, 55104. 224-3371. Mississippi JACKSON (601) Gay and Les!ian T,0< FO!ce, PO Box 7737, 39284·7737. 37~8610. Plloen~ CO,lijon, Inc., PO Box 7737, 39284·7737. 373·8610,939- 7181. counseling services. · St Stephen's United Community Church, PO Box 76S4i 39284-765-4. 939-7181, 373•8610. Sunday, Sp.m. al Unitarian Church, 4872 N. Slate St. Missouri COLUMBIA (314) Ch~is1 Ile Kmg Agape Church, 515 Hickman Ave., 65201. 443·5316. United Covenant Mission Church, PO Box 7152, 65205. 449-719-4. KANSAS CITY AREA (816) Abiding Peace Luthe:ran Church, 5090 NE Chouteau Trafficway, 64119. 452·1222. Can,ng for peop!e and Cfeation. Mary Gerken, coo· tac! per~on. A ~econciled in Christ congegatioo. • =-~abon (United Methodsts), 5709 Virfjnia Ave., 64110-2855. 363- GLAO Oisciplesol Chrisl, PO Box 414711, 64141. 432-6139. kll,gity, PO Box 414164, 64141-4164. 281-0699. LutleransConcerned, PO Box 413702. 64141 MCC, PO Box 10087, 64111-0087. 931-0750. 3801 Wyandotte. MCC Johnson County. 12510 W. 62nd Terr., #106, Shawnee Mis· sion, 66216. (913)631-118". ~f:i.Jerusalem Fellowship Ministries, PO Box 10496, 64111. 763• ST. LOUIS AREA (314) AIJ'I"' ChJrch, 2026 Lalayette Ave., 63104. 664·3588. ~rc~P()ro:,,;~f:i-~226863 ~00 1120 Dolman St. Montana BILLINGS (4°") Family of God MCC, 645 Howmd, 59101. 245-7066. Sunday, 11a.m., Wed.,7p.m. BOZEMAN(406) =ation (United Melhodsts), 1000 N. 17!1 Ave., 129, 59715. 586- GREATFALLS(4°") Shepherd of the Plains MCC, PO Box 2162, 59403. n 1-1010. 1505 171h Ave., &N, 59404. Nebraska OMAHA (402) MCC, PO Box 3173, 68103. 345-2563. 819 S. 22nd St PLGC, c/o Evans, 3810 13t'I Sl, #'22, 68107. 733-1360. Nevada LAS VEGAS (702) MCC, 1119 S. Main St., 89104-1026. 38"-2325. Mustard Seed Minislries, P.O. Box 70053, 89170. Sr. W. Abney, pas• "'· REl/0(702) MCCof lhe Sierra, PO Box 21192, 89515-1192. 829-8602. New Hampshire New Jersey ASBURYPAR\(908) gr~oo~(~\;°7712 m-4031. ~~1~ 8~ge~ Cht1ch, 550 Ridgewood Ad, 07040. 761 ·7321. TheOasis,Catlectal House, 24 Rec!OI' St, 07102. 621-8151. NEW BRUNSWICK (908) ~~'&~,'::; ~~i:.~::~~~~. 846-8227. ~~ 2 :; 38, 08903-0038. Plb: More Lig,1 Upda1e. The ~ovng Brott'lerhood, PO Box 556, 07461. 875-4710. New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE (505) Dig'ity, PO Box 27294, 87125. 898-3343. Kinship, Seventh Day Adventists, PO Box 26012, 87125. MCC,·2404 San Mateo Pl., NE, 87110. 881-9088. Rev. Dr. Fred C. ~fiams, P.-9Stor. Sun., 10a.m. ~; ;~~~E~~r:s1 Minislries, 134 Quincy, NE, 87108. ~~ ~~:i1i~~~~~~. ~r~~t~1~f~:.nti~~u~~~~:j~ ~C:o all. ~l~~!t62 DoraOO Dr., 88011. 52H 490. Gey and lesbian spiritu· SANT A Ft (505) The Ca\SD{ Connec~on. 551 W. Cordova, S1e. DIE, 875011986-1794. New York ALBANY/CAPITAL AREA (518j Commuoity of St. John Christian Orthodox Church, PO Box 9073, 12209. 346-0207, Fr. Hennc11. F\Jt>: Metancia Dignity, PO Box 11204, Loudonville, 12211-0204. 436·8546. Emmanuel B:3ptist Church, 275 $!ate St., Albany, 12210. 465·5161. Roy A. Donkrn. pastOI'. A Welcomrng and Affirming .American Baptist Corgega,on. ~n 1 t~ity, c/o Grace & Holy Innocents, 498 ainton Ave., 12206. 465· Lighthouse Apostolic Church, PO Box 1391, Schenectady, 12301· 1391.372-6001. &o. W. H. Carey,paslor. MCC, 275Sta!e St., 12210. 785-7941. BUFFALO (716) Digiity, PO Box 75 81icott Sin., 14205. 833-8995. t:tty , c/o Church of tie Ascension, 16 Linwood Ave., 14209. 884- Pink Triangle Christian Felowship, PO Box 722 Ellicott Stn., 14205· 0722. 845-6971. Pub: Spritwcxks GENEVA (315) PLOC, PO Box 278, Dresden, 14441-0278. 536-n 53. UCCL/GC,333Argmne Dr., 14217·2417. 877-0459. HAMPTON BA VS (516) Good Shepherd American C!ilholic Church, P.O. Box 725, #10 Failh Or., 11946. 723·2012. NEW YORK CITY AREA 8<0!11(718) St. Mn's Church, 295 st Ann's Ave., 10454. 585-6325. Brooldyn(718) Digmy, PO Box 021313, 11202·1313. 769<l<l47. First Unitarian Church, Lesbian, Gay, asexual Concerns Committee, 50 Morroe Pl., 11201. fl24-5466. Long bland (516) ~~- 10! AIDS Care, Inc., PO Box 2859. Huntinglon ~-. 11746. 385- C!rcti cl More l..iglt E3oK203, B"ookhaven, 11719-@'l3. 286-0542. ~rvt•~l:M~ ti~:~~ Mu~:'s'.a11~ftJBJj~·Sl.ony &o~ , PO Box 602, S1ony li'ook, 11790. 399-◄967. International F~ee Catholic ChurcM3ood Shepherd Church PO Box 438, Centro 10,p, 11122. 723-0348. Rev. Msg. RobertJ. Alhl..,, pas- "'· M,_nhettor>'New York City,,... (212) Axtos: Eastern & OrtlOOOx Christians, PO Box 756, Village Sin., ~~~ 989-6211. Second Friday, Sp.Jn., Community Cenler, 208 W. Christian Science Group, c/o 444 3rd Ave., #4, 10016. 532·8379. Di!l'lify, PO Box 1028 Old Chelsea~ .. 10011. 818·1309. P\Jb:OJt• lo~ . Di!l'lity, PO Box155HDR~ .. 10150. 866•8047. Evangelicals Concerned, 311 E. 72nd st . #1G clo Or. Ralph Blair 10021.517"3171.N>:Aerord,Review ' ~ 7 a~~ 7 L:l:Man OUalrers, 15 AutlerfOl'd Pl .. 10003-3971. 475-0195. Gar, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples Alliance, clo AJ!en Harris, 1453A Lexm~on Ave., 10128·2506. 289-3019. lnle!J,ity, PO Box 5202, 10185-0043. (718)720-3054 Pub:Oufook Judson Memcria1 Church, 55 Washington Sep.Jere So., 10012. ◄n- 0351. Peter Laarmon, pastor. A Welcoming and Affinning American Baptist cong-egation. Lesbian and Gay communit)' 5ervices center, Inc., 208 W. 13th St, 10011. 620-7310. Pub: Center Stage, COOier Voice. M~dson Avenue Baptist Olurch, 30 East 31st St, 10016. 685-13n. M1ch.ael B. East~lng, pastOI'. A Welcoming and Alfinning American Bap1isl congega1ion. Maranalha: R!ver~dets fOI' lesbianJGay Concerns, c/o Riverside Ch.Jrch, 490 fiverside {)'., 10027.222-5900. MCC, 208 W. 131h St., 10011. 242·1212. Sunday, 10a.m. af 208 w. 131h st , 7p.m. at 135 W. 4ttl st PLGC, 740 Wes1 End Ave., 10025. 866-3580. Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1010 Park Ave. at ~5ttl St., 1'?')28. 288-3246. A vibrant Cfeative, anddverse coogero~~ ck~~:Z1~ ~ .e:::n1 9o~i ~O:J ~~<;4s~:~:88 -324s. Fourth Friday, 7p.m. Riverside Cturch, 49J Riverside C:X ., 10027. 222·5900. Brenda Stiers. ~=~ ~'!"~~~ Churdl, 236 W. 73rd St, 10023. an-a221. Sunday, 11a.m.MaeT9'1tchurch. ~~~~~~dventist Kinship International, PO Box 20595, 10025. Temple of Miraculous Pefqeptioo, 237 W. 100 St, 10025.222·2874. ~~-l.K3C, clo Craig Hoffman, 1453A Lexington Ave., 10128. 289- Unity Fel .. ship Ct<Jrch, PO Box 2708, 10008·2708. (718)636-5646. Wa!tungtQ"I Sq.we UMC, 13.5 W. •lh St, 10012. m-2528. ~=r~~~er itr1Church, 165W. 861hSt., 10024.362·48.90. ~~e~~r~at~;~~~g,~~lox 4154, College PCMnt, Unitan~ Umversahst Church, L~an. Bisexual & Gay Concerns ~=~~i1r,AS1Ave ., Flushing, 11355.353-3900. lntegity, PO Box 2038, White Plains, 10602-2038. 949-4367. Pub: The Grapevile. NIAGARA FALLS(716) Rainbow Community Apostolic Fellowship, c/o Roberts, 456 4ttl st, Apt 6, 14301. 284-7044. B'o. C. Rtt>em, pas\01'. Pl.A TTSBURGH (518) St. Mary's E~meoical Calholic Church, PO Box 159, Chazy, 12921. 493·3272 (vocce and FAX), Rev. Fr. Micha a' R. Frost POUGHKEEPSIE(914) ~~~1\fy&\'2 Box 356. la!J'enge,ille. 125'M356. 72◄-3209. Community Christian Fellowship, PO Box 68005, 14618. 234·9776. A place o( P!'ayer, praise and Bible sllct/ IOI' gay and lesbian Evangelical Chns1ians. ~~~:,~i~;~fJ:~ch .~7~~~ ·:.~-~-458-5765. Pela- Ca~man, pastor, A Welcoming md Affirming American &ptist conge- ~!~~pty Closet, 179 A'dantic Ave., 14607-1255. New York State's ~t~~J~:'r.J:'~SL. 14605. 271-8478. PLGC, c/oCarta-, 111 Milbun St, 14007-2918. 271•7649. SYRACUSE(315) May MemOl'ial Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian & Gay Concerns 3800 E. Genessee St., 13214. 424-7628. ' Ray ol Hope MCC, PO Box 6955, 13217. 471-6618. Sunday, 6p.m. al 819 Madison st UTICA(315). Oigiity, PO Box 352. 13503. 738-0599. WANTAGH (516) ~t~R~o5(~f r· 11193. 1a1-5942. St. Anthony of PaOOa Ecumenical Catholic Church, 539-4323. Fr. Tom Sterner. North Carolina ASHEVILLE (704) ·community Connections, PO Box 18088, 28814. 258·3260. Newspa• per~ !he Southern Appalachian gayAesbic11 community. MCC. PO Box 2359. 28802·2359. 259·3055. CHARLOTTE (704) Charlotte lnterfaittl Network for Gayh.esbian Equality, 7209 E. Harris 8,lvd., #169, 28227. 536·9348. Garnett E. Phibbs, contact per so,. Lutherans Concerned, PO Box 9562, 28299. 334·2367. Pub: The Clarion MCC, 4037 E. Independence Bvd., #726, 28205·7375. 563-5810 Metolina Swithboa-d, PO Box 11144, 28220. 535-6277. New Life MCC, PO Box 221404, 28222. 343-9070. GREENSBORO (910) Lutheran Church ol lhe Resurrection, 6720W. Fnendy Ave., 27410. 292-4984. Rev. Mark Johnson, paslOI'. Sun .. 10a.m.; Fri .• 7p.m. Holy Communion 5efVed at all services. ELGA. f:;i~:!~u~c~~~1~~~~· ~-;~~O:p.~.~;:.·. ie: ~ ~~~ i.; ~tKd~ro~tev. Christine Oscar, pastor. MGp, c/o Unitarian Chtrdl, 109111h Ave., NW, 28601. 324-1960. TRIANGLE AREA (919) Affirmabon {United Methodists), PO Box 5961, Aaleig1, 27650. 850· 9380. Digni~. PO Box 51129, Dumam, 2m 7·1129. 493-8269. lntegnty. c/o, Church of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 28024, Aaleigl, 27611.571-1792. ~ar:t~sCOn cemed, PO Box 665, Apex, 27502. 387-0824. Meets in · Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, 27&l:5. 828-oo97. M. M.ahanSiler,Jr.,pastcr. ~f ,g 2\~~i:~ ;~~~ -IOI' Gay and lesbian Eq.iality, PO Box St Jchn~ MCC, PO Box 5626, Rofeig,, 27650. 834-2611. Sunrt,y, 11a.m .• 7:1 Sp.m., 805 Glenwood Ave. ~~a:~v; .~::;, ~ik?.>~~2 ~/o Unitarian Fellowship, 3313 WILMINGTON (910) GROW Community Sefvice Corp., PO BoK 4535, 28"06. 675-9222. Yooll ~each : ALNE 10! gay, lesbian, ~sexual youlh. ~;ti~i• 7 ~~-~-26 Markel St., S1e. 170, 28◄03. Sancbla,y: 507 WINSTON-SALEM (910) Lesbian & Gay Concerns Task FOl'ce, Unitarian Universalist F~lowshp, 2873 Robirllood Rd, 271 .. . 723-7633. ~~~.~j1~~~~(~f:7~~~ay and Lesbian Equality, PO Box Ohio AKRON(2l6) · MCC, 1215 KenmO!e Bvd, 44314. 745-5757. Pub: Beacon of Lig,l Cascade Cornm1Y1ity Chll'ch, 1190/1196 nman St., 44306. n3-5298. Sunday, 2p.m. Pub:Cascade Newsletter. ~~ans Concerned, PO Box 67114, Cuyahoga Falls, 44222. 928- ATHENS(614) UCCUGC, 18 N. College St, 45701. 593-7301. CANTON (216) ~~ .anuel Fellowship Olurcn, PO Box 35604, 44735·5604. 376- CINCINNATI (513) Di!l'li~, PO Box 983, 45202. (006)561·9014. ~~t~~=~ ·•~~(~:f~•~i!~~2!~·TaflRd 45219 \ ~i-,5~~:.1-2664. Rev. Dr. Harold G. Porter, pastOl':•A More ~~~~gtfi~ E. Holister St, 45219. 241-8216. Pub: Visions. AComnion Bond, PO Box 91853, 44101. Jehovah'sWiilesses Church of the Redeemer United Mellocis~ 2420 So. Taylor Rd: ae - ;e1;.~.~•~~ !~:,~4~;-.'~1~~~ing Congegalon. ' Emmanuel MCC, 100l4 lctain Ave.,44111·5429.651-0129. Sunday 10:45a.m. Pti>: Good News ' PLGC, 841 Engewocd, 44121. 382-0507. COLUMBUS(614) Oirist.U~ted Evangelical Church, PO Box 141264, 43214. 297'6317. Evangel)Cal.s Con~ed , PO Box 360491, 43236. 235-GAYS. First Umtanan Urvversalis1 Church. 93 W. Weisheimer 43214 267• 4946. Sunday, 11a.m. • · Friends !or Lesbian & Gay Concerns (Quakers) 488-2096 ~:or:~.:,~ Group, c/o Newman een\er, 64 W .. Lane Ave., MCC, PO Box 10009, 43201-0509. 294-3026. 1253 N. Higi St. Sun• day'.10:30a.m: Pub:lhe Beaca, News ~~-of lhe Rivers Community Church, PO Box 10333, 43201. ~86- Sblewall Union Reports, !:bx 10814, 43201-7814.299-7764. u=c. 29,.9910, 488-2006. 0AYTON(513) Commun(ty Gospel Church, PO Box 1634, 45401. 252·8855. Spirit filled, Chnst centered. Meets Thl.ll's .• 5p.m., &.m. 10a.m. at 546 Xenia ~r·t.8fo00eo8:~.~~~2~~~C6. MZc, PO Box 4021, 45401, 228·4031. 1630 E. 5th St sun., 10:30a.m. . GRANVILLE (614) First Baptis.t Church, 115 W. Broa~ay , 43023·1179. 587-0336. =~~ l=~ ·r., pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming.American UMA(419) ~ost Holy Redeemef Ecumenical Catholic Church, 228-7344. Fr. Jimmy Tabler. • MANSFE.0(419) Center br Pastoral Ca-e, 3180 Germc11 Chll'ch Act, 44904. 756-29n, ~4~:~ .AXn4-9805. 9.mdaylibJrgy, 10:15a.m.Past01'alcoon~ ol!ERUN (216) 1~ 1Uii\'.\'&i~~;i 44074-0387. 775-3341. Comm~ity ~urch of Truth, PO Box 3005, 45501-3005. 325-7691. fi~~14~,"e metaphysics and practical Christianity. Digiity, PO eox 1388, 43603. 242-9057. ~jgrity , c/o Sl. Mark's Church, 2272 Collingwood Blvd., 43620. 244· ·MCC, Good Samarilan Parish, 720 W. Delaware Ave -13620 244· 2124. Sunday, 11a.m. " · Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY (405) Church of Christ IOI' Gays, PO Box 75481, 73147. 528-8417. DiJ11itynn1eg-ify, PO Box 25473, 73125. 755-9175. :~1~.ds Meeting (Quakers), 312 SE 251h St., 73129. 632-7574, 631· ~ J~~~ .,r .~~T;! _Catholic Church, PO Box 25425, 73125. TULSA(918) Dig1ily.lnte11ity, PO Box 1271, 74101-1271. 298·4648. MCC, PO Box 4187, 74159. 838·1715. 1623 N. Maplewoo:l. St.Jer~e Ecu!f1enical Catholic Church, 742-7122. Fr. Rick Hollingswort,. 1ckraohn1a@aol.com, stariott@aol.com. Oregon EUGENE (503) Oer!1,' & Laity Concerned. 458 Blair Bvd., 97402. 485-1755 ~CC, 1414 Ki~caid St., 97401·3737. 345-5963. Sunday, 4p.m. at First Congegitional Church, Condon Chapel, 23rd & Harris Sts. Pub: Corrmon GrO!J'ld: Rev. Marg.iertte Saogg"e, pastor. PORTLANO (503) Affrmatioo (Unied Mellcxists), PO Box 12673. 97212. 234·8854. .America~ Friends ~ce Committee, Gay & Lesbian Prog-am, 2249 E. Ellrnside, 97214. 230-9430. CcntactOan. Di!l'lify, PO Box 6708, 97228-6708. 295-4868. Evangelicals Concerned, PO Box 40741, 97240-0741. 232•7451. lnlegity, cfo AFSC, 2249 E. Burnside, 97214. 774-1064. Put>: St. Aetreds Messenger. ~~!~:; .Peace Community UMC, 2116 NE 18th Ave., 97212· 4609. MCC, 1644 NE 24th, 97232. 281-8868. Reach Out! (Former Jehovah's Wilnesses), PO Box 1173, Clecka· mas, 97015. SisterSprit, PO Box 9246 , 97207. 294-0645. Pub: Spiri\ed Women Resource Guide ROSEBURG(503) MCC, P.O. Box ◄55, Dillard, OR 97432-0◄ 55. SALEM(503) Di!l'lity, PO Box 532, 97308. 363-0006. ~eel Spiri1 MCC, PO Box 13969, 97309, 363-6618. 1◄ 10 121h S1., Pennsylvania ALTOOHA(814) Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Spmual Fellowship, 1805 8ttl Ave., 16602. 949-58.52. Pub: Pieconciliaton aWYN(610) . Pll!J'inl F~l .. slli~Church, P.O. 8oX4306, 19063. 237·1387. Mee~ ~~ (~~;i•rfelp!l,a Airport Comfort Inn. lnl,gity, PO Box 1782, 16507-0782. 774-0903. GLEN ROCK (717) .~';;',~I~r,11 ~tholic Owtch, ~7. Rick Nare, contact persoo. Dig,ity, PO Box 379, 18"27. 829-1341. HARRISBURG (717) Di!l'lity, PO Box 297 Fedor~ Square 5'1., 17108. MCC of the Spiri~ PO Box 11543, 17108. 231H367. Pub: Spirit Wings LEHIGH VALLEY (610) Grace Covenant Fellowship, 247 N. 10th St, Allentown, 18102. 740- 0?~7. Sunde¥, 10:45a.m. &yon Rowe, pastor. Thom Riner, music m1mster. Serving the Lehi~ Valley. ~~~· ~ :i; 8J~r:v~\~:;Jn~~~.8 11~~~~ ·8102. 439- 8755. Sullda.y, 7p.m. at Unitarian Coor ch, 701 lechllJWeki Ave. BeJh. lehem. Pub: Valley Star. ' PHILAOB.PtilA (215) Di!Ti~, PO Box 53348, 19105. 546-2003. Pub:The lndepemfeoce ln1'9'1~, c/o Holy Trirify Church, 1904 Walnu1S1., 19103. 382-0794. MCC, PO Box 8174, 19101-8174. 563-6601. Sunday, 7pm. at 2125 Chestnut St Pub: The Bell Ringel". UCCL.,IJC, PO Box 6315, 19139. 72◄ ·1247. ~£i::~. Univorsalist Church, Stanton Ave. & Gorgas lrl., 19150. PITMAN(717) ~~~~~ r.fit• AO 1, Box HG, 17~ . Gay harmonists. A~r~ation(Untted Melhocists), Box 10104, 15232-0104. 683-5526. Di!l'lily, PO Box 362, 15230. 362·4334. In~ . PO Bax 5619, 15207-0619. 421..S747. lulheransCoocemed, PO Box 81866, 15217-0866.521-7746. , MCC, 4836 Ellsworth Ave., 15213. 683-2994. PLGC, PO Box 9022, 15224-0022. WAYNE(610) Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 309, 19087. 688-0664. Marcia Bail· ey,_co-pastor. A Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist Congega1ion. Rhode lsland PROVIOENCE (401) Dgiity, PO Box 2231, Pawtucket, 02861. 727-2657. St Petef's&St.Anti'ew'SEpiscopal Churdl, 25 PomonaAve.,'02909- 5255 .. 272•9649. Rev. Jan Nunley, rector and co-convenor of lnteg1t)r/Rhode lsl~od. ~e are a -r~ coog'98tion• of Christians from all. ~elks of life, will an active lntegity chapl!lf, healing and AIDS ministry. Se habla Espanol. ~~~· 15 Oak Ave., Riverside Con~egational Church, 02915. South Carolina , CHARLESTON (8"3) MCC, 2010 Hawthome D., #10, 29-118. 747-6736. Mary M. Moore, pasl'.Jr. COLUMBIA(803) Lullet:ansCQncemed, PO Box 8828, 29202•8828. 738-1899. Meets at 728 Ptdc:ens St. on USC campus. MCCColumbia, P.O. Box 87,53, 29202. 256-2154. Meets al 1111 Bel· leview St, #2. GREENVILLE (8"3) MCC, PO Box 6322, 29606-6322. 233-0919. Sun., 7p.m. at 37 E. Hill· cresl Rev. Mick Hinson.pastor. South Dakota LAKE PRESTON (60S) UCCUGC, RI. 1, Box 76, 57249. 847-4623. SIOUX FALLS (605) St Francis& SI. Clare MCC, PO Box 266, 57101-0266. 332~3966. Tennessee CHATTANOOGA (615) lntegit)r, PO Box 4956, 37405. 756-6225 MCC, Po Box 80183, 37411. 892·2138 .. SUn., 7p.m. at3224 Navajo JOHNSON CITY (615) MCC ol lhe Tri Cities, PO Box 1612, 37605-1612. 926·4393. KNOXVILLE (615) MCC, PO Box 2343, 37901-2343. 521 ·6546. MEMPHIS (901) 660 1ntegrity c1o Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. 2nd St., 38103. 525- 2. NASHVILLE (615) • Oayspring Fellowship, 120-B S. 11th SL. Box 68073. 37206. 227•. 1448. lnteg~· PO Box 121172, 37212-1172. 383·6608. ~~l ,Au~:i~~0406, 37206·0406. 262-0922. &rn., 1 ta.m., 7p.m .• Texas ~~v";~~~/~ope Community Church, 1342 No. 41h SL. P.O. Box. 2961,79604. 677-7955. Sm., 11,.m. Crisis Counseling and Resoorce Center for Sexual Min0<ities, 1902 ~~s~~~~ SI., 79602. 676-0613. Crisis phone line and counseling Exodus MCC, PO Box 2473, 79604. 672•7922. 904 Walnut St AMARILLO (806) MCC, PO Box 1276, 79105. 372-4557. 2123 S. Polk St ARLINGTON (817) Xtn~,~~2r Truman·&., 76011. 265·~454. Sun., 10:45a.m. :;ation (United Methodists), 7403 Shoal Creek Blvd., 78757. 451- AU 5a1nts Ecumenical Catholic Church, P.O. Box 91597, 78709- 1597. 280-9151. The Rev. Robert 0. Hall, frrobert@aol.com, cio~elt>a@aol.com. Di!l'lily, PO Box 2866, 78768. 467·7908. lnlegity, PO Box 4327, 78765-4327. 462•0977. Joan Wakeford Ministries, Inc., 9401 Grouse Meadow Ln., 78758· 6348. 835-7354. PAGE 13 SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Resource Guide CORPUSCHRISTl(512) MCC1, 315 GraigS t, 711404·33380B. 2·8225s. un., 10,.m., Wed,. i~S'FORT WORTHA REA( 214) Affirmatio(Un nitedM elhodsts)B, ox4 83B2, Watauga,7 6148·0382. ~~=~nited Melhodst)s, PO Box1 91021, Dallas7, 5219. 528· 4913. AgapeM CC, POB ox1 5247, FortW orth7, 6119·024.7 (817)535-5002. 6~~!7Joa~~~~ · c:1~6~~1:~0;e~D~all-as,, 75235. 351-1901. sun.,9a.m, .11a.m. Digity, PO Box1 90133, Dalas, 75219-01332. 26-4101. ~i¥r1~:~·61hu'~:~f6y~~~~~:~1:~:ias, 75204. 827-508.8 •A homef or everyh eart"s ervingI ha Dallasl esbiana nd fiJi~°';~~,:r~f90~86i9.', ~Da6llas~,7 5 219.5 21-5342, ext 233. Gaya ndl esbianB aptist.s lni:!gilyP, OB ox1 90351D, allas7, 5219-03515.2 0-0912. SillJllH SIVesMt inistriesP,O B ox1 9051f, ~5219-051._51 2().6655. WhiteR ockc ommunitCy hurch7,' l2 TenrnsoMo emoriaAld .,7 522.3 285-28313. 20-0J43su. n. . 900am. . 11a .m.J .-ryC ool, <pas1or. DENTON(817) HarvesMt CC5, 900S .S temmon7s6, 2054. 97·4020S.u n,. 10:30a.m., 6pm. ~g~:~1 ;~% ;~,; Church, 501 E. 18lh al Cdumbia. 8'80·9235. ~~n ~~}~~ ~~~s~crk CK..n oag.2011. 991-6766. Di!llilyP, O Box6 6821m, ~1. 880-2872S. al, 7:JOpma. t 1307 };~~•~ ~itarianU niVersaHChsut rchG, ayitesbiaTna skF orce, 5200 Fam in St, 77~-5899. 526-5200. HoustonM issionC hurchP, O Box1 6M3ar3sh all7, 7006.5 29-8225. Sun.,1 0:30a.mR.e vR. oberLt cartB',p astor. lnEgity,P OB ox6 60087, 7266-60084.3 2-0414P.u b:M arginaNl ote.s KingdomC ommunitCy hurch6, 14 E.1 9thS t, 77008.8 62-75337.4 8· ~~·:;~~1 ::~1e91c9O teicoailrn,7 7,0 07-76368.6 1-91◄9. NJ: The Good News St. RaphaelE cumenicaCl atlolicC hurch,8 90-617.D eaconG ary Whea\ skyborgl!30111aol.can. LONGVIEW(9 03) Church Wit! A Vision MCC, PO Box 1287, 75606-1287. 753-1501. Son., 10 a.m.a t 420 E.C ottons t. ~~?Ji:S~t. . 78407.7 92·5562.S un., 11,.m. . 7p.m. Rev. RenaeP hiMippsa, storP. ub:V isio.n Lesbian.lGaAyl lianceI, nc. POB ox6 47◄ 6, 79◄64·◄ 74 6. 791-4499. Pub: Lambda Times MlllAN0(915) Holy TrinityC ommunityC hurch,1 607s . Main,7 9701. 570-4822. Rev. GleonE .H ammetpt,a stor. SANA NTONIO(2 10) MCC,1 136W.W oodawn7, 82017. 3-4--0048. RiverC ity LivingC hurch2, 02H olland7, 82127. 34--0377. ~vi:J:>~ommunity Ctiurch1, 390<C oonfyR d.1 93, 757035. 81• 6923.P astorD onnaA . Carr¢e!t. WACO(B17) MCC,P O Box2 20-437,6 712. 752-53;3~1 WICHITAF ALLS( 817) MCC. POB ox8 09-i,7 63076. 96--2668. Utah LOGAN(S-01) MCC,P OB ox4 285,8 43237. 50-5026S.u n.,1 1a.m. SALT lAKE CITY (801) Sa~ed Li!tlt~ ChnstM CC8, 23s . 600 E,8 4102-35075.9 6-0052. Vermont BURLINGTO(N80 2) Di!llify3, O Jeensbu~R d, 05403-5752. MCCP, O Box2 010,0 54078. 99-4442. UnitarianU nivel'sa!istls0 <G ay & LesbianC oncerns1, 52 PearSl t., 054018. 62-5630. ESSEX JCT ResurrectioAnp ostolicM inisbiesP, O Box 162,0 5452. Sr. Michelle M.T homasp.a stor. MONTPELIE(8R0 2) !ntegity,c /o ChristE piscopaCl h~!;n,6 4 StateS t, 05602-2933. Virginia ALEXANDR(I7A0 3) Affirmabo(Mn orrronsP),O B ox1 9334,2 2320-9343. 828-3096. St Cyril'sE asternC hristianF ellcwship6, 038R ichmondH wy., #301, 22303~. 7896. "ByzanMcet llistianc ommuni.t•y ARLINGTO(N7 03) Oi!J)ityP, OB ox1 0037, 22210. 912-1662. FALlS CHURCH(7 03) Affirmatio(nM ormonsP),O B ox1 93342, 2320-~. 828-3096. MCC,7 245L eeH wy, .220465. 32-0992&.I I., 6pm. at FairfaxU nitarian, 2 7H0un9t!! 'M illR d. Oakto.n TelosM inislries(B aptistsP), O& x 3390,2 2043~. 2680. NORFOLK(S O.) Di!llilyP, O Box4 34,2 35016. 25-5337. NewL ife MCC,P O Box 1026, 23501-10268.5 5-845.0 1530J ohnston'sA d. 51!n., 10:30a.m6.,: 30p.m., Wed., 7:30p.~.a t 1530Johns! onsRd. UnitarianU niversalistfso r Lesbian& GayC oncerns7, 39Y armouth St, 23510. 627-5371s.u n. . 11.,m. RICHMOND(80·4 ) Affrimation( UnitedM elhocists)P. O Box 2~15, 23260-561.5 746- 7279.7 00W.F ranklinS t. ~tG~::~~i~~•~e~~/~f&~fari1,40. ROANOK(E7 03) BlueR idgeL ambdaP ress,P OB ox2 37,2 400.2 890-3184. Lesbian & Gay Calhdics & E~scopalians, PO Box 4183, 24015. 774-0068. MCCo l the Bue RidgeP, O& lx 204952, 4018. 366-083.9 Sun.,3 p.m. at lklilaritrCt hurch2, 015G ranOOR d. SN. Pub: BueR idgeB anner. VIRGL'IIBAE ACH(S O.) All God'sC hildrenC ommunitCyh urch~. 85S . IndependencBel vd.• #108,2 34524. 99-7096. WIWAMSBU~ (804) Foundationosf StoneM ITTistr,! e1s49N elsonD r., 23185.2 29-083.2 Teachings, embarsr,e treatsr,e l/ivals. Washington BELLINGHAM An gos Among Us MCC, P.O. Box 4389, 98227·4389. EVERETT Ne\¥C reationM CC1, 11242 9thD rS E,9 8~·5228. MOUNTV ERNON(2 06) MCC,P O Box2 05n, Seallle9, 8102.3 25-6n5. OLYMP1A(206) EtemaLl i!7llM CC,2 07N .W ashingtcn9,8 501. RICHlAND(5 09) Riv" ol Li~ MCCP, O Box1 678, 99352-00595.◄ 4·9689. ShalomU CC,5 05 McMurray9, 9352. 943-3927O. pen anda ffirming cong. SEATTLE(2 06) Affirmation(M ormons.)P,O Box2 3223, 98102.8 20-5729P. ub:T he ~a~~ted Methcx:ists2)1, 15N .◄ 2nd, 98103. Digni~B, ox2 03259, 8102-132. 5325-731.4 Evange1clatsConcemePd,O E lox2 01899, 8102-11899.3 2-340. 1 Grace Gospel Oiapel, 2052 NW 64th St, 98107. 784-8495. Sun., 11a.m.,7 p.m.. Wed.7, ~.m. Jerryl a chinap, asbr. , ~~~~t~k~,:i~f~~2421. Rev. Cheri L St.orc/1• manp, astorc. anf Ofs erviceti mes.a ndl ocations. OvertakeM CCP, OB ox6 612, Bellevue, 980088. 85--041 ◄. 12700S E 32ndSI. Seattle First Baptist Church, 111 Harvard Ave., 98122. 325-6051. Rcxtiey A. Romney.pastor. SeatfeG ayN ews7, 04E .P ike,9 81223. 2◄-◄297. UCCLJGC3,1 718lhA va.'E.1 4,9 8112-513. 23£9-3027. Unitarianle sbians& Gays,6 5563 5thA ve.N E, 98115.◄ 83-0345. SPOKAN(E5 09) Affirmation(U nitedM ethodists)3, N. 9th St , Cheney9, 9004. 299- 2500. EmmanueMl CC,P O Box 769, 99210. 838-'0085.S un.,1 0:30a.m., 7p.ma. t 307W.◄ th Ave. UnttariaOn !urch,3 21W .8 th, 992046. 24-4802. TACOMA(206) HillsideC ommurifyC hurch2, 508S . 39tl St , 9S4094. 75-23881 MCC,2 150S .C ushmanA ve,. 96-405-343287.2 -238.2 VANCOUVE(R20 6) MCCa lhe Genie ShejlhefdP, O Box5 094, 986682. 53-8401. West Virginia MORGANTOW(3N0 4) Free<b1F1e llow!ilip, POB ox1 5522, 65052. 92-778.- 4 Wisconsin FOX VALLEY {414) Angelo f HopeM CC.P OE lox6 72,G reetBi ay,5 43054. 96-868.8 MADl9JN (608) FirstB aptisCt hurch5, 18N orthF ran~inl Ave., 537~5. 233-1~. Alan Newtona, ssociatep astorA. Welcoming andA ffirminAg me nca n Baptist congegadon. ~fui~fk~:~X ~·:~j.~ l~~~:J.Universitj Ave. SUPflllOR(715) Connect, Box 130◄, 54880. 394·9467. Outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexu~t.r ansgender,e thdeirf amiliesa ndworksite.s MILWAUKEE(414) Di!llityP,O Box5975, 3201.'4 4-7177. l.u1hera·nCsonceme,d POB ox1 6765, 3201-1676◄8.1 ·9663. ~.~':~~·.~~~?:2~~:/7.3 -1991 HealingJo ·THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN· Guided meditation and music for healing and reston,tion with vocals by The Rev. Deanne Aime and music by James Bass. The power to heal lies within the spiritual and psychological nature of every person. Tap into your healing power and potential through the process of spiritual deepening as you experience guided meditation . Tf,e Floor ( if Hear<'//, SI~. rnsscltc 01mm l'RO.\! SI:("()'.';]) STO'.';E PRESS. SEf, !':\GE 22. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. _., DAYTON.OHIO CAmmunity liAspel l,;hurch "Gay positive, people friendly House of Prayer for all people!" Sunday, 10 a.m. 546Xenia.Ave Call (513)252 -8855 LONG BEACH. CALIFO.RNIA FIRSTC ONGREGATIONACLH URCH LONG BEACH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST An Open and Affirming Congregation We welcome you to worship in a nurturing environment. 241 Cedar Ave • Long Beach CA 90802 (310) 436-2256 • Fa~ (310) 436-301!! http:/ /users.aol.com/revmek/index/html SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNI Mailbtg Address: Post Office Box 14462 San Francisco, CA94114 Street Address: 50 Belcher Street (between 14th St & Duboce) Phone: 415-905-6509 E-Mail Address: FreedomSF@AOL.com CHICAGO, ILLINOIS C!t1,1orfc th!t eR ts11rrectiott METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHU 5540 Eouth Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, IL 60637-1621 "Serving Chicago's gay and lesbian community tor 15 years. " Worship services Sundays 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Sundays 10:30 a.m. Ask us about our house groups, Give us a call at312/288-1535 DES MOINES, IOWA Church of the Holy Spirit Metropolitan Community Church POBox8426 Des Moines IA50301 Tel.(515)284-7940 Visit us this Sunday at 6pm. Our worship & office location is at 1548 8th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Calling people to new life. Confronting the injustice, Creating a community, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND For LesB1Gay Inclusive Worship in Rhode Island 1W1 INTEGRITY is a LesBiGay Ministry within L~ -the E-piscopal Church INTEGRITY/RmIe etsa t 4:30p mo n the 2ndS un.o f the montha t St. JamesE piscopaCl hurch( adckess below)e. mailr: integily@aol.cofmor morem fo. Join us at one of these _Rainbow Congregations St JamesE piscopaCl hurch,4 74F ruitH ill Ave.N, o.P rovidencSee./ vicesS: un.a t 9:30a m. St. Peter's & St Andrew's Episcopal Church, 25 Pomona Ave., Providence. Se!vk:eSsu: na. t8& 10amW, eda. t7 pm. Interneht ttp://wMv.ids.neVsainlpanda Churches in Germany and Canada s~outfor gays FRANKFURT, Germany (ENI) - A Reformed church federation in Germany has called for an end to discrimination against gays in th e church. . Gays and lesbians should be able to work as ordained ministers, and "lesbian and gay couples who wish to begin a life togeth er" should be able to celebrate a church service of blessing, acco rding to a statement from the federation's synod in Bueckeburg, reported by the German news agency epd . The Bund evangelisch-reformierter Kirch en - an a ss ociation of six Reformed parishes in Germany which do not belong to any of Germany's 24 prot estant regional Landeskirchen - is linked to the Evangelical Church in Germany (EK.J). In Toronto, the general secretary of th e Anglican Church of Canada , Archdeacon Jim Boyles, has written to the Federal Government supporting proposed legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation . "We do not 1>elieve that anyone should be d iscriminated again st because of gend er, race, creed, color or sex ual o rientation , " Archdeac o n Boyles wrote to th e Federal Justice. Minister, Alan Rock. "I would like to encourag e your government in its endeavor to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation on the protected list." Germ an Luthe ran church ac cepts blessi ng of gay cou ple THE LUTHERAN CHURCH of Hamburg, Germ any, accept e d the first public blessing of a gay couple by AIDS chaplain Rain er Jarchow . "All . peopl e are in need of blessing ." said Bishop Maria Jepsen after a m eeting with Jarchow. Anyon e who wishes to r eceive "God's word of comfort" on th eir common path in responsibly living as Christians, shou ld not be refused, Jepsen said . She added that th e public bles sing should -not be misunderstood "in the sense of marriag e" and reinterpreted for sociopolitical purpos es . ' The synod of t he Evang elical Lutheran Church of Latvia approved a revised version of th e church consistory' s resolution of September 1994 "On Pursuit of Homosexuality." The revis ed re solution stated that homosexuality is a "deadly sin" and cong regations are instruct ed to exclude from the eucharist all pr acticing homos exual s who don't repent of their homo s exuality . It also said thos e "deliberately practicing homosexuality and having chos en ii as their way of life are not allow e d to fulfill any duti es and positi ons in the church hi erarchy ." Th e North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church has a duty "to unr eservedly affirm marriage and its sp ecial importance ," said its governing board in a statement on "Marriage, family and oth er lifestyl es." But the German church also said an affirmation of marriage doe s not have to go hand in hand with a depr ecation of other lifestyl es. The Lutheran l111lk of this issue of Second Stone . Ideal for study groups -and bar ministry! SEEJHE ORDER FORM ON PA GE'.!'.! And behold, a· certain lawyer stood up and put H im to the test, saying, aTeacher, what sfw/1 J do to inherit eternal life?" A nd Jesus said to h;-m, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to yau ?" And he answered and said, "You sha/1 /ove the Lord your God wit/, a// your heart, and wit/1 all you r soul, and with a// your strength, and with a// your mind; and your n eighbor as yourself" And Jesus said to him, "You haue answered correctly, do tins and you w,/l/we" B { Tr-r W1sb-\ to JUSTlfY hunself , he said to Jes us. . . lUKf 10: Z5-2ij COHH~[TIOH ~g5 , T H U R SD AY, JU LY 4 T HR OU GH SUN DA Y , J ULY 7 C H APMA N U NI V ER S ITY , OR AN GE , C A • Conn EC tio n '9 6 i s a f our-day retreat exper ience with ot he r lesb i an /gay Christians. Activities include worship , keyn ote a ddresses, workshops, sma ll group in ter actio n, time to play, and time to reflect on our experience. Rega rdless of where you are on your journey of integrating your spirihia lity and o rientation , this could be. a rich and rewarding weekend for you. Key 11ote Speakers: Dr. Ra lp/1 B lair, founder of E vangelicals Conce ni cd, Inc. Dr. Jun e St e// cuscn l-Iagcn , tl1e 1993 recipient of Integrity's Morge Gumm Award, teac h es Eng l ish at Bronx Communi ty Co llege of the City Unive rsity o f Ne~: York. Na ncy and Chi p M ille r, whose son died of AIDS, spend much of their t ime trave li ng to congrega ti on s rela ting t h e ir fami ly's journey with their son's h omosexua lity, _ill ness and death. E vangelicals Concerned Western Reg iona l Fcl/mvsl,ip is a no n-profit organization t h at positive ly unites lesbi a n /gay sexua lit y with bib lical C hrist i anity by way of resou rces, local group activities, Bible study, retr eats anJ this annua l c,mfere nce. ' To receive more information please con tact ~s. ECWR 60 2.8 93.69 52 P O Box 669 06 Phoenix, AZ 85 082 -6906 PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE • MAY/J UNE, 1996 Families affected by AIDS find help through· Christian ministry By Lisa Bass The Pasadena Citizen PASADENA, Texas -On a quiet, treelined street on the northwest side of town, a dedicated network of helpers are using biblical principles thousands of years old to cope with one of the most intractable problems of the 20th century. His Touch HIV/ AIDS Ministries, led in Pasadena by the Rev. Ray Highfield, has turned the care for and comfort of HIV-positive and AIDS-infected men, women, children and families into a calling not always recognized by some church groups. The ministry currently operates a transitional home for AIDS patients that are unable to work, and a small apartment building for infected families, on its 6-acre compound. But after extensive remodeling is complete, the group hopes to offer a unique set of services not now availab le at one central site, including housing facilities for families, women and children, and teens; hospice care; ac\ult and child day care buildings; and a playground - a sort o( "one stop shopping" for AIDS patients. "Historically, churches have been there for all types of plagues," said Highfield. "We seem to have dropped the ball on this one . Initially there was a real indifference on the part of many churches because most of the first patients were gay and they didn't know how to minister to them." The ministry's transitional house for HIV-positive and AIDS-infected clients accepted its first patients in July of 1995, and has served approximately 45 patients since that time . Some patients stay for a few days, some might stay for a year - but all are grateful for the compassionate care and clean, pleasant housing the ministry offers. Charles, a 33-year-old HIVpositive client who wished that his last name not be used, has been at the ministry house for less than a week, but already feels at home in his shared room. "I feel accepted here," he said. "Rev. Highfield welcomed me with open arms. I truly feel like I've found a new family ." Already, Charles has suffered a brutal blow from the disease. His wife died of complications from AIDS on Dec. 8, 1995. Charles had discovered he was HIV-positive only a month before. r'AlGAYELLOW PAGES TM INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &f"n ~ TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 ~ Complete gay-friendiy resources . .. ~ ~::inesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organizations, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.SJH.1.V. resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed (no charge), or for details of current editions and prices, or Information about mailing labels, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-SS, Village Station, New York, NY 10014(212) 674-0120 You can order direclly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343·4002;· FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA and Canada call 1-212-989-4850. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They are not involved with production or publication of Gayellow Pages, so please don't call them except to order.) · •1 wish all my readers had a copy of this very useful volume. If you live in Nowheresville, U.S.A., and haven't a clue about how to find other gay folks, this book is indispensable. There's no way to remain isolated if you make use of the information contained in the Gayel/ow Pages.• Pat Callfia, Tho Advocate Advisor "By far the most comprehensive and up-to-date gay guide .. . Gayel/ow Pages .. . includes the standard entries for bars and restaurants .. . But the Gayel/ow Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV services, legal resources, organizations (categorized by purpose or inte:est}, religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual people, no matter how rsnzfti~:uft:d~~~t; i:J:~ff;~Z~. ~ow;ei;:~~3bt~::;1o:~7,:,'3mt1Pitfs~'Jfl,:,~;,,· ;,!:t1'r:c::ri:~ f~;; by th at it "For over 12 yBBrs Gayel/ow Pages has been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every performer, :~r::, ~~edu~~tk1~s;g::,zg~;,;fy1it%,~'E,a;:~::h ;;::;;~s~:c":r':;~M~~;;; s9S e in contact with. It's the PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE. 1996 ki£:. "She was the one that infected me, but I don't blame her," he said. "I never told her (that I was infected) before she died. Knowing she was already so sick, I didn't wa'1t to burden her." Her birthday would have been March 31. He held a small ceremony in her honor, lighting candles and remembering their 16 years together . "Even though she's dead and gone, I still love her dearly," he said. Charles, a slim, muscular man with dark, soulful eyes, carries no visible signs of the disease. Right now he's healthy and able to take part in activities that even some noninfected couch potatoes would hesitate to try. "I rollerblade," he said. "Right now, I feel like I could run a marathon." But the insidious course of the disease makes his future murky at best. New treatments designed to slow the progress of the virus are extending the lifespans of patients dramatically, but as of yet, no cure is in sight. One man at the transitional home has been infected with the virus for 14 years now, making him one of the longest surviving HIV-positive patients known to researchers. "The state of Florida sent me a letter saying I tested positive in 1982 - but they never told me (until recently)," according to Ray Flowers, a patient at the house . "I could have given it to my wife and child. My one blessing is that I didn't. ''I'd like to live long enough to get back with her. But the only way I can do that is to live long enough for them to find a cure." 'Tm kind of optimistic about the future, but I'm kind of scared about it too," Charles said . "I don't see myself around after the year 2000." But Charles refuses to allow HIV to spiral him into the kind of depression that can hasten the progres~ion of the virus. He looks forward to the day he can make a long-dreamed-of trip to New York City, and chats· enthusiastically about his plans to do volun- Homosexuality and Christian Community Choon-Loong Soow, editor Contributors to thie volume, all members of the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty, addre,ss the various exegetical, interpretive, and practical issues pertaining to gays and lesbians in the church. Ideal for churches and individuals engaged in theological reflection on this issue. teer work with AIDS-infected children. He is taking classes at Houston Community College, working toward a degree in psychology'. And he'd like to try skydiving - although he's ruled out bungee-jumping. "Too dangerous," he laughs. He looks forward to the day he can tell his friends and family h e is HIV-positive, without fearing their reactions. His mother knows about his disease, but his three brothers do not. Friends who are also AIDS-infected know about his status, since they can be trusted to keep his secret, and offer comp115sionand understanding, but he worries that noninfected friends who ■ "When we looked at this property, we probably had $50 in our bank account ... When we finish, we'll have a property valued at around a half million dollars. We believe God will provide." ■ learn of his status will reject him. "I want to tell them so badly but I'm afraid to. I think they need to know .but I'm afraid if I let them know, they'll run away," he said. Of all the burdens faced by HIVpositive patients, discrimination is possibly the only one that will not eventually be solved by medical science. "In the black community especially, AIDS is hushed up," he said. "The black community doesn't really SEE ms TOUCH, Next Page $14.99 Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. 1..-...: ,'·t '·# j M« iiMfi His Touch provides for families From Previous Page accept it. To them, it's a curse. It's looked on as a white disease. "But they're wrong. This disease doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are." "Just a few months ago, I was really angry and tired of the prejudice," Flowers said. "Now I'd like to get a · tattoo that says 'Biohazard,' to warn everyone I meet about the dangers of street drugs." "These people are the modern-day lepers," Highfield said . "They've experienced so much rejection that when they come into an atmosphere of love, it 's overwhelming. They're not used to being cared for." Highfield and His Touch try to bring the teachings of Jesus to their ministry, helping all those in need without regard to their faith, or their previous failings. Highfield applies the example of the Good Samaritan to his work, believing LETTERS, FromPage23 corned with open arms. God bless you in your work. Sincere ly , Ardyce Fislt Timonium, Maryland We erred in article on Sr. Gramick Dear Second Stone: Imagine my surprise when I read in the Jan/Feb '96 issue of Second Stone that I was a Franciscan Sister of the Poor, as reported in your "Names Making News" column. In fact, my religious order is the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Moreover, you seem to have afforded me the supernatural privilege of bi-location by referring to me as an advocate for the poor at Detroit Central City Community Mental Health, while in fact I am simply the director of lesbian and gay ministry for the Baltimore province pf the School Sisters of Notre Dame . While I am honored by the attribution, I must confess that both facts refer not to me, but to my co-chair at the National Coalition of American Nuns, Sr. Be th Rindler. Although it is true that I and rriy colleague, Fr. Robert Nugent, are being investigated by the Vatican, it is not for "heresy" but for alleged "ambiguity" about what the Catholic Church teaches about homosexuality . Many people, including Catholic bishops, do not know that his reward lies in knowing that he has made a difference. His clients have included people from all walks of life - from pastors and college professors to homeless indigents battling drug and alcohol problems. The home has sheltered Buddhists and MP.slims, Protestants and Catholics. "If they're Catholic, we arrange for them to go to a Catholic church . If they're Jewish, we arrange for them to go to the synagogue,'' he said. "We do not proselytize. Whether their lifestyle is right or wrong is between them and God ." Highfield became ·,11volved with AIDS outreach in the mid-80s, at a time wh e n the dis ease was not yet fully understood. Many people shunned AIDS patients, believing that they could become infected with the HIV virus through casual contact - a simple handshake or a peck on the cheek, for instance. Highfield took the opposite tack, that numerous members of the Catholic hierarchy have mad e some positive statements about lesbian and gay issues, as Fr. Nugent and I document in our r~cent book, Voices of Hope . Thank you for clarifying this informanning the front lines of the battle agair.st AIDS and in ihe process forging a new role for religious groups that had previously rejected HIVpositive populations. "A friend of mine, whom I went to school with, introduced me to the AIDS situation. He was homosexual and he was infected,'' Highfield said . "I saw back then that the church needed to prepare for this epidemic - now a pandemic." Highfield, along with members of the national board of His Touch, envisioned a facility in Pasadena devoted to transitional housing for AIDS patients back in 1990. The planning, fundraising, site acquisition and remodeling of the initial house were a work of love, and faith. "When we looked at this property, we probably had · $50 in our bank account,'' he said. "When we finish, we'll have a property valued at around a half million dollars . We believe God will provide." mation for your readers. Sincerely, Jeannine Gramick, SSND Ed. Note: Our apologies to Sr. Gramick and Sr. Rindler for tlte inaccuracies in the "Names Making News" article. Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible w~;! Bible and homosexuality. Really Says About Homosexuality • ..,.,,j,,,lmrh<•-,-tf,,•- ·' ·"' '""' Daniel A.Helminiak, Ph.D. JoknS . SpOnQ Kt1ow A Gay My liberation Theology Name Daniel A. Helminiak , Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest , expla ins in a clear fashion fascinating new insights . " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subjecl from what is often claimed." - L. William Countryman Whal the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality, $9.95, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. Writer and activist RICHARD CLEA VER takes a fresh approach to the ongoing debate by examining the struggles of gay men and lesbians in the church through the lens of liberation theology. He offers a "gay reading" of scripture, but one that is also spiritually challenging to all readers. Cleaver interweaves biblical reflections with historical; social, political, and personal commentary. Know My Name, by Richard Cleaver Now available in paperback, $15.99 Order from Second Stone Press, page 22 Chnst1an Responses to AIDS The facility met with initial resistance from the city of Pasadena when it applied -for a certificate of occupancy, which Highfield believes stemmed in part from the nature of the group home. "Someday, the city of Pasadena will be proud that we ' re here," Highfield said. Opinions in the neighborhood have ranged from grudging acceptance to outright enthusiasm, according to Highfield. "I was surprised," he said. "I expected a lot of opposition from the neighbors. But I'm impressed with (the residents of) Pasadena, by the openness of the community . "These are caring people, who know not to be afraid." • • DEFECTING IN PLACE: Woman Claiming =~~:~~!r.ril!Jal UV86byWnter , Was 22.95 NOW 18.95 A SINGING SOMETHING: Womanlst Reflections on Ama .lllla Cooper by Saker-Ae!dier. Hasdcover. 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Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Our Treasure JUNE 6-9, We've found a treasure, not made of gold, but of of very souls; liviug life as faith -filled lesbians and gay men; persons whom God created. This 20th annual event for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals of all colors, their families and friends, will continue to explore issues of sexuality in the context of Christian faith and practice. The process includes daily worship, small group sharing, workshops, play, and celebration. Led by John McNeill, Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Rev. LaPaula Turner, Scott Anderson and Robert Raines. Fee, $295. Contact: Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013-9359 (610-588-1793). Religious Life Weekend and Retreat JUNE 7-9, The Mercy of God Community sponsors the fifth annual gathering at the Xavier Retreat Center, Convent Station, New Jersey. The weekend is designed for those who want to expl ore the possibility of service in religious life. For information contact the Mercy of God Community, P.O. Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940 - 1055. CMI Retreat: The Heart: Hospitality, Healing, Hope JUNE 10-14, The Serra Retreat House in Malibu, Calif., is the setting for this Communications Ministry retreat to be led by Ron Raab and Chris Machado. CMI (an organization of gay Catholic priests and brothers and lesbian sisters) offers a safe opportunity for people to come and share their faith journey for the purpose of nurturing the ongoing integration of sexuality/spirituality and ministry as gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Fee, $355. For information write to: CMI Retreat Committee, P.O. Box 10658, Chicago, IL 60610-0658. sponsored gathering. Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, is the setting. The theme is "If My People Who Are Called By My Name .. ." Fee, $85. For information contact Pilgrim Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 4306, Elwyn, PA 19063, (610)237- 1367. Sisters in a Strange Land: A Retreat for Christian Lesbians JUNE 21-23, Join with others on the shores of Lake Michigan to explore how lesbians are challenging and reshaping Christian spirituality from a feminist perspective. Sponsored by Leaven, Inc ., this retreat is partially funded with a grant from United Church Board for Homeland Ministries. For information, call Melanie Morrison, (517)855-2277 or write Leaven, P.O. Box 23233, Lansing, MI 48909. GLAD Alliance Annual Event . JUNE 21-24, Members and friends of the Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples will gather in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Plaza Resolana Conference Center for "Centering on the Edge." Facilitating will be Rev. Mary Jacobs, co-pastor of Desert Dove Christian Church in Tucson and immediate past First Vice Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Professor J. Cy Rowell, Professor of Religious Education and Director of Continuing Education at TCU's Brite East Coast ACTS Weekend Divinity School. For registration informa- JUNE 21-23, The Eastern regional tion, write GLAD Event, P .O. Box ADVANCE Christian Ministries- 11876, Knoxville, TN 37939. PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Integrity National Convention JUNE 27-30, "Approaching the New Mil lennium with Integrity" is the theme of this annual gathering of gay, lesbian and bisexual Episcopalians. New York City during Gay Pride is the setting for this organization to ponder a very active year in the life of their church ... and to relax and enjoy. For information contact Integrity/New York, P.O. Box 20067, New York, NY 10011. UCC Third National Meeting of Women JUNE 27-30, The United Church of Christ presents "Voices and Visions: Third National Meeting of Women" featuring Barbara Ehrenreich, June Goudey, Bernice Powell Jackson and Christine Smith. For information call 1-800-653-0799. Supportive Congregations International Gathering JUNE 28-30, "Dancing at the Table: Reimagining the Church" is the theme of this conference, sponsored by the Supportive Congregations Network and the Church of the Brethren Women's Caucus. Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana, is the setting. Any congregation or individual interested in finding an affirming place for lesbian, gay and bisexual members in the Brethren and Mennonite churches is welcome. For information write to P .O. Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406 or call (612)305-0315 or email scnetwork@aol.com. UCCL/GC National Gathering JUNE 30-JULY 4, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Rev. Dr. Joan M,rrtin and Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward are featured g_uests. "Pluralism and Power" is the theme. Fee, $85. For information contact John W. Lardin, 23324 Manor Rd., N . , New Boston, MI 48164, (313)753-4808, jwlardin@aol.com. connECtion '96 JULY 4-7, Chapman College in Orange County, Calif oi;nia is the setting for this year's national gathering of Evangelicals Concerned. Featured speakers include Dr. Ralph Blair, founder of EC, June Steffen sen Hagen, author of Rattling Those Dry Bones: Women Changing the Church, and Nancy and Chip Miller, who are affiliated with the Kentucky Southern Baptist Convention and whose son died of AIDS. For information call (212)517-3171. GLPCI & COLAGE Conference JULY 4- 7, The Regal Hotel in Minneapolis is the setting for this conference for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay parents, their children, friends and family, · hosted by Minnesota Families. "Proud Parents Make Proud Kids" is the theme. The conference, sponsored by Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International, is open to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals involved in parenting roles. For information contact Minne sota Families, GLPCI '96, P.O. Box 11270, St. Paul, MN 55111-0970, (612)924 -3049. Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 3-11 , The Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition has declared the first week in August "Gay and Lesbian Family Week." The organization will celebrate the week in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI will host a barbecue and the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce will suggest activities f~r families to enjoy during the week. For information contact GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, (202)583-8029, FAX (201)783-6204. World Gathering on Bereavement AUGUST 14-18, This international conference brings together the bereaved, bereavement support organizations and professionals. More than 90 workshops and sharing groups are offered. The Red Lion Airport Hotel in Seattle is the setting. The conference is sponsored by Accord Aftercare Services of Louisville, Kentucky and Family Services, Seattle . For information call (800)346-3087 or (206)246-6142. First National Gathering of Welcoining and Affirming Baptists .AUGUST 16-18, Lake Street Church (W &A), Evanston, Illinois, is the setting for the inaugural gathering of the Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. Keynote speakers are Peggy and Tony Campolo. Among the workshops and forums being planned are discussions of the "disfellowshipping" situation, resources for W &A ministries and planning for the next gathering at the 1997 Biennial. The organization had not released registration information as of press time. Gay Male Rites of Passage: Moving Beyond Coming Out to Being Out AUGUST 16-18, How can gay men ritually negotiate their identity-development tasks and spiritual challenges? This w,eekend will channel joys, rages, griefs, and powers of gay experience, providing spiritual tools to nurture happy, open, successful lives. Fee, $225. Contact: Kirkridge, 2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013- 9359 (610-588-1793). PFLAG National Conference OCTOBER ll-14, The Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington, D.C. is the setting for the annual gathering of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. "Love Takes Action - Building A Nation Of Equality" is the theme. For information contact The Balcom Group, (202)686- 0474, balcomgrp@aol.com. Church & Or anization News Alliance of Christian Churches unites independent churches A NEW ORGANIZATION of independent congregations adopted its constitution and by-laws on Feb. 26. The Alliance of Christian Churches will not be a denomination and every member church remains independent, according to Jerry Cook, moderator of the ACC and pastor of White Rock Community Church in Dallas. "The purpose is to create a spirit of cooperation among independent congregations where churches will be able to come together in endeavors or missions, Christian education, fellowship and community prayer to more effectively meet the needs of an everexpanding gay and lesbian community," Cook said. The opening charter meeting will be held in Houston beginning Sept . 30. Information about the Alliance of Christian Churches may be obtained by calling (214)320- 0043 or by writing 722 Tenison Memo0 rial Rd., Dallas, TX 75223. Disfellowshipped Baptist churches invited to join UFMCC THE METROPOLITAN Community Church of San Francisco welcomed representatives from the five Bay Area Welcoming and Affirming American Baptist congregations during its worship service April 27 - a celebrati911 of the congregation's 26th anniversary. ·Four of the five churches represented - First Baptist Church of Berkeley, Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church of Oakland, New Community of Faith in San Jose, and San Leandro Community Church were disfellowshipped earlier this year by the American Baptist Churches of the West for joining the Welcoming and Affirming Congregation program , Dolores Street Baptist Church of San Francisco was also represented. Representatives from each of the five congregations received a certificate from Rev. Jim Mitulski, pastor of MCC San Francisco, recognizing each drnrch for its struggle to be a place of affirmation for gay and lesbian people . The certificates were accompanied by a letter inviting the congre-, gations to join the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. "We believe that God calls some to make a prophetic stance within their denominations and that God calls others beyond the bounds of those churches in their ministries. Whichever path you are called to, know that we are united with you in spirit and in prayer," the letter said. White Rock Church serves PWA community THE FRIENDS MINISTRY'S General Store of White Rock Community Church in Dallas has become a major resource to the PWA community. The store has given out thousands of dollars in dry .goods. White Rock stepped in when a local PW A agency faced a funding loss. The church provided volunteers and almost $3000 in goods and donations. The Friends Ministry sponsors an Adopt-A-Friend program for $10 a month and the Gen- Names Makin News Bishop Melvin G. Talbert and Rev. Jeanne Audrey Powers BISHOP TALBERT, president of the National Council of Churches, and Transitions THE REV. KARL SPATZ, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church in Las Vegas for the past 26 years, died March 10. He was 64. Rev. Spatz was one of the first clergy in Southern Nevada to freely speak about AIDS. He also accepted and encouraged gay men and lesbians to worship at his church and welcomed them as members of his congregation. He was a pioneer of tolerance and compassion, often referring to the congregation as "the household." Rev. Powers, associate general secretary of the United Methodist General Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, was honored with the social action awards of the Methodist Federation for Social Action during the UMC General Conference in April. Talbert, who presides over the San Francisco Area of the UMC, has been an outstanding leader in the UM Council of Bishops on issues of peace and justice since 1980, including the fight against racism and homophobia and opposition to the Gulf War. Powers is a UM church executive for ecumenical affairs who has helped lead the Methodist church in every conceivable justice issue. She was forced into silence on the issue of homosexuality after she came out as a lesbian last summer. era! Store is raising money through the sale of stick-on red ribbons and white hats featuring red ribbons. For information on helping these ministries, readers may call Jerry Lynq; (214)823-3899 or Hillary Koenig (214)320-0106. Hawaii church celebrates 25th anniversary THE KE ANUENUE O Ke Aloha Metropolitan Community Church of Honolulu is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Rev. John Bullock is pastor of the 55-member congregation. The congregation held its anniversary celebration April 20 at Harris United Methodist Church. The Rev . Chnst1an Commun1t News Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Churches, was scheduled to speak; The church holds a . service at 7 p;m. every Sunday at'lhe Church of the Crossroads. New church starts in Detroit A NEW CHURCH to serve the needs of the lesbian and gay community in the Detroit area held its first service April 14. The Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus will hold weekly services in Southfield at Calvary Lutheran ·church. The pastor of the church is Rev. John Roberts, a former Lutheran minister. The church may be reached at (810)647-9865. New group of Catholics forms to fight homophobia in church By Pat Burson St. Paul Pioneer Press Sf. PAUL, Minn. - A Catholic bishop known for clashing with the Vatican's view that gays are "intrinsically disordered" joined Twin Cities Catholics in announcing a group to combat homophobia within the church. Members of the new group, the Catholic Coalition for Sexual Minorities, said the Rev. Thomas Gumbleton, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit for the past 27 years, inspired their effort to open the Roman Catholic Church to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. During a 1994 visit to the Twin Cities, Gumbleton said the Vatican's teachings on homosexuality have alienated gays. During the announcement of the new group, he reiterated those views. "There is a need for a very real pastoral effort to reach out lo prevent the alienation and the sense of abandonment by the church that so many people of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender backgrounds have experienced," Gumbleton said at a news conference at the Minnesota Church Center. Coalition organizers, who represent about a dozen area parishes, hope to join the discussion about the church's teachings on sexuality and its approach to persons of nontraditional sexual orientations. They also hope to counter views of groups that, they say, have distorted complex church teachings in ways that have promoted discrimination and hostility. "I don't think there's a place for a homophobic church in this society," said coalition member John Watkins, an openly gay man and a parishioner at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. "I feel we're acting within what we've all been taught as Christ's message within the church," said coalition member Mary Simone White, a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis . White's son died of complications from AIDS in 1993. Coalition organizers wrote a letter . earlier this month to the Rev. Kevin McDonough, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, detailing their plans. They say they have not received a reply, McDonough could not be reached for comment. For more information about the Catholic Coalition for Sexual Minorities call 612-340-0618. Ecumenical & Inclusive .:::~r;i~':1 ii,t LJ! ';:,, .l(j\·;·I' :· 1~ .-· . . \~1.1• '.··. / ·,•·J.J, ;·;, (11' ,:I' /! . (. , r 1 1n, We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic and , Protestant traditions involved in minstries of Jove, · compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries. We are inspired by the spirit of St Francis and St. Clare. Like the ecumenical Taize Community we are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. For more infonnation or a copy of our newsletter, Footsteps, please write us: Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box.8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 Good 'behaving' from Marsha Stevens Music FANS OF MARSHA STEVENS who have not been fortunate enough to hear her in concert recently should be aware of two little gems that any CD player can bring to life as a festive spiritual experience. BALM (Born Again Lesbian Music) Ministries rather quiet!; · eased two new CDs by Stevens late last year. "I Will Not Behave Like Prey" is • Stevens' newest release on her own label. It is sixth in a line of albums and a concert video. Once again, Stevens manages to stay in what she calls "a narrow field that is wide open," with music specifically relevant to the gay experience in the service of Christ. While much of the title cut could apply to a wider SingerandcomposerMarshaStevens Christian audience eschewing victimization and blame and choosing to Know it Best: Inclusive Hymns for the stand for Christ, some lyrics remain Church." Produced by Glenna unquestionably applicable lo the Shepherd, the GD is a collection of marginalized gay and lesbian com- everyone's favorite hymns, with lyrmunity. "That hateful preacher's not ics revised in inclusive fashion, and our foe, the enemy is hate; I will not sung in Stevens' unique style. The 14 be a victim or be kept outside The tracks include "In the Garden," "It is Gate," Stevens sings. Well," "I Love to Tell the Story," The CD was produced and arranged "Great is Thy Faithfulness," and by Chris Lobdell with Stevens writ- "Amazing Grace." Listeners will paring or sharing credit for music on two ticularly appreciate Stevens' acapcuts and lyrics on six of the ten tracks. pella treatment of "There is a Balm Bold titles like "The Body Of Christ in Gilead." Has AIDS" and "Love is the Only Stevens' music breaks through the Law" are a teaser for what's in store religious rhetoric so many have come from this diverse set of upbeat music to hate and talks about everyone's about triumph in the struggle. longing to see purpose in their exist- Stevens is the composer of the popu- ence and healing in their lives. Jar hymn "For Those Tears I Died" "I can't imagine anything I would which appears in almost every rather do," Stevens says. hymnal in use. She wrote that song - "Occasionally people ask me why I when she was 16 - at the very begin- don't cross over into the bar or dub ning of her musical career. (In 1969, scene, and I have to tell them that I Pat Boone called her to ask if he don't think people are attracted to could record it.) Stevens' coming out my music because I'm the best singer as e lesbian took her out of the big or performer or musician around. Peomainstream Christian music market pie are attracted to my passion for and she gets little play on Christian what I do." music radio stations. Likewise, her Stevens continues to live her dream: Christian music keeps her out of the to minister to the gay community gay pop music scene. through her music. "We' re a very These days, she performs in concert wounded people," she says~ "Wolves in churches around the country, trav- have been among the fold. The more eling in a 9' by 35' RV with her spou- that we walk in the light, the more se-manager, Suzanne McKeag, and healing will come about by itself ." their cocker spaniel and cat. For information on Marsha Stevens' The other CD released by Stevens music, contact BALM. P.O. Box 1981, late last year is "For Those Who Costa Mesa, CA 92628. PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • MAY/ J UN E, 1996 A different kind of gay travel book Not just an accidental tourist Books LA WREN CE BISCONTINI is a gay Christian author and traveler who has gathered his accounts of his journeys to over twenty countries on several continents into a travel book that stands out in a refreshingly different way from most gay travel literature . There are no descriptions of circuit parties and no lips on finding hot cruise spots. "The goal of the book is to put the traveler or tourist into the world, and not separate him or her from it by just visiting gay bars," said Biscontini, who put over a decade of work into The One -Percent Factor: An Eccentric Unicorn's Approach to Touring and Traveling. "I don't believe the market has seen a first-hand travel book that's so filled with wholesome, exciting, autobiographical gay fun," he said. Many of Biscontini's travel journals, or "logs," as he calls them, fill the pages of The One -Percent Factor, among them: his youthful first glimpses of Europe, an Australian adventure, excursions to South and Central America, and journeys to the Middle and Far Easts. ''The title itself has nothing to do with claims that ten percent of the Western population is gay," Biscontini said. "It is entirely an invention of mine ... Indeed, if there is only one powerful 'g' word in the book, it is just as much 'God' as it is 'gay."' One of Biscontini's experiences with God is revealed in his account of a summer trip to the South Pacific Islands in 1983. The adventure was a graduation present from his father. In Bora Bora Biscontini writes: "I boarded 'le truck' with a few other hotel guests, and we set off for Mass. Little did I know the magnificent treat that was in store for me! The locals were very friendly; two boys handed out the Mass schedule. At starting time, everyone moves into the small church. The altar and statues make lavish use of the many flowers around. The small windows let the sunlight pour in and also enable everyone to hear the roosters crowing next door. ''The children sit on and around the altar area, so their parents (and visitors!) occupy the limited seats . It reminded me of Jesus and the children, how close the children sit to the priest! What a truly warm sight to see! The entire congregation has on Eccentric unicorn: Lawrence Biscontini the 'Sunday' best outfits - from dresses and hats to the freshest of flowers ... The smiling faces of the children reminded me of two things that always remain universal, regardless of how far away from home one may go: 1) God's love is everywhere, . and 2)everyone smiles in the same language . Seventy five percent of the Bora Bora population is made up of these adorable, smiling children! "Mass was given by a friendly priest with the help of a boy and a girl, natives who read. The Mass was an interesting mixture of French and Tahitian languages. It lasted about an hour. (I'm not sure because l don't wear a watch in paradise.) Perhaps the most exciting part of the Mass, indeed, what made it up, was the singing! Without music, one woman leads everyone through the songs and chants ... After Mass ... I stood outside and really admired the native lifestyle. The women with their babies, dresses, and hats made me so happy as I just watched them. What a morning !" Attending church is one of Biscontini' s ways of making a quick connection with a different culture. In Buenos Aires on October 12, 1990 he writes: "I was very impressed by the quantity of young Argentines who [passed the facade of the Cathedral) and crossed themselves religiously as they hurried by, obviously SEE UNICORN, Next Page Coming on video: The Bible By David Briggs Associated Press Religion Writer EVEN CECIL B. DeMILLE would have been impressed. Casts of thousands. Multimilliondollar budgets. And a running time of over 250 hours. Call it the biblical epic to end all · biblical epics. A South African com_ pany is planning a filmed dramatiza. tion of the entire Bible, word for word. Visual International of Cape Town has already released the first fourvideo, four-hour films of the Gospel of Matthew and the Book of Acts. Production is -planned to begin later this year on the Book of Esther . By somewhere around 2010, the com- UNICORN, From Previous Page Catholic. .. I stumb led upon a mass just in its beginning stages and I sang the "Senor, ten piedad" part of the mass with the congregation. It was someth ing with which I was very familiar - and it was good after a nine-hour flight with only thre e hours of sleep. It was God letting me know that He was with me. · Here, 'down under ,' I could s till pick up immediat ely on a part of society, in ■ Wherever I go, no matter what the culture, whenever I find a Catholic church, I can immediately relate to at least one aspect of culture! ■ this case the Roman Catholic Mass, and .fit right in! Wherever I go, no matter what the culture, whenever I find a Catholic church, I can imme diately relate to at least one aspect of culture! This is an example of what most definitely is traveling and not 'touristing ."' Biscontini's travels have not been without danger. H e wri tes of his experience iri Puerto Rico as the center pany plans to have made the edi;e Bible available on videocassette. In an age when some homes have more videos than books, "The Visual Bible" is the next logical step to keeping Scriptures widely available to contemporary audiences, company officials say. "It's kind of like Gutenberg when he came out with the Bible in print," said David C. Seibert, president of Dallas-based Visual Entertainment Inc., which is distributing the videos in North America. "This is a new generation where we have it on video." The four-video cassette packages of "Matthew" and "Acts," which retail for $99.95 each, are available by telephone and mail order. Plans call for the videos to be released to the genof Hurricane Hugo blasted through on September 18, 1989: "I walked ... outside, trying to step around and on top bf the broken glass everywhere, through the hole of where my large, picture-window in the bedroom used to exist. i saw the wasteland of Puerto Rico ... No trees were standing, only twigs without leaves ... I saw my socks, underwear, ti es and other items of clothing scattered among the rocks, grass, trees, and debris of broken glass ... " - an observation he made during the calm of the eye of the storm. The winds started up again from the opposite direction and brought even more destruction. "God did not abandon me through the experience,'' Biscontini writes. "He carried me. I know this because there is no way I could have preserved any amount of sanity having to live in what had been my house for those twelve hours, witnessing its own undoing, without divine aid." In addition to the travel logs, the final chapters of The One-Percent Factor are dedicated to the philosophy of travel itself: what makes a traveler and a tourist, with critical, thoughtful ponderings of the status of the world as it now exists. Here Biscontini includes poetry he has written during his travels through the years. Most interestingly, learning what exact ly is the enigmatic "one percent factor" of the title brings great light to those concerned with trans-cultural studies. The One-Percent Factor can serve, then, not only as an alternative guidebook for both the arm-chair tourist and real life traveler , but also as a stimulant to those who ponder the size of the planet, and the similarities that everyone on it share. Videos era! bookstore market by September, Seibert said. The videos feature established actors such as Richard Kiley, Dean Jones, Jennifer O'Neill and James Brolin acting out the words of the Bible in settings in Tunisia and Cape Town that recreate life in the Middle East in the first century. The director is the South African filmmaker Reghardt van den Bergh. The "Matthew" video begins with an aging Apostle Matthew, played by Kiley, recalling the events he witnessed as a young man. The film portrays events in the life of Jesus as described in the Gospel from his birth to the resurrection. American actor Bruce Marchiano plays Jesus as being filled with warmth and humor, in contrast to the somber demeanors of many actors who have played the role . The "Acts" video tells the story of the young Christian church, with Jones in the role of the physician Luke. The conversion of Paul, the martyrdom of Stephen and the minis- Gatherings try of Peter are all dramatized . Company officials say they chose these biblical books as the first in the series based on their ability to be translated word for word to the screen and keep viewer interest. They say they realize it's going to be a lot tougher making a compelling film out of books such as Leviticus, where long passages are devoted to spelling out the details of religious laws and rituals . But their goal is to have 66 books of the Bible on video within 15 years, and to eventually reach 1 billion people with "The Visual Bible." More than 90 percent of American homes have Bibles, and research indicates that people are 20 percent more likely to want to see something rather than read it, according to Visual Entertainment. "It's a book people have. Whether they read it or not, they have one," Seibert said. - Now, if the company's plans go ahead on schedule, by sometime early in the next millennium, whether or not people have read the Bible, they can see the video. For information on "The Visual Bible" call (800)673-1596. ~i~~t 9f ~ngels Recordings Arnilablc LET MUSIC LIVE lCC-1080 CDS18/TlliA THE TIMES OF DAY RR•1D67 CDSHIITNJA Turtle Creek Chorale From gospel to 20th centu,y sacred, songs of community to a song cycle f or survi val , the Turtle Creek Chorale offers the fin est FOR MORE INFORMATION ro. Box 190806 I Dallas. TX 75219-0806 214 .526.)214 PHONE / 2 14.528.0673 FAX 800.74 6 .4412 TOLL FREE TCCDallas@aol.com E-MAIL http://dc.smu.edu/ lcd HOME PAGE I PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE • FAMILY TCC-1070 COS181TS13 POSTCARDS RR1061 CDS1811S13 REQUIEM AR-1057 COS18ITS13 TESTAMENT COS18,TSl3 FROM THE HEART TCC·1010 cos1a,1sn UNITED WE SING ICC-1050 cosn.rs,s UNITED WE SING VIDEO TCC-10503 WHEN WE NO LONGER TOUCH lCC-1030 CDS1B-TS13 AFTER GOODBYE VIDEO EVERYTHING'S POSSIBLE CDS181Ttl'A A ROAMIN' HOLIDAY COS1BITS13 PEACE TCC·1020 CDS181TS1J Pri~es '""lude ihipp!nq and handling The mailable, faxable and e-mailable form for just aoout everything. 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E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • MAY/JUNE, 1996 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY SecoSntdo ne The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian Response Letters Seattle, Washington Mother of gay man proud of her Baptist pastor Dear Second Stone: I am writing concerning your article in the Jan / Feb'% issue about the four Baptist churches disfellowshipped by the Western Region of Amencan Baptists . I attend Seattle First Baptist Church where Dr. Rodney Romney is pastor. I thought you might be i~terested in what Dr . Romney wrote m an We welcome your letters and opinions Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and signed by the '!'riter. Clear[y indicate if your n~e is to b~ withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)891-7555. SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications , P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.co m. Copyright 1996 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage . All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING , For display advertising information ca ll 504-891- 7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182. Classified adver tising information is found on the classified page. We reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL , Senp letters , event ' announcements , church and organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mai l to secstone@aol.corh. Manuscripts to. be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed enve lope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsibl e for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaper with a specific outreach to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim-Bailey open letter to a colleague in ministry: "I know you gave strong leadership for the removal of [ the gay-affirming churches from the regional association .] I know you have a large church and that you have the reputation of being a strong preacher. But I also know that many are hurt by your ministry . I am referring here in general to that ten percent of the human population that through no choice of their own are destined to be gay or ·lesbian, and specifically to the four American Baptist Churches in the Bay Area that you ardently and zealously helped get removed from the .region. I am totally unable to believe that ministry allows us the options to hurt anyone knowingly and willingly ... . . "Once again we have given the world at large more reason for writing off the church as an institution totally out of step with its times ancj critical and unsympathetic to the human burdens that others carry ... " ... ! can only hope that someday you will wake up to the sad reality that what you helped the churches of Northern California to do on January 6, 1996, will not be marked as a victory for Jesus but a day of reg~ession when his body was once agam sundered by earnest people whose love was not as large as his." I am a subscriber to your newspaper and the mother of a gay son. It gives me a great deal of comfort to attend a church where Dr. Romney is the pas tor, and where my son is always we!- SEE LETTERS, Page 17 c.flf.. Pontius' Puddle - - - -- --- - -- ·~ ·-·- - ----- Commentary Take your stand against ignorance and intolerance By Rev. Mel White Keeping In Touch WHEN I STILL LOOKED good in short pants and a bare chest, those many moons ago, my family camped on the Merced River in Northern Cal-. ifornia. I can still remember lying on a grassy bank in the hot sunshine staring at silvery, speckled trout swimming in the crystal-clear waters. One year, we were horrified to discover that a factory upstream had poured tons of toxic pollutants into the water. The clean, uncloμded current had turned murky yellow and smelled of dead fish and chemical sludge. Fortunately, the people who lived on that river mobilized their forces. They used petitions, lawyers, a boycott, and the ballot box to save their beloved stream. As Minister of Justice of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, I have to say it again: The souls of our various nations are being polluted by a toxic cloud of ignorance and intolerance against God's gay and lesbian children that leads directly to suffering and to death. The primary polluters are Catholic and protestant leaders so committed to their current anti homosexual course that they can't · deal honestly with the growing mountain of evidence that homosexual orientation is not a choice or something to be changed, but a gift from God to be accepted, celebrated, and lived with integrity. Are there pastors, priests, or poli ticians in your town who pollute the environment with their own toxic flow of ignorance and intoleranc e? Take your stand against the poison that cripples and kills our sisters and brothers. When you hear voices poisoning the minds and hearts of your neighbors, copy or tape the untruth to have an accurate record. Then call, write, or visit the polluter. Share the truth in love ; If the polluter refuses to hear you (in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17), then write a letter to your newspaper editor , call . your radio and television stations, the mayor's office, the ACLU, th e FCC, your local ministerial association, the gay press, the good folks at P-FLAG, and BCS4l@aol.com or GLAAD. Mobilize a network 'of concern! Do something, apything. Justice is at stake . We cannot be silent while'poisonous clouds of untruth spew forth. It's our ·stream, too. Let's work to see that the water turns crystal-clear again. Noah revisited By Rev. Roger Wharton Guest Comment THE BIBLI€AL STORY of Noah speaks to our human responsibility to be careful stewards of God's Creation. "God said to Noah, 'I have decided that the end has come for all living things, for the earth is full of lawles~;, ness because of human bemgs. (Gen. 6:13 NJB) Notice that God's decision rests on God's evaluation of WHA.,-oo voo MEAIII. vou•~i: L~C."n,SE' 7 IN"\Oi..ERAN.,- · human behavior and how it has affected all of creation. Noah then learns that he has found favor with God and is to build an ark so that he will be saved from the floods to come. Noah, however, is to learn more .... No matter how righteous Noah feels in his se lection by God, he soon discovers that he is to take his family SEE COMMENTARY, Page 24 classif. cate with (not to), someone unprejudiced and concerned about justice, especially as related to prisons . Please write Kenneth Johnson #5 15059, F-3, Route 2, Box 4400, Gatesville, TX 76597. TF . BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE (The National Gay & Lesbian · News magazi ne). One year: 26 issues . (Publi sher's price : $44.00) Second Stone readers only $29.00. Send CK/MO to: Bill Smith, Ben Hur Publi- COMMENTARY, FromPage23 with hiin on the ark. In this, Noah and humankind should see that th ere is no salvation or wholeness without community . Ne xt, Noah is instructed to load pairs of all the living animals on board. The lesson here is that there is no salvation without ecological w holeness. When the floods are over and the earth is ready for habitation again, God establishes a covenant, not just with human beings but with all of creation . God goes on to say that the rainbow is set in the sky as a reminder of that covenant between God and every living creatur e on earth. It seems that human beings have forgott en the lesso ns of Noah. Many think that they · are complet_e unto themse:'les and nee d to remember that salvation and wholeness is found within our relationship to others in the global human community. The human community, however, is not the total picture. Real wholeness can only be experienced within an ecolog~ ical wholeness. As members of the lesbian/ gay community we have chosen the rainbow as our symbol of recognition much as the early Christians u sed the "fish" symbol. In choosing the rainbow we recognize the dignity of every human being and ex pr ess willin gness to be open, inclusive and to re spec t diversity. Let us also take that one step furthe r and re-connect with the natural world working and pra ying to pres erve the diversity of plant s and animals. As Christians and as global citizens, let us work for world understanding and peace between individuals and nation s. As God's steward s of crea tion, let us each b ecome a person who cares deepl y for the eart h and God' s creatures and works for ecological wholeness. Rev. Roger Wharton works to connect Christians with their Biblical and Christian Nature Wisdom Tradition through a newsletter, retreats, and special activities. For information about Wilderness Manna's Christians in Communion wit/1 Creation organization you can contact him at 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose, CA 95110. 408-451-9310, ( eun roger@aol.com). cations, P.O. Box 58336, Louisville, KY 40268,0336. Renewals encouraged. Ques tion s: 502-935 -7190 . . 6 /96 PA SSION, Christian Spirituality From A Gay Perspec tive, a four -page monthl y publication . $ 16 per year. For free samp le se nd stamped business enve lo pe to: David Schimmel, 4520 N. Clarendon Ave., #801 , Chicago, IL 60640-6171. 6/ 96 "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY ," "Heartiiy r ecomme nded," 11Philosophical ly intri gui ng," 11Exce ll ent. 11 Why do re-viewers hi ghl y es teem CHRISTIA N*NEW AGE QUAR TERLY ? Great articl es and lively co lumn s mak e this b,idge of dia logu e b e twee n Christians aqd Ney , · Age rs as entertaining as it is substantive. S ubsc ribe for o nly $iZ.50 / yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES USE A PHONE LATELY? One of the fastest -growing telecommunications co. in America offers opportunity to sell a product that everyone uses. Long distance industry ca n work for you! Also a great CHURCH FUND RAISER. Pau(@Zia Communications. P.O. Box 3820 , Fayetteville, AR 727 02 . 501-444- 9607. 6/96 FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS BORN AGAIN, spiritually healthy gay female seeks fellowship/pen pals. Are there any others out there? I love the Lord, and his word is a light unto my path. Write Ann, Guiding Light Ministry, 251 Townline Road. East Northport. NY 1173 I. IN LOVE WITH LIFE, compassionate, poetic, age 28, ebon, seeki ng someon e to communi- WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in their intent, some are not. Readers are cautio ned to protect themse lves from scams: I. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. 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A n incardination process is available for those already in Orders. Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment without interest in ordination may also ·reply. EACA - Vocations, 2401 Artes ia Blvd., Ste. #1 06-213, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC Lesb ians (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage . Qua rterly newsletter. Supportive network. Advocates for lesbian issues in political and Chu rch forums. For member s hip information please co ntact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436 , Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963, FAX (212)268 -7032. THE CENTER FOR PASTORAL CARE, 3180 German Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904, (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy 10:15. Followed by. a lite brunch. Retreats, workshops and pastoral co unse ling . Rev. Daniel Dickman, M.Div, M.Ed. 2/97 . NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries - Network for diocesa n an.d parish ministries, newsletter, annual meeting . 433 Jefferson Street, Oakland, CA 94607. 510-465- 9344 . PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WHEN A GOOD FRIE ND ISN'T ENOUGH: Help is ju st a phone call away. Experience supp ortive psychotherapy with experienced, licen se d C hristian lesbian counselor in the privacy of ·your home . Call Jill Denton· for FREE consultation. (805)534- 1101. VIDEOS GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, Minister s, Masse urs, Theologians, Teachers, Artists speak in 25 videos wisdom that only comes from the heart. EroSp irit Newsletμ,r. Free . 800-432-3767 THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE. ReOections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/ Lesbia n Christian. $ 199. For contents, call EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 HOW CAN WE activate o ur indi vidual and communal visions if nons top grief has shut us down? An hour v ideo talk by Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC mini ster. $24.94. EroSpiril 800-432-3767 . BITTH LOVER AND PRIEST. In this hour video Robert Goss, author of Jesus Acted Up, discuss es liberation theology and how he came to write his hestselle r. $24.95. EroSpirit. 800-432 -3767 . 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 Second Stone #46 - May/June 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5ec59aff16f25f25970430e90d26bf77.pdf 3b1f01f91274806deb868d1061ca0587 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 45 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published Mar/Apr 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 P.Q.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED . TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY 1996 Distribution in some areaspon· sored by Outreach Partners Court holIB hearing to determine F.piscoJxll Church's doctrine on ordination By James Solheim Cathedral Church of St. John in Wil- Episcopal News Service mington, Delaware, amidst a crush of FOR THE FIRST time in 75 years, and media and observers, the nine·bishops bisnop of Iowa, sought to establ-ish whether there is a doctrinal basis for charges brought against Righter of "holding and teaching . . . doctrine contrary to that held by this church" only the second time in the Episcopal of the Court for the Trial of a Bishop Church's history, a court of bishops heard a. full day of arguments on the gathered Feb. 27 to consider charges doctrine of the church as it relates to that a colleague had taught false the ordination of non-celibate gays. doctrine. The hearing, a first step in the . eked into the Great Hall of the trial of Walter · Righter, retired SEE HEARING, Page 9 · ,I\IW'ffllifi "1~/JPi !'tl orni Ra' .. rs approve Cl VI '• gay marnages . By Michael Raphael Associated Press Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A group of Reform rabbis endorsed the legalization of homosexual marriages March 28 but stopped short of re1=ommending• that rabbis perform the ceremonies. The 1,750-member Centr.al Confer- . ence of Ameri<Jan Rabbis is the first major group of Jewish-leade_rs to formally oppose . governme)lt ban s on ·: same-sex marriages. . , . . ~F ; BU.K RATE U.S.POSTAGE ., PAID ' NEW ORLEANS, LA . PERMIT No. 511 - 1 "As Jews, and specifically in the allow these m·arriages and ·then reform movement, we 've always ·refuse to perform the marriage," said expressed concerr for those we feel : Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia of . Princeton aren't treated fairly," said Rabbi Junction, New Jersey. _Robert Kleilsin of Arnold, Maryland, But Rabbi Simeon J. Maslin, the conbefore an overwhelming voice vote. ference president, said the -resolution Most of the comments during the "is a matter of civil rights. It is cervigorous debate ·centered on an tainly not connected to any question of amendment specifying that the -group rabbinic officiation." was not deciding the controversial Maslin said the organization issue of rabbis· officiating over single- expects to vote on single-sex marriage sex ceremonies. officiation at next year's meeting in "You cannot call upon the state to Denver. ,_,_. __ _ Im -~~"'~ . ~ ~~ lifi,,l · .~ 11J!:\'.~/r~ Queen's choir says baritone can't join - because she's not a man READING, England (AP) - Webster's Dictionary defines baritone as the range of a male voice between tenor and bass. Joan McDonough is a bari- · tone but she's not a man. And that's .why she's lost her case ' against the queen's Windsor Castle chapel choir at a jobs disputes court at.Reading 35 miles west of London. Dr. McDonough, 38, the wife of a Church of England vicar, is a member of the choir at Leeds University in northern England where she's a theology student. Her voice is so deep she sometimes stands in as bass voice in the choir and - high honor - she's been invited on occasions to sing with the Royal Choral Society. Last year, she saw an ad in the church newspaper the Church Times . for the _post of baritone chorister at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth H's weekend . home near Reading. Dr. McDonough and 13 men applied for the job, which pays 4,000 pounds ($6,080) a year, involves singing at services attended by the queen and comes with a rent-free .apartment. · In her .application she signed herself J. McDonough. She didn't reveal her gender and not imagining a woman would ever apply, the choir SEE CHOIR, Page 3 Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Second Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or. some other event or location, there's a-Second Stone Outreach Partner . in yonr area. Their brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian_chwch or.organization with a specific .outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service: or meeting. In the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones that follc:>w. ' When I told iny church pastor l was gay, I was referred to an exgay pi'ogram. What's that all about? . Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual ori- · entation is innate and cannot be changed, Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who.has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painfql-resulis: Au ex-gay prpgr~caniiot change yq~ -~exualorientation. Rem¢mqer that niost ex-gay i:hurcl).'.couuselors are heter9sexria! _and i:ainiot speak fr\)lp:tlie'.eiperience of being:gay.: Also, imy psychologist oi psy¢hiatrist wlro offer; '.'trealinen:t?' forhcimosexwtlity :i:s not following guide1in¢s established by the Ame:ri~ Psychological Associ.ation or the Ameriwill Medical Association. • · · Aft~; _aU the rejectfon. I got from ·. my church, why should I even care _ about Cod? · · Y oui church may have ·rejected you, but God ·never has. God ' s nature is to draw _you closer to Him, not · to reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and me - sometimes connected ·wiih God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are. not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed Ito speak out against the Holocaust and slavery . At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affirm gay and lesbian peo- . pie and its failure to speak outagain:st ihe homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a follower of society, not a leader. · Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It means the church needs you probably more than you need the church.) There is a place for you in a church in your neighborhood. Th.ere are many Christian churches and organizations :around ihe country that .have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian people. Even in the mainstream ·denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, alihough sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, y01,1th leaders, choir masters, lay. leaders, and so on . Many mainstream churches ·across the couqtry have moved info positions of welcoming and affinning gay · and lesbian_~ple . · How do I know that God doesn't re}ecl me? .Even.if you've never set fopt in a church cir thought m~ch about _God, you were created by a ioving God PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE . • MARCH/APRIL. 1996 who seeks you out. If there 's ·a barrier between yourself and God, it is not Gocl'-s responsibility. Blackaby and King in Experiencing GQd say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God · invites you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join ·God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor ·to talk to you. He or she may l!e able to - recommend· a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked. It is how God works among us. If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual_ orientation is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual 11ctivity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships . Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What ihe Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sod.om was [not homosexuality.] Jude condemns sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a single Bible text clearly ·refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male sex, Leviticus 18:22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1: 10. All these texts are concerned with something other than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itsdf is good or evil... they wi)l have to loolc elsewhere for an answer ... The Bible never addresses that question. More than ihat, the Bible seems deliberately uncoqcemed about it. I would .like explm.:e further. What can I do now? While t11ere are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being-"where two or more are gathered.'·' You may want to check out a tninistry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but ihe point is to connect wit11 gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations . (lbere is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in almost every church and God, who is always at work around yon, will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (lbe day will come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who ~ot integrate their sexuality wit11 the rest of iheir being faces a difficult strnggle indeed. to deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or wiU1 straight friends, and then to engage in periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability -to weave your sexuality into U1e fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with 0U1ers is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone slcilled in gay and lesbian issues. .- r,r •• .,. ,·,·r,1,. .. ._ .. ~- ~r, · r tl"Jl'J."r" .. •rlf" .r.r ,."':' ~'"..,..r,~..-, ... ~L' the other MM@Ni!Mk @'i#:U Mi,'iiMMMiit-&:r• ;;g@ A®!;.$@@ wti t@MWii~t? Mf:ii.iWM\WffiiiiViMfStl Front Page cover items continued & late stories Vatican condemns same:..sex maniages VATICAN CITY (A.Pl· The Vatican has appealed to voters not to support ·politicians who endorse same-sex marriages, such as the mass wedding ceremony in San Francisco . Moral theologian Gino Concetti wrote in the Vatican's official newspaper that homosexual marriages • would "undermine th e foundation of the family model upon which humai:i civilization was built." He recalled that Pope John Paul II denounced in 1994 a European Parlia- CHOIR, From Pagel managers wrote seeking references .for "this . gentleman." When they found she wasn't a man they flatly turned her down without hearing her sing : Claiming sex discrimination, Dr. the NEWS continues onPage8 ment resolution that declared that homosexual couples should be allowed to marry and adopt children . The pope said at the time ·such a development would legitimize "moral disorder." Also open for "moral censure" is "the action of that citizen, who, with his choice, favors the election of the candidate who has formally promised to translate into law the homosexual demand," he wrote. McDonough took her case to Reading Industrial Tribunal. But on March . 5, tribunal chairman Neil Jenkins ruled that as a religious institution founded for charitable purposes, the chapel was exempt from terms of Britain's 1975 Sex Discrimination Act . Dr. McDonough denounced the ruling as a cop-out. "This means that th e chapel has the right to discriminate," she told reporters after the ruling. Get listed in . · Second Stone's · 1996 Resource Guide All churches and organizations with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians will be listed free. Your ministry information will be published in an upcoming issue of Second Stone and will be made available on the World Wide Web. IN ORDER TO BE LISTID YOU MUST CONFIRM YOUR MINISTRY NAME,LCCATION AND PHONE NUMBER. We will print one line of additional information for you. You can also advertise in Second Stone's resource guide. By adverti sing in our resource guide. you capture even more exposure for your ministry - and you support our outreach as well! Call 504-891-7555 - or check the box in your listing confirmation below - and we'll help you with your ad. Get a FREE AD in the resource guide by becoming an Outreach Partner. Second Stone makes copies available for just the cost of printing and shipping to churches and organizations providing literature ministry at bars and gay pride events. Become an Outreach Partner - and increase your ministry's visibility in your community! HERE'S OUR.INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE GUIDE: ChurcM3roup Name, ____________________ _ Address _______________________ _ Phone ________________________ _ Other informatio11 _____________ -,- _______ _ Please contact us about [ ] advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO: .Box 8340, New O~eans, LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)891-7555 OR E- MAIL TO: secstone@aoLcom Dignity/Pittsburgh kicked off · church property LEADERS OF . THE Pittsburgh chapter of Dignity met with parish and diocesan officials on Jan. 23 to be. told that the group could no longer meet at St. Pamphilus Church. The meeting · was requested by the Church's pastor, Fr. James Merlino, OFM and was also attended by Fr.: Ronald Li,mgwin, s~cretary for Pastoral Life, representing the diocese . Reciting church doctrine that "homosexual persons are c;,lled to chastity," Merlino said that because Dignity /Pittsburgh' s position is directly opposed to church teaching, he could no longer allow the group to use St. Pamphilus for Sunday masses and meetings . Lengwin said the Diocese of Pittsburgh supported Merlino's action which was necessary because of the • "unsuccessful" dialogue between Dignity and the diocese. The diocese wanted Dignity members to join the local chapter of Courage, a group of . homosexual Catholics who claim to abstain · from sexual •actixity; and recant their written policy that members can express their sexuality physically "in a unitive manner that is loving, life giving and life affirming." Merlino and Lengwin · agre .ed to allow · Dignify to have one final meeting at St. Pamphilus. Distribution of Second Stone in some communities is sponsored by our Outreach Partners. We invite you to visit them for worship. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS CltNrclt of tlte Rts11rrectio11 . ·, II ~ . MET~O.POLITAN COMMU.NITY CHURCH 5540 South Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, IL 60637-1621 "Serving Chicago's gay and lesbian community for 15 years. " Worship · services Sundays l Q:30 a.m. Sunday school Sundays l 0 :30 a.m. Ask us about our house groups . Give us d call at 312/288-1535 DAYTON, OHIO CAmmunity · u;Q.Spel vhurch "Gay positive, people friendly House of Prayer for all people!" Sunday, 10 a.m. 546 Xenia Ave Call (513)252-8855 DES MOINES, IOWA ·Church of the Holy Spirit.· Metropolitan Community Church . · PO Box 8426. Des Moines IA50301 Tel.(515)284-7940 Visit.us this Sunday at 6pm. Our worship & ,office location is at 1548 8th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Calling people · to new life. Confronting the injustice . Creating a community. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA FIRST CONGREGATIONAL.' CHURCH LONG BEACH . UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST · An Open and Affirming Congregation We welcome you to worship in a nurturing environment. 241 Cedar Ave • Long Beach, CA.90802 (310) 436-2256 • Fa.~ (310) 436-301!! http:/ /users .aol.com/revmek(index/html PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE. • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 MCC pastor one of many choosing artific~al ins,mif anlily By Deborah Bradley The qallas Morning News On the floor in a ,room strewn with toys, Rev. Michael Piazza sits · with Bill _Eure, his mate of 15 years, cuddling their towhead daughter. "All I ever wanted was to be a Methodist minister, to have one person in my life and to have a family," says Piazza, senior pastor of Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church jn Dallas, the largest Catch Up on the newsyou missed! ,New subscribers can order a complete set . of six back issues - and read up on a year's worth of information of 'interest to gay and lesbian Christians, See the ord~r · ·rorm · ?n _ Page 22. church in the UFMCC. "Now, I've got that." . . With legal adoptions nearly impossible for gay and lesbian couples, more and more lesbian and a few gay couples such as Piazza and Eure are turning to artificial insemination. At Cathedral of Hope the number of baptisms from births through artificial insemination has been increasing over the past few years. In 1993, there were three. There were five in 1994 and in 1995 that figure doubled. "In most churd1es, there are about · equal number of deaths as births " says Piazza,41."That's not the case\n homosexual churches. We average about 182 funerals per year (95 percent AIDS related deaths). So performing a baptism is a real pleasure ." One baptism does stand out for Piazza . On Dec. 19, 1993, he performed the ritual for his biological daugl_lter Michelle (not her real name), who with hair that stands straight up, is the spitting image of Piazza. _ ~i_a~za and Eure share the respons1b1hhes of parenthood with two other people: a lesbian couple who have been together for 12 years, Marie, a health professional, and Stella, an educator. (The women requested that their names be changed to protect their pnvacy and the identity of the · . Pa!v,~!~. H~ H~~ .. Gay : Order from· Second Stone Press. See page 22. · Although more and more parishioners are comfortable with coming out at church, many pastors still aren't equipped to hear the words, "I am gay." This remarkable book chronicles a Baptist pastor's first fumbling encounter with those words to his deep and compassionate , understanding of what is means to be a gay ·Christian. An extraordinary book... a prophetic witness to the church ... -James B. Ashbrook, Garrett 'Ei>a11gelical Theological Semi11ary PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRiL, 1996 . j MifiN PftMiiWWN i~ j wdlii¼/Mii/iiMffii!ifMIA¥ ,i, rJ Ni i¥i1ii!fMiiiiiisi'i@Ri child. Mich,dle has taken her mother's .last name.) The couples, who have been friends for six years ; own homes in Oak Cliff and attend the same church. Marie, 37, and · Stella, 38, had b(len waiting to adopt for two years and say they were frustrated. Piazza and Eure, who's 41 and a senior. systems analyst, say they were ready for fatherhood. After months of consideration, the f~ursome decided to become parents. Piazza would be the biological father and Stella would be the mother. 'There weren't any rules to go by," Marie says. Eure adds, "So, we've . been inventing them as we go." It took five months for Stella to get pregnant. Shortly afterward; the foursome went before the congregation and made the announcement. · 'Tm probably the only preacher in town who could announce he had ·an illegitimate child and get a standing ovation," Piazza says laughing. All four were present in the delivery room. They remember ·the fear when Michelle was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her . neck. She wasn't breathing and had no heartbeat. They all felt the elation when ~he doctors revived the 7-pound, 21- mch baby girl. Ever since, the foursome has shared t~~ ~ay-to-day and financial responsib1hhes that come with .parenthood. Stella and Eure are confessed pushovers for 'the baby, and Piazza and Marie are the strictest. All four are on the emergency card at the day-care center and pediatrician's office. And while the couples keep their separate residences, they share the d1r~ diapers, the late nights and p1ckmg up and dropping her off at day-care. Michelle lives with the two mothers . and visits the fathers regularly. And they all gather as much as possible for holidays, birthdays and periodic dinners . "(Michelle) will be told that (Stella) and I are her legal and biological parents and that Bill and (Marie) are to be respected and minded," Piazza says. Marie will be referred to as "ma mere," which means mother in French, and Eure has chosen to be called Uncle Bill. "We _aren't naive," Piazza says. "We know 1t will be hard on her having gay parents . Love will compensate . The bottom line is how much kids are loved." Plus, Eure says, "By the time she's 13 or 14 years old, it will be a dif• ferent world." Stella continues, "She's going to be more concerned with how much allowanc e she gets and if we 'll buy her new jeans." Over time, Gays and Lesbians have bought into the myth that they would make bad ·parents, Piazza says. "But Rev. Michael Piazza : there's no studies to show that." , In fact, studies by national scholars and researchers have shown that there are no differences in psychological or gender · development in children who are raised in homosexual or heterosexual households. And there is no higher rate of homosexuality in the children than in the general population. Robert Dain, a Dallas psychiatrist, says these families are like any other family . ''.Homosexual relationships are considered less likely to stay together, but researd1 doesn't show this " he says. ''.Heterosexual couples split 'up at alarmmg rates." Many homosexual couples have turned to artificial insemination because the system has left them few options, Piazza says. It's almost impossible for same-sex couples to adopt. While legal adoptions have occurred, they're rare. In September ~993, a Tarrant 5=ounty family law Judge allowed a lesbian couple to adopt. _Similar cases also have been made m 13 other states including New York and California. In Vermont and Massachusetts, cases have had to go before the state supreme courts before it was determined that same-sex couples could adopt. In T~xas, "for the most part, you're not gomg to have same-sex adoptions under the current statues," says Karen Whitt, a Dallas lawyer. "I'd be hard pressed to recommend adoption. It's tantamount to jousting with a win~mill - it's just going to keep commg around and hitting you in the head." SEE FAMILY, Next Page Faith 1n Daily Life ·Minister's Lenten fast calls attention to church's treatment of gays INDIANAPOLIS (AP.) - The Rev. churches that condemn their sexual Howard Warren has prayed for peo- orientation . pie with HIV and AIDS, counseled Warren, 61, fasted throughout the them through fear and pain, and 40 days of Lent. He is infected with simply been with them at their bed- HIV, so doctors monitored his partial sides. More than 500 men and women fast closely. have died of AIDS knowing that Warren considered them his brothers and sisters in Christ. The openly gay Indianapolis Presbyterian preacher and gay-tights activist fasted in their memory and for Christians who feel isolated from Warren also wanted to attract the attention of the l.eaders of his own denomination. For nearly 20 years, clergy and laity in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. have been debating whether openly gay and lesbian peo- Hate crime spurs loving response GREAT FALLS (AP) - Hate graffiti painted on a predominantly black Great Falls church · in .November resulted in an outpouring of love from people around Montana . 'The person who did that meant it for evil, but God has made it a blessing," said the Rev. Phillip Caldwell of Mount Olive Christian Fellowship Church. FAMILY, From Previous Page About 90 to 95 percent of gays and lesbians will not be allowed to adopt, Ms. Whitt says. "It takes very 'special circumstances for an openly homosexual person to be able to adopt. Having a biological child gives the mother or father the safest insurance for keeping par ental rights in a court battle, Ms. Whitt says. With homosexual couples using artificial insemination, the courts are being challenged to fashion r,ulings that are applicable to their unique situations. For Piazza's family, the state of the law is a concern. QUOTABLE "WE WILL HA VE to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silenc? of the good people. -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Sunday, Nov. 5, parishioners arriving for services found scrawled grafitti - "666 No Niggers, " "Satan" and several inverted, 5-pointed stars painted on the door and entryway of the church. · But individuals and other churches around the state shared the congregation's outrage, Caldwell said. Attendance Nov. 12 swelled from "I'm frustrated that I can't be (Miche,lle's) legal g9ardian; I feel like · her mother," Marie says. "I care for her, I support her emotionally and financially." During Stella's pregnancy, Marie says she even had sympathy pains . "I thought men who did were wimps. But I had the cravings and sore breasts and everything." Piazza, Eure, Marie and Stella have drawn up wills, papers giving power of attorney and other documents to ensure the child's safety and wellbeing. But ultimately, lawyers say the only person with concrete rights to a child by artificial insemination is the biological mother. "If a woman has a child by artificial insemination , the man has no legal standing unless he is the husband ," says Cynde Horne, a lawyer in Dallas. But he gets closer to it if h e is acknowledged by the mother, and he's named on the birth certificate, she says. Regardless of the complications, Piazza says having a child with a group is best. 'Two sets of parents relieves the other parents," he explains. "So when I see (Michelle) I'm completely available because I haven't had her for 14 days straight." _ Stella says her family structure is closer to how it was before World War II, when families Jived in the same neighborhood. 'Two people weren't islands who were expected to make it on their. own." pie can be ordained. Like many mainline Protestant denominations, the Presbyterian Church currently forbids the ordination of practicing homosexuals as elders, d eacons or ministers. "I feel that the Presbyterian . Church is filled with fear and that it is being manipulated by the religious right," Warren said. "As a result, a mean spirit of law . and order has replaced the Holy Spirit. I would like the Holy Spirit to reclaim the Presbyterian Church ." the usual 100 or so to about 170, said Caldwell. A rally brought out about 200 supporters, roughly $900 in contributions for repairs and dozens of cards and letters · of support arrived at the church. "Dear friends," wrote Dave Christensen from Big Timber . "I support you,. and send you - prayers of love and courage. This country is full of good white people who would stand by you, any place, any time, as you would for us." A fifth-grade class at Blessed Trinity School in Great Ralls sent a poster with sev!(ral of -the children's comments .- _ "I think what happened was wrong," wrote one student. "Whoever did this must not think very good of themselves if they have to tear down others to make them feel good about themselves." On Nov. 13, Caldwell said he gave his monthly service at Great Falls' Rescue Mission. Afterward, a homeless man gave him $20. "He said -'I want you to have this,"' said Caldwell. 'Th e way God has touched the hearts of so many people .... " Gov. Marc Racicot wrote: 'Theresa and I _were deeply saddened to learn of the ugly incident at your church. It ill important, always, to keep repeating to ourselves and to others UNCOMMON CALLING:A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church BY CHRIS GLASER Expanded and with a new introduction, conclusion , and photographs. In this book, Chris Glaser describes his personal journey of coming o.ut to his family, friends, church - and to himself In response . to lingering division within the denomination, . church leaders will again take up · the issue during their anriual general assembly meeting to be held in Albuquerque, N:.M., in June. . . "Maybe .this fasting }Viii be ~.sign of the spirit"at work," Warren · said. "I hope to just op@n myself ·each.day to that spirit and pray for each of the people who will . be . at general assembly." who do not share our belief in · tolerance that Montana was mad~ big to embra~e it~ wondrous · d/-~r_ersity. But that diversity must never .mclμde · racial, religious or sexual preJ4dice." · "Somebody asked n\e if I .. was S'urprised" by the response, Caldwell said: 'Tm not s.urprised . · It's heartwarming to see it, ·but I'm not surprised. That's the kind ·of place we live in. They will not put up with that kind .of thing." Police are investigating the vandalism, but have made no arrests. Uncommon Calling, $19.99, paperback Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL. 1996 . Faith in Daily Life m Grace is something you can never get but only be given. Grace be Unto You -Galatians 1:3 "AFTER CENTURIES of handling and mishandling, most religious · words have become so shopworn, nobody's much interested any more. Not so with grace, for some reason. Mysteriously, even derivatives like gracious and graceful still have some of the bloom left. Grace is something you can never get but only be given. There's no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth. A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace: . Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.... . There 1s only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it." (Frederick Buechner, Listening to my Life, p. 288, 289) . PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 litiH We need to be guided by something more than the need for guidance. The Yoke is Easy, the Burden is Light -Matthew 11:30 ~HEN JESUS CAME into people's hves, t~ey felt appreciated. They felt noticed. They felt like they mattered. He did not issue awards, or patronage, or monetary gifts . He issued appreciation. He issued comfort. He issued a sense of belonging to life, and to God, and to living by a deep keel. A deep keel is what a big sailboat needs: it needs more than just a little one. Jesus did not belittle the need for wine at weddings, or com on the Sab? ath, or workers to get paid for pickmg grapes. He did not make normal life and food look ridiculous on behalf of a large and grandiose spirituality. Instead he honored "things" sacramentally: he showed their connection to a deeper keel. It is hard to even imagine Jesus as tired . We know him as frustrated and grieving, and angry. But tir~d he wasn't. He simply rested in the one he called his heavenly Father . If we want to feel less tired, all we have to do is deepen our keel. We need to be guided by something more than the need for guidance . We need to_ befriend Jesus' message and his witness to rest in God. It is important to remember how simple the appreciations are that are our own responsibility. It is not our task to save or appreciate the whole world. We only do our small part. Heavy water becomes light, with many hands and hearts. Yoke: Easy. Burden : Light. rm Weariness creeps up on us much too often . ... they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint -Isaiah 40: 31 FATIGUE CAN BE a friend. It is also a part of our holy way. When Julia Ward Howe wrote in the las.I. century that · she was "tired, tired, tired, way down into the next century," she was talking about the struggle to abolish slavery. Now, many of us can identify with that statement but we are not talking about so obviously grand a mission. We .!Ire talking about the shrinking economy, lengthy commutes, a.nd a near Sabbathlessness. My aunt used to do 24 claims a day as an insurance agent; now she is required to do 70. She is not alone in overwork. Many just want to "get through the day." We want to "make it" through the day. Weariness creeps up on us much too often. Even at breakfast some of us are tired. By lunch we need a nap. When both men and women now start our second shift at home, we are often quite bleary eyed. We let the children watch the television because we know they want "off" time as much as we do. We tum on to turn off. One good way to turn off is to remember the promises of God. We will get tired! And we will also get untired. We will get beyond weariness. ~ven the youths will faint. But then they will walk again. ---Wedo not become weary1n well doing. Let us Not be W~a,y in Well Doing -Galatians 6:9 THERE ARE PLENTY .of reasons for increased fatigue . The causes include at least the shrinking economy, the need for two or more incomes to support a household, increasing stimuli for more expensive life styles, a desire for college educations, and a myriad of other interacting economic, political, social issues. None of these will be changed by words . They can and should be humanized! We humanize ourselves and our fatigue by using wonis. Words are well doings. They are mighty beginnings for humanizing the world of work. We can use wise words to befriend fatigue. In this strategy, we welcome its warning. We accept our limits . We can't do any more daims than we can do! We are, after all, human beings, not human doings . Befriending fatigue as a welcome warning is a way to live beyond tired into time . Now time is the destination. Being tired is a result of packing too much into too small a unit of time. It is like a size 14 woman wearing size 12 jeans. The fit is not quite right. Bulges occur. The bulges cause fatigue. When we move from tired into time, we wear the right size day. We acknowledge our limitations. We see the overweight nature of ouF lives . We slim them down. We unclutter them. We forgive ourselves excess. We make plans for less excess. We become comfortable again. We may not change the direction of the economy but we change our own directions. We do not become weary in well doing! ™ ''Whatever lies before me is not blocking my next step: it is my next step." This is a day of trouble ..... - Kings 19:3 MOST OF US LIVE in packed time. We are living on too many levels at once. We are worrying about what we didn 't do yesterday or what we must get done by tomorrow. We are not here. We are not home in here. We are "there," in anxiety. The anxiety makes us tired. If we accept our fatigue as a warning, we can make fatigue our friend. If we listen deeply to it, we may even hear the call from God. That call includes reforming our economy - and our own personal life. Both are implied when fatigue is our friend, not either. We may be tired now, but we don't need to be tired forever. Failure analysts say things fail from the interaction of difficulty, not just one thing. Jμst as we will not be less tired by only one strategy, so we will not be released from fatigue if our job dehumanizes us. Some attention to the economic reality is necessary for the spiritual strategies to work. Also, we need to be part of a community of spiritual strategy. We can't do it alone . How do we befriend fatigue? We stop doing some of the things that make us tired. We remove some of the obstacles in our way. Maureen Brady says the spiritual strategy well when she says, "Whatever lies before me is not blocking my next step: it is my next step." We get beyond our fatigue using person friendly strategies. We do not get over fatigue by making ourselves crazy getting beyond it. If one of your New Year's Resolutions was not living well as a human being, make it so now. Don't plan on being tired all year. Attending your local church or temple can be a start : make friends with your fatigue. Make friends with other people who are also trying to live well as human beings. Fatigue is not a personal failure! Fatigue can be a friend, one that tells the truth about who we are and who we may dare hope tci be . Befriend fatigue today. ™ Is it possible that the trespass of America is that we do too much? ... But chose the trespass of Judah ... -Psalm 78:68 IN THE VERY POPULAR book by Stephen Covey, The Seven Habit s of Highly Effective People, the world is divided into spheres of influence and the territory outside our spheres of influence. In the sphere of influence, we place our families, our jobs, our selves. Outside of the sphere of influence, we might place something distant, like peace in Jerusalem or abolishing racism . Healthy people, Covey says, work in their sphere of influence and don't stray outside it very often. They work to expand their sphere of influence but they make most of their investment inside that sphere . For example, a father may try to raise children who understand racism and who are prepared to make simple stands against it. He may or filay not write an affirmative action plan for his town . People who work in their sphere of influence take small bites out of the great, global responsibility which surrounds us all. Is it possible that the trespass of America is that we ,do too much? That we are imperial in our daily objectives? Is there anything holy about doing too much? What if we lived inside our sphere of influence? We are not implying enormous level s of evil, or responsibility, pr any other grandiosity, within any one of us. Even the _ "enormity" of our sin is another form of imperialism, just another version of the trespass of this Judah . · If we stay inside our own boundaries, we sinless. Faith in Daily Lite rm : God can be coun;ted on to show up · at the botto ·m of the bottom of the bottom of tr9uble. May the Lord Hear Thee :fo'. the Day of Trouble -Psalm 20 T. S. EL10T SA!D, !'You bring me news of a door that opens af the end of a corridor, sunlight and singing, whe1J I had felt sure that every corridor only led to .another, or to a blank wall ." Those who have made .friends out of their own trouble know what he means . We have come !(?, know the dark places within US · and we have seen their doors and windows. I ·have b~come intimately acqua.inted : with the bottom of my stomach . . It opens! But not until it is ready to open. Pain takes its .own good time . . But God, whom Eliot is addressing here, can be counted on to show up at the bottom of the bott<;>m of the bottom of the trouble - and there to open a door. Folk wisdom tells us that "God never shuts a Window not to open another ." I · remember being in a church once where · all the windows were open a~d a service was being conducted . A gusty wind blew up on both sides of the church . The ushers shut all the windows, all very quickly. Air pressure opened one back up! The whole congregation smiled. We knew that God uses air pressure to make a point. Even the stress and pressure of our lives may carry God. The Rev. Donna E. Schaper is an Area Minister of .the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 Miclugangamyi nistegri vesu pc redentials THE REV. RICHARDT. Rossiter, the openly gay pastor of the Coloma United · Methodist Church near Kalamazoo, Mich., has relinquished his credentials as a minister in the United Methodist church. He had been a minister in-the denomination for nine years. In a -letter sent to members of the church, Rossiter said "The United Methodist . cburch says that I cannot serve as an openly gay pastor, while being , in a loving and faithful relationship · with another man with whom I share a common vision, a-common commitment to the church and Jesus Christ and a common p.assion for social justice. Therefore, since my self cannot be honored, I am choosing to relinquish my credentials." Rossite,r revealed .publicly he was . gay in 1994, butremained .eligible for. appoint,ntent as a !'non~prac.ticing . · homosexual." ' Critics throughout the United Methpdist' chu.rch hiive called 'for his dismissal ever since his disclosure. Rossiter s~id he ·is ch~o;ing to leave now on his own terms before imy_ charges could have been brought against him. Rossiter also stated ·in his letter that "As a layperson, I will be free to live and love, celebrating · all that God has created me to be." He also promised to continue to help the church understand homosexuality . "I promise to continue to create settings where people can come together in mutual respect for one another, free of arguing, fear and rumors, the dishonoring of self, and· the attacking and battering that continu.es to _distract us from living on the path of authentic love that -Christ call us." The Rev. Jim Boehm, United Methodist District -Superintendent for the Kalamazoo district, said in a prepared statement that "I am saddened to know that Rich is leaving the ordained ministry of our United Methodist church. He served very effectively and compassionately and was celebrated as a ·fine p~stor. We are dirnirushed by his depa rture." Rossiter plans to inove to California where he will continue to work on a doctoral degree. BISHOP WALTER RIGHTER'S HEARING PriesRt ighteorr dainegde tsh atem ail MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (AP) -·A frierid Lecki, a hospice chaplain. of the Rev. ·Barry Stopfel warned "It's hard for him to stand back and him to "watch my packages and lock see me in what he sees as a harmful the car," in case of a bomb or other situation," Stopfel said. "By going danger from his detractors. public about this, we've had to let Seems like strange advice to offer people know who we are and where the rector of St. George's Episcopal we live." Church here. But some consider the Stopfel also said there's the added 48-year-old cleric a pariah because stress of acting "like the perfect gay Stopfel is an. openly gay man - and couple." The intense al-tention, he they are letting him know exactly added, has made it difficult for him how they . feel in hate mail, The to keep his parish on an even keel. Star-Ledger of Newark reported. Both Righter and Spong are stand- "It's the usual stuff, 'scourge of God,' ing by their .decision to ordain S.top' crime against nature,' " Stopfel said fel. of the hate letters.. "I made this decision," Righter told The court hearing for Bishop the newspaper. "I stand by it and I Walter Righter thrust · Stopfel into will fight for it, because it is the the spotlight, which has made him right thing to do." uncomfortable. Righter ordained Spong denounced the church offiStopfel in 1990 as an openly gay dea- cials charging Righter with heresy, con, calling their tactics hysterical. "It's not easy being an icon," he told "Barry Stopfel is in a loving, monog- The Star-Ledger. "It has put a tre• amous relationship and in all other mendous stress on my relationship." ways suitable for ordination," Spong Stopfel's longtime partner is Will said. PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 Longtimgea ya ctivisotr oainebdy .CalifornBiaa ptiscth urch OAKLAND, CA --The membership of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church voted March 24 to locally ordain an openly gay member, Randle R. (Rick) Mixon. Church procedures for local ordination require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. 108 votes were cast, of those 76 were yes and 32 no. The ordination was voted to proceed by 4 votes. The ' vote was taken in a special business meeting following worship. Lakeshore A venue Baptist is one of four Bay Area churches that were disfellpwshipped .from the American Baptist Churches of the West because of their membership in the Associa" lion of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, which affirms all - Christians regardless of sexual orientation. Mixon was turned down by the ordination commission of the American Baptist Churches of the West in 1994, despite the fact that he met all of the ABCW's criteria for ordination. Mixon was previously turned down for ordination in the 1970's, again because he is a gay man. When Mixon was seven years of age he walked the aisle of First Baptist Church of Chula Vista, California, at the invitation of a visiting evangelist, and later that year was baptized by his father. He traces his call to discipleship to that time. When he was 16, he walked the aisle_ of First Baptist Church of Boise, Idaho, at his father's .invitation to commit his life to full-time Christian service. He traces his call to ministry to that time. In 1969, Mixon entered seminary. Since graduating from seminary in 1973, Mixon has worked as minister of music at First Baptist Church of Berkeley, California and minister to youth and shut-ins at Lakeshore Avenue ·Baptist. Throughout the years, Mixon.has worked for the inclusion and affirmation of sexual minorities within the American Baptist Churches in the USA and Baptist circles. He has senred as co-chair of American Baptists Concerned, steering committee member, spokesperson and national staff person. BISHOP WALTER RIGHTER'S HEARING PresenteirnsR ightecra sed id notw antatriabl,i shopcl aims ByJe rry Hames 6piscopal News Service THE TEN BISHOPS who initiated the · presentment against Bishop Walter Righter never wanted a trial, according to Bishop · Stephen Jei:ko, one of those who brought the charges against the retired bishop. 'We were prepared to withdraw it twice," said Jecko, bishop of the · Diocese of Florida since May, 1994. "In return, we wanted a moratorium on ordinations of non-celibate gays and lesbians until the issue could be resolved by General Convention in 1997. We w~re thwarted each time." Jecko was among five presenting bishops who attended the first stage of the trial in Wilmington, Delaware, February 27. The first occasion, he said, was the House of Bishops meeting in March, 1995, when Righter Was allowed to address the bishops. Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning then ruled further discussion out of order. The second time, said Jecko, was at the House of Bishops' meeting at Portland, Oregon, last September. "We had gone there to discuss the issue. We were told it [the trial] was a done deal," he said. Browning s_aid at the Portland ni.eetin·g that he would heed the opinion of his legal counsel that there be no· discussion about the impending trial. When one bishop began to talk about the trial, the bishops who act as judges immediately left the room. - Jecko said .that the presenting bishops and some retired bishops who came to Portland to discuss the issue felt "undercut" by that decision. He maintained that all 76 bishops who signed the presentment had been told that the charge .could be withdrawn if a temporary moratorium was agreed to. A trial "is · not the way to resolve the issue unless you feel it's the last resort--which we did,"' said Jecko. Bishop Keith Ackerman of the Diocese of Quincy in !llip.ois, another bishop who initiated the presentment, also believed ·the trial would never progress this far. He reportedly told Browning during the presiding bishop's visit to the diocese several months ago that he had been assured that the bishops would resolve the SEE PRESENTERSN, ext Page I• iii , fu.q, ,@ if il'te g: ii., , -i' @ffi-¾Mii4ki•lil"if§§iii'¥~,," """'"'*' i i\Mi$fi1Mi#Hiiii%1¥¥i4---:jj§j#•jt4tg'4■1:jp:tltl:H:lif.1:j::r4:Jl4~ Hearing attempts to define doctrine on otdination · From Pagel and of violating his ordination vows. The path leading to the trial began in 1990, when Righter, while serving as an assistant bishop in the Dioce_se of Newark, ordained Barry Stopfel as a deacon. Stopfel, who has since been ordained as a priest, is a gay man who was living in a relationship with another man. In January of 1995, ten bishops filed charges against Righter, claiming that the ordination of a non-celibate homosexual was at odds with the doctrine of the Episcopal Church. A necessary one-quarter of the House of Bishops subsequently agreed that the charges should go to the court . In a pre-trial hearing in Hartford, Connecticut, last December, the court granted a motion calling for a discussion of whether the church had a doctrine on the ordination issue sufficient to move to a full-blown trial of Righter. 'This case is about the doctrine of Christian marriage ... and it is about family values," said A. Hugo Blankingship, Jr., the retired chancellor of the Dio_cese of Virginia who served as Church Advocate, or attorney for those bringing the charges. 'This case first anlf foremost is about authority, it is about the authority of Holy Scripture and the role it will play in our church," he said in the opening statement of his two and one-half hour presentation. Blankingship said that the church has consistently upheld "the traditional teaching of the church on marriage, marital fidelity, and sexual chastity as the standard of sexual morality." And he argued that candidates for ordination "are expected to conform to this standard." That is why "we believe it is not appropriate for this church to ordain a practidr.g homosexual, or any person who is engaged in a heterosexual r?lationship outside of, marriage," he 5aid, PRESENTERS, From Previous Page issue of ordaining non-celibate homosexuals without a trial. The presenting bishops stated early in the process that they intended to bring charges against other bishops who have ordained non-celibate homosexuals. That plan appears to have been dropped. "I can't think of ten bishops who you could get to agree to do this again . There are none I could see on the horizon," Bishop James M. Stanton of the quoting a 1979 General Convention resolution that is a major point of contention in the trial. Blankingship argued for a broad definition of the church's doctrine, one that is supported by Scripture, the historic creeds of the early church, and the Book of Common Prayer, but also including resolutions and statements of the church's General Convention and the House of Bishops. He said that the trial was "a matter of last resort" by those who saw the "seeds of anarchy" in the actions of bishops who act as "Lone Rangers" in their dioceses, without regard for the opinion of the rest of the church. Stressing the importance of the trial for the future, he warned, "History will judge how relevant the Episcopal Church was in its hour of trial." Bishops on the court took an active role in questioning the lawyers for both sides. "Suppose I. agree that there is a doctrine of marriage," Bishop Cabell Tennis of Delaware said, interrupting Blankingship. 'The question I'm struggling with is whether doctrine is fixed or whether it changes ." . The church has changed its policy al!d its discipline but not its doctrine, Blankingship responded. It still teaches that sexual expression should be limited to life-long, monogamous marriage between a man and a woman. "Scripture clearly says remarriage is adultery, so there seems to be a strong reinterpretation of those Scriptures," observed Bishop Frederick Borsch of Los Angeles. He asked if all teaching by the church would be considered doctrine. '1nsofar as those teachings inc6rporate Scripture and are grounded in Scripture, then the answer would be yes," Blankingship responded. Jqnes suggested that there might be "different levels of truth in the Diocese of Dallas, one of the presenting bishops, told The News Journal newspaper of Wilmington. '1t's not as if there is one central authority lhat is doing all of this. I'm not a party of any [further hearings) and none are in the works that I know of." "Everyone has agreed that it's really been tragic that we had to come to this point,'.' Roger Boltz, associate director of Episcopalians United, told The News Journal. "All the presenters wanted to do was see that these illegal ordinations would cease until the church approved them," he said. church," different types of doctfine ;. some more important than others. "Who determines whal is doctrine?" asked Bishop Arthur Walmsley, retired bishop of Connecticut. "What is the authoritative body?" Blankingship said that doctrine can only be changed by the church itself and must stand the test of Scripture. ■ Blankingship said the trial was "a matter of last resort" by those who saw the "seeds of anarchy" in the actions of bishops wp.o act as "Lone Rangers ... " ■ When asked about the 1979 resolution, Blankingship said, 'This court has to decide if this is an enforceable resolution." In the absence of a Supreme Court, the General Convention becomes the arbiter of its own decisions, he added, underscoring the assumption that the issue will be on the agenda for the 1997 General Convention in Philadelphia. "Doctrine is the most overused and misunderstood word in our church," asserted · Michael Rehill, chancellor of the Diocese of Newark, attorney for Righter. Arguing for a narrow definition of sources of doctrine, what one judge called a "minimalist" approach, he included the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and the historic creeds. "Everything else is a matter of discipline," he said: "Doctrine deal1> with our relationship to God, discipline deals with our relationships with each other," Rehill argued. He called the charges against Righter and the trial "curious and baffling." Rehill claimed that the 1979 reso- 1 ution of General Convention is "unenforceable because it doesn't say anything ab.out enforcement, because it is not a law, it is not prescriptive, it is advisory." He contended that, if the church intended to prohibit the ordinations of non- celibate gays and lesbians, it could "do so easily by changing some of the canons, if that were the will of the Episcopal Church." He pointed out that efforts to change the ·canons "have failed again, and again, and again." And he said that the church had confessed that it was "not of a single mind" in its understanding on the issue. Walmsley asked pointedly where the middle ground was in the church's attempt to find its mind on issues that clearly have doctrinal overtones or doctrinal basis but are not part of a doctrinal core of beliefs. "Most of our church is in the middle, wrestling with these issues" of sexuality, Rehill responded. 'That's the middle ground." But he said the court was not being asked to deal with all other sexuality issues, as important as they might be, but only with ordination. And there is no doctrine on the ordination issue, Rehill asserted. "It doesn't exist, you can't find it anywhere .... I may not know what doctrine is, but I know this . isn't doctrine." In a dosing session, Tennis asked a . hypothetical question. If the court agrees that Righter is guilty, "would that mean that all homosexual priests in this church who are living in committed relationships ought to be deposed--and that bishops who did .not act to depose them · would t~emselves be guilty of violating the doctrine of the church?" Blankingship, • clearly uncomfortable with the implications of the questiol), said that it was "essentially a diocesan problem and not a national canon." In suggesting possible middle ground, Blankingship said that, in determining what is "best for the church;" the respondent, . Righter, should yield by admitting that the Episcopal Church "has a moral .doctrine ~y which we stand ." And perhaps the presenters should yield by not seeking a harsh judgment against Righter. On March 1 the court notified the two attorneys that it would like them each to prepare a memorandum addressing the key issues: Do actions of the church "constitute disciplinary authority, as distinct from doctrine," that could lead to a presentment? And also, "With particular attention to the issue of discipline, does the ordination of a non-celibate homosexual person constitute a violation of the ordaining bishop's Oath of Conformity?" The court set a deadline of March 25 for the memoranda and each side can file a reply by April 9. No decision is expected until the memoranda and replies have been received and discussed by members of the court. PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • MARCHJAPRIL, 1996 National News i!MMMM i MS!i#Mlmtiiii!IMiiM-Siihi W•n& W i Dti ffiiffir•fb f 1i, AAU1ffiw @ MMtJiiiw M uua@iifi m®1 •••• ~ -~ -1 Gays, straights join to protest school mntl· lx1I1on club; OVER TWO THOUSAND concerned and butraged students, parents, and activists marched and rallied on March 2 to protest the 'Salt La~e City School Board's . decision to ban all noncurricufar clubs in orde~ fo sfajnp out gay/ straight alliances at its high schools. · . · ' I,<elH Peterson, a senior at East High · who founded the school's Gay/ Straight Alliance, led the protesters from the front of the Federal Building in downtown Salt Lake City and up the hill to the state's Capitol. The Save Qur School march and rally was one of the largest protests_ in the state's history . With hundreds of students leading the way and chanting "Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Bigotry Has Got To Go,' the march proceeded peacefully an:d swiftly up the hill. They carried signs reading everything from the general "Hate is Not .a Family Value" to the specific "l'm _a Grandmother, I'm Straight, and I'm Appalled." At the end of the march, however, were several individuals holding signs reading "We Love Satan" and ''Legalize Homosexual Sodomy." No one knew who they were and one march monitor said that the smell of alcohol was clearly evident. They shouted out statements such as, "We want.to sodomize your children." SOS march monitors put up a human barrier, and the small group headed away from the march. As marchers reached the top of the hill, it was exciting for those at the front to look down the hill and not see the end of the end. It brought tears to some, and exclamations such as 'This is amazing," and ,"Can you believe this?' were frequently heard. pnce assembled in front of the Capitol,_. the group heard from about 20 speakers, some of whom were not selected beforehand, but who felt so compelled by the school board's action, that they just had to speak. M~ t who spoke were students. The first speaker, Emily Coker, said, "My story is a little dif.ferent , than -mo~t kids my age. I'm 16 years old and have been in four treatments for being c~nfusecl ~bout my sexuality. I've been living on my -own for five months because I'm g11-y and living with prejudice in my family . I helped start the Gay/ Straight Alliance at East High School. It helped me, and I think that this club and other clubs should be allowed for the safety and security of teenagers my age." Many adults in the audience expressed surprise at how articulate so many of the students were. Such as Rachel Bauchman, a senior at West High, who said, "Utah has the fastest growing economy in the Union. People visit here from all over the world. Will people visiting Utah le·ave here with a good impression knowing that school administrators endorse homophobia? Utah does not protect the rights of students who are being called 'fag' and other vicious · names in ·the hallways by their peers. Will visitors have a good impression of a state whose administration hides their eyes and does nothing when students, just because of their sexual orientation, receive death threats and get beaten up? I don't think so. These students have every right to 11.e able to meet with their peers and discuss personal issues . They should not feel threatened. Imagine kno'(_Ving that the -elected officials of your own school board and state legislators won't protect your rights. When these so-called patriots say 'Liberty and Justice for All,' do they think that it only applies to heterosexuals? Apparently so. The Eagle Forum and certain members of the school board and .the state legislature claim that BIBLICAL ETHICS RND HOMOSEHUHUTY Listening to Scripture Robert L. Brawley, editor Thi·s bold new book offers a challen ge to the church to give heed to the multiplicity of voices · that ·are engaged in biblically responsible and : constructive debates about the volatile issue s regarding sexua\ity , Contribute~ include Robert Brawley, J. Andrew Dearman , Elizabeth Gordon Edwards, Dale B. Martin, Ulrich W. Mauser, Sarah J. Melcher , Choon-Leong Seow, Jeffery Siker and Herman C . Waetjen. Biblical Ethics and Homosexuality, $16.99, paperback .ORDER FROM SECOND ST-ONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL 1996 the members of the Gay/Straight Alliance are merely perverts. It seems to me that the Eagle Forum and these people are themselves perverts. Their family values include hatefulness, double-standards, and persecution . I find it amazing that -0fficials in a state founded by people who came .here to escape persecution take perverse pleasure in systematically persecuting minorities and children." Later, a woman who no one knew came up and said she just had to speak . From the crowd's reaction, Colleen Uhl's words obviously struck a chord. She read from a letter she had written, "My child is a homosexual and I am not ,tlone in Utah. I am your next door neighbor. I shop in your stores. I may be your doctor, your teacher, your friend . My perspective is a little different than most. · Unlike many of you (or some of you whose children are afraid to tell you) the gay /lesbian issue is not 'out there,' not 'those evil, perverted sinners.' It is my child. My child whom I have watched struggle with his own sexual identity not knowing that was 'wrong' with him as dictated by our dominant religious · culture . -My child who has been tormented and .persecuted as a youth for not being masculine enough coming home having been called 'fag, gay, and queer' since elementary school. Do you think I would choose a way of life that would lead to persecution by so many?' I have watched as he struggled with accepting who he is and reached the conclusion that he wasn't defective or needed to be different . .. . My son has changed my life. He is one of the most incredible people I know ... Because of the insensitive treatment we have received since learning of his homosexuality we have changed in ways that even if I could, I would not choose to go back. I am more open to listening to others who think differently than I do . . .. To sum it up - orie of the national news services carried a . cartoon showing a cave labeled Utah . A man in _ a sμit was walking out of the cave, carrying a large clublike stick labeled 'intolerance.' The punch line: 'In Utah schools all clubs have been banned except this -one - intolerance."' · In many of the speeches by studen ts, their frustration with the extreme action of the Salt Lake City School Board was palpable. For example, Jacob Orosco, a student at East High, said, 'To me taking clubs from us is like putting a gun in our hands and waiting for the trigger to be pulled. How many times do we have to walk out of our schools before we are heard? In high school 'our community' clubs give us the feeling of belonging . .. We need to take . a stand and get our clubs back. " This issue has brought out the activist in people who had never been active. People such as Rose Dominguez, who said, "Many school clubs are being banished in order to prevent · one club from existing. In essence, the message is that to be different is to be excluded and that segregation is acceptable! As a Latina, I am alarmed that elected officials are now legislating exclusion! We should all be alarmed and they should be ashamed. Let's hold them accountable ... " Kelli Peters on was the final speaker, and she read from a statement by Melinda Paras, the Executive Director of the National Gay & Lesbitllt Task Force. "Your presence here today is so important, not just for Utah but for the entire nation . It is an act of courage, valor and commitment. The right is a small but vicious segment of our country that depends on the darkness of lies, misinformation, and stereotypes, and closets to further its extremist un-American !lgenda. By shining the 'ught on them, we today are exposing the right. ... Your actions over the last several weeks have sent an important , message to youth around the country and in your own communities. Because of you, they will feel less alone in their struggle to find a safe environment within their schools and communities. Because of you, youth have seen powerful youth leaders speaking out in their own voices .... We want you to know that today all of us are part of Utah and Utah is a part of all of ·us. The hearts of all of us are here with you today ." Even after an hour of speech, the audience stayed for more . Mel Gundersen, the secretary of the Utah Human Rights Coalition and the former artistic director of the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Salt Lake City, asked for those who had played significant roles in -recent development s to come forward and sing with her a ballad she had just finished called 'This is the Time ," The ballad celebrates the courageous people who have come forwa rd to say that it is time for Utah to change . To close the rally, one of Utah's most innovative songwriters, Mary Tebbs, performed some of her original ~~ . - -By Charlene Orchard, Co-Chair, Utah Human Rights Commission National News Refonned-Church, controversial Jx)Stor JX)nder the future By Ed White Associated Press Writer MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) - A Protestant pastor has been rebuked for his liberal views on salvation and scripture. So what's next for one of the largest congregations in the Reformed Church in America? Independence or perhaps a place in another Reformed Church district, a senior member said March 1. "It's an emotional issue for those of us who were raised in the Reformed Church," said Don VanOstenberg, chairman of the board of trustees at Christ Community Church in Spring Lake. "We don't want to be separated from our denomination by a small group of people who don't like us," he said. "We feel part of the larger church .'.' Regional lead ers of the Reformed Church in America say Christ Community Church can keep its property if it decides to break away. Leaders of 22 Reformed Church congregations in the Muskegon-Grand Haven area adopted that stance in a unanimous vote. After four hours of debate Feb. 29, which included passionate speeches and numerous references to the Bible, ' leader's of the Reformed · Church in the Muskegon-Grand Haven area voted for the Rev. Richard . Rhem's "peaceful separation" unless he recants. Rhem, 61, is pastor of Christ ·community, 30 miles west of Grand Rapids. His stances on scripture, salvation and homosexuality conflict with traditional doctrine. Rhem says homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice; people are born that way . Therefore, he believes homosexual acts are not sins, a stance that conflicts with church doctrine. He opened the church to homosexuals after learning they were meeting in the basement of a Muskegon bar. Rhem also says Jews and other non- . Christians can find eternal salvation without belief in Jesus Christ. Finally, the minister says contemporary experience can have a role in Bible interpretation. "The people who · challenge me have a more rigid interpretation," Rhem said. With 3,500 members, Christ Community is among the top 10 in the Reformed Church. Rhem's Sunday services regularly attract 800 people. "Judge my theology by the lives of my people," he told the group . "Is there a pastor among you that would not rejoice to have such a people?" Rhem's "magic is a lively, inquiring mind coupled with a tremendous love of the parish ministry," VanOstenberg said. Rhem said he would remain at Christ Community but his church could be asked to leave the Muskegon Sojourners' publisher accuses religious right of spiritual hijacking WASHINGTON, D.C. (Reuter) - An Evangelical Christian leader_ accused the religious right of "hijacking" the role of religion this election year, and said a new coalition would seek to raise the tone of political debate. "We have a paralyzed and polarized political system right now," Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine and convener of a conference which dealt with Christian responses to the religious right, said, He said members of the religious right had taken _ a partisan political approach to a spiritual crisis, and called this "hijacking." Most Christians, he said, did not share this approach. "Their answer to a spiritual crisis is to elect as many Republicans as possible on the right wing ... ," Wallis said in a telephone interview. "I don't think that's the proper role of the church." Likening the current climate to that during the U,S. civil rights movement or the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Wallis said the Evangelical coalition would not do any partisan political organizing but would instead use grassroots efforts through churches and community organizations to infuse morality into the political arena. For example, a draft of the group's "spiritual policies" includes advice on the economy: "Our touchstone for 'judging economic policies such as budget and welfare legislation is their effect on 'the least of these' among us - how they will impact the poorest and most vulnerable, especially children." On the environment, the draft says: "We oppose a corporate agenda of unregulated violation of the earth ... we are its stewards not its owners." Wallis said the coalition could claim millions of Evangelicals who could be reached through churches around the country. district, which is known as a classis. V anOstenberg said a classis in Schenectady, N.Y., has already issued an invitation. Such an adoption would require approval from the Reformed Church's Michigan Synod, · based in Grand Rapids, he said. The meeting Thursday night was important enough for the Reformed Church's general secretary, the Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson; · to travel from New Y prk. ,He said a pastor has ncit been ousted over theology since a dispute about baptism ll'I 1,929. "This is a moment of deep ·pain," Granberg-Michaelson told the audi- , ence. "Yesterday morning, I broke down in tears." "Dick's positions are relatively old," VanOstenberg said. "He has · written freely about them." After bombing of 25 churches, Christians call for swifter action NEW YORK (ENI) ~ A major national church organization has called on government agencies "to investigate aggressively " racist fire-bombings of churches in the south. "Our country is in denial about racism, but in fact the climate has really spawned these outrageous events," Robert L. Polk , of the National , Council of Churches, said at a press conference March 6 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The press conference was held to express the concern of the National Council of Churches (USA) over the firebombings q.f 25 southern churches over the past three years. More than half the fire-bombings have taken place since Dec.1995. During one recent incident - the fire-- bombing of the Inner City Church in Knoxville on Jan. 8 - the words "Kill the niggers" and '"White is Right" were sprayed on the church building. Polk is deputy general secretary for national ministries at the NCC (USA) which has 32 mainstream Protestant and Orthodox churches as members. Polk told the press conference: 'The white hate groups are growing faster than at any oti)er time in our history ." NCC officials also demanded that . pastors who had received death threats be given police protection and that "the racist nature" of the attacks be recognized. Most of the 25 church ·buildings which have been attacked have Africl}ll American congregations. Two . of the churches have mainly white congregations and some African American members. Mac Charles Jones, a .pastor from Kansas City and the NCC's associate for racial justice, said "We have come to Knoxville and found that law enforcement seems to have refused to aggressively pursue not only the investigation of the bombings, but has not provided protection to the pastors who have now received death threats . '1nstead of actively pursuing the perpetrators, FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation], ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms], and local law enforcement are interviewing the members of the local church as if they .were under suspicion and responsible," Jones said. "We demand a more vigorous effort hy local authorities, and we demand that the . national offices of the FBI and the ATF begin to take this domestic terrorism seriously." Kn.ow A Gay Myuberation Theology Writer and•activ.ist RICHARD CLEA VER talces a fresh approach to the. ongoing debate by examining the· struggles of gay men and lesbians in the·church through the lens of libeqtion theology. He offers a "gay reading" of scripture, but one that is also spiritiJally <;hallengμig to all readers. Name Cleaver interweaves biblical reflections with historical, s~al, political, and personal commentary. Know My Name, by Richard Cleaver Now available in paperback, $15.99 Order from Second Stone Press, page 22 PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 _ National News l.utherabni shopas skf orp rayear nde ncouragemefnotr gay andl esbianc hurchm emrers CHICAGO - The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a letter March 22 in response to a call from the 1995 ELCA Churchwide Assembly for "words of prayer and pastoral concern and encouragement" for the church's gay and lesbian members and their families. 'The way we face our differences on the issues surrounding homosexuality can be an important expression of grace ·for our particular church body and for the communities in which we live," the letter said. While responding to the specific request of the Churchwide As~embly, the bishops' letter is addressed to the whole church. Despite the "pain" of "sharp disagreement on some issues," the letter assures gay and lesbian members, " ...w e walk beside you and we value your gifts and commitment to the church." The bishops asked all ELCA members to "join us in repentance for hurtful · actions toward others, and in forgiving when we have been the objects of anger or hate." The letter acknowledges, "the debates and controversy surrounding homosexuality sometimes have turned bitter. We have not always followed our Lord's instruction to avoid being angry or insulting to one another" and to reconcile promptly. At its Feb. 29-March 5 meeting the Conference of Bishops discussed a first draft of the letter, presented by its Theological and Ethical Concerns Committee. The Rev. Charles H. Maahs, chair of the Conference of Bishops, said in an interview, "We hope our letter provides an opportunity for our con- Expulsiono f gay-affirmingB aptist churches made official SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A Baptist association expelled four Sart Francisco Bay area churches March 9 for openly accepting ·gays into their congregations. The action had been expected for some time. The four expelled churches are Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, First Baptist Church in Berkeley, and the New Community of Faith congregation in San Jose and San; Leandro. In ,January,78 percent of.the representatives · of 159 congregations in Northern California and Northern Nevada .recommended that the board of the church's regional association, American Baptist Churches of the West, expel the four churches. The Baptist churches were targeted after they joined 26 other congregations around the country to found the Welcoming and Affi_rmirig Baptist Churches, . whjch has a1<?pted an open-door policy for gays. · · Baptist churches traditionally have not been bound to any creed, and the apparent departure from this tra- • dition angers Pastor Jim Hopkins, who heads the 300-member, 131- year-old Lakeshore Baptist Church. "I really think this does a great disservice to the name Baptist," said Hopkins. ''Baptists are supposed to stand for something better than this. Baptists stand for deep religious freedom." One church, in Granville, Ohio, was expelled last year for its affiliation with Welcoming and Affirming Baptist Churches. · Rec~nt finding by top ·biblical scholars offer a · · , · · ·· raclieal new view on the Bible ..~ ~;!'f?ible and homose xuality. Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph,D., respected theologian .and Roman Catholic pries\, explains in a clear fashion;f ascinating new insights. . , ~eqlly S_ays .. ~ About Homosexuality_ .,,,.,i;~.., ,i-..,.-. ,. +.ra1 .. 1 .......... (?aniel A.Helminiak, Ph.D. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something • · quite different on this subject from what is often claimed." - L. William Countryman What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality, $9.95, paperback ORI)ER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 gregations and communities to end a painful chapter in our life together. It is our hope and prayer as bishops that the words of grace this letter extends will set a new tone and direction for dialogue, reconciliation and renewal as we seek to reach out to God's people with the gospel of Jesus Christ." Maahs is bishop of the ELCA's Central States Synod, based in Shawnee Mission, Kans. The letter draws attention to a 1991 assembly action that declared, "Gay and lesbian people, as individuals created by God, are welcome to participate fully in the life · of the congregations" of the ELCA. The 1993 assembly extended that message to express "strong opposition to all forms of verbal or physical harassment or assault of persons because of their sexual orientation" and support for the civil rights of all people, regardless of sex.ual orientation. These actions, the bishops said, "remind us that our congregations · should reflect our Lord's invitation to all by being safe places for those who are persecuted or harassed in our society." Th~. letter goes on, "We repudiate all · words ·and. •ads of hatred toward gay and lesbian persons in our congregations and in our communities, and extend a caring welcome for gay and lesbian persons and their families. We call upon all our pastors, as they exercise pastoral care, to be sensitive to the gifts and needs of gay and lesbian members." The letter concludes with an invitation to gay and lesbian persons "to join with other members of this church in mutual prayer and study of the issues that still divide us, so that we may seek the truth together." The letter was sent to all 65 synodical bishops for them to distribute to the congregations of their synods. In a related action the board of the ELCA Division for Church in Society asked its executive director, the Rev. Charles S. Miller, to write letters to theDemocratic and Republican political parties "informing them of the ELCA's opposition to all forms of verbal or physical harassment or assault of persons because of their sexu.tl orientation." The board's March 8 action came in response to complaints a),out "negative campaign rhetoric" asi,ociated wtth national el~c!io~s. Mormons urged to block gay marriage· bill By Don Lattin San ·Francisco Chronicle MORMON CHURCH leaders urged their members to secretly lobby · the state Legislature to outlaw same-sex marriages, according to Affirmation, an organization of .gay and lesbian Mormons. The group released the text of a church letter dis.tributed to members in Southern California that urges church members to write their representatives in SUJ)port of a proposed law that would prohibit the state from recognizing same-sex unions. "No representation of the Church is to be expressed or implied," the church letter states. "We are requested to write as individuals. The Church should not be mentioned ." Rick Fernandez, spokesman for Affirmation, said the church's "covert action" was "a shameful • example of the extremes to which the church will go in its campaign to oppose civil rights for gays and lesbians." Fernandez said the church was abusing its religious tax-exempt status through ,,secret instructions" designed to "hide its obvious political goal." Keith Atkinson, spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints _ (Mormons) in California, denied there · is anything ~ecret or improper about church opposition to gay unions. Atkinson said the Southern California letter was consistent with two directives issued recently by Loren Dunn, the Mormon church president for California and Hawaii, in response to efforts in both states to recognize same-sex marriage. "We are attempting to reassert the i importance of the traditional family," Atkinson said. "We have as much of a right as anyone else to make our voice known. We have a responsibility to do so." Atkinson said Dunn's directive urged the church's 800,000 California members to express their views "as in4.j.vidual citizens," but was not meant to conceal church involvement. National News FCC gets video of Rorertson' s anti-gay thetoric VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Gay rights activists have sent a videotape to the Federal Communications Commission of inflammatory antihomosexual rhetoric on Pat Robertson's cable TV show, The 700 Club. The activists met in early February a few miles from Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network headquarters to review the video and launch a petition drive condemning Robertson's rhetoric. Mel White, Minister of Peace and Justice for the Universal Fellowship of _Metropolitan Community Churches, said what Robertson and other people say on The 700 Club can incite people to violence. According to a transcript provided by White of a CBN broadcast last July, Robertson said a rise of homosexuality "is a sign that society is in the last stages of deca_y." "Now if the.world adopts homosexuality as its norm ... the whole world is then going to be sitting like Sodom and Gomorrah before a Holy God, and Ministers tell lawmakers to support same-sex marriage bill By Meki Cox Associated Press Writer HONOLULU (AP) - A small group of ministers gathered at _the Hawaii state Capitol March 4 to urge legislators to kill a bill that would put a constitutional amendment defining same-sex marriage up for vote this fall. , "Tampering with the Constitution" ·•·· will set precedent for more rights people have gained to be taken away, sakl Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, a retired minister from Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. The House Judiciary Committee S\Jrprisingly resurrected the bill after it was shelved along with several other same-sex bills. The unexpected move came a day after nationally-known anti-abortion extremist Randall Terry met with lawmakers. He had specifically asked House Judiciary Chairman Terrance Tom tQ pass out.the bill. "I feel that it -stirred up an urgericy for something to be done," said Fujitani, who was speaking for the group. However, Tom said the bill was passed out just to keep all options about the issue open, since the Senate is passing out a domestic partnership bill. The gro_up of about eight ministers from denominations varying from Lutheran to Buddhist to Presbyterian visited the lawmakers' office to lobby for equality and diversity among everyone in Hawaii. Although many of the ministers were representing themselves, some were representing their entire congregation. Rev. Mike Young, of The First Unitari, an Churcq ,of Honolulu, is one of the few ministers in Hawaii who has - been conducting weddings for gay and lesbian couples for nearly 20 years. His church, which is known for promoting radical religious freedom, has been open to total equality for homosexuals since the 1960s, he said. "The insistence upon people being authentic, being who they really are, believing what they really · believe, is the only possible place for spiritual .growth to begin with," Young said. The First Unitarian Church, which has a. homosexual population about equal to the community's population, conducts .about six same-sex weddings every year, he said. Research project seeking ex-gay stories HA VE YOU GONE through counseling or therapy where you were encouraged to become.heterosexual or ex-gay? . The National Lesbian and Gay Health Association wants to hear from you. The organization is conducting research for a project entitled "Homophobic Therapies: Document ing the Damage." The NLGHA is conducting a survey of lesbians, gay men, and . bisexuals who have been in counseling that tried to change their sexual orientation. They intend to use the results to ,, inform the public about the often harmful effects of such therapies. Participation in the .survey is confidential. Persons who are interested in responding can participate either through e-mail, by telephone, or in person. No record of your name, Internet address or any other identifying information will be kept . For more information contact Dr's Michael Schroeder and A'.riel Shidlo, (212)353-2558, gayconvert@aol.com, 412 6th Avenue, Suite 602, New York, NY 10011. . when the wrath of God conies on this earth we will all be guilty and we will all suffer," the transcript quoted Robertson as saying in a September broadcast. White was arrested a year ago when he tried to force a meeting with Robertson and refused to leave the CBN grounds. He was released from the city jail three weeks later after Robertson, responding to a plea from White's parents, met privately with him in the jail. White had considered delivering the videotape to Robertson, but he arid his supporters decided against it. Patty Richardson, a CBN spokeswoman, said Robertson had no plans to meet with White again. _ Ste Letters, page 23, for related information. Focus on the Family posts homosexuality discussion board on America Online THE ANTI-GAY Focus On The Family organization has a new service on America Online. The forum, engineered by the radical right group led by James Dobson, features a message board on the discussion of "homosexuality." Mes.sage boards provide a means for people onli11e to discuss issues and events. This Focus On The Family forum has the potentfai- to become a one-sided pulpit of hate, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The gay and lesbian community, a~ well <JS family and frien<!_s, is. encouraged to take an active role in the ,discussions about homosexuality on their message boards . Americ:i. bniine _ subscribers can join the discussion by going~o keyword : DOBSON . The folder on "homo- - sexuality" is in' the "Concerned Citizens" -folder on the Focus ·Message Boards. GLAAD is a _national organization that . promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation . of individuals and ·events iri the media as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual otientation or identity Denver Presbytery rejects proposal on gay ordination DENVER (AP) - A plan to give local congregations the power to ordain non-celibate gays wa:s defeated Feb. 27 at a meeting of the Denver Presbytery, representing 15,000 Presbyterians from 50 churches. The group also,rejected a proposal to end the debate by outlawing the ordination of gays in official church laws. National -Presbyterian Church officials - have ruled that non-celibate gays cannot be ordained. Both proposals would have been . subject to review by the_national Presbyterian leadership had they - been approved. · They were ,debated for more -than •an hour before the votes. "Jesus changed Jaws all. the time. (We should) put the decisioit-into the hands of groups like •us who have to live with each other every day," said the Rev. Cynthia Cearley, ·who supported the ordination of gay ministers. tt %6fi;Mg:; : N1i+r i 1"ttt1:A§; .. £W%£fi:'-&f&¥fi.i ,rW@;r•#@iAifil#G¥i@?iki:4!&kR@ HW@hiiii'i Gennanc hurch.maayp prove oitlinatioonf gays HANOVER (ENI) - Non-celibate gays could be admitted to the ordained ministry in certain circumstances, according to a major report published by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), whose 24 member churches represent the overwhelming majority of Protestants in Germany. But the report - called "Living with Tensions'.' - says that this should only happen in "individual cases" where there is an "ethically responsible" homosexual lifestyle, and if a number of conditions are fulfilled. · The report underlines that there should be no blanket decision by the EKD to allow the ordination of practicing homosexuals. The, report, which was two years in the making, says that a decision fo admit practicing homosexuals to the ordained ministry would mean a "break" with "official practice in Christian churches for hundreds of years." Many other churches continue to uphold this practice of not ordaining practicing homosexuals, the report points out. "If such a step is ne<lessary for the sake of truth and love, then we rriust dare to take it," say the report's authors. The EKD council has accepted the report as a "contribution. to the present debate." In .some churches it is well known that some clergy are in homosexual relationships, but church authorities simply tum a blind eye to the fact. A senior ecumenical official said recently there were "deep divisions" on the issue of homosexuality between churches around the world. In a foreword to the report, Klaus Engelhardt, the EKD's presiding bishop, writes: "As homosexual people have increasingly acknowledged in public their orientation and lifestyle, it has become unavoidable for society in general, and for the church in particular, to take a position on the issue of homosexuality. 'The issue of how the church relates to. its homosexual members - which has always existed, but has often been concealed - has thus become an inevitable issue in internal church debate." A press release issued by the EKD states: "Although we must guard against the danger that the agenda of the church becomes dominated by issues of this kind, it cannot be denied that this issue raises fundamental questions about · Christian faith and Christian lifestyle, and about the. interpretation of the Bible and the beliefs ofthe Church." According to the EKD press release, "passion and at times bitterness" are part of the debate over homosexuality "because it touches taboos, and one's own feelings and fears are The Wo-rd 365 Daily Meditations For Lesbians and Gay Men I T~e Bible S Reclaimed for · . Le~b\ans and Oiit Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold ii hostage .to an antigay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 ·daily meditations ,' the Bible's good news "comes out'' to meet all of us with love; justice, meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncomnum Calling and Coming Out to God.. He is a graduate of_ Yale Divinity School. The Word ls Out, $12, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/ APRIL, 1996 Cardinal says .married couples can use condoms to prevent AIDS · THE VATICAN, ROME (ENI) - One of the Roman Catholic Church's most respected leaders, Cardinal Adrianus Simonis, of The Netherlands, has said it is legitimate for condoms to be used by married couples as a protection against the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. According to an edition of the Catholic Herald, published in London, Cardinal Simonis said that in a marriage where one partner was infected with the disease and the other was not, it would be legitimate to use c_ondoms to save life. His statement is at odds with total Vatican opposition to the use-of condoms. Previously, however, France's Roman Catholic bishops said that condoms could be used where necessary to prevent the spread of AIDS. Cardinal Simonis made his comments during an interview on Dutch radio. He said that condoms could legitimately be used as "a form of self-defense" only within a marriage. He stressed that the indiscriminate use of condoms remained "totally illicit because it encourages promiscuity." The Catholic Herald commented: "Observers in Rome felt that now that a cardinal had entered the debate, other ' Episcopal Conferences may follow suit and force the Vatican's hand on a review of the use of condoms in some highly restricted cases." UK authorities investigating gay Christiang roup'sW WW link LONDON - The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is about to be investigated by UK authorities because of a one-time existence of a link between their unofficial World Wide Web page and a poem labeled blasphemous by a UK court years ago. The poem was the center of· a blasphemy case against the former "Gay News" and its publisher. Leaders of LGCM say they do not know who made the complaint. As soon as awakened." The report calls on the EKD to enter _discussions with partner churches around the world, to see if such ordinations would affect existing agreements on intercommunion and church fellowship. Touching on another controversial issue - the blessing of homosexual partnerships - the report says that people with a homosexual orientation who request a blessing should not be "turned away." But it adds that such blessings should not take place. within services of worship ''because of the risk of misunderstandings." "It is not the homosexual partnership as a form of living together that is being blessed, but rather people - in this case persons with a homosexual orientation - who either live alone or in an ethically responsible homosexual partnership." The 55-page study repeatedly stresses that the institutions of "marriage and family" are the models for Christian partnership. But since they can only be applied to people with a heterosexual orientation, "they cannot and should not be models for people with a homosexual ori- LGCM was made aware of the link the organization terminated it. The link was inadvertent, LCE:M·says, as the link was to another site, not directly to the poem. Others who may possibly.be investigated include the University of Durham, where the World Wide Web page was based, and a priest of the Durham diocese who had formal custody of the Web page. entation." Those who have not been given the power of _sexual abstinence - and the report says that "abstinence cannot be made an ethical demand" - should practice an "ethically responsible" homosexual partnership based on the same criteria as marriage. The EKD says the report has been given the title "Living with Tensions", to indicate that there are no "simple answers" to the issue. On the one hand, the report says, there are no biblical passages which refer to homosexuality in a positive light. But on the other, according to the witness of the Bible as a whole, the decisive issue for a homosexual relationship - as for any other relationship - is whether it is lived in love towards God and towards other people. The 55-page EKD report - "Living with Tensions" - on homosexuality on the church has become the first EKD report to be placed in its entirety on the Internet. It is available on the EKD's home page on the World Wide Web (http:/ /www.ekd.de). The EKD . has also provided information in English on the World Wide Web (http://www.ekd.de/ english.html). World News 300 church officials SUPJX>rt anniversaty of gay organization. . . - . . .. By Cedric Pulford Ecumenical News International LONDON - Some of the world's best known church leaders, including Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bishop Edmond L. Browning, head of the ·Episcopal Church in the United States, gave a major ·boost to gay and lesbian Christians by adding their names to a public message congratulating a British gay Christian group on its 20th anniversary. Advertisements congratulating the organization - the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) - and bearing the names of 300 distinguished church officials - including Archbishop Michael Peers, of Canada, and Lord Soper, a veteran British Methodist, as well as Roman Cathol: ics - appeared Feb. 9 in three church newspapers in Britain. The advertisement signed by the church officials stated: "On its 20th anniversary celebration, we recognize the valuable contribution made to the continuing debate on sexuality and Christianity by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, and we call upon the churches to engage fully with this important question,'.' LGCM has a high media .profile in Britain, where, as well as campaigning for gay rights within churches, it supports the ordination of gays in. the Church of England. On Feb. 6, Archbishop Tutu, of Cape Town, and Bishop Browning distanced themselves from the issue of the ordination of gays after news of the advertisement appeared in the Sunday Telegraph in London, under the headline, "Archbishops back call Mugabe urges churches to join his fight against gays HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - President Robert Mugabe likened homosexuality to alcoholism, drug abuse and prostitution on Feb. 2.8 and urged churches to join his campaign against gays. Mugabe, addressing a gathering convened by U.S. evangelist BeMy Hinn in Harare, called on Christian churches to join his government in a battle to restore moral ·values and fight "the cankering worm of debauchery and the affliction of homosexuality." He said Christian teachings con. demned homosexuality and preachers should fight it, just as they combat drug abuse and immorality. Last year, Mugabe's government banned a gay rights exhibit at a Harare book fair and Mugabe· went on to make several outspoken attacks on gays. Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe. Police have raided gay rights meetings and listed the names of participants but no arrests have been reported. Zimbabwe's small gay community accuses Mugabe of targeting its members to distract attention from official graft and worsening economic hardships as presidential elections approach. for homosexual priests." Another sig11atory to the advertise,. ment, Bishop _ R,ichard _ Hol'Joway, . Primus (head) bf the ,scotti~h Episcopal Church,_ iseued a -state"!'ient qeny~ . ing that he Was declarmg:s';ipport for the ordination of gay people. He described the advertisement as "appropriate in i~s support for LGCM, . in that- it did not highlight specific topics." . But th·e statement added: · 'The Primus believes that the ordi- . nation of gay people is not a topic to be addressed in a purely reactive way." · He called the Sunday Telegraph article "an improper misinterpretation -of a statement which he and his fellow primates were happy to support." Lord Soper told ENI that he "refused to break fellowship" with the Christians represented by LGCM, although he was "totally opposed to the physical expression of homosexuality and therefore to the ordination of practicing gay people/' In New York James Solheim, spokesman for the Episcopal Church in the USA, said that by signing the statement Bishop Browning intended to convey his -greetings to the group, · which is preparing to celebrate its anniv~rsary ' later this year in· Southwark Cathedral, London, reports Patricia Lefevere. Bishop Browning was merely agreeing with the statement contained in the LGCM advertisement, Solheim said. This is not "incendiary language," Solheim said, but rather language consistent with the ongoing debate about the role of gays in church life in the US Episcopal church. In the United Kingdom, Richard Kirker, general secretary of . LGCM, tolii ENI that he had also . invited the · Anglican archbishops of Canterbury and York t9 -joiil the.signatories, ·b~fwithoutsuccess. . . : ·. . - The Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, has kept silent on the issue since the Sunday Telegraph · published its article. A .La1TI),eth Pal- . ace spokeswoman -for·tlfe :archbishop told ENI: 'The archbishop hasn't seen the (LGCM) advertisement, and c<1cn't comme)lt on what h~ hasn't seen." However, of the prominent Anglican clergy who have signed the advertisement, Kirker said: 'The support by senior church figures for our statement is a morale-lifter. It shows that what people have been saying in private to -us for two decades can· be translated into public support ." He acknowledged that the ordination of openly gay clergy in the Church of England was still a long way off, but the advertisement was "one more notch" on the path to success. Noel Bruyns reported from Cape Town that Archbishop Tutu's office said that the advertisement which he and other church leaders had signed '"has been misrepresented in the press." · In Ottawa, Canada last June the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada officially "affirmed the presence _ and contribution to the church of gay men and lesbians, and condemned bigotry, violence and hatred directed against people because ·of their sexual orientation." The synod called for further dialogue throughout the church about homosexuality and homosexual relationships. _Tutu in favor of gay ordinations, defends Norway's gay Christians THE ARCHBISHOP OF Cape Town, the Most Rev Desmond Tutu, has spoken in favor of ordaining homosexual people to the priesthood. Tutu made his comments during a BBC radio show. When questioned on the Church's attitude to homosexuals, the Archbishop replied: 'The Church has not got there yet, but if we were to say that in rela.tionships it is desirable that there is fidelity between a couple, why should we not extend the same conditions to same sex relationships," the Archbishop said. " This is my personal position. I am passionate in my opposition to any injustice and I believe I know where our Lord would stand." When questioned whether he was hopeful that the Anglican Communion might move towards the ordination of gay people in the Church he said : "As a matter of justice, of compassion, of consistency, yes." Thl' Archbishop added : "I think there is something wrong when we persecute people and make them hate who God has made them to be, and if there is a way in which I can assist in the rehabilitation of people's selfworth, I certainly will do all I can." Tutu has also spoken out in defense of gay C hristians belonging to the Lutherai1 church in Norway . Ttie -.ssue of homosexuality has recently -p rovoke<i intense debate in the Chur ch of Norway, which is a Luthe_ran church with 3,800,000 members. Gay, in Norway have the legal right to register as couples, which .gives them the sodal and civil rights held by a heterosexual couple. But gays and lesbians living as registered partners are banned from holding positions in the Church of Norway. "It is my prayer and hope that in the same way the Church in Norway stood _ by us in our struggle against oppression, s,o it- will continue to champion the . cau~e ofjustice on the part of those who are marginalized by society or discriminated against -· simply for being gay or lesbian/ Archbishop Tutu said iri a letter to a Norwegian Lutheran bishop, Rosemarie Kohn. Bishop Kohn, of the diocese of Hamar, Norway, had written to Archbishop Tutu seeking guidance on the issue. She represents a minority in the Norwegian church - three out of 10 bishops - who are arguing for the full rehabilitation of gays in the church. Bishop Kohn said she found it personally "unacceptable" that homosexuals .living as registered, partners could not hold cfa1rch positions. The sy_nod ,of the Church of Norway ruled last November that people in homosexual relationships cannot be appointed to church posilioJJs. It also rejected the introduction of a church prayer ceremony for gay or lesbian couples. -From Ecumenical News Internationai and the Anglican Communion News Service PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE• MARCH/APRIL 1996 AIDS Warriors & Heroes In Mississippi:. Black ministers bring AIDS education to church By Sherry Lucas The Clarion-Ledger JACKSON;_"Miss. (AP) - AfricanAmerican churches bear a vital role in spreading the word about HIV and AIDS to a population disproportionately aff~cted by the disease, clergy and health ,professjonals agree. An increasing number of ministers and churches in Mississippi are responding to the crisis and the call with compassion, information and prevention messages in line with their beliefs. · "I've taken the approach that the faith community should be a loving and non-judgmental community," said the Rev. Hosea Hines of College Hill Baptist Church in Jackson. "It's extremely important that we reflect the love of God to those who are HIV-positive and those who have full-blown AIDS." Churches need . to "divide the facts from the myths" and educate the ,community about how the disease is contracted and how to prevent its spread, Hines said. Numbers paint a grim picture in Mississippi. Since the state health department began tracking AIDS in 1985 and HIV in 1988, 55 percent of the reported ,AIDS cases and 75 percent of reported HIV infections in Mississippi have involved African Americans, 1995 figures show . Last year alone, 79 percent of the newly reported HIV infections in the state were in African Americans. About 37 percent of the state's population is African American, according to census estimates. The state's high rates of sexually transmitted diseases are particularly ominous, foretelling additional risk for HIV infection in the black population, said Craig W. Thompson, director of the Division of STD/HIV within the state Department of Health . Mississippi is No. 1 in the nation for syphilis, with significant rates for herpes and chancroid - genital ulcer diseases that leave sufferers · more susceptible to acquiring and spreading HIV by unprotected sex. Most adult HIV infections in Mississippi are transmitted by heterosexual sex, state health professionals believe . Heterosexual sex is cited in 19 percent of HIV infections since 1988 and may account for most of the 37 percent in which the transmission cause is officially undetermined but largely attributed to unprotected sex with multiple and often unidentified partners. "None ·of this gets fixed unless the people at risk change the aspects of their lives that put them at risk," rna.1vELL0W ,1 · GE.S TMINFORMIN& THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &[TI 1B,1 , • TRANSGENDER CO.MMUNITY SINCE 1973 1B,1 Complete gay-friendly resources and businesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organizations, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.SJ H.I.V. resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed (no charge), or for detalls of current editions and prices, or Information about malling labels, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-SS, VIiiage station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; . FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA and Canada call 1-212-989-485.J .. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, ·and San Francisco. They are not involved with production or publication of Ga yellow Pages, so please don't call them except to order.) •1 wish all my readers had a copy of this very useful volume. If you live in Nowheresville, U.S.A., and ha vent a clue f/:Y,;,~~ati:~ng0~~~1~idfn'fh~sG~ffef;g~1p!~:~~o/'9;:t~:;J:,efi; ~~:;[.~ ~;:J:;;olated if you make use of •ey far the most comprehfl,!nsive and up-to-date gay guide ... . Gayel/ow Pages . .. includes the standard entries for bars and restaurants . .. But the Gayel/ow Pages excels thanks to its adqitional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV sefWces, legal reso'!rces, organizations (categorized by purpose or interest), religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual people, no matter how unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probably listed in the Gayel/ow Pages . ... Hardly a week goes by that it is not consulted in thti Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Howells, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA), December 1994 •For over 12 years Gayel/ow Pages has.been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every performer, :~~~{; ':,°,;;~~e~u1~1k7~s;g::,r;g~~;fy';~W,~i,aF:!:'h F)~~s~:Cn:rd~~,J;~;hf ttfe in contact with. It's. the PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 iliiiMNMi+iW&ii/iiPE r•Sri ±ifi i f5 ,.z @A' & · ·ii§ •w;ryf • tB¥G it# § @. riiiiWW± if◄§± .Gj UFMCC AIDS Ministry on the net SELECTED AIDS MINISTRY worldwide. resources from the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches are now available on the Internet, as well as a biweekly column from Rev. Steve Pieters, field director of UFMCC AIDS Ministry. Three pamphlets, "HIV/ AIDS: Is It God's · Judgment?," "Spiritual Strength for Survival," and "Choose Life" can be accessed at The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation's World Wide Web site. In addition, Rev. Pieters will be a regular columnist for The Body . The URL for The Body is : · http:/ /www .thebody.com. Rev. Pieters' column can be found under the heading "Insight," and UFMCC AIDS Ministry pamphlets can be ·accessed under "Religion and HIV/AIDS ." The Body is cyberspace's first onestop shop for reaching AIDS experts, organizations and publications Thompson said. An HIV and AIDS prevention message has to be more meaningful to pe.ople 's lives than a "just say no" warning, he said. It "didn't work with drugs, and sex is easier to find." Education must address behaviors in a community, with a sensitivity to economics and social and cultural norms . Traditionally the heart and hub of the black community, the church is seen by many as the best resource and the most effective way of delivering information and education. "We minister to the total m<1n," said the Rev . Henry Williams of Ebenezer Full Gospel Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. Even mature members in the congregation need to know about the risks in a promiscuous society. " We have a captive audience and we have to give them information. That's what we're charged with, Homosexuality and Christian Community · Choon-Loong Seow, editor Contributors t.o this volume, all members of the Princet.on Theological Seminary faculty, address the various exegetical, interpretive, and practical issues pertaining t.o gays and lesbians in the church. Ideal for churches and individuals engaged in theological reflection on this issue. "We want to do more than inform," · said Jamie Marks, founder of The Body. "We want to create a global community for people concerned with AIDS." Marks hopes that The Body will be the first place online where anyone concerned with AIDS -will look for resources dealing with its medical, cultural, legal, and political aspects . ''There are some AIDS resources online, but they're fragmented, and you really have lo know where to look. The Body has everything in one place," Marks said. UFMCC AIDS Ministry joins a number of other content providers for The Body, including the AIDS Action Council, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Johns Hopkins Uni~ v·ersity AIDS Service, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Treatment Action Group. giving them information pertaining to life. And this is life." Church workshops for youths, adults and seniors tackle tough issues of drug addiction, alcoholism and AIDS awareness, Williams said, and the education has been acc·epted. "Usually, when they find out they're all vulnerable, you don't g'et that much resistance," he said. At College Hill Baptist, HIV and · AIDS information is included in seminars relating to health issues and in . brochures available to the congregation, Hines said . Some members have had American Red Cross training to be HIV/ AIDS educators. "It's important that we embrace as much information as possible updates on medication to fight the virus and also remember that along with physical medicine, God, too, has medicine," he said. "He still works miracles in people's lives." SEE EDUCATION,Next Page ..; -- .,,,,,_ Tlmw '"·:-..ualilv ,, ,,..,/ .,-r"""' J;lu-i,tian. It .,11n1n1n11l~ ..... ~ ~ uhtH/ /11 ,, f t:hU(iH~I.(-.)!~ ~,., •W $14.99 Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. Christian Responses to AIDS Projecati medat f indinhgo rn~f oro iphanosf A IDSv ictims DENVER (AP) - Luann Bauer and Jack Patterson are among thousands of parent!, faced with the horrifying certainty that their children will be orphaned. They have AIDS. And they know they both could be dead before their children, Mai, 6, and Anthony, 2, reach adolescence. It is estimated that by 2000, as many as 125,000 children in this country could be orphaned by the disease. That's why the Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange created Families Connecting for Kids, a project that works wi.th terminally ill parents. Families Connecting for Kids provides "permanency planning" - everything from sorting such details EDUCATION, From Previous Page Religious leaders, originally some of the most resistant to AIDS education, are now some of the most proactive, Thomrson said. Although there's a continuing and valid cJ;iallenge to churches to get involved, they're still underrepre- · sented at the · table, said the Rev. Elmere Campbell of Jackson, who with 'i eronica .Hartwell .co0 authored The Role of the Church in the HIY / AIDS Epidemic, a scholarly artide and resource packet from the Jackson State University National Alumni AIDS Prevention Project. "There are churches that won't even touch -the issue because they do see (the disease) as condemnation," Campbell noted. But when a church refuses to get inv.olved in educating and sensitizing its members about AIDS, it misses a big opportunity for members to spread the church's message. Strategies for AIDS prevention education within the church respect the organization's right to define its mission and own level of involvement, Campbell said. Some may feel they can only teach abstinence while others in large metropolitan areas more dramatically affected by the disease may be involved in condom distribution and sex education. Hines ag.re.es that churches have the right to monitor or modify education about AIDS, but not the facts on the disease. "We do talk about facts. We do talk abo.ut figures. We just seek to stay within the Bible· and the framework the· Bible teaches. for human sexuality," he said. Teaching abstinence and addressing the wrongs of fornication and adultery are nothing new, Williams points out. "Everybody does not pracas . legal guardianship, financial planning and locating families who may help co-parent victims' children. "Our goal is to give our parents a say in their child's future, even though they may not be here to see that future," said Allison Ballard, case manager for the project. Luann Bauer, 28, has .had full-blown AiOS for two years and says her biggest fear "is that (her children) won't grow up happy because their mommy and daddy died when they were young." "I feel cheated knowing I'll never see Mai get married," she said. Patterson, 47, doesn 't have fullblown AIDS yet, but is HIV-positive. lice abstinence and I know · that. So there are alternatives you have to present to them as well." On the national level, "We have a long way to go, but it's moving and the pace of it is moving very rapidly," said Pernessa Seele, founder and CEO of The Balm in GiJead in New York City, a secular, non-profit group that mobilizes black churches in the AIDS struggle. About 3,000 churches in the country, by Seele's conservative estimate, He says he int.ends to "be here for their high school graduations - that's how I honestly feel." . However; Patterson also suffers from qironary artery disease -and has been hospitalized for treatment of blood dots . .Fle ,~knowledges his future is not bright. · "When you're in your 40s, you kind of look forward to watching your kids get older and grow into adults," · he said. "A big reality for me is I won't see any of my grandkids." Both Patterson and Bauer are focusing on their children now. Leaving them with family members isn't an option . . Patterson's parents are dead and his siblings have raised families of their own and aren't participated March 3 .in the Black Church National Day of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. Piney Woods Country Life School in Florence was one of them, offering a church service that celebrated and promoted tolerance for. the differences that exist in the community, chaplain Harrison Wilson said. "Every black -church ,in the world understaI).dS healing,· understands prayer and we're .putting HIV healing in that context," Seele.said. lite MC• Fiht- fesTivAl HoME VidEo CATALOGUE HoMEo f TltEW oRLd'sL ARGEST ColLEcTioNof (-I\.ION•pORNOGRApltic) GAy& LesbiANV ideos CALLfo R FREEC AT..tlOGUE 1.-800~44~--71 }4 WltENi N TAMPAV isit ouR HUGE VidEo· & Music STORE & CofFEES ltop AT} 601 W KENNEdByl vd. inclined to start over again. Bauer's adoptive parents are also dead and her brother isn't an opfion. Patterson is-not Maj's . biological father, but the . bir th · father is Japanese and lives out of the country part-time. Bauer may have contracted AIDS as a result of a blood transfusion she received while visiting Korea, but she suspects that it was her exhusband . who infected her with HIV, a result of his encounters with prostitutes while on business in Asia. She moved to Denver in 1990 and met Patterson, who worked in her apartment complex. Two months later she found out she was HIV"positive and s~x months -after that Patterson discovered h~ also was HIVpositive. ...... DEFECTING IN PLACE: Woman ClailTllng - =~'%::~~~!r.rituUa~l byWlnter, Was 22.95 NOW ·18.l>S A SINGINGS OMETHING:W omanlstR efteclionos n . Ama ..UllaC 00pet'b y Baker-FletchHera. rdcov.e r was 19.95 NOW 16.95 A HUNDREDD AYSF ROMN OW,o ,plorat.ol n of low, ra:ew~r:a1N~WbHya1~~ve:rn.. YUGOSLAVIANIN !=ERNOE: thnorelfgl~s.Wartarina ttte Bal~:~~~m- t..: o~~: WOMEN AT WOR$HI~: lnterpi'etatlons of Ni;,rth Amencanw~~ -~t~~~ Waltai. Paper. SEA.SOt-,1S OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Cycle C OlristianF eminisPt rayersfo rthe.Utu!QIC:C1y)1c leb y SchnittP-. Was 13.95 NOW 11.95 NOW <OARE EVERYTHING: Tales of HIV-Aetcltad P~oth:~ag~~-t-f~~-ft~' IS THE-HOMOSEXUAL MY NEIGHBOR? Revised am Upj~~ ~~-~N~J s:1 95MoHenkotPt.a per. JESUS ACTED UP: A Gay and les:)lan Manlleslo by Go~:a~~-00 NOW 11~95 GAY AND LESBIAN STUDIES IN ART HISTORY by Davis.-Paper. Was 19.95 NOW 18.95 MEISTER ECKHART AND THE BEGUINE MYSTICS by McGinn. Hardcover. Was 19.95 NOW 115.95 THE SECOND PLAGUE OF EUROPE: AIDS Prevantla,a n::S! e~al TranSTlissioAnm orgM en in Western Europe by"Pollak. Paper. Was 11 .95 NOW 9.95 bAN~O TH:E~ FL;ArG=. W AS S~TILL TH ERE: Straight and Sexuality.Inth e U.S. Military Was 19.95 NOW 1115.95 MU~EA AMONG ~IEN~S, _gay Quaker-murder mystery~ :a,~.~~~ -11.95. ONa TEACHER IN·TEN: Gay and L8S>lan EdJcatol'ST.eTlol elrStori~_byJa,nlngsP, ape,r Was 9.95 NOW 7.~ AFREKETE:A n·AnthOlogoyf BlackL esbianW riting by McKin~ls~, -~'t:~:f 2~~:over. IN THE. COURTS OF THE LORD; gay-Episcopal priesto n churchtr ial,b y"Ferr.y Hard::c,\l.e r Was 22.95 NOW 20.95 WOMEN-·PASTORS by Stokes. Paper. Was 14.95.NOW -12,95 JESUS:M iriam"Cs hild,S q>hia's Prophet by Florenza Hardcover. Was 22.95 NO\:V 20.95 BOUND BY DIVERSITY by Sears. Paper: Was 14.95 NOW 12.95 TOORDER PLEASESEEPAGE22 MAR<i:H/ APRIL. 1996 Events Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizations. To have an event listed, send information to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)891- 7555, e-mail secstone@aol.com. HIV/ AIDS & The Spiritual Life MARCH 29-31, St. Camillus AIDS Miμistry sponsors this retreat designed to help .participants reframe often negative exjX,:riences of living with HIV. Guided meditation, reframing of emotional resisiance, group shanng, trance journeying, body work, music and ritual are woven into holistic exploration of tools for healing which participants can integrate into their daily lives. For information call (414)259- 4664. ' Connecting Families Retreat APRI_L ,12-lf , Laurelvil_le Mennonite _ Church Center near Pittsburgh is the setting for this retreat to be facilitated by Chuck Boyer, pastor of the .Laverne Churcb of the Brethren. For information contact the Brethren/Mennonite Council, P.O. Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406- '°300,(612)870-1501 . ·A:Tfirma1ion 'Spring Gath~ring APRIL 13-14, This meeting of United Methodists will take place at the Holiday Inn on Glenarm in Denver, Colorado. ''What is thefutμre of the United Methodist Church: What are we modeling to our children?" is the theme._ For information: P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL 60204, umaffir@concentric.net. One Conference '96 APRIL 26-28, Christ Chapel of the Valley in North_ Hollywood is the setting for the second annual One Conference, themed "OUT-Standing in Christ." Michael Bussee, who helped establish and then denounced Exodus International, an ex-gay ministry, will be the keynote speaker. For information contact Jim Abram, Christ Chapel of the Valley, 5006 Vineland Ave ., North Hollywood, CA 91601 , (818)985-8977. Open and Affirming Anniversary Gathering APRIL 27-28, "Voices of Faith - Rejoicing on . a Journey Toward Wholeness" is the theme of an ecumenical gathering at Urbandale United Church of Christ, Urbandale, Iowa, as .the church celebrates the third anniversary of its vote to be an Open and Affirming Congregation. Featured presenters are Bill Johnson, Minister for AIDS Program and Ministries, and Elaine Kirkland, Music Minister and composer of contemporary hymns and songs. There will be opportunity for worship, dialogue sessions and social time . For information contact · Urbandale United Church of Christ, 7002 Oliver Smith Dr., Urbandale, IA 50322, (515)276-0625. - More Light Conference MAY 3-5, "Dance the Dream of_ Freedom" is the theme of the '% More Light Conference , to be .held in Roches_ter , New York. Featured speakers include Rev. Daniel Smith, pastor of West Hollywood Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Irene Monroe, doctoral candidate from Harvard Divinity School. For informatiqn contact Carolyn Klinge, · 96 · Burlington Ave . , Rochester, NY 14619, (716)436 ~1078. National Gay Penbicostal Alliance General Conference MAY 3-5, "Pressing Toward The Mark" is the theme of this year's conference to be ·, :held at the Otter Creek La Quinta Inn in Little Rock, Ark. The gathering will be a time of worship, fellowship, preaching and teaching for Apostolic Pentecostals. For information contact the host church, Hope Apostolic Church, Rev. _J. Virgilio, (505)663-3711, TDD (505)663-3987, brojvirgilio@delphi.com. Religious Life Weekend and Retreat JUNE 7-9, The Mercy of God Community sponsors the fifth annual gathering at the Xavier Retreat Center, ·Convent Station, New Jersey. The weekend is designed for those who want to explore _the possibility of service in religious life. For information contact the Mercy of God Community, P .O. Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940-1055 . GLAD Alliance Annual Event JUNE 21-24, Members and friends of the Gay , Lesbian and Affirming Disciples will gather in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Plaza Resolana Conference Center for "Centering on the Edge." Facilitating will be Rev . Mary Jacobs, co-pastor of Desert Dove Christian Church in Tucson and immediate past First Vice Moderator of PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 ii i @Sfi1M#Mi4M WNM,M' :ai#-5-·· P~ ¥MAAl'i£Mi ®- · ¼iJnif#,& '"!\f:nw:!'r I the Christ i~ Church (Di sciples of Christ) , and,PJ-ofessor J-.- Cy ·Rowell, Pro-fessor- of Religious Education and Director of Continuing Education at TCU's B[ite Divinity School. For registration information, write GLAD Event, P.O. Box · 11876, Knoxville, TN 37939. UCC Third National Meeting of Women JUNE 27-30, The United Church of Christ presents "Voices and Visions: Third National Meeting of Women" featuring Barbara Ehrenreich,.June Goudey, Bernice Powell Jackson and Christine Smith. For information call 1-800-653-0799. Supportive Congregations International Gathering JUNE 28-30, "Dancing at the Table: Reimagining the Church" is the theme of this conference , sponsored by the Supportive Congregations Network and the Church of the Brethren Women's Caucus. Manchester College in North Manchester , Indiana , is the setting. Any congregation or individual interested in finding an affirming place for lesbian, gay and bisexual members in the Brethren and Mennon ite churches is welcome . For information write to P .O. Box 6300, Minne apolis , MN 55406 or call (612)305 -0315 oremail scnetwork@aol.com. UCCL/GC National Gathering JUNE 30-JULY 4. The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Rev. Dr. Joan Martin and Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward -are featured guests . For infonnation contact the UCCU GC. 18 North College Street, Athen s, OH 45701, 614-593-7301. connECtion '96 JULY 4-7. Chapman College in Orange County, California is the setting for this year's national gathering of Evangelicals Concerned. Featured speakers include Dr. Ralph Blair, founder of EC, June Steffensen Hagen, author of Rattling Those Dry Bones: Women Changing the Church, and Nancy and Chip Miller, who are affiliated with the Kentucky Southern Baptist Convention and whose son died of AIDS. For inf_prmation call (212)517-3171. Church & Or anization News Massachusetts church joins Welcoming and Affirming Baptists . PARK STREET BAPTIST Church in Framingham, Mass. will celebrate its decision to -become a Welcoming and Affirming Church at special services - on May 19. The congregation voted unanimously at its annual meeting in January to join the Welcoming and Affirming ranks. "We are going \o worship and praise God, raise the roof, and generally have a 'hallelujah' time celebrating a gracious God who seems to be resurrecting this little ' urban church," said Rev , Peggy Wallace, pastor. Calif omia Episcopal Diocese launches gay/lesbian ministry THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE of California opened Oasis/California, its new ministry with lesbians and gay . men, at a special service at Grace Cathedral in January. The ministry is dedicated to serving Christ in the lesbian and gay community and to serving the cause of gay liberation in the church and the world. The Oasis is headquartered in San Francisco at 110 Julian Avenue, (415)522-0222, FAX (415)522-1198, oasiscalif@ aol.com. The Episcopal Diocese of California is made up of 87 churches and 40,000 members. The bishop of the diocese is the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing. Gay-friendly Catholic churches open in Georgia · ST. AELRED'S ECUMENICAL Catholic .Church has opened in Decatur, Georgia according to its directo r, Stephen Sinclair. The church is named after an English monk who during his life more than 900 years ago encouraged the other moriks in his monastery to hold hands and give each other expressions of friendship. The parish has started small, and meets in a member's home. Another gay-friendly Catholic church, The Rose of Sharon Independent Catholic Church, opened in Jan uary in Carrollton, Ga. It welcomes gays and lesbians, ethnic minorities and others who feel 'excluded from the traditional Roman Catholic church. - Southern Voice Trinity MCC holds Easter services at site of new church TRINITY MCC of Arlington, Texas was scheduled to hold Easter Sunday services on the site of the church's future home at 609 Truman Street. Senior Pastor Jo Crisco said that modular buildings will house Trinity's sanctuary and offices until the new church is completed. The church may be contacted by calling (817)265-5454, FAX (817)860-7379. iiM iii MM iH w@M r ffiilf#Mli v m, ffii ij M &K@ 0~1 •1-tr I !IM I if M m iifut&iNMii!AM@ii@Milliffli$MIWml Names Maldn News Bishop John S. Spong "NO PARTY LASTS forever," said the Episcopal bishop of Newark, New Jersey, in announcing his plans to retire. But the 64 year-old Spong · vowed to stay in office until he is 72 if he feels called to continue to defend the Episcopal Church against those he called · "heresy hunters ." The bishop has gained an international stature and notoriety as an outspoken champion of radical causes . David Sindt THE LATE FOUNDER OF Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns was one of 13 persons inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fam e . The Rev. Jeff Doane, pastor of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church where Sindt was an active leader, accepted the award from Mayor Rid1ard Daley. In addition to being a fighter for ju stice within the Pre sby• terian Church (USA), Sindt was a gifted social worker and breeder of award-winning dwarf irises. He died of AIDS on December 3, 1986. Bro. Stephen E. Braddock THE FOUNDER AND Executive Director of St. Camillus AIDS Mini stry was honored by Dignity/ Milwaukee Feb . 11 on th e occasion of Dignity's 21st anniversary. Braddock was presented with the Pope John XXIII Humanitarian Award in appreciation of his "example of Christ-like service and openness." "As Pos e John XXIII initiated Vatican Council II which opened the church .to a wider expression o f faith , and opened the church to many people, Dignity hon ors Bro. Stephen for his work and dedication," said Dignity spokesman JoeZopp. Even More Events GLPCI & COLAGE Conference JULY 4-7, The Regal Hotel in Minneapolis is the setting for this conference for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay parents, their children, friends and family, hosted by Minnesota Families . "Proud Parents Make Proud Kids" is the theme. The conference, sponsored by Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International, is open to all gay, lesbian , bisexual and transgender individuals involved in parenting roles. For infonnation contact Minnesota Families, GLPCI '96, P.O. Box 11970, St. Paul, MN 55111-0970 , (612)924-3049. Gay and Lesbian Family Week AUGUST 3-11, The Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition has declared the first week in August "Gay and Lesbian Family .Week." The organization will celebrate the week in Provincetown, Mass. GLPCI will host a barbecue and the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce will suggest activities for families to enjoy during the week. For infonnation contact GLPCI, P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, (202)583-8029, FAX (201)783-6204. World Gathering on Bereavement AUGUST 14-18, This international conference brings together the bereaved , bereavement support organi zations and professionals. More than 90. workshops and sharing groups are offered. The Red Lion Airport Hotel in Seattle is the setting. The conference ··is sponsored- of Accord Aftercare Services of Louisville, Kentucky and Family Services; Seattle. For information call (800)346-3087 or (206)246-6142. First National Gathering · of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists AUGUST 16-18, Lake Street Church (W &A), Evanston, Illin~is , is the setting for the inaugural gathering of the Welcoming and Affirming Baptists . Keynote speakers are Peggy and Tony camp;,lo . The organization had not released registration information as of press time. Ecumenical & Inclusive We are a Christian community of men and women from various Catholic· and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries. We are inspired by the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. L ike the ecumenical Taize Community we are ·not canonically affiliated with any denomination. Join us on retreat June 7-9, 1996, at Xavier Center, Convent Station, NJ. Vocation Director Bept. 55, PO Box 8340 · Ne w Orleans, LA 70182 Mercy of God Community A nd behold, p cerloin lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what sl,all I do to inherit.eternal ltfe?-" And_JesuS said to him, "W/10.t is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" A nd he answered and said, "You shall love th·e Lord your God with .all your heart, a11d wit/1 all your soul, and with all your strengt4, and with all your mind; and you~ neighbor as yourself -" And Jesus said fa him, "You /1aue answe red.correctly; do th is and yo u wi/1/ive. " Bl TT . wi~g to JUSTlfYhimself, he said to Jesus . .. LUKE 10: 25·2q COHHf [JIOH 'g6 II THURSDAY, JULY 4 THROUGH SUNDAY , J U LY. 7 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, ORANGE , CA ComrECtio,r '96 :s a f o ur -d a y re tr eat ·exper ience with o the r lesbian / ga y C hri st ians. A cti viti es incl~J e worship, keynote addresses, workshops, small group in t eraction, time t o play, an d t ime to reflect on our experience. Regardless of where you are o n your journey of integrating your spiritua lity and orient ati on, this could be a r ich an d rewarding weekend for you . Key11ofe Spllak e rs: Dr. Ra/p/, B lair, fou nde r of El'Onge/ica/s Co11cemed, Inc. Dr .. /u11e Ste/Jensen H_agen, th e 1993 recipient of l1itegrity's Marge Gumm Award, te aches E nglish at B ro nx C ommun ity Co llege of the City l'ni versity of ~ew York. N a11cy and C/iip Mi/J a r , wlH):Oe :e,m die d of AIDS, spend n1uch of t heir tim e lr av e'Iin g to con gr e ~a ti on ;: r elating the ir .family's journey with the ir son 's h omo sexu alit y, illn t>ss and deatb. E tiange/ica/s Con cern e d Wes tern Regional Fel/owslrip is a non -Profit organization t hat pl,si~iveJy u nite:e lesbian / gay sex uality with-bibli c·al C hr istiani ty by way o f resoun:e;:, loca l group act iviti es, Bibi"' ::tudy, retreat s ·and this annual cm1fereni:l•. To receive more inform ation plea::e cont act us. EC WR 602 .893.69 52 PO Box 66906 Plwen;x, AZ 85082-6906 PAGE 19 • SECOND STONE• MAR<;:H/APRIL. 1996 "Same-Sex Dynamics Among 19th Century Americans" MonnonchurchfotIhDaddre erl axed attitudtoew arsral me-serxe lationships By Vern Anderson Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Evan . Stephens, composer of many of Mormonism's most beloved hymns, was a bachelor who shared his life with a succession of young male singers. Stephens evenogave up his 26-year career as MormenTabemade Choir director in 1916 to 'move to New York City with "a blonci' Viking who captured the eye of everyone as a superb specimen of manhood." Was Stephens gay? Probably, according to historian D. Michael Quinn, although all Stephens' "boy chums," as he called them, eventually married, and it is possible Stephens never acted on his homosexual yearnings. More important to Quinn, and a cen~ tral thesis of his forthcoming book; is that the attitudes of 19th century !YJ:or~rn s Jq~.y-d~t he whole range of same~s~x refaffonships were far more relaxed thart the homophobic concerns reflected in today's headlines. And in that regard, straightlaced pioneer Utah was ho different than the n.ition at . large in the · last century: Adult friends of the same gender · held hands and kissed in public, slept together in the same beds - sometimes for years - and wrote each other emotionally intense, even passionate letters. In most cases, these relationships were not erotic. But when· they were, Mormons at times were even more tolerant than other Americans, Quinn points out in "Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Ameri- Books cans: A Mormon Example," to be published in May by the University of Illinois Press. Church founder Joseph Smith, the polygamous husband of many wives, snuggled with male friends throughout his life. He preached in 1843 that two friends "should lie down on the same bed at night locked in each other's embrace talking of their love .... " His successor, Brigham Young, organized all-male dances and dreamed of sleeping with _nonMormoh men as a means of resolving conflict. Later church presidents Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. Grant kissed their counselors good-bye. Not many , years later, though, another president, David 0. McKay, · said he would rather sleep on the floor than in the. same bed with a man. Indeed, Quinn noted a distinct · change in attitudes toward same-sex relations among church leaders who reached adulthood in the 20th century and were not accustomed to the pervasive same-sex sociality of the 19th. So relaxed were the views of early Mormons toward such relationships, Quinn writes, "that theFe was much that did not have to be hidden by the Mormons who felt sexuaf interest for those of their same genderi' Thus, it often was possible for gay men and women, speaking in the 19th century vernacular of platonic love, to subtly allude to and still mask their WE WERE BAPTIZED '1'm Claiming God's G.[ace .l \.A.J for Lesbians and Gays By Marilyn Bennett Alexand.er and James Preston with a forward by Desmond M. Tutn This book challenges the church to take seriously its understanding of baptism and communion as a means of grace, justice and liberation for everyone ... including its gay and l_esbian members. $16.99 from Second Stone Press. To order, see page 22. PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 Photo essay collection makes love visible PHOTOGRAPHER GEOFF Manasse and -journalist/novelist Jean Swallow, award-winners in their fields, traveled the country to bring home the diversity of photographs and stories in Making Love Visible: ln Celebration of Gay and Lesbian Families. Manasse's photographs are intimate and beautiful. Swallows interviews expose the tenderness and vitality of gay and lesbian family life. Together Manasse and Swallow show relationships _ and webs of relationships that have no name in our Ianguage. Gay and lesbian readers will be proud fo find a little bit of home in this book. Bishop John Spong says Making Laue Visible is "a powerful book that contrasts a variety of faces onto our cultural stereotypes and calls us in provocative ways to abandon our cultural prejudices." For ordering information on this book which puts gay and lesbian families on the coffee table, readers may call 800-777-1048. "Erin Ferguson's Family" from Making Love Visible erotic relationships. Employing just such a subtext, three prominent Mormons apparently came out in an official church magazine, the "Children's Friend," in 1919, according to Quinn, author of a twovolume history of the Mormon hierarchy. One was Stephens, the.former choir director, who detailed his numerous close relationships with young men in unbylined articles written in the third person. He wrote that at 13, he had become "the pet" of the young men in his local church choir. "Timidly and blushingly he would be squeezed in between them, and kindly arms generally enfolded him much as if he had been a fair sweetheart of the big brawny young men," Stephens wrote of himself. "Oh, how he loved these men, too!" The other two .self-revealers were Louie B. Felt, general president of the church's Primary organization for children for nearly 40 years, and her first counselor, May Anderson, with whom Felt had lived for 30 years. The October 1919 issue of the "Children's Friend" featured a photograph of Felt and Anderson with a caption calling them the "David and Jonathan" of the Primary board. It spoke pointedly of their love and intimacy and . mentioned that they shared the same bed. ''Those who watched their devotion to each other declare that there never were more ardent lovers than these two . And strange to say during this time of love feasting, Mary changed her name to May because it seemed to be more agreeable to both," according to the magazine, edited by Anderson. Quinn writes that even though the three "were writing in the bilingualism of 19th century homosexuals,'' they "took a risk by telling of their same-sex relationships so honestly in October 1919." Still, Mormon leaders down to the 1950s were almost always more tolerant of homoerotic behavior than they were of heterosexual activity outside of marriage. Quinn cites numerous cases, including that of Joseph F. Smith, grandson and namesake of the Mormon president at the tum of the century. , Appointed church patriarch in 1942, Smith already had a hidden history of homosexual relationships. He was SEE MORMONS,Next Page .. , • Gatherings AJI God's Children Dee MosOOCher' s video rounters Sheldon's anti~gay images and leaders who were interviewed . ilization and our culture being totally Harvard professor Cornell West is overhauled by the homosexual comalso interviewed . munity," Sheldon said. Videos bacher said. "If I have one word for fellow Mosbacher said it is particularly By Gip Plaster Christians, I would ask them to keep important to counter this production The Texas Triangle their eyes on the love of Jesus and to aimed at the African-American com- This is not the first venture of Woman Vision. It produced "Straight from the Heart," a 24-mini.tte Academy A ward nominated short documentary about parents who had difficulty accepting their gay and lesbian children. It tells the story of several families, inc;:luding a police chief who is proud of his lesbian daughter, a Mormon family whose son is believed the first in Idaho to die of AIDS and a black woman with two lesbian daughters. DEE MOSBACHER thinks African- not confuse the blood at Calvary with munity to keep the religious right the Kool Aid of homophobia in from dividing two minority groups America," West said in the video . who -share common . interests . She "By being open enough to everybody, ·hopes to find individuals and groups it means that we have -to call into who will "adopt-a-church" by showquestion our own particular prejudices - ing the video to a congregation and that we inherit that have nothing to presenting educahonal materials. American churches should know the truth about gay and lesbian people, and she is providing it in a new documentary video called "All God's Children ." The film was created to counteract the effects of a video called · "Gay Rights, Special Rights" produced by Lou Sheldon, the leader of the Traditional Values Coalition in Anaheim, Calif. Sheldon's video has been widely distributed to AfricanAmerican churches, but it portrays a distorted image of gay and lesbian people. Mos!,acher's nearly 30-minute response features a mostly black, mostly gay and ·lesbian choir singing gospel music and contains interviews with African-American -leaders who support gay an~ lesbian rights . The Rev. Jesse Jackson, U.S: Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters are among the black pastors MORMONS, From Previous Page released from the high position in 1946 when church president George Albert Smith learned of his ongoing extramarital affair with a 21-yearold man. Y el, Smith was not excommunicated - church leaders cited poor health for his departure - and in fater years he was appointed to an LOS stake high council. · Just three years _earlier, in 1943, church apostle Richard R. Lyman had been promptly excommunicated for an e xtramarital affair with a woman and church leaders had made the reason public. The example of leniency in Smith's ' case was not unusual. As late as 1950, a stake pr esidency in Idaho asked the church's governing First Presidency wheth er to excommunicate or otherwise discipline a Mormon professor who had engaged in a homosexual relationship for several years . J. Reuben Clark, a First Presidency counseJor, replied that ~thus far we had done no more than drop them from positions they held ."_ But that was to change. During the 1950s, Apostle Spencer W. Kimball became the chief advocate for encouraging homosexual do with the loving gospel of Jesus." The "Adopt-A-Church program is The images in Mosbacher's film challenge the opinions in Sheldon's production. Sheldon includes interviews with former U. S. Attorney General Edwin Meese and Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed . His -video defines what it calls "four myths" that gays and l_esbians promote, including the "myth" that homosexuals are a minority and the "myth" that homosexuals are -10 percent or more of the population . "Gay Right.s,Special Rights" also uses an interview with a registered nurse who said: 'The gay agenda is to have sex in any way you please." "We are on the very verge of our civmen to marry women as a remedy for their same-sex desires. He considered homosexual urges a "habit" mainly caused by masturbation. However, it wasn 't until 1968 that the First Presidency made homosexual acts grounds for excommunication. And in 1987, Gordon B. Hinckley, who became church president a year ago, instructed church members that marriage should not be considered a "therapeutic step" for homosexuals. Quinn had no idea when he began researching an article on same-sex dynamics in 1993 that he would find enough letters, diaries and other archival mat eri ?1 for a book. Nor did he imagine it would be published amid a stat ewide controvers y over gay and lesbian clubs in Salt Lake high schools. Quinn doesn't believe church leaders will ever condone same-sex unions. But Utah Mormons, while supporting the church's stand for traditiona\ family values, appear troubled by the issue of basic fairness raised by the recent ban of all nonacademic clubs in the Salt Lake City School District, he said. · "Even if this issue were to go away from the headlines, there is a recognition among a majority of people now that there is a problem," he said. "And the problem isn't gay students. It's how they're treated." the primary method of distribution of the film. The program is coordinated by Woman Vision, who provid es training, educational materials and videos to local activists. Church activists then take the videos into their local churches, screen it. and lead discussions centered around the material presented. Mosbacher said this kirid of grassroots approach · to churches can be effective. The offensive must be led "not with secular tools but with spiritual tools," she said. "One of my hopes for the film .. .is to try to build some bridges and coalitions between our communities," Mos- Mosbacher, a mental health physician who left practice to devote her time to film-making, is also the daughter of Robert Mosbad1er, the secretary of · commerce during the Bush administration. If you_ or your church is interested, contact Woman Vision for more information: Linda Alband, Woman Vision, 3570 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA 94118. Phone: (415) 346-2336, FAX· (415) 346-1047. Videos are $29.95 each, plus $10 for shipping . "All God's Children" can also be ordered from Transit Media Film Library by calling 800-343-5540. : MU~C ~f fe\ngels urtle Creek Chorale From gospel to 10th century sacred, songs of community to a song cycle for survival, the Turtle Creek · Chorale offers the finest collection of inspirational music. FOR MORE INFORMATION ro. Box 190806 / Dallas, TX 752 19-0806 -- 1 -, 214.526.3214 PHONE_ / 214.528.0673 FAX 800.746 .4412 TOLL FRH - TCCDallas@aol.com E·MAI ~ http://dc.smu.edu/tcc/ HOME PAG& ' PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE The mailable, faxa.ble and e-mailable form for just aoout everything. 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Join Second Stone subscribers on-line New or current subscribers only Your e-mail addres~-----.------ Gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight _____ _ Your name Single, committed _________ _ Location Religious affiliation _________ _ Birthdate. Occupatio,._ ___________ - Gender Other-------------~ You must notify us in advance for uninterrupted service 1! you move' The Postal Service WILL NOT forward Second. Stone to you. Please send both old and new addresses fo1ir we11ks prior to your.move.· Address changes ·provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of the subscription expiration date. · · Supply old address or label h.ere. Name---,--------------Newaddress------------- CitY-------------'---- .__ ______________ _, State, zip+4-----~------- HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail completed form 16 P. 0 . Box 8340, N~w Orleans, LA 70182 FAX:This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504-891-7555. Press 3* when prompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL , 1996 SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And · Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian ~~~~~-- Response Commentary .H igh schoolc hmt he victimo f heterosexuapla nic By Rev. Jan Nunley Guest Comment interpret the Bible for themselves . . . the list goes on and on. Letters Ennis, Texas Ed. Note: This commentary is written in regard to the Salt Lake City School Board's decision to ban all noncurricularc lubs in order to ·eliminate- a gay club. You see, Brett, it's not just what they're willing to do· to gays and lesbians in order to eliminate us that's scary - although that should be scary enough . It's what they 're willing to do to their government, their institu- Mel White challenges Pat Robertson again "EVERYONE SUFFERS because of tions, their own kids, and even to the gays," complained Brett Shields, themselves - to ALL of us : in order to a 16-year-old at East High School quell that lingering fear, that and a member of the Beef Club, a "heterosexual panic" that, like the social club that met last week to eat demon-possessed pigs -in the Gospels, steaks· and burgers and attend a drives whole herds of people over Dear Second Stone: We are asking concerned people everywhere to sign a petition that condemns Pat Robertson's antihomosexual campaign. Hopefully, on Pride Sunday, June, 1996, we will have a hundred thousand signatures to present to Pat and the nation's media notifying him officially that his spirit of intolerance (that goes far beyond condemning homosexuals) does not represent the spirit of Jesus nor the spirit of this great nation. Anyone interested in receiving a free copy of a video we have produced that examines and exposes Robertson's anti-gay campaign - or petitions to circulate - should . c.ontact us by mail at P.O. Box 609, Ennis, TX 75120, by fax at (214)875-4858, or by e-mail at RevMel@aol.com. Also, if . you know the local station or cable system SECOND STONE Newspaper,I SSN No: 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Commu.nications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, secstone@aol.comC. opyright 1996 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17 per year. Foreigns ubscribersa dd $10.for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call 504-891- 7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans,L A 70182. Classifieda dvertisingi nformationi s found on the classifiedp age. We reservet he right to refuse any ad for any reason. EDITORIAL, Send letters, event announcementsc,h urcha nd organization news to Second Stone P.O. Box 8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182 or via e-mail to secstone@aol.comM. anuscrip is to be returneds houldb e accompaniedb y a stamped,s elf addressede nvelope. SecondS tonei s otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical and evangelical Christian newspaperw ith a specifico utreacht o gay, lesbian and bisexual people. PUBLISHER/EDITOJRim: B ailey that airs the 700 Club, will you send us their call letters, a phone number, and even an address if possible? Thanks. Sincerely, . Mel White and Gary Nixon Mt. ·Rainier, Maryland New Ways Ministry ceremony was sanctioned by bishops' group Dear Second Stone: Thank yoll for printing the news item about New Ways Ministris 1995 Bridge Building award to Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit (Names Making News, Jan/Feb '96). Please allow me to correct one important piece of information in that item. Our award ceremony was indeed sanctioned by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. To acquire a ·reception room in the hotel we had to apply for space through their meeF ing director, and it was readily given. .Over 200 people attended the event, including ·nine bishops . Sincerely., Francis DeBernardo, Program Director, New Ways Ministry c_~ Pontius' Puddle "monster truck" rally. cliffs of their own devising. No, Brett. Everyone suffers, not And until you and all the members because of the gays, but because of ' of the Beef Club, and the Ski Club, homophobia. Because some people and the otlier clubs that are being just can't stand any kind of love that deep-sixed in order to assuage your doesn't fit their rigid definitions, elders' hysteria, learn who the real they're willing to eliminate all clubs enemies are here - fear and anxiety from your school. .. torpedo the Full and a monumental lack of faith in the Faith and Credit Clause of the Con- very institutions and people (and deistitution ... split churches . . · . ride ties!) allegedly being "defended" - roughshod over historic affirmations you, and we, and they, will continue of the competence of every soul to to suffer. Mel White's petition against 700 Club anti~gay rhetoric A Resolution to Condemn the false and inflammatory antihomosexual campaign ol Pat Robertson,Founder; the Chris-. tian Coalition & CEO, the Christian Broadcasting Network: . His intolerant rhetoric and his unjust and discriminatory political actions against homosexuals contribute to the suffering of God's gay, lesbian, and bisexual Children, Please, Pat, your media and print_ campaign against homosexuals is polluting the moral environment of the nation. Educate yourself and your co-workers about homosexuality and about homosexuals pefore your anti-homosexual campaign leads to more. suffering for mnocent Americans and their families. We, the undersigned, ask this in the name of God! (Please return this signed petition to Dr. Mel White for delivery to Mr. Robertson and tlie national media on Pride Sunday, June, 1996. Send signed petition to Dr. White at PO Box 609, Ennis, TX. 75120 (Fax: 214-875=4858) or E-mail Stop Lies@aol.com) . Narn,"-------------------~-- Address, __________ .,.,__ _____ ..:__ _ _ City, State & Zip•-------------,----- Phone, E-mai'--------~------------ DOES YOO~ CONG-REG-Ai\Ot-1 !-\AVE. 'O\f~ICOLiY D'EALINC:r WITHi\ .tE: POORr NOT 'REALLY W&..'VEB EE.AN.~L .E To KE'E.P 'T\.\E.M Q(JT OF OUR., CHO~ WITOOOTT OO MUC.l-\ TROUBLE.. em PAGE 23 • SECOND STONE • MA.R<;H/APRIL. 1996 classif. iilWd&fiifiP#Aih; We :fSmi#i~ GENERAL INTEREST COMMITMENT CEREMONY questions? FREE report gives you the answers. Ca lf today for your copy! 704-568-2673. 4/% BOOKS/PUBLICATIONS SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE (The National Gay & Lesbian Newsmagazine). One year: 26 issues . (Publisher's price: $44.00) Second Stone readers only $29.00. Send CK/MO to: Bill Smith, Ben Hur Publications, P.O. Box 58336, Louisville, KY 40268-0336 . . Renewals encouraged. Question s: 502-935-7190 . 6/96 PASSION, Christian Spirituality From A Gay Perspective, a four-page monthly publication. $16 per year. For free sample send stamped business envelope to: David Schimmel, 4520 N. Clarendon Ave., #801, Chicago, IL 60640-6171. 6/96 OPEN HANDS, an ecumenical quarterly magazine on ministries with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $20/year. Free sample. 3801 N. Keeler A venue, Ch icago , IL 60641. 312/736-5526. FAX-312/736 -5475. TF "THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AND GAYS" Details one believer's experience growing up gay and coming to terms with his sexuality and spirituality within the Church of Christ Detailed emphasis is paid to Church of Christ doctrine and hermene utical principles and their application to sexuality issues. Well researched and documented. Application not limited to Churches of Christ; excellent resource material and bibliography. $12.50 plus $2.00 sh ipping and handling to: P. Allen, 3109 Knox #620, Dallas, TX 75205 B 6 /96 HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda Directory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 sources of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - books, groups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13237 Montfort, Ste. 810J, Dallas, TX 75240. NOVELS FOR RELIGIOUS people! The novels of Lammy-winning author Toby Johnson deal positively with the spiritual significance of gay experience. GETTING LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, soul stirring tale of love and religious meaning. Available at gay bookstores nationwide. Or for $ 11.50 from Peregrine Ventures, P.O. Box 684704, Austin, TX 78768. "A POSITIVE LOOK at the Bible and Homosexuality" tracts, fast reading, excellent for pride events, bar ministry, personal sharing. Economical. $1 and SASE will return sample and order form from: River of Life, 134 Quincy NE,.Albuquerque, NM 87108 "WONDERFU L DIVERSITY," . "Heartily recommend ed , " "Philosophicafly intriguing," "Excellent." \1/hy do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*]'::IEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and livel y columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christiai1s and New- Ager~ as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRJSTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF FRIENDS/RELATIONSHIPS HAWAII: GWM-61-185-HIV neg-Ret'd Educational · Field-Roots (Bible Belt)-Enjoy reading, travel, gardening, - music, cooking, · humor, ana MORE. Desire male friend (50- 65), partner, loving relationship. As an · alternative, there must be a loving R.V.'er somewhere-- 6 months we travel, -6 months we do Hawaii. Address commonalities soon to: G., P.O. Box 6423, Ocean View, HI 96737. BORN AGAIN, spir itually healthy gay female seeks fellowship/pen pals. Are there any others out there? I love the Lord, and his -word is a light unto my path. Write Ann, Guiding Light Ministry, 251 Townline Road . East Northport, NY 1173 I. IN LOVE WITH LIFE, compassionate, poetic, age 28, ebon, seeking someone io communicate with (not to), SOIJ!eone unprejudiced and concerned about justice, especially as related to prisons .- Please -write Kenneth _.Johnson #515059, F-3, Route 2, Box 4400, Gatesville, TX 76597. TF WARNING REGARDING PRJSON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in th~ir intent. some are not. Readers are cautioned to protect themselves from scams: 1. Do not send checks or money . orders to prisoneJ and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. PersonS cashing altered checks or money orders are responsible for . the difference between the issue amount and the altered amount 2. Do not reveal personal information about yourself that would be harmful to you if passed on·-to employer, family or others. CAMPING RETREATS for environmental _Christians guided by gay Episcopal priest. Also Biblican and Christian -Nature Wisdom Tradition Newsletter. 800-764-3794. GAY GLOBETRO'ITER - Dashing 40 year old beauty-specializes in being a_ travel escort for seniors and disabled who never get out and want their own personal travel escort. Write I.G., P.O. Box 22007, Seattle, WA 98122. I travel the world at reasonable rates. TF CAN'T GEf TO CHURCH? We'll come to you by audio cassette cif our weekly worship. Send request and donation to Hot y Spirit Fellowhip, P.O. Box 91272, Long Beach, CA 90809. 4/96 Business or personal Try a SECOND STONE classified ad! MERCHANDISE · PIANO FOR SALE - Needed: A responsible person to_ take on a low monthly payment of a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll free: 1-800-609-1177. 6 /% LIVE OPERA performances on audio/video classified ad oraer rorm When? [ ]Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr [ ]May/Jun [ ]Jul/Aug [ ]Sep/Oct [ ]Nov/Dec Where? [ ]Books/Pubs [ ]Business Ops [ ]Employment [ ]Friends/Relationships [ ]Gen! Interest [ ]Mail Order [ ]Merch [ ]Organizations [ ]Prof Services [ ]Real"Estate [ ]Retreats [ ]Roommates [ ]Travel [ ]Videos Your name __________________ _ Add res_,_ __ ..;..__ ______________ _ City/State/Zip _______________ _ Your ad copy ________________ _ How much? Count the number of words in yoμr ad and multiply that figure by .35. Send a check in-that amount and this form to : Second Stone , P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. II your ad has less than 20 words, think of some more words. If today is after the first of the month, it's too late for the current issue . Just like the grocery store, you have to pay for it before you get it. We'll send you a c:opy of the issue(s) in which your ad appears. TO ORDER BY FAX OR E-MAIL, SEE THE INFORMATION ON PAGE 22. PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE • MARCH/APRIL, 1996 . ' . . . . ....... - . . . . . . . ... - . ... - . . - - - ) . . - . - - .. - . . - . - . .. - . - . - - . .casette . · incredible selection s i11ce 1930' s, world-wide. Q_ver 7400 items. Magnificent free computerized cata logue. Live Opera, P.O. Box 3141, Steinway Station, Long Island Citv. NY 11103. . . ORGANIZATIONS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC religious .order._ Men/women, lay/cle_rical, gay/non-gay . Optional celibacy, non-residential, ecumenical. Ordination possible. Father Abbot, Order of St . .John the Divine; 166 Jay St. , Albany, NY 122IO. CHRISTIANS IN COMMUNION with Creation . An Organization for "Green Christians." Me mbership with monthly mailin gs, $35. Roger Wharton, 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose , CA 95110. 408-451-93io. BECOME A PRIEST - Gay, Lesbia11 and Bisexual persons, serve God and Community as a Priest. External program leads to valid ordination. An incardination process is available for those already in Order~. • Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment without interest in ordination may also reply. EACA - Vocations, 2401 Artesia Blvd., Ste. #106-213, Redoodo Beach, CA 902-78. . CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC Lesbia~s (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage. Qu~rterly newsletter .· Supportive network. Advocates for lesbian issues in political and Church forums. For membership information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212)663-2963, FAX (212)268-7032. THE CENTER FOR PASTORAL CARE, 3180 . German Church Road, Mansfield, OH 44904," (419)756-2977. A unique place of Christian worship. Sunday Liturgy I 0: I 5. Followed by a lite brunch , Retreats , workshops and pastoral counseling. Rev. Daniel Dickman , M.Div, M.Ed. 2/97 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of Catholic Diocesan Les]>ian and Gay Ministries - Network for diocesan and parish miniStries, hewsletter , annual meeting. 433 Jeffe rson Street, Oakla11d, CA 94607. 510-465-9344 . PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WHEN A GOOD FRiEND ISN'T ENOUGH: Help is just _ a phone call away. Experience supportive psychotherapy with experienced , liCensed .Christian. lesbian counselor · in the privacy of your home. Call Jill be11toil for FREE consultation. -(805)534-1101. 4 /96 VIDEOS GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, . Ministers, Masseurs, Theologians, Teacher s, Artists speak in 25 videos · wisdom that _ only comes from the heart EroSpirit Newsletter. Free. 800-432-3767 THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE. Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of ihe Gay/ ·Lesbian Christian . $199. For contents , call EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 HOW CAN WE activat~ our inllividual and · communal visions ." if nonstop· grief has shut us down? An -hour video talk by . Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC minister. $24.94. EroSpirit 800-432-3767 . BOTH LOVER AND PRJEST. In this hour video Robert Goss, author of Jesus Acted Up; discusses liberation theology and how he . came to wr.ite his bestseller. $24.95. EroSpirit 800-432-3 _767. 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 Second Stone #45 - Mar/Apr 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cebb7fb6584bcc794e2d113c080c3fd3.pdf 7d9e59e99979cdff33373254ef729df5 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 44 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published Jan/Feb 1996 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 Cyber Monks take to the World Wide Web PAGE 5 Early Christians also disagreed about sexuality issues PAGE 7 National News PAGE 8 World News PAGE 14 Christian Community News PAGE 18 Reviews PAGE 20 Commentary PAGE 23 Classifieds PAGE 24 P.O.Bo8x3 40 NeOwrl eansL,A 7 0182 ADDRESCSO RRECTION REQUESTED TIMED ATEDM ATERIAL DO NOT DELAY -Methodiswtsi llh ostg ayc hoirs rejectebdy M as Baptists By Melissa Williams Associated Press Writer DALLAS (AP) - The senior pastor of a Methodist church said Jan. 26 that "there was really no other choice" but to offer use of his sanctuary to two gay singing groups turned away by a Baptist church for the March ~onvention of the American Choral Directors Association. "We are not condoning or promoting their lifestyle - we are simply allow- . ing the group to sing," said Hal Brady, · senior pastor at First.,.United Methodist Church of Dallas.'\_''We feel that that's what grace is about." The 250-voice, all-male, predominantly gay Turtle Creek Chorale and the 125~voice, predominantly lesbian Women's Chorus of Dallas were scheduled to sing March 21 during the Distributioinns omea \eass ponsoredby O utreacPha '\110rs \ American Choral Directors Association's Southwest convention in Dallas. The opening-night concert was scheduled at First Baptist before the SEE CHOIRS, Page 3 li/fflii'l/!5l,Dh~lliiii\i\ii.E · ' ;;fyfflt#iii!o/½iMl! f&•¥W':fi&;!Jit'iJii,%1<Nfli'ilt.@jj~ffiij,~:$,\ut~~4@~9 . One year after arr,e&t 1 , . -,c - ,; . - - • .., }Mel White makes return visit to CBN DR. MEL WHITE, UFMCC Minister • of Justice, was scheduled to return to Virginia Beach on Monday, Feb. 5, the anniversary of his arrest at Pat Robertson's CBN Center. White was to discuss the national effects of his 1995 CBN arrest, show videos of Pat Robertson's continuing rhetoric of intolerance, and .discuss what can be done to end the anti-homosexual campaign being mounted by Robertson, his Christian Coalition and other political and religious extremists. "Unfortunately," Dr. White said, "Mr. Robertson continues his antihomosexual campaign. We have monitored every 700 Club broadcast since my release from the Virginia Beach City Jail.. Pat's false and inflammatory rhetoric against gay and· lesbian Americans has increased. We canr:iot sit by silently while his toxic claims help pollute the nation's moral environment." . On Valentine's Day, February 14, 1995, White led a small group of local clergy and laity to meet with Pat Robertson at his CBN offices in Virginia Beach. The 'Bearing Witness' delegation carried candy, flowers, and pages of quotes illustrating Robertson's false claims to show how SEE WIIlTE, Page 3 Second Stone's 1996 Resource Guide ti coming out soon? PASTORS AND ORGANIZATION LEADERSM: ake sure your church or organization gets its FREE USTING in Second Stone's 1996 Resource Guide for gay and lesbian. Christians. YOU MUST CONFIRM that your ministry is still active. To be listed, fill'out the form on Page 3 and fax, e0mail or ~ail ittous. Mormon Church denied request to join case against same-sex marriage HONOLULU (AP) - The Hawaii Supreme Court denied a request by the Mormon Church to get involved in the original case between the state , and three gay couples who were denied marriagelicenses . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints wanted to join with the state Attorney General's office to BULKR ATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEWO RLEANSLA, PERMINT o.5 11 fight the granting of marriage licenses to saine-sex couples. The church argued it had a stake in the issue because legalizing same-sex marriage would force its ministers to perform ceremonies that are against their religious beliefs. The high court disagreed, saying the state simply authorizes marriages and does not require the performing of any marriage ceremony. The lawsuit by the three couples is scheduled for trial in July. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have virtually closed the door to any action by the Legislature on the same-sex marriage issue this year. Welcome! IF YOU FOUND this copy of Se;,,,ud Stone at a gay pride event, a P-FLAG meeting, or some other event or location, there's a Second Stone Outreach Paru1er in your area. TI1eir brochure is enclosed. They are a Christian church or organization with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians. We encourage you to visit them for their next service or meeting. In .the meantime, you may be asking some questions like the ones \hat follow. When I tofd my church pastor I was gay, I was referred to an exgay program. What's that all about? Recent scientific research is indicating that sexual orientation is innate and cannot be changed. Ex-gay programs are effective in redirecting a heterosexual person who has experimented with homosexual activity back to heterosexual relationships. For a gay or lesbian person, however, an ex-gay ministry can only teach one how to "act as if' heterosexual, often with painful results. An ex-gay program cannot change your sexual orientation. Remember that most ex-gay church counselors ·are heterosexual and cannot speak from the experience of being gay. Also, any psychologist or psychiatrist who offers "treatment" for homosexuality is not following guidelines established by the American Psychological Association or the American Medical Association. After all the rejection I got from my church, why should I even care about God? Your church may have rejected you, but God never has. God's nature is to draw you closer lo Him, not lo reject you. The church is administered by pastors, bishops, lay people, committees; people like you and. me - sometimes com,ected with God at work among us, and sometimes not. Sometimes the people who run the church, because of fear, selfishness or other reasons, are not able to follow as God leads. In the past, the church failed to speak out against the Holocaust and slavery. At some point in the future, the church's present failure to affinn gay and lesbian people and its failure to speak out against the homophobia that leads to discrimination and violence will be seen as a terrible wrong. As Episcopal Bishop Barbara Harris once said, the church is a follower of society, ncit a leader. Does this mean I shouldn't go to church? Absolutely not! (It meal!s the churcb.needs you prob, ably more than you need the _church.) There is a place for you .in a church in your neighborhood. There are many Christian churches-and organizations around the country that have a specific ministry to gay and lesbian •people. Even in the mainstream denominations gay and lesbian people have prominent, although sometimes closeted, places in the church as pastors, youth leaders, choir masters, lay leaders, and so on. Many mainstream churches across ihe country have moved into positions of welcoming and affinning.gay and lesbian people. How do I know that God doesn't reject me? Even if you've never set foot in a church or thought much about God, you were created by a loving God '' ALL I HEARD FOR THE FIRST 18 YEARS OF MY LIFE WAS HOW MUCH GOD LOVED ME. WHEN I TOLD MY COLLEGE FRIENDS I WAS GAY THEY TOLD ME GOD HATED HOMOSEXUALS . I THINK GOD KNEW WHO I WAS ALL ALONG AND HIS LOVE FOR ME HADN'T CHANGED. MY FRIENDS WERE WRONG wl).o seeks you out. If there's a barrier between yourself and God, it is not God's responsibility . Blackaby and King in Experiencing God say there are seven realities of a relationship with God: I. God is always at work around you. 2. God pursues. a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal. 3. God invjtes you to become involved with Him in His work. 4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. 5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action. 6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing. 7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. If you've never really believed in God, and want to know more, ask a friend or pastor to talk to you. He or she may be able to PAGE 2 • SECOND STONE . • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1 996 recommend a reading resource, a video, a Bible study group or a church. And don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask. Such a friend or pastor will be glad you asked_ It is how God works among us. If you've never read the Bible before, start with Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10; and 10: 13. But can I really be gay and Christian? Sexual orientation - either gay or straight - is a good, God-given part of your being. A homosexual onenta tion is not a sinful state. The Bible condemns some heterosexual activity and some homosexual activity; when someone gets used or hurt rather than loved. The Bible supports commitment and fidelity in loving relationships. Doesn't the Bible say homosexual activity is a sin? Daniel Helminiak in What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality says: TI1e sin of Sodom was [not homosexuality.) Jude condenms sex with angels, not sex between men. Not a ·single Bible tex.t clearly refers to lesbian sex ... Only five texts surely refer to male-male si;x, Leviticus 18:_22 and 20: 13, Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10. All these texts are concerned with something other. than homosexual activity itself... If people would still seek to know outright if gay or lesbian sex in itself is good or evil... they will have to loo\c elsewhere for an answer ... TI1e Bible never addresses that question. More than that, the Bible seems deliberately uncon, cemed abput it. I would like explore further. What can I do now? While there are many good books and videos available, there's something powerful in being "where two or more are gathered." You may want to check out a ministry in your area with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians, including Second Stone's Outreach Partner. The worship style may not be what you're used to, but the point is to co1mect with gay and lesbian Christians with whom you can have discussions about where you are. Or you may want to try a variety of churches in your neighborhood, even those of other denominations. (There is no "one true church.") There are gay and lesbian people in• almost every church and God, who is always at work.around you, · will connect you to the people you need to know - if you take the first step. Wouldn't it just be easier to keep my sexual life a secret? · Some gay and lesbian people who are happy, whole and fully integrated may have to be silent about their sexuality because of their job or other circumstances. (The day will' come when that is no longer the case.) But a gay or lesbian person who ·cannot integrate their sexuality 'with the rest of their being faces a difficult struggle indeed. To deny one's sexuality to oneself while in church or at work or witl1 straight friends, and then to engage in .periodic sexual activity is not a self-loving, esteem-building experience. An inability to weave your sexuality into tl1e fabric of your life in a way that makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to develop relationships with others is a cause for concern and should be discussed with someone skilled in gay and lesbian issues. the other '* Front Page cover items continued & late stories Speakers urge churches to listen to gays DENVER (AP) - Churches should do more to welcome gays and lesbians into their congregations, two faculty members at the Iliff School of Theology said. Gays and lesbians often take a big risk when revealing their sexual orientation to fellow Christians because of discrimination, said Joretta Marshall, ass istant professor of pastoral care and counseling. Marshall and Larry Graham , pro- Choirs, From Page 1 choruses were selected. In early January , when officials at First Baptist learned that the Turtle Creek Chorale was to perform at the church, they notified the association that the concert could not be held there . "We represent something and -we can't change that," church administrator Tim Hedquist said . "We're not talking about individuals here. We're talking about the symbol of a group and what they stand for." Hedquist has said the church does not turn its facility over to groups that "represent lifestyles contrary to the teaching of God." Both choruses are directed by Timothy Seelig. He said that neither group admits members on the basis of sexual orientation and that he does not even know what percentage of the men's group is homosexual, because the question is not asked at auditions . The Women's Chorus is about 75 per- White I From Page 1 intolerant speech leads to suffering and to death. Gene Kapp, Mr . Robertson's spokesman, backed by a large contingent of CBN security, refused the delegation entry and warned Dr . White that if he returned he would be arrested . On February 15, the delegation returned . Dr . White was arrested and, still hoping that Pat would visit, spent 22 days fasting in the Virginia Beach City Jail. On . the twenty-fhird day of Dr. , White's fast, Robertson and Kapp met with White. He asked Robertson to announce · the rise of hate crimes against gay and lesbian Americans · fessor of pastoral theology and care, spoke Jan. 26 on the final day of th e Iliff Week of Lectures. Christians should try to talk with gays and lesbians about their concerns to air the emotions and fears on both sides, Graham said . Those on both sides of the issue can learn to " hear each other's fears and complexities," said Marshall. cent lesbian, he said. · Reaction among members of the choruses, which were founded out of love for music -and camaraderie among people often rejected by society, have ranged from sadness to anger to amusement, Seelig said. "We've found plerity of humor in the whole situation," said Seelig, who was associate music director of First Baptist Church in Houston before church officiqls learned tnat he. is gay and fired him. "It is so Dallas. We are the world's largest gay men's chorus. To have the world's largest Baptist church just down the street - it's got to come to a head sometime." Seelig said that the Turtle Creek Chorale has sung in churches of many denominations, including several Southern Baptist churches and a Catholic monastery . He added that, although he believ es that First Baptist Church had the right to deny the use of its sanctuary, to do so is discriminatory. and to condemn anyone who incites or commits those crimes. Days later, on the 700 Club, Mr . Robertson condemned violence against homosexuals. "But Pat's anti-gay campaign has continued," White says, "and it leads to the very violence he condemns . We don't know how to get through to Mr. Robertson, but we must go on trying. He and his powerful Christian Coalition are a major source of misinformation about gay and lesbian Americans. the NEWS continues onPage8 California parish leaves Episcopal church over sexuality issues By Patrick Hill Episcopal News Service ST. CLEMENT'S EPISCOPAL Church . in Rancho Cordova, California, is picking up the pieces after the stunning resignations of its rector and vestry on 'Dec. 31. The Rev. Michael McClenagha ri· also renounced his orders, explaining that he cannot continue . in a church experiencing "an erosion of biblical values ." In his :resign\ltion letter to Bishop Jerry Lamb 6f the Diocese of Northern California , McClenaghan criticized the diocese for its acceptance and inclusion of a local chapter of Integrity, the church's ministry with gay and lesbian persons . · "The diocese and the national church have f9llowed the wide 'politically correct ' road, teaching that not only th e person, but the homosexual behavior is to be accepted," he said in · his Jetter to the bishop. "With no teaching to the contrary, it is clear that the church has decided not to teach that homosexuals can be delivered from their sin by Christ." McClenaghan contended that the church had abandoned its "willingness to exercise the discipline of the church with those who teach erroneous doctrine. This, in my opinion, has led to an erosion of biblical values in the Episcopal Church , leading the church into acceptance of immoral behavior and false worship.' '.· Seven ~embers of the vestry are. joi'ning the rector in forming a new church, the Morning Star Community Churd1, a part ofUie Willow Creek Associa tion, a non-denominational corporation headquartered in a suburb of Chicago that promotes an evangelical style of worship. Bishop Lamb said that he was "saddened that he and the others have felt it n ecessary to leave.'' He moved swiftly to reorganize the parish as a mission of the iliocese. In the five years under McClenaghan's leadership, the parish had shed its mission status and become a growing, vibrant church with more than 150 members, featuring contemporary praise music and small group ministries. · Get listed in Second Stone's 1996 Resource Guide All churches and organizations with a specific outreach to gays and lesbians will be listed free. Your ministry information will be published in an upcoming is sue of Second Stone and will be made available on the World Wide Web. IN ORDER TO BE L!STE) YOU MUST CONFIRM YOUR MINISTRY NAME, LOCATION AND PHONE NUMBER We will print one line of additional information for you. You can also advertise in Second Stone's resource guide. By advertising in our resource guide . . yo1,1 capture even more exposure for your ministry • and you support our outreach as well! Cail 504-89 I -7 555 - or check the box in yo ur listing corlfinnation below . and we'll help you with your ad. Get a FREE Al> in the resource guide by becoming an Outreach Partner; Second Stone makes copies avciilable for just the cost of printing and shipping to churches and organizations provi~ ing litera\ure ministry at · bars and gay pride events. Become an Outreach Partner - and increase . your ministry's visibility in your community! HERE'S OUR INFORMATION FOR THE RESOURCE.GUIDE: Church/Group Nam,.,__ ____________________ _ Address ________________________ _ Phone _________________________ _ Other information_ _____________________ _ Please contact us about [ ] advertising [ ]becoming an Outreach Partner MAIL TO : Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 OR FAX TO (504)891-7555 OR E-MAIL TO : secstone@aol.com PAGE 3 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 •Prayer •The Bible •Words & Deeds ToughPilgrimage Retiring female minister recalls lonely path to the pulpit BY STEVEN BARRETT / I twas hard to be the first ·female Methodist minister in Oklahoma but telling God no was even harder, said Lillith Ardhuerumly. 'There was never a moment that I felt it was supposed to be different," said Ms. Ardhuerumly, who now lives in Plainview, Texas. "I've never thought I misread him (God). I've just wished that I had." Her path to ordination was paved early by prejudice, she said, some of the worst of which came from the board of ministry that licensed her. It was comprised completely of men. 'They did all they could to provoke tears or reveal weakness," she said. The treatment was reserved for her, the only woman candidate. "It wasn't easy to be that pilgrim." Ms. Ardhuerumly, who will retire in June after 32 years in the ministry, felt called to the ministry as a teenager. At first she considered being a missionary to Africa or a deaconess, the Methodists' answer to Catholic nuns. Her parents weren't keen on her jumping into foreign missions, however, and the deaconess's pledge to remain unmarried was out. "I liked· the boys too much," she said . Effectively steered away from the min,istry, Ms. Ardhuerumly spent .well over a decade trying to meet God's expectations through other pursuits. She taught Sunday school and led youth groups at" church, not to mention getting married and having a daughter. But God wouldn't wait forever. "In my gut, l knew better," Ms. Ardhuerumly said of her resistance to her calling. She was 30 when God interrupted her solitary evening prayers at her church, she said. She fell to the floor, Ms. Ardhuerumly said, and when she came to, she was behind the pulpit. She heard her voice as ·if she were a bystander: "I will go where you want me to go. And yes, God, I will preach ." She rushed home, unsure how to tell her husband of her decision. But Ihsan Ardhuerumly didn't put up a fight. WE WERE BAPTIZED WE WERE BAPTIZED 1-00 ' ''"•':··' ':"· ti,,· .,, .. ,. ,,,., \§~ ':;;~ i-J:' \1.r,h, I'· •• • \J \ 1MI.-, .,.lju, h ·.,,. t •1• \! I - 'TYY\ Claimihg _God's Grace , 1 \..AJ fop Lesbians .and .. Gays . By Marilyn Bennett' . . A.lex.a'!.der . and James Preston with . a, ·rorward by Desmond M. Tuq1' · · This book challenges' the church to take • seriously its understartding or baptism and communion as a means· of grace, justice and liberation for everyone .. -. includihg its . gay and !es bian members. $16.99 from Second Stone Press. . To order, see page 22. PAGE 4 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 "He said that whichever one God calls who is the strongest, the other should follow ," Ms. Ardhuerumly said. In retrospect, she might have anticipated his understanding attitude. Ihsan, a _native . of Baghdad, Iraq, was raised a Muslim. When they married, she insisted only _that he attend church with her. "He said that if I would introduce him to that old rascal Jesus Christ, he'd follow him," she said. And eventμally, he did. Today, he is superintendent of the Plainview District of the United Methodists. Not . long . after making her commitment at the church, Ms. Ardhuerumly began attending summer classes at Perkins College of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She finally earned a license as a "supply minister" - the first woman to do so in Oklahoma - and was ordained 12 years later. The job itself was comparatively smooth, if not trouble-free. · A young man in one congregation angrily opposed her appointment as associate pastor. When parishioners sought to silence him, Ms. Ardhuerumly insisted that he be allowed to say his piece. Her conciliatory stance apparently paid off. He later rededicated his life to Christ, and now the two are close friends, Ms. Ardhuerumly said. But proving her mettle behind the pulpit and in the day-to-day ministry was only half her battle. An internal theological war raged alongside the external prejudice · she faced from colleagues and some parishioners. At one time, Ms. Ardhuerumly said, she was angry with the Apostle Paul for his instructions to women in the churcl1. · In 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, Paul writes, "As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands al home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church." For a long time, Ms. Ardhuerumly saw this as anti-woman. "I didn't like Paul because he said things I didn't want to hear," she said. "I had a theological misunderstanding with God." But when that misunderstanding stood alongside what she considered an unmistakable call to the ministry, she had no doubt. Her interpretation of the Bible - not-God's plans - ·had to ¢hange. · · . . · Once she began in college to sort out Paul's writings in the· original languages and in the context of his letters, she came to believe that his harsh language toward the women in Corinth was addressed to a specific church to deal with a specific problem. She likened it to modern-day dissension. If she learned that women at the church in Hart, her I ast pastorate, were praying to pagan gods, she would "tell 'em to shut up," Ms. Ardhuerumly said. "It wasn't because they were . women, it was because they were harpies," she said. "He (Paul) was telling the men to stand and take their rightful place. "As time goes on, .the people. Paul loved the most were prophetesses, which means 'proclaimers of the word.' He directed people to follow these women faithfully." In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul writes, "I plead with Euodia and I ·plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel .. .'' Slowly, Ms . Ardhuerumly said, her opinion of Paul as a woman-hater changed . "When I got into who Paul was, I learned to love the man," she said. Still, she is not smug about her • - Once she began in college to sort out Paul's writings ... she came to believe that his harsh language toward ·women in Corinth was addressed to a specific church to deal with a specific problem. • interpretation of Scripture. Despite her decades in the ministry, she stops short of saying that those who believe women should not be ministers are wrong. At least one person who accepts her theology, though, is her daughter, a Methodist minister in Roscoe. One of her four sons is also a pastor in Fort Wayne, Ind. But Ms. Ardhuerumly didn't romanticize her job to her children or · to herself. She gave up hopes of a career in opera or a<:ling and even today feels tinges of regret. "I still listen to opera and weep," she said. Fortunately, following God's will eventually let her use both music and drama in productions at her churches, she said, and on balance she feels she made the right choice. 'The reward is knowing you were obedient to God," Ms. Ardhuerumly said. Monks carry on ancient tradition as scribes on the World Wide Web BY DEBORAH BAKER ABIQUIU, N.M. (AP) - The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a cluster of adobe buildings in a remote river canyon, where monks spend their days praying and working and their nights reading by kerosene lamps. It's also a stop on the information superhighway. . In a modern-day twist on the ancient tradition of monks as scribes, the little Benedictine monastery has a home page on the Internet's World Wide Web. Internet surfers can learn about monastic life, browse the monastery's gift shop .• even liste!l to a G~egorian chant. Or they can request to be remembered in the prayers of the monks who gather in the chapel seven times daily, starting at 4 a.m. ] ''We get probably abou~ 10 prayer requests a day - when we can get our phone to work," said Bro~her Mary- Aquinas. . I Located along the Rio Chama in the Santa Fe National Forest at lthe end of 13 miles of narrow, rutted dirt road, the Roman Catholic monastery has no phone or eledric service. ' It relies on cellular phones for its computer linkup. The only electricity, to the main building; is solar generated. Heat is provided by burning wood. In this isolated setting, the monks of Christ in the Desert carry on work begun thousands of years ago by the scribes who created and copied books - first on clay tablets, then papyrus, parchment and eventually paper. As early as the fourth century, the scriptorium - th'e room where Christian monks did their copying - was a source of revenue for a monastery. And it was that age-old concern about supporting itself that propelled Christ in the Desert into cyberspace. A couple of years ago, the monastery contracted to computerize library card catalogs. In June, it joined the World Wide Web, and advertised that it would design web sites for others. "After all," says the monastery's home page ad, "we've been making pages for 1,500 years." About eight monks do the computer work. Recent clients include a travel reservations company, a Christian singer and a Jungian conference in Switzerland. "What we're doing now is more creative, and that's good for monks," said Prior Philip, the community's superior. "If you're doing something that's creative, it brings out a whole different aspect of the soul." Christ in the Desert's home page is adorned . with intricate and brightly colored im~ges - reminiscent_ of the ornate decoration that marked the work of early Christian monks. In the monastery's scriptorium - a small room with whitewashed walls behind the kitchen - monks in simple, hooded tunics and blue jeans work quiefly on computers. They observe the "work silence" that means they talk only when necessary. The monks - who call one another ''Brother," although some are priests - spend much of the day in silence. They are encouraged to chat only during a half-hour recreation period in the evening. At least four hours a day is spent at work: cooking, laundry, woodcutting and other household chores, as well as weaving, carving, rosary-making Catchup on the newsyou missed! New subscribers can order a comP.lete set of six back issues - and read up on a year's worth of information of interest to gay and lesbian Christians. See the order fonn on Page 22. . · Faith 1n Daily Life and now computer work. Four hours are spent in common prayer, considered the heart of community life, and another four are set aside for private prayer and reading .. ''This work really fits into our tradition - the ancient tradition of monks illuminating information," said Brother Mary-Aquinas, a 30-year-old former systems analyst. · "It's just so ideal for our life .... We can stay here, out in the desert, and it fits into our schedule." Yah~o, o~e of the gateways to the World Wide Web, put the monastery's home page on its list of "cool stuff." And several Internet surfers have contacted the monastery to say they're interested in becoming monks. "Cybervocations; we call it," Brother Mary-Aquinas said with a laugh. The Internet isn't the· monks' only high0tech excursion. A dozen members of the community recently went to an Albuquerque so1,1nd studio to record the chants that are a staple of their religious services. While audio tapes made at the monastery are available through its gift shop, this will be the first compact disc - and the first time the monks have used state-of-the-art equipment to capture the centuries-old Gregorian QUOTABLE: and Byzantine chants. The compact disc will be sold through the monastery's gift shop and catalog. Christ in the Desert's gift shop and guest house used to provide enough operating revenue, but no longer. It costs about $200,000 a year to support the 25 monks, who come fromseven countries, Prior Philip said. And the monastery is in the midst of a $2.5 million building campaign. The sleeping rooms, called cells, that now are scattered around in small, poorly heated buildings will be concentrated in a 10,000-square-foot building attached to the chapel by an enclosed walkway. With some monks in their 70s and winters that deliver plenty of snow and sub-zero temperatures, the improvements are a must, Prior Philip said. Each cell in the new building will be wired for a' computer - looking toward the day when monks will get their spiritual reading matter from dtskettes rather than books. "It's so obviously the way of the future," Prior Philip said. · The Internet address of the Monastery . of Christ in the Desert is: http:/ /www.christdesert.org Andrew Sullivan on being gay and Catholic ... 'TM OPENLY gay becauseI 'm a Catholic.A very core moral that I was taught grawing up as a Ro1111Clna tholici s the idea of truth and honesty. In my book I quote the Holy Father: 'Be not afraid. Of what slwuld we not be afraid? We should not fear the truth about ourselves.' To me, Catholicism is about truth, and honesty beforf one's fellow man and before God. My feeling about the equality of gay peoples pringso ut of my Catholicism. Honwsexualityi s not something that I chose. And if it is not something that I chose, it's something that God made me, and if God made me this way, I can't see that he would want me to be ashamed of it. " Andrew Sullivan is the editor of The New Republic. LAVENDER REFLECTIONS Affirmations for Lesbians & Gay Men JK~,..,Jk ,, u,r.1.r1.,-,,,~,,,,,. .Lavenrier !Rs[,ef ctions _'B!f T,(,a,wr ~ut~ 'Jt'agner Pm>to6s g . 'Victor Yl.rimott:ii While thousands cif lesbians· and gay men tum to affinnatiorts fontrength artd guidance, there are few books 6f'high quality from which t; choose that affinn .us in our lifestyles. Elea.nor Ruth Wagner has worked 'ror over six years Jo create a book of enduring .power that speaks directly to our hearts. . Victor Arimondi is a cdebrated San Fran~isco photographer . Bom in Sweden and brought up in Italy he is know -around the world as a fashion model and photographer. $10.95 from Second Stone Press. To order, see a e 22. PAGE 5 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Faith 1n Daily Ll1e • My reply to Edgar BY RE V. SA MU E L KADE R As past~r of one of a number of gay/ lesbian-affirming Christian churches in Dayton, Ohio, I recently received a letter from a constituent of the community we serve. Although this person was unknown to me, and had never been to any of our churches, he felt compelled to write, asking a number of pressing political-theological questions. I could read his intense concern about wha\ the religious right is saying about us, and his desire to see us respond. He wrote: "Various religious issues are becoming increasingly important jn American society, the entire lesbi/ gay community will be affected by / the resolutio11 ,of these -issues." · I could see the rhetoric from the religi,o,us right aH through the. questions he· ;wanted·· answered. We say those in the religious right are full of hate and bigotry. We say they don't know what they're talking about. · We say they are misguided. .But obviously their poison is infiltrating our system or this person would not be wanting an antidote. "Is this a Christian nation?" he asked, "And/ or was it founded on Judeo-Christian principles?" '' Are the Biblical descriptions of the Creation, the Garden of Eden, and the Noachian Flood straight forward accounts of actual events?" "Will a person who dies a nonChristian necessarily go to hell? If the answer is yes, does it make a difference if the person had no knowledge of Christianity?" "Was Thomas Jefferson a Christian?" He wrote "For those questions that can be basically answered yes or no, please state the reason(s) for your answer." · As a community we are drowning in the barrage of rhetoric. We know these are untruths, half truths and distorted truths designed to get political advantage . In the meanwhile our people continue to get hurt and wounded and come looking to tis for answers. Yes and no answers will not do. What are the reasons. What is our doctrine. What do we believe. What is our purpose? When -I opened his letter, which had a self <1ddressed staqtped envelope for my reply, I could see how desperately he wanted answers. I had to really think before I just glibly wrote down some stock answers . Here was someone hurting from w<;>urids inflicted by the Body of Christ, the same body I am also a part of, through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Here was someone I am called to preach -the good news to, who is suspicious of that news because of the distorted views of the forerunners wilh that gospel. Paul said if any preach another Gospel let them be accursed. The problem is we so often have to undo the damage done by the other gospel before we can ever bring good news. I answered Edgar's questions to the Know . M - AGay YDberation .T heology.. _ Writer and activist RICHARD CLEA VER talcesa fresh approacht o the ongoing debate by examining the struggles of gay men and lesbians in the church through the lens of liberation theology. He offers a "gay reading" of scripture, but one that is also spirituallyc hiillengingt o all readers. Name Cleaver interweaves biblical reflections with historical, social, political, and personal commentary. Know My Name, by Richard Cleaver Now available in paperback , $15.99 Order from Second Stone Press, page 22 PAGE 6 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 best of my ability, then went on to present soine good news. In responding to our community's pain and confusion we almost begin to attack the very source of hope we have to offer. It is so important, like Paul the Apostle to remember that I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. I might be ashamed of the behavior and rhetoric of some Christians, but - never of the Gospel or the person of Christ. I wrote "As to your more theologically oriented questions such as heaven/ hell and the role call in each, plus the reliability of the Bible regarding any of the stories found therein, besides the description of Creation, Noah's flood, the Garden of Eden, etc., realize, of course we are a_ Christian group of believers. We are not focusing on the questions the way they are posed. We're not trying to figure out who is going to hell. We already accept the reality of Jesus, not only as a historical person but as the living one who conquered hell, death, and the grave . He did it for -us.. All of us. In His words, "whosoever will." There are plenty of churches out there helping you decide who is going to hell. But in the process, they often throw out as garbage some wonderful children of the living God because •Of something they cannot change. Our role is not one of condemnation, but of reconciliation. God gave us the ministry of reconciliation. People need to know God loves them. Really loves them. And they need to develop that love relationship with God in order to have the fullness oflife that Jesus promised when He said He came to give us life and that more abundantly. When we were born we had life. But that's it. As we develop our love walk with the Lord we discover, not just life, but a quality of life that far exceeds anything we could ever know on our own without the Lord. There are tangible results and benefits to walking with God. Is God's word reliable? Absolutely! Can it be distorted by those with evil intentions to say what - was never actually written or intended? Absolutely! For this reason the Bible says about itself that we are to study it to show ourselves approved unto God. We need to dig into the living word to discover the nuggets cif t ruth God has hidden in its' pages. That's what we do at our church. In the process we find strength, encouragement, and answers for living. God has an answer for everything we face. This is our focus. And for those discarded by others because of who they were born to be, we say come ori over, you are ·welcome at this refuge of safety. We dust off those long sitting by the roadside where they have been tossed. We bandage their wounds, help them grow strong, and give them hope. We help them grow in their walk with the God who made them and loves them. We help them discover their purpose, and find meaning in it all. We help them find life and that more abundantly, with quality and dignity as they grow in love with the Author of life." I don't know what Edgar will think of those answers, but I encouraged him to come talk to us. We never know when we as Christians will be called upon to explain what we believe and why. It seems God is using the turmoil of the times to open doors to the Gospel in our community that have long been closed . People are at a point of crisis. We need to be ready to demonstrate God's love in practical ways . But we also need to be able to explain the Gospel. We do have good news! Life changing, •in fact. People want answers. God has those answers, and God will disclose the answers needed to every heart on a personal basis as each one commits, then begins a relationship with Jesus of Nazareth. His sheep know His voice, because He talks to them! He is still alive! The woman at the well said, come meet a man who told me everything I ever did. That one encounter with the Lord changed her life and impacted her entire community. We not only have something to offer, we have Someone to offer! That makes all the difference in the world. The religious right is offering "another gospel" as Peter said one which neither we nor our forebears have been able to live. Grace is not offered. Mercy is forgotten. But this wonderful loving miracle working God is also a God who hears the cries of the oppressed. Blessed are the merciful. May I ever behave that way. May my hand ever be extended, my heart be opened to another wandering soul, and my mouth ever be ready to explain the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ! I wrote to Edgar, "I hope this somehow answers most of the questions you raise. Again thank you for your concern, and for taking the time to contact us. Feel free to visit. We're here for you, and "whosoever will." Again thank you for your concerns and your letter. God bless you!" Samuel Kader is the senior pastor and co-founder of Community Gospel Church in- Dayton, Oliio. Kader also founded ReconciliationM CC in Grand Rapids, Michigan and pastored otl1er MCC churches in Dayton, Ohio and Melbourne, Australia. Faith 1n Daily Life Testaments: Early Christians also disagreed 300ut sexuality i&5lleS By David Briggs . Associated Press Religion Writer "For in the on~ spirit we were all baptized into one body . ... and we are all made to drink of one Spirit." - l Corinthians 12:13. SOMETIMES IT SEEMS that if contemporary Christian churches could only get their minds off sex, their denominational lives would run much smoother. I Denominations such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have struggled for years, sometimes bitterly, over how to approach issues of sex outside marriage, particularly regarding their stance on homosexuality. Now, in advance of a legislative reckoning later this year at its General Assembly on sexuality issues, the church is taking a few pages out of the Bible to reflect on how early Christians handled _some of these same tensions. The denomination recently released a national Bible study program of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. The eight-part program was sent to each of the denomination's 11,000 churches, and some have already made plans to . do a Lenten Bible study of the book. Those who sometimes lose heart over the dissension in churches today may take some comfort in the fact that Christians have been struggling with the same issues for almost two millenniums, or nearly since·the birth of the church. - "We tend to think back to the good old days and tend to assume it was easier to be a Christian community closer to the time · of Jesus," said the Rev. Kristine Haig, associate for discipleship and spirituality for the Presbyterian church. "It's never been easy . It's always been hard." The church at Corinth faced a number of issues - from arguments regarding permissible sexual prac- · tices to the role of women in the church - that many congregations today continue to struggle with . Those favoring more liberal sexual attitudes point to Paul's emphasis on the importance of love in passages from the 13th chapter declaring "Love is patient; love is kind." Others favoring traditional sexual standards refer to the sixth chapter, where Paul warns the Corinthians against being deceived. "Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, re.vilers, robbers - none of these will inherit the kingdom of God:-' Recognizing .the parallels in the issues faced by the church at Corinth and Presbyterians today, the · denomination's General Assembly Council voted last faff ·io commission the i:hurchwide Bible study of 1 Corinthians. In putting together the -Bible study program, Haig avoided taking stands on controversial issues such as homosexuality. Instead she encourages members to pray and reflect on how Scripture addresses the tensions and the spiritual foundations that unite the community. . For example, in the sessfon .address ing sexual issues, Presbyterians are asked to take time to pray about the church's struggle with the issue: "Simply quiet yourself and ask to be open to the presence of the Spirit, and then bring with you into that loving space the image or name of someone who has struggled with or has been closely touched by issues of human sexuality." In another session, the meditation focuses on the relationship between a -pastor and a man with Alzheimer's disease_. Even though the man, Clint, initially did not recognize the pastor, she remembered the urgency with which -he asked her to share a piece _ of half•eaten bread with him during qne of her final visits, "In my car, I .sang a hymn and went back into the world, renewe.d in strength, peaceful about leaving · Clint, knowing that in the depth of Clint's shadowy valley God is with him and in him," Glaucia Vasconcelos Wilkey writes in the study program. "I know, for I saw God in the breaking of bread with my friend, and even Alzheimer's disease was not potent enough to . destroy that priceless gift." _ For Haig, the lesson that comes out of 1 Corinthians is the importance of · Christian community transcending other divisions . She rejects all the talk about how the cli.urch would be better off if the liberals left, or if the conservatives left. "For any of us to have to leave the community, the Presbyterian community, would be a tragedy," Haig said. "To lose any one of the voices would be to diminish the body." Harvard researchers ba:ck healing value of prayer l11111'- of this issue of Second Stone . By Rachel Zoll Associated Press Writer BOSTON (AP) - People of faith have always claimed that prayer and -meditation can help cure physical ailments. Now researchers at Harvard Medical School say so, too. Repeating a prayer can lower the heill't rate, breathing rate and brain wave activity and sometimes even avert the need for invasive surgery or expensive medicine, · according to medical experts . They say the idea is gaining new support a·mong health organizations that are seeking ways to cut costs.- .'The supposed gulf betw .een science and spirituality in healing does not always exist," said Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard Medical School professor and founder of the Mind/ Body Medical Institute at Boston's Deaconess Hospital. "Scientific studies demonstrate that, by repeating prayers, . words or sounds and passively disregarding other thoughts, many people are able to trigger a specific set of physiological changes;" Benson said. Called "the relaxation response," the approach wa& the subject of a meeting _in December called "Spirituality and Healing in Medicine" to teach physicians the value of meditation and prayer as healing tools. As evidence, Benson pointed to studies · showing the relaxation response decreased visits to health · maintenance organizations by · 36 percent. · Nearly 40 percent of couples who believed they were _infertile conceived within.six months of practicing the technique, he said. Benson said he now receives about five or six calls per week from HMOs looking to incorporate . the method in their treatment programs. · Benson s.tarted researching what he calls the "mind-body response" about 25 years ago when people practicing transcendental meditation asked him to research the physiological effect o{ their technique. · · He compiled scientific evidence for the health benefits of TM, then began studying how a change in thinking could heal those suffering from stress- · related diseases. His work is detailed in his best-selling 1975 book, Tlze Relaxation Response. Benson said he found the mind could work "like a drug," especially among people who had strong faith in God or a higher power . "Eighty percent of the patients, when given the choice of a word sound or a prayer to repeat, chose prayer. I discovered I was teaching prayer," Benson said. 'We have our own .HMO's - healing ministry · outreach," said Samue1 Solivan, .professor of Chtistian theology at Andover Newton Theological Seminary. ·. "Where you don't have health insurance, pentecostal communities of faith have access to a healer," he said. "Jesus Christ, the · Holy Spirit, God, become a central resource." But Benson said he advocates prayer only as part of a threepron_ g~d _attack on _illness, along with med.icme and surgical . intervention, . if necessary. UNCOMMON CALLING:A Gay Christian's Strug .gle to Serve the Church BY CHRIS GLASER Expanded and with a new introduction, .conclusion , and photographs. In this book, Chris Glaser describes his personal jq _nrney of coming out to his family, friends, church - and to himself • t~o111es Ideal for study groups and bar ministry1 I ! II ale SEE TH E ORDER FORl\·1 ON PA GE:22 U NCOMMON CALLI l\JC t ,\:.\. :\ ( ,,\Y C!!RJ\ rli\ ", '- )TRI -t",t ,l I ·1 l I Suzn TH!: t:1n fZ( ·11 CHR IS CL'\SlR Uncommon Calling, $19.99, paperback Order from Second .Stone Press , Page 22. PAGE 7 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 ., C EXPULSIONS EVERYWHERE! In addition to the two Lutheran churches expelled from their national church body (story this page} four Baptist churches in California were expelled from their regional body for adopting a welcoming and affirming stance toward gays and lesbians . (See story page 10 and commentary page 23.) Gay, lesbian clergy at issue: Lutheran Church expels two congregations SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Two .small Lutheran congregations took on their mother church over the issue of homosexuality and lost. At issue are three gay or lesbian ministers who refused to take a vow of celibacy after graduating from official Lutheran seminaries. Now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has expelled the congregations for ordaining the Revs . Ruth Frost, Phyllis ZilU\art and Jeff Johnson. The . St. Francis Lutheran Church and First United Lutheran Church were packed Dec. 31 for their last services as congregations of the denomination. "The drama of expulsion was muted because there were· no ·surprises," said Jim Lokken, ·a member of St. Francis Lutheran. "No one said anything unexpected. We all knew this was going to happen ; and we have had five years to think .about it." · Many visitors were ori hand to Dignity/USA: express their encouragement and support . The Rev . Janie Spahr, Presbyterian minister from Tiburon who was the focus of a public battle in her denomination over her call to Downtown Presbyterian Church in Rochester, N.Y., attended. Paul Johnson, former assistant to the ELCA bishop -in l.,a Crosse, Wisc., who was asked to resign after being outed as a gay man sevez:.al years ago, attended with his partner, as did David Deppe, a former professor at Seminex and LSTC. A delegation from St. Paul Reformation Lutheran Church of St. Paul, Minn ., included Pastor Paul Tidemann .and Anita Hill of Wingspan Ministries. Bishop Paul Egertson observed -the irony in that just as the congregations are being expelled from ,the ELCA they exemplify everything that the ELCA says _it wants-its urban congregations to be - inclusive, multicultural, reaching out to its . community, gospel- centered, lively and ·imagina- ELCA remains in fellowship with expelled churches OAKLAND, Cal. - The synod council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Sierra Pacific Synod has established ways to remain in fellowship with St. Francis and First United Lutheran Churches of San Francisco. The two congregations were expelled from the ELCA Dec. 31. Disciplinary action was tak en in 1990 after th e congregations called three perso ns who were not approved for call and ordination by the ELCA because they had not indicat ed compliance with ELCA standards requiring Gays and Lesbians to remain abstinent. According lo a letter from the .Rev. Robert W. Mattheis, bishop of the synod, the council's action reaffirms the synod's intent, expressed in a synod assembly resolution, to "explore creative ways to maintain a strong bond of fellowship" with these congregations : The ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August affirmed the synod's original action. Mattheis sa id some congregations in the synod "will grieve the loss of live, financially healthy, growing, with good lay and clergy leadership , consciou s of its place in the larger church . The Lutherans allow ordination of gay minist ers - but only if they take a vow lo abstain from having sexual relations with members of the same .. sex. In 1990, the mother church suspended ·the two congregations, and said they were officially expelled if they did not rescind the ordinations by Dec. 31, 1995 . . But the churches refused. · James DeLange, senior pastor at St. Francis, said no church members have left as a result of the expulsion . And even some higher church officials these congregations," but "others hop e that this will reso lve what has been a painful issue for the whole synod for more than five years." Th e seve n points for the process are: ask Bishop Robert Mattheis to write a prayer petition for congregations of the synod for u se Dec. 31, 1995; urge the San Francisco Confer ence (of ELCA congregations) to con tinu e to include the congregations in conference activiti es as possible; dir ect the sy nod office an<l the ELCA to keep the congregations on mailing lists; express hope that the two congr ega tions will be available as resources for others in areas of ministry · where they have expertise; ask the bishop to invite clergy and members of the coJ1gregations to attend the syriod assembly _ as visitors and observers; encourage member s of the ELCA to ·make their concern for these rnngregations concrete by worshiping wllh th em; and ask th e \Hshop lo continue offering pastoral care to the clergy and member s of these congregations . expressed their support for the congregations. Johnson, the gay minister who is pastor of St. · ·Fra n cis, S;tf.S the churches have few · alternatives. The only other major national Lutheran organization, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, is even more conservative than the ELCA. "They don't even recognize gay and lesbian" as normal orientations, he said. "At least in this one, we're .not sick." "We do hope tha t those who disagree with us remember that this is our only point of difference with the ELCA," said Lokken. "We continue to be a part of the same church family, and. one day we'll be back." Vatican sex education document ''dangerous'' ianne Duddy, president of the group for gay, le sbian, bisexual, trartsgendered, and supportive Catholics . "Not allowing Catholic students to be exposed to solid information about sexuality, and how to p.rotect themselves, means that more of these children and teenagers will have unsafe sex. It's putting them in literally life-threatening situations. THE DOCUMENT, "HUMAN Sexuality: Truth and Significance," released Dec. 20 by the Pontifical Commis&ion for the Family is seriously flawed, and even dangerous, said leaders of Dignity/USA. The Vatican instruc_t:ion calls on Catholics to remove their children from . school programs in which stamj.ard elements of sex education, including use of condoms to reduce risk of pregnancy and ' AIDS, are taught. "Statistics aheady show that Catholic women have abortions at a higher rate -than women of other Dignity leaders objected to the docu- faiths, probably because they don't ment on several grounds. "First of all, get good information about birth it's just plain dangerous," said Mar- control," Duddy said. ''Does the Pope PAGE 8 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 want to see the same kind of statistic for Catholics and AIDS? The Vatican is saying that safer sex education is 'dangerous and immoral,' b_ut I believe that th ·e Vatican's sacrifice of our kids on the altar of outdated . principles is what's really immoral here ." The group is also angered by the document's insisten _ce that public schools should teach that homosexuality is not consistent with "natural law." "The Pope is asking American public schools to teach a Catholic doctrine," Duddy said. " I can't believe any taxpayer, whether Catholic or not, will -tolerate that kind of interventio n in public school curricula ." The document notes that the family and not the schools should be the place :where sex education occurs. "We agree with .that ~ to a point," Duddy said. "The reality is that lots of kids don't get the information at home . Their parents may not be comfortable talking about it. We as a society have a responsibility to help kids make good choices, and safe choices. The schools definitely have a role in what is a public health and welfare, as well as a personal, issue." National News American Baptist boord votes to reestablish ties with gayaffinning Baptist~ organization RECALLING ITS "historic ties" with the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA), the Board of National Ministries of the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. approved at its November meeting a motion to reestablish ties with the BPFNA. This action, by a vote of 33-18 with 3 abstentions, reverses an earlier vote last March to sever ties with the organization in response to the BPFNA Board's statement on homosexuality approved in February, 1995. In response to the Board of National Ministries vote, BPFNA Executive Director Ken Sehested indicated he was "obviously very pleased," noting that "it puts a number of important relationships back on trustworthy grounds. However, we don't view this as a victory, at least not in the normal sense. "Winning the d ebate over the issue of sexual orientation has never been our goal. While our Decision in June: board has spoken its conviction, our long-term goal is to urge congregations to put this matter on the table . for discussion ." In a related matter, the full General Board of the ABC approved a recommendation that a commission on homosexuality be created to addres s the divisive issue of church attitudes . In response to this action, Sehested · noted that such a move could be useful, but "it is urgent that they find creative ways to coax our congregations into this process ." Sehested also said that there are signs that the BPFNA's ties with the . Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), a missions organization based in Atlanta founded by moderate Southern Baptists, may be mending. In a November 9 issue of Baptists Today, Carolyn Crumpler, immediate past moderator of the CBF, not ed that "there are many areas in which we Southern Baptist Convention may boycott Disney By Lisa Holewa · Associated Press Writer TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A Florida Baptist group that asked its 1 million members to boycott Walt Disney Co.'s parks and products because Disney extended health insurance to partners of homosexual workers says it will ask a national group to do the same. The Florida Baptist State Convention, which unanimously approved the boycott resolution in November, will present the proposal at the Southern Baptist Convention when it meets in Jun·e in New Orleans, said convention spokeswoman Barbara Denman . That group has 16 million members nationwide . . The resolution asks members to "prayerfully reconsider their continued purchase anif support of Disney · products .'' It was prompted by Disney's decision last month to extend insuranc e benefits to partners of gay · and lesbian employees, D e nman said. 'That was probably the final straw," she said . "Historically, Bisney had reinforced America 's values and we. noticed there .had been an erosion in its moral leadership." · The non-binding resolution also criticized Disney for promoting combination cruise-and-theme park vacations with ship lines, saying that promotes alcohol use and gambling. It also s aid Disney hosted "homosexual and lesbian theme nights" at its parks and produced "questionable material" through subsidiarie s such as the Miramax movie company, which Disney acquired in 1993. Disney spokesman John Drey er said the company "regrets (the group) has chosen to take that position ." 'The standard against which our commitment to family entertainm ent should be measured is the value and · high quality of Disneycbranded family entertainment that we produce and the fact that we are the world's lead er in producing entertainment for the entire family," he said . . Dis,ney said the new benefits plan, · effective Jan . 1, was in line with its policy of not discriminating against workers based on race or sexual orientation . As for th e group's oth er charges , Dr~yer said Gays and Lesbians who · hold an annual convenfi011 in Orlando visit the park, bu t Disney has no official ties to that meeting. "We host the m th e same as we host thousands of people ·each day, all of whom come up to our ticket window s, buy tickets and come into the park ," Dreyer said. The resolution to boyrntt Disney was introduced Nov. 14 by t.wo pastors. "If we as Christians feel that they 're shying away from traditional famil y" values, we're going to have to shy away from putting money in their pockets," one of the sponsors, Rev . Arthur Rathje of Marianna, told Tire St. Petersburg Times. walk hand-in-hand " with the BPFNA. Id entifying herself as a former member of the board of the BPFNA, and "a current supporter ," Crumpler indicated that "We hav e not excluded [the BPFNA) from our number, nor from the possibility of future funding ." BPFNA statement on sexual orientation is one which "we as an organiz~tiori cannot agree." Phillips closed his lett er by saying, 'This does not mean we want to sever relation- · ship with you but means that on this subject, we do not agree ." The BPFNA statement has also drawn response frorri two other Baptist bodies . In a letter receiv ed in mid-November, David Phillips, general secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries (formerly Canadian Baptist Federation) , noted that while "Canadian Baptists have always valued and respected the work that you do," the In a unanimous vote taken in August, the board of directors of the Alliance of Baptists ,. a Washington, D.C.-based missions organization, expressed i~ "continuing support of the BPFNA . We join you ... in encouraging dialogue ... on issues of discipleship, justice and peace, including human sexuality ... .'' Alabama Presbyterians slight lesbian minister LESBIAN MINISTER JANE Spahr arrived in Birmingham, Ala ., on Nov. 30 to lobby for acceptance of gay and lesbian preachers in the Presbyterian church, but she had little luck finding a pulpit or an audience. "We're here to claim our spirituality, not just our sexuality," Spahr said. "We're very sound biblically and theologically." In 1993, the 2.7 million- member Presbyterian Church (USA), requested a three-year study on homosexuality, bu{ many Alabama Presbyterians seem uninterested· in disC1:1ssing it. "There are pastors who won't c_ome because they're afraid," said Lainey Rathgeber, a lesbian Presbyterian who set up the visit. · '"We were not able to get ·a pulpit for her. We tried ." -· Southern Voice WJK I '. ' ' 1996 NEW-TITLES We Were Baptized Too Claiming God's Grace for Lesbians and Gays Marilyn Bennett Alexander and· James Preston February Paper $16.99 Foreword br Desmond M. Tutu "This practica and powerful book belongs on m ry church library shelf and should be read by mry minister."- Marjorie Procrer-Smith, Perkins School of Theology, Sou1hem Methodist Uni,•ersiry · • . · Biblical Ethics and· Homosexuality Listening to Scripture Robert L. Brawley, editor February Paper $16.99 . What arn he most important hiblical texts for modem Christians to read in order t11 arrive at responsible decisions regarding the ethics of human sexual beharior ! How should the Bihle be used in this enterprise! How should those texts he translated f,,r today's reader' Contributors to this h<X1k, all notahle hihlical'scholars, confront these questions as they deal with issues surrounding the ethics of sexual heha\·ior, in gener~I, and the di\·isire is.5ue of gay/les~ian ordination_,_ in particular. Homosexuality and Christian Community· .Cho9n-Leong Seow, editor . - Febr.uary :- . Paper $14.99 Contrihutors tll this rnlume: all: mefubers\lf.the Princeron-TheqllJgical Se-minary faculty, address the ratious exegetical, imerpreth·e, and practical issues pertaining to the issue li homosexuality in the churc;h, includino the ordination l1f homosexuals and the Plesging of homosexu.:i'! unions as welf.as ·bwader issues dealing ll'ith the liturgical and_theological lang_uage ahi,ur God, and the ,,,le of the church in a pluralistic society. Uncommon Calling A Gay.Christian 's.Struggle to Serve the Church -:-' Expimqed and.u·irh a Nett· Preface, Conclusion, and Pho1qgraphs .. Chris Glaser · . . March . , Pa11_er $19.99 "Thereis'·heartache and hope' in this piercingl( l\onest book: .' . . Those who really hear his story will be proud to support him in this powerful faith journe)'• and 11·ill make his cnncems their own."- Sydney Thomson-Brou11 and Ro ,m McAfei Brott11 . ~ WESTMINSTER . :•}!-'' JOHN KNOX PRESS · Will . At ~·uiir f>oc,bwr,•, Cpk.:$h1u-~·. or ml! roll-fr,-.· 1-BOO-ZZ7-ZB72 /l\' \'Ci!h,·1·.i/11mn S1r,·,1. Lo1d~rilk. kl" 4l1N2-H% PAGE 9 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY / FEBRUARY, 1996 National News FouBr aptiscth urchteask eh eafto rs tandinugp f org ays By Bill Lindelof Scripps-McClatchWy esternS ervice SACRAMENTO, Calif. • Western region American Baptists sent a strong message to their governing board when delegates to a special session voted to expel four churches for joining an association of churches that affirms gays and lesbians. The Bay Area churches have been the target of a campaign by other Baptist preachers for two years. The vote, which actually asked whether or not to "include" the churches in the denomination, was 457 against and 127 for and came after spirited debate. "Don't talk to us about sin issues," shouted the Rev. Amos Brown of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, who supported the four churches. "All of us have sin. Racism, sexism and homophobia are sins." But the majority were not swayed. They said the churches should not belong to the American Baptist Churches denomination because they have joined the Association of Weicoming and Affirming Baptists. "Jesus did not affirm every lifestyle," said the Rev. Rod Layman of Sacramento's First Baptist Church. "It's not the welcoming part I have a problem with. It is the affirming part. We need a parting of the ways." Leaders of the four churches that accept gays and lesbians have fought the ouster effort. "My stance, the stance of this church, is that gays and lesbians ... have a right to be full participating members in the faith community like anybody else," said Kay WeIH.ngton, pastor at .San Leandro Community Church. The other targeted churches were the New Community of Faith Church in San Jose, the First Baptist Church of Berkeley and Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland. There are 1.5 million American Baptists in .the United States, including 55,000 members at 220 churches in the Western region . Officials said there are about 20 American Baptist churches in the Sacramento area. President'psa store lectedto heads tate convention LITTLE ROCK (AP) - President Clihton's pastor was elected president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as one church minister expressed concern that his election will be seen as an endorsement of Clinton's views on abortion and homosexuality. Dr. Rex Home Jr. of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock was elected president of the state's largest religious organization. Home defeated Dr. Stephen Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Russellville, 482-398. The Rev. Barry King, chairman of the convention's nominating committee, said he was concerned Horne 's election would seem like an endorse· men! of Clinton's support for abortion and gay rights. 'That's just not where we're coming from," said King, who was a representative of the Second Baptist Church in Hot Springs. '1 don't have any ax to grind with Rex Horne. I know him personally and Jove him as a brother. This is not a personality issue. This is a philosophical difference of opinion." But Lyndon Finney, a member of Home's church and a board member of the convention's news magazine, said Home is "very forward thinking" and his election had nothing to do with Clinton's views. Horne said he would keep his role as Clinton's pastor separate from his duties as convention president. Home has said he believes in the sanctity of life and that the Bible speaks against homosexuality . Pastor, I Am Gay By The Rev. H. Howard Bess Order from Second Stone Press. See page 22. Although more and more parishioners are comfortable with coming out at church, many pastors still aren't equipped to hear the words, "lam gay." This remarkable book chronicles a Baptist pastor's first fumbling encounter with those words to his deep and compassionate understanding of what is means to be a gay Christian. An extraordinary book... a prophetic witness to the church ... -James B. Ashbrook, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary PAGE 10 • SECOND STONE• JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Delegates for the special session of the American Baptist Churches of the West met at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Oak Park. St. Paul, which is not an American Baptist church, was chosen because it is a neutral site. The delegates first voted to amend a church rule to allow discipline of churches for theological and disunity reasoris. That change also passed by a wide margin. They then were asked whether . membership in the Association for Welcoming and Affirming Baptists should disqualify the four churches from continuing in the American Baptist denomination. 'The association has as their purpose the exact opposite of the denomination's position on the practice of homosexuality," said Western region Executive Director Rev. Robert Rasmussen. 'They propose that .the practice of homosexuality is compatible with Christian teaching . The denomination and the region's position is that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." San Leandra's Rev. Wellington said she does not believe that homosexuality is wrong: 'Those that oppose us feel we should say that gay men and lesbians are sinful, that they need to repent and ask for forgiveness . They even go so far as . to say that if it is not a choice, if the person was born this way, then they must live a celiba te life." Speakers also said the question of autonomy was at stake. Wellington said there is a historic Baptist principle that allows a church to define its own ministry and govern itself. The vote was advisory and will be presented to the 68-member Western regional board when it meets March 9. Rasmussen expects the board to agree with the advice of the church delegates. The issue will then be taken by the nationai board in June. The national board usually accepts the recommendation of regional bodies on churq, membership . It is Wellington's opinion that the national board will stand by the four churches. In any case, "we don't need the region to be American . Baptist," she said. "We can form our own region, we can join with another region or we can arrange to relate directly to national." Texas Baptists refuse to ban delegates from churches with gay pastors SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The Bapt1st General Convention of Texas wrapped up its annual meeting by refusing to ban delegates from churches with gay and lesbian pastors or deacons . The action in mid-November was seen by many as merely procedural, however, rather than a change of policy from the traditional Baptist condemnation of homosexuality. The nation's largest Southern Baptist state convention decided instead on the last day of the two-day annual meeting to refer the proposed ban to its executive board for further study. On the first day of the convention, a messenger from a Lubbock church had asked that any messenger from Austin's University Baptist Church be denied seating at the convention because it had ordained a gay man as a deacon. The Rev. Larry Bethune, pastor of University Baptist Church, said the congregation had planned to send 11 delegates to the San Antonio gathering, but backed off when it appeared the messengers would be , challenged. Sexual consideration was not considered an issue in the deacon's ordination, according to Bethune. "He was ordained because he demonstrated himself as a spiritually focused, loving Christian, and he has continued todoso." The Rev.· Roger Deerinwater, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Archer City, said that by referring the motion to committee, "we are saying we can't decide whether homosexuality is a sin or not." The Rev. Bruce Prescott, pastor of Easthaven Baptist Church in Houston, said the real issue is whether a state convention can exclude messengers on the basis of a local church's decisions. Dale Gore, executive director of the Austin Baptist Association, strongly disputed Bethune's contention that the association violated the autonomy of the local church by its actions. 'That's just not true," Gore said. 'The church is an autonomous body. So is the association. The association has a right to choose whom we wish to remain in fellowship." Bill Scarbrough of Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin introduced an amendment. that would have added adultery, theft, greed and other sins as reasons to deny seating. f · I 1h tt ; t ll j National News DENVER (AP) - Most churches al ready have exclusive attitudes toward Gays and Lesbians and that aloof treatment will only get worse after a ruling is made on the constitutionality of anti-gay Amendment 2, two seminary professors said. Speaking at a pastoral care workshop on how Gays are treated in the aftermath of Amendment 2, Joretta Marshall said churches quietly accept homosexuals but often overlook them when recognizing anniversaries and other "ritual moments" of its members. Marshall, assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling at- Iliff Discredited ex-gay counselor charged with having sex with clients COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A former minister who says he can change the sexual orientation of homosexuals offered a seminar here in late October, drawing ire from critics who say his methodology contains inappropriate sexual behavior. Colin Cook, 55, once a Seventh-day Adventist minister, is the founder of FaithQuest Colorado Inc., one of dozens of Christian-based "change ministries" across the nation. Cook, who has been endorsed ·by the Colo~ado Springs-based Colorado for Family Values, ·says he himself has overcome homosexuality. "Christians have it wrong," bec-1use they often preach only condemnation of Gays "telling them they're going to hell," Cook told The Denver Post. '1t's us againsnhem, 1ove·tne ·srt\rter'l:iut hate the sin. We need· to tell Gays they can come to Jesus, not just to 'stop doing that and be celibate."' . He said healing may take several years. Controversy over Cook's seminars and points of view stem from his ouster from the Seventhaday Adventist church in 1974 for allegedly having sex with . a man in the church where he was a pastor in New York. Following two years of counseling, Cook later married, claiming he had changed his sexual orientation and set up Quest Learning Center in Reading in 1979. Cook says he has not been . involved in any homosexual activity since 1986. But th e ministry collapsed after details of Cook's activities surfaced in a research paper written by a Queens' College professor. Cook moved to Colorado in 1993, founded FaithQuest Colorado and began doing "Lifting the Fog" seminars on changing sexual orientation . But several men who have received counseling from Cook told T11e Post that Cook had several hours of "phone sex" with them instead of counseling them to become heterosexuals. · In taped counseling sessions obtained by T11e Post, Cook allegedly had prolonged discussions about masturbation and genitalia and discussed past sexual-liaisons in de.t<\i.l .. . . . __ _ . "He's emotionally raping people," said Davfd;a man in his 30s who had phone counseling sessions with Cook in 1993. "He thinks if he's having erotic phone · conversations it's OK because he's not having sex.'' The man said his sessions with Cook end eel after another therapist he was seeing told him the conversations were totally inappropriate. A national Adventist official said the church has no connection with Cook. Kevin Tebedo, director of Colorado for Family Values, defended Cook, saying "We believe Colin's message is valuable and the response to Colin (at seminars last summer) has been tremendous. All the people thought he was top-notch." Gay school teacher under fire supported by his church GRAND RAPIDS, Mich - A gay school teacher who has been the target of school board condemnation has received the support of his church congregation. The governing board of Gerry Crane's church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, has released a statement supporting him. Describing Crane as "a loved and valued member of our congregation," the statement affirms Crane's "decision to enter into a lifelong covenant of commitment with his partner." Unlike others who say they're praying for Crane's conversion and redemption, the 17-member board stated, "We believe that Mr. Crane is made in the image of God, baptized into the covenant of faith and already one of Christ's own." An accompanying letter to be sent out to the congregation calls the school board's statement "an attack not only upon the moral character of a Westminster member, but also upon every other homosexual teacher in the area ." -Grand Rapids Press School of Theology in southeast Denver, and Larry Graham, professor of pastoral theology and care at Iliff, said things could get worse after the U.S. Supreme Court makes its ruling on Amendment 2. Passed by voters in 1992, the amendment that bans governments from passing laws protecting homo. sexuals from discrimination has never gone into effect. Instead, Amendment 2 has been tied up in the courts and is now pending before the Supreme Court. - The ruling is expected in June and when it comes people on both sides will be "enraged," predicted the Rev. Laurene Lafontaine, a lesbian Presbyterian minister. 'There will be a range of opinions . and everyone needs to know that there isn't only one religious view on · this subject," Graham said. Churches need to be prepared to handle the anger, frustration, grief and other -feelings they will find among their congregations, the three said. Pat Steadman, a lawyer who helped fight Amendment 2, predicted that the Supreme Court ruling "will open old wounds and the divisiveness and bitterness" that were rampant before Amendment 2 was passed. Regardless of the ruling, the speakers urged churches to evaluate their relationships with homosexuals. Unlike heterosexual couples in churches, gay couples are overlooked when their partners get sick or die, when they need counseling or when they celebrate their years together. Marshall said many Gays have left the church because it is too painful. · Religious group vow_s to counter extreme right PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Three religious leaders have formed an Oregon state chapter of The Interfaith Alliance and say ·.they will combat the "divisiveness and intolerance of J he religious 'right /' .- · · '· -, · .· The 'alhance ·was formed in Washington, D.C., in 1994 using see\i money from the Democratic Party . It now has 16 state chapters. The Oregon chapter was launched by Rev. Rodney Page, outgoi.ng executive director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; Rev. Cecil Charles Prescod of Highland United Church of Christ, and Rabbi Emanuel Rose of Temple Beth Israel. The alliance intends to counter the increasing political influence of religious conservatives, led by the Christian Coalition. "Confronted by this very real threat to both the integrity of the democratic process and the sanctity of Homosexuality and Christian Community Choon-Loong Soow, editor Contributors to this volume, all members of the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty, address the various exegetical, interpretive, and practical issues pertaining to gays and lesbians in the church. Ideal for churches and individuals engaged in theological reflection on this issue. religious beliefs, people of faith must speak out," Page said. "We must come together, stand together, work together and together loudly say, 'Enough .is enough."' 'fwo ·othetgroups 0 ihei:Jregop 'C.itizens All.farice and On\gori F\ll)'lily Council - have used religion as a 'foun: dation for their ·conservative political agenda. Rose characterized the religious right's positions as arrogantly presenting certain political views as "the ones endorsed by God." When asked to provide specific examples, Rose had none, except to point to Christian Coalition and Oregon Family Council voter guides that do not endorse candidates but highlight stands on hot-button conservative issues as "tax-funded abortion," "gay rights" and "voluntary prayer in public schools." Coming March, 1996; $14.99 Order from Second Stone Press, Page 22. PAGE 11 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 / I \ National News I• f , ' <S ; ,'1; .-......... . ~pres.51.lfOO into silence after ooming out By Tracy Early Ecumenical News International NEW YORK -\ A prominent clergywoman who re~ently announced that she was a lesbian has agreed - after coming under pressure within her church - to stop talking publicly about the issue hqmosexuality. Jeanne Audrey ~owers, an executive of the United M;ethodist Church's Commission on Cjuistian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, announced in July last year that she was going public about her lesbianism as "an act of resistance to false · teachings that have contributed \to heresy and homophobia withfn the church itself." i Conservatives in the church called for sanctions against ~owers' commission on the grounds ahat the United Methodist Disciplintf forbids the use of denominational funds "to promote the acceptance of h,6mosexuality ." In a statement /released from the Commission's New York headquarters on Jan. 3, Powers said: 'The General Council on Finance and Administration and the president and general secretary of my own commission believe it is now difficult to separate my personal statements from those I may make as associate general secretary of the commission." Accordingly, she said, she had "decided to limit my public speaking through General Conference to other issues on the ecumenical and interreligious agenda ." The General Conference, a policymaking body which meets once every four years, will meet in Denver from April 16-26, 1996. In 1992, the General Conference, by a substantial majority, rejected a proposal to change the church's official policy against homosexuality . Supporters of a more liberal approach on homosexuality will again make a _major effort at the Denver meeting to change church policy. The General Board of Church and Society and nine annual conferences - equivalent to dioceses - support moves for the change . Powers, who is due to retire in September 1996, said she had considered retiring earlier "to ensure my personal freedom to encourage a change in the Book of Discipline." However, she decided against that because of Minister sues church that fired him after performing lesbian union NEW YORK (AP) - A minister is suing his church and several of its . members for $110.25 million, charging they ·fired him for performing a lesbian marriage . The Rev. James Renwick Jackson, 67, also ' alleged that members of the Congregational Church of Patchogue discriminated against him because of his age and called him a crook, a drunk and an adulterer. Church lawyer Kevin McDonough said Nov. 7 that Jackson's firing "had nothing to do with the wedding of the lesbians. He was fired because he was a poor administrator and was not fuffilling his duties and ministry, not handling the· needs of the congregation." Jackson, who became pastor of the Long Island church in 1991, signed a three-year contract in July 1994 at $55,000 a year plus housing. On July 31, 1995, the church voted 84-67 to fire him. In papers filed in Manhattan's state Supreme Court, Jackson said he was fired because on Dec. 31, 1994, he "offered his blessing for the marriage of two lesbian congregants within the church." Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible w~;! Bible and homosexuality. Really Says About Homosexuality ~,,,., ~"'",,,.,,,,..1w,,,,i '""''"""'"'- Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D. JohnS .Spor19 Daniel A. Helminiak , Ph.D. , respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascin ating new insights . " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed." - L. William Countryman What the Bible Really Says About Holilosexuality, $9.95, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS : SEEPAGE 22. PAGE 12 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY , 1996 her concern for other issues coming before General Conference and "because I have been vocationally committed to the unity of the church ." The General Council on Finance and Administration ruled that Powers did not violate the Discipline by speaking last year about her own lesbianism . In a statement released together with that of Powers, Bruce Robbins, the general secretary of the Unity Commission, said he and the commission's president, Bishop William Boyd Grove, had "defended her right to tell the truth about her sexual orientation." "Howev er, as leaders of the commission, we also recognize that continued public discussion about homosexuality by Jeanne Audrey Powers at this time can be seen as a promotion of the acceptance of homosexuality ." Powers said that she had tried to "advocate officially for th e inclusiveness of the church and also to participate in an educational process." She told ENI that she had pending invitations from four groups that had wanted her to discuss the homosexuality issue. Among them was one to speak at a United Methodist Seminary, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. MCC excluded from Key West holiday parade KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) - Singing the Christmas carol "O' Come All Ye Faithful, " some 200 gay and lesbian churchgoers held a prayer vigi l Dec. 2 to protest their exclusion from the city's annual Christmas parade . About 400 people dressed as angels and shepherds marched past the vigil; the parade also had five floats and proceeded peacefuHy down Duval Str!!et. ~ . , .·. The parade's organizer, the Lower Keys Ministerial Association, has angered many residents by refusing to allow the Metropolitan Community Church from participating. So the church and many gay groups held a vigil to "express a message to those hateful right-wingers what love, togetherness, and Christmas are all about," said a statement released by the Lambda Coalition. "I know some people are here·as a political statement, but I'm here to celebrate the birth of my Lord," said Eric Steckel, who participated in the vigil. Trouble began in November when Metropolitan Community sought permission to march in the parade, though the church has never partici- .mtted ,bef9r~. '.· .. _ . . , .. "I thought it was time for us to be m this community parade," said the Rev. Steve Torrence, pastor of the 120-member congregation. "We had ,a wonderful float." But the association refused permission. Allowing the drnrch to participate would mean the association condones homosexuality, said the Rev. Gary Redw ine, the parade's organizer. Duke's gays frustrated over same-sex union ban at chapel DURHAM (AP) - Gays and Lesbians at Duke are angry that the university chapel does not allow same-sex marriage ceremonies, a restriction the school's head chaplain said likely will remain intact. 'This is one demand we're not going to be able to meet," said the Rev. Will Willimon, an ordained United Methodist minister. Gays and Lesbians who want to hold a ceremony claim the ban at the Gothic-style church discriminates against Gays and violates their freedom of religion . The off-limits decision was affirmed by Willimon with support from Duke President Nan Keohane. The issue sparked a war of words in the student newspaper and on fliers posted across campus , The New s & Observer of Raleigh reported. 'This chapel policy legitimizes heterosexual love and delegitimizes homosexual love," says Seth Persily, a senior from New York who is president of the 60-member Duke Gay, Bisexual and Lesbian Association. "Until -we're treated the same as heterosexuals, we're not going to stop fighting ." The gay student group has been negotiating unsuccessfully with the university for almost a year _to change the policy. The issue arose· after two gay Duke alumni were refused for their wedding. Duke Chapel, whose historical ties are to the United Methodist Church, serves more than 15 religious groups, some opposed to homosexuality. 'The se groups may someday modify their stance, but it would be arrogant and inappropriate for Duke Chapel unilaterally to decide now that all these groups are in error," Willirnon's statement said. National News Ordination filues may divide Christian Refonned Church DETROIT (AP) - A conservative faction of the Christian Reformed Church of North America is demanding that church leaders reverse their recent decision to allow women to be ordained as ministers and elders. The faction, representing 110 of the church's 985 parishes, also wants the church's governing body to break with the mother church in the Netherlands because it permits Gays and Lesbians to be ordained. The group says that if its demands are not met, it might leave and form its own church. The threats probably wiH be counterproductive, said David Engelhard, ge neral secretary of the Grand Rapids-based church, who called the move divisive. "I don't think any deliberatin g body has to work under such a threat," he said. Of the church's 86,132 members in the United States, about 29 percent come from western Michigan. There are 250 Christian Reformed churches in Michigan. The conservative faction voted on the demands during a meeting of 290 members Nov: 6-7 in a Chicago suburb. Engelhard said many of those at the meeting w ere not official representatives of their parishes and that most repres ented the minority view of the church's 294,000 members in the United States.and Canadi Toi, one of those who attended the meeting, said he disagreed with allowing women and homosexuals to lead churches . "I guess I'm old-fashioned." He supports a proposal that would allow parishes to reorganize according to their beliefs. "I think that would be a workable thing," he said. 'There would be a lot of bugs to work out."' But Engelhard said the concept of dividing th e church according to beliefo is contrary to church teachings. The church wants people w ith different backgrounds and ideas working together, he said . · The role of women and ·homosexuals in church leadership has been an issue in many Christian denominations. "It's happening in every church, " said James Preston, outreach coordinator of a United Methodist Church program that helps congregat ions adapt to the church policy of ordaining Gays . The church began ordain. ing women in the late 1950s. Hearing for Bishop Righter set for Feb 27-29 "Gay and lesbian folks are coming out now in every church," Preston said. ''They're in every congregation, which has been the case all along." THE TEACHINGS AND tenets of the U.S. Episcopal church will soon be tested in Wilmington, Del., the site of a preliminary hearing on a heresy charge of a retired bishop who ordained a gay ma n. A panel of bishops will preside over a hearing for Bishop Walter Righter, of ,Alstead, N.H., who has been charged with ·"teaching a doctrine contrary to that held by the church." The hearing is set for Feb. 27-29. The t~ial is scheduled . t9· .begin. May 13. . The heresy trial is only the second of its kind involving a bishop since the church was founded in 1789. The first bishop to be tried for heresy wa s William Montgomery Brown of Arkansas, who was deposed iil 1924 for preaching that communism superseded Christianity. Righter, 72, ordained an openly gay man as a deacon in 1990 in Newark, N.J. The deacon, the Rev. Barry Stopfel, later became a · priest and is now rector of a church in Maplewood, N.J. Righter retired as bishop of Iowa about a year before he ordained Stopfel, but continued to perform church functions as an assi s ting bishop. The charges were brought against Righter by a group of 10 bishops, as required by church law. Sixty-six other bishops later signed on to the charges, or presentment as it is called in the church. 'The total number was more than the 25 percent · of the church's bishops needed to call for a trial. There are 297 bishops in the · U.S. Episcopal Church. Righter has stood by his decision to ordain Stopfel and called the charges against him "narrow-minded and mean-spirited ." · "I did nothing wrong," said Righter, who described Stopfel as a terrific priest. He said Stopfel's church Gay group stirs dissension at Texas Wesleyan FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) _ A gay and lesbian student group's attempt to gain official recognition at Texas Wesleyan University has stirred controversy at the Methodist-affiliat ed school. The group, known as Gays, Lesbians and Extras, won approval from the Student Government Association and a Student Life Committee, but Texa s Wesleyan President Jake Schrum vetoed the decision, citing a conflict with United Methodist doctrine . Since Schrum 's ruling was announced Oct. 5, the issue has stirred debate across campus. Strongly worded letters on both sides have been printed on the opinion p,age of the s tudent newspap er. Each side has accused the other of being closedminded and un-Chri stian. The controver sy reflects the ongoing debate within the United Methodist Church over how to treat homosexuality, an issue that is expected to surface again in Apr il when th e church holds its quadrennial general conference in Denv er. About 900 of the 3,000 U.S. colleges and universities have gay and lesbian student organizations, according to the National Lesbian & Gay Task Force. In a statem ent explaining hi s d ecision, Schrum said he encouraged "the university community to resp ect the rights and dignity of all people." But he said that, because the United Methodist Church does not s anction homosexuality or fund gay groups, the university "will not officially authorize, sanction or fund any campus group that avows homosexuality." has grown by 30 -percent since he became rector about 18 months ago. A church policy adopted in 1979 states that ordination of practicing homosexuals is not appropriate, But_ turning that policy into church doctrine has been voted down repeatedly by church delegates. . It is that point on which Righter's defense will be based, said attorney Michael F Rehill, who also is an Episcopal chancellor for the Diocese of Newark. 'Tli:ere"is no such. doctrine," Rehill said . 'lt 's on:ly. in the minds of the people who brought the accusations. If, in fact, doctrine means as little as is , suggested in these charges, then virtually everything is doctrine." Since he was charged, Righter said the entire process has been costly and an intrusion into his life. He added, however, he is .heartened by the support of people across the country. 'They have written me letters of support and they're holding my wife and I up in their prayers," he said . ''The church is brave enough to continue t hrough all the stuff that has gone on in the last year. The central core of this church, which is far more than a: majority, is going on with its life." Ecymenical & Inclusive ·i;~-·~:,Mif'.rl_· il~t :~;'.· .. ,~ ~ H .. • . .. (, .· j t ,',~i, i ;:, , .,·· I rn· \ : ' " " . We · are a Christian community of men and women -from various Catholic: and Protestant traditions involved in minstries of love, compassion and reconciliation. We live and work in the world, supporting ourselves and our ministries. We are inspired by the spirit · of St. Francis and St. Clare. Like the ecumenical Taize Community we are not canonically affiliated with any denomination. Join us on retreat June 7-9, 1996, at Xavier Center, Convent Station, NJ. Vocation Director Dept. 55, PO Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 701[2 Mercy of God Community BIBUCRL ETHICS RND HOMOSEHUALITY Listening to Scripture Robert L. Brawley, editor This bold new book offers a challenge to the church to give heed to the multiplicity of voices that are engaged in biblically· responsible and constroptive debates about the volatile issues regarding sexuality. Contributors include Robert Brawley, J. Andrew Deannan, Elizabeth Gordon Edwards, Dale B. Martin, Ulrich W. Mauser. Sarah J. Melcher, Choon-Leong Seow, Jeffery Siker and Hennan C. Waetjen. Biblical Ethics and Homosexuality, $ 16.99 , paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEEPAGE 22, PAGE 13 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Anglicang ays and lesbiansc laim growings upport By Cedric Pulford Ecumenical News International LONOON - A senior bishop of the Church of England has signed a motion submitted to the church's General Synod and supported by gay activists, according to Richard Kirker of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (I GCM). _ Kirker, LGCM's general secretary, said that the Bishop of Chichester, Eric Kemp, was among the signatories to the motion, which at the Church of England General Synod in London gained 131 signatures - more than a fifth of synod membership. Kirker acknowledged that not. everyonE? w ho had signed tl).em otion supported gay emarn:i_pation in .. t~e Churc:I)o. f England. .. The motion is expected .to be called fpr ~ebate at,.the ne)(f~ynod 'meeting in July. · · · ·, Proposed by the Archdeacon . of Wandsworth, David Gerrard; the. motion declares that a statement by Church of England bishops in 1991, Issues in Human Sexuality, is "not the last word on the subject", and asksfor "prayerful study and reflection on the issues". The bishops' statement held that gay relationships fell short of the Christian ideal. The statement formed the basis for the Church of England's current policy not to accept active homosexuality among clergy. Despite the apparent blandness of ArGhdeacon Gerrard's motion, it is certain to be bitterly resisted at the next meeting of the synod. The issue of gay rights has emerged·as the most divisive issue in the Church of-England .after the ordination of women priests in the church. Newly enthroned Archbishop David Hope warned against homophobia · in the church and called on every parish to take part in a debate on homosexuality. · The main tactic now used by gay activists within the churches is to , engage Christian fundamentali~ts with thefr own \ :hief weat>on ° fhe Bible. In Reconsider, a pamphlet distributed to every member · of the church's General .Synod, the LGCM argues that biblical texts - induding the . account · of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah - have been misinterpreted. Ethical controversies threaten church unity, Anglicans told By Stephen Brown and Cedric Pulford 1 Ecumenical News International LONDON - The Chur.ch of England on Nov. 30 heard a warning from a senior ecumenical leader that church unity is "threatened" by controversies on ethical issues. These new church divisions include the acceptance - "or otherwise" - of homosexual members in the Christian community, according to Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, speaking in London. · Addressing the general synod of the Church of England, Raiser said that many churches were "deeply divided and even threatened in their quality of its life as an inclusive community" were at stake. The issue of sexual ethics in general, and of homosexuality in particular, is also very controversial within the WCC, whose 330 Anglican, Protestant and Orfhodox churches have widely differing stances. Raiser told the general synod that given the lack of a "basic consensus," the WCC could not be expected to draw up an "authoritati_ve" ecumenical position. Instead, he said, the WCC had to create a "dialogue" where controversies could be faced "honestly" and whe.re the different parties could "talk to and with each other." unity in the face of conflicts about the He ·,warned that neither the WCC ethics of life, of procreation and sexu- nor the wider ecumenical movement ality ." was prepared to face the challenges of These new conflicts were replacing the new millennium and said that a the traditional doctrinal divisions be- "new vision" was necessary to "renew tween churches, Raiser said, warning the visionary energy" of the ecumenithat the "unity of the church and the cal movement. PAGE 14 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Gay activists win seats in Church of England's general synod LONOON (ENI) - Strong supporters of gay rights were elected in October to several seats in the Church of England's governing body. An openly gay clergyman, Malcolm Johnson, was elected to the synod by the diocese of London. The neighboring diocese of Southwark elected Jeffrey John, a clergyman who . in his election address gave support to same-sex marriages. Another supporter of gay rights, Brian McHenry, was chosen by Southwark diocese as one of i~s lay representatives in general synod. In other dioceses, however, gay rights activists failed to make headway, while the conservative evangelical vote made considerable gains, according to the Church of England Newspaper. Johnson, aged 59, said in a statement after the announcement of his _election: 'The new synod is certain to discuss sexuality, and as a gay man I hope I can contribute tothe debate. "More and more people are being open about their homosexuality, and that can do nothing but good. I am glad the Bishops' Report, Issues of Human Sexuality, [published in 1991] affirms relationships amongst lay homosexual Christians and hope soon they will affirm all committed lesbian and gay relationships." Philip Hacking, a clergyman and chairman of the evangelical group · Reform, which is strongly opposed to homosexuality, told ENI: "If the gay rights campaigners bring things to a head at the synod, it will put the bishops on the spot. In a way I'd welcome it, as a means of clearjng the air.'1 Commenting to ENI on the success of the gay rights candidates, Richard Kirker, of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, based in London, said: 'These results indicate the church is much readier for and closer to a full debate on homosexuality. The bishops should not try to obstruct the natural •wish of the electorate, which is becoming clearer all the time ." Activist nails theses to cathedral door By Rex Wockner Contributing-Writer GAY ACTIVIST Peter Tatchell of London's OutRage! grol\P nailed°"Four Theses Against Church Homophobia". to the door of Westminster Abbey during the Anglican Church General Synod. In 1517, the Protestant Reformation was launched when Martin Luther nailed "Ninety-Five Theses" to the Catholic cathedral in Wittenberg, Germany. "What's needed is a new Reformation to eradicate homophobia from the Church of England," . Tatchell said. "Anglican endorsement of anti" gay discrimination is a corruption of morality and,a viol_ation of th~ dignity of lesbian and gay peop)e." The document demanded the church "stop pe~secuting qpenly gay cle~gy in honest and loving relationships, e"nd the Children's Society ban on lesbian and gay foster parents, withdraw support from anti-gay cults which attempt to 'cure' que-ers of their sexuality, [and] sack the bishops in the House of Lords who voted agaipst an equal age-of-consent" for gay and straight sex. New Zealand Presbyterians ordain open gay THE NEW ZEALAND Presbytery of Dunedin licensed an openly gay student at Knox Church, Dunedin, on November 5th, opening up the possibility of his ordination. In a ceremony attended by his par. ents, his partner and his partner's parents, Martin Dickson, 28, said the ceremony was everything he had hoped for and more. His legal counsel Judith Medlicott said, "It was a human rights case and the issues have been thrashed out already." Martin's case .was argued on the basis of equity or justice under sections of the Human Rights Act which deal with employment and possible exceptions to the Act. Without the existence of the Act the outcome may have been different, she said. "On the 'other hand, we also argued the case on the basis of equity: Martin had been open at all times during his training about being gay. He was encouraged to continue with his studies by senior members of the Presbyterian Church with no questions asked," The B.Theol degree with distinction he received in 1993 was conferred by Ms. Medlicott, who is also Chancellor of Otaho University. Currently in Auckland, Martin intends to return to London where he and his partner are presently working. He returned home to New Zealand specifically to be licensed at Knox Church in Dunedin and would probably consider returning to a New Zealand parish in 18 months to two years, if called. . • I World News Adventisdtsi ffeor vers tatuso ft hree-· women) :xlStors By Patricia Lefevere Ecumenical News International NEW YORK - A Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United States has ordained three women as pastors, despite a vote by the World Congress of Seventh-day Adventists rejecting wc:nen 's ordination. Some church officials are already calling the ordinations, at the 3200- member Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tacoma Park, Maryland, an "unsanctioned ceremony." There are now widely differing views within the church regarding the status of the three women pas- Fired bishop goes on line PARIS (AP) - Fired by the pope from his job as bishop of Evreux last year, the Rev . Jacques Gaillot has responded by creating a diocese in a place where even the pontiff has no control: the Internet. Gaillot was forced to step down as head of the Roman Catholic church in Evreux, 60 miles west of Paris. He had ignore<l Vatican orders to tone down his social activism, from his blessing of gay marriages to his militant work for the homeless. His removal drew angry outcries, and about 300 people rallied ' at the Evreux cathedral for the first anniversary of Gaillot's dismissaL They demanded Pope John Paul II reinstate him as bishop . tors: Penny Shell, chief of chaplains at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Maryland; Kendra Haloviak, a doctoral candidate in the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Cali~ fornia, ·and Norma Osborn, an associate pastor at Sligo church, The ceremony came just months after the rejection of a proposal - to allow the church's territorial divisions to ordain "qualified individuals, without regard to gender" - by the Adventist World Congress, held in July ih Utrecht, The Netherlands. Alfred C. McClure, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Now, Gaillot has gone over the pope's head to find a place for his flock. Gaillot announced on the French televisjon network TFl that he had . created a "virtual diocese" called Partenia on the Internet. Just the name of his new diocese seemed designed to tweak the pontiff: Partenia is the now nonexistent diocese in the middle of the Sahara desert that the Vatican awarded Gaillot when it removed him from Evreux. Compared to North America or Germany, use of the Internet in France is relatively limited, with about 200,000 users. But the market is growing rapidly. Swiss church approves gay ceremonies but not gay marriages BERN, SWITZERLAND (ENI) - The Protestant church of Bern, the Swiss capital, has rejected proposals for homosexual marriages but has announced that it welcomes "services of intercession" for homosexual couples. The debate in the church, the Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche des Kantons Bern, followed national publicity and protests by some church members, after one of the church's ministers, Klaus Baeumlin, presided at a marriage-style ceremony for two men last July. The Bern church received 176 protest letters after the ceremony, many of them threatening a mass exodus from the church. The church is to <lraw up liturgy for the services of intercession by 1998'. The church's leaders said in a public statement that the treatment of homosexuals was a "test case for our conviction that a: diversity of opinions need not mean abandoning unity in Christ." A church executive, Ruedi Heinzer, told a press conference in Bern that the Bible was the guide for the treatment of homosexuality, but interpretation was the key to the issue. It was not sufficient to quote a number of Bible passages and then reach the conclusion that homosexuality was sinful. "On the same basis one could say that in general slavery is seen in a positive way in the Bible," he said. The church rejected the service of blessing by Baeumlin because it imitated a wedding service, but called for a liturgy for gay couples living in responsible partnerships - without blurring the difference with heterosexual marriage. Baeumlin will continue to organize blessings for gay couples in his parish, Reformiertes Forum, a weekly Protestant newspaper, reported in Zurich. "I can imagine that the ceremony might be different to that in July, so that it is more clearly distinguished from a marriage," he told Reformiertes Forum. "But a service of intercession ma:kes gays too much like ill people and people with disabilities." North America, said after the 'Sligo ordinations: "Our ecclesiology has not changed in regard to ordination, and local churches _ do not have the authority to ordain to the ministry of the world church." Sligo's senior pastor, Arthur R. Torres, who presided at the ordinations, has explained in an open l etter that the "ordination was one to the local church only ... We make no claim that this ordination is to the world church, or that it has any authority outside our local area." Although the Adventist World Congress rejected the ordination of women, about 100 Adventist women in North America,- Europe and Australia serve as commissioned ministers, according to Monti Sahlin, assistant to the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. "Functionally these women are clergy persons," Sahlin said. In Sweden, about 40 per cent of Adventist clergy are women. However Stella Gregg, an Adventist academic, believes that the ordinations which took place at Sligo church were authentic. Gregg, a professor of English and linguistics · at Andrews University, an Adventist institution in Berrien Springs, Michigan, said that Adventist ordinations consisted of two parts: on the one hand, a public ceremony in which hands were laid on the head and shoulders of a qualified candidate and "God's spirit and blessing is invoked as the person is set aside for ministry", and, on the other hand, the granting of a document recognizing the ordination. The· three Sligo women's request for credentials was refused. But· Gregg believes that more such ordinations will occur in North America "when con9regations feel they can no longer deny the work of the Holy Spirit ." Although there are many in the world church that want to keep the question of the ordination of women off the formal agenda of the next Adventist World Congress in Toronto in the year 2000, Gregg said the issue would not go away "as long as the Holy · Spirit works through women and blesses their ministry. You can't keep denying them ." While some argued that women did not need ordination in order to have their ipinistry recognized, "then why ordain men?" Gregg asked. However Deborah Harris, a profes-sor of special education at the University of Southern Florida in Tampa, believes the Sligo event "is much ado about nothingi'Womeh did not need a ceremony or a piece of paper to be ordained, she said. "When he calls you, he ordains you," Harris said. 'The ceremony is only a ceremony." Dutch Lutherans say 'yes' to blessings for gay couples By Paul Strikwerda Ecumenical News International UTRECHT -The Dutch Lutheran Church has decided to allow official church blessings of gay relationships. The church has declared that "there are no theological arguments against blessing two people who are strongly committed to one another, faithful and dedicated." This ruling, froIJJ the church's synod on Nov. 3, makes the Lutherans, with more than 20 000 members, the second Dutch church to give official recognition to gay blessings. Until now in The Netherlands, only churches of the Remonstrant Brotherhood, a small protestant church, offered blessings for gay couples. The Dutch synod also called for the theological reconsideration of notions such as wedding vows, fidelity, and blessing. Church of Norway vetoes senjce for gays OSLO, (ENI) - The Church of Norway's general synod has ruled that people in homosexual relationships cannot hold church positions. The synod of the Lutheran church which met in Bergen in mid-November, also decided that "it is not a subject of current interest to introduce a church prayer ceremony for homosexual/ lesbian couples." The Church of Norway Information Service described debate on the issue ,, as "emotionally charged." _ It said 58 of the 79 delegates voted to issue a statement declaring that the synod "does not find enough convincing theological reasons that the Church of Norway can change its present practice in regard to the appointment of individuals who live in homosexual cohabitation. Neither does the Church of Norway find . grounds to suggest any liturgical arrangement for a church intercessory ceremony for people who live together in a homosexual relationship." PAGE 15 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Delaware students make quilts for babies with AIDS By Theresa Humphrey Associated Press Writer WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - For the past two years, students at Wilmington High School have been making quilts for babies with AIDS. Two years ago they made . about 20. Last year, approximately 90. This year, they'll be lucky if they produce any. There's only one sewing machine 'and it's nearly 10 years old. The other three that have been used over the years broke down and can't be fixed. Sandy Wightman, the home economics and special education teacher who has been coordinating the quilting project, said she would like to see the students make JOOth is year. 'Td like fo say our goal will be 100, but I'm really a dreamer. If we make .50 quilts, we'll be doing good/' Miss 1Wightman said. · · · The quilts are for ABC Quilts, which stands for At-Risk Baby Crib Quilts. Based in Northwood, N.H., the project was started in 1988 by Ellen and Clarence Ahlgren, who started delivering a half dozen quilts to a ·local hospital, · · · It has since become a m1tionwide project, with hand- and machinestitched quilts being distribubid to hospitals that have ' babies who are HIV infected, suffering from AIDS or fetal alcohol SY.ndrome or other _drug addictions. Wilmington High is the largest contributor in Delaware. On Dec. 7 , students presented about 90 brightlycolored quilts to Rita Dietrich, the state's ABC Quilts coordinator. She was astounded at the volume and the quality of the workmanship . 'The quality of these, they're beautiful. It gives you goose bumps," Mrs. Dietrich said. The teachers involved with the project said about two dozen girls and two boys made the quilts last year. It wasn't hard to get participation, once the students were told the quilts were for babies with AIDS. They sewed during home economics classes and after school. "Many of our students have children of their own and they can relate to a project for children," said ·Pat Hershey, a .French teacher. When the students learned the babies would be buried in the blankets, Miss Wightman said she s;,iw a change in attitude . 'When the students found that out, it put a whole .different light on the caring and giving of making something for someone who may not be with us that long," she said. "I saw some real changes, a maturity in the kids last year." . Tina M. Hughes said she jumped at the chance to participate and made seven of the quilts. "I've known people that have AIDS and they have kids who are infected and I've known people who have died from AIDS," the 16-year-old sophomore said. · · The. quilts are distributed to the A.I. duPontlnstitute, Christiana Hospital tr£n1. · o.f •t ,,·.E LLO·W .,.1 ·,'G Es·. T MTRINAFNOSRG.GMET INHNCDELOE EMRS MBIUANGNIAST, IYYBN ,IC S1EE9 X73U &At[L£T I1 Complegtaey •liienrdeiys ourcaensl lbusihesascecso: mmodatbioanrssb,, o okstordeesn, tis;tdsoctorlsa,w yers, 'therapisttrsa,v esle rvic;epsrinterO~r, ganizatioMnesd,, iaReliglogurso upHse, lpl ines& A .1.SDJH .tVr.e sources. Listingbsro k,ret..dowbyn§ tateHityI.n de&xf asat ccespsh onleis t.U PDATAEDN NUAL. LY For an,applicatlon to .be listed (no charge), Or for details of current editions and pric •es, or Informationa bout mallingl abels, pleases end a self-addresseds tampede nvelopet o RenaissanceH ouse,P O Box'533-SS;VillageS tation,N ew York,N Y 10014( 212) 674-0120 You can order directly from ihe ad. dress above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. ttty_ou wish to order byphoney1ith ·a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; .fAX(2 12) 989-215~; outside . USA and 9anada call 1-212-989•4850. _(AD 1ffere~tL ight has stores 1n · New York; Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They are,nqt mvolv~d with prod.ucll,on or p,ubhcat1ono f 1,, , Gayellow Pages,-so please don't call them except to 9rder:) ·1W isha. ll my readersh ad a copy of this_v ery_us~f~Iv olume.I f you,/ive_inN owheresvill;e US.A.; and hav ent a clue 'a" bout how to find otherg ay folks, this book is ihdispensable_.r t,ere'sn o.w ay to r.emafnis olatedi f you make use of the information contained in-the Gayeflow Pages.~· Pat Ca/Ilia, T~e Advocate ACW1sor · :~:a:n'j~e;t~t:n~~~~he~r:h: Ga~~~;:i::e~alx~~;:~ha~k~1~1:~ 0:::e;%a,·a,~~~~~;f~;;~1~~:i: i~;~i~ for AIDS and HIV services,l egal resources,o rganizations( categorizedb y purpqseo r interest),r eligiousg rot,_Jps, publications,b usinessesa nd more. In short, if an e_ntitwy elcomesg ay, lesbiana nd bisexualp eople, no matter how unlikelyt he serviceo r remotet he town,i t's probablyl isted in the GayeflowP ages. .. •_ Hardlya weekg oes by-thati t is not consulted in the Out offices.• · Reviewed by Jeff Howells, OUT (Pittsburflh, PA), December 1994 •For over 12 years Gayeflow Pages has been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to every performer, author,p roducer,b usinessp erson, communHx.organiz.earc, tivist,a nd educatorw e come in contact with. It's the perfect coming out gifW Romanovsky &-Phlflips, Fresh Fruit Records, March 1995 PAGE 16 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 University of California begins AIDS archive LOS ANGELES (AP) - An archive documenting the early years of the struggle against AIDS is being established at the University of Southern California. City officials said they are donating thousands of papers to the university to create the archive. 'These archives in some ways are a testimonial to their living and fighting for the fulfillment of their needs," said city AIDS coordinator Ferd Eggan, the driving force behind the archive's creation. "I believe that deserves to be part of the historical record." In 1985, a month after actor Rock Hudson disclosed that he had the disease, Los Angeles became the nation's first government entity to adopt antidiscrimination laws to protect people infected with AIDS and HIV. 'The fact that Los Angeles was a pioneer in these areas made me think we needed a record for the future that and St. Francis Hospital. Each one is 3-by-3 feet and on the back, the project requires the quilter sign each one with "Love and Comfort to You," followed by the quilter's name, state and year. . Lontoya L. Gregory's name is on about a half dozen of the quilts. The ■ . I" ... . . "I care about the people who have AIDS. I'm glad I was able to help the babies ... " ■ 19-year-old senior said she didn't have to be asked twice to start sewing. "All I could think of was my son and me being in that situation,., she s.aid : Aretha C. Carn, an 18-year-old could be used as an example of how government and residents of the city can . create real improvements in the ways people's lives are led," said Eggan. The archive, which will be housed with the university library's special collections, will include city documents, items from local AIDS activist groups, and material from Michael S. Gottlieb and Joel Weisman, the Los Angeles doctors who wrote the . first account of AIDS cases published in medical literature. Earlier .last year, USC became home to one of the world's largest gay archives when it agreed to house two merged Los Angeles collections of gay history. Besides the papers, the city also is donating $40,000 to the university to pay for a part-time archivist and $10,000 to the fine arts school to subsidize an artwork project by people with AIDS. senior, doesn't have any children. But she said the project helped her fulfill a graduation requirement of 30 hours of community service. "l care about the people who have AIDS. I'm glad I was able to help the babies because they don't know what they have,". Aretha said. Odet N. Cadogan, a 17-year-old > senior, who -has a-son, , made . three, or four of the quilts. She and the others said they would like to meet the babies who receive their quilts. But confidentiality rules prohibit such meetings. .· . _'Tm always thinking what would I do if I saw someone who had the quilt," Odet said. "It would put a smile on my face, but I don't know if I would say ·anything because I know why they got it and they might be offended.." Anyone who wants to contribute sewing machines or materials, including fabric and scissors, for the quilts, should call Sandy Wightman at the Wilmington High School guidance center (302) 651-2705. · The 365 Daily Meditations For Lesbians and Gay Men Word The [lible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Is .. Out 'Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an antigay agenda. In this inspiring .collection of- 365 daily meditations. the Bible's good news "comes ·out" to meet an of us with love, justice. meaning, and hope; · Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out. to God He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback ORDER FROM SECOND STONE PRESS. SEE PAGE 22. Christian Responses to AIDS Dr. Bob Wood continues personal, public fight against AIDS SEATTLE (AP) - Dr. Bob Wood says his life is AIDS. Professionally, he's starting his second decade as director of the SeattleKing County Health Department's AIDS Control Program. Personally, ·he's a gay man with HIV. Colleagues say Wood's tenacity and compassion have given science the upper hand over politics in this region 's public -health debates over how to respond to AIDS, which is now the No . 1 killer of young men aged 25 to 44. He has work ed closely .with community organizations to bring education, condoms and clean needles to street youths, drug addicts and prostitutes - the people most at risk, yet least likely to have access to health services. "I think Bob's real contribution has been recognizing the importance of not waiting for the people who are most at risk to come into the clinic," said Martin Fishbein, the chief of behavioral intervention in the division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta . "He's been able to keep a sustained, focused• interest -in controHing the -disease long after. the sexy media coverage has disappeared," added Dr. Bill Lafferty, former chief epidemiologist for the state's HIV-AIDS office. "I really think that if we hadn't had the outreach programs we've had, it would be much worse here." When Wood took the job in 1986, he said he didn't expect he would be able to keep it long. Most people live only 10 to 12 years after they are inf ected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But Wood still works 60-hour weeks, overseeing a division with an annual budg et that has grown during his tenure from $650,000 to $13 million . " ] joke with people that the stress of this job has kept my immune system strong," he said. Dr . Hunter Handsfield, who recruited Wood, said he was a natural for the job: an openly gay physician who was one of the first doctors in Washington to see AIDS patients ■ gram, said Patricia Mclnturff, who headed the health departm _ent's regional division then. "Everybody knew how much Bob cared about this. He wa sμ't just another bureaucrat who thought it would make a great research topic." Not a ll of his efforts have gone as smoothly. In 1993, Wood supported a state proposal that would have required medical labs to notify local health departm ents when patients ' blo'od tests indicated they had AIDS. At stake was the amount of federal fund- Colleagues say Wood's tenacity and compassion have given science the upper hand over politics in this region's public health debates nver how to respond to AIDS, which is now the No. 1 killer of young men aged 25 to44. in 1982; a University of Washington medical school professor; arid a proven researcher . who separated ·himself from the emotion surrounding AIDS and used science to fight for · sound public health policies. · .When Wood wanted to start a needle- exchange program to prevent drug addicts from sharing HIV-contaminated needles, critics charged it would promote drug abuse and was perhaps illegal. "Bob was the bridge" to getting opposing factions to agree on a pro- ■ ing the state would receive for AIDS care . But AIDS activists protested, arguing people would be less likely to get . tested "bec·ause their confidentiality would be compromised. It was during that debate that · Wood revealed publicly he was HIVpositive, to make the point that the activists did not speak for everyone suffering from HIV or AIDS. The state board of health ultimately adopted a compromise in which laboratories conceal the identity of patients with a code before notifying health departments. ''.This very vocal minority vilified Bob for being a traitor to the gay community," Handsfield recalled. " It was very courageous of him to reveal his HIV status then. It allowed .him to counter some of the more extreme views of AIDS activists, but it wasn't something he had necessarily wanted to bEJ_ totally public." In another case, some King County Council members balked at a grant to pay prostitutes to give free condoms to other prostitutes to prevent the spread of HIV. But ultimately, after hearing testimony from Wood and others, the council allowed the health department to keep the grant. Wood says he finds it discouraging to have to fight for programs he believes were proven valuable years ago. "Politics often have more sway over public health programs than science, and the losers are disenfranchised communities," he said, noting the disease hits disproportionately among homosexuals, drug . users and poor minority populations . "Who is going to. organize ·the poor and the disenfranchised? I don't know ." Wood said his· greatest fear is the complacency that seems fo be settling in about ·AIDS. When· he first · began his job, he.was asked to speak to community groups about the disease two or three times · a week. Now he gets a request about once a month. But he still has faith that publichealth professionals can help change behavior and save lives, and that AIDS could be contained if youths are consistently bombarded with the message to use condoms, Baptist resource kit helps congregations cope with AIDS LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) · A Southern Baptist organization hopes to ·educate its church congregations about AIDS and how they ·can ·respond when the disease touches someone in their own congregation. . · . "It's just a matt.er of time until every church .has a person who is infected" or is a .close relative or friend of someone with AIDS, said Chip Miller, a minister who is director . of the Kentucky Baptist Convention's Sunday School program . His son, Stephen, died of AIDS in 1989. · "We get .calls almost every week from pastors across the state" who have seen AIDS surface in their congregations and "who say, 'What do we do now?"' Miller said. To answer that question, the Woman 's Missionary Union of Kentucky, an organization representing nearly 60,000 Baptist girls and women, released a new resource kit that can be used by churches, civic organizations and other grou:ps to educate people about AIDS. · The resource kit states: "As Christians, it is time that w~ stopped judging others based on their lifestyle and started ministering to them through the eyes of Christ. We must accept people as they are not as we would like them to be. And we must extend the hand of caring ministry to their loved ones . . .. Let us remind ourselves that we have all fallen short of the high standards set by Christ." The resource kits, which cost $5, contain informaiion on how the disease is spread, Bible passages related to Jesus' ministry to the sick and estimated that more than 4,000 Kensuggestions of ways that individual tuckians already had been infected churches :Can. minister to people with . with HIV. ••.·· . AIDS and their.families. . 'This is· not just a gay problem. It's 'The Bible describes Jesus' ministry -. not ·just a problem in Africa. It's a . to the sick and infected of His day," worldwide epidemic" that increasingthe resource guide states. ''He touched Jy is claiming the lives of hetero- . them, spoke to them, comforted them, sexuals, women · and children, healed their souls as well as their Gilliland said. . . bodies. He noticed them. A former president of the Southern "Christian~ today are face_d with the Baptist .Convention, the Rev. Jimmy Allen, has written a book describing . choice of noticing PW As (people with how AIDS struck his family c · and AIDS) and their families and minis- how even churches whose pastors he teeing to their needs or of turning had mentored turned Allen's relatives away and pretending HIV will never away, refusing to enroll his young touch them . We have the choice of grandson in Sunday School. . whether to act as Jesus would act or of 'There are plenty of horror stories ignoring our Lord's example and that we could bring up," Miller said. command t.o care for others." Dee Gilliland, executive director of the Kentucky affiliate, said it was PAGE 17 • SECOND STONE• JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 MEW AP& Church & Or anization News Reconciling Congregations Program adds 100th church THE RECONCILING CONGREGATION Program reached a milesto~e late last year as Pacific Beach United Methodist Church in San Diego became the 100th United Methodist congregation to publicly welcome all persons, regardless of sexual orientation . This national movement, begun in 1984; now encompasses 103 Reconciling Congregations. In addition, 11 campus ministries have declared themselves "reconciling." The year 1995 was a record year for the program with 18 new Reconciling Congregations and six new Reconciling Campus Ministries . "The tide is turning in the United Methodist Church," said Mark Bowman, program coordinator. "Several hundred more churches and campus ministries are considering becoming 'reconciling.' More and more United Methodists recognize that gay and lesbian persons and their families are being driven away from churches and want to invite them in instead." . A new program initiative, the Open the Doors campaign, directs this message of welcome and hospitality to the United Methodist Church's General Conference in April, 19%. This 1,000-member assembly, which meets every four years to write church law, · has adopted unwelcoming policies toward gay and lesbian persons and their families in the past. Reconciling Congregations are calling on the General Conference to "open the ThE · MC FilM FesTivAl HoME VidEo CATALOGUE HoME of Tiu :WoRld's LARGEST CollEcTioN of ( NoN,poRNOGRApkic) · GAy & LEsbiAN VidEos CALL foR. FREE CATAloGUE 1.-800r44,..:J1 J4 . · WIIE~ iN ·TAMPA VisiT • ou1t ·· . HUGE VidEo ~ · Music ~TORE &Coffu >Sliop AT J60J. W KENNEdy Blvd. PAGE 18 • SECOND STONE • JAN UARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 doors" of United Methodist churches to all persons. More information about the Reconciling Congregation Program and the Open the Doors campaign is available from RCP, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641, voice 312-736- 5526, fax 312-736-5475. Supportive Congregations Network adds 12 churches TWELVE MENNONITE AND Church of the Brethren congregations from across the country have received the designation of "publicly affirming congregations" for their public positions welcoming gays. The churches are part of a Mennonite/Brethren coalition called the Supportive Congregations Network, which links gay-welcoming churches with other congregations at their level of support. The 12 openly supportive churches are at the "publicly affirming" level, followed by 27 others at the "accepting" congregation level. The network also has a level for "exploring" congregations, or those which "are discussing the welcome of gay, lesbian and bisexual members." · The 12 publicly affirming congrega tions are located . in eight U.S. states Events Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a serv.ice lo Christian organizations. To have an event iiSted, send informalio11 to Second Stone , P.O. Box 8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX lo (504)891-7555, e-mail secstone@aol.com. Other Sheep Retreat FEBRUARY 10-11, Other Sheep Ministry hosts "Coming Out To God : A Day of Reflection and Sharing on Spirituality, Sexuality and Community" at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. Author Chris Glaser is facilitator. For information call 314-822-32% or314-645-9967. Southeast ACTS Weekend FEBRUARY 16-18, Advance Christian Ministries· sponsors "Getting To Know One Another", a spirit:filled weekend of worship and fellowship. The Best Western Bayside Inn in Panama City; Aorida is the. setting. For inj'onnation contact Family of God Ministries, 3911 Everitt Ave., · Panama City, FL 32401, 904-784-4851. St. John's MCC 20th Anniversary FEBRUARY 23-25, St. John's MCC in Raleigh, North Carolina celebrates its 20th anniversary with a concert, banquet and special worship. The concert features a rare joint .appearance by Marsha Stevens, are one Canadian ·province: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon and Ontario. The Supportive Congregations Network will have its first international meeting June 28-30 at Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana. Information about .the network and the upcoming meeting is available by writing to P.O. Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406 or by calling or em a i I in g 61.2-305- 0315, SCNetwork@aol.com . Church offers external seminary coursework THE EV ANGELICAL ANGLICAN Church in America has reached an agreement with St. Alban Theological Seminary in San Diego, California that allows the EACA to offer gay and lesbian persons a recognized theological educational experience . "We cons ider our . external learning program to be among the best available, especially to those within the gay, lesbian and bisexual community," said the Rev. Craig S. Bettendorf . Individuals outside the EACA may also register for coursework . For information contact the EACA, 2301 Artesia Blvd., Ste. 12-213, Redondo Beach , CA 90278. Delores Berry, David & Jane and Randa McNamara. Rev. Troy Perry is guest speaker. For informaii.on call 9i9-834- 261l. PLGC Midwestern Conference MARCH 1-3,.Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns sponsors . "Nothing Can Separate· Us From the Love· of God in Christ:- Not .Even the Church" featuring author Chris Glaser. The Geneva Center in Rochester, Indiana is the setting. For information call 317-236-1170. UCC Third National Meeting of Women JUNE 27-30, The United Church of Christ presents "Voices and Visions: Third National Meeting of Women" featuring Barbara Ehrenreich, June Goudey, Bernice Powell Jackson and Christine Smith. For information call 1-800-653-0799. ' UCCL/GC National Gathering JUNE 30-JULY 4, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Rev. Dr. Joan Martin and Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward are featured guests. For information contact the UCCUGC, 18 North College Street. Athens, OH 45701, 614-593-7301. Dignity/USA wins National AIDS Caregiver Award DIGNITY /USA has been selected as a winner of the National AIDS Caregiver Award from Mary Fisher ' s Family AIDS Network . A $15,000 cash grant accompanies the award . Family AIDS Network made the award to Dignity/USA in honor of the work of Wayne April of Dignity/ San Francisco. April has been active in Dignity and AIDS caregiving since 1984. He is founder and current director of the Richard M. Cohen Residence in San Francisco, a home for people with AIDS which fills the gap between independent living and hospice care. Dignity/USA, working through its chapters nationwide, will sponsor seven retreats providing rest, renewal and spiritual support for AIDS caregivers. Scholarship funds totaling $1000 per retreat will be made available to help defray registration fees for AIDS caregivers who wish to attend. The Family AIDS Network was founded by artist -and activist Mary Fisher, who long has focused keen att ention on the important role of caregivers in response to HIV/ AIDS. Ms. Fisher, an HIV-positive mother _of two sons, tours the country to - encourage AIDS.prevention and . cheer on HIV/ AIDS caregivers. Clinical Pastoral Edu-cation program offered CAMILLIAN BROTHER STEPHEN Braddock has announced the development of a CPE program at St. Camill us Health Care Campus in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin . CPE is theological and professional education for ministry . In CPE, theological students, ordained clergy, members of religious orders, and qualified Jay people minist er to people in crisis situations while being supervised . The St. Camillus CPE program will offer students opportunities to specialize in ministry to persons infected and affected by HIV/ AIDS. Extended 25 week units are scheduled April 29 to October 19 and October 28, 1996 to May 2, 1997. Information on this program is available by calling Kate Sullivan, Director of Clinical Pastoral Education, 414-259-6575, Wingspan offers . . 1mmers1on program WINGSPAN MINISTRY of St. Paul, Minnesota· has undertaken curriculum development of a gay /lesbian/ bisexual immersion program to be hosted Names Makin News Bishop Thomas Gumbleton DETROIT AUXILIARY BISHOP Thomas Gumbleton, who has been · outspoken in his support for the inclusion of gay men and.lesbians in the Catholic church, received the 1995 Bridge Building Award from New Ways Ministry. Gumbleton, 65, received the award at a reception held during the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Although the reception was not sanctioned by the conference, 200 people signed up to attend. Gumbleton, who has a gay brother, said he feels the Catholic church should support gay people the way God'made them to be. Sister Jeannine Grammick SISTER GRAMMICK, a nun with the Franciscan 'sisters of the Poor, has been elected as chair of the National Coalition of American Nuns. Along with Fr. Robert Nugent, Grammick is co-founder of New Ways Ministry. She has been investigated by the Vatican three times under suspicion of heresy for her positive statements about gays and lesbians, as well as her criticism of homophobia. Grammick currently works as an advocate for the poor at Detroit Central City -Community Mental Health. Adele Starr and Peg Beissert ST ARR AND BEISSERT are the , recipients of the 19% Lazarus Awards presented by The Lazarus Project of Los Angeles. Starr is the founder of the P -l'LAG'chapter in Los Angeles and, along ,;-ith husband Larry, assisted in the formation of parent groups in over 200 cities. Rev. Beisser! has served as interim pastor of West Hollywood Presbyterian Church and is the former director of The Lazarus Project. Beisser! has worked tirelessly not only seeking justice and ful) inclusion for gays and lesbians in Presbyterian churches, but in trying to help her church denomination toward a truer fulfillment of it's mission by overcoming it's injustice toward gays and lesbians. Rev. Don Clarke REV. CLARKE has been elected pastor of Joie de Vivre MCC in Baton - Rouge, Louisiana. Clarke is the former interim pastor of All Saints MCC in Atlanta. He spent 17 years in ministry with the United Methodist Church. at ·st. l'aul=Reformation Church for students of Lutheran Seminaries and local colleges. The goal of the program is to raise awareness and skills development around gay and lesbian issues for persons training to be helping professionals, Forinformation on t:.is program, contact Pastor Anita Hill, 612-224-3371. . Texas congregation selects builder for new church TRINITY METRO POLIT AN Community Church of Arlington, Texas has selected J. Clark of Firestone Services and Terri Werner of Church Design and Interiors as their builder and designer of their new church . Trinity MCC's new church home will be located off 1-30 and Collins in North Arlington . Rev. Jim Norwood, Trinity Development Director, said the new church will be a hexagonal shaped multipurpose building with a sanctuary and overflow area seating a total of 325 people. · Rev. Jo Crisco, senior pastor, said she is especially pleased with the landscaping Mr. Clark has designed for the parking lot, and said -that the overall -design will eventually allow th.e. church. to host outdoor concerts and have --a children's playground area. "This is an exciting time in the life of the church. My dream for Trinity has always been -to have a place to call our own. For the last few years, I have felt-an urgent call placed on my life to reach more of our people than I ever dreamed possible 11 years ago when we began this ministry in Arlington," Crisco said. King's House moves to new location THE KING'S HOUSE Praise and Worship Center in San Jose, Califor- Christian Communit News nia has moved to the Billy De Frank · Center at -175 Stockton. King's House pastor David Harvey began his ministry in 1975 when he became a youth pastor in an Assembly of God church. Harvey was ministering in a church that was not gay-affirming when he felt called to begin a specific -outreach to the gay and lesbian comll),unity in 1990. Evangelicals Concerned seeks best homily EVANGELICALS CONCERNED is sponsoring a homily contest commemorating EC's 20th year of ministry. The organization is calling on seminarians and other students to submit homilies on the integration of evangelical Christian faith and homosexual intimacy. The writer of the winning homily will receive .$1000. The panel of judges includes R. Maurice Boyd; Peggy Campolo, Kathryn Lindskoog, M. Mahan Siler, Jr., and James Wilcox. Entries may ,be sent to EC, Inc., 311 E. 72nd St., New York, NY 10021 before Fe_bruary 29, 19%. Transitions JOEL WORKIN passed away Nov. 29 in Los Angeles after a three-year battle with AIDS. Workin was one of three openly gay seminarians from Pacific Lutheran Seminary who were certified for ordination in 1987 but because of a merger of church denominations in 1988 was not eligible for a call because they would not commit to lifelong celibacy. Workin was preceded in death by his partner Paul, who died of AIDS three years ago. Bishop Paul Egertson of the Southern Californi_a Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America presided at Workin's funeral. HealingJo ·THE FLOOR OF HEA V EN· Guided meditation and music for l1eal1ng and restoration with voculs by The Rev. Deanne Aime and music by James Rass The power to heat lies w1th1n the spmtual und psychological nature of every person Tap into your healing power and potential t11rougl1 t11e process of spiritual deepening as you ex perience guided med itation. '/he Flucir ( J/l -1'-111·n1. \ 12, c;1,,cllr..' (Jl<lll,R I IW.\t SJ:( U\)) SJ O~l l ' "IS S SI.I I' \<,I: 22 educated -folk, you'll find more progressive views on social issues," Carroll said. ''The Triangle area is atypical of the rest of North Carolina." North Carolina's Research Triangle focus of book Hartman, 29, who said he became openly gay while a Duke graduate student, devotes single chapters to Triangle congregations and how each of them dealt with a gay-related issue. He offers advice to other churches on how to handle such disputes in the future. CongregatioinnC s onflict By Gary D. Robertson Associated Press Writer DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - What happens when a mainstream church discovers its new minister is gay? 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WOMEN PASTORSbyStokes.P aper. . · Was 1-4.95 NOW 12.05 JESUS: Miriam'sC hild, Sq>hla"sP rophebt y Florenza. Hardcover. - Was 22.95 NOW 20.05 BOUND BY DIVERSITY by Sears. Paper, Was 14.95 NOW 12.95 TOORDER PLEASES EEP AGE2 2 "How do you resolve a conflict that keeps everybody in the community of faith and say at the end, 'It's been a good process?' " says Keith Hartman, whose Congregations in Conflict: The Battle Over Homosexuality, will be published in February by Rutgers University Press. Hartman used the Research Triangle area of North Carolina for his research on homosexuality, which he calls "the most divisive element facing the church today." The Triangle has been transformed over the last 40 years from a sleepy Southern region to a thriving urban and academic center of 1 million people . The influx of academics- and high-tech jobs has brought with it new residents with differing attitudes about Christianity. Jackson Carroll, a professor at Duke University's divinity school, says the Triangle exemplifies the theological wrestling in the New South over ethical issues that once went unquestioned. "Anytime you get an area where you get three or four major universities and an industry that brings in !tighly "You've got some culturally progressive people. You got people who vote for Jesse Helms arid like Jesse Helms and those folks go to the same Books church," said Hartman in a recent telephone interview from Atlanta, where he now lives. Some of his book takes a look at the most highly visible actions involving gays and the nation's largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convel)tion. Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh and Binkley Memorial Church in Chapel Hill were kicked out of the 15 million-member denomination in· 1992 for their stands on the issue. Pullen Memorial endorsed same-sex marriages in its church, while Binkley ordained openly gay Pastor John Blevins, a friend of Hartman's . Hartman ,-using personal experiences, interviews and newspaper clippings, paints a picture of churches Music David & Jane release new recording The tape was recorded in New York City with a live band and produced by Daryl Kojak, who is known to gay Christian music fans for his work on David & Jane's debut recordin 6 · J\iot Ashamed." · "IN OUR OWN WORDS," the newest recording by David & Jane, received an enthusiastic response at its debut last summer at the UFMCC General Conference in Atlanta. The new recording is made · up almost entirely of original material and original arrangements of familiar hymns by artists Jane Syftestad and David Heid. Heid is Director of Music at St. John's MCC in Raleigh, North Carolina, and served as music director for the UFMCC gathering in Atlanta. Syftestad is a gospel artist and music teacher who also serves as Director of Music for MCC/Los Angeles. "In Our Own Words" is available for $11.25 from David Heid, 1410-105 Brookside Dr., Raleigh, NC 27604. Guided meditation tape heals, empowers ''THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN" is a new guided meditation by Rev. Deanne Ai.me, a gifted practitioner of the healing arts, who brings experience and gathered wisdom of over 35 years in nursing, teaching and ministering to this recording for healing and restoration. Aime earned degrees from the Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, the University of ·the State of New York and Tulane University. She was ordained by the St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans and presently serves as minister to the Our Home Universalist PAGE 20 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 trying to reach a consensus. Sometimes, members supporting homosexuality receive hate mail. And some conservatives feel threatened by what they view as libera\s destroying their theology and leave the church they have attended all their lives. Hartman says most rifts within churches are between old and young members, with longtime members most opposed to accepting gays and lesbians. Denominations that are conservative theologically are most resistant to change. "The state of the movement is that you're getting a generational shift across the state," Hartman said. ''The flash points are at the most liberal congregations when they come into conflict with the older generations." Groups such as the Quakers are leading the way toward tolerance, while Roman Catholics are lagging behind, he said. . 'l'wo Quaker congregations in Durham and Chapel Hill took several months of detailed discussion before deciding fo allow same-gender marriages . And congregations like the Metropolitan Community Churches have provided gays with a safe place to worship. Hartman predicts greater acceptance of homosexuals in both secular and religious society in the future. Meanwhile, he urges church members to respect each other when dealing with the issue. David & Jane: "In Our Own Words" Unitarian Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Aime is the guide for the healing journey of ''The Floor of Heaven" and James Bass provides the music for this empowering recording. ~! n :, KnoWM NYa meA: Gayl lreratiOOTheology By Richard B. Gilbert Contributing Writer When I was functioning as a hospital chaplain I thought I became exposed to the bleakest human experiences We call wilderness. Gunshot wounds. Automobile accidents. Traumas. Stillbirths. Cancer. Heart disease. How long do I have to make this list? I think I have seen it all. Life is a wilderness journey. What makes these exposures to "wilderness" so difficult is not only the challenge to respond through an empathetic ministry of presence, but the powerful way in which someone else's wilderness experience becomes a beacon to shine on the shadows of my own wilderness, the scars of my own hurts, the challenges of my own burdens. Such has become this demanding book by Richard Cleaver. Know My Name: A Gay Liberation Theology isn't easy reading. You have to work at it. You have to reflect and think. It is also tough because the insights offered show so clearly how poorly the church and the public have resp_on~ed t_o th~ -~~.eds., of., ~h~. gay, community, and also _have become yet another burden for that community. Cleaver is a Roman Catholic and long time peace and gay rights activist. Cleaver spent seven years in the 70s and 80s with the Catholic Worker, most of them as a new convert to Roman Catholicism, the latter years as an editor and writer for.CW publications. In writing Know My Name Cleaver Media Gay youth have webme magazine YOUTH ACTION Online has announced the onhne world's newest gay and ·lesbian youth mag,izine, Oasis. YAO (localed on the web ·at http://www.youth.org) features an abundance of gay and lesbian youth information. "Oasis will serve as a forum to provide even more queer resources for our young readers," said Jeff Walsh, its editor. "We will still have a ma.in feature and Profiles in Courage each month, but now they will be two stories among many, many others." Oasis is still looking for writers, photographers and poets. Persons interested in contributing may reply to Oasis Editor, Jeff Walsh at: PA Jeff 25 (on AOL), or jeff@youth.org Books believes he is filling a gap left by previous works on lesbians and gay men in the Christian churches. Here he has applied the methods of liberation theology to the situation of gay men in North America. Many of the scripture passages that he covers has little to do with sexuality as such, but are employed to describe "a widening spiral from personal identity and coming out, to developing a class consciousness· as members· of an oppressed group, to solidarity with other such groups." (from Cleaver's own description of the book.) The toughest part of Know My Name - and its very gift - is that it became a wilderness mirror for my journey. It helped me understand my pain, my challenges, and, yes, my healing. The last six months have been packed with significant personal and professional losses, transition, and some wide open doors awaiting my first steps into new adventures. All of this has introduced new measures of discovery, self assurance and healing. It became the gW 9f \hi~ bo'2~- . Cleaver writes (p.62), "Liberation is not a matter of what we know or who we are but what we do with who we are and what we know - our practice." It is a matter of theology, of living our faith (whatever community we find ourselves in) and the freedom to be the children of God that we all are. It has become my journey. I can offer excuses, even blame. I can spend the rest of my life struggling to justify my crosses because of parents, or some other common cause. The freedom is not in claiming our crosses, but in walking through them, theologically grounded, as we Jive with or for others. My life long struggle has not been edge of scripture and history, and could learn something about freedom through him), and also the harsh realities of what church has often meant to the gay community. He insists that theology is what often sets people apart, and can also bring them together. It is the challenge to those in the gay community to recognize their wilderness, and emerge through it. The healing, a resurrection event, for the church is to recognize her ( iind those of each of her member~) own wilderness reality and pathway . It is a tough book to read through. You will be blessed, challenged and kicked. You will read some har!.h words about the church, and, before you get to cheering on the author about that (if that · is your inclination), you wili also be tugged to address for yourself what you intend to do about these gaps. You are reminded that "You will be hurt in the pr~cess," It is when we live in the resurrection experience that we heal, others heal, and we come to . healing together. Salvation is not personal (that will shock a few too many folks!), but communal, and, reminds Cleaver, "Christ's resurrection -is therefore completed in community." My only regret or caution about Know My Name is that it may be more than some can bear at this time. There are many hurting in and for the gay community who will look for a simple pathway to finding God and being embraced by God while also Videos La.t in. America m1ss1on now on video sexual. It is the reminder that IN 1994 TWO GAY missionaries trav- Cleaver speaks to many more than eled over seven months by bus the folks in the gay community, or throughou ·t Latin America searching the religious community. My life long for potential leaders to develop new sh;uggle has been with being adopted, Christian ministries and meeting and the damning cross of trying to with lesbian and gay leaders in each live with the fact that "someone country they visi_ted. The journey of didn't want me," and the resulting Jose Hernandez and his life partner downward spiral of my self esteem. John Doner is now available on video. My emergence to healing has been to , · One of the purposes of "Mission Jesus affirm my story, recognize it as both· Style: A N~tworking Tour of the my wilderness and my wholeness, and Americas" is to stimulate a concern to live it not by being stuck, but for our sisters and brothers in Latin emerging from it. America and to develop a sense of Cleaver reflects profoundly on the partnership with them. theology of the church . He clearly The recommended 54-minute video knows his scripture (some right wing is available from Sources of Hop~ folks will be hard pressed to speak on Bookstore in Dallas. For ordering Cleaver's level of 'skill and knowl- information call 800-501-HOPE. Gatherings · gay. This book has that gift, but it will require some diligent reading fo get to it. Stay with it, if you are that reader. · Richard. (;ilbert is· director of .C.911; nections: Spiritual Links, a spirituality education resource and pastoral care/chaplaincy organization basec/ in Valparaiso, Indiana. Theasret isatslhl ave sometihnci nogm mon: Bryan Adams. Jon Anderson. ~oy Thomas Baker. Toni Basil. Peabo Bryson. Mike Chapman. Ava Cherry. Alice Cooper. Michael Des Barres. Rhett Davies. Bob Esty. 'Roberta Rack. Sam Harris. Phyllis Hyman. Alfonso Johnson. Johny Mandel. Martin Page. The Pointer Sisters. Suzi Quatro. Robbie Robertson. Jimmie Spheeris. Donna Lsumr:n~r. Bern)e Taupin. Chester ThOmson :...Ginq, · \lahne1uT. hew eattief'Girls.A l¢eW illis."G ary Wright. Thewyo rkwedilhI b iDs U. Y. H you've listened to popular music in the latter part of the -20th Century. then you've probably already heard the \\'Ork of talented wriler, composer. producer, and session musician Paul Delph: Because lots of major ar1ists worked with him on their projects. Now you can hear what he !;;ou11ds like when he"s in the driver ~s-seat on this powerful, empowering new CD. Positmivuest oicrp ositpiveeo ple. Anadl tl hep eowplhelo o vteh em. A GOD THAT CAN DANCE pa11l delph This privarely released, limi1c-d edi1ion CD is availnble by check or money order for S15.00 to: MagicR ecords 303 KlotteSr treet CincinnaOti H4 5219 furm orren loun P auDle lpahn,1d 8 o lhewro rlcdla srsn depen denret comrdagr t istsv,1 sA1r1tiAs tc ceosnlsh eW orWldi dWee b hllp/ /wwwar t1s1acccoBmS/Sc daudrn/ar11hstm1al mss PAGE 21 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 ..__ SINCE 1988, A FRIEND FOR THE JOURNEY Second Stone The National Ecumenical And Evangelical Newspaper About Being Gay And Christian Toe mailable, faxabl~ and e-rnai1able form for just aoout everything. Subscribe Toda I • : • Your Name ____________ _ Address ____________ _ City, state, zip+4 _________ _ GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS !1 yr, 6 issues $17 2 yrs, 12 issues $28 [ )3 yrs, 18 Issues $39 ]NEW ]RENEWAL )Plain envelope add $2 per yr .-------, )International, add $10 per yr j TOTAL THIS SECTION ... ----- Please fill in the section above, entering your name as you want it to appear on gift cards. All gifts subscriptions are mailed in plain . envelopes. Indicate: [ ]SEND NOW [ )SEND AT CHRISTMAS. 1 gift-$17; 2 gifts-$29; 3 gifts-$42; 4 giHs-$54. First name ____________ Third name ____________ _ Addres-------------- Address _____________ _ City, state, zip+4 __________ _ TOT Al THIS SECTION I Quantity Title Author/ Artist Price Total this item The Word Is Out by Glaser, $12 paperback. Biblical Ethics And Homosexuality by Brawley, $17 paperback. What The Bible Really Says Abo.ut Homosexuality by Helminiak, $1 O paperback. The Floor Of Heaven by Aime, $12 cassette tape. Pastor, I Am Gay by Bess, $15 paperback. Homosexuality And Christian Community by Seow, $15 paperback. Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle To Serve The Church, newly expanded, by Glaser, $20 paperback. I Know My Name: A Gay Liberation Theology by Cleaver, $16 paperback. ] We Were Baptized Too by Alexander and Preston, $17 paperback. ] Lavender Reflections by Wagner, $11 paperback. · ]Other item _________________ _ PAYMENT INFORMATION Order total Books and other products add $3 first item; $1 each additional item CHECK ENCLOSED this amount U. s. currency. TOTAL THIS SECTION! _____ _. IF ORDERING BY FAX OR E-MAIL SUPPLY: [ ] Visa or [ ] Mastercard # Expiration date ___ _ Signature(FAX) __________ _ Join Second Stone subscribers on-line New or current subscnbers only Your e-mail addres,"--------- - - Gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight _____ _ Yourname ______________ Single, committed _________ _ Location ______________ Religious affiliatio,1-_________ _ Birthdate Occupatio,~------------ Gender Other _____________ _ You must notify us in advance for uninterrupted service 1f you move I The Postal Service WILL NOT forward Second Stone to you. Please send both old and new addresses four weeks prior to your move. Address changes provided by the Post Office result in an adjustment of the subscription expiration date. Supply old address or label here. Name _______________ _ New address ___________ _ City _______________ _ ,__-~--------------' State, zip+4 _____________ _ HOW TO GET YOUR ORDER AND OTHER INFORMATION TO US MAIL: Mail completed form to P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 FAX:This form may be trimmed at its border and transmitted by FAX. Dial 504·891-7555. Press 3* when prompted or at any time during the message. When you hear the tone, begin transmission. E-MAIL: Send a message supplying the data requested to secstone@aol.com PAGE 22 • SECOND STONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 Reflections on getting "dissed" By Martha L. Olney Guest Comment The language of war ON JANUARY 6, 1996, a majority of the delegates at a meeting' of the American Baptist Churches of · the West voted to recommend '·to the region's Board of Managers the exclusion or "disfellowshipping" of four congregations including my own, First Baptist Church of Berkeley. Prior .to this vote, a slightly larger majority of the delegates voted to change the Covenant of Relationships binding the 224 (soon to be 220) churches in the region by, among other things, · inserting one clause that said member churches were expected to adhere to the "theological convictions" of the ABC-USA and ABCW and another clause that granted to the Region's Board of Managers the power to take action as they saw necessary to preserve the unity of the region. By Blake Whittington Guest Comment "TALK OF WAR is everywhere." So begins John D. Woodbridge in a cover article last year in Christianity Today entitled "The Dangers of War Talk." Woodbridge defines himself as an evangelical Christian concerned by the rhetoric he hears from his fellow conservatives . He notes examples of what he calls culture-war rhetoric coming from · evangelical leaders and writers. Woodbridge suggests, however, that for the evangelical community to use the language of war is dangerous. He lists five dangers. First, culture-war rhetoric can be self-fulfilling prophecy, exacerbating the very conflicts it seeks merely to describe. Repeated recourse to the language of war makes it harder to love our enemies - and it is already ~ hard to do_ so - beca u se it inflames angry feelings . Second, culture-war rhetoric leads us to distort others' positions, fo see enmity in place of mere disagreement. It leaves no room for nuanced positions, or for middle ground. · Third, culture-war rhetoric distorts our own posihon, too - making our message seem mainly to be angry criticism when it ought to be mainly the reconciling gospel of Jesus Christ. Fourth, culture-war rhetoric plays into the hands of extremists on the Left, who would like to convince Americans that "the Religious Right" seeks to impose a theocratic state on them. Fifth, culture-war rhetoric tends to create division among Christians, ~~ Pontius' Puddle even evangelical Christians - for in war, there is no room for question or hesitation, and those who are slow to march in lockstep seem to be cowards or traitors . As gay Christians we find ourselves caught in the culture war on the other side of Woodbridge and his associates . We can testify to the truth of · his assertion that a real war exists and that conservative Christians regularly use the language of war. We often feel the force of that language directed against us. This war occurs on more than just the superficial plane of cultural discussion. Gay people are systematically ostracized in our society. There is also no denying that we often use language reflecting our own felt intensity of this conflict. We decry in the strongest terms leaders of Christian organizations when their political agendas . include ~nti-gay effoffs: · · - · · But do we not, in our own use of war rhetoric, face the same dangers Woodbridge suggests for those who are sometimes our opponents? Change a few words in his fourth danger and the whole list could apply to us . Consider the language used in fund raising letters sent out by gay leaders and organizations. Sometimes the · language meant to garner financial support flames our anger, rather than our love, toward our enemies. All too often we label any objections as homophobic without giving adequate consideration to the validity of opposing positions. Blake Whittington is editor of The Greater Los Angeles ConnECtor, the newsletter of Evangelicals Concerned. We decline to be excluded, thank you very mi:ich. First Baptist Church of Berkeley is an American Baptist church, has been an American Baptist church, and will remain an American Baptist" church. We will continue to witness to the redemptive power of God's inclusive love in our world. We will continue to support ,J\Jn.~r\~!l!l Baptist _!TI.i.ssions at home and throughout the world . We will continue to work toward the restoration of Baptist principles in our region and our denomination. A few people have asked why we would stay where we are not wanted . This strikes me as an odd question. If you had a disagreement with members of your family, would you leave the family? Write them off. Forswear your bonds? Forget the history you have shared? Or would you, with God's redeeming love as your guide, strive toward reconciliation, knowing that we do not need to agree on every issue in order to be.family one for the other? Our relationship to the region and the denomination is no different. Indeed, our understanding of Baptist I'VE WRITTEN A S.ONCY i=C~ OOR. PONt>'.5 l-lVMNFE$i. IT'S C:ALL~t,: "RIS£ UP 0 <HAtJT ~REEN SULL~ROG-5 130T THAi LE.AV.ES COT THE OTHE.R ~ROcrS, "TOADS, SALAMA.NOE.RS, AND ,uq,TL.E.S. HMM, 'I.1Ll.. TE.LL THEM I 05'E.t> C:JI ANi 6-R'E..EN BOL.Ll=~OC:rS Ot= &OD,'' lN "'T'HE. · 1NCLOS\\JE SE.l\l~E,:. polity is exactly that: we do not need to agree on every issue in order to be family one for the other. . Ln my -own case, I figure being a Baptist is in my blood. Thomas Olney, a direct ancestor, .was with Rog~r Williams when they founded the Baptists in Rhode Island. The First Baptist Church of America is on Olney Street in Providence, RI. I probably have more Baptist heritage in my little finger than some of our regional leaders have in all their degrees . Others have asked us to drop our membership in the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. Some have intimated that we come to this issue along a secular "politically correct" path and that we have "thrown out the Bible." In the months since the assault from the region began; we have revisited the question of our membership in the Association. We· -believe we are called-·to .witness to God's inclusive love. It's not a popular stand in the denomination, but that makes it no less right. We are being the people God calls us to be. What more or less can we ask of anyone? Martha L. Olney is a life-long American Baptist, Treasurer of the First Baptist- Church of Berkeley, and is employed as an economic historian at the University of California, Berke- 1 ey. SECOND STONE Newspaper, ISSN No. 1047-3971. is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182, secstone@aol.com. Copyright 1996 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS , U.S.A. $ 17 per year. Foreign subscribers add $10 for postage. All payments U. S. c••rrency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising info11Ration call 504-891- 7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. 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Box 58336, Louisville, KY 40268-0336. Renewals encouraged. Questions: 502-935-7190. 6/96 OPEN HANDS, an ecumenical quarterly maga• zine on ministries with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample. 3801 N.· Keeler Avenue, Chicago, - IL 60641. 312/736 -5526. FAX-312/736-5475. TF "THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AND GAYS" Details one believer's experience growing up gay and coming to terms with his sexuality and . spirituality within the Church of Christ Detailed •mphasis is paid to Church of Christ doctrine and hermeneutical principles and their application to sexuality issues. Well researched and documented. Application not limited to Churches of Christ ; excellent resource material and bibliography. $12.50 plus $2.00 shipping and handling to: P . Allen, 3109 Knox #620, Dallas, TX 75205 B 6196 HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda Directory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 sources of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - books, groups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid - Press, 13237 Montfort, Ste. 810J, Dallas, TX 75240. 2/96 NOVELS FOR RELIGIOUS people! The novels of Larnmy-wirming author Toby Johnson deal positively with .the spiritual significance of gay experience. GETTING LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, soul stirring tale of love and religious meaning . Available at gay bookstores nationwide. Or for $11.50 from Peregrine Ventures, P.O. Box 684704, Austin, TX 78768. 2/96 "A POSITIVE LOOK at the Bible and Homosexuality" tracts, : fast reading, excellent for pride events, bar ministry, personal sharing. Economical. $1 and SASE will return sample a nd o rder form from: River of Life, 134 Quincy NE. Albuquerque. NM 87108 ' 2196 "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," -- "Heartiiy recom mended.11 ''.Philosophically intriguing," 11Excellent. 11 Why do review ers highly esteem CHRISTIAN'N EW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY.:, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF EMPLOYMENT PASTOR POSITION - Independent, gay/lesbian , evangelical, congregational church established in 1975 now seeking full-. time pastor. Letters of interest and resume may be sent to Pastor Search Committee, Grace Gospel Chape l, 2052 NW 64th St., Seattle, WA 98107 . 2/% FR !ENDS/RELATIONSHIPS HAWAII: GWM-61-185-HIV neg-Ret'd Educational Field-Roots (Bible Belt)-Enjoy reading , travel, gardening, music, cooking , humor, and MORE. Desire male friend (50- 65), partner , loving relationship. As an alternative, there must be a loving R. V.'er somewhere-- 6 months we travel, 6 months we do Hawaii . Add~ess commona lities soon to: G., P.O. Box 6423, Ocean View, HI 96737. 2/96 BORN AGAIN, spir itually healthy gay female seeks fellowship/pen pals . Are there any others out there? I love the Lord, and his word is a light unto my path. Write Ann, Guiding Light Ministry, 251 Townline Road. East Northport, NY 1173 I. 2/96 IN LOVE WITH LIFE, compassionate, poetic, age 28, ebon, seeking someone to communicate with (not to), someone unprejudiced and concerned about justice, especially as related to prisons. Please write Kenneth Johnson #515059, F-3, Route 2, Box 4400, Gatesville, TX 76597. TF GAY TEACHER desires a caring, sharing male friend-first. At 50 I enjoy home, travel, restaurants, movies, music, church, and diversity. Your heart's desire? Write tonight! Dave, Box 18122, Rochester, NY 14618 . PROVERBS SAYS "There · is a friend who sticks · closer than a brother." GWM, 43, non-smoker, non-drinker, seeks such a friend to share faith, fellowship, a:nd fun. Life is meant to be shared. Let's discover what interests we have in common and begin building the relationship God has in store for us! Please write: P.O . Box 68005, Rochester. NY L4§_18. WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in · their intent, some are not Readers are cautioned to prochecks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. Persons cashing altered ctiecks or money orders a re responsible for the difference between the issue amount and .the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal personal information about yourself that would be harmful to you if passed on to employer. family or others. GENERAL INTEREST COMMITMENT CEREMONY questions? FREE report gives you the answers. Call today for your copy! 704-568-2673 . 4/96 CAMPING RETREATS for environmental Christians guided by gay Episcopal priest. 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PAGE 24 • SECOND STONE JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996 world-wide . Over 7400 items. Magnificent free computerized catalogue. Live Opera, P.O. Box 3141, Steinway Station, Long Island Citv. NY I 1103. . ORGANIZATIONS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC religious order. Men/women, lay/clerical , gay/non-gay. Optional ce libac y, non -residentia l, ec umenical. ·O rdination possible. Father Abbot, Order of St. John the Divine, 166 Jay St., Albany , NY 12210, CHRISTIANS IN COMMUNION with Creation. An Organization for "Green Christians.'' Membership with monthly mailings, $35. Roger Wharton, 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose, CA 95110. 408-451-9310. 2/96 BECOME A PRIEST° - Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual persons, serve God and Community as a Priest. External pro gram leads to valid ordination. An incardination process is available for those already in Orders. Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment ' without interest in ordination may also reply._ EACA - Vocations, 2401 Artesia Blvd., Ste. #106-213, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. 2/96 CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC Lesbians (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage. Quarterly newsletter. Supportive network. Advocates for lesbian iss ues in political and Church forums. For member sh ip information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963, FAX (212)268-70J2 , 2/96 GAY PRINCIPIANS GROUP - Gay, Bi, Lesbian and StraighVSupportive Alumni of Principia College (Elsah, IL) and Upper Schools (St. _Louis) Co ntact: David White #124. 2900 Connecticut -Ave., N .W., Washington, DC 20008-1404, 202-31! 7- 7250, E-mail Mrblanc@aol.com. 2/96 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries - Ne twork for diocesan and parish ministri es, newsletter, annua l meeting. 433 Jeffer so n Street, Oakland, CA 94607. 5I0-465-9344. 2/96 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES W{IEN A GOOD FRIEND ISN'T ENOU GH: Help is ju st a phone call away. Exper ience supportive psychotherapy with experienced, · licensed C hristia n lesb ian counse lor in the privacy or your hom e. _Ca ll Jill Denton for FREE consultation. (805)534-1 _ IO I. 4/96 VIDEOS GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, Ministe rs, Masse urs, Theologian s, Teachers, Artists ·speak in 25 videos wisdom that only comes from the heart. ·ErdSpirit"Newsletter. Free. 800-432-3767 2/96 THE EROTICCONTEMPLA TIVE. Refle~lions on the Spiritua l Journey of the Gay/ Lesbian Christian. $ 199. For contents, call EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 2/96 HOW CAN WE activate our individual and - communal visio ns if nonstop grief has shut us down? Ari hour video · talk by Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC minister. $24.94. EroSpirit. 800-432-3767. 2196 BOTH LOVER AND PRIEST. In this hour video Robert Goss. author of Jesus Acted Up, discusses liberation theology and how he came to write his bestseller . $24.95. EreSpirit 800-432-3767. 2/96 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 Second Stone #44 - Jan/Feb 1996 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d1f70c98d6dd9a7021e05e0cc9335aeb.pdf e22f9df9dc42fe1dc13efa448f9d8909 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 43 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published Nov/Dec 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 Members of Dignity/USA and others participate in a procession and prayer vigil on the eve of the pope's visit to New York. About 100 people turned out for the event. Photo: Genevieve Hafner Living a lie: [lliJ Burden Of A Gays in Secret: Former opposite-sex 15 Southern Sapmarriage . tis! leader tells · his story ISSUE #43 I THE POPE'S. VISIT Add1t1onal stories pages 4 & 5 Gay Catholics march in peaceful opposition to pope's views GAY AND LESBIAN Catholics were visible in protests in New York and Baltimore during Pope John ~au! H's visit to those cities. About 100 gay and lesbian Catholics turned out for a prayer vigil and a candlelight procession through Greenwich Village on the eve of the pope's visit to the metropolitan area. The march was organized by Dignity /USA. Brendan Fay , who helped organize the event, said its purpose was to provide solidarity to participants, who feel shunned by the church. _ But it was the gay rights .group ACT-UP who staged the most dramatic protest during the pope's visit to New York. Two men emerged onto a ledge on the sixth floor of Saks Fifth Avenue, across from St. Patrick 's Cathedral, and unfurled a three-story-high banner that read: "Condoms Save Lives." A crowd that had gathered as the pope recited the rosary at the cathedral booed. A child said "What's that, Dad?" and the man responded, 'Those are bad people." Police officers came out, dragged the protesters inside and pulled the banner up to cheers from the crowd. Four others also were arrested . All were charged with criminal trespass and reckless endangerm ent. About .SOD gay <!nd ab.ortion rights supporters marched from 42nd Street to 59th .Street at Columbus Circle to hear Gloria Steinem, the editor of Ms. SEE MARCH, Page 4 Heresy trial of retired Episcopal bishop set for January FORMER IOWA EPISCOPAL Bishop Walter Righter, charged with heresy for ordaining a gay man, faces a church trial early next year. The trial is set for Jan. 3-5, 1996, at the Diocese of Chicago office, according to Bishop Edward Jones of Indianapolis. Jones is president of the nine-bishop Court for the Trial of a Bishop. In January, 10 conservative bishops . charged Righter with violating a canon law by "teaching a doctrine contrary · to that held by the church." The charge was put to a vote by the nation's bishops, and it received the 25 percent backing needed to press a trial. Righter, 71, was Iowa's bishop from 1972-88. After he retired, he moved to New Jersey, where he served as an assistant to Newark Bishop John Spong. In 1990, Righter ordained Barry Stopfel, a gay man, as a deacon. Spong later ordained Stopfel to the priesthood . Stopfel now serves as senior pastor of a parish in the diocese of Newark. He lives with his partner - a United Church of Christ minister - in church housing. , SUBSCRIBE NOW • ONE YEAR ONLY $17 • Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 Great idea for Christmas giving ... a gift s1.1bscription to Second Stone .. . see pag e 14 'The church has been ordaining homosexual people for hundreds of years secretly," Righter, who now lives in Alstead, N .H., has said. "What we've done in the last 25 years is getting around to doing it openly, and that aggravates a lot of people ." P .0.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY BULK RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 If the church court finds against Righter, sanctions range from a scolding to banishment from the priesthood. If convicted, two-thirds of the entire House of Bishops must agree with the decision to bring punishment . Calendar w . ....... ............... Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service tp Christian organizations. To have an event listed, send a PUE~ to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, IA 70182, FAX to (504)891-7555 or e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Ghost Ranch gathering NOVEMBER 2-5, Led by Lisa Bove, former HIV/AIDS minister at West Hollywood Presbyterian Church, and Chris Glaser, author of The Word Is Out: The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men. Registration, $100, room and board, $120. For information, contact Ghost Ranch, HC 77, Box 11, Abiquiu , NM 87510-9601, (505)685-4333, FAX (505)685-4519. Call to Action National Conference NOVEMBER 8-10, The Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago is the setting for Call to Action's national event. "We Are The Church: What If We Meant What We Said?" is the theme. Cosponsors include Dignity/USA, New Ways Ministry, Catholics Speak Out, Women's Ordination Conference, and others. The CTA annual conference is evolving into a national congress of persons, communities and organizations workin9 to "reinvent the church." For infomation on this conference contact Call to Action, 4419 N. Kedzie: Chicago, IL 60625, (312)604-0400, FAX (312)6044719. Christian Responses to Homosexuality NOVEMBER 10-12, Three days of dialogue with people from across the philosophical and theological spectrum, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church. The cost of this conference, which will be held in Denver, is $125. For information contact Elizabeth Pruett, Box 2922, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602-0292, (970)945-7293 London's Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement retreat NOVEMBER 10-12, Rev. Janet-Webber, URC minister, South Wales, and Rev. Bruce Kinsey, chaplain, Downing College, Cambrid~e, will facilitate a retreat at the Royal Foundation of St. Katherine in London. 'God Knows Who I Am: Reflection on Psalm 139" is the theme. For information contact the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, Oxford House, Derbyshire St., London E2 6HG, 0171-739-1249. . St. Camillus AIDS Ministry retreats NOVEMBER 10-12, "Deeper Into The Mystery: Living and Dying With Hope", . a retreat offered to people who have participated in a previous "Embracing the Mystery" retreat. DECEMBER29-31, "Embracing the Mystery: AIDS and the Spiritual Life", a retreat experience that has been designed to help participants reframe negative experiences of livin!j with HIV. Guided meditation, re-framing of emotional resistance, group sharing, trance journeying, body work, music and ritual are woven into holistic exploration of tools for healing which participants can integrate into their daily lives. fllo fee, but enrollment is limited. For information call (414)481-3696. Jewish Community Center avoids conflict with gay group DENVER (AP) - Orthodox Jews agreed to allow a gay group to participate in a major festival in mid-September, narrowly avoiding a boycott of the event. After three days of negotiation, Tikvat Shalom, formerly a congregation whose name means "Hope of Peace," was allowed to participate in the Jewish Community Festival. The festival was part of the events surrounding the rededication of the newly remodeled Jewish Community Center in Denver . Many involved in the negotiations would not comment, including Rabbi Steven Foster of Temple Emanuel. He is a longtime supporter of gay rights. Rabbi Stanley Wagner, a Traditional/ Orthodox rabbi, said: 'The Jewish community is always unhappy about issues that divide us. I am delighted we found a way to be inclusive rather than exclusive." He said if his congregation had staged a boycott, it would have been only over the event and not a SECOND STONE Tikvat Shalom has been at the center of other controversies in recent years. Th e Intermountain fewish News never listed Tikvat Shalom's r eligious services with those of other con-gregations . Disputes have erupted for the past three years over wheth er Tikvat Shalom could be listed as a participant in the annual Holocaust A w areness Week events. And last year, three Orthodox rabbis left the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Society over several issues, including the support of gay rights . Tikvat Shalom never was allowed to belong to the association. "We're a political pawn in this thing ," said a member of Tikvat, who didn't want his name used. "Many in the traditional community would be thrilled if we didn't exist, but we're not running away. I wouldn't want them to think they won. " - THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS, GAYS AND BISEXUALS Contents jj-ri CALENDAR w Opportunities for connectedness []-] Inspired by Righter trial, Episcopal priest emerges from closet 3_ Seventh-day Adventists ordain first female clergy [- Pope's meeting with Robertson angers gay Catholics _li_J Dignity/USA celebrates 25th anniversary [] 7 6 J Baptists dump gay-affirming church _ Be more open about AIDS, says Baptist minister 187 "Odd couple" forms friendship through HIV program AIDS still considerl3d taboo subject L_ -·-- i.n black community 110 I Na~ional AIDS Memorial marks 10th anniversary Dying woman wants to be remembered L:' __ J for her poetry i1-=t7 Discrimination in Zimbabwe - site of 1998 l!!J World Council of Churches assembly · ' 12 1 , Episcopal bishop explains why he supports L heresy trial; Nation's second female _ ~ bishop elected r------i . . I 13 ! LIVING A LIE: Outlook painfu l, for Gays in ! 11 I opposite-sex marriage; Mormon bishop's marriage l.. __ ~ was doomed from the start 1 11--5;] ~u~~No~ a Secret: Baptist leader finds God's suffering in AIDS victiims l1a7 UFMCC elder writes about Our Tribe; reviewed L!!!_J by Dr. Robert Goss [-17] NOTEWORTHY :-18--I COMMENTARY j Refuse to lose: gay and lesbian Christians team up! l 19 I LETTERS/FROM THE EDITOR [2_0] CLASSIFIEDS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 19 9 5 News ........................................................................ Inspired by bishop, Episcopal priest emerges from closet PATERSON, N.J. (AP) - To show her solidarity with other Gays and Lesbians in the Episcopal Church, the rector of an inner-city Episcopalian congregation in Paterson has an. nounced to her parishioners that she is gay . The Rev. Tracey Lind, rector of St. 1990 when· he knowingly appointed the Rev. Barry L. Stopfel, now rector of St. George's Episcopal Church in Maplewood. Bishop Righter and Stopfel are friends of the Rev. Lind. The 12-member vestry of the church supported Lind's decision. She said it would not be a surprise for most people in the congregation, which she has led since 1989. "We shouldn't have to talk -about our sexuality, but church and society in general are forcing our hand," she said. "It's employers firing you when they find out you're gay, landlords evicting you because you're gay, churches _saying they don't want you as a mm1ster .. There are· real people behind these issues. We are not stereotypes and statistics." "If they're going to pick us off, one by one, then I'm going to stand up for myself," she said. The Rt. Rev. -John S. Spong, the Bishop of Newark, a proponent of gay rights whose diocese includes Paterson, said he backs Lind's action. SEE CLOSET, Page.19 Paul's Episcopal -Church, made the announcement in a letter mailed to her 450-member congregation, the North Jersey Herald & News reported . "I've never want ed to talk about my sexuality from the pulpit," she wrote. "I am doing this because I cannot watch anybody be made into a scapegoat because they are gay or lesbfan." Group calls for ouster of lesbian Her decision to go public, she said, was prompted by the upcoming ecclesiastical trial of the former assistant bishop of the Newark Diocese, who was charged by 76 retired and active bishops with heresy, for knowingly ordaining a practicing homosexual. The action against the Rt. Rev. Walter C. Righter, retired assistant bishop of the Newark Diocese, is apparently the second heresy trial in the Episcopal church's history. The first was in Arkansas in 1924 against a retired bishop who preached communism. The bishops have accused Righter of violating his ordination vows in THE BOARD OF directors of Good News, an evangelical group within the United Methodist Church, has .called for the ouster of a clergy woman who recently revealed publicly that she is a lesbian. A statement in the September/ October issue of Good News magazine declared that the Rev. Jeanne Audrey Powers, an executive with the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, is "using her position to advocate the acceptance of homosexuality," in violation of the denomination's Book of Discipline. The Good News advisory board called upon the "supervisory personnel" of the commission to reprimand or remove Powers. It also said that the Minnesota Annual Conference, Seventh-day Adventist church ordains first .female clergy A SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, has ordained the first female clergy in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The ordination of three women took place Sept. 23, in the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, the second largest Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the United States. The senior pastor of the Sligo Seventh- day Adventist Church officiated, along with the president of Columbia Union College, other ordained members of the pastoral staff, and ordained Seventh-day Adventist ministers from across the United States. The women who were ordained are Kendra Haloviak, an assistant professor of religion at Columbia Union College, Norma Osborn, an associate pastor of Sligo Church, and Penny Shell, the director of pastoral services at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. The ordination service was well attended and there was a "good feeling" among participants, according to Marianne Scriven of the Sligo Church. "Many people said it was the high point of their spiritual experience and the best worship service they had ever attended," said Scriven. "We stepped out in faith and did what we SECOND S T O N E believe was the right thing." Church leaders probably won't consider the ordinations official, Scriven said The Sligo Church and visiting ordained ministers who participated in the ordination service were hoping that regional jurisdictions of the Seventh- day Adventist denomination would subsequently issue the ordinands the same credentials issued to men who are ordained to the gospel ministry but at press time that had not taken place. Researcher seeks stories on summer camp harassment Bob Brower, a retired school administrator, is researching the current and past experiences of children or adults who have been employed in or who have attended a summer camp and have been harassed, teas ed or discriminated against because of sexual orientation issues. Brower hopes that his research will provide new information about homophobic prejudice in camps to members of the camping profession . Bro,;ver may be contacted by writing to 98 W. Hintz Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090 . • where Powers is a member, has a "supervisory responsiblity" to respond . "If the Rev. Powers' public 'act of resistance to false teachings' goes without appropriate, albeit compassionate, accountability, it will cause more and more United Methodists to wonder whether their church has the will to enforce its own disciplinary standards," the board stated. lh a written response to the Good News board of directors, Bishop William Boyd Grove, commission president, and the Rev. Bruce Robbins, general secretary, commended Powers for her courage. 'This disclosure by her, a respected ecumenist whose love for Christ and the church is evident to so many, should help us to remember that our discussions about this church-dividing issue are always about human beings, our sisters and brothers, our daughters and sons," they said. Grove and Robbins disagreed that the commission is in violation of the discipline which prohibits the use of United Methodist funds to promote acceptance of homosexuality. Her personal statement does not represent the commission, they explained, and as a church employee she is not required to "forfeit her right to disagree with church teaching." -Cruise OVER 1 4 DES I G NS using Gay and Lesbian ICONS and art work (Rainbow. pink & black triangles, Red & Pink Ribbons. pansies, etc. l. Chu1ce of F.ABRICS AND COLORS. Rainbows 1n Luxurious SA TIN or cotton. ALL STOLES COMPLETELY HAND MADE BY US' ,- 3 lengths to choose from Average stoles will hang ·1 approximately 40 inches. Long slo. les will hang approximately 45 inches. ·Vi Extra Long stoles will llang approximalely 52 inches .· \ 3 hood slzes(V neck in back of stole) Average hocx1s tit on shoulders1 and hang about 8 in ches down . nol lor use with a lbs Iha! have hoods 01 ·, them . 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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l 9 9 5 Subscribe Today. A N D Y O U' L L N E V E R WITHOUT A FRIEND Y O U R J O U R N E Y. BE FOR Second Stone The National Gay and lesbian Christian Newsjournal ···YES!············································ Begin my subscription to SECOND STONE for: [ ] One year (6 Issues) $17.00 [ ) Two years (12 Issues) $28.00 [ ).Three years (18 Issues) $39.00 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE CHECK HERE ( ] If a plain envelope Is required and add $2.00 per year. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. International subscribers add $10.00 per year, U.S. currency. Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANI{ YOU tor your subscription support! SECOND STONE u News ...... .... e • e e e • e • e e e e e • e e • e C Q Poll: Most American Catholics disagree with pope's doctrine N EW YORK (AP) - Most Rom an Catholics in the United States approve of the way Pope John Paul II is leading the church but strongly disagr ee with many of his key t eachings, according to thr ee polls released Sept 30. The polls are the latest to measur e how sharply U .S. Catholics split with papal doctrine on issu es such as divorce, abortion and contraception. They were reported by U.S. News & World Report, Time mag azi ne and CNN, and CBS and The New York Times prior to th e pope's five-day visit to the United Stales. The Time-CNN poll found that 83 percent of American Catholics are satisfied with the pope's leadership, but only 15 percent believe they should always obey his tea chings on such moral issues as birth control and abortion. Seventy-nine percent b e- MARCH, From Pa&e 1 magazine, and others speak. In Baltimore, Dignity /USA president Marianne Duddy was one of about 60 people who gathered on the eve of the pope 's visit to peacefully oppo se some of the church 's most controversial stances. Duddy, 34, was once head of her college's Catholic organization but was thrown out of the group when a campus priest learned s he was a lesbian. "We'd like to talk with the pop e," Ms. Duddy said, as activists congregated at du sk across from th e Basilica of the Assumption. "We'd say we have great beli e f in the fundamental things the church stands for and we 'd like to work to make it a reality." The pope's stand against homosexuality, abortion , divorce, women in the church and married priests have cause .d pain and feelings of isolation for many Catholics, Ms. Duddy said. "I still hear stories about people being denied communion because they 're gay or someone struggling with homosexuality being told in confession that he's committed a sin worse than murder," Ms. Duddy said. The group held a brief service, praying for acceptance of Gays and the end of gay-bashing. They then formed a procession and walked silently for several blocks, past papal banners, balloons and orange plastic barricades lining downtown for the pontiffs · parad e. They carried flickering candles and ended their march with mor e prayers. Fred Ruof, a former priest, was one lieve Catholics can make up their own minds. U.S. News & World Report found a similar split, w ith two-thirds of Catholics say ing abor tion is not mor ally wrong in every case and three ou I of fou r saying the same about divorce and contraception. In the CBS-Times poll, 73 percent said knowing that th e pope had taken a position on a social or moral issue wo uld mak e no difference to them. Seventy-six percent said they think someone who does no t believe in the authority of the pope can still be a good Catholic , while respondents were split over wheth er the church is in touch with the needs of Catholics, the CBS-Times poll said. Catholics are also split on homosexuality, with 50 percent agre eing SEE DOCTRINE, Next Page of the march ers. Still a devout Cath olic, he left the priesthood in 1966 after six years to marry. He attend ed the march to support th e gay and lesbian community and join the chorus of voices asking the Catholic church to improve dialogue with its members. 'The church is involved with a titanic battle right now between tens of millions who want a centralized, authoritarian church, and hundreds of millions . who want a more open, Democratic church," Ruof said. Ruof said that the Catholic church - with its fast dwindling population of pr iests - needs to be more open to change for the sake of preserving the church. To Jim Caskey , president of Dignity's Baltimore chapter, the pope's visit was nothing more than a reminder of what he believes is the d1Urch's haughtiness. 'To me it's sorrowful that a man with such great intelligence and demonstrated personal holiness is not more open to the spirit and relating lo members of the church," Caskey said. Part of the protest mission was outreach, according to Caskey. "We're trying to reach out to the individuals in the pews who are having tremendous guilt feelings in relating to their long term Catholic upbringing and the realities of their own lives," he said . "While there is little hope of changing the teaching s of John Paul and the other current bishops, our witness can help remind their successors of the need for change." Contributors to this story: Samuel Maull; Associated Press writer, Mary Boyle, Associated Press writer, James R. Moody, The Baltimore Alternative NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 News ••••• 0 • •• • ••• • • • • • •••• • ••• • • • •• ••• •• • • • •• •••• •• ••• • ••••• •• •• • •• • •••••••• Gay Catholics irate Pope meets with Pat Robertson, other non-Catholics DURING HIS VISIT to New York, Pope John Paul II brought together officials of the nation's Christian right and left and met with Muslim leaders. · Gay Catholics were "outraged" at the pope meeting with fundamentalist preacher and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson, according to Marianne Duddy, president of Dignity /USA. Robertson also heads the Christian Coalition, a right-wing group active in grassroots politics. Dignity members were angered that the Pope, who they say purports to speak for all Roman Catholics throughout the world, would meet with a top representative of a movement committed to limiting the rights of gay and lesbian people, and which often uses a particularly vile form of anti-gay rhetoric in fundraising appeals. "For 25 years, gay people who Louganis says Catholic school policy is wrong SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Former Olympic diver Greg Louganis has criticized Notre Dame for the university's refusal to recognize a campus gay and lesbian group. Earlier this year, the Catholic university's administration refused to recognize the group, touching off a campus controversy. In an interview with the South Bend Tribune before a campus speech Sept. 19, Louganis said the Notre Dame policy was wrong. 'Tm not political, but (Notre Dame's policy) is a very n;irrow- minded view," Louganis said. He was a double-gold medalist in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and announced in February he has AIDS. "It's as if they're saying we don't exist. They may not agree or understand, but we exist." Notre Dame officials would not comment. Officials at the scbbol have repeatedly refused ~o recognize the group. In January, the university barred a gay and lesbian student group from meeting on campus. A Notre Dame spokesman said at the time that if the university worked with the group, it would appear it was sanctioning a lifestyle the church opposes. SECOND STONE believe strongly in the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Ch'urch have sought dialogue with Church officials at all levels, from local bishops to the Pope himself," said Duddy. "Most of these efforts have been summarily rebuffed. For the Pope to instead meet with the founder of the Christian Coalition is a real slap in the face'.' The Rev. Joan Campbell, secretary general of the National Council of Churches, said it was the first time that she'd met Pat Robertson, head of the Christian Broadcasting Network, even though the two often disagree vehemently in print. '"Now that rve met you, I'll have more trouble saying those things," Campbell quoted Robertson as saying to her. Cardinal John O'Connor arranged the evening meeting, which included five Muslim leaders and 27 representatives of Episcopal, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches. The group spent hours together during the pope's public services, then had a half-hour with John Paul at O'Connor's residence. The pope spoke with each of them individually for a minute or two. He later held a separate meeting with Jewish leaders. Campbell said the pope told her the mingling of the faiths was "intention- ! " a. In a telephone interview with The Associat ed Press, Robertson said he told the pope: "l thought the American people loved him, which is an understatement." He added: "He's got great humility and spirituality; that's what people admire about him."' Several of the older members of the clergy marveled at how communication between the Roman Catholic Church and other faiths had increased in recent years. 'There's been a transformation of DOCTRINE, Froin Previous Page with the church's position that it's morally wrong and 49 percent disagreeing, U.S. News & World Report said . The magazine's poll also found overwhelming support among Catholics for the ordination of women and allowing priests to marry, both contrary .to church policy. Still, more than four in five Catholics in all three polls gave high leadership ratings to the pope, as well relationships," Methodist Bishop James Mathews said. In the old days, he said, "we were more or less not supposed to like Roman Catholics and they weren't supposed to like us either." Campbell, the only woman at the meeting, said she did "'yearn for the day" when women would play a larger role in the Roman Catholic Church. But she said she felt the pope respected her, and that the Vatican had begun to expand - albeit slightly - the roles women may play in the church. -Associated Press and other reports as to their bishops and parish priests. For U.S. News, Market Facts polled 1,000 people, including 493 Catholics, on Sept. 23-24. Results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. For Time and CNN, Yankelovich Partners surveyed 500 Catholics on Sept. 27-28. Sampling error is plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. CBS and the Times polled 1,536 people Sept. 18-22, including 423 Catholics, for whom the sampling error is plus or minus 5 percentage points. Dignity/USA celebrates 25th anniversary DIGNITY I USA, the nation's largest group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, celebrated its 25th anniversary at its recent biennial convention in Los Angeles. The organization has recently took several major steps intended to further its goal of promoting equality for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, within both the Catholic Church and society. In addition to calling for a "Solidarity Sunday" in October and the filing of a friend-ofthe- court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in regard to Colorado's Amendment 2 case, Dignity/USA expressed its support of the "'Marriage Resolution" that has been developed by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in response to the pending same-sex marriage cases in Hawaii. Dignity/USA secretary Ben Boerkoel said t.hat Dignity was one of the first groups approached by Lambda for support of the marriage resolution, because Dignity is perceived to have a greal deal of influence within the broader gay and lesbian community. In other convention highlights, Dignity addressed the issue of women's ordination, and set up a task force to examine the role of ministry - by both ordained clergy and lay people within Dignity . The organization reaffirmed its support for the ordination of women by the Roman Catholic Church, and called for a renewal of priestly ministry throughout the Church. A resolution passed by delegates to the convention "finds that the denial of priestly ministry to women has no compelling moral and theological justification, and therefore is a grave injustice to both men and women." Furthermore, the resolution "finds that the present Church structure for selecting, educating and administering the priesthood of the Church often fails to serve the needs of the people of God, or the needs of those who dedicate themselves to lives of service to the people of God." J" ''., :·, ~ Polish premiere of "Priest" prompts:,nvestlgstiori \'V~SAW, ~ol~d (APk Witn cm.eJl:la Kul~11)ndp~y~d :to 'proheavy secunty and praymg.• -' test as theJtlm -was &emirscreened. protesters outside, the British film . · They said the inovie_propagates · "Prie_st" ab?ut a ga)'. clei;gy~_an pornography andJ-iurts ~!l feelliigs •' had ' its Polish premJere10 mJd- of<;athC>lics, who .compnse morll · , . September. . . · · · · than 90 percent of Poland's pop.ula- Th!l Warsawprosecutor's office tion . .-. . : . • . op~ned an investigation after ·· . The movie by llie British director complaints by thousands of Catho- ·Antonia Bird tells,of a Catholic gay lies . · . . priest c,orifrpnted'with moral ·ru1em- . Expert& will view the movie and ' mas in a poorLiverpool p_arish. determine whether the complaints The film is to be shown in nine that ii insults religion are justified. major cities in Poland. If yes, the prosecutor may confiscate Though it iru.pired critical discusthe prints and ban the movie. sion in many European countries, it Some 200 people, mostly elderly was screened without scanda)s, even women with crucifixes and rosaries, in Catholic Italy. picketed in front of the downtown NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 News Gay-affirming Baptist church disfellowshipped THE BOARD OF the American Baptist Churches of Ohio has made Ohio the first region in the history of the denomination to disfellowship a local church. This they did because the First Baptist Church of Granville, a charter member of ABC Ohio, and his torically one of its leading churches, extends its ministries tolesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people without requiring them to become straight. At its regular meeting on September 21, the Board of Regional Ministries "acknowledged" the action, taken in June by the Columbus Baptist Association, to disfellowship the Granville Church . 'Today the Baptists of Ohio added their supreme insult to the general oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered . people everywhere," said Dr. George Williamson, Senior Pastor of First Baptist, Granville. "The insult was compounded by the fact that Ohio Baptist leadership violated the biblical mandate to justice and the most sacred principles of Baptist tradition in order to do it." Requests by the church that their representatives be allowed to attend the Regional Ministries meeting were denied by the Executive Committee. The First Baptist Board therefore submitted in writing its request that the CBA action be overturned. This they supported with eight reasons. Their reasons, according to Sandy Ellinger and Karen Huff, lay leaders of the church and signatories to the document, are "consistent with the national, regional and association constitutions, with Baptist traditions, and with scripture." ABC Ohio . leaders were asked if any lesbian or gay Baptists, the ones specifically being condemned in the discussion, were invited to be present to speak for themselves. None were. The documents submitted by the church quoted Baptist theologian E.Y. Mullins, who wrote, 'The right of private judgement in religion is a right at the heart of Christian truth. A Baptist should be the last person in the world to question the right of others to the full and free exercise of their private judgement in religion." Dr. William Keucher, former moderator at Granville and past president of ABCUSA, criticized the action because "it seeks a demand for theological conformity on one specific Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible and homosexuali ty. WhUaitble the lJ Really Says A.bout Homosexuality . A \-le\miniak, pt,.O. oan1el . Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. 11 ••• will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this sub~ ject from what is often claimed ." .L, William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Greed and Sex .. the most thoughtful, lucid and accessible summary I know of current biblical scholarship relating to homose xual issues .. eminently useful... 11 -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ WHATT HEB IBLER EALLY SAV S ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY ByD anile A.H elminia$k9, .95, paperbk Postage/Handl$in3g f irstb ook$, 1 eacha dditiona_l ___ _ TOTALA MOUNTE NCLOSED-- --- NAME_ _____________________ _ ADDRES_S_ ___________________ _ CITY/STATE/Z_IP_ ________________ _ ORDERF ROMS: ECONDST ONEP RESSP, .O.B OX8340N, EWO RLEANSL,A 7 0182 SECOND STONE - theological issue which was not part of the original charter's membership requirements." Dr. Keucher, who has written several books on Baptist traditions, argued "it was the dissenting views of Baptists against religious majorities which ultimately led to our nation's guarantees for religious diversity and freedom." According to Ellinger and Huff the church, which has grown in attendance and membership since being disfellowshipped by the CBA, has a 176 year history of just this sort of dissenting action. In the 1830's the church started in its building the first Ohio Baptist College and a decade later the first college for women at a time when most Baptists thought "such things to be of the devil." The church, in violation of federal law and local mores, was a station on the Underground Railroad. The church has sent out over 300 missionaries, more than any other Ohio and nearly any American church, and began doing so when most Baptists believed that "Christians had no place in 'heathen' lands." The church's current active ministry to the rights and spirituality of women , always controversial among Baptists, began in the 1860's. "This church has consistently worked for justice and against war, always against the tide of denominational and public opinion. In the past 15 years the church ordained more people than any church in Ohio and more women than any in the denomination," according to Dr. Lyn Robertson of Denison University. "Obviously," insisted Rev. Gail Adams, Associate Pastor, "the church will continue to be a place where the gay /lesbian community will have a home." "Our ministries are not remarkable," Dr. Williamson said. 'They are certainly not heroic. For followers of Jesus Christ, they are simply the obvious thing to do." He added, 'The Christian spirit which persecutes the gay /lesbian community is the same as that which perpetrated the crusades on the Arab world, which outlawed Copernicus, Galileo, Bacon and Darwin, which justified the enslavement and segregation of African Americans, which kept silence during the Holocaust and silenced women as spokespeople for God. As it always was, this cruel spirit is still in error." Williamson insisted, "If they disfellowship us from the region, from the national denomination, from the ecumenical community, and from the world Christian family, we are not disfellowshipped from God." Baptist minister : Church needs more open attitude toward Al DS COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - the Bible, a number of Christians feel Many Christians are neglecting their no obligation to be compassionate rel igion by turning a deaf ear to because if you lay down with dogs, AIDS patients, a Baptist minister told you get up with fleas," Pierce said. a conference audience here. 'The issue facing our churches is: The Rev. Juliette Pierce, whose AIDS is here, and there are people in minister husband died of the disease, need. Are you going to help or not?" said fear and misunderstandings are The two-day conference was tying the hands of the church. sponsored by Faith, Hope and Love "Fear has a serious impact on the Community Services, a local, nonprofchurch; it paralyzes people and keeps it nurse-managed outpatient program the church from being what God for people with HIV, the virus that created it to be - a place of uncon- causes AIDS. The conference for naditional love. Fear binds the hands , tional church and.lay leaders explores feet and hearts," Pierce told about 40 how churches can overcome fears and pa rticipants at the second annual lend a hand. Christian Conference on AIDS. Locally, at least 10 churches have Pierce recalled how a hospital had members who are HIV infected, work er asked her husband, Ralph, and at least two pastors' families have how he contracted AIDS. Her hus- been affected by AIDS since 1986, band replied: "Is the treatment any said Christie Hinds, who founded different? Is the dosage of AZ!' less if Faith, Hope and Love. I got it one way or another?" Jerry Price, a graphic artist at Focus Many people, including Christians, on the Family, said he will use the continue to base their compassion for seminar information to help his AIDS patients on how the disease was church establish an AIDS policy and contracted, Pierce said. speak to youth groups around the city And because AIDS initially was about AIDS prevention. dubbed "the gay disease," churches "When the church in America tended to ignore, condemn or ostra- should have been reaching out to cize AIDS patients and their families. those sick with AIDS, regardless of "If a person got AIDS through a sin, they haven't," Price said "But behavior someone doesn't approve of there's hope, and we as Christians or doesn't feel is in accordance with need· to keep trying." NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 News-~ ............................. .. • ........................................ . Coroner's condemnation of Gays sparks recall movement SPOKANE, Wash. - Coroner Dexter Amend stirred up a hornet's nest this summer when he used the slaying of a 9-year-old girl as an opportunity to disparage gay people. Amend categorized Gays as orgasmic maniacs, and stated that all Gays should be "put down." When asked what he meant by "put down" he reluctantly admiUed he should have said "condemned." His public rantings about "sodomites" spurred the formation of a recall movement. The governor's office has asked the state licensing board to determine whether Amend's conduct was unprofessional. And several bereaved families have come forward with complaints about the coroner's insensitivity, suggesting Spokane County can be a lousy place to lose a loved one. "I think the man's insane. I think he ought to be committed for psychiatric evaluation," said the Rev. Charles Wood, an Episcopal priest and a member of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. "Dexter Amend makes it very embarrassing to live here." Amend, 76, a retired urologist, declined to be interviewed . He did not return telephone calls to his office and his home. The controversy centers on Amend's remarks about the June slaying of Rachel Carver. Her uncle, Jason Wickenhagen, has pleaded innocent to aggravated first-degree murder in her death. In August interviews with KXLY-TV and The Spokesman-Review, Amend said the child had been anally vi.olated for years before her death. He blamed homosexuals for ruining the girl's life. Polish church invades politics THE CATHOLIC CHURCH has become closely involved in Poland's new consititution, reported The New York Times. In the latest developments, the church demanded protections for fetuses and a ban on gay teachers. The general secretary of the Bishops Conference, Tadeusz Pieronek, has objected to draft wording that would prohibit discrimination against Gays. ''Does it mean we will legalize gay and lesbian marriages and th en have to allow them to take important posts and bring up children?" he asked. -Seattle Gay News SECOND STON~ "She'd been sodomized over and over, and sodomy is a homosexual act," Amend said. 'To have everybody thinking homosexuality is OK is a bunch of baloney." The Spokane Human Rights Commission said Amend had confused homosexuality with pedophilia, an abnormal sexual desire for children. Statistics show that 98 percent of child sex-abuse cases involve heterosexual men, the human rights commission said. "I wonder how his comments would have resonated with the community if he had made remarks attacking women or African-Americans or Jews?" asked Craig Peterson, a gay member of the commission. The panel called for Amend's resignation . There have been several complaints about Amend since he took office in January - his second stint at the post, which he held for one term in the mid-1980s. In June, a divorced woman whose brother had died said that when Amend learned she couldn't afford to cremate the body, he told her she need ed to go to church and find a husband . A couple whose ·3-year-old son had cerebral palsy and choked to death said they were shocked by Amend's demeanor at their home. He tripped over the boy's body and gave them a long, too-graphic lecture on organ donation, they said. A former employee, who worked for Amend during his first stint as coroner, recalled a sobbing couple who came to the office to pick up the belongings of their son, dead from a drug overdose. "I don·t know what's bothering you. After all, he lived on the fring e - what did you expect?" the employee recalled Amend saying. "'He's really crude. He has no social skills," the employee said in an interview with The Spokesman-Review, which did not publish the work er's name. In addition to problems related to Amend's per s onal style, there are concerns about the professional standards for his office. Spokane County, with a population of nearly 400,000 people, needs a qualified medical examiner - someone trained in death investigations , said Spokane forensic pathologist George Lindholm, who performs many ofthe autopsies in Eastern Washington and northern Idaho. ··we·ve had a concern about the professionality of the office over the long term," Lindholm said. He was reluctant to criticize Amend p erso nally. But in an earlier interview with Tlze Spokesman-Review he said he had strong reason to believe that there were problems with death certificates coming out of the coroner's office. "'In my opinion, they're not just judgment calls. They're misrepresentation," he said. .For example, Lindholm said, Amend would sometimes jump the gun and assign a cause of death rather than wait for lab work to return. And the cause of death can be critical in criminal investigations or in determining public-health crises, such as an outbreak of mening itis or tainted over-the-counter medications, SEE CORONER, Page 17 Catholic bishops neutral on anti-gay initiatives SEATTLE (AP) - Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Murphy and two bishops are not taking sides on two anti-gay-rights initiatives after opposing two comparable propositions last year. · A four-page paper by the church's three prelates in \o\lashington state criticizes Initiatives 166 and 167 as "inadequately crafted," and they have barred signature-gathering for the measures on church grounds, said John McCoy, an archdiocese spokesman "Discrimination and violence towards individuals because of sexual orientation are wrong," said the paper, signed by Murphy of Seattle, Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane and Bishop Francis George of Yakima . At the same time, they did not call the initiatives "morally wrong," as they did with Initiatives 608 and 610 last year. "Initiative 166 ... is similar to an initiative we opposed last year, but the debate that ensued caused confusion and misunderstanding about our teaching and the reason for our position ," the bishops wrote. 'The catechism of the Catholic Church goes on to state: '(Homosexual persons) must be accepted with respect, compassion and se nsitivity . Every sign of unjust discrimination in their r egard should be avoided,"' the bishops said. They also wrote, 'The church d oes not approve of homos exual genital acts ... "Schools should not present homosexual behavior as acceptable, nor should they condemn homosexual persons for who they are." Initiative 166 campaign chairman John Vasko would not comment on the bishops' paper. Initiatives 166 and 167 closely resemble Initiatives 608 and 610, which failed to attract enough signatures to make the ballot last year. Initiative 166 would ban the extension of anti-discrimination laws to cover Gays and Lesbians and prohibit public schools from teaching that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle. Initiative 167 would prevent Gays and Lesbians from adopting children, becoming foster parents or getting child custody in divorce cases. The new versions are to the Legislature rather than to the people. That gives backers more time - until Dec. 29 - to get the required 181,667 valid signatures of registered voters and sends the measures to the Legislature if that requirement is met. The Legislature then could enact the initiatives into law, reject them and send them to the ballot or adopt alternatives to go alongside the originals on the balfot. In the latter event, voters could adopt either version or . reject both. fTIGAYELLOW PAGES TM INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &fTI !Bl TRANS&ENDER COMMUNlff SINCE 1973 !Bl Complete gay-friendly resources and businesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organizations, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.SJ H.I.V. resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone 11st. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed (no charge), or for details of current editions and prices, or Information about malllng labels, please send a se~•addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533·SS, VIiiage Station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFf'ERENT LIGHT 1-B00-343-4002; FAX (212) 969-215B; outside USA and Canada call 1-212-9B9-4B5J. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They are not involved' with production or publication of GayellowPages, so please don't call them except to order.) :::i~t;! ':'t r,i~~~~::;:/,iffs: t~~;h/:,~:fs Yn5J;~~e~~~~=: it~,~~vi~nw~~r:~;~:!!is¾afej·;, ~~~ t;;:::~:ec::;e the information contained in the Gayel/ow Pages.• Pat Callfia, The Advocate Advisor · •ay far the most comprehensive and up-to-date gay guide ... Gayelfow Pages ... includes the standard entries for bars an d restaurants . .. But the Gayel/ow Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV services, legal resources, organizations (categorized by purpose or interest), religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, ii an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual people, no matter how unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probab ly listed in the Gayeflow Pages . ... Ha.,dfy a week goes by that it is not consulted in the Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Howells, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA}, December 1994 •For over 12 years Gayelfow Pages has been our most-used resourc e book . We recommend it to every performer, author. producer, busines s person , communitr., organizer, act ivist, and educator we come in con tact with. It's the .!!!_rfect coming out gifW Romanovsky & Phillips , Fresh Fruit Records, March 1995 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 "Odd couple" forms friendship through HIV program EUGENE, Ore. - Ruth Norris and Christopher Smith agree they make an unconventional pair. The 72-year-old grandmother and the 28-year-old man say they have found gold in the rubble of destruction caused by his HIV-positive diagnosis. It's a friendship neither would have Book Sale! DEFECTING IN. 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'Tm not the type to 'Sit at home and wonder if the pictures on the walls are really straight and what's going to be on 'Oprah Winfrey' today, or go shopping and get my hair dyed blue," said Norris . AIDS outreach appealed to Norris because she knew from her hospital Smith revealed how self-doubt had so often ruled his life, how his family responded badly to his homosexuality, how his mother once told him she considered it a birth defect. experience how fiercely isolating the AIDS virus can be. Smith sought help through the · companion program during a jarring transition in his life. He was recovering from pneumonia and had just left his circle of friends in Portland. He moved to Eugene in December after declining health forced him to quit his job as a department store manager. Before th eir first meeting, both were nervous . "Mostly, it was feelings of inadequacy, that this was too big a thing I was taking on," Norris said . Before the meeting, she . told Smith over the phone, "If we don't like each other, we'll just break it off right now, OK?" But before the date was over, they ended up spilling out their life stories. Norris described her marriage at age 19 and how it came to an abrupt end after 49 years when her husband died four years ago, plunging her life into chaos. Smith revealed how self-doubt had so often ruled his life, how his family responded badly . to his homosexu- 0 ality, how his mother once told him she considered it a birth defect. The two friends now meet at least once a week, visiting museums and gardens, scrounging for cheap treasure in secondhand stores, but mostly just talking. Smith says Norris filled a void in his life that family; close friends, even his long-term partner couldn't. "She accepts me for who I am, period," said Smith. "I think I have more in common with her than any of my friends my age. "We both love gardening and people. We share a spiritual bent. We both have faced adversity in our lives." Al DS considered taboo subject in many black communities OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - AIDS is a taboo subject in Nebraska's black community, some AIDS educators, victims and service providers said. An AIDS educator in the Nebraska Department of Health, who is black, said the situation is a crisis in the making. "Not only are the people in our community not finding out what their HN status is, they're not protecting themselves," Steve Jackson, a community health educator with the department's HN / AIDS program, told the Omaha World-Herald. 'They're not being diagnosed, and they're not being treated." Blacks represented about 4 percent of the Nebraska population in the 1990 census and made up 16 percent of all AIDS cases reported from Jan. 1, 1983, through June 29, 1995. Of the 639 cases of AIDS reported in Nebraska in that period, 101 involved blacks. The figures do not include unreported cases, cases in Nebraska that were diagnosed elsewhere or people carrying the HIV virus who do not have full-blown AIDS. Many black people infected with the virus are not seeking medical attention or revealing their status to their friends and relatives for fear of rejection, those who work with AIDS victims said. Others said local agencies are not doing enough to reach out to that segment of the population. Tehira Ali, a drug and substa nce abuse counselor at the Greater Omaha Community Action Addiction Center, said many of her black clients consider AIDS a gay disease . She said variety of social services, suppo rt group~ and opportunities for socializing. One man at a recent Harambee meeting at a north Omaha bowling alley told the newspaper that AIDS drives its victims social life because they try to hide it from friends. He spoke on the condition that he not be identified because he fears the stigma attached to AIDS. "We as blacks, the only thing we ever dealt with is drug abuse and alcohol," he said. "We don't deal with sexually transmitted diseases too well." A woman in the Harambee program said she had been a member of a Nebraska AIDS Project support group but did not have much in common with people in those sessions. Many black people infected with the virus are not seeking medical attention or revealing their status · to their friends and relatives for fear of rejection ... they fear being tested and treated because they fear being labeled as "J was an IV drug user, and they homosexual. were gay men," she said. 'There "What I find with African-American wasn't a woman there who could people is primarily, 'If I got it, I really identify with what I was going don't want to know,"' she told the through .... And no blacks ever came World-Herald. "We tend to have so to meetings at NAP." many problems and, being on the The woman spoke to the newspaper lower end of the econqmic scale, this on the condition that her name not be disease is just one more problem. used because her family did not ·want People think, 'If I don't know, I can it known that she has AIDS. just get on with the rest of the things I The Nebraska AIDS Project does not need, like food and shelter."' have any minority case workers, said The Charles Drew Health Center Gary George, the project's former and Nebraska AIDS Project .began a executive director. The project has miprogram last fall to provide mental nority volunteers. Volunteer coordinahealth services to blacks affected by tor Rich Santee said 15 volunteers AIDS. The program called Harambee speak Spanish and 24 are black. serves 26 people. It provides a wide "But we could use more," he said. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1995 Part of a $2.5 million gift endowment Vanderbilt Divinity School to study gender, sexuality issues By Ray Waddle The Tennessean NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AF) - Sex and religion. Strange bedfellows. Throw them together and they threaten to tear up denominations, many of which are in turmoil over homosexuality, the ordination of women, the place of divorce, abortion, clergy misconduct, and what to call God (He? She?). Into this climate steps Vanderbilt Divinity School, which has decided to go where no religion school has dared . With a recent gift, the school is putting $1 million into the touchy issues of gender and_ sexuality. As far as they know, no seminary has committed such a sum to such a controversy. School officials say they want to break through the fog of religious anxiety and divisiveness over sex-andreligion issues and help churches think them through with a more solid basis in Scripture and social sciences; 'This whole issue of sexuality so vexes the churches that it's difficult even to get a conversation going," said Joseph Hough, dean of the Divinity School. School officials say they want to break through the fog of religious anxiety and divisiveness over sexand- religion issues and help churches think them through with a more solid basis in Scripture and social sciences. They believe a lot of Christians get confusing signals about sex from pulpit and Bible. Is the sex act good or evil? Is homos exuality wrong? Should women be leaders in church? SECOND STONE The $1. million - part of a $2.S million gift endowment - will fund public conferences, publications and other resources. The gift comes from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, which was started by Richmond, Va., businessman Rhodes Carpenter . The remaining $1.5 million of the gift will go to endowing a new senior faculty appointment. · The Rev. Ann Day, Carpenter Foundation president, Leona Carpenter's daughter and a 1978 graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity, said the gift will go a long way toward "stimulating discussion among individuals in faith communities about these difficult, often controversial, but extremely vital issues." The gift makes the Carpenter Foundation the Divinity School's single largest donor. The foundation has given the school some $4 million. Not everyone is -happy that sexuality will be the subject of academic scrutiny by Vanderbilt ministers-intraining. The president of a conservative caucus of the United Methodist Church - Methodists make up about 30 percent of Vanderbilt Divinity's student body - doubts the new program will bear much fruit. 'True, gender and sexuality ha ve the potential to split the mainline churches," said James Heidinger , president of Good News, a caucus based in Wilmore, Ky. "But there are folks who want to put Scripture aside on so many issues and leave Christianity at the mercy of everyone's own personal judgment. "And that's a recipe for chaos. I believe there's more consensus, settled by the dear word of Scripture, than some would have us think. There's a very well-organized vocal minority determined to keep this on the front burner." A look at denominational debates suggests that sexuality is the reason for the most emotional church reactions in a generation: Recently, the nation's largest Lutheran denomination decided to scrap a churchwide statement on sexuality. An earlier draft argued that the Bible supports gay relationships, but it set off a national wave of indignation and protest. After seven years of trying, the Evangelical Lutherans have failed to reach consensus on either the ordination of Gays and Lesbians or the blessing of same-sex unions. A group of bishops in the Episcopal Church voted to place a colleague before a formal church trial on charges he violated church law by ordaining a gay deacon. It's the latest - in a wearying debate over gay rights that has preoccupied the Episcopal Church for a decade. United Methodists and Presbyterians continue to debate the merits of the "Re-Imagining" Conference of 1993, where some female leaders invoked the name of "Sophia" for God during a worship setting. Traditionalists said ii was a perfect example of feminist heresy. Defenders said church conservatives want to smear "Sophia" in hopes of shutting women out of power . What vexes many churchgoers is that the debates are usually about two competing values: Scriptural authority vs. the responsibility to &how compassion for weak or powerless minorities . Is it more faithful to the Bible and Christian faith, for example, to uphold condemnations of homosexuality, or to push the church to open its doors and power to oppressed groups? "In the past, Scripture was used to justify slavery, and people were able to move beyond that," said Sallie McFague, a Vanderbilt theologian . "Yet a lot of people now don't seem able to come to a 20th-century posilion on the role of women, gender justice or homosexuality." Hough said church discomfort about sexuality is nothing new. It's as old as the foundations of the faith. "For instance, there's a long ambivalence about the sex act. The _ church has encouraged large families yet has condemned sex except for procreation ." Hough said he envisions a wide range of conferences that give a hearing to various views supported by respectable scholarship. Examples include sexual ethics, biblical views of women's ·ordination, or the effects of divorce on children. But he said the new program will not be a propaganda mill for any one particular party line. Vanderbilt is known as a liberal divinity school that affirms women's ordination and the rights of gay students and faculty. "Why in the world would we do this now? Because part of the role of the Divinity School is to help bring clarity to issues important to the life of churches," Hough said. "Being a Christian in the world is about living with integrity and believing your Christian faith informs everything you do." Now available from Second Stone! The Word Is Out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS .FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an anti-gay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 daily meditations, the Bible's oood news "comes out" to ;;,eet all of ns with love, justice, meaning. and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. TiUe □ Postage/Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ------ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME---------------------,-- ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 N O VE M B E RIDE CE MB ER l 9 9 5 National AIDS Memorial marks 10th anniversary NEW YORK - Despite the thousands who have visited it every year for the last decade at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in northern Manhattan, the National AIDS Memorial sometimes seems to be one of the most well-kept secrets of our time. It is the only permanent memorial in the country honoring those who have died as a result of the HIV/ AIDS pandemic. The memorial was the idea of Sister (and now Deacon) Brooke Bushong, a member of the Episcopal Church Army, an evangelical religious order, and at the time, president of Integrity/ New York, the local branch of the lesbian and gay justice ministry of the Episcopal Church. She had attended funeral s of several friends who had died of AIDS. She saw the need for a focal point - one hallowed spot - where those who have lost loved ones could come to mourn and find hope and consolation. When she approached the Rt. Rev. Paul Moore, Jr., then Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, he was enthusiastic. He, too, had · felt the need . The Bay of St. Luke, patron saint of physicians, on the south side of the Cathedral's nave, was mad e available as the site of the memorial. Bishop Moore dedicated it on November 9, 1985. The first anniversary of the dedication of the memorial was attended by over 2000 people and the following year the anniversary became a nationwide event when the Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop, declared it to be the Episcopal Church's National Day of Prayer for those affected by HIV/ AIDS. The date has since been moved to October. Since 1985 the memorial has become a symbol of strength in the face of the AIDS epidemic. Over 5000 names have now been inscribed in the Book of Remembrance, and the number grows week by week . initially a joint ministry of the Cathedral and Integrity, the National AIDS Memorial was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1992. 'To honor the dead, to serve the living" is the core of the National AIDS Memorial's mission statement. The living are se rved not only through prayer, but by gifts which go to a variety of AIDS service organizations. Although unsolicited, contributions arrived with the first names to be inscribed in the Book of Remembrance. It was immediately c!ecided that only 15 percent of such contributions should be used to maintain the memorial, including inscribing the names, while 85 percent would go to start-up AIDS ministries. NAM makes a real effort to s eek out .and fund small, start-up groups that are filling unmet needs in the AIDS community and to existing AIDS organizations moving into new areas of service. Over $100,000 in grants has been distributed, ranging from $250 to $3,000. NAM funding is nationwide : from the Chattanooga Council on AIDS to Bronx AIDS Servic es. NAM fund s both secular and religious organizations: from the People With AIDS Now in it's tenth year, the National AIDS Memorial at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City is visited by thousands each year. It is the only permanent memorial in the country honoring all who have died as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Coalition of New Jersey to Interfaith AIDS Ministry of Greater Danbury, Connecticut. As NAM appoaches the end of tis first decade, with no cure for AIDS yet in sight, HIV/ AIDS is affecting ever more people, of varied backgrounds, and there remains a need to establish new and specialized programs to deal with that reality. NAM gave Sub-Sahara AIDS Rescue, which serves the immigrant African communities in Staten Island and Brooklyn, their first grant from any source in 1993. In 1994, a second grant for computer equipment allowed them to obtain funding from governmental and foundation sources . These gifts were like the loaves and fishes, enabling the organizations to multiply them many fold. There is no paid staff at the National AIDS Memorial. Those who volunteer on the board raise the money, keep the records, investigate and decide which of the many requests for funding can be honored. A Requiem Eucharist is held at the memorial at 1:00 p.m . the fourth Saturday of every month . As the name implies, the memorial is not limited to New Yorkers, or to Episcopalians. It includes names from all over the world. No contribution is required to have a name inscribed. Anyone wishing to provide the name of a deceased individual for the Book of Remembrance, contribute to the fund, or apply for a grant may write to the National AIDS Memorial, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, P.O. Box 1036, New York, NY 10011. Poetry sustains woman dying of AIDS By Jill Burcum Rochester Post-Bulletin ~e voic e is gravelly and :;JI definitely that of a New York native. Coffee is "cawffee" and car is "cah." It emanates from somewhere within a thick haze of cigarette .smoke. The morning sun streaming in the ancient windows illuminates the smoke cloud, creating a wispy halo around a thin, blond woman's head. "I don't usually smoke this much, but ... you know," says Dara Corey Thaler. 'Tm a master poet, ya know," she says to no one in particular. She stares off to a place far beyond the walls of the second-floor apartment where she lives . In it are Thaler's sole possessions . A battered rocker. A small television. A rickety stand on which a typewriter rests . Dara Corey Thaler has come to Rochester, Minnesota to die . Arid to live. At 38, Thaler has AIDS, lymphoma and systemic tuberculosis. All three are terminal, with the last two perhaps triggered by the first, a disease SECOND STONE she was diagnosed with in 1987. Her condition is the culmination of a life lived in the fast lane · on the streets of New York, Chicago and Rochester. Thaler is clean and sober now, a true believer in 12-step recovery programs. But for much of her life and in each of those cities, Thaler was .J drug addict and a prostitute. In the l.Jte 1980s, Thaler moved to Rochester for reasons that ar e now unclear. In 1988, she was convicted of solicitation for prostitution. The arrest made news around the state . Thaler had AIDS at the time . She was given three years of probation and moved back to Chicago shortly there.Jfter. She returned to Rocl,ester this year for love and the Mayo Clinic. In August, she married .a Rochester man. He sustains her spiritually, she says; Mayo Clinic maintains her body. She is unequivocal about how she wants to be remembered. Throughout her life, Thaler has written poetry. To her, it is not a hobby . It is not fun. It is•simply something she must do, like breathing. Volumes of poems now fill a large bag. During the years of drugs and prostitution, the poems are angry, shocking and taunting. Now, they are reflective, tinged with gentle humor and regret that the voice of the poet herself will soon be stilled. "If I can reach one person and let them know no matter how bad things are, things C.Jn change, then I have made a differenc e. My life will have meaning, " she said. Some days, Thaler jumps out of bed . On other days, she is too weak and must crawl to the bathroom . Still, her reasons to live grow more numerous . Her beloved poetry has not left her . Even through the pain medication, the poems come. Sometimes it's a mental image that arrives first. Sometimes it's just an urge to sit at her typewriter. AIDS has done what her parents, police a ' ublic awareness campaigns did n , said . It woke her from the drug-induced haze and changed her, the kind of change that comes from deep within. "I've had the fortune of a queen (the jewelry in my eyes) the whish of winds blow through my hair - · the branches clatter noise God composed a symphony surrounded with applause Still weakness comes in midst of dance Sometimes instead I crawl." The poem ends, but Thaler's pleasure does not. She smiles and looks up . But her hands are already reaching for the papers spread out on the bed . "One more," she says as the cigarette burns slowly toward the filter. Once more she begins. And once more, Thaler falls under language's spell . The poem ends, its lulling rhythms ebbing into the soft ticks of a clock resting on the window ledge. This time, Thaler is comfortable with the silence. "I have been given a capacity to give and to care," she says. "I want to touch someone that might not have been touched." The voice wavers . "And I don't want to be forgotten." NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1995 BiJ .•• ■i■fB-•BfllMIJli=ii Zimbabwe's churches support gay ban HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe's churches have condemned homosexuality following an international controversy caused by President Robert Mugabe's bitter campaign against Gays and Lesbians. Many church leaders have agreed with President Mugabe's views, though some said the president's "witch-hunt" against Gays and Lesbians was regrettable but understandable. Several church officials also said that it was unfortunate that the issue was getting so much attention when Zimbabwe faced much more serious problems. Government action against homosexuals in Zimbabwe and speeches by President Mugabe on the subject have drawn international press coverage in recent months. Homosexuality has Jong been .repressed in Zimbabwe, but the present campaign by the government began just over a month ·ago when an association called Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) was making preparations to set up a stall at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair, the theme of which was human rights . A government official, Bornwell Chakaodza, who holds the post of State Director of Information, wrote a letter to the book fair trustees stating the govern,ment'~ strong objection to the presence of GALZ. "Zimbabwean society and government do not accept the public display of homosexual literature, " the government's Jetter said. The book fair trustees were forced to cancel GALZ's permit to set up a stall. Four of the 18 book fair trustees quit their posts in protest at the government's actions. On the opening day of the book · fair, President Mugabe · made a speech describing Gays and Lesbians as social perverts who should not have a place in Zimbabwean society. "I find it extremely outrageous and repugnant to my human conscience that such immoral and revulsive organizations like those of homosexuals who offend both against the Jaw of nature and the morals and religious beliefs espoused by our socie.ty should have any advocates in our midst and even elsewhere in the world," President Mugabe said. "If we accept homosexuality as a right, as is being argued by the association of sodomists and sexual perverts, what moral fibre shall our society ever have to deny organised drug addicts, or even those given to bestiality, the rights they might claim and allege they possess under the rubrics of individual freedom and human rights?" said the president. He said that homosexuality was an "abhorrent" Western import. President Mugabe's views have drawn strong support from the local press, some sections of which have condemned the West as "moral midgets". An editorial in the Chronicle, the newspaper with the second Zimbabwe questioned as site of 1998 wee Assembly GENEVA - World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee members are seeking assurances that recent anti-gay statements by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will not create problems for the WCC when it holds its Eighth Assembly in Harare in 1998. Mugabe was widely quoted over the summer as saying he believes "homosexuals don't have any rights at all and if they come here, we will throw them in jail." Responding to questions from Central Committee members during a Sept. 18 plenary session, WCC general secretary Konrad Raiser recalled that similar concerns about holding the 1998 Assembly in Zimbabwe were raised at the January 1994 Central Committee meetings after widespread reports of police harassment of Gays and Lesbians in Zimbabwe. Raiser said that at that time he sought and received assurances from the Zimbabwean interior minister that all Assembly participants will be allowed to enter Zimbabwe and that the Assembly will be free to set its own agenda. SECOND STONE But after an exhibit by a Zimbabwean gay organization was shut down at a July book fair in Harare, the country's capital, Raiser said he received numerous letters from WCC member churches questioning whether the Assembly should be held in Zimbabwe. He said that the WCC and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches are developing a detailed list of "essential requirements" for holding the Assembly in Zimbabwe . Raiser said he had "no reason to believe that such an understanding cannot be reached with the Zimbabwe authorities ." Kristine Thompson, one of two Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) representatives on the Central Commit.tee, said she hoped any agreement wou]<;I ensure the right of Assembly partici. pants to express public solidarity "with those in Zimbabwe who are being repressed for homosexuality ." She .i.cknowledged that while WCC member churches have varying attitudes toward homosexuality, "we can agree that no one should be persecuted for it." -Presbyterian Church (USA) News and World Council of Churches News biggest circulation in Zimbabwe, stated that to Africans ih general and Zimbabweans in particular, homosexuality would always be an outrage and an abomination of the most debasing order. Homosexuality is strictly taboo in Zimbabwe where it is often condemned in the strongest possible terms. However, many people see it as an issue which concerns only a few. 'individuals . Zimbabwe's Constitution forbids discrimination of any kind, but it does not specify who should not be discriminated against. As the president's views began to draw attention, he confirmed his rigorous opposition to homosexuality, pointing out that Zimbabwe had a "formidable" set of morals -and taboos which it could not abandon unless society as a whole decided they were no longer needed. "We do not believe they [homosexuals) have any rights at all," President Mugabe told journalists. The president seemed unconcerned a't news of protests held outside Zimbabwean embassies in other parts of the world because of his remarks. 'They can demonstrate, but if they come here, we will throw them [homosexuals] in jail," the president said . The international press - particularly Western newspapers of liberal views - have given extensive coverage to President Mugabe's statements. According to the Guardian newspaper, published in London, the anti-gay crusade is seen 'by members · of Zimbabwe's fledgling civil society, including women's groups, human rights groups and the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, as a political ploy to distract popular attention from burgeoning corruption scandals, economic mismanagement and drought". In a front-page article on August 16, Le Monde newspaper in Paris quoted President Mugabe's speeches and pointed out that the multi-ethnic membership of GALZ proved that homosexuality was not, as the president had claimed, a "shameful" Western import. Within Zimbabwe itself churches have expressed various degrees of agreement with President Mugabe. The Sunday Mail newspaper in Harare has reported that some Chris. tian leaders have called on their followers to take part in a march against Gays and Lesbians in Harare. A group of 12 women - all members of the Mother's Union in the Anglican diocese of Central Zimbabwe - visited government offices recently to give President Mugabe a message of solidarity. "Homosexuals violate our understanding of the nature of marriage life ... we pledge to you and to this country our continued support for those home and family values and morals that make for an upright society," part of the message said. President Mugabe told the women that there was no way that Zimbabweans could accept homosexuality as this was 'borrowed culture". Church leaders in Zimbabwe, all expressed strong opposition to homosexuality. They said that homosexuality was incompatible with the biblical values of Christianity and with African culture . -ENI and other reports Zimbabwe church council condemns homosexuality HQMOSEXUALITY IS "totally new and out of step with the Zimbabwean tradition and culture" according to a statement issued by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), which has 20 protestant churches as members, following an increasingly strident campaign directed against Gays and Lesbians by Zimbabwe . President Robert Mugabe. The ZCC's President, Bishop Jonathan Siyachitema, and the organization's General Secretary, Murombedzi Chikanga Kuchera, said that Zimbabweans "should not be coerced into a practice [homosexuality] which is totally alien to them" . President Mugabe's campaign has aroused concern in international church circles because the next assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is to take place in 1998 in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, at the invitation of the ZCC. The issue of homosexuality is a delicate one for the churches. The WCC's General Secretary, Konrad Raiser, has said that there are "deep divisions" between the WCC's 324 member churches on the "theological and ethical issues of human sexuality and sexual orientation". According to the ZCC leaders, "the Church of God finds no basis to support intimate relationships between persons of the same sex." Shortly after the WCC's central committee agreed in January last year to hold the assembly in Harare, the international press reported allegations of harassment of homosexuals by Zimbabwe police. Dr Raiser said that he would seek assurances from the Zimbabwe Government "regarding the entry and safety of all bona fide participants of the assembly" and the "freedom of the assembly in setting its agenda and in expressing its mind". President Mugabe has been quoted as saying: "Let the Gays be Gays in United States and Europe, but they shall be sad people here." -ENI NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 Ep-iscopal bishops sharpry cUvided over sex·uality issues By Martha Irvine Associated Press Writer PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - It's the most divisive issue facing bishops in the Episcopal Church, but don't expect them to talk about it. The matter of ordaining non-celibate gay priests has been mentioned only in passing as about 200 bishops met during the last week of September. The bishops spent the better part of one session early in the week talking about how to avoid what many are calling an air of mean-spiritedness among church leadership. "If we can't deal with honest disagreement as a house of bishops, who in the world can?" asked Bishop John MacNaughton, of San Antonio, Texas. But beneath the apparent camaraderie lies the frustration of a church leadership that many say is bitterly divided . . "I can see it becoming a bloody brawl," said Walter Righter, a retired bishop of Iowa who says he'd rather be enjoying a life of quiet at his home in Alstead, N.H . Instead, the white-haired 71-yearold is facing heresy charges for ordaining a non-celibate gay priest in 1990. Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, of New York, has told the bishops that church attorneys have advised them not to discuss the Righter matter at the conference. He said that, if they were to talk about sexuality issues at this conference, 18 of the bishops who may sit in judgment of their peer would have to leave the room. But conversations in private were brutally candid. . Righter said the 10 bishops who brought him up on charges are using him as a scapegoat to boost their own political power. 'These birds are caught between the past and the future .-They'd like to drag everybody kicking and screaming into the past," said Righter, who claims that ordaining openly gay priests is merely dealing with reality. He said there are about 35 bishops who have ordained non-celibate gay. priests. Ironically, some of the bishops who brought the charge against Righter say the conference was - for the most Episcopal bishop explains his decision to support heresy trial FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) - Episcopal Bi'shop Russell Jacobus of Fond du Lac said lifestyle preference was not the issue when he joined - other clergy in censuring a bishop for ordaining a homosexual as a deacon, The complaint involves church authority and compliance with its policies, he said. 'The general convention (of the Episcopal Church) said ... it is not appropriate at this time to ordain practicing homosexuals, or ordain heterosexuals in (sexual) relationships outside the marriage bond," Jacobus said. 'Therefore, the bishop who decides on his own that he is not going to abide by resolutions of the general convention ... is not being accountable to the church at large." Jacobus, of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, said he was one of 76 bishops nationwide who voted for charges that retired Bishop Walter Righter violated . church law for ordaining Barry Stopfel as a deacon in 1990, Righter was then assistant bishop .. of Newark, N.J. He retired in 1988 as bishop of Iowa and · now lives in the small town of Alstead on the New Hampshire-Vermont border. Righter's case will go before a Court for the Trial of a Bishop, consisting of nine other bishops who will act on a majority vote. Possible penalties include admonishing Righter. No sentence could be imposed unless the findings were approved by a two-thirds vote of all SECOND STONE the church's bishops. Ten bishops brought the charge against Righter in January, saying he was "teaching a doctrine contrary to that held by this church." A 1979 resolution states it is inappropriate for "practicing homosexuals" to be ordained, said Bishop James Stanton of Dallas, a spokesman for Righter's accusers. Righter says the Episcopal colleagues who charged him with heresy for ordaining an openly gay Righter say s the Episcopal colleagues who charged him with heresy .. . threaten to "push the church back in to the 19th century ." man threaten to "push the church back into the 19th century." Righter says putting him before a jury of his peers a defining moment in church history. 'The Episcopal Church's whole life is at stake," Righter, 71, said. "Are we going to be an inclusive church like the presiding bishop wants us to be or an exclusive church?" But Stanton said conservative bishops are alarmed also. "Many of us fear it will divide the church," Stanton said. "What we are trying to do is bring the house back to order." part - a waste of time and money because sexuality was not discussed. 'There is a general frustration in the house .of bishops that we're dealing with unimportant issues to avoid dealing with critical issues," said Bishop William Wantland, of Eau Claire, Wis., one of the bishops who filed the heresy charge. He believes the presiding bishop and others have looked the other way as gay priests have continued to be ordained. And that, he said, has left he and his conservative colleagues little choice. "I don't want Walter to go through a trial," Wantland said. ''I don't know any other way to reach the issue." Some say the bishops are so divided that the only resolution may be to split the church in two. "Is there a danger of it? Yes, a very clear danger," Wantland said . 'The underlying issue is a problem of authority and order." The lack of open discussion is disappointing to many. "I ache at the polarity that goes on," said the Rev. Al Miller, a priest in Hermiston. Miller said he came to the bishops' meeting to see first hand if they would resolve some of the tougher issues facing the Episcopal Church. 'The question is, 'How can we move on together, regardless of sexual orientation, gender and race?'" Miller said. 'Tm not sure they can." There are other problems in the church - a troubled pension fund and embezzlement scandal. Some traditional Episcopalians are calling for presiding bishop Browning to step down. And the bishops are trying to decide how to deal with four of their own who refuse to ordain women priests even though the church has allowed such action for nearly 20 years . Still, Browning denies that his church is falling apart. He said it is the Episcopal Church's tradition to face tough issues head on. "Out of that grows tension. But even in that tension there's _ a pride that I have that we're willing to hang in and deal with those issues," Browning said. 'Th e church, as a whole, is very brave." Five-ballot vote elects nation's second female Episcopal bishop PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A five-ballot vote made the Rev. Geralyn Wolf the second woman chosen tp head an American Episcopal diocese. Wolf, dean of Christ Cathedral in Louisville, Ky., for the last seven years, was elected Sept. 30 after the apparent front-runner, the Rev. Robert Anthony of Christ Church in Westerly, withdrew. Wolf, 48, spoke to lay and clergy delegates before returning to Kentucky to spend Sunday with her congregation . '1 want to say a word of truth. This was not a unanimous decision and I honor that," she said. "We don't have to agree on everything. But we have to agree on one thing: that Jesus Christ is the center of our Jives." A native of New York who at one time lived in an Anglican convent, Wolf was one of four candidates from outside Rhode Island picked by a . search committee to succeed retired Bishop George Hunt. She was praised even by delegates who voted against her as a woman of great spiritual commitment and, before coming to Rhode Island for the vote, spent Wednesday night and Thursday praying with the . Sisters of St. Margaret in a Roxbury, Mass., Anglican convent. "My ministries haven't been perfect or easy, but I hope that everyone will say that I have been faithful," Wolf told delegates . The first female Episcopal bishop in .the United States was chosen in Vermont. Women have been selected as assistant bishops in Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and New York. A total of nine candidates were in the running to head the Rhode Island diocese - the four picked by the search committee and five from within the state. Anthony, who is popular among Rhode Island clergy, surprised his supporters by announcing his withdrawal before balloting began, saying he had mixed feelings about being bishop. Anthony later went to Wolf and told her he hoped she would be elected bishop. · Wolf's vote totals built steadily as the balloting went on and candidates dropped out and she surpassed the required totals of lay and clergy votes on the fifth ballot. Some of the state's conservative clergy said while they liked Wolf as a person and found her views acceptable, they were opposed in principle to the idea of a female bishop. But she also won the support of some priests formerly against the ordination of women. One, the Rev. James Frink of Trinity Church in Scituate, delivered Wolf's nominating speech . Wolf said she would be glad to meet with clergy members opposed . to a woman bishop. ."I very much want to talk with them and to be with them," she said. "I do not want to work against them." Wolf's election must be approved by a majority of Episcopal standing committees nationally before she can be installed. That process should take several months. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l 9 9 5 · Living a lie: Outlook painful for Gays · in opposite-sex marriage By Deb Richardson-Moore The Greenville News GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) . - One Christmas Eve, Deirdre's children were scouring the house for mittens and woolen caps before running outside to check on Santa's progress. Trying to help, Deirdre tugged .a cardboard box from a shelf high in her bedroom closet. She peered inside - and saw the end of her 18-year marriage. There in the box was a stack of gay .pornography. She was disbelieving and confused, but deep inside things began to fall dizzyingly into place: professional counselor. In many cases, the marriage that's ending is one of long standing, one that included true affection and friendship between the partners. 'The 20- to 25-year mark,'' said facilitator Pate, "seems to be a real watershed for men who can't hide it anymore." In many ways, the issues provoked in a gay-straight marriage crisis are the same as when one marital partner has a heterosexual affair . The wronged partner feels the same "devastation and the low self-esteem," allows Molly, 30, a Greenvillian who ended her three-year marriage after learning that her husband was having affairs with men. "But the thing that they don't feel that I feel," she said, "is that they are gay . You question your own sexual identity. You ask yourself, 'Why would I attract a person like this? Why did he choose me?"' Molly's discovery made her skittish around men, suspicious that if she'd been fooled once, it could happen again . Of course, while any extramarital affair carries the risk of HIV/ AIDS these days, the odds increase with homosexual encounters. Molly was so paralyzed by fear the she waited nine months before undergoing tests - which turned out negative . The issue of how to tell children also becomes more complicated. Deirdre told her adolescent children only after they had sneaked a look at her diary. Her daughter, now in her early teens, is having trouble accepting it. Molly hasn't yet told her 6-year-old son, and won't until he asks. Emily, a senior citizen who remained in her marriage after her husband told her he was gay decades ago, told her grown children only years later. Recently, Emily's anger has replaced her earlier embarrassment: anger at her husband for using her as camouflage; anger at her family for en£ouraging her to keep quiet; anger at herself for not having the courage to leave; anger at society for putting so much pressure on Gays to live a lie. And therein, say the straight spouses, lies much of the problem. If being gay were more socially acceptable, Gays wouldn't try so hard to fit into a conventional marriage. The time early in her marriage when he was buying Playboys; his low sex drive; his expression of a general unhappiness just months before. "At the time, I didn't know what he was getting at," Deirdre recalled. "I had never suspected anything. But as I looked back, there were pieces of the puzzle that began to come together." Mormon bishop's marriage was doomed from the start She did, however, think they had a warm and loving marriage. He thought so, too. Once she confronted him \Vith her Christmas Eve discovery, he readily agreed to go into counseling. Just months into joint therapy, he admitted to himself and to Deirdre that he was gay. He now lives with a male companion. Deirdre, meanwhile, is shaken to the core. An attractive professional in her early 40s, Deirdre continued to function on the outside. But inside, she felt foolish, sexually unattractive, distrustful of men; in a word, she said, she felt like a "freak." She wasn't. And Carole Lender, for one, knew it. Mrs. Lender is a co-founder of Greenville's PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). In her three years of pulling the organization together, she has seen the human fallout. 'The majority of gay and lesbian people that I've met have fought so hard: They don't want to be gay," she said . 'They don't want to lose .the respect and the love of their family members. They don't want to lose their churches and everything else. "And, so they figure, 'Well, if I get married, maybe it'll kick in,' and they do, and children come out of it. And then they can't do it anymore, and all these innocent people get hurt." It's those "innocent people," the bewildered straight spouses of Gays who are the target of Family Secrets, a new support group in Greenville facilitated by Fran Pate, a licensed SECOND STONE By Hillary Groutage Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - For most, it started when people they trusted told them to get married, that being with an opposite-sex partner would help their "problem ." Without exception, the experience ended in heartbreak . Now, they say, opposite-sex marriage and homosexuality - like oil and water - don't mix for long. At a session of the annual Sunstone Symposium on August 11, a panel of gay men shared their experiences chronicled in Decisions of the Soul: The Issues And Diverse Responses To Homosexuality In Heterosexual Marriage. The book was published in April by the Family Fellow ship, a support group for families with gay and lesbian members. The book is a collection of 17 stories of gay people in het erosexual marriages. Steve and Allison Dunn of Logan were the only couple to share their story. They are divorcing, but have undertaken a crusade of sorts to let people know that marriage doesn't cure - or even help homosexuality. But they say it isn't for a lack of trying . They were busy in the early years of their marriage. He was a Mormon bishop, she was president of the primary. "If devotion and effort, if fasting and prayer, if dedicating time and paying tithing could have altered our lives, it would have happened," she wrote in the book. But nothing helped. Allison continually blamed herself for his lack of physical attention and was sure he found her repulsive. Steve thought he was evil. She discover ed he was gay after she found a book, Loving Someone Gay that a friend had given him . They got counseling and kept the news from their families for a time. 'The problem is, you can't even talk about the problem," she said. "You live with this person. You know what kind of toothpaste he likes, you know everything about him . You have this friend you adore and it's like you have to cut off your right arm because you can't have him anymore." During the presentation, the couple He tells of suicidal thoughts, confessions to Mormon bishops and years he felt trapped in a painful marriage. He knew he was gay fron1 the tears. "I just left my sons and I don't get to see them that often," he said. His entry, "No Longer Afraid" tells of suicidal thoughts, confessions to Mormon bishops and years he felt trapped in a painful marriage. He knew he was gay from the time he was 12-years-old, but it came crashing home to him while listening to a talk at church. "I didn't understand what the Bishop was talking about. This masturbation thing . He said that horrible thing led people to homosexuality. I knew he was talking about me," he said. "But I hadn't even done it so how could I be homosexual?" Killian, like the others on the panel, was ctiligent in his church work, served a mission and was counseled to marry. But at one point, he "spied" on gay men in Washington, D.C. because he wanted to know what on e looked like. He eventually fell in love with a man and confessed his feelings to his bishop in the 1970s. "I was promised in a blessing that if I married a daughter of God in the temple, I would be cured,'' he said. Killian approached his marriag e like a business decision. tin1e he was 12 ... "Did I fall in love with her? I was fascinated with her, I am proud of stood side-by-side and detailed their her, I admire her and miss h e r," he 20 years of marriage and struggle. 1 said. He calls her his "personal savior" A 1992 handbook published by the and he remains her best friend. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day "I know there are thousands of Saints says "Marriage should not be other couples in various stages like viewed as a way to resolve homomy wife and I," he said. sexual problems. The lives of others After more than two years, they should not be damaged by entering a feel stronger. They are divorcing, but marriage where such concerns exist." are determined to be effective parents Killian said his wife has a difficult to their four children, ages 13-19. time understanding his homosexu- Rob Killian, a physician from ality and did not attend the presenta- Rochester, N.Y., faced the audience in tion . NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l 9 9 5 Friends believe bishop's "long illness" was- AIDS NEW YORK-On the pope's first trip to New York, he honored America's only black monsignor with a visit. Sixteen years later, John Paul II was back, but Bishop Emerson Moore was dead - a victim, so me say, of the pressures on a black bishop in a mostly white church. Moore was 57 when he died Sept. 14 of what his church described only as "natural causes of unknown origin" after a long illness. But The New Yurk Times reported that Moore had been an alcohol and cocaine abuser, and that many of his friends and colleagues believe he died of AIDS. At least one priest said he had directly confronted the Bishop about whether he had AIDS, and that he had denied it. Church officials said they wou ld not discuss that conclusion, but they wo uld not dispute it, either. Moore was one of two New York area bishops reportedly suffering from AIDS. The pope visited St. Charles Borromeo Church on Oct 2, 1979 during his hectic, two-day visit to New York. Ecclesiastical careers are often advanced by papal visits, and in 1982 Moore was named auxiliary bishop - the first in the archdiocese of New York. Moore headed committees, traveled to Africa on relief missions, got arrested for protesting against apartheid in South Africa. In 1990, he was the only bishop in the country to sign a full-page newspaper advertisement calling for major changes in the Catholic Church. Those changes included ordaining women, pursuing the idea of married priests and rethinking the church teaching on sex uality . Clearly, then, however much Bishop Moore felt the strain of expectations, he also often felt at odds philosophically with · the more conservative Cardinal O'Connor. Asked if he feared repercussions for · signing the 1990 ad, Bishop Moore told a religious news service, "Christ didn't promise us an easy life." Around the same time, friends say, Moore began to miss appointments, to run short of money, lo disappear for long periods whi le he sought treatment for addiction. In 1994, the Times reported, Moore entered the Hazelden clinic in Minnesota. He later moved to a halfway house in Minneapolis, and died at a hospice there. Cardinal O'Connor said: "I am sympathetic to what he endured. If he did anything he shouldn't have, a lot of people might not be sympathetic. We all have to be accountable. But I know he tried his best to lead a responsible life, and I know the church made every effort to help him lead that life. I'm sure his conscience is clear. I feel mine is." -Associated Press, New York Times tind other reports Mormon leaders articulate opposition to same-sex unions· By Vern Anderson Associated Press Writer SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Mormon Church leaders are bringing discussion of homosexuality out of the closet, seeking to explain to distraught parents of Gays and to the general membership why same -sex unions are anathema . In an unprecedented airing of the issue in the October edition of the faith's Ensign magazine, ·a church apostle writes that gender is a premortal characteristic and that Satan is out to "confuse what ii means to be male or female." 'The struggles -of those who are troubled by same-sex attraction are not unique. There are many kinds of temptations, sexual and otherwise. The duty to resist sin applies to all of them," Elder Dallin H. Oaks says in the eight-page article. Until recently, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have publicly discussed homo- This Christma~ let a new light shine for someone you love. GIVE THE GIFT OF SECOND STONE to a friend.family member, pastor, teacher or library... Your gift recipient will receive a card in your name and be reminded of your thoughtfulness for a full year, each time an issue arrives . . 0 Ple~e send a SECOND STc;>NE gift subscription and card in my name to the person(s)Usted: . · ·1 .Recipient __________ 3. Recipient _____ --, ___ _ Address Addr~ ----------- City, State & Zip City, State& . Zip ---,,------- 2.R~ipieni<---------- 4.Recipit:11:t _________ _ Address Address--~-'---~---~City, State &Zip, _______ _ City, State ~ZiP ------...,-- 1 gift, $17; 2 gifts, $29; 3 gifts, $42; 4 gifts, $54; mailed in plain envelope Name------------~-- · Non-U.S. addresses add $IO per yeru:, lJ S currency Address-- ---'---------- ~~i;~, State &Zip,_________ ~ ~ SECOND STONE• P.O. Box 8340 • New Orleans, LA 70182~ SECOND STONE sexuality mostly in general condemnations of immorality. But in 1994 the church began a vigorous campaign against efforts in Hawaii and elsewhere to legalize same-sex marriages. In the month of September, they have thrice proclaimed their opposition in high-profile forums. And Oaks' article, while disap!'ointing to many Mormon Gays and their parents, is significant for its acknowledgment of scientific research that tends lo show homosexuality has biological underpinnings. Oaks stressed that the subject of sexual orientation is "highly complex" and scientific knowledge about it in its infancy . Firm conclusions to "nature" versus "nurture" arguments over sexuality "must await many additional scientific studies." Nevertheless, he wrote, Mormons should refrain from using the words "homosexual, lesbian and gay" as nouns because to do so would run counter to church doctrine. "It is wrong to use these words to denote a condition, because this implies that a person is consigned by birth to a circumstance in which he or she has nq choice in respect to the critically important matter of sexual behavior," Oaks wrote. He also condemned · those who engage in "gay-bashing" and urged church memb.ers to show compassion toward those infected with the HIVvirus or afflicted with AIDS, "who may or may not have acquired their condition from sexual relations." On other points, the article by the former Utah Su.preme Court justice elaborated on statements made in a Sept. 23 "proclamation" by the church's governing First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles: That only heterosexual relations within marriage are acceptable to God and that men and women since Adam and Eve have been commanded fo "multiply and replenish the earth." discipline can be given for encouraging sin by others." While many other Christian faiths condemn homosexuality, Mormons have unique reasons for doing so. It is a basic tenet of the faith that only men and women married for eternity in a Mormon temple can dwell with God, and their families, after death, . and eventually attain godhood themselves. Oaks' address appears in partial response lo a growing number of Mormon Gays and their parents wounded by their treatment within a church that continues to insist homosexuality is treatable and even preventable. In a letter to President Gordon B. Hinckley on Aug. 27, 40 such parents asked, "How long must we endure the marginalization and vilification of our children?" They took exception to the monthly "First Presidency Message" in the September issue of the Ensign written _by Hinckley's counselor, James E. Faust, who declared the scien tific theory of . an inborn homosexual orientation a "false belief." 'The fruits of mounting scientific evidence, our own experience and our own children tell us otherwise," the parents wrote. They also decried the continued insistence by LDS Social Services on placing a large share of the blame for homosexuality on poor parenting, such an absent or weak father and a dominant mother. The church agency provides sexual re-orientation therapy to Mormon Gays. "If this theory had any vaJ.iqily, we would expect to see an .epidemic of homosexuality in the ghettos where absent fathers are the rule rather than the exception," the parents told Hinckley. A 1995 set of guidelines from LDS Social Services to Mormon counselors and psychotherapists says an "important goal in working with the parents of feminine boys and mascu- Mormons who engage in homo" sexual behavior can expect · to be excommunicated, Oaks said, "And SEE MORMONS, Page 19 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l 9 9 5 In Print ....................................................... .................. Baptist leader finds God's suffering in AIDS victims Burden of a Secret it with us." By David Briggs Associated Press Religion Writer c)ffhe Rev. Jimmy Allen's friends :;;J' considered him a modern -day Job, the biblical figure who endured tragedy after tragedy as a test of faith. The book, Burden of a Secret, is published by Moorings, in Nashville, , Tenn. The world of the former Southern Baptist president came crashing down a decade ago, when he found out his daughter -in-law and two grandsons had .been infected with the AIDS virus during a blood transfusion she received in her first pregnancy. Lydia and her second child, Bryan, have died, and her other son, Matthew, is in the final stages of the disease. In th.e midst of all the suffering, one of Allen's sons told him he was gay and also had AIDS. Similar to the biblical account of Job, Allen's family found most rejection coming from within the church, with congregation after congregation turning . away his son's family when they discovered some members had AIDS. But unlike Job, Allen has never gotten angry at God. In a new book describing his experience, what Allen says he discovered in his personal journey through Gethsemane - the place Jesus spent the night before his crucifixion - was that God was suffering along with him. "I've been angry at sin and suffering. I've not been angry at God," Allen said in an interview. "God is in Allen said that when he first found out that AIDS had come to his family, he was filled with "why?" questions. 'They come at night, when I am at the edge of consciousness, trying to sleep," Allen writes. "Or in an unguarded moment as I hear a laughing child, the why questions leap across my path to challenge me. Why could it not be Bryan laughing, or Matt, or Lydia? Why did they have to die so young?" As he struggled through the pain of watching his grandson die, the "whys" became irrelevant. And he found God hurting along with him. 'The experience has deepened my\ awareness of the suffering in the heart of God," Allen said in an interview. "God is much bigger than I thought." Grief comes not to destroy people, Allen said, but to draw them closer to God. "Perhaps rather than asking 'why us?' we should ask, 'why not us?' Allen says. "Is not God's strength adequate to carry us through the same trials our fellow human beings encounter? What good is a Gospel that works only when the sun shines and life is easy?" Real faith, Allen said, is loving God Rev. Jimmy Allen, author of "Burden of a Secret," and former Southern Baptist Convention president not .for his solutions to personal struggle, but for himself. "Faith that can take it when God says 'no' adds steel to resolve, peace to the soul, sensitivity to the suffering of a hurting world, and absolute confidence that God will ultimately make things right, " Allen said. If God had healed his family members of AIDS, Allen said .he would have been ecstatic. Guide makes "going to the chapel" easier But that didn't happen, and Allen now must live with the mystery. What gives him strength is the mystery that God enters into his suffering with .him, Allen said. The Complete Gay Union Planner, a new commitment ceremony package developed by Rainbow Marketing, is designed to give those who are planning a commitment ceremony the necessary tools to guide them with confidence through the process of organizing their day of commitment. The central component of the package is a 112-page manual that provides worksheets and schedules to keep even the most frazzled user on track and organized . Covering every aspect of planning the ceremony, the . manual provides guidance on topics from choosing the location and caterer to arranging a more legal status for the union. A resource guide is included which offers a complete list of suppliers of gay union accessories such as rings and caketoppers, gay-friendly religious organizations, travel organizations and tour operators and a list of attorneys who deal with gay issues. A full set of key legal documents is provided to help those who wish to make their legal status more than just roommates. A full color "marriage certificate·· plus camera-ready invitation templates are also included. The Complete Gay Union Planner sells for .$49.97 and is available from Rainbow Marketing, 7501 Creekridge Rd., #107, Charlotte, NC 28212, (704)568-2673, rnbwmrkt@aol.com. "I become most like God when I love and suffer because God is a loving, suffering God," he said. In going public with his family's experience, Allen · hopes to help churcl1es become more responsive to Bulk Copies Available OF THIS ISSUE OF SECOND STONE 10 copies - $13.50 • 25 copies - $29.50 • 50 copies - S45.00 100 copies - $67. 50 includes postage and handling. Send your pre-paid order to Second Stone , P.O. Box 8340 , New Orleans, LA 70182 the AIDS crisis. "For my family, the issue is no longer 'why us?' It is, 'how can we help others avoid the suffering that has c.ome to us?"' These artists all have something in common: Bryan Adams. Jon Anderson. Roy Thomas Baker. Toni Basil. Peabo Bryson. Mike Chapman. Ava Cherry. Alice Cooper. Michael Des Barres. Rhett Davies. Bob Esty. Roberta Flack • . Sam Harri s. Phyllis Hyman. Alfonso Johnson. Johny Mandel. Martin Page. The Pointer Sisters. Suzi Qualro. Robbie • Robertson. Jimm ie Spheeris. Donna Summer. Bernie Taupin. Chester Thomson. Gino vannelli. The Weather Girls . .A.lee Willis. Gary Wright. They worked wilh Ibis UUJ If you'v e lis tene<l to popu lar music· in the latt er part of the 201h Crntury. then you've probably already hrnrd thr work of talen1ed write1; c·omposP1.,_ produc e r; and session mus ici<m Paul Delph: Because 1015 of major ai' t.i~t.-; worked ,vi1h ·him on their projcc1 s. i\ow you can hear wh:11 ht> so111Hls like wlic,n he$ in the dl'in·r ' s .:;rut 0 11 1his powerful: empowering 11rw CD. Positive music for positive people. And all the people who love them. A GOD THAT CAN DA;\CE pa11/ de/pl, . This pr iYntrly rrle.isrd, li111i1rcl Nlition CD is a\'nilable by chrck or mm1t•y order forSl.5.00 10: Magic Records 303 Klotter Street Cincinnati Off 45219 For more info on Paul Delph, and 18 olher world class mdepen dent recording arllSIS, VISII ArllSI Access on lie World Vllde Web· hllp //www.ar11s1acms.com/ cdaud1oiar11s1amss html SECOND STONE NOVEMBER/D E CEMBER l 9 9 5 InP rint • • •••• • ••••••••••••• • ••••••••••••• Q •••••••••••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••• UFMCC elder writes about "Our Tribe" By Dr. Robert E. Goss Contributing Writer Our Tribe: Queer Folks, God, Jesus, and the Bible. Rev Nancy Wilson, author. HarperSanFrancisco, 1995. REV. NANCY WILSON, an elder in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, has contributed a major work in lesbian and gay Christian theology . The UFMCC has every reason to be proud of her latest achievement. Our Tribe takes no back seat to any denominational Christian theology but pioneers liberation theology into the next century. Nancy Wilson witnesses to an alternative vision to the postchristian option ·of many gay and lesbian theologians. The strength of the book is its practical focus on the lived experience of lesbian/ gay Christians. Wilson's many anecdotes bring her theology alive and gives us a personal glimpse into a lesbian Christian who genuinely cares about justice and love. There are three major contributions, I believe, that Our Tribe makes to queer theology: 1.) a history of the UFMCC's relationship to the National Council of Churches, 2.) outing the Bible, 3.) and a sexual theology. Nancy Wilson narrates how the UFMCC met the National Council of Churches' requirements of membership and the NCC's continued denial of admission because of ecclesial homophobia. She details the behind the scenes world of ecumenical politics that did not make public press: Though the UFMCC met all the membership requirements of the National Council of Churches, there was strong pressure for the UFMCC to withdraw its application to that body. The NCc; refused to acknowledge the genuine spiritual awakening in the gay /lesbian Christian community. Wilson uses the wonderful metaphor of a loose thread on a coat to explain the threat posed to the NCC by the UFMCC. When you pull the thread, it begins to unravel. In the same fashion, the NCC's inability to deal with homosexuality indicates the impoverishment of its theology of sexuality. When confronted with homosexuality, its whole homophobic/ heterosexist theologies of sexuality come unravelled. Many of the Recommended Reading For Everyone ... PASTOR, I AM GAY by The Reverend H. Howard Bess An extraordinary book. PASTOR, I AM GAY ... is a prophetic witness to the church. It is compelling in its intensity, compassionate in its identifications, and courageous in its call to sharing humanity without ualifications. A reader will not be able to put it own. James B. Ashbrook, Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in Religion and Personality Garrett Evangelical Tneological Seminary Northwestern University PASTOR, I AM GAY is a superb entry into the difficult and painful subject of homosexuality that faces us in the church and sodety today. Both pastor and lay person will find this book readable and informative as we seek more insight into the lives of homosexual friends inside and outside the church. Donald Parsons, BishopA, laska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ PASTORI A, M GAYb y Rev.H owardB ess $14.95p, aperback. ___ _ P011tage1Han$d3li.n0g0f i rstb ook, $1.00e a. additional- ---- TOTALA MOUNTE NCLOSED-- --- NAME_ _____________________ _ ADDRES_S_ _______________ _ __ _ CITY/STATE/Z_I_P_ ________________ _ ORDERFR OM: SECONSDT ONEP RESSP,. O.B OX8 340N, EWO RLEANLSA, 7 0182 SECOND STONE U!J members of the NCC were not prepared to deal with the challenge to their theologies of sexuality . UFMCC's sexual theology highlights the shortcomings of the theologies of sexuality of the membership of the NCC. Gay and xual Jready ln hurch Wilson outs Gays, Lesbians, and bisexuals from their ancient biblical closets. She sets out to uncover the existence of men and women attracted to the same sex within the Bible beyond Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi. Her discussion of the biblical notion of eunuchs and barren women is innovative. Ancients un- ~ derstood, Wilson claims, eunuchs and barren women as gay, lesbian and bisexual antecedents. They were men and women classified because they chose not to have children. She uses Jesus' own categorization of eunuchs for the reign of God to define Wilson outs Gays, Lesbians and bisexuals from their ancient biblical closets. She sets out to uncover the existence of men and women attracted to the same sex within the Bible beyond Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi. Rev. Nancy Wilson, second from right, author of Our Tribe, in a protest at a National Council of Churches general board meeting. him and others as eunuchs. Wilson outs the Magi, Mary and Martha, Lazar us, the Roman . Centurion, the missionary woman couples Tryphaema and Tryphosa, Euodia and Syntyche, Paul and Silas, and angelic messengers. Wilson imaginatively ,rereads the story about the destruction of Sodom and Gommorrah as the attempted violent rape of two male angels (who also fall within the biblical definition of eunuch). The true Sodomite is the violent murder of Alan Schindler, ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, and the Tailhook incident. Finally, Nancy Wilson develops a queer sexual theology based on the biblical notions of hospitality and the Sabbath, For Wilson, to share sexually with someone is literally to make room for them in our body. Our bod_y is home, and sexuality is an mv1tat10n of bodily hospitality. Wilson's notion of bodily hospitality provides a basis for the development of a sexual ethic. Coerciv.e sex violates a sense of bodily hospitality. A second point in Wilson's sexual theology is her correlation of human sexuality with a Sabbath theology. fake the Sabbath, human sexuality was intended for our mutual joy and pleasure. Sexuality is about being made in'the image of God who loves fun, joy and pleasure. Wilson boldly paraphrases Jesus Sabbath saying, "Sexuality was made for humanity, not humanity for sexuality." For Wilson, God is a God of sexual pleasure and sexual justice. Imagine what the National Council of Churches could learn from Wilson's sexual theology and how it could transform its fearful theologies to encompass a creation theology of s~xual theology as an original blessmg rather than an origianl sin. I cannot recommend Our Tribe enough to gay and lesbian Christians for their reading, prayer, and practice. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 9 9 5 ...... . .... .. . .. City of Refuge joins UCC t.CITY OF REFUGE Community Church in San Francisco has joined the United Church of Christ. The church occupies a 28,000 sq. ft. former television station at Van Ness and Greenwich streets. One of the fastest growing churches in the Bay Area, the primarily African-Americanchurch was tounded just four y ears ago by the Rev. Yvette Flunder and 14 original members and has already grown to embrace almost 600 members. Flunder is a third generation pastor, raised in the African-American Pentecostal tradition. Fort Worth church celebrates new name t.A MISSION CHURCH started in Fort Worth, Texas and originally named Whit e Rock West after its founding church has taken a big step in creating its own identity . The newly renamed Celebration Community Church was started in 1993 by Jerry Cook, pastor of White Rock Church in Dallas. Al the time, Cook would commute 35 miles from Dallas to Tarrant County to conduct a 5 p.m. service and then quickly return to Dallas to preach a 7 p.m. service. In November of 1994 the church called it's first pastor, Rev. Bill Prickett, who had been working as coordinator of Evangelicals . Concerned / Laguna CORONER, From Page 7 he said. On Sept. 14, Gov. Mike Lowry wrote to Amend about his postmortem comments in the Carver case. "I am concerned that your statements following her death have been misleading and inaccurate. The murder of Rachel was not committed by a gay person, yet you have used her death to indict the entire gay community," Lowry wrote. "While the abuse or murd .er of a young child is unforgivable, it is simply unfair and unwarranted to single out the gay community following Rachel's death ." The governor's legal counsel, Kent Caputo, asked the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission to investigate Amend. The 19-member panel has the authority to revoke a physician's license, but it is not often used, Director Keith Shafer said. "You are requested to take any and all appropriate action to ensure that the health and well-being of the people of the state are protected from such unprofessional and devastating conduct," Caputo said in a Jetter to Shafer. While the commission could strip Amend of his physician's license, it does not have the power to remove him from the coroner's office. The papers for a recall movement SECOND STONE Noteworthy • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • e • • • • • • • • • • • • • ·• • • • • • • • • Beach, in California. "It was a tedious process finding a name," Prickett said. "We had many people working hard on the transition . Most everyone in the church wanted a new name. It was just a matter of finding one that fit. I like the new name. It communicates a .strong message. We are about celebrating. We celebrate all that God has done in Christ. We celebrate God's acceptance. And ~e celebrate who we are, as God's gay and lesbian Children." Average church attendance has doubled - to about 60 - since the name change. For information on Celebration Community Church, call (817)245-0433. Lutheran ministry produces posters aimed at gay youth t.A LUTHERAN LESBIAN and Gay Ministries partnership grant supporting Wingspan Ministry's Youth and Family Poster Project has made it possible for the organization to print two new posters this year bringing the number of gay-positive posters available to four. Wingspan is a ministry of St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn. The posters are designed for use in school districts, health clinics, AIDS service organizations and youth service organizations . For information on the posters call (612)224-3371 or write to are inching their way through the legal process, but the earliest organizers would be able to get the issue on the ballot would be next year. The next regular election for coroner is 1998. . Says Rev. Wood, "A recall effort will be costly, even with contributed legal efforts. Furthermore there is a noisy and probably deep-pocketed, fundamentalist support group for Dr. Amend who are planning to fight the recall effort all the way." Amend is not without his supporters. About 250 people turned out at an • after-church rally for him in late August. He delivered a rambling speech detailing the particulars of anal sex for the crowd, which included many children. "Sodomy is what I am rejecting," Amend said. "It is inhuman." Michelle Lowell, an anti-gay rights activist who organized the rally, called Amend's remarks courageous and urged his audience to work to restore laws that make sodomy a crime. It is estimated that the recall effort will need $25,000 to cover the costs involved. Donations may be sent to the Recall Amend Committee, 6123 N . Fleming, Spokane, WA 99205. -Associated Press and other reports CD the church at 100 N. Oxford, St. Paul, MN 55104-6540. "Cool, your parents are gay! Why didn't you tell me?'' One of the new posters available from Wingspan. King's House celebrates first anniversary t.THE ,KING'S HOUSE Praise and Worship Center, Campbell, Calif., celebrated its first anniversary with a festival weekend Sept. 8-10. Evangelist Naomi Harvey was the guest speaker. This active ministry for gay and lesbian Christians is located at 1550 S. Winchester Ave., Suite 109 in Campbell, phone (408)288-8584. David Harvey serves as pastor. Integrity/Chicago celebrates 21st anniversary t.lNTEGRITY /CHICAGO was scheduled to celebrate its 21st anniversary on November 4 with a Eucharist in the Cathedral of St. James followed by a banquet featuring an address by Louie Crew, founder of the national organization. All eleven people who first gathered in December of 1974 were invited to return for the celebration. At presstime, the group was hoping to have Bishop Primo as principal celebrant, since he presided at the first Integrity convention Eucharist in November of 1975. l:3aptist Honesty group forms in Dallas iiSOUTHERN BAPTISTS, the largest Protestant denomit\ation in Texas, have long been associated with hostility and indifference towards members of the gay community. A light in this denomination sparked on Monday, October 2, with the creation of a supportive association of gay and lesbian Baptists called "Honesty/ Texas ." The group has no official connection to the' Southern Baptist Convention and therefore considers itself an autonomous, independent voice within the denomination. Unable to find a local Baptist church host, the 20 charter members convened their inaugural meeting at the Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas. Those who gathered found openness and encouragement to be a positive voice uniting their gay and Baptist identities. Although the group is primarily Baptist, any gay or lesbian Christian without a support system is invited to attend. Honesty/ Texas has two preliminary goals: provide support for gay and lesbian Baptists as they seek to know and follow God's will for their lives, and to educate individuals, local congregations, and the denomination about the complex issues surrounding homosexuality. For information on Honesty, write to P. 0. Box 190869, Dallas, TX 75219 or call (214)521-5342, ext. 233. AIDS ministry gets award t.BRO. STEPHEN E. BRADDOCK, 0.5.C., founder and executive director of AIDS Ministry for the Order of St . Camillus, was honored by the Mid-West Hispanic AIDS Coalition with the 1995 "Ltiz Y -Vida" (Light and Life) Award for outstanding contributions made to the Hispanic Community of Wisconsin. The award was presented August 25th at Milwaukee's United Community . Center. MHAC is a non-profit membership organization of Hispanics and nonHispanics addressing the problem of HIV/ AIDS among Hispanics in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. :w, Brother Stephen Braddock, right, is presented with the 1995 "Lux Y Vida" award by Jose Avila. Luke "Sissyfag" joins ex-gays FORMER MEMBER OF ACT UP Seattle Luke "Sissyfag" Montgomery has joined the fundamentalist antigay movement. He promotes antigay initiatives and refers to himself as a former homosexual activist. This past summer he appeared on religious radio stations across the country and in an interview with Focus on the Family leader James Dobson, he approved the attacks against the gay community. 'The gay community is . devoid of any moral character ... and it's a totally shallow, disgusting lifestyle," he said. · Montgomery (he's changed his name back) is in Los Angeles, where he 's attempting to become a "shockjock" anti-gay radio talk show host. - Seattle Gay News NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l , 9 9 5 ' . . Comment . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. - .................. . Refuse to lose By butchwalks@aol.com Guest Comment r'"'f1his morning all over the papers l ~nd within the sports media is the story of the Mariners and their chance at the championship. · One title caught my eye and made me reflect upon my own spiritual challenges. The sportswriter said everywhere you look .in the Seattle area you can see the "Refuse to Lose" theme boosting the enthusiam and spirit for our home team. God's spirit reflected this theme to my own journey. Here is what I. meditated on, perhaps you can get something out of it as well. 1. The "Refuse to Lose" attitude. If these athletes compete with body, soul, and all of their strength to obtain an earthly crown and recompense for their efforts, how much more should we - the children of God - put our entirety into God's working in our lives? Too often we have a defeatist complex . I have great news my friends, we are winners in Christ! That's not just an attitude, but a reality. "We are more than conquerers through Christ who loved us ... " Halluliah! 2. The news broadcaster also boasted about the attendance. 57,000 plus spectators. If you saw the Mariners last playoff game against New York, you saw the stadium come to life as that winning hit was made. The crowd rose to their feet, shouts were heard for miles around the Kingdome, the fans at home watching via television, the people at work and listening to th(! radio were all in unparalleled rejoicing over their team's achievements. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I have · good news. There is more than any 57,000 plus in our spectators arena. The Scripture tells us that there is a '.'great cloud of witnesses" that Will address areas wh_ere consensus exists watch us in our race upon this earth. Think about that for a second . When we are faced in a two strike, two out inning and it is all upon us and what we do at bat...there are angelic hosts in heaven shouting and praying aloud for us to overcome the obstacles of Satan's temptations. Thank God for our heavenly support. 3. The paper this morning listed an entire page of the Mariners' stats in comparison with the Indians. Amazingly, God records our stats too. Think of our stats like this. Blessed are the peacemakers ... Blessed are the pure in heart...Blessed are the merciful...Blessed are you when people shall persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you ... So how are our stats? There is a song that says how many are the lost that I have lifted? How many are the chained I've helped to free? I wonder have I done my best for Jesus, when Christ has done so much for me. 4. Then there was the heros of the team ... Ken Griffey, Jr ... Manny Ramirex, Edgar Martinex, Randy Johnson ... AII of these talented and hardworking athletes deserve their due applause and honor. Our team all-star is better than any of these guys. Our team all-star has never struck out, never dropped a catch, never hit a bad pitch. Our team all-star is none other than Christ Jesus our Lord. Many times as gay /lesbian/ transgendered /bi Christians we would rather sit on the bench and wear the team uniform and attend practice ... but we don't like to get out there in the spotlight where we can be seen participating on the team. When all of God's team players play wholeheartedly as the Seattle Mariners then we, the Church of Jesus Christ will also be the victorious, overcoming, and "refusing to lose." Lutherans to produce "message" on human sexuality CHICAGO - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will produce a "message" on human sexuality before it considers another possible "social statement" on the subject. The ELCA Division for Church in Society (DCS) will "draft a 'message' for consideration by the church council in fall 1996 on those areas for which· there appears to be consensus within this church," according to the council's executive committee. The council may adopt the message or it may distribute the text for comment in the church prior to transmitting it to the 1997 Churchwide Assembly, the executive committee action said. The DCS board received the committee's action at its Sept. 28-30 meeting here. Any prospect of developing a social statement on human sexuality will be reviewed following that assembly, the executive committee said. The assembly could consider the message if the council feels it is setting new policy . It would also "help keep the momentum going in terms of our discussion of the subject," said the Rev. Charles S. Miller, DCS executive director. The division develops social 'statements for action by the church council and the biennial Churchwide Assembly, and it develops messages on social issues for action by the 37-member church council. Social statements usually define church policy, while messages are "persuasive, non-policy communications on timely, urgent social issues." ;•we may have to push the margin a bit," Miller said. A SECOND STONE message on human sexuality may go beyond current definitions "only because some of the material ... is not treated in predecessor church social statements, and the understanding of a message is that it does not ordinarily break new ground in terms of policy for the church."- The message will probably not create new policy, said Miller. 'There are just some places we are going to have to admit this is taking us into territory where the predecessor churches have not been," he said. The ELCA has been studying the topic of human sexuality since 1989 with the hopes of developing a social statement on the subject. Two drafts of a possible statement were met with great interest and largely negative response, but portions of the drafts were praised for clearly stating the church's opposition to abuses of r._« Pontius' Puddle HOW COME'.. T~~ $E:A~c~ COMt-\\TTEE l'ORNE:t> C>OWN "TI-U:. APPL\C~NT FOR -n-\E. PASTO~A.il: °? human sexuality. Miller said the message may "on the one hand deal with practices that violate our sexuality and then on the other hand deal with our witness in public policy regarding matters of sexuality. Those two areas would be the ones most naturally lifted up in the message, because we found in the responses to the first and the second draft relatively little disagreement with that material," he said. The church council's executive committee asked the division to begin work on "a multi-authored volume on how Lutherans do ethics, with a companion document to be prepared for congregational use." DCS will work with Lutheran ethicists, to develop the multiauthored piece probably dealing with more topics than human sexuality. The executive committee also Tl4.AT1S OOTRAGEOU$! WI-IA1 QOIRK or \,IRTI-\ CO<JLD POSS\5L\J CAUS'c. TI-\E CI-\ORC.1-l TO OVERLOOI( T"'E INNER GIFTS ONE IS ASKEO "TO 8RIN&-- TO ,l-\E. MIN\STR\J '? directed DCS staff to undertake "appropriate efforts related to issues of hospitality and justice" with gay and lesbian Lutherans. The possibility of the ELCA ever producing a social statement on human sexuality is unclear. "We'll have to wait until after the 1997 Churchwide Assembly __ to see whether, in light of what w e've produced, the church through the assembly still believes we should continue work on a social statement," said Miller. In other action, the board officially brought "closure to the work of the original task force on human sexuality" assembled in 1989. A letter of appreciation will include recognition of the personal attacks task force members suffered in the course of their work on this controversial topic . -BEINC:r 80RN rEMAL.E. I HOP£ YOU WE.NT RO<.>C::rl-\ ON μER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER l 9 9 5 YourTurn ............................................ ·• .......................... . Louisville, Kentucky Lutheran assembly "best ever" for Gays, Lesbians Dear Second Stone, I felt the September/ October issue of Second Stone had a very negative tone about the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This is unjustified and incorrect. Our new bishop, George Anderson, is much more supportive and will do a lot to push the church to move forward than your article suggested. . This assembly was the best ever for lesbian/gay people and we are very pleased. Instead of a backlash, which some had · predicted following the sexuality debate going on, we were ·welcomed and our place at the table in this denomination was assured. Sure, we didn't get everything we hoped for ... ordination is still not CLOSET, From Page 3 "I think Tracey Lind is one of the · finest priests I've ever known," he told the Herald & News. 'The fact that Tracey is a lesbian who lives in a committed relationship is of little interest to me." Robert . Briggs, who serves on St. Paul's vestry and runs a homeless shelter for the parish, credited Lind with helping him transform his life. "I was living on the street for two years, MORMONS, From Page 14 line girls is to improve the marital relationship - schisms between the parents are apparent in almost all cases. "Gender confusion is less likely when love and harmony are present in the parents' marriage. Treatment for the parents is aimed at overcoming their distance from each other." Many Mormon Gays and their parents hold out hope that a preponderance of scientific evidence eventually will cause the church affirmed (although as a result of the discussions in the church at large, more and more bishops are ordaining candidates they know to be gay/ lesbian, and encouraging those dergy who come out to stay in the ministry), but significant progress was achieved. I value Second Stone and continue to encourage people to subscribe. Sincerely, Jim Oxyer Lutherans Concerned/Louisville Longview, Texas A Christian before anything else Dear Second Stone, I am a Christian and that is first in my life. To be gay is only a secondary thing. Being gay or straight, male or female; white or of color should be secondary in every Christian's life. Yet many Christians still living in cars, in abandoned buildings," he said. There are inany openly gay priests in the Episcopal Church, several dozen of them in New Jersey. Unlike bishops, who are answerable to the national church leadership, priests can be disciplined only by the bishop for whom they work. St. Paul's, founded in 1812 by Paterson's silk gentry; is one of the more diverse churches in New Jersey. It is 45 percent black, 35 percent white and 10 percent Hispanic . leaders they revere as prophets to look less sternly on same-sex marriages. "As tlw understanding of homosexuality evolves, is the status · quo the best we can hope for?" the parents asked Hinckley, the church's "prophet, seer and revelator." "Is it possible that additional revelation may be forthcoming that might bring some peace and un<;lerstanding to our families? How long must we and the church remain in conflict with ourselves?" SECOND STONE Newsjournal, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0 : Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone, a registered trademark . SUBSCRIPTIONS , U.S.A. $17,00 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $10.00 for postage, All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertis ing infonnation call (504)891-7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 . EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Department title) Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope, Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material, SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical Christian social justice newsjoumal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey SECOND STONE G) see some of these parts of themselves as first in their life. In the Bible when people became changed for the better for God they had a name change. Maybe God is calling .on us as a group of Christians to separate ourselves from the gay world. To change our name, to take a higher calling. In the Bible the higher calling for the word gay is joy. To be gay is of the world, to be joy is of God. To be for Christ is joy . Nehemiah 8:9-10 says non-Christians are under law. We as Christians are ' under grace. Gay people weep and mourn under the change of laws. But we as Christians know, "the joy of the · Lord is our strength . The wake-up call is today . Does anyone hear the gentle voice of God in Christ calling us to a life of joy? Will anyone take the high road from gay to joy? May joy be yours today and for eternity, Paul Ennis W From the Editor W • -, • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • e "Their" organizations offer more than "ours" By Jim Bailey - ... CONTRARY TO WHAT many of us may feel by now, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the , Family organization was not created to crusade against gay rights and wo~en s nghts. Those were not the issues that expanded Dobson'& orgaru~t10 _n ~rom a small two-roo~ operation into the giant Colorado Springs enterpnse 1t 1s today. Through his earlier therapy practice Dobson began to understand that, yes, the American family was indeed in trouble. About half o/ all married couples were s~litting up and m~ny who were staying together w~re havmg trouble mamta1m1;1-g thetr commitment. In many families where children . were prese,nt, parentmg s~ills were seen as lacking. So Dobson crea_t:d an orgaruzahon to help marned couples stay together and raise their farruhes. T~e need was certainly there, and with Focus on the Family doing a . fairly good JOb of meeting those needs, the organization grew ·exponentially . Focus on the Family is basically a resource center offering books, video tapes , ne_"'.sletters , and . media program~in~ t~~t suppo~s families in trouble. Mismformah~>n about gay and lesbian md1V1dual, family and parenting issues notw1thstandmg, Focus on the Family has made material available that without doubt has been helpful to many, many families . Those appreciative families and many other supportive families are now members of Focus on the Family. When Dr. Dobson inco~ectly id~ntified gay rights as a threat to the family, the vast membership of his orgamzalton gave him a powerful voice to speak against gay and lesbian people. The gay community responded to Focus on the Family and other such organizations by forming political organizations. (True to our weakness of not ?eing able to agree much of time, we formed several splintered organizations mstead of _one powerful one.) We are asked to send money to join. We do. Then we fmd that most of our contact with this group will be in the form of more solicitations and possibly a newsletter or ballot of endorsements . We are asked to do much of the lobbying work ourselves . And send more money. Who gets more out of the ir membership - a member of Focus on the Family - or a member of one of our political groups? Is there any wonder that we just can't match their numbers? · The )argest i:;ay and lesbian "focus" group in America doesn't exist yet. It will come mto bemg when, hke Dr. Dobson, someone provides a balm for the difficul~ies and struggles we face in our lives and our relationships. We will know, hke members of Focus on the Family, that we are affiliated with a group that understands the pain we have felt - and offers solutions, answers and support. Every now and then I see a spark of hope that such a group may come out of one of our gay and lesbian Christian organizations. Then again, maybe not. We continue to let petty differences divide us. In the larger religious commuruty, even evangelicals and Roman Catholics are coming together to work toward common goals. We continue to miss the big harvest because, with help only from People Like Us, we toil the tiny field of familiarity and minor comfort. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," "Philosophically intrigu. ing." "Excellent. u Why do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF OPEN HANDS an ecumenical quarterly magazine on mi'nistries with gays. lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample. 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago , IL 60641. 3121736-5526. FAX-3121736-5475. HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda Directory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 sources of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - books . groups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13.237 Montfort, Ste. 8101, Dallas TX 75240. NOVELS FOR RELIGIOUS people! The novels of . Lammy-winning author Toby Johnson deal positively with the spiritual significance of gay experience. GETTING LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, soul stirring tale of ~ove and religious meaning. Available at gay bookstores nationwide. Or for $11.50 from Peregrine Ventures, P.O. Box 684704, Austin, TX 78768. 12/95 "A POSITIVE LOOK at the Bible and Homosexuality 0 tracts, fast rt:a~ing, excellent for pride events, bar mm1stry, personal sharing. Economical. $1 and SASE will return sample and order form from: River of Life, 134· Quincy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 TIRED OF BIBLICAL "condemnation" of gays? Read "From Darkness into Light: What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" by David Cooper. Do gays have any basis for Holy Unions? Read "Sex, Marriage. and Divorce 11 by Cornerstone Fellowship. Both pamphlets available for $2.00 each from Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo, Tucson. AZ 85705. GAY TEACHER desires a caring, sharing male friend-first. At 50 I enjoy home, travel, restaurants. movies, music . church, and diversity. Your heart's desire? Write tonight! Dave, Box 18122, Rochester, NY 14618. 12/95 PROVERBS SAYS "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." GWM, 43, non-smoker. non-drinker, seeks such a friend to share faith, fellowship, and fun. Life is meant to be shared. Let's discover what interests we have in common and begin ... building the relationshi 'p God has in store for us! Please write: P.O. Box 68005, Rochester NY 14618. 12/95 IN LOVE WITH LIFE, compassionate, poetic, age 28, ebon, seeking someone to communicate with (not to), someone unprejudiced and concer~ed about justi<:e, especially as related to pnsons. Please wnte Kenneth Johnson #515059, F-3, Route 2, Box 4400 Gatesville. TX 76597. TF WARNING-REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seekini correspondence are genuine in their intent, some are not. Readers are cautioned to protect themselves from scams: I. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. Persons cashing altered checks ·<Jr money orders are responsible for the difference between the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal personal information about SECOND STONE Cla ssifieds .• ••••. • •• • ••• •••• •••• • • • •••••••• e: •• ••• ----- - ------------7 Classified Order Form FOR ONLY 35¢ per word, your classified ad will reach readers from Sitka. Alaska to Amherst, Maine and everywhere irt between. Business or personal ... try a classified ad in our next edition! Mail To: Second. Stone Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Na me. ___________________ _ Addres s __________ _ City/St ./Zip, ________ _ AD COPY __ words X .35= $ ____ _ 20 word minimum. All classifieds must be pre-paid. Deadline one month prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad appears Please place my ad in these issues: [ J Jan/Feb [ J Mar/Apr , [ J May/Jun [ J Jul/Aug · [ J Sept/Oct [ J Nov/Dec CLASSIFICATIONS [ J Books & Publications [ J Business Opportunities [ J Employment [ ] Friends/Relationships [ J General Interest [ l Mail Order [ l Merchandise [ l Organizations [ .I Professional Services [ J Real Estate [ l Retreats [ J Roommates [ ]Travel ------------------------------------------------------------- if Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963, FAX (212)268-7032. 12/95 INVITATION: OPTIMISTIC writers willing to share short personal prayers or reflections (biblical or not) with those facing death, loss, terminal illness, coming out. Information: AMDG Enterprise, Box 12754,. San Antonio, TX78212. GAY GLOBETROTTER - Dashing 40 year old beauty specializes in being a travel escort for seniors and disabled who never get out and want their own personal travel escort. Write 1.G., P.O. Box 22007, Seattle , WA 98122. I travel the world at reasonable rates. TF COMMITMENT CEREMONY QUES tions? FREE report gives you the answers. Call today for your copy! 704-568 -2673 . 41% WANTED: PATRON(S) Young gay Christian HIV+ writer. Former Fundementalist. Intense. Passiona te. Deeply spiritual. Compelling desire to communicate the transforming power of God1s universal love. Distracted by tight finances, seeks financial supporters! More details - write JRL, P.O. Box 4914 , Irvine, CA 92716-4914,_Thanks! -LIVE OPERA performances on audio/video casette . Incredible selection since 1930 1s, world-wide. Over 7400 items. Magnificent rree computerized catalogue. Live Opera, P.O. Box 3141. Steinway Station, Long Island City. NY 11103. 12/95 PIANO FOR SALE. Wanted: a responsible person to take on a low monthly payment on a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll free: 1-800-533-7953. 12/95 BECOME A PRIEST - Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual persons. serve God and Community as a Priest. External program leads to valid ordination. An incardination process is available for those already in Orders. Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment without interest in ordination may also reply. EACA - Vocations , 2401 Artesia Blvd., Ste. #106-213, Redondo Beach CA 90278. 12/95 . CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESbians (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage . Quarterly newsletter. Supportive network. Advocates for lesbian issues in poli tical and Church forums. For membership information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC religious order. Men/women, lay/clerical, gay/non-gay. Optional celibacy , non-residential, ecumenical. Ordination pos sible. Father Abbot , Order of St. John the Divine . 166 Jay St., Albany, NY 122!0. GAY PRINCIPIANS GROUP - Gay, Bi, Lesbian and Straight /Supportive Alumni of Principia College (Elsah, IL) and Upper s·chools (St. Louis) Contact: David White #124, 2900 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20008-1404, 202-387-7250, E-mail Mrblanc@aol.com. 12195 CHRISTIANS ·JN COMMUNION with Creation. An Organization for 11Green Christians." Membership with monthly mailings, $35. Roger Wharton, 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose, CA 95110. 408-451-9310. 12/95 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries - Network for diocesan and parish ministries, newsletter, annual meeting. 433 Jefferson . Street, Oakland, CA 94607. 510-465-9344. '21.% l!P@fsrl,/!&2)~~Wm~mr~r ~·: ~ WHEN A GOOD FRIEND ISN'T ENOUGH: Help is just a phone call away . . Experience supportive psychotherapy with experienced, licensed Christian lesbian counselor in the privacy of your home. Call Jill Denton for FREE consultation. (805)534-1101. 4/96 GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, Ministers, Masseurs, Theologians, Teachers, Artists speak in 25 videos wisdom that only comes from the heart. EroSpirit Newsletter. Free. 800-432-3767 12/95 THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE. Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/ Lesbian Christian. $199. For contents, call EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 12/95 HOW CAN WE activate our individual and communal visions 1f nonstop grief has shut us down? An hour video talk by Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC minister. $24.94. EroSpirit. 800-432-3767. 12/95 BOTH LOVER AND PRIEST. In this hour video Robert Goss, author of Jesus Acted Up, discusse s liberation theology and how he came to write his bestseller. $24.95. EroSpiriL 800-432-3767. 12/95 FOR YOUR FRIENDS ACROSS TOWN OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY - GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SECOND STONE MAKE A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT! ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us four weeks in advance for uninterrupted delivery. Send both old and new addre?ses. If possible attach mailing la_bel in space provided PRINT NEW ADDRESS Send completed form to: THES ECONDST ONE· Box8340 NewO rleansL, A 70182 . 0. 0. 0 , m m • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 199 5 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 Second Stone #43 - Nov/Dec 1995 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3cfd7a2ff6a6a3541befba5f1f091079.pdf df5c514927d42ff046592db9b72064e2 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 42 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published Sept/Oct 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 SO B{fo~IBE . ['JO\('/ • ONE YEAR ONLY $17 • Box 8340 , New Orleans , LA 7018 2 P.0.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIMEDATEI) MATERIAL . DONO', DElAY BUI..K RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, lA PERMIT No. 511 ISSUE #42 i the music &ministry of ]ALLEN RIX celebrated in a new release PAGE 10 NEWS in this issue: .\ Female clergy .hitting a stained-glass ceiling ■ Ril·l#W Alondon: Gay man banned from nephew's christening by Church of England rector -,,., .. AN ew Lutheran bishop's position on gay ordination unknown; Lutherans cave in on sexuality• statement ■ iif•i¥W AGay Episcopal priest sues female bishop for discrimination ■ ¥l·IMW !Catholics in support of gay rights plan "Solidarity Sunday" lii·iWI ■ ! Southern Baptist women join fight against AIDS •· ,.._ =iCWF:Pi::= .U ough-talking woman elected Presbyterian moderator • - f a Calendar Announcements in this sectio11 are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizatio11s. To have an event listed, send a Pr.ill~ to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, FAX to (504)891-7555 or e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Third International TEN Conference SEP T EMBER 1-3 , Liberty Community Church, Vancouver, Canada, hosts "How Shall We Then Live," the third international gathering of The Evangelical Network. Workshops will focus on stress management , coping with crisis , coupling concerns, being single, burn°out and other issues. For information contac t Pastor Rick Morcombe, Liberty Community Church, #402-2388 Triumph Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5L 1L5. • Conference for Cat holic Diocesan Leaders SEPTEM BER 8-10, The National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries sponsors a weekend conference ent itled "The Challenge of Leadership in Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries" The Meany To wer Hotel in Seattle is the setting. Richard Sparks, C.S.P., will be the keynote speaker and there will be opportunities for sharing program ex perience and resources , social time and liturgies. For information contact Rev. Jim Schexnayde r, 433 Jefferson St., Oakland, CA 94607, (510)763-3101. PFLAG 1995 National Convent ion SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1, The Hyatt Regency Indianapolis is the setting for the annual gathering of Parents , Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Seminars and workshops include HIV/AIDS and re ligious issues, Speakers include Mitzi Henderson, PFLAG national president and Mel White, author of Stranger at the Gate. For information contact PFLAG, 1101 14th St., NW, Ste. 1030, Washington, DC 20005, (202)638-4200. Hope and Healing Confe rence . SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1, More than 500 people are expected to attend this AIDS conference which is jointly planned by the Lutheran, Episcopal and United Methodist AIDS networks . Three tracks of workshops will be offered '. Care and Compassion, Prevention and Education, and Calling and Service. The program is expected to include theologians such as William Countryman and several experts from the Centers for Disease Control. For information call (202)628-6628. Ur-iity Fellowship Second Annual Convocation OCTOBER 2-8, The Unity Fellowship Church Movement sponsors "From Fear to Faith," at the Ram.ada Inn in Culver City, Calif. Nightly worship, morning praise ·and prayer service, workshops on self empowerment, music , spirituality, . human rights, family, health, cultural arts, youth, economic empowerment. For information contact Deacon Alfreda Lanoix-Owens, 5149 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, (213)936-4949. Advance'95 OCTOBER 2,8, "Heaven, The Building of God" is the theme for this annual gathering of gay and lesbian Christians for a week of preaching , education , revival and fellowship. The activities include a pastor's and minister's fellowship, School of the Prophets, the Advance Weekend and a children's ministry. For information contact Advance Christian Ministries, 4001-C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219,(214)522-1520. School of the Prophets OCTOBER 4-6, Students select from _ 18 courses established by pastors and ministers through Advance Christian Ministries held as part of Advance '95 in New Caney, Texas. The courses are designed to provide knowledge in . Biblical content and practical training for Christian leadership and ministries. For , information contact Advance Christian Ministries, 4001-C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219, (214)522-1520. Solidarity Sunday · · OCTOBER 8, Gay and lesbian Catholics and their supporters are asked to wear rainbow ribbons to Mass and throughout the day. For information contact Dignity/USA, 1500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 11, Washington DC 20005, (202)861-0017 or Bruce S. Jarstler, M.D., 2634 Pebble Breeze, San Antonio, TX 78232, (210)545-9097, FAX (210)545-6906, BruceSJ@aol.com. National Day of PrayeL Fasting and Spritual Renewal OCTOBER 10, Rediscover the power of effective intercessory prayer for the gay and lesbian community on this day of prayer held every year on the day before National ·Coming Out Day. Support materials available from .River of Lile Healing Ministries, 134 Quincy, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, rolhm@ae>l.com. National Coming Out Day OCTOBER 11, Visibility makes a difference . For information about National Coming Out Day or to . order official Keith Haring NCOD merchandise, call Hl00-866-6263. . SEE CALENDAR, Page 17 SECOND STONE - THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS, GAYS AND BISEXUALS Contents o • • · • o • • e o • · • e o o o e • \9 e ~ • o o e • o Calendar Opportunities for connectedness across the country [~ . AIDS charities feel pinch of _ft_j competition , compassion fatigue 1:10 l Cover Story · Gay Christian musician Jal/en Rix · . . continues his powerful ministry with new release In Print Two mothers' stories: Prayers For Bobby, Cleaning Closets; Also: Voices of Hope [6 '! Noteworthy [j Sl ~i?ie~:aleh~!teria: Have you felt it yet? . · From the editor . Join Roman Catholics for a day of solidarity 1201 Classifieds Plus 10 pages of news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 9 9 5 News ......................................................................... Female clergy running into a stained-glass ceiling By David Briggs AP Religion Writer HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - More than two decades after women started stepping into pulpits in significant numbers, they are encountering a stained ·gJass ceiling, a barrier that's keeping the ministry far behind other professions in workplace equality. A study by Hartford Seminary finds that the percentage of female clergy has actually declined over eight years in denominations once at the forefront of women's ordination, such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church. In their survey of 4,900 clergy in 16 Protestant denominations, the most comprehensive ever done on women in ministry, researchers found clergymen in general had stayed close to the career path they envisioned for themselves in seminaries. Women with the same goals, however, had to settle for lower-paying positions as assistants. Women also averaged $5,000 less in annual salary and benefits than men with similar work experience. When men and women ordained at the same time were asked about their • present jobs, 22 percent of men were senior pastors of larger churches, compared to 6 percent of women, according to the study released to The . Associated Press. "Sexism is behind the fact ... the church won't accept women as senior pastors,'' said Adair Lummis, one of the study's authors. "Law and medicine are subject to secular laws, about hiring, about affirmative action." Women are still banned from pastoral positions in some religions, such as Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Judaism. But various Protestant churches have permitted female clergy for more than a century, and women founded others, such as the Christian · Science Church and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. It was not until the 1970s that women, powered by the feminist and civil rights movements, began donning religious robes in large numbers, as they also forged into other previously off-limits territory such as law and the military. . But the significant gains made by women in other professions have not been matched in the nation's churches, the study finds. While women now account for 25 percent of lawyers and 21 percent of doctors, only 11 percent of the clergy are female, cfespite a near doubling of female seminary enrollment since 1980. Seventh-day Adventists reject ordination of women UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) - The Seventh-day Adventist Church h_as rejected the ordination of women, the church announced July 6 during its world congress here. "Women can be ordained to be elders (in church) but not as ministers," said a church spokesman Cees van der Ploeg. The women's ordination request came from the church's North American division, which asked that ordination be allowed specifically in its North American churches. Ordination is not allowed for women in Adventist churches worldwide ; "Gender inclusive ordination, while perhaps not appropriate in some . places, will be helpful in North America," said Alfred C. McClure, · president of the Adventist Church in North America, in a presentation before the vote. 'There is a generation of bright and devout young people coming on the scene - tomorrow's leaders .. . the majority of whom believe it is right, and who will be seriously disillusioned by a negative vote," he said, according to a church press release. In the opposing camp was Dr. SECOND STONE Gerard Damsteegt, associate professor of theology at Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, who suggested that women are "different in functional roles." The Bible does not allow "spiritual headship" of women in the family or in the church, he said in the pre-vote discussion, adding that women ordination runs counter to Adventist interpretation of the Bible. Fewer than one-third of the delegates attending the church's 56th world congress voted in favor of women ordination . Most in favor were from Europe and North America, while the bulk of the opposition came from Central and South America, Africa and Asia. The first request for women's ordination within the Adventist Church came from Finland in 1968. In 1990, the church defeated by more than a two-thirds majority a proposal for women ordination in all Adventist churches. The Adventist denomination numbers abut 8.5 million members, all but about 10 percent of them outside Canada and the United States. The church's world headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Md. - The numbers defy the idea that women would naturally excel in a job that requires counseling and interpersonal skills. Where the theory breaks down with womel'.I clergy is in its failure to consider the longstanding Western Christian tradition of male authority, replete with ubiquitous images of Jesus and the disciples, said Patricia Chang, another Hartford Seminary researcher. 'You'd think that women would fit into that role (ministry) more quickly, but it's the exception that proves the rule," she said. The study was conducted from August 1993 to February 1994 by Lummis, Chang and Barbara Brown Zikmund for the seminary's Center for Social and Religious Research. The researchers found startlingly different experiences for men and women ordained since 1970. The most frequently cited career goal of both men and women was to be sole pastors of churches. But while 43 percent of men achieved their dream, only 19 percent of women did. The first job of more than onethird of women seminary graduates was as an associate or assistant minister . Asked about their present jobs, two-thirds of male clergy were either sole pastors or senior pastors, while just 39 percent of women held such jobs. Nineteen percent of women held assistant positions, more than twice the percentage of men in such jobs. Examining overall clergy figures, the researchers found the percentages of active clergywomen actually fell from 1986 to 1994 in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Methodist Church. In some more evangelical churches such as the Wesleyan Churches and the Assemblies of God, the total number of clergywomen remained about the same. One reason researchers give for clergywomen's stalled progress is a declining job market in mainline churches, which have lost millions of members in the last generation. However, even that excuse is related to a basic bias against women in the pulpits in many churches, researchers said. "What's amazing is there are a lot of men out there who are getting jobs. SEE CLERGY, Page 18 Recent finding by top biblical ·scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible and homosexuaiity. WhatUible the l.J Really Says About }lornosexuality . 1 • \-le\minial<.. Pn.D, oan1e ,-. Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed. 11 -L. William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Greed and Sex " ... the most thoughtful, lucid and accessible summary I know of curre~t bibli:cal scholarship relating to homose xual issues .. eminently useful... 0 -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SA VS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY By Da:iiel A. Helminiak, $9.95, paperbk Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME--------------'---------- ADDRE$S ___________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP· __________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 95 Subscribe Today. AND Y O U1 L L N E V E R WITHOUT YOUR A FRI END JOU R N EY. BE FOR SecoSntdo ne The Natio.nal Gay and L esbian Christian Newsjournal :.. Y. ES:f ....:.. ...... .............;... . . .......... .Begin my subscription to SECONDS TONEfo r: [ I One year (6 Issues) $17.00 [ ) Two years (12 Issues) $28.00 [ J Three years (18 issues) $39.00 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZICPO DE CHECK HERE [ ] if a plain envelope is required and add $2.00 per year. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first Issue. internationa! subscribers add $10.00 per year, U.S. currency. Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANIC YOU . for your subscript ion support! SECOND STONE • News • • o • • o ~ o e e e • e • • e • • e • • o e • • • • • • • Gay man banned from nephew's christening By Ron Kampeas Associated Press LONDON (AP) -.Simon Lawley says he fits Church of England godfather standards to a T: He's monogamous, stands up for his beliefs and has an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, Lawley is gay, which is why officials at his local parish banned him from the christening of his nephew and godchild, Freddie. . Lawley's sister and brother -in-law took the christening in April to another, more liberal parish, where the godfather was welcomed. But the ban once again opened up the debate on the place of Gays in the church. "No one asked me about my spiritual or moral nature or welfare," Lawley told the British Broadcasting Corp. on August 14. "As a practicing gay man, I was considered to be inappropriate as a godfather - and that I consider to be sheer bigotry." The rector of St. Peter's church in Farnborough, Hampshire - a tweedy town just southwest of London where Lawley owns a restaurant said he had no choice once Freddie's mother, Elizabeth Toms, revealed that her brother was gay. 'The practice of homosexuality, as opposed to homosexual orientation, is not condoned in Scripture," Canon , Alan Beddington said in a statement. · The local curate was "therefore bound to give an opinion based on biblical teaching ." Beddington 's comments reflect Church of England doctrine on gay clerics. In recent years, the church has allowed Gays and Lesbians to take up the cloth, as long as they agree not to have sex. Even senior bishops have been able to acknowledge their "ambiguous" sexuality. There is no clear church ruling on godparents, however, and Lawley may be the first to press the issue. One church official says · church policy on gay and · lesbian clerics should not apply to godparents. Bishop Richard Harris, whoheads the church's working group on sex, says · gay and lesbian godparents need not be celibate. "If you have somebody who is homosexual and in a stable relationship, who is clearly a godly, loving, prayerful person, a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, then I think it would be quite wrong to tell that person that they could no longer be a godparent," Harris said. · "It's quite wrong to have a kind of inquisition of godparents," he said. Conservative clerics strongly disagreed. Rev. David Holloway, of the traditionalist Reform Group, cited the words priests say to parents and godparents during the christening service: ''The children that you have brought for baptism depend chiefly: on you 'for the help and encouragement that they need. Are you willing to give it to them by your prayers by your example and by your teaching?"' Holloway says gay or lesbian godparents, even ones in monogamous relationships, might not be set appropriate examples for children. 'The Bible is clear," he said. "Active SEE CHRISTENING, Page 18 Bishops deny homosexual tendencies VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Four Roman Catholic bishops denied claims August 1 by a gay rights activist that they have homosexual tendencies. Two of the four threatened legal action. The claims by gay rights activist Kurt Krickler were widely condemned by Gays, Catholic church leaders and prominent politicians. In a sharp rebuke, Vatican Radio said the accusations were "without substance and come close to being pathetic." Krickler offered no proof for his claim that the four bishops - Christoph Schoenborn, Andreas Laun, Klaus Kueng and Egon Kapellari - hav:e homosexual tendencies. Laun, a bishop in Salzburg, said he had already instructed his lawyer to take court action against Krickler. 'Td like to tell Mr. Krickler that he cannot produce any witnesses for my alleged tendencies, because they do not exist," Laun told the Austrian Press Agency. Kapellari, bishop in the southern Austrian province of Carinthia, also said he would bring a court action for Krickler's "violation of basic principles on which a democratic society rests." Schoenborn and Kueng also denied Krickler's accusations. Austria's church has been in turmoil since the spring, after Vienna Archbishop HansHermann Greer was accused of sexually abusing minors more than 20 years ago. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 News e e e e e O o O O O O O e O O O O O O O O O O O O O O • 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t t O O O O O O O o O O e e O e e e 0 I Has to "figure out" his position on gay ordination College president elected to lead Lutheran Church By David Briggs Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) · A moderate college president who called on Lutherans to be active in a world starved on "spiritual junk food" won election August 19th to lead the nation's fifth-largest Protestant denomination. The Rev. H. George Anderson, 63,president of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, received 698 votes to become only the second presiding bishop in the short history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Anderson defeated Wisconsin Bishop April Ulring Larson, the denomination's first woman prelate. Larson received 334 votes on the fifth and final ballot at the church 's biennial assembly . "Our only task is to be sure that we are still God's church, and not just dressed up to look like it," Anderson told cheering church delegat es immediately after his election. · Anderson succeeds Bishop H erbert Chilstrom, who has led the 5.2 million- member denomination since its founding in 1988 with the merger of the Lutheran Church in Am erica, American Lutheran Church and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Chilstrom decided not to s·eek re-election. In remarks before the assembly, Anderson sought to be a conciliatory voice in the church, which in recent years has found itself divid ed by sexuality issues and still facing lingering tensions over the merger. He called on church members to set aside divisions and begin a churchwide conversation on issues affecting the denomination . "Friends, it's time for us to recognize we need one another, " he said. On the sexuality issue, Anderson Lutherans cave in on sexuality statement MINNEAPOLIS (AP) · Calling the issues of masturbation and homosexuality divisive, the largest U.S. Lutheran church has put aside a vote on a draft outlining the church's view on sexuality. After the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a draft statement two years ago that said masturbation was normal, that there is biblical evidence supporting homosexual marriages and that teaching teens to use condoms is a moral imperative, the phones rang off the hook at the denominational headquarters in Chicago. Over 10,000 phone calls and 700 l"etters, most of th em hostile, were received and a new task force was appointed and set about revising the first effort. Now, there will be no vote. The new statement was slated for discussion at the biennial church-wide assembly · in August. But the 39 council members voted to postpone the vote on the new statement indefinitely. "We're still a long way from consensus on this," said Kathy Magnus, vice president of the chur .ch and chairwoman of the Church Council. "At this ·point, we will inform the church that the proposed sexuality statement will not be ready by 1997. Until we get some resolution on significant issues, we will not bring it forward." The second draft of the statement is a far cry from the first attempt at putting together a manifesto on the SECOND STONE church's values regarding sexuality. The second draft says nothing about masturbation, urges single people to remain celibate and says "genital sexual activity between persons of the same gender is not in accordance with God 's will." The church council apparently followed the advice of the second draft when it postponed the vote on the second statement indefinitely. The draft says the church "rejects the idea that. it must at this time make a definite legislative decision concerning its teaching on and practice with gay and lesbian persons." "Any such decisions would be divisive for this church," the statement continues, "and would not be made on the basis of the careful study the topic requires and that should characterize the decisions of this church." Rather, the statement says, the ELCA will continue to follow "current policy and· practice in relation to gay and lesbian persons, and will rely for its teaching on the social statements from its predecessor church bodies. This church pledges to pursue with determination continuing study and discussion as it seeks to discern God's will." The statement asks that deliberation on human sexuality be conducted with a faithfulness to church doctrine and "by the will to love one another." Conflict, the draft said, can be either a source of division or renewal depending upon the wisdom and grace of church members. - said he agr eed with a Church Council decision earlier this week to indefinitely postpon e work on a social stat ement on human sexuality. "We still have really some foundational discussion to do as a church on the authority of Scripture as it relates to homosexuality, " Anderson said. He said the church should have "continued deep conversation" about sexual issues, and he invited gay and les bian Lutherans to be part of th e dialogue. At a news conferenc e, Anderson said he still is trying to figure out his own position on issues such as the ordination of homosexuals and whether same-sex relationships are part of God 's plan. At the assembly, however, .he also told U.S. Lutherans they cannot avoid dealing with sexual or other social issues. "Our destiny as a church is to be in th e world, to suffer the pain of the world, so we can be a sign of hope ," he said. People are spiritually hungry, he said. 'The problem of our world is that they 're eating spiritual junk food, including secularism, to s atisfy that hunger. And the trag edy is they'r e still hungry," he said. Twice before, Ander son had b een considered for church leadership posts but declined. At the 1978 Luth era n Church in America 's convention, Anderson was the leading vote-getter on the first ballot for bishop but withdrew his name . He said at the . time he did not feel an inner call. A short time later, it was discovered his first wife had cancer. She died four years later. Anderson said his decision to withdraw from the bishop 's race • which enabled him to devote more time to his wife during her illness • was a sign of God guiding his life. Anderson said he decided his ability to work with different groups of people was a special gift needed by the still-new church. "I think I'm a good hstener," he said. "I think I'm a good consensus builder." CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: Helping Christians · Debate Homosexuality Few other issues divide the Christian community more sharply than homosexuality. In this new volume, writers with divergent points of view deal with questions at the center of the debate between pro-gay and anti-gay believers. Edited by Sally B. Geis. director, Iliff !11sti tt11e, lp y a11d Clergy Education, The Iliff School of Theology , De11ver, a11d D011a/d E. Messer , presid ent, The Iliff School of Theology. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE By Geis/Messer, $12.95, paperbk _ _ Postage/Handling$3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME-------------------~-- ADDRESS ______________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ______________ __, ____ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 199 5 News ............................................... ......................... Episcopal priest sues female bishop for discrimination WOODSTOCK, Vt. (AP) - An Episcopal priest from Woodstock has filed suit against the nation's first female bishop charging she discriminated against him because he is a gay man . The Rev. Richard Lacava is seeking $2.2 million in damages plus legal fees from Vermont Bishop Mary Adelia McLeod for allegedly firing him and replacing him and two assistants with women. The message is "no men need apply," Lacava said. However, members of Integrity say McLeod is and has been for many years a firm supporter of Integrity and of full participation for Gays and Lesbians in the life of the Church. She was one of the first bishops to move forward to sign Bishop John Spong's "Statement of Koinonia" during the 1994 General Convention. Until his firing in April, Lacava, 47, served as vicar of the Church of Our Saviour in Sherburne, which serves Sherburne, Plymouth and Bridgewater. He now lives in Woodstock. An attorney of McLeod said Lacava's firing had nothing to do with his gender or his sexual orientation. There are "very serious concerns among the members of the (church) over his abilities to fulfill his obligations as an Episcopal priest," said Burlington Attorney Thomas Little. He would not be more specific. McLeod was consecrated as the nation's first female bishop in 1993. Lacava filed suit in May in Windsor County Superior Court in Woodstock. Lacava is being treated for depression, but said his therapist and a psychologist retained by the diocese told him he was fit. to return to work. McLeod has been vague when Lacava asked her what he did wrong. He was told in a phone call last October that he didn't "recognize boundaries" and had violated unspecified confidences of parishioners, he said. He also said McLeod reported he was "too outspoken and too angry ... , about gay issues in the church." Lacava said he had called for the church to respect gay priests. That "is totally appropriate. The whole pur- ; pose of Christianity is for the libera- : tion of all people ... I felt it was · important to raise the issues and to be strident about them," he said. , Lacava said he has had an ! non-traditional ministry in which he · spent time in the community meeting a wide variety of people. Lacava said he was initially angry about his firing, but he's gotten over : it. "For me now it's an issue of justice." Religious coalition founded to promote tolerance By Barbara Bracht! Joumal American BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) - It's no longer considered. good form to hurl racial or ethnic epithets at opponents in public debate. But increasingly, a person's religious beliefs appear to be fair game. Last fall, for example, a member of the audience at a Lake Washington School District board meeting accused one of the board members of being "anti-Christian." No matter that the board member was an active member of her Lutheran congregation. Because he disagreed with her on a matter of school district policy, the man concluded she must be "anti-Christian," and he said. so in no uncertain terms. The increasing numb~r of incidents COME OUT IN STYLE Let others see the diversity of the lesbian ond goy oommunity by weoring your ·own Notio;10l Coming Out ,Doy Official Keith Hering T-Shirt. S T O N E like this concern the founders of The Interfaith Alliance of Washington State. · "It's very apparent that public discourse has sunk to a new low, particularly when it comes to religion," says Rick Morse, pastor at Lake Washington Christian Church and a member of the group's steering committee. Morse and other Interfaith Alliance founders believe groups like the Christian Coalition and Focus on the Family are promoting intolerance by maintaining that their political opinions are the only ones that are morally correct. 'The leaders of the Religious Right do not speak for all people of faith, and _we are here to say they do not," Morse said. Among the 60-some religious persons · who began meeting in Seattle's Eastside suburbs last fall to · form a Washington state affiliate of the National Interfaith Alliance are Catholic,s, Lutherans; Methodists, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Unitarians, Moslems, Jews and Buddhists. Members of the Alliance say they don't believe separation of church and state means people whose values are rooted in religious faith should sit down and shut up - far from it. But they say they do believe this nation was founded on the notion that more than one religious faith could be valid. "We have to be tolerant and rational about our beliefs towards one another - that is what it is to be an American," says David Serkin-Poole, cantor af Temple B'nai ·Torah on Mercer Island. However, Dave Welch, executive director of the Christian Coalition of Washington, denies that his group has encouraged intolerance or raised the volume of the rhetoric. "We've never claimed to be the • single voice for all Christians," says Welch. "If somebody of Christian faith disagrees with our position, that certainly does not- mean we don't believe they're a Christian." Welch says members of national and state Interfaith Alliances are raising the volume of the rhetoric by accusing conservative Christians of intolerance. In fact, he says, the Christian Coalition got started because "the liberal left" discounted the opinions of those whose values were based on their religious convictions. Why did the Interfaith Alliance effort begin on the Eastside? Primarily, says Barbara Wells of the Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church, because "it's a statewide organization that had· to start some-· where, and it started on the Eastside . ." But also, says Morse, because the group felt the religious right had been strongest in the suburbs. Thus far, the organization has not taken any political positions in fad, Kirkland Congregational pastor Walter John Boris says, "I couldn't even tell you what members' political positions are." However, this could change. "We do feel if there is an issue that will challenge the religious plurality of our community and our nation, we will take a stand," Wells said. Gay atheist group shuts down AMERICAN GAY AND Lesbian Atheists, Inc., has ceased operation after the death of its director, Don Sanders, who died on May 17. Member files have been transferred to the American Atheist General Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Sanders founded the organization in 1983 and served as its only national director. Jon Murray, president of American Atheists, said that the organization could not survive the death of Sanders and that there would be no further issues of the AGLA newsletter. "I shall be filing dissolution papers for the corporation with the State of Texas," Murray said. Portions of Sanders will indicated that he had at one time provided for the continuation of AGLA but after a conflict between himself and his board of directors, Sanders willed that the organization not be continued. "It grieves me a great deal," wrote Sanders in a stat,oc, ment made part of his will, "lei' know that so little concern has been shown by American Gay Atheists, Inc.'s board of directors that no one of them is willing to take over the helm of the gay and lesbian community's most important movement. Therefore, I want none of my estate or property to be rendered unto anyone associated with American Gay Atheists, Inc. for fear that it will simply be used to enrich individuals and not to further the cause of atheism in the lesbian and gay community." "Mr. Sanders will be missed by us all," stated Murray in a letter to members of AGLA. 'The gay and atheist communities have both lost a spirited combatant for civil liberties.'' SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 News . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . (Popular priest and author leaves Catholic Church for UFMCC DR. ROBERT GOSS, an unlaicized Catholic priest, a former Jesuit and . author of Jesus Acted Up, has announced his intentions to transfer his dergy credentials from the Roman Catholic Church to the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. The announcement was made during Samaritan Institute's awards luncheon on July 25, part of the 17th General Conference of the UFMCC in Atlanta. "I have ended my 17 year exile and found a home to learn, collaborate, and leach about the vision of justicelove of God's reign," said Goss. 'The UFMCC is by no means the perfect Christian community. It is growing and struggling with issues of racism, classism, economic oppression, etc. The UFMCC is generations ahead of Catholic Christianity with a vison of Minister offers alternative to Promise Keepers ARVADA, Colo. (AP). - An Arvada minister who believes the evangelical men's group Promise Keepers has a "simplistic philosophy" is offering an alternative: Premise Keepers. Rev. Charles Schuster said his group will examine the bases of belief, faith, ethics and integrity. It will be established at Arvada United Methodist Church, where he is a senior pastor. "We'll explore our doubts, our affirmations, our commitments, our theology and our ultimate destiny as hu' man beings," he wrote in a church newsletter announcing the new group. Schuster was turned off by the hugely popular Promise Keepers, started by University of Colorado football coach Bill McCartney. He ·claimed the group fills a vacuum for many men who don 't know exactly what their roles are. The "me-generation of the '80s left in its wake a self-indulgent macho male, who, in reaction to the liberation of women, felt unsure of his role and incumbered with self doubt," Schuster wrote in the newsletter. Schuster believes Promise Keepers OutRage! outs bishop LONDON'S GAY OutRage! group disruplo,d the retirement service for the Anglican Bishop of St. Albans, Rt. Rev. John Taylor on July 23 lo protest his affiliation with Courage, an exgay organization. · As Taylor began his farewell address, proleslors stormed the altar chanting 'Taylor out, Courage out." Taylor retreated from the pulpit and one of the activists delivered a sermon of his own. · The proteslors left after 10 minutes, blowing whistles and chanting, "Church of hatred, church of fear, stop crucifying queers." "OutRage! has repeatedly tried to get the church hierarchy to address the issue of SEC O ND STONE has a "simplistic philosophy," a narrow view of Jesus and "prejudice against homosexuals." He also worries there may be a "presupposition" of the dominance of the male. Promise Keepers officially believes "homosexuality violates God's creative design," but Gays are welcome at the events, said the group's spokesman, who denied the group promotes male superiority. Promise Keeper~ is holding 13 mega events _ this year in football stadiums around the country . The events, which began in April and run through October, will draw 500,000 evangelical Christians. . While Promise Keepers offers a way for men to go "one on one with Jesus" and learn how to keep promises and put life in balance, Schuster said he is worried about what happens when men leave the stadium events. He said they could "lapse into the same patterns that produced the irresponsibility in the first place." Promise Keepers has set up men's groups in individual congregations and leaders stress the stadium events are only half the picture. ex-gay groups and acknowledge the emotional damage that such groups do to the vulnerabl.e, often young, people that they target," OutRage! said in a press release. 'Today's action sends a message to the Church of England that the lesbian and gay com_ munity will not stand by as the church allows other gay people to be damaged in the name of their religion by fundamentalist bigots . We are seeking an unequivocal condemnation of the actions of the ex-gay groups from the church and will not stop our campaign of disruption until the church acknowledges its moral responsibilities." -Seattle Gay News - justice and compassion ... I recognize that God's spirit is actively present · and transforming the UFMCC into a prophetic change community, posing an alternative vision of justice -love and inclusion to the mainline Christian denominations." Goss called the Catholic Church a "dead institution" and was critical of Dignity /USA, a national organization of gay and lesbian Catholics. "On a local and national level, Dignity has been unable to offer queer Catholics a vision of justice that comprehended homophobia as embedded in misogyny or connected to racism, ageism, classism, etc ... Dignity has faltered from a lack of vision on the national level and a well orchestrated plan to render it useless by the U.S. Catholic bishops ." Goss said that outside of a few folks such as himself and John McMeill, Catholic gay and lesbian voices have. remained silent. "Jeanine Grammick and Robert Nugent have c'aved in to terroristic climate," said Goss. 'They now involve themselves with parents of Gays and Lesbians and lead tours to the Holy Land. Priests, nuns, and theologians have remained silent." Goss is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. He had, ·oined the Samaritan Institute for Re igious Studies, the educational and theological arm of the UFMCC, as an adjunct faculty member earlier this year. · Canadian church welcomes ,gay ministers TORONTO'S BLOOR Street United Church is the second congregation of Canada's largest denomination to fully welcome Gays;~induding as ministers, the T_~ronto Star reported. "We'v'r made this decision after a lc\ng period of prayer, reflection and study," said Elder Jean Hilliard. "We felt a need to take a stand to involve Gays and Lesbians in every aspect of church life - leading a Sunday School class or leading us in worship, marrying or burying us." -Seattle Gay News \ \, HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH: Both Sides of the Debate I Outstanding authorities on scripture, tradition, reason, biology,.ethics, and gendered experience discuss the place of Gays and Lesbians in the community offaith. This book will provoke discussion in congregations, study groups, and ethics and social justice issues. Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker, Associate Professor of New Testament at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles . · Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. . □ HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker, $14.99, paperbk __ _ Poslag&'liandling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLO~ED ----- NAME-------------------'---- ADDRESS-----------,----------- CITY/STATEIZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 News ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~ • If •• Episcopal bishops bring retired colleague to church trial MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Episcopal bishops have voted to bring a retired colleague before a formal church trial because he ordained an openly gay man. Presiding Bishop EdmondBrowning said August 18 that at least 75 bishops have voted to move forward with charges that retired Bishop Walter Righter of Iowa violated church law by ordaining a homosexual deacon in 1990. Righter was assistant bishop of Newark, N.J., at the time. A minimum of one-quarter of the church's 297 bishops had to vote by mid-August to proceed with the trial or the charges would have been dismissed. Church officials .did not release the vote totals. In January, 10 bishops filed charges accusing Righter of violating his ordination vows by ordaining a man openly having a gay relationship . The bishops said Righter was . "teaching a doctrine contrary to that held by this church." Righter has denied the charges, saying church doctrine in this case does not limit a bishop's right to ordain a "canonically qualified candidate." The case will go before a Court for - Episcopal bishop opposes heresy trial DENVER (AP) - Trying retired Iowa Episcopal Bishop Walter Righter for heresy because he ordained a gay man "would be ludicrous" because the church doesn't have clear rules dealing with homosexuality, Colorado's bishop says. "It's a murky situation," Bishop Jerry Winterrowd said. "It would be a waste of the church's time, talent and treasure to proceed with the trial." Winterrowd said he hopes to persuade fellow bishpps at next month's meeting of bishops in Portland, Ore., to put a three-year moratorium on ordaining Gays and blessing same-sex unions. He said the bishops could use the three years to "draw up a definitive statement" on ordinations and samesex marriages. The official Episcopal stance about Gays and Lesbians was approved fa 1979 and says it is "inappropriate" .for the church to ordain practicing Gays or ' heterosexuals who are having · sexual relations outside of marriage. Winterrowd said that stand is too weak to defend. He said about a dozen bishops have ordained practicing Gays and others have blessed same-sex marriages. "What will we do, try all these bishops, one by one?" he asked. Fred Phelps convicted on two counts EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) - Convictions on two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct apparently don't bother anti-gay activist the Rev. Fred Phelps. "If you guys knew how little this bothers me, you wouldn't even be asking me questions," Phelps told reporters after the verdict was read on August 11. A Lyon County jury deliberated about 50 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts against Phelps, who was charged with shouting insults at a group of six people going into a Topeka restaurant to celebrate a woman's 86th birthday. 'This is just another little skirmish," said Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church. Phelps said he plans to challenge the constitutionality of the state's disorderly conduct statute "all the way to the Supreme Court." It was the last of several trials involving six members of the church, all charged with misdemeanors in incidents in Topeka last year and this year. The cases were transferred from Topeka to Emporia on a change of venue. SECOND STONE Defense witnesses, all members of Phelps' church, testified that at no time on July 7, 1994, did Phelps stand in front of the Topeka restaurant and shout offensive names at the six people. Prosecution witnesses testified that . Phelps called them names, including "queer faggot" and "whores" before they entered the restaurant. . Eric Ridenour, the group's limousine driver, said he approached Phelps, wanting "to rip his head off" before being surrounded by picketers. Jonathan Phelps, the defendant's son, said the incident did not involve his father . The younger Phelps said Ridenour told the picketers not to bother the group because it included an elderly woman, Margarite Hanlon, now 87. Jonathan Phelps said he and James Hockenbarger exchanged words with Ridenour and Topeka attorney John Hamilton, culminating in Hamilton telling the 300-pound Jonathan Phelps to "eat a salad, skinny." "Nobody said anything directly to - the Trial of a Bishop, consisting of nine other bishops . Action would be taken by a majority vote and possible penalties include admonishing Righter . However, no sentence could be imposed unless the findings by church courts were approved by a two-thirds vote ·of all the church's bishops. Gay and lesbian Episcopalians respond to vote to try Righter NEW YORK, N. Y. - Integrity, Inc., the lesbian and gay justice ministry of the Episcopal Church, says it is disappointed that sufficient consents have been submitted to bring the Rt. Rev. Walter Righter to trial for heresy for · his ordination to the diaconate of the Rev. Barry Stopfel, an openly gay Integrity member, in 1990. · The outcome of such a trial is virtually a foregone conclusion, according to Integrity, who claims that Bishop Righter will be acquitted - and the homophobia of the Church will be convicted. "A heresy trial at the close of the 20th Century will undoubtedly hold the Episcopal Church up to ridicule, just as the 1992 trial depossing the Rev. James Ferry, an openly gay priest in Toronto, made the Anglican Church of Canada appear overly rigid and out-of-touch," said a statement released by Integrity. · A vote of only 25 percent of the bishops was required to bring Bishop Righter to trial. Over half of the bishops eligible to vote are retired, and any women going in there," the younger Phelps added. Hamilton testified that he did not have any conversation with Jonathan Phelps on July 7. Shawnee County Attorney Joan Hamilton, who is no relation to John given the composition of the 1994 signatory list of the so-called "Affirmation," authored by many of the same bishops who brought the presentment, it is probable that a substantial majority of the signatories are retired bishops. At present, Integrity is aware of at least 117 iJersons who were known to be sexually active gay men or lesbians by their bishops at the time of their ordinations. Such ordinations have occurred in all parts of the country over the last 20 years. Over 35 bishops have performed such ordinations. The claims that other bishops will be similarly charged do not ring true, says Integrity. A change in the canons will become effective on January 1, 1996, which will subject such charg.es to review by a committee appointed by the Presiding Bishop. Such a panel rejected similar charges against the Bishop of Michigan, the Rt. Rev. Stewart Wood, Jr., last year. Hamilton, said the rebuttal witnesses · were the key to winning the conviction. 'This is a good ending in Lyon County," she said. "I hope members of the community will continue to come forward." Phelps' grandson convicted of spitting on man EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) - A grandson of anti-gay activist Fred Phelps was found guilty of battery for spitting on a man during the picketing of a restaurant. The Lyon County District Court jury deliberated about 4 1/ 2 hours July 27 before convicting Benjamin C. Phelps on the misdemeanor. The trial was the fourth of six being held in Emporia on a change of venue for Fred Phelps and five members of his Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka. Charges against them stem from encounters that took place during demonstrations. Testimony in the latest trial ended July 26 when Benjamin Phelps denied spitting on Jerold Berger, the husband of the woman who owns the restaurant. Phelps said he was coming to the defense of James Hockenbarger, whom he said was being charged at by Berger. Phelps said Berger put his hand on him. Berger testified that any contact with Phelps was unintentional and could not have been more than a brush against him. SEPTEMBER/ 0 CT OBER 9 9 5 AIDS CHARITIES FEEL COMPETITION, '"COMPASSION FATIGUE" BY FRED BAYLES Remember the days when a new and terrible killer called AIDS inspired an outpouring of generosity with an optimistic surge of walkathons, glittery award dinners and soaring donations? These are not distant memories for AIDS victims, their friends, families and scientists trying to stop the · disease that has claimed more than 270,000 lives in the United States alone. But for many, the sense of urgency is gone. And AIDS organizations are feeling the pinch. The American Foundation for AIDS Research, the nation's largest nonprofit source of research funds, cut its budget by 20 percent this spring, blaming a drop in donations on an increasingly complacent and resigned public . "A sense of crisis has largely evaporated, " said foundation chairman Mathilde Krim. "People don't make grand gestures. They've learned that $100,000 is not going to make it go away." In Seattle, where donations to an annual AIDS walkathon quadrupled in its first three years, participation in the past few walkathons has remained fiat. "People are getting weary and getting new people to give is getting harder," said Carol Brogmann, direc, tor of development for Northwest AIDS Foundation. Even symbols of support are fading. Red ribbons signifying soli' darity with t~e AIDS cause, ubiquitous at past Academy Awards presentations, were rare this year . Celebrities wore emblems ·of new ·causes from breast cancer to the National Endowment for the Arts. "People are moving on to other issues," said Marcia Levy, a spokeswoman for the Whitman Walker Clinic, a Washington, D.C. AIDS .service group that saw donations drop more than 6 percent last year. "For some people the issue of AIDS is a downer," she said. "People who contribute to cancer hear lots of stories about cures . With AIDS it's an unhappy story ." While there is no central accounting of the money donated to thousands of organizations that offer AIDS programs, a survey by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel Inc., estimated between $575 million to $850 million went to AIDS causes· in 1992. That compares to $373 million raised by the American Cancer Society alone in 1994. With new AIDS organizations popping up all the time, it is hard to track the flow of contributions. But Ann Kaplan, director of research for AAFRC, said current data show some AIDS charities "are not faring well." "Some smaller, grass-roots organizations are doing well, but our sample of the large national organizations . shows declines or increases below the general increase in charitable giving for 1994," she said. AIDS groups are not alone in their predicament. Philanthropy in general has weakened over the past few years with total giving just barely topping increases in in'flation. Fund-raising experts blame a range of causes: skepticism about waste and fraud in larger charities, uncertainty abo.ut the economy and a "compassion fatigue" that burned · out potential donors . AIDS fund-raisers say this burnout has a new, terrible dimension for them: Many of their strongest advocates and donors in the gay community' have died. Others have given all they can. "We've already lost a generation of leaders . Some of the people who were there leading the charge in the '80s are gone, " said Henry Goldstein, a New York fund-raising consultant. Those supporters who have survived have given all they can. Paula Van Ness, president of the National AIDS Fund, which has distributed $42 million to communitybased AIDS groups, talks of an overreliance on "black tie bake sales," expensive fund-raising · events that used celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor as a dra~. Guest lists, she said, were invariably the same. 'They kept going back to the same people again and again," she said . "When I worked in Los Angeles, it was not uncommon to be invited to an AIDS event every week." Kaplan said her survey found 75 percent of AIDS donations were raised by special events that rely on a specific group of donors. Other charities, she said, draw just 25 percent of donations from special events. The rest come from such broad-based methods such as direct mail and telemarketing. Officials at AIDS charities admit the reliance on a limited group slowed potential growth of donations. · But they said it was hard to branch out in the face of the scorn some attach to a disease that claims a bulk of victims from the gay community and intravenous drug users . "What they are finding, is the stigma is making it very difficult to broaden the appeal," Goldstein said. "No CEO of a major Fortune 100 company is stepping up and saying there's a tremendous financial and social cost associated with this disease." Krim said contributions also have been hurt by a growing feeling that AIDS only affects a limited part of the population, dispelling early public pronouncements the disease would spread to .the general population. "People expected to see an explosion of AIDS in their neighborhood, but that is not the way AIDS spreads," she said. Michael Seltzer, who recently left his post as executive director of Funders Concerned About AIDS, believes the plethora of small 'AIDS -organizations has made it harder donors to find the equivalent of a National Hearl Association to give their money . There are an estimated 18,000 nonprofit groups raising funds for . AIDS programs, ranging from the $16' million American Foundation for AIDS Research to the Atlanta Girl Scouts, which supports an AIDS project. "In the campaign to find a cure for polio, the March of Dimes was anointed as the leader . That's not the case with AIDS," said Seltzer. "My hunch is the average American does not know what organization to send a · check to." "For some people the issue of AIDS is a downer ... People who contribute to cancer hear lots of stories about cures. With AIDS it's an unhappy story." Some groups try to solve that problem by joining forces. In San Francisco, where 200 different organiz ations compete for donations, there are attempts lo unify both fundraising efforts and. the services they provide. "If I go to a corporation and say we are working with two other agencies, that makes the entire program more appealing," said Jane Breyer, director of development for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Some fund -raisers believe AIDS donations will recover as organizations consolidate and mature in fundraising efforts. They say they were slow to react because of a misplaced optimism that a cure was just around the corner. Van Ness tells of working for a Los Angeles AIDS group · early in the crisis . At that time the group decided there was no reason to sign a long-term lease for a copy machine . "We really thought this might just be a little blip and that if we could just get through this next phase, the crisis would be over," she said. "A lot of us were caught in this hope we , wouldn't have to work on this for too Jong. Now we have to face the fact · that it is going to be here for the long haul." · .S E C O N D ST O N E - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 J all en Rix: The journey takes a new direction FOLKS WHO HAVE developed an appreciation of the deeply personal message of the music of San Franciscobased gay Christian recording artist Jallen Rix are eagerly awaiting the release of his new work due out in October. Rix has_ spent the past six years in full-time music ministry, performing in hundreds of locations across the country. His new recording marks his fourth release and his first on CD. Through his music over the past few years, this remarkably talented artist has invited us along as an intimate companion on his personal journey. We have shared in both his struggles and his triumphs and he has matured before our very ears. If friends and fans of Rix . feel they somehow share in that maturation with .him, it is because they do. "There are times when I write music from experiences of people that are around me," said Rix. 'They've told me their stories and somehow in the telling it has changed my life. It has improved me in some way. And .. those unique moments have been soJnelhing that has been important to me. So I would write about them." Rix is an evangelical Christian who grew up in a home where learning to play piano was a requirement. He developed a fondness of gospel music, while growing up in his church-going family. By the time he graduated from high school, he knew that music was · what he wanted to do. He got a degree in music and has been ._composing and performing ever since. As with most evangelical Christians, the early messages Rix heard from the pulpit regarding sexuality were negative. His spirituality and his sexuality were polarized. What is unique about listening to )alien's music from one recording to the next is that one can actually hear and feel Rix begin to integrate his sexuality and his spirituality. "When I write music/ Rix said, "I lend to be inspired by a variety of experiences . Probably first off is personal experience. Inevitably my life is lived out in my music." Jallen's new recording, 'The Sacred And The Queer," marks a-new direction in his musical career. Not only is this recording fully orchestrated (the past recordings were piano and vocal only), but he is venturing into new subject matter . 'This recording highlights a new way my music reflects my personal journey," said Rix. "In the past, it tended to reflect only my spiritual experience. In doing this I neglected singing about my sexuality. This recording integrates my spirituality and sexuality. This freedom and wholeness feels great!" The wholeness is honestly and poetically dealt with in several of Jallen's songs. 'The Pendulum Swings" is a mainstream, pop song that speaks to the changes and com-. plexities of relationships. "I Hold His Hand Loosely" unfolds a story of knowing the difference between infatuation and· true love, sung in the context of a light Latin sound . Probably most direct is the R&B song ''Down at Stonewall" in which Rix lets two seemingly opposed subjects dive headlong into each other with positive results. The song has Jesus miss a church service to hang out at Stonewall, the gay bar known as the site of the beginning of gay liberation. 'This song started tongue-in-cheek with a friend," said Rix. ''But I realized it actually exemplifies what is happening in my heart. My spirituality and sexuality are integrating. When I relax and let the process happen, I discover that I am more at peace than ever before." J alien's music is not exclusively about the gay experience. Issues of sexuality, injustice, creativity and unconditional love are subjects many people relate to in his music. ; 1'J\,1usic seen1s to cut right to our ein;otions and hit us on more than one 1evel. We can think about the 1 yrics, we can enjoy them and how they're p,ut together, but the music somehow kind of carries it to our hearts ... " "As a composer/lyricist I am challenged by the task lo create music that bridges the gap between an artist's expression and the listener's understanding," said Rix. "Music seems lo cut right to our emotions and hit us on more than one level. We can think about the lyrics, we can enjoy them and how they're put together but the music somehow kind of carries it to our hearts... What's wonderful about music is that it can bring the experience home to us. Issues of our day are not just their issue, but they're our issue." For fans who were afraid that Jallen's new fuller sound would take away from the intimacy of his music, the deeply personal quality is still present. One listener commented, "I feel like I'm eavesdropping on (Jallen's] life - like I really don't know [him) well enough to be hearing some of this. There isn't much music written at this level of openness. It's one of an artist's highest goals, and I think he's attained it." Three songs that have been favorite piano/vocal pieces on past recordings have been orchestrated for this one: "When You Touch Me I Know," "What The Preacher Did To Me," and ''Better Tha11 Before." Rix says he has a special place in his heart for the church. In addition to his music, he leads worship services and offers a variety of workshops and speaking topics to strengthen and support the church. "I believe that the church has potential to create the majority of healing between the lesbian/gay community and the religious community," Rix said. "My goal is to take a group one more step in faith toward the God who loves them . Praise for 'The Sacred And The Queer" comes from some big names in the gay music business. Romanovsky & Phillips said, "Jallen's new recording is a stunning debut album filled with well crafted and brillinat musical gems - but then what would we know about gay music." Will Grega, editor of Out Sounds: The Gay and Lesbian Music Alternative gave Jallen's new release the highest ratings by naming · it America's Best Gay Album. 'The Sacred And The Queer," on CD and cassette, is scheduled to be in record stores and gay /lesbian bookstores in October and is also available from Triam Music Agency, 501 Hayes 1122, San Francisco, CA 94102, triama@aol.com. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 Will wear rainbow ribbons to Mass October 8 Catholics in support of gay ri_ghts to celebrate solidarity WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dignit y/ USA, the national' organization for gay and lesbian Catholics, has called on Catholics who disagree with official church teaching on homosexuality to join in a visible protest on Sunday, October 8, 1995. Dignity has named that day, which coincides with a planned papal visit to Baltimore, Maryland, "Solidarity Sunday," and is asking supporters to wear a rainbow ribbon throughout the day. In announcing the eve nt, Dignity/ USA president Marianne Duddy said, "For too long, the Pope and bishops who endorse discrimination against gay people have controlled the Catholic message about homos exuality, when in fact their attitude is not at all representative of what most Catholics think. It's time that people understand that most Catholics are fair and decent, and believe that all people should be treated with respect ." Duddy pointed to numerous studies that indi cate that the majority of American Catholics support gay rights . A 1992 Gallup poll put this support at 78 percent. In contrast, recent Vatican state ments have named homosexuality as 'Philadelphia' screenwriter to speak at Disciples' banquet RON NYSW ANER, screenwriter for the Oscar-award winning movie, "Philadelphia", will be the keynote speaker for the Gay, Lesbian_ and Affirming Disciples (GLAD) Alliance banquet in Pittsburgh, Penn., during the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), October 20-24. Nyswaner, who grew up as a youth in the First Christian Church of Carmichaels, Penn., served . as a delegate to the General Assembly in Cincinnati, Ohio when he was a teenager. At the October 21 banquet at the Pittsburgh Convention Center he will be sharing his reflections on his journey of self-discovery and how his work with the film motivated him lo be more open and honest ab.out being gay. The screenplay for "Philadelphia", the first major studio film to confront AIDS and homophobia, brought Nyswaner major acclaim and nominations for the Writers' Guild, Golden Globe and Academy Awards. He has . written the screenplays for "Smithereens", "Mrs. Soffel", "Love Hurts", "Gross Anatomy" (coauthor), and wrote and directed 'The Prince of Pennsylvania." His first stage play, "Oblivion Postponed", will be produced this fall Off-Broadway. Nyswaner works and lives in Ulster County, New York, where he is a founding member of a theater company, and volunteers for Angel Food East, an organization which feeds homebound persons with HIV/ AIDS. He speaks lo many groups of people about the rights of gay people with HIV/ AIDS, and has traveled to prisons, schools, conferences and human rights festivals to do so . The banquet is one facet of the Alliance 's progra _m during the General Assembly of the Christian Church. On Friday, October 20, Alliance members and friends will gather at a pre-assembly event. Two "aftersessions" are · plann ed, one for parents, families, and friends on Friday evening and one for Open & Affirming Congregations on Sunday, October 22. GLAD Alliance was formed to provide advocacy, education, and nurture for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and affirming persons within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a moderate Protestant denomination founded in th~ early 1800's. (SEE CALENDAR.) Minister fired after performing lesbian marriage NEW YORK (AP) - A Long Island minister was fired by his congregation after he married a lesbian couple, The New Yark Times reported . The Rev. Renwick Jackson was dismissed by a vote of 84 to 67 taken by the members of the Congregational Church of Patchogue on July 31. Jackson performed the wedding Dec. 31. "I tried not to force my views on those who were against the union," he said, "and performed the marriage not in Patchogue but at a Congre- SECOND STONE gational church in Bay Shore. "But passions have run high and tempers at many meetings since then have flared," he said. 'Those against me threw chairs and shouted, 'I want no lesbian in my church,' and stalked out."' The Times said many parishioners who favored dismissing Jackson denied that homopho. bia was the reason. One person sai d the minister was fired because he was causing division within the congregation . • "intrinsically disordered" and · are seen by many as tacitly approving of violence against gay people . Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Director of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote "When civil legislation is introduced to protect [homosexual] behavior .... neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when ... violent reactions increase." The national coordinator of Solidarity Sunday, Bruce Jarstfer, a retired military surgeon who lives in San Antonio, Texas, said, 'The radical right has targeted our community for abuse, and to drive the fundraising for their ministries. Hate crimes against people perceived to be gay or lesbian increase with every sermon or speech based on gay hatred. It is time to call a halt to such verbal and physical violence." Dignity /USA predicts that as many as 250,000 Catholics will wear rainbow ribbons to Mass on October 8, in the first of what is hoped to become a national event. Solidarity Sunday is also planned to coincide with National Coming Out Day, celebrated on October 11. -Lutheran church offers free condoms to teenagers NEW YORK (AP) - A South Bronx church offered free condoms to teenagers at its basketball tournament, but found few takers - at least, in front of television cameras. Still, All Saints Lutheran Parish marked a legal victory July 9 in St. Mary's Park by offering four brands of condoms along with anti-AIDS literature. The church had won its court fight against the city for the right to hand out condoms in the park. State Appellate Court Justice Israel Rubin ruled July 8 that a ban on distributing condoms on city p r operty was unconstitutional. The Rev. David Kalke, pastor of All Saints, said his church routinely dispenses condoms as part of its AIDS awareness project, including at last inspired "secret policy" that would not survive a full court hearing later this month. 'This ban represents politics at its worst," Siegel said. 'The Giuliani administration pandered to certain conservative elements of our city, whose message is abstinence. "We need to get real on this life-or-death issue," Siegel said. In a statement issued at City Hall, Corporation Counsel Paul Crotty stressed the limitations imposed by Rubin's order. "We are happy that the court · recognizes that there can be reasonable time, place and manner of restrictions on activities that may cause offense to other people," the lawyer said. year's basketball tournament. That's -,------------•-.i why he said he was surprised to find that this year's park-use permit stipulated "no condom distribution." Norman Siegel, head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, contended there was no reason for the city to ban condom distribution when it allows T-shirts, key chains and other items to be dispens ed in its parks. "If Disney and Pocahontas are allowed in the park, and th ey were, surely Rev. Kalke and the All Saints Lutheran parish, and condoms, should be allowe d in the park,'' Siegel told reporters. Kalke was told by Parks Department offi cials that city rules barred such activity. He asked for help from the union, which won an initial court ruling July 7 that blocked · the city from enforcing its policy. In rapid-fire order, the city then won a temporary stay of that ruling, and the .issue was bounced to Rubin. The judge sided with -the lower court, clearing the way for the church to h the epirit of 5t. Fraicia and 5t. Clare, wdre ~ mJge l,uiden; and~ IM(8l"6 tojoum:y with us ii tlJB f~ of J89oo Ori:;!;. C? rl!'f) We are an ecumenical, inclusive. non-clerical 0.,. community of baptize~ men ~ and women from various Christian traditions who ~ chose to worship and live in ~ a faith-sharing spirit . You may become an ~ Associate or enter the program leading to the • profession of vows as a ~~ religious Brother or Sister. Ask to receive our newsletter, "Footsteps." t We work in ministries of love, care and reconciliation nationwide. • · For more information, please write to: proceed - on condition condoms be IIER"_V OF Goo COMMUNITY handed out only during Sunday's Pl ., tournament, and only to youths 16 Att: Vocation Director and older who asked. P. 0. Box 41055 Siegel charged that Mayor Rudolph Providence RI 02940-1055 Giuliani was backing a politically ~amiliiiiiiiiiii,i,iillllilliiiiaiiiil!'liilili•.- SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 199 5 Baptist women take up fight against AIDS By Jim Jones Fort Worth Star-Telegram FORT WORTH, Texas - An organization of Baptist women have decided to move to the forefront in the fight against AIDS. The 1.2 million members of the Woman's Missionary Union are beginning a nationwide AIDS education program. The program, Dare to Care, doesn 't officially begin until October; but churches from Texas to ·Maine are 'We d~n't try to be judgmental in already receiving educational materi- . · any of our materials in the AIDS als on how to help those suffering project," said Trudy Johnson, special from acquired immune deficiency projects director of the Birmingham, syndrome. Ala.,-based Woman's Missionary Some pious religionists have called Union, an independent auxiliary of AIDS a curse from God - punishment the Southern Baptist Convention. for homosexual lifestyles and the But the AIDS education program of promiscuity of heterosexuals. But the women's group does promote most Baptists and other evangelicals traditional morality - including sexual don't go that far. Their faith compels abstinence - as a way of pr eventing them lo assist people in trouble, the disease . Training materials from regardless of their circumstances. the women ' s group and other Baptist son, Scott Allen, was fired from his ministerial position with a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation in Colorado. Scott Allen returned to Texas where his father was then president of the Baptist Radio and Television Commission in Fort Worth . Acting out of concern for the health of their congregations, leaders of Fort Worth-Dallas churches, both Baptist and those of other denominations, discouraged Scott Allen's family from attending Sunday school or other church functions. American· Baptists divided agencies emphasize that sexual contact and blood transfusions are the major ways of contracting AIDS. Worshipping or praying with a person with AIDS won't give you the diseas e, the materials state. Cards asking for prayers for specific persons who have AIDS also are included. Information is given on setting up care teams and church education programs . One of the source materials offered by the women's group's AIDS program is a video, Valley of the Shadow, distributed by the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, which tells the story· of the Allen family and includes videos of physicians and others talking about the disease. It also features information on services provided to AIDS patients by Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth and First Baptist Church of Arlington. over churches that welcome Gays By Joe Bigham Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The American Baptist Church is divided on whether to accept gay and lesbian members, and four churches in the San Francisco area may be at risk of being pushed out of the fold for doing ·so. ; At least 16 churches have asked the !board of managers of the American · ·· ·Baptist Churches of the West to expel congregations in Oakland, San Jose, • Berkeley and San Li!artdro from the organization. The board, which represents 220 churches in Northern and Central California, deadlocked on the issue earlier in the summer. One side believes homosexuality is wrong. The other accepts Gays and Lesbians as members and claims :autonomy of local churches is at stake. Two San Joaquin Valley pastors are spearheading a drive to oust four San Francisco Bay area churches from a regional Baptist conference unless they quit condoning homosexuality. "Our primary purpose is to ask those churches to renounce and change the direction they're going," the Rev. Harold G. Meers of First Baptist Church in Visalia said. 'They are unwilling to change in any way because they have introduced the affirmation of homosexuality into both .the ordination and lay leadership ." Meers tells his congregation that homosexuals can change their s.exual orientation if they want to, and offers a support group. The Rev. Jim Dunn of Stockton's First Baptist Church called homosexuality "still a sin" no matter whether it's a lifestyle or whether men and women are born homosexual. Homosexuality is condemned in The Bible in an Old Testament list of practices forbidden to the Hebrews. But the Rev. James Hopkins of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland called homosexuality "the . last respectable prejudice of the 20th . century." · Lakeshore Avenue _ belongs .to the Association of Welcoming and Affirm. ing Baptists, along with First Baetist -• SECOND STONE of Berkeley, Community of Faith Church of San Jose and San Leandro Community Church. Hopkins said sexuality is "a gift from God" that should be enjoyed as it is - within a "context of commit. ment." "I will fight this fight a long way to keep that hallmark of Baptist religious freedom . from being taken away," Hopkins said. "American Baptists for centuries have stood strong on social issues and justice issues," said the Rev. Kay Wellington, pastor at San Leandro Community. She said American Baptists are not fundamentalists - believers in the infallibility of scripture - as are many Southern Baptists. Meers said his church and Dunn's "foster love and ministry to people struggling with homosexuality. It is an issue of Biblical authority around the teachings of scripture." The board of managers of the American Baptist Churches of the West, which represents 220 Northern and Central California churches, will . take up the issue this fall. "One of the things that could happen if they continue to hold lo their position is they could be removed from the denomination;" Meers said of the four affirming churches. . But Hopkins hopes the dispute doesn't get to the point of a formal split, called a schism when churches divide over doctrine . "He (Meers) is hoping we would recant our position, which morally I don't think we can do," Hopkins said. "I hope the board of managers of American Baptist Churches West sees this move as patently opposed to Baptist principles." Wellington said the board already voted 30-4 in March against having its executive committee develop a method of dealing with the affirming churches. "We've been battling this issue for almost two years," she said. ''It would have died a number of times, (but) the pastors of First Baptist Stockton and First Baptist Visalia refused to let it die." In February, the Woman's Missionary Union will sponsor a nationwide collection of items needed by AIDS hospices as well as money for services. The money will be donated to an AIDS hospice in Victoria, Brazil. Baptists got a wake-up call about the AIDS pandemic four years ago when the Rev . Jimmy Allen, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, revealed the tragedy that had happened to his family. His daughter-in-law, tydia AHen, became infected with human imrnunodeficiency virus through a blood transfusion. She and her youngest son, Bryan, died of AIDS and her oldest son, Matt, now 12, is critically ill with the virus. During the ordeal, Jimmy Allen's Johnson said Jimmy Allen's willingness to share the tragic story of his family has had a "tremendous impact" in convincing Baptist congregations to take up AIDS ministries. For his part, Allen commends the WMU for its efforts, noting that it is a "network of women who historically have been involved in the cutting edge of caring . 'There has been a counter-tide, sort of hardening of the heart of the nation against those who need help,'.' Allen said. "Compassion is evaporating in this country." Ht believes rediscovering compassion in churches will help a great deal. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to study break from Southern Baptist Convention FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - The head of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will name a special committee to study whether the moderate group should split with the Southern Baptist Convention and become a separate denomination. Patrick Anderson, a Florida college professor who was elected moderator of the fellowship, made the announcement at the end of the group's threeday convention. "Our bell has been rung on this issue, and I think it is time a committee make a systematic and careful study of our options," Anderson is quoted as saying in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The committee will gather information on the problems and advantages of becoming a denomination. But the group won 't be asked to make a recommendation until next year's general assembly meeting in Richmond, Va. "We don't think this is something you can do in a debate on the convention floor with 5,000 people," Anderson said. The fellowship was formed four years ago to protest the conservative takeover of the :15.5 million member Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant group. Conservative leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention say the fellowship already is a separate denomination because it has .its own Atlanta-based headquarters, supports some 80 missionaries and seminaries and other ministries . SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 9 9 5·. Former journalist opposes gay/lesbian ordination ,TQl:Jgh-talking woman elected Presbyterian moderator By Keely Coghlan The Odessa American BIG SPRING, Texas - Marj Carpenter hated her first month of. work as communications director for the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. · Now she's just been elected as the church's moderator, the highest non-paying job in the Presbyterian Church. But 17 years ago, Ms. Carpenter wasn't sure she wanted to stay in her new job for more than a year. After 27 years of chasing car wrecks and fires, politicians and football coaches throughout West Texas, Ms. Carpenter awakened to every. shrieking siren in those still Atlanta nights in 1979- and felt left out. · "I would hear sirens, and think I was supposed to go take pictures," Ms. Carpenter said . "All the meetings were boring. I was doing a weekly newsletter and a monthly magazine, and they were filled with stories about meetings." The former Big Spring Herald reporter had been recruited for her experience as a reporter and active church volunteer, but all she did was write about meetings. Until she visited the church's mission in Brazil. "I was in a packing crate village ih . Brazil when they brought the news that a child in our school had died of an abscessed too.th," Ms. Carpenter recalled. Someone asked the mother why she hadn't asked the missionaries for help. "She said we had already done so much, she didn't want to ask," Ms. Carpenter said . "Well, I didn't think we had done so much." So Carpenter decided to see for herself. She traveled to missions in 102 countries on her own funds to write about the church's work. "I found out we were doing a Jot," Ms. Carpenter said,. citing work in building churches, schools and agricultural projects throughout the world, from Cuba to Soviet Russia and Zaire. She retired in January, but Ms. Carpenter, 68, isn't finished with church business. The moderator's job, to which she was elected July 16 at the church's national convention in Cincinnati, is• a one-year term as head of the Presbyterian Church USA, the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States with more than 3 million members . Moderators set the tone of the church's discussion and focus for the year and are selected by conference Presbyterian Church's rift grows over conservative newspaper LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A leader of erator's appointees accu-sed the Lay the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has Committee of "subversion" and asked challenged a committee to take a the Cincinnati General Assembly to stand regarding a conservative news- . urge the Lay Committee to "cease and paper that denounces the church's desist its destructive behavior, which leadership as being theologically out · \ harms our beloved church." of touch. · The Layman retorts that it is · The requested review of The standing up for rank-and-file Presby- Presbyterian Layman was made by the terians and for what is right. Rev . Robert Bohl, the church's moder- 'The fact is that a deep division ator, and came as the church pre- already exists," it said in its latest pared for its 207th General Assembly, issue. 'That division is between which was held the week of July 16 in national leadership and staff and the Cincinnati. people of our congregations." 'The Layman has been a destructive instrument to the mission and minis- At the heart of the matter is try of the church," Bohl told The theology and how free-thinking Pres- Courier-Journal in an interview. byterians want to be. Presbyterianism The newspaper has been critical of, traditionally has been an inclusive al'(long other things, efforts to bring faith, encouraging debate and unwilgay and lesbian people into the full ling to draw strict doctrinal lines life of the church. designed to exclude non-believers. 'Though we want them to exist, we The Layman is pushing the idea of a want them to exist in a Jess vitriolic uniform creed, "that there is a truth style. But there's no guarantee, even that can be absolutely defined and if they were struck by lightning from that they know it," said the Rev. God, that they will change." Eugene March, dean of the Louisville J..ast summer the 206th General Presbyterian Theological Seminary Assembly set up a special Reconcilia- and a commissioner, or delegate, to lion Committee to try to determine the General Assembly. . "appropriate boundaries" for the The Lay Committee also is Presbyterian Lay Committee and the concerned about financial accountabilprivate) y ~unded newspaper it pub- ity of church governing bodies and lishes six times a year . what it views as a liberal bent in the But the Reconciliation Committee appointments of ministers and lay coll11J>~e_d this spring when the mod- people to significant committees. SECOND STONE GJ delegates, all of whcim must be either lay elders or ministers. Ms. Carpenter has said she will focus on mission work and church . 1 development . · "Marj is devoted to the mission of proclaiming the gospel to all the world," said the Rev. Flynn Long, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Big Spring, where she is an elder. "She's been involved since · she was a little girl." "All the mainline denominations get so involved in justice issues and · in politics. I want to emphasize mission," Ms. Carpenter said. "I belfeve Marj is correct. People today are interested in the church doing things to help others, not fancy stained-glass worship services," Long said. Presbyterians provide medical and agricultural aid to countries or impoverished areas, often being among the first missionary groups to arrive in previously closed countries. And then they leave . "We get a church going, but we don't stay . We go back if we are asked, but we do not try to change the way they are and we do not · colonize them," Ms. Carpenter said. She also cites the church's tradition- , al three-way budget split between J medical aid, agricultural aid, and , evangelism as one of the strengths of I the mission program. : 'There are people who think we · should only evangelize," Carpenter ' said. "But if you read the New Testament,Jou see that Jesus healed the sick an told parables to educate them. We get into a lot of countries by helping them with an agricultural project. We teach them how to grow food when they are starving." Hospitals and schools are welcome in many Muslim countries where missionaries are prohibited from evangelizing, Ms. Carpenter said, citing a hospital in Pakistan where doctors perform · hundreds of cataract operations. "People walk across the mountains to go to that hospital," Ms. Carpenter ;t:·~1:~Y say, Th~ Christians make . Ms. Carpenter doesn't see herself as' a trailblazer, although her car does sport a buinper sticker, "Press Women Make Headlines," a reference · to her membership in the National Press Women. Seven of the 400 moderators in church history have been women; the i Presbyterian church began ordaining women in the 1950s. ''Being a woman has never stopped me," Carpenter said. "I wrote sports in West Texas when there were no women sportswriters." · The military tried to confiscate her pictures of a plane crash near the now-closed Webb Air Force Base at . Big Spring, running her off the road and actually taking her camera - only to discover she had already removed! the film. · "I told them the film was on my · person, and they didn't have a female 'officer with · them and they were welcome 'to call my edito& and dis:: SEE MODERATOR, Page 19 Book Sale! DEFECTING IN PLACE: Women Clalmli'lg =~~:~Ja~~rliJai Uveeby'Mnter, W19 22.95 NOW 18.95 A SINGING SOMETHING: Womanl&t R911ections on Ama .ksli~:~t'N~~e~-~r . Hartb>ver. A HUNDRED DAYS FROM NOW, •>?oration of low, racew~:.:ial~'wby 1 ~n . Hartieowr. YUG08LAVJAN INFERNO: Etmorellglrue Warfal'& In lhe8al~a:~~a:o~3"· WOMEN AT WORSHIP: lnttNpratations ot North Americanw'!~~~:.:s Wallen. Pep8f. ~ri,~N~~rl~:~~!NJ:~i,::n~~ C Sctmitt. Paper. Was 13.95 NOW 11.95, NOW DARE EVERYTHING: Tales of HIV-Related p~:~r~:i~-~~r. 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IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD, goy Epla:cpal p,lo«oo~~•~:"lo:--' WOME\r~!~~w~~: Paper. AND SAY HI TO JOYCE: Amel'fca'II Ara Gay -Coum~~~~w~'.':-- Place your order today! Quan. Title Price Total □---- □------ Postage/Handling $2.90 first book, $1.00 ea. additional TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLQSED NAME _________ _ ADDRESS ________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ______ _ ORDER FROM: SEOOND STONE PRESS P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, IA 70182 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 199 5 InP rint ••••••••••••••••••. • •.••••••••••••••••••••••••• •· ••••• -• •••••• f Two mothers' stories M·other's journey begins too late for gay son By William Carey ContributingW riter Prayers For Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms With the Suicide ,of Her Gay Son, Leroy Aarons, author; New York HarperCollins;" 1995. 271 pp., $22. ayers for Bobby is a most pro- , ound and moving book. The book tells of a tragedy, and is made all the more tragic by the fact that the story it tells is true. Bobby Griffith was born June 24, 1963 in Oakland, California. The third of four children, Bobby was an intelligent and talented child born to a fundamentalist Christian mother. From an early age, Bobby showed devotion to God and desired to be right with God in everything he did. He, like his brothers and sisters, attended Sunday School through his high school years. They attended church regularly, and his mother taught Bible studies at home. It seemed like Bobby had everything going for him. In his teens, Bobby told his brother Ed that he was gay. Ed, in turn; worried about his brother, told their mother. Although the family loved Bobby, they could not accept him as he was. Over the next few years, Bobby learned to hate himself for being gay. His hatred mingled with anger at his family for preaching to him, at God for not "curing" him, and at himself, for not being able to be anything else but what he was. On the night of August 26, 1983, · 20-year-old Bobby Griffith jumped off a highway overpass into the path of a tractor trailer. He died instantly. Prayers For Bobby chronicles the story of his . life, as well as the realization of his mother that her own ignorance and bigotry had contributed to the death of her son. To compound the tragedy of his death, the realization of what their faith had done to Bobby caused the family to abandon much of the brand of Christianity they knew at the time. This is a painful book to read, contains some strong (but honest) language, and leaves the reader with an intense sadness, not only for Bobby, but also for his family. If there is any message of hope to be drawn from Prayers For Bobby, it is SEE GAY SON, Next Page Overheard comment sends mother on a mission . By Allen V. Harris Contributing Wri~er . Cleaning Closets: A Mother's Story; Beverly Cole, author; St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1995. 163 pp. $13.95 n this age when the art of dialogue seems to be consumed . by fiery rhetoric and blockaded by unbending posturing, treasures of wisdom and reason shine bright. In the fine tradition of other parents of lesbian and gay children who have dared to share their stories in print, Beverly Cole has brought to us her unique perspective and in doing so has provided a needed clearing for a meaningful conversation. CleaningC losets:A Mother's Story is a wonderfully honest account of one Now available from Second Stone! The Word Is Out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an anti-gay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 daily meditations, the Bible's oood news "comes out11 to - ~eet all of us witb love, justice, meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the autbor of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is agn1duate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. Tide □ Postage/Hand$lin3g.0 0fi rstb ook$, 1.00e a.a dditiona-l- --- TOTALA MOUNET NCLOSED----- NAME------------------,------ ADDRESS------,---------------- CITY/STATEIZIP_ ________________ _ ORDEFRR OMS:E CONSDT ONPER ESSP,. OB. OX8 340N, EWO RLEANLSA,7 0182 SECOND STONE - woman's journey through her own emotions as she discovers, quite by accident, that her teenage son is gay. While putting the wet laundry into the dryer, Cole happened to overhear one of her son's friends say to him, "You're the only gay person I know who doesn't smoke." That revelation sent this comfortable wife and mother of two, living in Salina, Kansas, on an engaging encounter with the unknown. The book begins with a foreward by Cole's son, Eric, and ends with a postscript, "All in Good Time," that gives good advice to Gays and Lesbians who are thinking about coming out. What makes this volume different · from many such narratives is that in this instance the parent is grounded in a strong Christian tradition. Beverly turns first to her pastor for guidance, and eventually her investi- · gation will help others in her local United Methodist Church to understand the blessings that can indeed come through such surprising means. Early on in her story, once she confirmed the truth of what she had heard with her son, Beverly quickly assured him that God still cared for him. After reflecting upon that instinctive response, she wrote, "I had never even thought about being gay and being Christian at the same time. I would have to wrestle with that question myself. In my heart, I felt that God would be there for him, but there's only one way that feeling can be transferred from one person to another, and that is through love. I couldn't make Eric feel God's love. All I could do was love him myself. I had no control over his other experiences in life. I wondered if those experiences would be any -- different since he was gay?" (p.15) this faithful mother decided to explore many different perspectives in order to more fully understand same-sex attraction and how it relates to spir- . ituality. Particularly helpful is the casual yet extremely effective manner irt which Cole has integrated her findings into her book. She annotated the books and resources she found, putting them within the context of her own search so they become living resources for others to pursue. She quite willingly tackled viewpoints which, in the end, were different from her own. In every case, she took what she needed and what she believed to be true and left the rest behind, confident that God's Spirit was with her in her quest. She urges the reader to do likewise. With a matter of fact style, Cole draws the conclusion that ultimately what matters to God, and to her, is Led by her heart and her mind, SEE MISSION, Next Page S E P T E M B E R / 0 C T O B· E R l 9 9 5 e I I I I I e ·. e I I I I I I I ID I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 ~ In Print . . . . . . . . . . ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •· New Catholic work on homosexuality THE CENTER FO~ Homop _hobia f~rence of bishops and i_ndividual part of Voices of Hope. Educat10n has_ pubhsh~d Voices of bishops, Roman Congregations, theo- The editors say the new collection Hvpe; A Collectwn of Positive Catholic logians, Catholic social justice groups, updates and expands several similar sciences a respect for the experiences of people, or a willingness to employ methodologies which could lead to a development of magisterial teaching." Wntings about Gay and Lesbian Issues, Catholic newspapers, professional previous collections and represents edited by Jeannine Gramick and Catholic organizations, Catholic par- "the best of the Catholic intellectual Voices of Hope is available from New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th St., Mt. Robert Nugent, a Catholic nun and · ents, lesbian and gay Catholic groups and moral traditions." Many of the pnest team who have specialized in , and representatives from religious , ,documents show "pastoral sensitivity Catholic gay /lesbian ministry since orders of women and men. an openness to new data from th~ the early 70's. Both have authored The three sections of the book • Rainier, MD 20712. and edited several previous works on contain brief statements and resoluhomosexuality and Catholicism. tions, longer documents and pastoral Contributions to Voices of Hope come letters and critical respons.es to a 1992 from the United States, Canada, the Vatican statement on discrimination. Netherlands, New Zealand, Belgium, Gramick and Nugent contribute a France, Ireland, England and the preface, section introductions and a Vatican. conclusion . An author/source index Voices of Hope contains material and an appendix with the full text of from national and state Catholic con- the 1992 Vatican statement are also GAY SON, From Page 14 in the incredible metamorphosis of Bobby's mother from a frightened, ignorant woman, preaching hell-fire and damnation to a son who only wanted to be loved and accepted, to an outspoken advocate for gay and lesbian youth. Upon reading the book, it becomes clear that the work she has done, and continues to do, has saved many other young people from Bobby's fate. I wish that she had been able to find a way to reconcile her fundamentalist Christianity with her new-found acceptance of gay people, and perhaps someday she will. For now, however, the pain and anger of what that type of fundamentalism did to her son, and caused her to do to her son, have prevented that from happening. So, although she and her other children are still living, their current spiritual condition can only be regarded as one more tragic loss caused by the actions. of those who would use. the name of Jesus tii' further the cause of bigotry and hatred. Although Prayers For Bobby can be shocking at times, and certainly doesn't have a "happily ever after" ending, I .still recommend it highly. all of us need an awareness (or _perhaps just a reminder) of what young gay people must endure. For many of us, our own adolesence was so painful that we just try to block it out. But ·now that we've grown up, and have learned the truth of God's love for us, we have a responsibility to the young people just coming to terms with who they are. There have been too many tragic deaths and too many driven from the word of God by ignorance and hatred. And no one of us alone can change all of that. But if we each· do something, we can make a difference. And if even one Bobby Griffith is saved from an untimely death and can be helped to know and believe that God loves him, then anything we do will have been worth it. There's a whole generation of teenage boys and girls out there who need to know that they are not horrible, depraved perverts,. but young men and women made in the image of God, who creates people as . God sees fit. Brother William Carey is pastor of {.,ighthouse Apostolic Church in Schenectady, New York. The library at the church has been named "T11e Bobby Griffith Memorial Library" and aphotograph of Bobby hangs on the wall. Bulk Copies Available OF THIS ISSUE OF SECOND STONE 10 copies - $13.50 • 25 copies - $29.50 • ;i~pies - $45.00 100 copies - $67.50 includes postage and handling. Send your pre-paid order to Second Ston.e. PO . Box 8340, New Orleans . LA 70182 MISSION, From Page 14 that her son is a loved and loving being. Confronting her fears and misconceptions about her son's boyfriends, scriptural mandates, and even the family's childhood pediatrician (who proves to be quite the bigot) Cole gains the confidence she needs to live her refashioned life with integrity. Cole also writes: "It seems to me that we Christians, as a people of faith, are beginning to realize that we need to take a closer look at our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as an acceptable and vital part of our faith community." For openly lesbian or gay folks who have told their story to others, or to parents who have been involved in the movement for justice for their children, this book may provide few new findings. Even so, the manner in which it is written is .so warm and inviting I would recommend it to even the most seasoned advocate for lesbian and gay persons . For those parents or children who are just coming out of their own closets and anyone, for that matter, who is grappling with the implications for their faith of God's unabashed love for gay men and Lesbians, I would enthusiastically recommend Cleaning Closets: A Mother's Sto:Y· Rev. Allen V. Harris is pastor at Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New York City. Recommended Reading For Everyone ... PASTOR, I AM GAY by The Reverend H. Howard Bess An extraordinary book. PASTOR, I AM GAY .. .is a pro_pheti~ witness to the church. It is compelling in • its mtens1ty, compassionate in its identifications and · cour~~eo?s in its . call to sharing humanity without duahf1cat1ons. A reader will not be able to put it own. James B. Ashbrook, Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in Religion and Personality Garrett Evang e lical Theological Seminaiy No rthwestern University PASTOR, I AM GAY )s a superb entry into the difficult and painful subiect of homosexuality that faces us in the church and society today . Both pastor and lay person will find this book readable and informative as we seek more insight into the lives of homosexual friends inside and outside the church. Donald Parsons, Bishop, Alaska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ PASTOR, I AM GAV by Rev. Howard Bess $14.95, paperback. ___ _ Postag&'Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME. ________ ____________ _ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP._--~--------------ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1 9 9 5 . . . . .. . . .. . .. . .. Noteworthy ~ •.• .. ........... .................... ' ............... .... . GayC hristnias on televisionin P hoeinx t:,.CASA DE CRISTO Evangelical Church now has a weekly TV program carried on Cox Cable Channel 22 in the Phoenix metro area, 'That Church!" is hosted by Casa's senior pastor Fred L Pattison, The format of the program includes music, an interview, and a short message from Pastor Pattison, The goals of the program are to combat homophobia as it exists among non-gay Chnshans and to reach disenfranchised evangelical Christian Gays and Lesbians. Brethren/Mennoneivteen td raws 90 from across the country !:,.CHARLOTTEN, ORTH CAROLINA was the site for the first jointly sponsored conference for the Church of the Brethren Women's Caucus and the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. The two day event held June 25 and 26, "Dancing at the Wall: Re-Imagining the Church," drew 90 members of the Church of the Brethren from as far away as California, Colorado, Indiana and Maryland. The group, ranging ' in age from their teens through their 70's, gathered at Mey_ers Park Baptist Church to explore what it means to be excluded by the Church and to build a vision of an inclusive faith community. Integritcyh aptecre lebrate2s0 th t:,.INTEGRITY NEW YORK will be celebrating its 20th anniversary October 19, with a Eucharist celebrated by The Right Rev. Richard F. Grein, Bishop of New York. The preacher will be Louie Crew, founder of Integrity. The service begins at 7:30 at the Church of St. Luke in . the Fields, 487 Hudson Street (just south of Christopher), Pennsyvlania and Ohio mark firsts in Open & Affirming Progr am t:,.THE GLAD ALLIANCE Open & Affirming Ministries Program has annou nced the addition of a new Open & Affirming Congregation and a new Open & Affirming Campus Ministry, both firsts in the program for their respective states. This makes the number of local congregations, campus ministries, regions, and advocacy groups within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) which have named themselves as "Open & Affirming" now total 30. "I'm not a straight man, but I play one on television." Many gay and lesbian people like Dan Butler thought acting straight was better than being open and honest. They hoped that others did not know, or that they feared friends and family would not accept them, After coming out, the love and support many receive tells them one thing -- that being themselves·; s the best act to follow, National Coming Out Day is O~tober 11 Come Our. It truly makes a difference. Nationa l Coming Out Project is an edUC11tloann do ulr,ach prog,.mo f tM y,t !-- PAIGNFUND Form orei nformniona bou1h owy ouc anm ake a diffi:rtncotn Nnioiul C.OminOgu rD :iy, or 10 ordero fficiilK eithH aringN ationaCl .Oming OurO Jym erchandisael,l 1-800-866-62~3. SECOND STONE Sandra Kelsey, Chairperson of the Task Force on Human Sexuality of the United Christian Church of Levittown, Pennsylvania (Disciples of Christ and Ul)ited Church of Christ) announced that after a 13 month extensive study on the issue of human sexuality, the congregation voted unanimously on June 4 to become Open & Affirming. Jan Griesinger, Director of the United Campus Ministry at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio said that the campus ministry there has also made a public statement of wekome to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, Ohio Campus Ministry ,made its first public statement in 1978 and has continued since that time to house the student gay, lesbian, and bisexual organization offices. The Open & Affirming Ministries Program was created by the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance to provide resources for stuc;ly and support for local congregations and other church organizations who wish to more fully include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in their mission and ministry, paying special attention also to frien ds and family members of persons who are gay. For information on this program contact Allen V. Harris, O&A Ministries Developer, 1010 Park Ave., New York, NY 10028. 25y earsm arkedi nD allas_ !:,.CATHEDRALO F HOPE MCC celebrated its 25th anniversary in July. The church celebrated with several special events, a concert with Christian singer Cynthia .Clawson, and a special message by Rev. Elder Troy Perry. Senior pastor Michael Piazza presented his vision of the church for the next 25 years, entitled "Celebrating Our Future." Lutherans Concerned leader passes t:,.REV. JON NELSON, a former cochair of Lutherans Concerned/North America, died May 14. He is preceded in death by his partner, Michael Gerke and is survived by his family, . including sister Beth, parents Bob and Jane, two nephews and countless friends. "Jon was different from the beginning," said Lynn -Mickelson, co-chair of LC/NA, speaking of her personal relationship with Nelson. "He was a Lutheran clergyman with multiple degrees, not interested in power, control or gender roles ... his label as a "high church . feminist" effectively shut him out of leadership in his synod." celebrating his 18th anniversary as pastor of the church, Pattison became senior pastor of Casa de Cristo on October 2, 1977. In addition to serving as pastor, Pattison founded Cristo Press which has a world-wide literature ministry outreach, Cristo AIDS Ministry, The Evangelical Network, which is a fellowship of independent evangelical churches ministering in the gay and lesbian community, and the Phoenix Evangelical Bible Institute. Pastor Fred and his life partner, Joseph Sombrio, have been together since May, 1973. Casa de Cristo celebrates its 25th anniversary in September. It was formerly affiliated with the UFMCC but is now an independent church. Jesuipt riestta ughat bout AIDSin h isf inald ays t:,.THE REV. TERRY SHEA, former president of Seattle Preparatory School, has died from complications of AIDS. The Jesuit priest was 58. Shea died July 17 in his sleep at a Spokane infirmary . He publicly revealed his illness in May and used publicity generated by his disclosure to teach Seattle Prep students about his disease. Shea was president of Seattle Prep from 1992 until last June, when he stepped down. Local Catholic leaders said Shea's illness gave them the chance to affirm the church's teachings that call for compassion toward peopl{'._Wilh AIDS. The church also teaches respect for the confidentiality of those who are infected. "As Catholics, we need to show out love, our understanding," said the Rev. David Jaeger, who runs the AIDS Ministry for the Seattle Archdiocese. Shea was born in 1937 in Spokane and entered the Jesuit novitiate in Oregon in 1955. In 1968, he was ordained at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Spokane and three years later earned his master's degree in · business administration from New York University. In 1972, Rev. Shea became president of Bellarrnine Preparatory School -in Tacoma, where he remained until 1976. Shea is survived by a mother in Spokane and three brothers and three sisters. Churchd edicates new sanctuary MTLANTA'S OLDEST MCC held its first service in its new sanctuary on July 23. First MCC held its dedication in conjunction with the UFMCC General Conference. Rev. Troy Perry led the dedication, which was attended Pastocr eel brates by almost 500 people. "It's a relief," 18tha nniversaOryfm inistry said Rev. Reid Christensen, First t:,.PA STOR FRED L. PATTISON, MCC's pastor for the past eight years. senior pastor of Casa de Cristo "We have been working on this for :Evangelical Church in Phoenix, is the last year and a half." SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER l 9 9 5 Keyes speaks out for creat ionism, against homosexuality NASHUA, N.H. (AP) - Gays and Lesbians are not entitled to special rights and are open to public judgement, presidential hopeful Alan Keyes said. Keyes, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations' Economic and Social Council, said discrimination against Gays serves to educate the nation's youth. "If I don 't have the right to discriminate against behavior that I don't like, then how am I going to educate my children?" Keyes said. He drew an analogy between homosexuality and adultery . "What about married people who have the sexual preference to sleep with other people than their wives?" he said . ''That's a sexual preference, too. "You go down this road, you're essentially destroying the concept of sexual responsibility," he said. CALENDAR, From Pa&e 2 Keyes, host of a nationally syndicated radio talk show, appearei:I July 5 as a guest on WMVU's Kevin Miller Show. Keyes told listeners that students should be taught creationism to better understand their rights as American citizens. The Declaration of Independence refers to divine creation in explaining how people are endowed with inalienable rights, the conservative Republican said. "What does the Declaration say?" Keyes said . 'That rights come from God . When? At the moment of creation ... So, of course I think that it ought to be possible to teach our children about the idea of creation." The document says "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are 1 endowed by their Creator with Open and Affirming Churches gathering OCTOBER 13-15, "Gathered in Spirit; Gaining in Strength" is the theme of the national Open and Affirming Exultation to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. Paul Sherry, president of the United Church of Christ, will speak. The Northcoast Men's Chorus and the Just Peace Players will perform . For information contact ONA-UCCUGC, P.O . Box 403, Holden, MA 01520. Lesbian spirituality retreat . OCTOBER 13-15, "Claiming Our Own Voices: A Retreat About Lesbian Spiritiiality"'will 'be held at Algonkian Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. Leaders are Joan Beilstein, a lesbian priest from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and Rose Hassan, a lesbian priest and chaplain of Integrity/New York. The program includes liturgies, large plenary sessions, small group discussions and social time. For information contact Rose Hassan, (212)989-9363 or Joan Beilstein, (703)440-8405. . · GLAD Alliance meeting · . OCTOBER 20-24, The Gay, Lesbian, and. Affirming Disciples Alliance (G_LAD Alliance) will meet in conjunction with the biennial General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) meeting in Pittsburgh, Penn. The GLAD Alliance will host a Pre-Assembly Event beginning at 11 :30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. On Saturday, Oct. 21 there will be a reception and a banquet featuring Ron Nyswaner, screenwriter for the Academy Award-nominated film, "Philadelphia." Two educational forums are scheduled, one for parents, families, and friends of Gays and Lesbians on Friday night, and the other for Open & Affirming Ministries on Sunday evening, Oct. 22. For information contact GLAD Alliance, P.O. Box 19223, Indianapolis, IN 46219-0223, (816)432-6139. Ghost Ranch gathering NOVEMBER 2-5, Led by Lisa Bove, former HIV/AIDS minister at West Hollywood Presbyterian Church, and Chris Glaser, au_thor ~I The Word /s Out: The Bible Flee/aimed for Lesbians and Gay Men. Reg1strat1on, $100, room a_nd board, $120. For information, contact Ghost Ranch, HG 77, Box 11, Ab1qu1u, NM 87510-9601, (505)685-4333, FAX (505)685-4519. Call to Action National Conference NOVEMBER 8·10, The Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago is the setting for Call to Action's national event. "We Are The Church: What If We Meant What We Said?" is the theme. Cosponsors include Dignity/USA, New Ways Ministry, Catholics Speak Out, Women's Ordination Conference, and others . The CT A annual conference is evolving into a national congress of persons; communities and organizations working to "reinvent the church." For infomation on this -conference contact Call to Action, 4419 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60625, (312)004-0400, FAX (312)604-4719. Christian Responses to Homosexuality NOVEMBER 10·12, Three days of dialogue with people from across the philosophical and theological spectrum, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church. The cost of this conference, which will be held in Denver, is $125. For information contact Elizabeth Pruett, Box 2922, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602-0292, (970)945-7293 SECOND STONE • certain unalienable Rights, among them the· right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Creationism focused national attention on the region in the winter when the Merrimack School Board considered a proposal from a minister to include creationism in the science curriculum. The Rev. Paul Norwalt of Merrimack Baptist Temple withdrew his proposal in February but vowed to reintroduce it later this year. Keyes also commended Gov. Steve Merrill for refusing $9 million in federal Goals 2000 education money. Merrill passed up the money, arguing federal mandates were too restrictive. "Governor Merrill was so right, and I would applaud him 100 times over," Keyes said. He said the program usurps state and local authority to set educational goals for public schools. Another presidential hopeful, former Tennessee Gov : Lamar Alexander, agreed and ; said Goals 2000 has become a "gross intrusion" in state affairs. Reiterating campaign platforms , Keyes decried declining morals and an increase in the illegitimacy rate. He said welfare undermines the family structure and harms the poor by diminishing their self-esteem. Critic of Gays: My religion shouldn't bar me from police board NEW YORK (AP) - A clergyman who denounced the Gay Games asked a City Council committee to judge him by his actions, not his religious beliefs, and reappoint him to a police watchdog panel. The City Council's Rules Committee is holding hearings on the Rev. Ruben Diaz's reappointment to the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which investigates allegations of brutality, verbal abuse or other misconduct by police, The Pentecostal minister told the committee July 13 that his beliefs on homosexuality should not prevent him from continuing as a member of the review board . 'Judge me for my record," he said. Diaz told the Rules Committee he . has supported efforts to hire Gays and Lesbians as investigators on the review board. But some committee members harked back to comments Diaz made last summer, when he said the Gay Games would spread AIDS and teach children that homosexuality is acceptable. When the black and Puerto Rican clergyman related that he had once been beaten up by white soldiers and verbally abused by a lieutenant while in the Army, Councilman Stephen DiBrienza - who opposes Diaz's reappointment - asked ·if he would want that officer to serve on the board. "Jesse Jadson called New York 'Hymietown' and you voted for him . You supported him," Diaz shot back · at the Brooklyn Democrat. When DiBrienza continued to press him on the question, Diaz said he would ba_ck putting the officer on the board "nowadays, in this era." Two gay councilmen split on supporting Diaz. Tom Duane opposed him on grounds his presence discourages complaints by Gays and Lesbians, but Antonio Pagan supported the minister, saying Diaz has been a . "hard-working and responsible" member of the board. ~DD rno1vELLOW PAGES"' INFORMIN& THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &fTI lgj '. TRANSGENDER COMMUNl1Y SINCE ma ~ Complete gay~frfendiy resources and businesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel &eJVices, printers, Organ\ul\on1, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & A.I.D.S/ H.l,V, resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast llCCMS phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed (no charge), or for details of current editions and prices, or Information about mailing labels, please send a aeH•addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-SS, VIiiage Station, New York, NY f 0014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA and Canada call 1·212-989-4850. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, ·aod San Francisco. They are not involved with production or publication of · Gayellow Pages, so please cfon't call them except to order.) ·1 wish all my readers had.a copy of this ve,y useful volume. If you live in Nowheresville, U.S.A., and haven't a clue about how to find other gay folks, this book is indispensable. There's no way to remain isolated if you make use of the information contained in thv Gayel/ow Pages.• P•t C.lllla, The Advocate Advisor 'By far lhe most comprohensive and up-to-<iate gay guide ... Gayel/ow Pages . . . includes the standald entries for bars and restaurants . .. But the Gaye/low Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV services, legal _rasources, organizations (ca.tegorized by purpose or interest}, religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay. lesbian and bisexual people, no matter ho~ unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probably listsd ;n the Gaye/lo~ Pages . ... Hardly a week goes by that it is not consulted in the Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Howells, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA}, December 1994 . SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 199 5 , ...... ~.•. . . •.~ . .. .... .... . .C. . .o . .m. . . .m. . .• e ...n. . t .. . . . .. . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The new millenium: The joining of the secular and the sacred By Dirk deVries ·Guest comment I call it millennial hysteria. Have you felt it? A general sort of digging in - a desire to maintain the status quo, -no matter how dysfunctional it might be, a yearning to turn back the cultural clock to an earlier, safer time, a time that may not, in fact, have ever really existed except in television nostalgia or wishful remembering. Entrenchment. Fear. Doom-saying. Millennial• hysteria finds expression worldwide. We see it in the rise of religious fundamentalism, Christian in our country, and in other faiths elsewhere in the world. People frightened of change seek refuge in easy, black-and-white _ answers, replacing the mystery of God and the evolving uncertainty of faith with inflexible dogma ·· and absolutes, finding reassurance in being told what to believe and how to act. The future may look unnervingly hazy, culture and technology may spin out of control around us, but our faith is 'outlined, conc;lensedi packaged and memorizable. We interpret our holy writings literally. We regard with mistrust anyone outside our little faith circle. We're the right ones with the right knowledge and the right behavior. CLERGY, From Page 3 · They're doing fine and are unaware women are still struggling," Chang said. And while churches opened themselves to W';)men clergy in recent decades, no laws forbid them from discriminating in their hiring. Answering only to themselves, many denominations have cut back or eliminated staff whose job it was to prod congregations to consider and hire female candidates. This surrendered ground to the informal "oldboy networks" that have traditionally been responsible for most clergy placements, the study authors said. Even when churches use computerized employment networks or forbid the exclusion of any · candidate, the reality is that many 1 churches stilllook for men to preach to them, researchers said. "You will have all these liberal-speaking people on the church governing boards who will say, 'Personally, I have no problem (with a woman pastor) ... but what would our older, wealthy patjshioners do?"' Lummis said. R. Douglas Brackenridge, a religion professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, said pulpit commit- SECOND STONE Such faith does feel secure, but also sterile and void of the creative tension of doubt and challenge, exploration and questioning. Millennial hysteria breaks out politcally as well. In Germany, the Nazi party gains supporters; in America, legislators strive to undo legislation which for decades has extended Christ-like compassion to society's outcasrs and the downtrodden. Stamp out diversity. Lock the doors. Clamp down. Keep out the strangers. · What is it that frightens us? What fuels this desperation that turns us inward, protecting, closing up and pushing away? Change. At some level we know that change is coming. We are about to take another turn in a predictable historical cycle. In humanity's history, each major temporal milestone, such as the tum of a century and even more so a millennium, · brings with it species-wide angst. We preceive the year 2000 as more than just the beginning of a new year; it's the start of a new epoch, a new era. And each era brings with it new ways of understanding ourselves, our relationship to the world, each other and the divine. This change is happening . For example, in the book Sacred Eyes, Dr. L. Robert Keck identifies major shifts in humankind 's "deep values," those tees in the Presbyterian Church are required to look at resumes from women an<;! minority candidates, but the rule does not have much effect. 'They take a look at the dossier and throw it down - 'We considered it,"' said Brackenridge, co-author of Presbyterian Women in America: Two Centuries of a Quest for Status. He said the Hartford study backs up earlier research. 'There still is a residual resistance to women in the pastoral ministry," Brackenridge said. "It's still there." c,f'fP,ozn tius' Puddle values that underlie and support our cultural structures, including institutions like the church. Ke~k hypoth, esizes that this shift in deep values has been in the works for centuries, some of them embodied in the ministry of Jesus 2,000 years ago. But the speed at which information and technology continues to multiply exponentially is forcing the change quickly. What might such changes entail? For some with their eye on cultural evolution, it's good news: we will see a maturing of spirituality. The importance of spirituality will increase. Spirituality will be far more pervasive, of recognized importance in more areas of life. It' starting. Take a look at contemporary physics; the current big names in the field often sound more like theologians than scientists. Maybe they're both? Two decades ago the medical community scoffed at healing models that taught that the mind was involved in healing; that didn't fit the scientific model. Now the medical community trains it's people to understand the mind-body connection and the power of prayer and faith in healing. In short, the world is coming to recognize that God is, in fact, in and through and with all things. The old division between secular and sacred crumbles. We have a choice: dig in and get left behind, or open up and embrace our future with God. Either throw up the battlements and retreat into "the CHRISTENING, From Page 4 sexual relationships are to be reserved for heterosexual · marriage ... homosexual sex is wrong." A staternent from the Church of England said it welcomed homosexuals in permanent relationships as members, and that that policy would naturally extend to godparents. way it was," or join with those called by God to face the certainty of uncertainty with courage, excitement and openness. The church in the next century may look little like the one we know now. Do you want to be a part of it? In her book Spiritual Fitness, Dorothy Donnelly says, 'Threatened and frightened people will protect all kinds of things: possessions, reputations, status, achievements. But redeemed women and men will count everything as folly except service ,of the Lord." "Watch out; don't be fooled. Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions," Jesus told his nervous listeners. They had good reason to quake; their way of life was crumbling, coming to an end. But Jesus doesn't tell them to hold on to it; he doesn't urge them to maintain the status quo, religious or otherwise. He agrees, "It's going to · be · a bumpy ride." No easy, comforting answers here. Instead he tells them, "Sounds like a great chance to tell the good news!" He says, "I'll be with you." And that's good enough for me, Go ahead, God, turn it all upside down. What new things do you have to teach us? What new ways to serve you? worship you? experience you? I don't know what you have in mind, but take me along for the ride. Excerpted from the Evangelicals Concernedn ewsletter,T he ECable. 'The simple issue of sexuality should not be relevant to whether someone can become a godparent," said the statement. Harris, while agreeing with that policy, said that implementation was difficult when the church encouraged individual parishes to make their own decisions. A<; I' fM'{'l:Rt>RE-f"fl -IE' $1~E, ACI-\URCI.~1 -\ CALLE'.t>~O N\1Nl$1"~R . -f'o: n-1Ec o.,,.,,,ot-t,TY ~'f SORROOMO1S- r: AS WE LOOK AROONP 0 S, IA/1-\A°of.'i tE 'WAS A RESl"E'c:fA~\...E NE't&I-\B0~l-\()0O11-\M NOW BEC.O(lj\E FACED Wl"ff-\ PO'/E'RTY, CRIME', O!l06'-A8USE', l~NOR.ANCE ,A.Nt> OISEASoEo'.~, C.OORS.E OfAC"tlOtt IS OBVIOUS··· wr:: Mos-r Move: ou'R. CI-IURC.1-\ °10 ( THE. SOBOR<a·S A C,.1-\E-rn>. ~ Your Turn. ~ o o O o O e O O O O O O O O O O O O • . • 8 O O O O • . • O O O O O O O O O O O O .• O O O O O O O O O O O O O . • 0 0 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Tualatin, Oregon Letter to a homophobic 'university president Ed note: This letter was written by a · Second Stone subscriber to Royce Money, president of Abilene Christian University, in response to an article in the July/ August issue about Money firingplay director Robert Neblett because of his homosexuality. Dear Mr. Money, I lived in Texas for the first 28 years of my life, and I still feel like a Texan in many ways . I gradua ted wi th honors from Baylor University in 1954. I am now a retired CPA. I was disappointed to learn that ACU has rescinded Robert Neblett's ·in vitation to direct 'The Merchant of Venice" this summer . And I respect- MODERATOR, From Page 13 cuss not running the pictures with him. And I drove off," Ms. Carpenter said . . She chuckled .. "We ran 'em that ·afternoon. We were not at war. The · Air Force just didn't want to be embarrassed." · Ms. Carpenter also wants to emphasize new church development programs in the United States, an ·area the church has begun to re. emphasize. Referring to statistics that show ma inline churches declining in membership . while fundamental denominations appear to -be booming, Ms. Carpenter cites a difference in the way membership is counted. • "Mormons, Southern Baptists and Catholics leave members on the rolls forever," Ms. Carpenter said. 'They have a deceivingly large count because they include people who have not been to church for 15 years. ;They count people who have been baptized and are back for their burials. "Presbyterians push people out if they are not active," she said. ''I don't know if that's right. I think we should be more encouraging." Ms. Carpenter has handled thorny fully suggest that you are misi~c formed when you describe homosexuality as a "choice of lifestyle." Homosexuality is a sexual orientation. Homosexuality is an intrinsic part of one's identity. Homosexuality is an innate part of one's being. Homosexuality is not a . chosen lifestyle. Consider this evidence: A scientific study at the prestigious Salk Institute found that "the segment of the brain that governs sexua l behavior is half as large in homosexual men as it is in hetero sexual men" (The Sacramento Bee, 9/9/91). A scientific study at Northwestern University "provides some of the strongest suggestions to date that sex ual orientation is -determined · in large part by genetic factors" (Th e. Oregonian, 12/17 / 91). issues with the church's headquarte rs. When the Rev . Benjamin Weir was released from Lebanon in 1985 after being held hostage by Islamic terrorists, Ms. Carpenter arranged and scheduled interviews. She also met with the press when the church issued a paper on homosexuality and reaffirmed that the church ·would not ordain Gays and Lesbians as clergy. But too often mainstream newspapers and television programs gloss over religious news. ''Religion is Dig news. Most of our wars are tied to religion. Terrorism is often tied to religion," Ms. Carpenter said. Ms. Carpenter returned to West Texas and Big Spring because of the people, she said. ''It's not the prettiest place I've been, but I like the people," But Ms. Carpenter has neve:r left' the Presbyterian church; her grandchildren are fift)t generation members of the faith . "We are . a reformed church. We are always changing, but Jesus Christ is the he(ld of the church," Ms. Carpenter said, speaking of her faith. "And I believe in prayer. I really believe in prayer. It works," she said. "Everyone was praying that Benjamin Weir would be released, and he was ."· SECOND STONE Newsjoumal, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is puhlished every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0: Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS. U.S.A. $17.00 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $10.00 for postage. All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising infonnation call (504)891-7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 . EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Department title) Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national . ecumenical Christian social justice news journal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey SECOND S. T O N E GJ A scientific study at UCLA School of i Medicine "found new anatomical difference in the brain structure of homosexual men and heterosexual ' men" (The Oregonian, 8/1/92). A scientific study at The National Cancer Institutes Laboratory of Biochemistry "makes the most compelling case yet that homosexual orientation is at least partly genetic" (Time Magazine, 7 /26/93). Yes, the evidence from s cientific stu dies is indeed compelling. But those who do not trust scientific st udies . should use th eir common sense. There is no way in the world that youngsters, ·just becoming aware of their sexuality , would "choose" a sexuality that carries with it such a cruel stigma. There is no way in the world that teena gers wou ld "choose" to be the target of the irrationa l hatred and hostility that is so often directed at Gays. And there is no way in the world that they would "choose" to be the focus of the vilification and the condemnation that so often goes with having a gay sexual orientation. Certainly our common sense tells us that teenagers would not "choose" a sexual orientation that will very 1 likely result in their being rejected by: their families, shunned and ridiculed , by their classmates, and condemned by their churches. The irony of all this is that the real "choice" here belongs to those who choose to persecute Gays. They can "choose" to discontinue their persecution any time they w ish. Perhaps someday they will. Sincerely, Martin Matson We welcome your letters and opinions Write to Secone Stone. All letters must be original and s!¥"ed by the writer. Clearly indicate iJ your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182, or e-mail, secstone@aol.com or FAX to (504)891-7555. ·w From the Editof W . . . . . . . . . _ Everyone be Catholic for a day By Jim Bailey • • c: . . • LEADERS OF DIGNITY /USA have designated Sunday, October 8th "Solidarity Sunday" and have called on Catholics and others who disagree with Roman Catholic teaching on homosexuality to join in a visible protest on that day. October 8th coincides with a planned papal visit to Baltimore. Sometimes when I gather with other gay and lesbian Christians, we start . trading war stories on how tough it was to grow up in, come out in, get thrown out of, and so forth, the denomination our parents brought us up in. As a former Southern :Baptist, I used to think I had the toughest stoi:y - or was at least tied with Assembly of God folks. I believe gay and lesbian Christians who have the toughest stories are Roman Catholics. The Catholic Church rejects and condemns its gay and lesbian members more viciously than other denominations - yet gay and lesbian people who are Roman Catholic are the least likely to put aside the "one true church"_in favor of a more accepting faith environment. I have a Catholic friend who is in a loving, faithful and committed relationship. He goes to church and confesses the sin of this relationship. This week I learned that a friend and fellow publisher, a talented musician who has provided his services to a Catholic church for many years, has been fired by the new priest, who thought having a gay man on staff would give the parishioners the wrong idea. Very sad. · In my denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amerka, and in the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ, and other denominations, there are fighters for equality and justice who have stayed in the church because they can count their small successes. As for our Roman Catholic gay brothers and lesbian sisters, they fight a battle without the benefit of those small victories. They are a remarkable witness to their church hierarchy. So on Sunday, Qctober 8th, which happens to be gay pride weekend here in New Orleans, I'll be Roman for a day and join my gay and lesbian Catholic friends as they tell their church, ''We're still here and we're not going away." · If you would like to participate in Solidarity Sunday, · contact your local Dignity ci,,pt., o, raJI tho Mli""" offioo ~;861-0017. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 9 9 5 Classifieds C11 8 C11 8 O 8 8. ,8 . 8 0 0 0 e CII 8 I .,0 ~ - ,~~,@~~,f@~~~~~~J]J~ ~~~-,, • ~• 0 • • • • • • • e • • • . • • • • • • • o • e • • • •. e G • • • • • • • • • • o e e ~ - • • • • • • ."WONDERFUL DIVERSITY/ "Heartily •recommOnde<l,1' 11Philosophi_cally i1~triguing, 11 "Excelle nt. w \Vhy do·. reviewers highly es teem CHRISTJAN*NEW AGE · QUART ERL, Y? . Great articles and lively · col umns .11Jake this . bridge of -dialogue . be"Lween Christians and New · Agers as e nt~rtaiii.ing, . .'as it is substantive. S1,1bscribe ' for oniy ·$J2.:l9/yr. Or sample.us for $3.50. CHR1'5TIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. ,Bo,; 2'.76.-Clift~p. NJ 07011·0276. Tf OPEN . HANDS, an ecumen ical quarterly .magazine on m1111stries with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample. 3801 ·N. Ke-eler Ave nue, Chicago, IL 60641. 312/735-5526. FAX-312/736-5475. 10/95 HOMOSEXUAL? ·The Lambda Directory of . Religion and :Sp_irituality with over 400 sources· of -spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians' and their advocates • books, groups, pe_riodi~ s; etc .. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: . '~- . ~ "~ " '., . , . (Zl~ssifietl :Qrd.~r Fprm ... I -- - ----- ------- --7 Please pl ace my ad in these i is sues: [ J Jan/Feb [ J Mar/Apr ) I I FOR ONLY 35¢ pe1· word, your classified ad w ill reach readers from Name ----- -- ---- -------· . 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We will mail you a I Box 8340 copy of the edition(s) in which your ad CLASSIFICATIONS [ J Books & Publications [ J Busjness Opportunjtjes [ J Employment [ J Friends /Relationships [ J General Interest [ J Mail Orde r [] Merchandise [ l Organizations [ ] Professional Serv:ices [ ] Real Estate [ l Retreats [ J Roommates [ ]Travel Pyramid .'Press, 13237 Montfort, • Ste. 810J, Dallas TX 75240. 10/95 I ~~w Orleans, LA 70182 appears ,_ '---- .- - - '----- - -- -- --- .-------------------- ---- --- ------ --- -- NOVELS FOR RELIGIOUS people! The · nov·els: ·or: · Lammy:winning author Toby Johnson deal pos;tively with the · spiritual significanc e of' gay. experience. GETTING , LI~ IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, •soul ·. stirri~ ·t.ale of love and religiou s imeaning. · Av.ailable at gay bookstores !nationwide.-·: Or: for $11.50 from Peregrine . Ventures, ·P.O. Box· 684704, Austin, TX 78768. 12/95 . . , ·. · "A POSITIYE LOOK at the Bible and Homosexuality" tracts; f ast reading , excellent for pride ·e.ve11ts, bar ministry, personal sharing. Economical. $1 and SA.SE will return sample an_d . order form from: River of Life, 13.4·Quincy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 ·10/95 · · . · . .TIRED OF BI'BLICAL ;,cond~mnation" of gays? Read · "f'rom Darknes~ into Light: · ·what the · Bible Really Says About . Homosexuality" '.by-Da,vid Coqper. Do gays · have any basis for l-!oly Unions? Read "Sex, Marriage, : and ' :-Divorce " by · Cornerstone Fellowship. Both pamphlets , available f,;,r $2.00 each · from Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geroniriio. Tucson. AZ 85705. ·.flib)@~•M-ll )iAS GOD CALLED you to the ministry? 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EACA - Vocations, 2401 Artesia Blvd., Ste. #106-213, Redondo Beach CA 90278. 12/95 CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESbians~ (CCL) is a national organization . for WARNING- REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most prisoners seeking correspondence are genuine in _ ·. · their intent, some are not. Readers are · lesbians of Catholic heritage. Quarterl y · cautioned to protect themselves from ·scams; 1. Do not send checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money orders from prisoners. Persons cashing altered checks or money orders are SECOND ST O N E newsletter. Supportive network. Advocates for lesbia n issues in political and Church forums. For membership information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963 FAX (212)268-7032. 12/95 INDEPE NDENT CATHOLIC religiou s order. Men/women, lay/clerical, gay/ non-gay. Optional ce libac y, non-residential, ecumenical. O rdin ation possible. Father Abbot, O rder of St. John the Divine, 166 Jay St., Albany, NY 12210. 10/95 GAY PRINCIPIANS GROUP - Gay , Bi, Les- . bian and Straight/Suppo rt i ve Alumni of Principia Co llege (Elsa h, IL) and Upper Schools (St. Louis) Contact: David White #124, 2900 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington , DC 20008-1404, 202-387-7250, E-mail Mrblanc@aol.com. 12/ 95 CHRJSTIANS IN COMMUNION with Creation. An Organizat ion for "Green Christians. " Membership wi th monthly mailing s, $35. Roger Wharton, 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose, CA 95110. 408-451-9310. 12/95 RETREATS FOR GAY monks focusing on coping techniques in repressive communi~ies at Saint Benedict Monastery. Information write: Dan, 1012 Monastery Rd., Snowmass, CO81654. GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, Ministers, Masse urs, Theologians, Teachers , Artists speak in 25 videos wisdom that only comes from the heart. EroSpirit Newsletter. Free. 800-432-3767 12/95. THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE. Renee• tions on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/ Lesbian Christian. $ 199. For contents , call . · EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 12/95 HOW CAN WE activate our individual and communal visions if nonstop grief has shut us down? An hour vid eo talk by Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC minister. $24.94. EroSpirit. 800-432-3767. 12195 BOTH LOVER AND PRJEST : In this hour , video Robert Goss, author of Jesus Acted Up, discusse s liberation theolog y and how he came to write his bestseller. $24.95. EroSpirit 800-432-3767. 12/95 Second Stone classifieds bring results! ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. P lease notify us four weeks in apvance for uninterrupted delivery. Send both old and new :ii~:~;~~~i~~~ssib le attach mailing la.bel in PAINT NE\Y ADDRESS Send completed form to: THE SECOND STONE · 8ox8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 S EPTE MBER/OC TOBER · 1 9 9 5 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 Second Stone #42 - Sept/Oct 1995 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f3c0d10061ed82249d1d6cff9ddcd7da.pdf f37fa8d6722d747551bd7d91b68e6d3e 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 41 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published July/Aug 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 I OUR SEVENTH YEAR Offering Hope Bob Ivancic, administrator of Hope House in Dallas, Texas Runaway, throwaway _gay and lesbian youth find help and hope at church-run shelter STORY AND PHOTOS BY GIP PLASTER HOMELESS GAY AND lesbian youth in the Dallas area · are finding safety and help through Hope House, a program that offers housing and other services to runaway and throw~way youth. . Hope House is a service to youth SEE HOPE HOUSE, Page 9 SUBSCRIBE NOW• ONE YEAR ONLY $17 • Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 P.O.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY BU.K RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 ISSUE #41 I Religious .groups in battle over amendment DENVER (AP) - Battle lines have been drawn by 17 religious groups and indi viduals · in the U.S. Supreme Court case over Colorado's Amendment 2. Eleven groups have joined together to file two friend-of-the-court briefs against the anti-gay rights amendment, and six groups sent one brief in support of Amendment 2. , The two sides disagree about whether the amendment, passed .by Colorado voters in 1992, protects relig10us freedom or forces homosexuals into secondclass citizenship. Amendment 2 seeks to ban laws that protect Gays _ from discrimination, and would · nullify ordinances already in place in Denver, Boulder and Aspen. The Colorado Supreme Court declared the amendment unconstitutional earlier this year, and the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take up the case this fall. A ruling could come by early next year . The pro-Amendment 2 brief, supported Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family and others, states .. that gay-rights laws will force churches to admit Gays, which is an abridgement of freedom bf religion. SEE BATTLE, Page 11 Gay Christians respond to Coalition 'contract' LOS ANGELES - The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches has issued a response to the Christian Coalition's "Contract with the American Family." Ralph Reed, executive director of the Christian Coalition unveil~ d the long awaited document the last week of May. ''In the entire Contract, there was not one specific reference to Gays and Lesbians," said the Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the UFMCC. "It is good news that the Coalition didn't use this occasion to bash us with their usual false charges. Still, given Pat Robertson's long range goal 'to eli minate homosexuality,' this sudden silence is too dangerous to celebrate." According to Mel White, UFMCC's national Minister of Justice, that the Christian Coalition didn't use the occasion to bash Gays is a change of tactic, not a change of heart. "We are convinced," said White, " that silencin g temporarily the Coalition's stream of anti -gay rhetoric is Ralph's attempt to mainstream the Christian Coalition movement and to help quiet the growing national protest against the false and inflammatory rhetoric they have us ed to condemn innocent Lesbians and Gays. In fact, the Coalition is neither mainstream nor pro-gay." SEE RESPONSE, Page 11 w Calendar w Announcements in this section are provided free of charge as a service to Christian organizations. To have an event listed, send a p~~ to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, IA 70182, FAX to (504)891-7555 or·e-mail to secstone@aol.com. Near Fourth of July Weekend Seminar JUNE 30-JUL Y 2, Faith Tabernacle in Aberdeen, Washington hosts this ministry weekend themed "Faith That Works." Past0r Thomas Hirsch of Advance Christian Ministries will be the presenter. Registration is $30 per person or $40 per couple. For information contact Naomi or Elaine, (206)249-3055. Evangelicals Concerned ConnECtion '95 JULY 1-4, This conference is an opportunity to gather with 200 other Christian Gays and Lesbians in a supportive atmosphere of acceptance and celebration. Keynote speakers are author Michael J. Christensen and EC founder Dr. Ralph Blair. This year's conference returns to the San Franciso Bay Area and the campus of Mills College. For information contact ECWR, P.O. Box 66906, Phoenix, AZ 85082-6906, (602)893-6952. Ecumenical Catholic Church Clergy Conference JULY 4-7, The Ecumenical Catholic Church conducts its annual clergy conference at the bishop's residence in Monte Rio, California. Clergy and laity from throughout the United States are invited to attend. For information, contact Fr. Denis Martel, (504)341-1880. Convocation of Reconciling Congregations JULY 13-16, "Bound for the Promised Land" is the theme for the fourth national gathering of Reconciling Congregations, to be held in Minneapolis . A youth and student rally and a special gathering of the Reconciling Pastors' Action Network is planned. Individual fee is $165, $85 for children and youth. For information contact the Reconciling Congregations Program, 3801 N. Keeler Ave ., Chicago, IL 60641, (312)736-5526. A.C.T.S. Central Weekend . JULY 14-16, "Many Parts, One Body" is the theme of this weekend, sponsored by Advance Christian Ministries. Camp Hiawatha, Wichita, Kansas, is the setting. Brother Thomas Hirsch is facilitator. For information contact Advance Christian Ministries, 4001-C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219, (214)522-1520. The UFMCC General Conference JULY 23-30, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches will gather at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for its 17th conference. "All Things Are Possible" is the theme for this conference which offers a discounted rate of $180 for non-delegates. A special gathering will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change. For information, contact UFMCC GCXVII, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (213)464-5100. . Conference of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance JULY 28-30, NGPA holds its General Conference in Schenectady, New York, on dates coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the founding of the organization. A variety of speakers will be featurect and the conference will include teaching workshops and evening worship. For information on NGPA write to P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, NY 12301-1391. Christian Lesbians Out T oqether AUGUST 10-13, CLOUT will hold its third national gathering at SUNY Brockport, 16 miles west of Rochester, New York. The theme is "CLOUT Our One Foundation: Celebrating Our Herstory , Diversity and Ritual." The gathering will feature ritual, workshops, lesbian Christian video documentaries and more. For information call (415)487-5427 or write to CLOUT, P..O. Box 460808, San Francisco, CA 94146. Third International TEN Conference SEPTEMBER 1-3, Liberty Community Church, Vancouver, Canada, hosts "How Shall We Then Live," the third international gathering of The Evangelical Network. Workshops will focus on stress management, coping with crisis, coupling concerns, being single, burn-out and other issues. For information contact Pastor Rick Morcombe, Liberty Community Church, #402-2388 Triumph Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada VSL 1 LS. Conference tor Catholic Diocesan Leaders SEPTEMBER 8-10, The National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries sponsors a weekend conference entitled "The Challenge of Leadership in Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries" The Meany Tower Hotel in Seattle is the setting. Richard Sparks, C.S.P., will be the keynote speaker and there will be opportunities for sharing program expe~ience and resources, social time and liturgies . For information contact Rev. Jim Schexnayder, 433 Jefferson St., Oakland, CA 94607, (510)763-3101. SEE CALENDAR, Page 17 SECOND STONE - THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NE SJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS, GA VS AND BISEXUALS Contents •••••••• . • •••••••••• l'I •••••• fi~J [6J Calendar Opportunities for connectedness across the country Cover Story Hope for runaway, throwaway teehs . Legacy Author Emily Edwards remembers a grandpa who knew unconditional love In Print Don Bell reviews Equal Rites . ' . . . . . . Noteworthy I 19-l From the editor America Online is for us! [20] Classifieds Plus 12 pages of news JULY/AUGUST 199 5 News ............................................. •· ......................... . Low numbers force postponement of Mississippi protest THE MEMORIAL DAY weekend Freedom Ride to Ovett, Mississippi was postponed because of an insufficient number of persons planning to participate . Rev . Troy Perry, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and Robin Tyler, a prominent lesbiilll activist, had planned the Freedom Ride as an attempt to come to the · assistance of Wanda and Brenda Henson in their efforts to keep Camp Sister Spirit alive and well .in the face of terrorist-type threats and vilification. 1 Planners hope to reschedule the event next spring, ·as a "Sprir:ig Break" happening. The Memorial Day weekend Freedom Ride conflicted with the South's major gay and lesbian party gathering on Pensacola Beach. The Hensons are the developers of Camp Sister Spirit, .120 acres of woodland outside Hattiesburg,Mississippi, designed to provide a safe space for Lesbians. The lesbian couple's dream has become the focus of ongoing harassment and · death threats by people in the area. "It saddens me that we have been unable to respond, now, to this critical need," said Perry in announcing the postpor:iement. "It is our intention for this project to succeed and for that to happen we need more time. We are asking everyone to rally to this important cause and plan to be present in Mississippi when this event happens next spring." Presbyterians oppose Amendment 2 DENVER (AP) - The Presbyterian Church has filed a friend-of-the-court brief backing opponents of Amendment 2, Colorado's anti-gay rights amendment. The church, which has a membership of 2.7 million across the country, filed the brief June 19. The Rev. James Andrews, the stated clerk for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, said the church felt it was important to make its stance public. "We are advising the U.S. Supreme Court on th e Presbyterran Church's (stand) on the issue of sexuality, particularly about the protection of the civil and human rights of homosexuals," he said. Amendment 2, approved by voters in 1992, prohibits governments from passing laws protecting homosexuals. The amendment has been on hold pending appeals. After being struck down by the Colorado Supreme Court, the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year agreed to hear the case. The brief stemmed from a request from the Denver church two years ago. 'They did not ask for us to take any position, but wanted to know what the church said about this," Andrews said. Presbyterian philosophy holds that Storm blows roof off 'miracle Sunday' church ARLINGTON, TX - A major storm ripped the roof off the building of Trinity Metropolitan Community Church on May 5, just days after members of the church contributed over $30,000 on a single Sunday towards the building of a new church. The church offices sustained heavy wind and water damage . The congregation is meeting at a local hotel, and has stored church property until a determination can be made as to whether the building can be rebuilt. Trinity's 102 members exceeded their six-week $24,000 "Miracle Sunday" campaign drive and netted $33,600 ,in their offering that culminated on Easter morning . On the kickoff Sunday six weeks before Easter, Rev. Jo Crisco asked each person in attendance to give $100 b eyond their usual tithes to what she designated "Miracle Sunday" on Easter morning. She told th e congregation that a $24,000 safety net was the only obstacle standing between Trinity and the opportunity to launch a bond sales campaign to build a new church home. Crisco acknowledged her own anxious moments during the six week c.ampaign. 'There were points when my heart would stop beating, and I'd imagine how it would be if we didn't make the goal. I'd ask God to surely not let me make that big a fool of myself! ·The consensus from my colleagues from other churches was that I was either incredibly stupid or a person of great faith, and Easter Sunday would ·tell the tale," Rev. Crisco chuckled . Long time charter member Naomi Coleman said, 'This is no more of a miracle than God moving on the hearts of a small group of Gays and Lesbians 11 years ago to form Trinity MCC, and it further proves what we've known all along. God not only owns the cattle on a thousand hills, but God owns the gold under those hills . The only restriction that we have in accessing God's riches is the limitation of our own faith." - Keeping in Touclt Kansas passes funeral picketing law THE CONSERVATIVE KANSAS State House made a step towards curbing the activities of the Rev. Fred Phelps by passing a revised law against funeral picketing . Phelps, head of the family-owned and managed Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, will SECOND STONE be allowed to . picket but not be around to harass mourners an hour before and after the actual funeral service. Phelps and his followers have become known for picketing the funerals of people who die AIDS related deaths. • homosexuality is a sin, and in 1991, the General Assembly decided that Gays and Lesbians cannot be ordained as church officials or deacons. However, in 1978, the General Assembly established a policy that "vig ilance mus.t be exercised to oppose federal, state and local legislation that discriminates against persons on the ·basis of sexual orientation." Gay religious groups file Supreme Court brief GAY AND LESBIAN Christian organizations have joined to file an arnicus (friend of the court) brief in support of the unconstitutionality of Amendment 2 to the Colorado State Constitution . This amendm.;nt prohibits local governments from passing laws which would protect the civil rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. The case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.. The results of this decision will have major impact on all civil rights laws across the country for many years to come. Two lawyers in Atlanta have donated their time to write the brief. The organizations supporting the brief are Lutherans Concerned, Affirmation: United Methodists, Integrity, Presbyteria ns for Lesbian and Gay Concerns and Dignity/ USA. Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible and homosexuality. What Bible the Really Says About Homosexuality . 1 , \-\elrninial<, pt,.D. Dame,... Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. " ... will help any reasonab ly open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quit e different on this subject from what is often claimed." -L. William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Greed and Sex " ... the most thoughtful , lucid and accessib le summary I know of current biblical scho larship relating to homosexual issues . .. eminently useful ... 11 -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SA VS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY By Daniel A. Helminiak, $9.95, paperbk Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 79182 JULY/AUGUST l 9 9 5 Subscribe Today. AND Y O U1 L L N E V E R WITHOUT YOUR A FRIEND JOURNEY. BE FOR SceonSdt one The National Gay and Lesbian Christian Newsjournal ···YES ·t·····-··················· Begin my subscription to SECOND STONE for: I I One year (6 Issues) $17.00 [ ] Two years (12 issues) $28.00 [ ) Three years (18 issues) $39.00 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIPC ODE CHECK HERE [ ] if a plain envelope Is required and add $2 .00 per year . Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. international subscribers add $10.00 per year, U.S.c urrency. Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182 THANI{ YOU for your subscription support! SECOND STONE • News • • • • • • • • • • • • • e • • • • • • • • • e • e • e e e e e C Q IJ Wisconsin Synod dumped over men-only leadership rule WEST ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A congregation disagreed so strongly with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's teachings that it decided to leave the fold rather than fire its pastors as ordered. For three years, pastors of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church have openly grappled with a policy that women cannot teach men and that "only men will do work that involves authority over men." Synod leaders removed them from the church in May. Given a choice between firing their pastors or being removed from the synod, the congregation voted 118-3 June 11 to leave the synod. "Some people think we're heroes ... Some people out there use the word 'heretic," said St. James's pastor, the Rev. Richard Stadler. That 's because "in a conservative, Bible-believing church body, there is a reluctance to buck tradition," he continued. The Wisconsin synod is considered the most conservative branch of the major Lutheran denominations. Women aren't allowed to vote in church elections or become ordained ministers . "I remember a number of congregations leaving our synod over a doctrinal issue some 30 years ago," said the Rev. Ronald Uhlhorn, vice president of the Minnesota District of the synod . "Since then, I don't recall anyone leaving over doctrinal issues in our district at all." St. James members question ed the teachings more than three years ago, Stadler said. In correspondence with the synod, they asked where the Bible specifically says that "man must be the head and the woman must be submissive to man." They unsuccessfully sponsored resolutions al synod conventions, asking that the document be re-examined, Stadler said. Synod leaders held a series of meetings at St. James last fall to explain their view that these statements come from passages in the New Testament books of Timothy and Corinthians. But many church members insisted the Bible makes no direct statements that only men have authority and that women must submit. Stadler sees his church's saga as a sign of the times. "Fifty years ago, people just assumed that what came down from the church body was a correct interpretation" of the Bible, he said. "Now, more and more churches are willing . to challenge the pronouncements ... to make sure that they are really derived . from the Scriptures - not simply human notions imposed on the Scriptures ." Abilene Christian president fires play director over his sexuality ABILENE, Texas (AP)- Robert Neblett planned to return to his alma maier Abilene Christian this summer to direct a campus production of 'The Merchant of Venice." Then school president Royce· Money learned that Neblett was gay and the 1993 graduate was told he wasn't right for the job. "Although our religious convictions preclude persons espousing a lifestyle of homosexuality from serving in a position of leadership, we care deeply for Mr. Neblett," ACU President Royce Money said. "We appreciate his tremendous talent and find it unfortunate that his choice of lifestyle has resulted in this situation." Neblett, a Snyder native now studying at Washington University, said he was asked whether he was gay a week before rehearsals were lo begin. "When I said yes, (the school) informed me that I was unfit to represent the university because of its moral code," Neblett said. Neblett, 23, said he's crushed by the incident, which has forced him to tell his family of his sexuality sooner than he had planned. · "I feel that Abilene Christian University has outed me and pushed me out of the closet in a public way," he told the Abilene Reporter-News. 'They have forced me into certain circumstances by doing this." Money said that Neblett, a former student, should've known the university's stance toward homosexuality . 'They act like I made a choice and chose for this to happen . No one would choose to be treated the way Gays are in this homophobic society," said Neblett, adding that he is considering legal options. JULY/AUGUST l 9 9 5 r, I News ............................ ~ ........................... . Religious leaders challenge radical right claim on morality FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - The radical religious right is a threat to churches and the American political system, some religious leaders say. "We are not willing for the radical religious right - with its demagogues, rabble rousers, opportunists and business entrepreneurs masquerading as .Christian evangelists - to go unchallenged in their claim to be the only rightful occupants of the high ground of Christian morality," church-stat e separation advocates wrote in a statement. The advocates include some prominent Southern Baptist moderates. Last month, the politically powerful Christian Coalition issued its "Contract with the American Family." The coalition's contract includes calls to return prayer to public schools, to further restrict abortion, and to revamp public ·schools . . It was embraced by some Republican lead ers who had their "Contract With America" agenda in Congress this year. After a colloquium May 30 spon sored by the Dalla s-based Center for Christian Ethics, several religious leaders drew up a statement to counter the coalition's contract. The radical religious right, the statement says, threatens personal liberties by advocating government intrusion into the most intimate religious experiences and health decisions and by . "distorting the Gospel by identifying the cause of Jesus · Christ with their own narrow political agenda." The statement accuses religious conservatives of unethical tactics, such as concealing their leanings while . running for school boards and other public offices. It also criticizes religious political conservatives for the "shameless identification of Christianity with one extremist wing of a single political party ." Dick Weinhold of Bedford, state Phelps grandson refused school credit for picketing TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -The Topeka School District refused on June 7 to give community service credit for anti-gay picketing by a grandson of the Rev. Fred W. Phelps Sr. Sam Phelps-Roper, a junior al Topeka West High School, was refused the credit eight months after he asked for it. He is the grandson of the senior Phelps, who has taken his virulent anti-gay picketing across the country . The pickets are mostly members of the Phelps family . The school district last year began including community service work on transcripts. The hours don't co4nl for academic credit, but they may impress a future employer or college. The district did not have a policy for what constituted community service work when Phelps applied for the credit. Th e situation caused the district to develop such a policy. Picketing was not included in the guidelines. UCC ordains openly gay pastor OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A campus minister who says he has been openly gay since 1980 has been ordained as a United Church of Christ pastor. Phil Owen, 43, is believed to be the denomination's first acknowledged gay pas tor to be ordained in Nebraska. "We knew this would be a ground breaker," said the Rev. Lee Milligan, president of the Omaha Association, the ordaining body comprised of 10 area United Church of Christ congregations. "He will make a very good pastor," Milligan said. "I am proud to have him as a colleague ." Owen, a Lincoln native, is pastor at United Christian Ministries in Higher Education, a ministry that serves students and faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and NU's Medical Center. The ministry is supported by Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Methodist and Presbyterian churches and the United Church of Christ. Owen is divorced and has an 18-year-old daughter who lives with him and his mal e partner of four SECOND STONE years. Milligan, pastor al Arlington Community Church, said Owen's ordination is consistent with Scripture and denominational guidelines. The church's General Synod in 1983 said that sexual orientation is not a moral issue and should not be grounds for denying requests for ordination. "Having that recommendation from the synod, and finding no evidence of promiscuity, we voted to ordain Phil," Milligan sa id last week. "I believe God has called him to ministry. " Owen said he felt called to the ministry in the late 1980s. He entered the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota in 1989 and graduated in 1992. He is a former Russian lingui st for the Air Force and a former slate Department of Social Services caseworker and office ser vices manager in Omaha . Owen holds a master's degree in education from · the University of Southern California. His bachelor's . degree in French language and literature is from l'JU's Lincoln campus . - chairman of the Christian Coalition, said the group does not purport to represent all Christians. . • "We do believe we represent the mainstream of conservative Christian thoughtin America today," Weinhold said. "What we are proposing . is a modest, mainstream agenda for change that protects reljgious liberty and enhances the role that families have in the life of our nation ." The Dallas colloquium held May 30 was named . for the late T.B. Maston, former professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth and a pioneer in race relations and Christian ethics for his denomination. UCC executive will address gay/ · lesbian Christian gathering DR. PAUL SHERRY, President of the · United Church of Christ, will address an international gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians in Atlanta on Friday, July 28 . The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches will hold its biennial General Conference at the Altanta Westin Peachtree Hotel July 23-30. Sherry is the Chief Executive Officer of the United Church of Christ, a protestant denomination emerging from a union, in 1957, of the former Congregational Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Churches . The Metropolitan New York Conference of the UCC ordained a gay minister, for the first time, in 1972 and the denomination has supported the inclusion of gay clergy within its own ranks as well as ecumenical agencies such . as the National and World Councils of Churches . Other speakers scheduled to address those gathered for the UFMCC conference include . Chris Glaser, lecturer and author of The Word is Out, Elizabeth Stuart, editor of Daring To Speak Love's Name and Randall Bailey, Associate Pr_ofessor of Old Testament and Hebrew at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. See Calendar. CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: Edited bv Sally B.(~eis & Donakl E. \lesser Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality Few other issues divide the Christian community more sharply than homosexuality. In this new volume, writers with divergent points of view deal with questions at the center of the debate between pro-gay and anti-gay believers. Edited by Sally B. Geis, director, Iliff illslilule, Lay and Clergy Education, The Iliff School of Theology. Denver, and Donald E. Messer, president, The Iliff School of Theology. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE By Geis/Messer, $12.95, paperbk ___ _ Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----~ NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS ___________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP• ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA ?0182 J _ULYJf::,UGU ~_T _ 1 _9 _9 _5 News ..................................... -• ................................. . Episcopal priest relieved of duties after officiating at same-sex ceremony EASTON, Md. (AP) - The way he sees it, the Rev. John K. Mount was just praying for strength and comfort for two gay men dying of AIDS when he blessed them at a ceremony in May. .But according to the Episcopal church, the 85-year-old priest · was leading a gay marriage ceremony, thereby violating church law, and should no longer be allowed to preach or perform the sacraments. "While such a relationship might be loving and faithful, it cannot be considered a marriage and you have no authority to bless it as such," Bishop Martin G. Townsend wrote Mount in a letter telling him his right to preach had been revoked. Since .1992, Episcopal priests in Maryland have been under orders to not take part in same-sex weddings as the church reviews the issue national- 1 y. Out of respect for Bishop Townsend he will not disobey his order not to preach, Fath,er Mount said. But Mount said he strongly disagrees with the bishop's interpreta tion of church law and of what happened at the ceremony he led in front of 70 guests at a waterfront home on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. "I feel the church has been waffling · Methodists reject resolution on gay civil rights FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - United Methodists from throughout the Rocky Mountain region closed their annual meeting June 5 without acting on several resolutions, including one that would have supported civil rights laws for Gays and Lesbians. However, delegates at the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, meeting at Colorado State University, did approve a proposal condemning abortion- clinic violence. Among the resolutions that failed was one that would have supported deleting the church's longtime stand that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. It didn't gain enough suppo1t in committee to be considered by the more than 800 delegates. Delegates also killed a proposal asking the national church to end its ban on giving any money to gay United Methodist groups. The issue has divided the 9 millionmember church for decades. The successful resolution condemning abortion-clinic violence and asking people "to repent of violence" will be forwarded for consideration to the national convention of the church - the General Conference - which will meet next April in Denver . The resolution called murder and other attacks at abortion clinics "domestic terrorism." Delegates also passed a measure urging individual churches to study a church-produced book on homosexuality. A proposal calling on the General Confer ence to discourage the entertainment industry from using graphic depiction of violence failed. Resolutions not considered by the full conference will be sent to the national convention, but won't have the endorsement of the regional church members . The Rocky Mountain Conference includes almost 80,000 Methodist s in Colorado, Utah and a section of Wyomins., · MCC members meet online MCC MEMBERS HAVE been meeting and greeting each other via computer every Thursday evening for about a year now. The '.'MCC Chat Room" is accessible to anyone who is a member of America Online. · The chat room was started by Bill Dailey, a lay delegate of MCC of the Vineyard in Fresno, California and Don Clothier, director of music ministries at New Horizons MCC, Oklahoma City, after they met via on online discussion for gay Christians. It recently reached the status of an official America Online forum. The MCC Chat Room is open from 7:30 to 9 p.m . Eastern time every Thursday . To reach it, go to the Gay SECOND STONE and Lesbian Community Forum and click on the Lambda Lounge icon. The room holds 48 people . It is currently moderated by Clothier, whose online address is DonC448@aol.com. After 9 p.m., discussion continues in a member room. · 'The room has come to mean a great deal to a lot of people," said Clothier. "For example, we've had a 15-year-old boy who says that the chat room is the only place he's gotten any kind of support. He 's in a small town, with parents who do not understand him and a fundamentalist church that preaches hate and discrimination. - for years on this question, " the priest said. "Somebody has to break the ice. Some day, I think people will say, 'Father Mount was on the cutting edge on this."' Mount, who was also removed as an honorary officer of Trinity Cathedral in Easton, also disagrees that the ceremony he took part in was a wedding . It . may have looked like a "fuH-scale, formal wedding," Mount said. But nevertheless he made it clear to all of the people present that he was not officiating at an Episcopal wedding "in the church's point of view" but was "simply asking God to bless ·two men who made vows to each other ." Bishop Townsend disagrees . ''By acting as you did; unilaterally and out of communion with both the bishop where you are canonically resident in Baltimore and the bishop where you performed this rite on the Eastern Shore, you misled the two men whose union you blessed," the bishop told Father Mount. The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer sets forth no rite for a blessing of a ·same-sex union, Townsend said. Had Mount simply blessed the home of the couple in accordance with an established rite, there would have been no violation of church law, he said. In so doing, Townsend was in agreement with retired Maryland Bishop A. Theodore Eastman. In 1992, he argued the same thing in imposing the moratorium on blessing same-sex unions. His decision came after an intense controversy over . a ceremony in a Baltimore church that many Episcopalians insisted was a "lesbian wedding." Lesbian settles suit against religious broadcaster A WISCONSIN RELIGIOUS broadcaster has agreed to pay a $255,000 settlement to former United Press International reporter Julia Brienza, but the Rev. Vic Eliason still disputes claims that his nationwide radio campaign prompted the wire service to fire Brienza because she is a lesbian. Eliason began his broadcast campaign aga inst Brienza in 1990 after she telephoned him while researching a freelance story for the Washington Blade. UPI fired the reporter, claiming she violated company policy by working for another media outlet. Brienza sued both Eliason and UPI. In - the UPI suit, a judge ruled April 13 that UPI had illegally fired Brienza for being a lesbian. Group kicks out church that embraces Gays and Lesbians COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The censure of a church that accepts homosexuals_ will not prevent Gays and Lesbians from expressfng their faith, the associate pastor said. 'They are going to be more committed to our community than ever," said the Rev. Gail Clark Adams of First Baptist Church in Granville . The Columbus Baptist Association voted 101-34 June 6 to kick out the church because it accepts Gays and Lesbians. _"What we just experienced is what the gay and lesbian community has always experienced," said George Williamson, the pastor of First Baptist. Williamson and his congregation sang hymns outside the association's meeting after the vote. Even some.who opposed First Baptist said the vote was not a victory. Gary Boggs, pastor of Granville's Second Baptist Church, said First Baptist was affirming gay lifestyles in opposition to the Bible. "If they rescind their policy, we should welcome them back," he said. Six ministers wrote a letter to the association in April seeking action against First Baptist. But Jack H. Warwick, a deacon at American Baptist Church of suburban Westerville, said Williamson and his church "are leading us. I think what they are doing is great.". He and other First Baptist supporters . said the vote was contrary to an Amerieun Baptist tenet of allowing each church-to interpret Scripture. JULY/AUGUST l 9 9 5 News .................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theologian challenges heterosexuals to break free from 'straight and narrow limitations' Grace Janzten, Reader in the Philosophy of Religion at Kings College, London delivering the keynote adress at the 19th annual conference of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement on April 29 made a strong plea for a. new shape to Christian the9logy 1f 1t 1s to be of value to lesbian and gay people . Addressing an audience of 150 in Central London she said "Only as we face the multiple ways in which the straight God has been part of the project of the straight and narrow mind, and how much of that we have internalized to our cost, will we be in any position to explore transgressive alternatives . Even some of those who Operation Rescue founder calls for Commandments as civil law DENVER (AP) - Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry on May 5 announced the startup of a nationwide radio call-in show called Randall Terry Live that he said will make Oliver North look "moderate" and Rush Limbaugh "liberal". 'We will have people listening just to see why they want to hate me," said Terry, who last month was released from a federal prison in Allenwood, Pa., where he served a five-month term for contempt of court. Terry said he was jailed after a judge found out that his group planned to show then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton an aborted baby. But Terry's mes s age on May 5 was aimed at neither abortion nor radio call-in shows. Knights sell Disney stock in movie protest NEW HAVEN , Conn. (AP)-To protest the movie "Priest," The Knights of Columbus has sold all of its nearly $3 million worth of stock in the Walt Disney Co. The Catholic lay organization also said it has canceled a trip to Disney World 0to protest the movie, r~leased by Miramax, which is~owncd by Disney. The movie portrays several clergymen in England, including a gay priest and a priest who has a love affair with his female housekeeper . "It presents a distorted, negative and fundamentally unfair picture of Catholic priests;" Supreme Knight Virgil C. Dechant said in a statement. Dechant urged the more than 1.5 million Knights and their families to voice their concerns about the film to Disney. Pressure from Catholic groups prompted Miramax to change the national opening of the movie from Good Friday to the following week. SECOND STONE "We must seek to rebuild America on the Ten Commandments," he said. "Because once you depart from the -Ten Commandments as the founda tion of civic law and cultural law, you are in a moral freefall." Terry warned that without the Ten Commandments -as moral absolutes in America, it will be an "anything goes" society. 'The arguments used in favor of homosexuality today will be used next week in favor of pedophilia," he said . He said proponents of gay rights say "if a modern child wants to have a relationship, express their love this way, they should have the freedom of choice to express that." "If you depart from Biblical Christianity, you cannot condemn pedo' philia," h e said. He said America's future depends on an inflexible moral foundation. . "We're not talking about the slate being ruled by the church. We're talking about faith, and leaders acknowledging they are under God ." On other topics: -Terry said the days of the Republican Party are numbered and it soon will follow its predecessor, the Whigs, into oblivion. 'The Whigs refused to deal with slavery. The Republicans are refusing to -deal with homosexuality and .abortion." -If Timothy McVeigh is guilty of the Oklahoma City bombing, his actions are "the substance of the idealogy of the left. It tells me McVeigh's actions are the fruit of moral anarchy." -Militias are not the fearsome threat to America some believe. "You will remember that the Minutemen were militia . Patrick Henry's 'Give Me Liberty or Give me Death' speech was given to raise militias." 'They (Founding Fathers) knew the greatest potential for the oppression of the citizens was to have a huge centralized federal government that was armed and a citizenry that was disarmed," he said. -Homosexuality is a behavior, not a dght. "Homosexuality is the stuff collapsed civilizations are made of, whether it's Sodom and Gomorrah or the Roman Empire." - are calling for a new consideration of sexuality in the churches seem less than eager really to engage with lesbian and gay perspectives. Yet this is by no means true of all. The straight mind as it is socially constructed in the west is after all also a straight jacket, a confinement to a way that many heterosexual people themselves reject as too narrow." "As we· discover ways to transgress," she continued "to 'play in the fields of the Lord' we will surely find ourselves with many delightful compamons, some of them unexpected. And it will be - a ·great day, not only for us but for our churches, when th e question is not, 'how far should sexual diversity be tolerated ' but ' how can we learn from sexual diversity , and celebrate together?'" Meeting at the same time as the Archbishop of Ca.nterbury was speaking to the An 5 1ican Evangelical Assembly in Hertfordshire, LGCM's members passed an emergency motion on hearing of his speech in which he said that the Church, in relation to sexual practice, "only recognizes two options ... heterosexual · marriage and celibacy." Passed unanimously the motion reads 'This annual conference deplores the remarks of the Archbishop of Canterbury and calls for him to live up to his previously declared ·view, made as recently as last month at the Primates Meeting that 'homophobia in all its forms is not acceptable within the Christian Church.' Lesbian and gay Christians are not made to feel welcome in the Church by the imposition upon them of unreasonable demands - and celibacy is not necessarily a sign of wholeness and integrity." Commenting of the Archbishop 's inconsistency Rev. Richard Kirker, General Secretary of LGCM said, "Our members will once again feel shocked and dismayed that George Carey has made remarks that display obvious confusion and no respect for loving same-sex relationships. The Church is being deluded and cruel the longer it delays affirming gay love." HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH: Both Sides of the Debate Homosexuali'1 in the Church Outstanding authorities on scripture, tradition, reason, biology, ethics, and gendered experience discuss the place of Gays and Lesbians in the community offaith. This book will provoke discussion Quan. l~tttt, S ~ , h,. r d,1 0, . in congregations, study groups, and ethics and social justice issues. Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker.. Associate Professor of New Testament at Loyola Marymount University, Los A11geles. Order now from Second Stone Press □ HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker, $14.99, paperbk ___ _ Postage'Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ------ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME ___________________ _ ADDRESS-~------------------- CITY/STATE/ZIP _ _____ _ ____________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA70182 JU LY/AUGUST 9 9 5 w News w ......................................................................... Gay school board candidate triggers religious war DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - While presidential candidates pay attention to Iowa's leadoff precinct caucuses, many political activists are preoccupied with a school board race that's likely to pit religious conservatives against gay rights advocates. It's school board .politics with a vengeance, and some say it can be used to gauge the growing clout of the religious right. 'This is all being pretty well orchestrated to generate money and to help organizationally in anticipation of the upcoming caucuses," said Jonathan Wilson, a veteran member of the Des Moines school board who last year triggered an uproar by announcing he's gay. Iowa's precinct caucuses are the first stop on the trail of primaries and caucuse s that produce presidential nominees. The major Republican candidates all -have set up shop in the state. Religious conservatives are a growing force in Iowa's Republican Party. They've taken aim at Wilson in the September school board elections. Wilson blames "the radical right" out to flex its political muscle, but those opposed to his re-election say they're just trying to protect children. 'They are gathering up names, addresses, phone numbers, contributors. They are soliciting national money for the effort," Wilson said. 'T hey're planning on making Des Moines an example for the nation ." Bill Horn is an organizer for The Report, an anti-gay rights group with roots in fundamentalist churches. He dismisses that argument. Hom says Wilson himself raised the issue by making public his sexua l preference and traveling the country speaking to gay rights groups . "How come he's out speaking across the country raising money?" Horn said . "I think the thing about Jonathan Wilson that people are discouraged about is the whole homosexual agenda." "He keeps referring to the radical right, and I don't know who he is talking about," Jerry Erickson, minister at Union Park Bap~ist Church, said . "I don't consider myself radical right in any sense of the word. I've probably voted for as many Democrats as Republicans." GOP presidential candidates watch the fight with interest because religious groups such as the Christian Coalition can make a big difference in next February's precinct caucuses. "I am with them all the way in that - cause," former television commentator Pat Buchanan said. Both sides have been rallying their forces and raising money. 'This is a controversial, hot-button issue," Horn said. 'This will get national attention." Wilson has been a force on the school board for 12 years, including a stint as its president. Some had urged him not to run again, but he's seeking another term. Vatican newspaper calls condom-in-hotel-room idea 'squalid' VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican newspaper on May 30 denounced as "squalid" an antiAIDS camRaign to put condoms, along ,with soap and 'toothpaste, in seaside resort hotel rooms. Backed by an Italian gay rights group, businessman Franco Albanesi, who owns part of a chain of seven hotels along the Adriatic, came up with the idea to distribute condoms as part of the complimentary toiletries left for guests. The condom packages carry the writing "Safe love is good for life." Backing the initiative was Italy's leading anti-AIDS researcher, immunologist, Fernando Aiuti. But the president of an association of hotels along the Riminiarea seacoast called the condom promotion "stuff for madmen." Hoteliers fear that families arriving for summer vacation SECOND STONE will get the idea that the resorts are more suitable for love affairs instead of family vacations, the Italian news agency ANSA reported from Rimini, the coast's biggest resort town. "Alarming the hoteliers is the legitimate fear that the distribution of condoms will frighten the families who crowd the hotels from June to September," the Vatican newspaper L 'Osservatore-Romano wrote. In a scathing attack on Aiuti, the Vatican newspaper said: "Perhaps he thinks that the hierarchy of countervalues, based on libertinism and hedonism, is more defused" than "normal family" values. The scientist and the Vatican have been at odds for years. Aiuti contends that government anti-AIDS education programs have been stymied by the Vatican's traditional influence on Rome politics. - His critics say they are unconcerned about Wilson's sexual preferences, and Wilson himself labels it a "peripheral issue ." 'Tm focused on quality education," he said. But religious leaders have sought and failed to deflect attention to other pressing issues facing the city's schools. 'There is every danger that the one and only issue that attracts people's attention will be this issue of sexual orientation," David Ruhe, senior minister at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, said. "I ha ve suspected quietly to myself that it's certainly possible for cynical people to manipulate the intense feelings and emotions around the issue." Rich Eychaner, a prominent Republican businessman, has some experience in the fight. Eychaner, who is gay, sought a Republican con- SEE CANDIDATE, Page 19 Church panel urges tolerance of unmarried couples LONDON (AP) - The Church of England has been advised by its own experts to welcome sexually active couples, regardless of whether they are married or are of the same sex. "Everyone, whether single, married, separated or cohabiting, heterosexual or homosexual, should find a place of welcome in the church," the Board of Social Responsibility said in its first report on family life in 20 years . The report is expected to be debated in November by the church's governing General Synod. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, head of the church, welcomed the report as part of debate and soul-searching, but said, "It is not, and does not purport to be, the chμrch's authoritative teaching." The board, a synod department that advises on social issues, estimated that by the year 2000, four out of five couples will live together before they _ marry. The church should resist the temptation to look back to a "golden age of the family" and instead support families in all their diversity and help people build strong, committed, faithful relationships, the report said. While marriage is central to the Christian family, the church has been too "censorious" of people living together outside wedlock, it said. The report also said gay couples are capable of enduring and faithful relationships and should not be excluded from the church. Singapore clergy opposes Church of England on 'living in sin' SINGAPORE (AP) ~ The head of the Anglican Church in Singapore has opposed a Church of England panel's recommendation that the phrase "living in sin" be abandoned, a newspaper reported June 10. Right Reverend Moses Tay told the Straits Times newspaper that the recommendation will never be adopted in Singapore, where the Church will continue to uphold the biblical standards of morality. "All sexual behavior, apart from that between a man and a woman in the context of marriage covenant is sin," Tay was quoted as saying by the Times. "Adultery, fornication and homosexuality are wrong. We have to call a spade a spade. A sin is a sin," he said. Earlier in the week, the Church of England's Board for Social Responsibility urged Britain's state church to continue to "affirm the centrality" of traditional marriage. But it also suggested that the phrase "living in sin" be dropped and that unmarried couples, heterosexual and homosexual, be more readily welcomed into Anglican congregations. While commenting on the recommendation , Singapore's patriarch, Lee Kuan Yew, said his city-state_ will insist on certain standards and moral values if it is to preserve the strength of its society. Reverend Tay said the church also was "firmly of the same view" as Senior Minister Lee, who gave his views while on a trip to London. The "living in sin" report has contributed to a growing debate in the British church on issues such as family, sexuality and gender. JULV/AUGU _ST l 9 9 5 Hope House lifts gay teens from despair From Page 1 who have no family or whose family has abandoned them . Th e Hope House program serves te ens and young adults up to age 21. It can provide a temporary living environment and services lo help mov e young Gays, Lesbians and others from hop e lessness to independence. At Hope House, youth who once had no place to go now find a home and some help. The program is a part of Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church, the largest predominately gay and lesbi an church in the . world. The ne ed for the program became clear when two teenage boys came to the church a couple of years ago looking for help. They had .run away from home and ended up in Dallas with 110 hom e and no money. The church helped these teens, but soon realized that runaway teens and young adults were a large problem and the resources to help them were yery limited. Then Rev .. Paul Tucker, a pastor at Cathedral of Hope, decided it was the church's job to help. "We knew we had to do something," Tuck er said, "Nobody else seemed equipped to handle them." K In April 1994, the Hope Ho~s·e program was created. By October, the papers were signed on Hope House, a transitional living facility for young people with no other place to go. said Luke, a Hope House resident. "He makes sure I'm on the right track and watches over me." Luke came lo Dallas when he was rejected by his East Texas family after coming out. When he told them he is gay, they cut him off financially and began to wash his clothes and dishes separate ly , making him feel like an outcast. . 'T hey said I might as well quit high school and live on the streets," Luke said . 'They said they hope I get sho t in the head." Then he found Bob Ivancic, Hope House's administrator. "I told him about the program and I asked him what he wanted," Ivancic said. Ivancic matched him with a mentor and got him involved in a s upport group, then helped him enter Hope House's residential program. "It allowed me to get back on my feet," Luke sa id. "I can begin to think about being gay and having to deal with all the stresses the world puts on us." There .are no other programs in North Texas and few in the nation that are designed to meet the unique n eeds of gay and lesbian youth. Ivancic said the church wants to help establish youth programs in other cities as a part of Cathedral of Hope's mission to become a national resource in the lesbian and gay community. 'The straight community take s care of its children," Ivancic said. 'There's nothing for youth in our "The straight community takes care of its children," Ivancic said. "There's nothing for youth in our comn1unity." Now, a case manager, an administrator and a full time live-in home supervisor assist in running the program that Tucker and others created. Hope House provides its clients a variety of services to prepare them for life on their own . The program offers access to medical, dental and psychological eva luation and treatment. It also offers opportunities for education, socia l and life skills training and drug arid alcohol services, if needed. Up to 18 months of residential care in Hope House and two years of follow up after leaving the residence ~re also offered. Hope House also provides a mL•ntor program for residents and nonresidents . Each youtl1 in the program is mat ched with a carefully scn•,•1wd and trained mentor, a gay m ~n or ll•sbian woman who functillns as a role model to help • put the tl'L'll on the road to a healthy adult life. ''The mentor provides a big brother-- someone I can look up tn," SECOND STONE community." Tucker explained that Dallas has teen shelters and a variety of services for adult gay men and lesbian women. Adult gay and lesbian services, though, are often unwilling to help children and teenagers. These agencies are afraid of perpetuating the belief that gay and lesbian organizations recruit young people. In ·some shelters for youth, Tucker said, gay and lesbian runaways are the target of. abuse and violence. A large, short-term youth shelter for gay and lesbian teens is need ed in the Metroplex, Ivancic said, but he ex·plained that they · are moving one step at a time and trying to help as many young people as possible along the way. Ivancic and Tucker have dozens of storil's about yout h in trouble. "[One girl] was from west T,•xas," Tucker said. "Her mother found out about her sexual orienta-- Hope House administrator Bob Ivancic, left, plays Scrabble with Luke, a resident who was rejected by his East Texas family after coming out. lion. She put her daughter on ·a bus with a one-way ticket to Dallas." Tucker remembers meeting one 17 year old boy who was at a local ho spital's ' psychiatric emergency room because of a drug overdose. ''This young man had been living on the streets since he was 14 when his parents found out he was gay and kicked him out," Tucker sai d. "He used selling sex and selling drugs as a mea ns of survival but in th e proces s got hooked on cocaine." Alcohol and drug use is prominent in runaways and throwaways, and many turn to prostitution. Others turn to suicide . Sixty-eight percent of all ga1· male ·adolescents report alcohol use, and almost half say they hal' e used drugs, according to an unpublish ed study in 1987. The numbers .ue higher among lesbian teens. S,1me also report selling their body ,rnd ,1 large number say they h aYc> c,,nsidered or even attempted suicide. Until recently, ther e was no place in Dallas for troubled gay and lesbian youth to find help . . Some of these youtH in trouble go to Dallas' gay and lesbian area near the corner of Oak Lawn A venue and Cedar Springs Road. This make s the church 's location in Oak Lawn important. "Many of them end up in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas trying to survive on the streets," Tucker said. Luke said Hope House saved him from that. "I would have probably ended up on the streets or in some homel ess shelter," Luke said. But help for Luke was al'ailable fwm a house and a church named H,,pe. If you can benefit from th e services of Hope House or would like to help in its ministry , call Cathedral of Hop e at 800-501-HOPE. Integrity wraps up national convention WORSHIPERS LINED THE walls of Atlanta's All Saints Episwpal Church during the closing Eucharist ,,f the Integrity National C,mvenlion on June 10. The circle of over 200 people, which included . the celebrant, Atlanta's Bishop Frank Allen, and two other bishops , was intended to i.llustrate till' nature' of the Holy Trinity. Tl w S<•rm,in on th e eve of Trinity Sunday was given by Rev. Canon Linda Strohmier, Evangelism Coordinator for the Episcopal Church. • Delegates to the n1nvention heard the Rev. Canon Rowan Smith, chief assistant of Archbi sh op Desmund Tutu speak on the gay liberation struggle in South . .\frica ,rnd the church's role. Mark Graham of Atl,rnta. c,1-dean of the convention, receiH th e Louie Crew Award for .outst.rndin~ contributions to Int egrity. · ' Most of Integrity 's Stl chapters hav e fewer than 50 memb,•rs ,111d man y Integrity memb,•rs d,,,d h,n ·e ,1 local chapter to altL'nd.' ~ 1Jny (L'nventi('lleers come fn.1m un~uppL , rtiv t:" dioceses, so tht' ronvt•ntiL, n pnwide:,; an . important opp,1rtunity to <'~p<'rit' nce fellowship ,1nd rl'tww,11. JULY/AUGUST 9 9 5 B orn in 1898, my grandpa was one of ten children. The family name was a heritage. Although all his sisters and brothers were members of the church, grandpa was not. I never asked him why. I always figured that it had to do with the gal that he married . A refined woman from upstate. I was three months old when she died . Grandpa spent the next 26 years being chased by the best and worst of them. Being one of the best {egacy BY EMILY EDWARDS SECOND STONE catches around, we would . laugh when their intentions were quite obvious. No one ever caught him. I have always been sad that I never knew my grandmother. He would never · talk of her. I learned from · asking their best friends. One of her ma_ny legacies is that I was raised in her church . In this town of 2,000, all my relations were raised in the church of 800. They were a loving, hard working, and kind people. They took care of their elderly and infirm . The y took care of each other. They were also a God fearing people. So the church had many traditions. All th e women who were members wore a black lace cover on their heads , When Great Aunt Ida was so sick, for a while we were not allowed to see her , Bouts of senility were allowing her to reveal the family secrets. One time when I was visiting, she lapsed before my ears. She told me how the Elder had paid a surprise visit one day, and she barely had time to get the black lace cover on her head before he walked in the door . After a time, the women members were only expected. to wear them in church, Automobiles, trucks, tractors and radios were definitely allowed. They were necessary for commerce . T elevisions were not. My cousins and friends loved to visit. We would watch TV. By the time Great Aunt Mary was 82, she realized that she had lived a life worthy of the call from God , She did not care if anyon e saw the small TV in her kitchen. And no one in the church dared to say anything. Great Aunt Mary told me once that many men had asked for her hand . The men went to the Elders and then the Elders went to the women. She kept turning them down and was never sorry for her choice of remaining single. She told me that this one woman never treated her too nicely through the years. Her husband was quite wealthy, Inside Great Aunt Mary laughed at this woman's haughtiness. For this man was one of the many suitors she had sent away. When Great Aunt Barb passed away, there were a few compacts with face powder. That was allowed . She had watches and pins that were also allowed . Somehow the word got out though. My cousin Jim told me that someone confronted him. Did she really have 250 pins and 22 watches? He reminded them of the Christian woman, his grandmother that they were asking about. And no one dared to say anything more. Yes, the church is rich in many traditions. The people are loving, hardworking and kind, and alway s take care of their own. They built a nursing home and a home for disabled. You have to be on a waiting list for some of the volunteer positions . They built a social hall. When the first bricks of each were laid, they had already been paid for. My grandpa was a successful and respected man in his own right. And when I was born, the birth listings in the papers said granddaughter of. When he passed on, 1700 people came through the funeral home. I knew most of them, but not all their name s. Everybody always knew that I was the granddaughter of. Growing up, I was cool. I stayed out of trouble . I got my name and picture in the paper for first class scout, band and chorus awards, stuff like that. So pretty much, I did not dishonor the heritage of the family name. Except the part that I was gay from the time I was 16. So after college, wanting to live freely and not bring dishonor, I moved far away from the little town and its hassles and lived free , I would fly home and be with grandpa. I always brought a dress with me, for I knew I would be attending the church with him. Congregational seating _ was also part of the tradition. Women sat on one side, men sat on the other. A portion of the pews in the back rows were reserved where both could sit together. That one Sunday, we climbed the stairs and grandpa did not stop in the back rows . He· kept marching down the long aisle. I grabbed his suit coat so hard that it stopped him and said in his ear, where are we going. We need to sit in the back row, He said come on and took off again and I followed him like I always had. We suddenly sat on the men's side in the front second pew. As I was shaking, I received a tap on my shoulder. I painfully and slowly turned to hear and see Tom and Joe. Old schoolmates saying hello. I sang tenor that day with the congregation - who had never known what it was like to sing with a piano or organ. Yes, like singing tenor on the men's side would not make me stick out. When we left church, 1 was furious with my grandpa. Why did you do that . What are you doing . And all he would do was laugh and laugh . Everytime I brought it up through the remaining years, he would laugh and laugh and say nothing. When grandpa passed on, 1 was the only one who did not pass by his casket in the foyer of the church . 1 don't know why. When Jane came up to me at the meal after the funeral service, I noticed that she had a black lace cover on her head . She had ·become a member. She was very excited. Wasn't your grandpa's funeral . great . They put him in heaven with Jesus. The next day it finally computed in my weary mind . There were three When we left church, I was furious with my grandpa. Why did you do that. What are you doing. And all he would do was laugh and laugh. types of funerals in the church. In my youth I had heard about this one type. The Elder pointed to the family in the front row and declared, and how ·do you feel knowing your husband and father is burning in hell. Seriously, if you were not asked to leave, as some were, you ran the risk. There was the type of funeral for people who attended the church and then there was the type of funeral for members of the church. My grandpa, being placed in heaven with Jesus, had been given the funeral of a member. Yes; the church is indeed still rich in many of these traditions. They are a loving, hardworking, and kind people of God. All· this came back to me today when I ran across my grandpa's derby. He had worn it when he courted my grandmother. And remembering all of this, I finally accepted that grandpa knew that I was gay. He might not have understood it all, or even have wanted to, yet he indeed knew and loved me still the same. And in all these years, I have wondered why he marched me down the aisle that Sunday to sit with the men. And today maybe I finally realized why. That no one had better dare say anything . . JULY/AUGUST 1- 9 9 5 Pro-gay bishop elected in New York Episcopal diocese. · _1 NEW YORK- At its 219th convention, Bishops meeting during the 1994 January. The resolution_ Was spon- Assembly, but has never mad~ it to held on June 10, the Episcopal Dio- General Convention in Indianapoli_~, sored br the three Integnty c~apter:- the floor of the Repubhcan-dommated cese of New York strong ly supported the diocese put itself on record m m_the Diocese of Ne~ ~ork with Phil State Senate. the full inclusion of Lesbians and support of blessing same -sex umons Nic~olson,_ Integrity s NortheaS t Bishop-elect Roskam was ordained Gays in the church . Elected as Bishop and opening the_ ordination process to Regional Vi~e President an? a dele- to the priesthood in 1984 at Manhat- Suffragan was longtime Integrity Gays and Lesbians, whether or not 9ate to the diocesan convention, lead- tan's Church of the Holy Apostles, member, the Rev. Catherine S. they are celibate. mg th e effort. joining the New York City chapter of Roskam. Bishop-elect Roskam is cur- The resolution was .tpproved by Integrity shortly thereafter. She mainrently Missioner of the Di_ocese of over two-thirds of the delegates in .a The convention also passed tained her membership in Integrity/ California and is a gay-positive het- voice vote. New York became the a resolution urging the New .York even after moving to San erosexual. second Episcopal diocese to endorse Francisco several years ago. While. The diocese also approved three Spong's "Statement of Koinonia," New York State legislature looking for a job in the Diocese of pro-gay resolutions. By endorsing a which was signed by 71 bishops. The to outlaw discrimination California, she experienced discrimistatement that Newark Bishop John Diocese of Washington (D .C.) had . nation due to her membership in -Spong introduced at the House of approved it at their convention in based on sexual orientation. Integrity and her expressed desire to BATTLE, From Page-1 The pro-Amendment 2 br ,ief was filed by the Southern BaJ?tist Convention, Catholic Legal Society, Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, Focus on the Family, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the National Association of Evangelicals. The anti-gay rights groups contend Amendment 2 protects the religious rights of groups that believe homosexuality is a sin. The 11 groups filing against Amendment 2, which include several Jewish groups, Protestants, the Quak, ers and the head of the Episcopal . Church, argue the amendment vio. !ates the state constitution by setting aside one group for discrimination. The groups state the amendment subjects Gays to "second -class citizenship." One anti-Amendment 2 brief was filed by the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers), American Jew- RESPONSE, From Page 1 Flanked by Republican leaders from across the nation including House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and presidgntial hopeful Phil Gramm, Ralph Reed announced his 10 point moral agenda for the second 100 days of the 104th Congress. "We are com~ mitted," said Gingr .ich, "to imple' menting the Contract with the Fami- 1 " Y;,If the Christian Coalition's Contact is implemented," said Nancy Wilson, a UFMCC elder and pastor of the Los Angeles congregation, ''.it is possible that gay and lesbian Americans will suffer a whole new reign of terror and intolerance in the land." "Just below the surface," claims White, "Ralph Reed's Contract with the American Family is just one more attempt by leaders of the radical right to reshape traditional American values in their own narrow, fundamentalist image. The Contract is far more than the sum of its parts . It is in fact, a dangerous threat to all Americans who believe in tolerance and freedom." SECOND STONE ish Committee, Anti-Defamation ,. League, Reconstructionist Congregations, Interfaith Impact for Justice and Peace, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, . Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism and Bishop Edmond Browning, head of the Episcopal Church .. The stated clerk of the national Presbyterian Church filed his own brief against Amendment 2. Also approved by the convention was a resolution introduced by the diocesan Economic Justice Commis-· , sion directing the trustees of the diocese to formally request each company in their investment portfolio to prohibit employment discrimination based on marital status and sexual orientation. The convention also passed a resolution urging the New York State legislature to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. This measure has been passed year after year by the New York State Presidential hopeful urges tougher stand on moral issues KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Conservatives have helped create a moral disaster by not taking a clear stand against abortion, unwed motherhood and homosexuality, says 19% Republican presidential candidate Alan L. Keyes. · Keyes, a Maryland radio talk show host, spoke to about 300 people May 25 at a luncheon sponsored by The Freedom Foundation, a conservative organization. "We must take a clear stand on putting the emphasis back on supporting the marriagebased family," he said. On May 23 in Topeka, Kan., Keyes had a rally on the south steps of the Statehouse and attended a $100-a-plate fundraising dinner. His Kansas visit was sponsored by the Topeka chapter of Kansans for Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group, the Family Action Network and the 2nd Congressional District Republican Party. Keyes served in the State Department under former President Ronald Reagan and as ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Organizations . He is the first black candidate for the Republican nomination for president. He entered the race in March after two unsuccessful campaigns for a Maryland state senate seat in 1988 and 1992. Bulk Copies Available OF THIS ISSUE OF SECOND STONE 10 copies - $13.50 • 25 copies - $29 .50 • 50 copies - $45 .00 100 copies - $67.50 includes postage and handling. Send your pre-paid order to Second Stone. PO . Box 8340. New Orleans. LA 70182 minister to persons with AIDS. If, as expected, her election is confirmed by a majority of diocesan Standing Committees and Diocesan Bishops, she will become the fourth woman in the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops. Her consecration is expected to take place in December at the earliest. In another notable election, Dr. Deirdre J. Good was elected a deputy to the Episcopal Church's national governing body, the General Convention. Good is expected to be one of at least six openly lesbian deputies at the 1997 convention. She is a professor of New Testament at the General Theological Seminary in New York City . Her corning out as a lesbian with a life partner led to a change in the seminary's housing policy, following a struggle that included the mediation of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Her election as deputy came as something of a surprise since she had never · before run for diocesan office. Two other Integrity members were among the eight elected as G_eneral Convention deputies . h the spirit of St. Frtl'lcir:; .im St. Clare, wdre aeelci,g ~ bulder6 .im pear::e IM(8l'S to journey with 119 i1 t;h6 fOC>t61:ep5 of Jee;us Christ. C? d!'SJ We are an ecumenical, inclusive, non-clerical 0.._ community of baptize~ men ~ and women from various Christian traditions who ./!.O chose to worship and live in ~ a faith-sharing ~pirit. You may become an ~ Associate or enter the program leading to the profession of vows as a ~~ religious Brother or Sister. Ask to receive our newsletter, "Footsteps." t We work in ministries of love, care and reconciliation nationwide. For more information, please write to: MERCY OF Goo COMMUNITY Att: Vocation Director P. 0. Box 41055 Providence RI 02940-1055 J U L Y / A U G U .s'T , l 9 9 5 Pastor calls ruling against lesbian mom 'act of terror' RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A gay clergyman drew comparisons April 29 between the Oklahoma City bombing and a Virginia Suprem e Court decision, calling a rufing that a lesbian was an unfit parent "another act of terror." While acknowledging that.the ideas behind the bombing and the court's ruling in the case of lesbian couple Sharon Bottoms and April Wade are widely separated, the Rev. Mel White contended they are on the same spectrum. · "To put a jurist, a wonderful, committed jurist on the Supreme Court of Virginia on the same scale with the bombers would be a travesty," White told reporters at a news conference. "But to say that there are ideas that link the bomber and the jurist is very important." White added: 'The ideas are wrong. They need to be attacked . And the terrorist that takes away a child from Sharon and April is that same kind of idea that says that we ne ed to explode away, do away, purge the nation." The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on April 21 in favor of Ms. Bottoms' mother, who had sought custody of 3-year-old Tyler Doustou. The court said lesbianism was one of . several factors that made Ms. Bottoms unfit. 'The only issue, really, is they are lesbians. And the court has decided in this case that lesbians can't be good parents," he said . "And we will fight that across this nation in every court where it raises its head . And we will chain ourselves to the Supreme Court and fast until we die if this comes to the Supreme Court and they decide to take away our children." White, 54, of Dallas, was the keynote speaker for a district conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. The organization's mid-Atlantic district includes 15 churches with an estimat ed 2,000 parishioners in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. The UFMCC called for .a national day of prayer on May 14, Mother's Day, in support of Ms. Bottoms and other gay and lesbian parents fighting for custody of their children . "Pray on Mother's Day that this injustice will be righted,"White said. "And pray too that these terrible sodomy laws, which say that our love for each other is a felony, will be struck down ." The couple's pastor, Dwayne Johnson of the MCC Church of Richmond, said the women felt a deep "Your Brother Doesn't Have to be Speaker for You to Make a Diff ere nee in America." Candace is the lesbian s iste r of Newt Gingrich. Speaker of the Ho~se nf Represenratives - Candace Gingrich. Na~ianal Coming Out Projec t Spokesperson M,, people who know someone gay or lesbian are far more supportive of gay issues. Coming out shows the true diversity of the gay communiry. But, you don't have co be related to someone famous to take your next step. For more information about coming out, or upcoming National Coming Our Day events, please call 1-800-866-6263. Come Out. Get Involved. It Truly Makes a Difference. National Coming Out Project is an education and ou1reach program ol lhe SECOND STONE Fffil ~ personal loss because of the court ruling. "Removing a child from a mother is akin to death," Johnson said. 'That is the emotion they are feeling at this time." Before publicly acknowledging his homosexuality in 1991, White was a ghostwriter for religious broadcasters Pat Robertson and the Rev . Jerry Falwell. He was arrested in February for trespassing at the Virginia Beach headquarters of Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network while seeking a meeting with Robertson. He fasted for 22 days in the Virginia Beach jail until March 8. The charge against him was dropped less than an hour after Robertson met with him in jail. A Robertson spokesman said the visit was out of compassion for White's parents. "I think Pat Robertson is so misinformed that his soul is at stake," White said. "I hope I'll have all of eternity to show him where he's wrong." Boy ~hinks Jesus took him from his mother RICHMOND (AP) - When 3-year-old Tyler Doustou visited his lesbian mother recently, he told her that his grandmother says "Jesus took him away from me," Sharon Bottoms told a radio audience. Ms. Bottoms said April 27 she told Ty !er that Jesus gave him to her, and that it was his maternal grandmother, Kay Bottoms, who took him away. But Tyler didn't believe her, she said. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in late April that Sharon Bottoms was an unfit mother and that Tyler should remain in the custody of Kay Bottoms. Sharon Bottoms and her live-in lover, April Wade, appeared on a WRY A-AM call-in show hosted by former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder. The couple, their lawyer and Wilder crowded around a studio table as television photographers prowled around them. Asked by Wilder how she felt about the ruling, Sharon Bottoms hesitated, then said, ·"I know how I feel, but I don't know how to explain it." After even longer pause, she said, "I think it's sad." Most callers were supportive. Antoinette from Richmond urged Ms. Bottoms to "Get out there and fight for your baby!" Ca ssandra from Henrico County and Chris from Gloucester County both told the lesbian couple they support ed them "100 percent." Three of. the 11 callers confronted the couple about homosexuality. Ms. Bottoms' lawyer, Player Michaelson, said she will ask the Virginia Supreme Court to rehear the case. She said she will argue that the judges ruled on a case record that included inaccurate allegations, such as that Ms. Wade hit Tyler, that Kay Bottoms was motivated to seek custody of the boy after learning about Sharon Bottoms' homosexuality, and that Sharon Bottoms and Ms. Wade taught the boy to call Ms. Wade 'Da"da ." In its ruling, the Supreme Court said lesbianism was one of many factors that made Ms. Bottoms an unfit mother. Other factors cited included her history of moving from place to place, relying oh others ' for support and "difficulty controlling her temper," the justices said. After the radio interview, Ms. Bottoms told reporters that Kay Bottoms called her this week to tell her she could not have Tyler. for his court-ordered weekly visit of one night. "She said they were going out of town," Ms. Bottoms said . Richard R. Ryder, Kay Bottoms' lawyer, said she told Sharon Bottoms in advance that she and Tyler · were going on vacation. 'They'll make up the visit when they get back," he said. Not trying to take over GOP, says Ralph Reed PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) - The Christian Coalition is not on a crusade to take over U.S. politics, or even the Republican Party; all it wants is a "place at the table," says Ralph Reed Jr., the group's executive director. "It's not right for us to select t.he next Republican presidential candidate," said Reed, who heads the nation's largest Christian group that has deep inroads into the Republican Party. · But only the party that values "the sanctity of life" will get th" group 's backing, Recd told th,, Panhandl e Tiger Bay Club May 19. In its "Contract With the American Family," the 1.6 million- member group calls for an end to late-term abortions and permission for states to refuse .Paying tax funds for abortions, among other things. "What we want is not in the form of a demand," Recd said, · 'The contract is 10 suggestions." 'This (contract) is a very ambitious agr,nda, a hold ag,•nda. It won't happr,n ov,·rnight. W,· wi ll kr:<:p at it," l<•·•·d add,•d . "Our rr,I,. i '-> tr, h,· a rwrm ;uv·nl fixturr : <,nth,, pr1l1tir al J;111d <.,< ap1•. W,, rir.>W li :1v1· ;1 pl;ic ,. ;II thr· tahl,- ... I I J I I I /. IJ (, 'J ·, I, I ') 'I !, Evangelist at Promise Keepers rally criticizes Gays PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - A Dalla s evangelis t at a rally for Christian men urged blacks and whites to come together to reverse what he said was "immorality in the name of hell" brought on by homosexuality. ''Black and white Christians can get together and bring the kingdom of God in the name of heaven," Tony Evans told 72,000 men at the Silverdome for the Promise Keepers conference held the last weekend in April. Founded five years ago by thenUniversity of Colorado football Coach Bill McCartney, the international group bills itself as a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to helping men become better husbands, fathers and community leaders. The group has packed arenas across Middle America. Last year, the group drew more than 250,000 men to seven stadium rallies. This year, it says 500,000 will attend 13 such events. The event at the Silverdome was the first. Evans' comments did not surprise the critics who say the Promise Keepers movement is anti-homosexual and anti-women. Jeff Montgomery, president of the gay advocate Triangle Foundation of Detroit, said comments such as Evans' frighten Gays. "With that rhetoric, we feel threatened," Montgomery said, leading a protest outside the Silverdome. Women's activists also protested outside the Silverdome, saying the Promise Keepers' true agenda calls for men to dominate their wives and children. Anti-gay initiatives attacked at regional Methodist gathering TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - Two anti-gay initiatives have been rejected by the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United. Methodist Church. About 900 clergy and lay representatives from Washington and northern Idaho. voted to oppose Jnitiative 166, which would bar schools from portraying homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle, and Initiative 167, which would bar Gays and Lesbians from adopting children or becoming foster parents. "It's a civil rights issue," said Tricia Schug, communications director for the conference at the University of Puget Sound. 'The United Methodist Church tries to be proactive in social justice issues." Conference 'members also voted to ask the church's national board to change the Book of Discipline, a set of guiding principles which describe the practice of homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching. SECOND STONE Although those attending the Promise Keepers did not approach the protesters, members of a local fundamentalist group, the Voice of Thunder, confronted them. The two sides shouted slogans at each other. Voice of Thunder member Roger Pettibone of Pontiac also criticized the Promise Keepers, saying the group would be more effective preaching in the streets, rather than in stadiums . But many attending the rally felt otherwise. Nathan Schuck, a Michigan State University chemist from Mason, was AIDS memorial service prompts protest ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Protesters missed the point of an AIDS candlelight memorial at the Roman Catholic church on Old Town Plaza, said an organizer of the memorial. "For someone in the city to feel they should boycott because it's being held at a church, it's very sad," said Peter Counterman, executive director of New Mexico People Living With AIDS. . "It takes away the whole feeling behind the memorial and mobilization," he said . The memorial at S<Ul Felipe de Neri Church drew about 400 people. "It's very comforting to be in a house of God - what better place to have a service and a memorial?" said Don Alan Croll,.a Jewish cantor who is gay. His partner, Jan Gartenberg, said he could detect no particular religious slant to the service. He said he listened 9osely. 'The issue is about AIDS more than where it's held," Gartenberg said. Outside, however, another group boycotted . "As long as the church as an institution continues to preach that homosexuality itself is sinful, it encourages the spread of AIDS," said Neil Isbin, a gay rights advocate who helped organize the boycott. . Using a church hadn't been the group's first choice but that it turned out to be more affordable and it allowed the use of candles, which not all venues permit, Counterman said. Anyway, a church seemed an appropriate place for remembrance, he said . The Rev. Lambert Luna, pastor of San Felipe de Neri Church, said the church traditionally reaches out to the · sick and dying and that AIDS sufferers deserve the same consideration. "We're not trying to make a political statement," he said. Recommended Reading For Everyone ... PASTOR, I AM GAY by The Reverend H. Howard. Bess An extraordinary book. PASTOR, I AM GAY ... is a prophetic witness to the church. 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(AP) - Unlike the days of frequent Ku Klux Klan marches, hate groups are scarier these days because people can't tell what they are up to, according to their opponents . The new tactics of hate groups drew attention May 19 as community activists, preachers, state troopers and government officials met in the first of three regional meetings of opponents of hate group such as skinheads, the Klan and the Aryan Nation. "What has me worried is what the hate groups are doing behind the scenes, the infiltrating they are doing in all aspects of society," said one participant, the Rev. Bob Lewis of Calvary United Methodist Church in Erie. Initiative takes aim at 'right-wing fundamentalist Christianity' OLYMPIA (AP) - A Seattle man has filed an initiative that would prevent state agencies from placing children in the custody of anyone "who practices right-wing fundamentalist Christianity." William Humphrey said his measure is in response to Initiative 167, the proposal that would restrict adoptions by Gays and Lesbians. Humphrey's initiative, filed earlier in June with the secretary of state's office, extends the prohibition to anyone "who participates in any political organization or religion . which condones the discrimination of individuals who practice dissimilar beliefs." Humphrey is a reporter for The Stranger, a free, Seattle alternative weekly newspaper. He said he filed the measure as part of a story h_e's working on about' how the initiative process works, Sam Woodard, executive director of the Citizens Alliance of Washington, the organization sponsoring anti-gayadoption Initiative 167, called Humphrey's proposal "a joke." "I think it's hilarious," Woodard said. "It couldn't hold up in any court of law. It is directly against the constitution and freedom of religion." · Humphrey is up against a tight timetable. He has only until July 7 to collect the signatures of 187,000 registered voters to qualify his proposal for the November ballot. Now available from Second Stone! The ·Word ls ·out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who w·ouJd hold it hostage to an anti-gay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 daily meditations, the Bible's good news "comes out" to meet all of us with love, justice, meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. Titte □ Postage/Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ------ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME ______________________ _ ADDRESS ______________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SECOND STONE About 150 people exchanged ideas for confronting what they say are increasingly sophisticated hate groups in Pennsylvania, particularly white supremacists. The state Human Relations Commission has identified 64 white supremacy organizations in Pennsylvania, second only to Georgia. 'The face of hate is more easy to accept nowadays. They're not wearing hoods, and they're not wrapping themselves in the American flag like they used lo," said Barney Ousler, co-chairman of the Pittsburgh Coalition to Counter Hate Groups. What they_ are doing is infiltrating schools, says a former member of the Aryan Nation who broke ranks three years ago. Floyd Cochran now campaigns against hate groups a_cross the country, carrying with him videotapes of youth recruiting sessions and the "White Will" comic book. "What they do is tell these kids, 'We're family,' and, 'No one loves you? We'll love you,' and a lot of them come from dysfunctional fami. lies in· the first place, with · no father figure, so of course they're going to join," said Cochran, himself a divorced father of two . The watchers of hate groups say anecdotal reports indicate more activity around the slate lately - a baseball bat beating in Jeannette, a skinheads' march in New Hope, synagogue vandalism in York and damage to a Pittsburgh-area car dealership owned by a mixed-race couple. Groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the YWCA and church associations across the state are sharing information about groups and organizing a quick-strike task force to be sent to towns where crosses are burned or other hate crimes are committed, Ousler said. The number of hate crimes in Pennsylvania more than doubled in the last five years, Attorney - General Ernie Preate Jr. said recently. Communities tainted by hate crime - cross burnings, church vandalism, offensive leaflets and the like - typically react wrongly in ignoring the incidents, he said. "Silenc e is the welcome mat for hate,'' said Ann Van Dyke, assistant education director of the state Human Relations Commission. Priest wouldn't allow condoms at health fair SANT A FE (AP) - A Roman Catholic priest would not allow condoms lo be available at a health fair May 13 at his Santa Fe parish hall. One of the groups sponsoring the event, People of Color AIDS Foundation, said earlier it would make condoms available at the fair because of the life-or-death issue involved with AIDS. However, the Rev. Albert Gallegos, priest at Our Lady of . Guadalupe Church, said the group would not bring condoms. "It's not the reason the fair was . called," he said. "It's for information about (medical issues) including AIDS." Jewel Cabeza de Vaca, executive director of People of Color AIDS Foundation, had said earlier it was irresponsible to provide information about the deadly virus without givjng people ac cess to .condoms - an effective way to reduce the risk of infection. The Associated Press attempted to call her for comment at her Santa Fe office, but was told that she was not in . The health fair targeted Spanish speakers, including immigrants ·from Latin America, who lack access to medical care and information about AIDS, Cabeza de Vaca said. The state Department of Health has documented 1,141 AIDS cases in New Mexico since 1981, including 355 Hispanics. At least 673 of those with . AIDS have died. Housewife excommunicated from Mormon Church PROVO, Utah (AP) - A feminist housewife who wrote about a divine mother in heaven and challenged the notion that Jesus would not allow the Mormon Church lo be l ed astray says she has been excommunicated. Janice Allred said the action was taken May 9 after a fivehour hearing before a disciplinary council headed by Bishop Robert Hammond, the lay leader of het congregation. Hammond declined to comment. Spokespersons at church headquarters in Salt Lake City routinely refuse to comment on such cases, saying they arc local matters. Including Allred, at least eight high-profile feminists and academics have been excommunicated in the last two years on grounds of apostasy or public criticism of leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Mormons believe their lcadershi p to be divinely inspired. Supporters of the disciplinary act ions contend that failure to sustain and obey church leaders is a repudiation of the church's most basic bL•lil'fs. A lln•d, 48 and the mother of nim •, said slw would appL·al. JULY/AUGUST l 9 9 5 ,, • In Print ........................................................................ Lesbian and gay celebrations Equal Rites By Don Bell Contributing Writer Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations. Kittredge Cherry and Zalmon Sherwood, editors. Westminster John Knox Press E qua! Rites is a very welcome addition to the growing body of worship materials that give voice to the genuine religious faith of many gay and lesbian persons. Indeed, the book is a godse.nd for those longing to acknowledge and express their spirituality in positive, affirming religious celebration and worship. One strength of this important work is the large number of contributors (more than 30), all with unique spiritual experiences and ihsights. The writings respect sexual orientation, yet transcend it to embrace deep ' spiritual truths and convictions shared by people everywhere, regardless of denomination or sexual orientation. The great variety of ritual and ceremony detailed here sho uld enhance the usefulness of the book for Lesbians and gay men everywhere. One aspect I really like is that the authors did not forget major seasons or holidays celebrated by persons of faith around the world. In an effort to be different or set themselves apart from the traditions of others, some gay and lesbian persons tend to ignore or reject holy days celebrated by organized religious groups. After all, they reason, these are the very religious groups that have spread misinformation, misunderstanding and prejudice toward gay persons for so long. Why would a gay person want to observe any traditions held sacred by these hypocritical groups? Yet Equal Rites.does lay claim to these spiritual occasions and includes rites that make these holidays meaningful and relevant for the lesbian and gay person . . The book is designed for those planning or participating in rites, ceremonies, or worship services. However, I believe the book has a much broader use as an excellent meditation and devotional resource, meaningful to persons of faith everywhere, regardless of race, denomination, or sexual orientation. Throughout the book, God is loved, worshipped and honored; respect, caring 'Straight Parents/Gay Children' from former PFLAG editor ... B ob Bernstein, creator and former editor of the PFLAGpole, the newsletter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, tells his personal story and that of PFLAG in Straight ·Parents/Gay Children: Keeping Families Together, just published in June: Bernstein is a newspaper columnist and PFLAG national vice president. Straight Parents/Gay Children is the story of a father's coming to terms with a daughter's homosexuality and discovering that his life was not diminished but enriched through the process, according to the publisher, Thunder's Mouth Press of New York. It is also a story about PFLAG, the organization which helped him achieve a fuller understanding and appreciation of human and sexual diversity. The book recounts dramatic episodes of PFLAG's history, and in- . dudes accounts of numerous individual PFLAG members who have taken the lead in seeking · social equality and justice for their gay loved ones. Straight Parents/Gay Children carries an introduction by Robert MacNeil of the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, and a Forward by Beth Winship of the "Ask Beth" -syndicated advice column. MacNeil has been outspoken in support of his gay son Ian, an awardwinning . theater set des igner and Winship is a PFLAG honorary director. The book's cover includes praise from Episcopal Bishop John S. Spong, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Dr. Keith Brodie, President Emeritus of Duke University and of the American Psychiatric Association. "If Bob Bernstein's book were compulsory reading in America, the population of bigots would dwindle at a rapid rate," Frank writes. "His ability to make the case for fairness and decency in our treatment of each other is unsurpassed." Bernstein began his career as a journalist but was also a law professor and government attorney before retiring from the United States Department of Justice in 1989. His articles on various civil rights matters have appeared in more than 50 major metropolitan dailies. ... and gay parents/straight children: 'The Changing Family' l esbian and Gay Families: Redefining Parenting in America, part of publisher Franklin Watts series The Changing Family, explores the growing number of gay and lesbian couples who are parenting. This book, written by Chicagoan Jill S. Pollack, introduces the reader to seven lesbian and gay families who share their stories;J·oys and challenges. Their firsthan testimony becomes a vehicle for exploring the many roads to parenthood including adoption, alternative insemination, foster parenting, surrogacy and previou. s heterosexual relationships. . In America, the number of Gays and Lesbians with children grows dramatically each year. Nevertheless, the rights of these individuals and couples to adopt or retain custody SECOND STONE of children is in constant jeopardy, and their families often experience complete alienation from their communities. The recent court battles of Sharon Bottoms and her struggle to _raise her son have helped bring these issues into the national spotlight. "I am proud to .have played a role in seeing that this very important and timely book reaches bookstores," says E. Russell Primm III, Editorial Director, Grolier Children's Publishing. "Whether the reader is a lesbian or gay parent, the child of a lesbian or gay parent or someone who knows and loves someone in a lesbian or gay family, Jill Polack pointedly shows us the many faces of love and the many kinds of families." Lesbian and Gay Families provides the reader with insight into the facts, theories and history surrounding the political and social biases lesbian and gay parents in America must overcome . Pollack's book explores the often difficult process of corning out, traces the web of legal hurdles gay and lesbian parents must face and provides in-depth information on local and national networks of support. By chronicling the stories of the gay and lesbian families that have come forward in .her book, Pollack establishes that love, not sexual orientation, defines a family. Pollack is a writer and editor · residing in Chicago whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, trade periodicals and political journals . She is the author of Shirley Chisholm and is currently writing Women on tlie Hill, a history of women in the U.S. Congress . and genuine love are encouraged for all human life and for animal life and nature itself. The reader of Equal Rites . will particularly notice the many, beautifully written, meaningful prayers included throughout. Relevant, personal prayer is a new experience for many lesbian and gay persons . The written prayers in this book give voice to the real pain, mental and physical suffering, and heartfelt longings, as well as joy, thanksgiving and praise of many individuals . In "Corning Out: Corning Home" by Diann Neu, some readers ·may fail to make the connection between the blessing of the four elements - fire, air, water, earth - and the very personal experience of coming out. Perhaps the theme of this beautiful ceremony is that all of God's creation celebrates when truth and honesty are manifest in the life · of a gay, lesbian, or bisexual person. I believe such a ceremony would provide emotional strength and make the occasion a memorable one for the corning out participant. Persons who have tried gender-frer inclusive hymnbooks arid worship materials and found them unappealing should genuinely appreciate the ceremony "Rediscovering God as Father" by Louis Kavar. Many of the unique chants and songs are well documented, though I wonder what success a reader would have in finding these resources. Other songs and hymns are mentioned by name only, wit ~ no mention of where they may be f9und. Maybe it is assumed that these songs are widely known and availab /e in hymnbooks of organized denominations. Yet to the uninitiated g~y or lesbian person who has long 0been alienated . from these organ i zed groups, the songs and hymns may be unfamiliar, and the person may not know where to locate them. · Equal Rites is an excellent public and personal worship and devotional book. The ceremonies detailed therein are designed to strengthen f 1reiigious faith, bring healing, and provide the participant with a meaningful, sensitive , caring, loving worship experience. This choice book would be a useful addition to <:omprehensive religious collections in church, public, and academic libraries. As a devotional g uide, individuals will want the book on their personal bookshelf. The book should be a real blessing for those churches seeking to be more caring and inclusive in worship experie I ces. ~ULY/AUGUST 19 195 W Noteworthy W ................ . • ............... ' ....................................... . New club for kids aTHE COLAGE KIDS CLUB is the first and only organization for young kids with lesbian and gay parents. It was created by daughters and sons of lesbian and gay parents. 'The most pressing problem facing kids with lesbian and gay . parents is our isolation," says Suzanne Pullen, COLAGE's Adminstrative Assistant and herself the daughter of a lesbian mother. The American Bar Association estimates there are upwards of 8 million daughters and sons of lesbian and gay parents in the U.S. alone, hundreds of thousands of whom are under 10. For information on COLAGE write to 2300 Market St., #165, San Francisco, · CA 94114 or KidsOfGays@aol.com. Ann Arbor church closes MFTER MORE THAN a decade of serving the Ann Arbor, Michigan area the Huron Valley Community Church has ceased operation. The Minister's hunger strike yields antidiscrimination statement from United Methodist bishops AUSTIN (AP) - A Methodist minister ended a 15-day hunger strike on May 6 after receiving a statement from United Methodist bishops that decries discrimination against Gays and Lesbians. The Rev. Charles Moore, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, said he received a "serious and constructive" reply from the denomination's bishops, who were meeting in Austin. He said while "it's not all we hoped for, it's a positive statement." Moore, 60, had wanted a public statement from the bishops "expressing their concern about the mistreatment of gay people, especially in the church." He points to a statement adopted by the denomination's 1972 general conference that says, "We do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching." Delegates to the last general conference, held in 1992, voted to retain that language, and the statement is again expected to be an issue at the 1996 convention in Denver. 'The issue is wracking every maj.or denomination," Moore said. "It is not an issue that can be ignored. The churches are not going to be able to hide from this." The Austin American-Statesman reported that the bishops responded by drafting a resolution that: - Acknowledges failures "if by our inaction we have contributed to ostracism, stigma, unnecessary suffering, . denial of civil and human rights, torture, persecution and pain inflicted" on homosexuals. - Calls upon all United Methodist congregations to welcome all people into "redemptive fellowship" and to become centers of learning about the nature of homosexuality. - Recognizes the official United Methodist position that calls "the practice of homosexuality" incompatible with Christian teaching. Bishops don't make policy for the Protestant denomination. That responsibility rests with a legislative assembly made up of lay and clergy representatives from around the world. The secretary of the Council of Bishops, Melvin E. Talbert of San Francisco, said the council has the privilege of choosing how to handle pastoral concerns. "In this case, th e council felt it was important to make a pastoral response," he said. Moore, who said he is a heterosexual who for too long ignored the . pain of discrimination felt by Gays and Lesbians, shed 15 . pounds from his 5-foot-10-inch frame since beginning the fast. Phelps' group stages protest in Mississippi JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A group of Kansas church members held an hour-long anti-gay demonstration in Jackson. The 14-member group from Westboro Baptist Church and Library in Topeka rallied May 30 in the downtown area, some holding signs that proclaimed: "God Hates Fags." The Rev. Fred W, Phelps, the chu!ch's pastor, said his group's ultimate destination was Orlando because "homosexuals are taking over Disney World. We want good, wholesome family entertainment, and homosexuals are. taking it over. Walt Disney is probably turning over in SECOND STONE his grave." He referred to "Share the Vision Weekend '95," an annual national gay event scheduled June 2-4. 'This is a disgrace!" Jackson residentPaula Adkins shouted as she stopped her minivan near the protest. "Who is your God? My God hates no one. He created everyone equal," Adkins shouted at the group. Members of the group said the Jackson protest also was aimed at Brenda and Wanda Henson of Ovett, two lesbians who founded Camp Sister Spirit, a retreat near Ovett in rural Jones County. action came as the result of an informal vote of those members who have been actively attending the church recently. In a formal announcement of the closure of the church leaders stated that "Our attendance has been lagging and we have finally come to the conclusion that God's direction is for us to move elsewhere ." While the announcement of the closure came as a sh0ck it was not unexpected. Over the past two years the church has pleaded on at least three separate occasions with people on the mailing list to get involved in the church's activities. AIDS activist receives Robert Wood Johnson award M SOlITH CAROLINA AIDS advocate has received a $100,000 national health care award for his efforts to expand community services for people with the deadly disease. Peter Lee of Columbia, director of the AIDS Ministry of South Carolina Christian Action Council, recently received the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Pr_ogram Award. "Mr. Lee exemplifies the kind of community health leader we aim to honor with this award," said Catherine M. Dunham, Community Health Leadership Program director . "He is tenacious, caring and creative in finding ways to reach those not served by the traditional health care system." Lee's AIDS Ministry oversees AIDS care teams based in church congregations. The teams, in 40 churches with 500 volunteers across nine denominations, provide support services such as food _shopping, transportation and comparuonship. "They fill needs, other than medical, by providing someone to listen, care and help with the business of living," said Lee, who used to work at the Department of Health and Environmental Control's Center for Health Promotion. Lee said he would use the award money to help expand the AIDS Ministry, as well as creating a "healthy communities" foundation to encourage community leaders to assume responsibility for improving health care. Integrity chapter bounces back aTHE PITTSBURGH CHAPTER of Integrity, Inc., the association of gay and lesbian Episcopalians and their friends, has been reorganized and is meeting on a regular schedule the second Wednesday evening of each month. The chapter was originally formed in 1976 and operated on a regular basis for ten years. During this time the chapter established St. Aelred's House as a safe haven for people with HIV and AIDS. Activity has been sporadic for the past few years, but in the fall of 1994 th e chapter was reconstituted and is now in the process of becoming a fully certified chapter . To contact the chapter, write to P.O. Box 3, Verona, PA 15147 or phone (412)734-8409. Pride rally features mass wedding BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - A St. Johnsbury Unitarian minister performed a mass wedding ceremony at the gay pride rally for anyone who wanted to take part. A similar ceremony at the 1993 Gay pride march in Washington , D.C., drew 2,600 participants. Although the state will not recognize the unions, the Unitarian Universalist Church will, as it has for 11 years. Glover resident Brendait Hadash, an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, said the fight to get states to legally recognize gay marriage was the new civil rights battle for Gays. A bill introduced in the last legislative session would require Vermont couples who wanted to adopt a child to be legally married, a r~gulation Hadash said wo uld effectively outlaw adoption for gay couples . . "It's a convenient little statement for them to make, " Hadash said. He said the current system also barred Gays from filing joint tax returns, receiving many spousal health insurance benefits, obtaining citizenship through marriage, securing next-of-kin rights, and automatically inheriting property . Hadash said he had lived his life "in the closet with the door open. People can look in if they want, but I don't force it." He said in Vermont he found "the New England attitude of live and let live." But he said . many Gays and Lesbians still faced prejudice. "For example," said Hadash, "here in the Northeast Kingdom there were two men who had been together for more than 40 years, close ted. As he was dying, one of them said to the other, 'You can come to my funeral, but you can't cry at it.' Of course the man did cry, but it' s just not fair." JULY/AUGU~T l 9 9 5 Father Bob Arpin never lost hope for change A t a time when it would have been easier to keep his secrets, the Rev. Bob Arpin chose the path of courage. and spoke his mind - he thought 1t would help others. In an institution that condemns active homosexuality, Father Arpin was proud to be a gay man, a gay priest and so undaunted by personal affliction that he took his homily to a national level. Father Arpin, a native of Chicopee, Mass., was the first Roman Catholic Gay couples unite in prayer during international conference RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - Fourteen homosexual couples were united in prayer at the 17th Annual World Conference of Gays and Lesbians. Reverend RobertoGonzalez, an Argentine protestant, conducted the June 23 ceremony, which was called a "prayer service" because Brazil prohibits homosexual marriages. The ceremony followed a briefing by Brazilian congresswoman Marta Suplicy, who is leading a movement to legalize homosexual marriages in South America's largest country. The conference ended June 25 with a "March for Full Citizenship" down Rio's showcase Copacabana Beach. CALEN1DAR, r_rom Page 2 priest in the country to openly discuss his sexual orientation and his illne~s with AIDS. Eight years after being diagnosed with HIV, eight years after confounding doctors who had given him scant few months to live, Father Arpin died May 23 in San Francisco, his home for 20 years . He was 48. ''Bob was a man with a mission," said Bill Thorne, a friend of Father Arpin for more than two decades. "He wanted to stay within the Catholic Church, to try to cause change from within ." It was becau s e of Father Arpin, Thorne said, that church leaders started a national support group for · priests. And from the priest's candor, others said, countless other clerics drew inspiration. Father Arpin was ordained in his hometown of Chicopee when he was 25. He worked as a chaplain, a parish priest and a counselor, then was assigned 'io the San Francisco Bay area on a long-term loan from his Massachusetts diocese. He became an assistant pastor at Queen of AH Saints Church in Concord and as chaplain at Mount Diablo Hospital, where he launched an interfaith ministry program. . He then began working with the San Francisco Archdiocese, providing grief counseling and housing assistance through Catholic Charities. Father Arpin lived in a San Francisco apartment with a tidy mix of crucifixes and papal blessings, Gay Freedom Day Parade souvenirs and his beloved stuffed teddy bears. Hope and Healing Conference SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1, More than 500 people are expected to attend this AIDS conference which is jointly planned by the Lutheran, Ep1s~opal and United Methodist .AIDS networks. Three tracks of workshops_ will be offered: Care and Compassion, Prevention and Education, and Calhnf! and Service. - The program is expected to include theolog1~ns such as W1ll1am Countryman and several experts from the Centers for Disease Control. For information call (202)628-6628. ~Unity Fellowship Second Annual Convocation OCTOBER 2-8 The Unity Fellowship Church Movement sponsors "From Fear to Faith," at th~ Ramada Inn in Culver City, Calif. Nightly worship, ~orni _ng praise and prayer service, workshops on self empowerment, music, sp1ntuahty, human rights, family, health, cultural arts, youth, economic empowerment. For information contact Deacon Alfreda Lano1x-Owens, 5149 W. Jellerson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, (213)936-4949. National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Spritual Renewal ·ocTOBER 11 Rediscover the power of effective intercessory prayer for the gay and lesbia~ community on this day of prayer held every year on the day before National Coming Out Day. Support materials available from River of Life Healing Ministries, 134 Quincy, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, rolhm@aol.com. · ·christian Responses to Homosexuality . NOVEMBER 10-12, Three days of dialogue with people from across th_e philosophical and theological spectrum, sponsored by t~e Rocky Mount~in Conference of the United Methodist Church. The cost of this conference, which will be held in Denver, is $125. For information contact Elizabeth Pruett, Box 2922, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602-0292, (970)945-7293 SECOND STONE When he was diagnosed as infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, Father Arpin found his greatest ministry - AIDS counseling. He wanted to educate the general public aboμt the disease by showing that even priests can be stricken with it. Father Arpin went public. He talked to reporters, he went on Phil Donahue's talk show. And he wrote his own book, Wonderfully, Fearfully Made, a lesson in hope to those with AIDS. "It was thought that only unsavory people in back alleys got AIDS," he told The Examiner in 1989. "I thought, how more respectable can you get than a Catholic priest? I decided to come out of the closet because AIDS is not a punishment from God." Tirelessly, Father Arpin preached about the fallibility of priests and the Roman Catholic Church's forgiveness. The church 's uncompromising position against homosexuality angered Father Arpin to his final days, but he said the institution was not perfect, and he never wanted to embarrass it. 'The fact that I am able to say things that the church doesn't like and still be a priest in good standing is an incredible sign of hope for me," he said in the 1989 interview . "Father Bob Arpin always lived his life, his priesthood, and faced the challenge of AIDS with optimism and joy," said Deacon Bill · Mitchell, , spokesman for the San Francisco Archdiocese . "He is now at rest and has gone to meet compassionate God ." Father Arpin is surviv ed by his mother, Jeannette Arpin, a resident of Chicopee, Mass., who kept a bedside vigil by her son; and a large group of friends. Characteristically leaving nothing undone, Father Arpin made all the arrangements for his memorial service and burial. He chose a simple inscription for his gravestone . It reads, 'Thank you Jesus." Parent group: Play is 'smut' KINGWOOD, W.Va. (AP) - A high school drama class play involving themes of homosexuality, AIDS and guns has come under fire from a group of parents who called the production "smut." But Preston High School drama teacher Fran Kirk said the production dealt honestly with issues facing teenagers today. "In addition to teaching theater, I hope I am giving them a forum for discussion," Mrs. Kirk said. A group of parents on May 23 asked the Preston County Board of Education to begin reviewing materials presented in the schools. The board did not immediately act on the suggestion. Kirk said the "Vision 2000" play performed May 6 was_ a series of monologues that focused on teen issues. During six weeks of rehearsal, material was changed for any cast member who had a problem with it, Mrs. Kirk said. Poll: Rome's Catholics stray far from Vatican doctrine ROME (AP) - In the shadow of the Vatican, many Romans are true believers - in premarital sex, contraception and other acts at odds with Church doctrine. But they don't call themselves rebels. They say they're Catholics, according to a poll published May 9. The survey, presented to clergymen in the Rome .diocese May 8, found 78 percent of Romans questioned defined themselves as Catholics. They also portrayed themselves as supporters of few restrictions on sex, divorce and opening the priesthood to women. The poll by Franco Garelli, a sociologist at Rome's Catholic University, did not give the number of people queried or the margin of error. But it reflects the sometimes cool rapport between the Vatican and Italians, who identify with Catholicism but often snub its teachings. In 1981, Italians voters upheld the nation's liberal abortion laws despite heavy lobbying by the Vatican. The survey found just 14 percent of the respondents said abortion should be completely outlawed. The study also found only 23 percent of those questioned go to Mass regularly and 42 percent rarely or never attend . About half of the respondents opposed the celibacy rule for priests and 40 percent said women should be allowed into the priesthood, the poll said . On sex, the scales tipped . strongly away from Church doctrine: Nearly 80 percent supported premarital sex, birth control methods and cohabita' lion between unmarried lovers. About the same number saw no moral objections to divorce. JULY/AUGUST . l 9 9 5 Death of professor's son sparked awareness among Mormons SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Brad Schow felt trapped . And he was exhausted . '1 feel so weary. I'm tired of always worrying about morals, God, salvation, myself, girls, guys, Gays, family, school, etc ..... "I need a vacation from myself." Schow wrote those words in 1978 at age 20, some months before telling his parents that no matter how hard he had hoped and prayed to be otherwise, he was gay. Eight turbulent y~ars later, he died of AIDS complications in his hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, his parents at his side in an agony of regret. That was in 1986, and Brad was the contagion 's first reported casualty in the Gem State. T oday, there are many similar stories in the bedrock Mormon culture of Utah and southern Idaho that produced Wayne and Sandra Schow, Brad 's parents. But they remain whispered stories within a patriarchal faith that condemns homosexuality and preaches that "families are forever." Using their son's and their own experience as a guide, Brad's parents have tried to change that. At Sandra's urging, Wayne Schow and his brother, Ron Schow, both professors at Idaho State University, joined co-editor Marybeth Raynes in producing the 1991 book, Peculiar People: Mormons in Same-Sex Orientation. The volume gained a wide audience, especially among hundreds of deeply conflicted Mormon Gays and the parents who had raised them to serve missions and marry in the faith's temples "for time and eternity." Ron Schow was instrumental in forming Family Fellowship, a service organization with several chapters in . Utah and Idaho that seeks to strengthen Mormon families with homosexual members . "It was just a matter of someone daring to say, 'Hey, why don't we do something about this?"' said Mildred Watts, who co-chairs the group with her husband, Gary, a Provo radiologist. "I think we are viewed with some suspicion by some church authorities," Gary Watts said, but the organization's sole aim is to promote love and understanding . "Really, Brad is the genesis of the whole thing." In 1993, Wayne and Sandra Schow were interviewed for "Straight from the Heart, " a short documentary about Gays and Lesbians and their families that was nominated for an Academy Award. "I wish I had had the past 12 years to live over," Wayne Schow told the filmmaker. "If (Brad) were still with us I would be doing what I could to make his way smoother." But as it happened, Brad's coming out declaration to his parents was the biggest shock of his father's life, triggering years of public denial and inner turmoil. The separate struggles of father and son are detailed in a new book by Wayne Schow, Remembering Brad: On the Loss of a Son to AIDS, a deeply personal account that draws on Brad's voluminous journals and the father's letters to his son. "Brad's journals are prett y compelling," Schow said. 'Tm happy to say that in some sense they are the heart of . the book and my writing is something of a gloss on his directly repre senting his dilemma ." Also satisfying to the author is the sense that the two have collaborated on the work, published by Signature Books. The journals Brad began at 15 and added to until his death at times depict a soul impaled on the irreconcilable forces that shaped his life: religion and sexuality. '1 don't want homosexuality to be a part of my life," he wrote in 1977. "I have had urges of that kind for as long as I can remember , but it's something I'm dealing with as well as I can . '1 don't understand where, at which point, it becomes evil, and how and where homosexual drives come into · the plan, but still I don't want it. It's a sterile kind of relationship. One can't have offspring." And yet, after two years of college, he dropped out and embarked on a hedonistic sojourn in the gay cultu r e of West Hollywood. Four / e ars passed before Brad, disillusione with the self-destructive nihilism of his life, broke away to resume work on a degree at Utah State University . Two years after that and starting to suffer, he went home to Pocatello. Eighteen months later he was gone. '1 hav e wondered more than a few times since his death whether the religious upbringing we gave him was, on balance, more help or hindrance to him in his life," Schow writes . "Whatever the answer to this question, that upbringing was a large part of the cross he bore." So, too, for his mother . "When Brad came out to us, the church and much of what I read said it was all our fault," she said. "Parents are so afraid, especially those who are members of the church. They're all in the closet." As Wayne relates in Remembering Brad, the Schows were there too before their eldest son dragged them out. UM plan targets hate crime offenders Pope urges movie-makers to show more responsibility ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - People who commit hate crimes at the Univ~rsity of New Mexico will receive stiffer penalties under a new policy that was prompted by a series of hate-motivated incidents on campus. The UNM regents approved a plan May 12 that will more harshly penalize students or visitors who commit such crimes. - Board president Art Melendres said the sanction policy gives UNM a "hate crimes bill." Gov. Gary Johnson vetoed such a bill in March, making New Mexico one of 11 states without a hate crimes law . UNM's policy was spurred by a series of incidents over the past few years, including racist graffiti and the removal of lesbian material from library shelves. The new policy allows officials to determine whether a crime was moti• vated by factors such as sexism, racism or homophobia and states that I harsher penalties can be imposed under those circumstances. Those penalties could include being expelled from school. The plan passed 6-1, but there was some discussion about whether it is too vague . The policy carries the understanding that guidelines on offenses and their possible penalties be brought back to the board for approval. SECOND STONE "I think there are some constitutional rights concerning what crimes carry what puni shment," said regent Gene Gallegos. 'There's nothing in the code that would put someone on notice as to , what penalties can be expected." . The policy says that in determining puri.ishinent for rule infractions, officials will take into account "whether any harm or injury was targeted against a person or group because of that person or group's race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental · handicap, age, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, or medical condition." c...$... Pontius' Puddle VATICAN CITY (AP) - As the Cannes film festival prepared to grant its awards, Pope John Paul II urged movie makers to show a greater sense of "authentic values." The pope's comments w ere made May 28 during his regular Sunday address from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square . He said he wanted to mark the Church's International Day for Social Communications. The mass media can be vehicles for "truth, solidarity, authentic love, or the means of manipulation, even violence or the vulgar exploitation of man's basest instincts," John Paul said. Thus, the sense of responsibilty of the "promoters of social communications" should grow, he said, particularly with regard to the cinema on its 100th anniversary. "I hope that it, honoring its best traditions, will become ever more a vehicle of culture and a proposal of authentic values." Awards were presented at the Cannes festival May 28. r RE..AU'Z.E. THIS IS 1HE- a.e's, 8Ui I. STILL THINK CHAN~INCr '/OUR M.A.RRIA&E. VO'v-1S 1'0 RE.AO·· •~ 'TU .. t>AWN 00 OS ~~T, " ISN'T M~KING-~NOl..)6-μ OF A CCMM\iME.ITT. JULY I.AUGUST 1 9 9 5 W FrotmhEe ditWor •••••••••••••••••••••••••• C: - ••• . "Thunder-lizard" computer a good connection By Jim Bailey WHEN I FIRST started publishing Second Stone in 1988 I could tell from the needs expressed in the letters I started receiving that many of our new readers were dealing with isolation and lack of resources more than any conflict between their spirituality and their sexuality. I still get letters from folks who feel like they don't quite fHinto the gay and lesbian community in their area - and they don't quite fit into the church community either. So isolation continues · to be a part of life for many of us. The very best resource that anyone could have imagined for gay and lesbian Christians has come into being over the past few years and continues to develop. (And it is big time competition for Second Stone.) Self described by America Online, it's "one big thunder-lizard computer." Many Seco.nd Stone readers have already signed onto America Online and I recommend it for everyone. All it takes is a Mac or a PC, a modem, which if not built in may be purchased for about $150, a telephone line, and free software which America Online will provide along with 10 hours of free sample time. After you get online, you'll be interested in areas in the "Lifestyles and Interests" department. Go into the "Religion and Ethics Forum" and you'll find a Christian .message board which includes lively debate under the "Religion and Politics" topic. Another area of interest is "Christianity Online" which offers a "Discuss Current Topic" area that included 26,519 messages last time I checked. Under "Christians and Sexuality" there are 26 topics with 1639 postings. There is much discussion in this category concerning gay and lesbian issues. Also in the "Lifestyles and Interests" department: the "Gay and Lesbian Community Forum" which now includes the Lambda Rising Bookstore online. Message boards include very helpful areas like "Support and Recovery" for 12-steppers and others, and a board of major interest to gay and lesbian Christians: "Spirituality" with 50 topics and 4355 postings. Most gay and lesbian Christian organizations provide news about their groups in folders that can be found here. The "Gay and Lesbian Community Forum" also features a "Heart to Heart" personals board, where a message can be posted or answered, and the "Lambda· Lounge" where people are online and waiting for someone to connect with. :;Although this is a great service for everyone; •ir-is especially-valuable foflhose who do not-have good resources in their community or for those who are still in the closet: online communicating is _done under your screen name. America Online provides a generous amount of time each month for $9.95. FOR READERS WHO HA VE been clamoring for hard news, this issue is for you. It's stuff you couldn't find on America Online. So keep those subscriptions coming. SECOND STONE Newsjoumal, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17.00 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $10.00 for postage. All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)891-7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Department title) Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical Christian social justice newsjoumal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey . . CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE: Emily Edwards, Don Bell, Gtp Plaster SECOND STONE CANDIDATE, From Page 8 gre~sional nomination in 1984 and lost badly. "I do believe it is being used as an organizing tool by the radical right to organize for a variety of purposes,'' Eychaner said. 'They need continued anger and antagonism to raise money." Wilson says religious conservatives are playing on public fears over homosexuality to build their ranks and play a bigger role in the presidential campaign. Horn pointed to a failed effort last year to include in the Des Moines curriculum teaching youngsters about homosexuality as evidence of a broader "gay agenda." "When you start looking back, the evidence is there," Horn said. Erickson dismissed the notion that religious conservatives are looking for a way to energize their forces. 'They are already involved. They don't need any issues to get their people out," he said. Eychaner said ,the fight is too familiar. "It's not hard to incite and inflame people," Eychaner said, "We will: always be here unless they extermi-: nate us. Hopefully, that's not the agenda." Others worry about the city's schools being caught in a larger political debate and polarized for years to come. "In my opinion, no matter who wins, there's the strong potential that it is the children and the youth of the Des Moines public school system who are caught in the crossfire who will lose," said Tony Vis, minister at Meredith Drive Reformed Church. Few doubt the outcome. Ruhe tipped his hat to the organizing skills of conservative Christians. "In liberal churches like ours we have preached about political involvement for a long time," he said. "Much to our chagrin we wake up and see some conservative folks -are better at it than we are. I'm fearful that the liberals in general will be getting a wake-up call." .............Y....o.u..r..T...u. rn Safe sex more reliable than one's health claims Dear Second Stone, The commentary a few issues back on men who had been duped into unsafe sex by their own lovers who lied about their HIV status caught my attention. This happened to a friend of mine. He had the "satisfaction" of being invited to testify at his lover's courtmartial. My friend had assumed his lover's employment in the military confirmed his claim to be HIV-_negative. Not so! The serviceman knew he was HIV-positive and was under orders to tell any prospective sexual partner that he was HIV-positive and also under orders to use a condom. He did not tell his lover he was HIVpositive, nor did he practice safe sex. My friend had survived a decade of the AIDS crisis without becoming infected until his new lover seduced him into unsafe sex. When he discovered he was HIV-positive, he demanded an explanation. Thus, the courtmartial. An MCC student clergy, who was worki.ng on a nursing license, took my lover and me aside one Sunday and said, "If you have sex with someone else, make sure it's safe sex." My first reaction was irritation that he would assume we were not monogamous, but as I thought about it, I realized he really cared about us. Undoubtedly he had seen or counseled friends who had become infected outside their primary relationship. As a gay man in my 40's, I'd like to see during my lifetime a generation of gay men free of AIDS. Relying on other people's health claims is not going to be sufficient to reach that goal. Name withheld Richmond, Virginia Still innocent until proven guilty Dear Second Stone, Second Stone was a gift to my spouse and me on the occasion of our commitment. I relish it's arrival and applaud your efforts. In your recent editorial "We'U pay more attention to hate now,'' (May /June '95) I was troubled by your having tried and pronounced guilty Mr. McVeigh when you wrote: " ... the many who perished at the hands of McVeigh ... " As flawed as it may be we must allow him the priviledge of a fair trial. Sincerely, Bryon H. Knight We welcome your letters and opinons Write to Second Stone. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be witlilield. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or FAX to (504)891-7555. J U,L V / A U G UST l 9 9 5 . . . Classifieds ~ . . . . " . . . . ... , .. ~ . . . . . . . . . . . ...• . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . .................. l~tr.i,~~~~ : .~ "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," "Philosophically intriguing, 11 11Excellent." Why do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF OPEN HANDS, an ecumenical quarterly magazine on ministries with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample. 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641. 312/736-5526. FAX-312/736-5475. 10/95 HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda o'irectory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 sources of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - 1:>ooksg, roups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13237 Montfort, Ste. 810J, Dallas TX 75240. 10/95 . NOVELS FOR RELIGIOUS people! The novels of Lammy-winning author Toby Johnson deal positively . with the spiritual significance of gay experience. GETTING LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, soul stirring tale of love and religious meaning. Available at gay bookstores nationwide. Or for $11.50 from Peregrine Ventures, P.O. Box 684704, Austin, TX 78768. 12/95 "A POSITIVE LOOK a~ the Bible and Homosexuality 11 tracts, fas ·t reading, excellent for pride events, bar ministry, personal sharing. Economical. $1 and SASE will return sample and order form from: River of Life, 134 Quincy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 10195 TIRED OF B.IBLICAL "condemnation" of ·gays? Read 11From Darkness into Light: What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" by David Cooper. Do gays have any basis for Holy Unions? Read "Sex, Marriage, and Divorce 11 by Cornerstone Fellowship. Both pamphlets available for $2.00 each from Cornerstone Fellowship, (2902 N. G~eronimo, Tucso-n. AZ 85-705. TWO CHRISTIAN WOMEN seeking investors for development of private RV resort in central Arizona : For details call 520- 797-1626, fax 520-544-9649, or write 7920 N. Patrick Henry Place, Tucson, AZ 85741. HAS GOD CALLED you to the ministry? A growing~ interdenominational congregation seeks pastoral leadership in East Texas. Please send your inquiry to: Pastoral Search Committee C/O R Reno, 5621 Old Bullard Rd. #205 Tyler TX 75703. 10/95 GAY EPISCOPAL PRIEST seeks church position with loving, inclusive community that respects the dignity of all: Write to 431 Gravier St. #300, New Orleans, LA 70130 GAY TEACHER desires a caring, sharing male friend-first. At 50 I enjoy home, travel, restaurants( movies, music, church, and diversity. Your heart's desire? Write tonight! Dave, Box 18122, Rochester, NY 14618. 12195 MEET NEW PEOPLE the fun way today! 1-900-884-7800, Ext. 1890 $2.99 min 18+ Procall Co. (602)954-7420 8/95 GWF, 44, professional, feminine, well educated, kindly humorous, talkative, financially stable, no drugs/smoking, little drinking, faithful Presbyterian, liberal in SECOND STONE --- --- ------------7 Classified Order Form FOR ONLY 35¢ per word, your classified ad will reach readers from Sitka, Alaska to Amherst, Maine and everywhere iri between. Business or personal. .. try a classified ad in our next edition! MailTo: Second Stone Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Name ___ _ Address __________ _ Ci ty /St./Zip _______ _ AD COPY _______ _ --------------- ----------------- __ words X .35= $ ____ _ 20 word minimum. All classifieds must be pre-paid. Deadline one month prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad appears Please place my ad in these issues: [) Jan/Feb [ ]Mar/Apr . [) May/Jun [) jul/Aug [ ] Sept/Oct [ J Nov/Dec CLASSIFICATIONS [ l Books & Publications [ l Business Opportunities [ l Employment [ l Friends/Relationships [ l General Interest [ l Mail Order [ l Merchandise [ l Organizations [ J Professional Services [ l Real Estate [ l Retreats [ l Roommates [ )Travel I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I -------------------------------------------------------------' outlook, conservative in lifestyle. ISO truly similar lady living within 2-3 hours: GWF, good listener, feminine, 39-49, interested in commitment vs. casual relationships. Write: Sarah, P.O. Box 14163, Augusta, GA 30919. l~~oo~@~'ltmt' 'M ~--~.. PRIVATE RV RESORT park for women being developed in central Arizona. For details, call 520-797-1626, fax 520- 544-9649, or write The Point, 7920 N. Patrick Henry Pl=,_I~Z 85741. WANTED: PATRON(S) Young gay Christian HIV+ writer. Former Fundementalist. Intense. Passionate. Deeply spiritual. Compelling desire to communicate the transforming power of God's universal love. Distracted by tight finances, seeks financial supporters! More details - write JRL, P.O. Box 4914, Irvine, CA 92716-491'!,_Thanks! I CREMATION URNS: Introducing the Lambda Pride Um. Celebrate Life with an urn that reflects personality and style. Call for . free brochure. LifeStyle Urns 1-800-685-URNS. 8/95. GAY PRIDE FLAGS, Banners, Lapel Pins, Wall Clocks, Tote Bags, Bumper Stickers, Wind Socks & More. Free Catalog. 1-800-854-1438. (24 hrs. - 7 days.) Retail & Wholesale. B. LIVE OPERA performances on audio/video casette. Incredible selection since. 1930's, world-wide . Over 7400 items. Magnificent free computerized catalogue. Live Opera, P.O. Box 3141, Steinway Station, Long Island City, NY 11103. 12195 PIANO FOR SALE. Wanted: a responsible person to take on a low monthly payment on a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll fr"!'_;J-800-533-7953. 10195 BECOME A PRIEST - Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual persons, serve God and Comr:nunity as a Priest. External program leads to valid ordination. An incardination process is available for those already i:n Orders. Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment without interest in ordination may also reply. EACA Vocations, 2301 Artesia Blvd., #12-213, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 8195 CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESbians (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage. Quarterly newsletter. Supportive network. Advocates for lesbian issues in political · and Church forums. For rriembership information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 663-2963 FAX (212)268-7032. 12/95 INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC religious order. Men/women, lay/clerical, gaylnon-g'l)'. Optional celibacy, non-residential, ecumeiiical. Ordination possible. Father Abbot, Order of St. John the Divine, 166 Jay St., Albany, NY 122!0. 10/95 GAY PRINCIPIANS GROUP - Qay, Bi, Lesbian and Straight/Supportive Alumni of Principia College (Elsah, IL) and Upper Schools (St. Louis) Contact: David White #124, 2900 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20008-1404, 202-387-7250, E-mail Mrblanc@aol.com. 12/95 CHRISTIANS IN COMMUNION with Creation. An Organization for "Green Christians." Membership with monthly mailings, $35. Roger Wharton, 1404 Arnold Ave., San Jose. CA 95110. 408-451-9310. 12/95 RETREATS FOR GAY monks focusing on coping techniques in repressive communities at Saint Be·nedict Monastery. Information write: Dan, 1012 Monastery Rd., Snowmass, CO8I654. GAY EROTIC Spiritualities. Mystics, Ministers, Masseurs, Theologians, Teachers, Artists speak in 25 videos wisdom that only comes from the heart. EroSpirit Newsletter. Free. 800-432-3767 12195 THE EROTIC CONTEMPLATIVE. Re0ections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/ Lesbian Christian. $199. For contents, call EroSpirit. 800-432-3767 12/95 HOW CAN WE activate our individual and communal visions if nonstop grief has shut us down? An hour video talk by Pastor Jim Mitulski, MCC minister. $24.94. EroSpirit. 800-432-3767. 12195 BOTH LOVER AND PRIEST. In this hour video Ro.bert Goss, author of Jesus Acted Up, discusses liberation theology and how he came to write his bestseller. $24.95. EroSpirit 800-432-3767. 12/95 SecondS tonec lassifiedbsr ingr esults! ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us four weeks in advance for uninterrupted delivery . Send both old and new addre$ses . If possible attach mailing la.bel in space provided . PRINT NEW ADORESS w E I i, '" Send completed form to : THES ECOND$ .TONE Box8340 NewO rleansL, A 70182 JULY/AUGUST 1 9 9 5 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 Second Stone #41 - July/Aug 1995 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/54660cc332a5e0e690e54cbe276742b7.pdf be5ccf9416a5d1739f43bea5bf18462f 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 40 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published May/June 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 SUBSCRIBE NOW· ONE YEAR ONLY $17 • Box 8340 . New Orleans , LA 70182 P.O.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED BU..K RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID "Priest" HOOPLA! MOVIE ABOUT A GAY CATHOLIC PRIEST OPENS WITH HYPE. PROTEST AND PRAISE The Oklahoma City bombing JLTIMATE ACT OF VIOLE, CE IS A WAKE UP CA TO HATE N AMERICA .Stephen Braddock A DECADE AGO, HE WAS ON THE FAST TRACK IN NEW YORK. NOW HE RUNS AN AIDS MINISTRY FOR THE ORDER OF ST. CAMILLUS The little people A CRACK BABY AND A TODDLER WITH AIDS J3RING RESURRECTION AND NEW EANI G TO LIVES THEY TOUCH Feeling a little disconnected? OUR NATIONAL CALENDAR IS JAMMED WITH NEW FRIENDS YOU CAN MAKE THIS SUMMER TIME DATED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 I pftqatt 11ianar;sr411, «t'sij.~i•n:e®:ij~~~a;m*I w Calendar w . . . . . . . . . Retreat for HIV-positive religious and clergy MAY 8-12, The Marianist Center in Cupertino, California, is the setting for a five day retreat for religious and clergy who are HIV-positive. For information contact John McGrann, Kairos Support for Caregivers, 114 Douglass, San Francis.co, CA 94114, (415)861-0877: Peace and Justice for All Festival MAY 12-14, Rrst Congregational United Church of Christ sponsors this gathering, themed "An Agenda for New Century Christians" Rev. Mel White is featured speaker. Musician Ken Medema will perform. All events will take place at the church, 464 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, Calif. For information on the festival, call (818)795-0696. Spiritfest '95 MAY 26-29, DeGray Lake Resort and State Park in Arkansas is the setting for this annual spirit-filled gathering. For information contact Linda Harris, 5029 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209, (214)528-2811. Religious Life Weekend JUNE 1·4, The Mercy of God Community sponsors its fourth annual. Religious Lile Weekend for those considerin~ religious life. The LaSalette Center for Christian Living, Attleboro, Mass., 1s the setting'. For information contact the Mercy of God Community, P.O. Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940-1055: Gay, Lesbian & Christian: Celebrating Our Challenges JUNE 8·11, This retreat features John McNeil!, Virginia Mollenkott , Lisa Anderson and Chris Glaser . For inlomation contact Kirkridge, R.R. 3, Box 3402, Bangor, PA 18013. Cost is $295. ·. Retreat for Catholic parents of gay and lesbian children JUNE 9-11, The Catholic Parents Network sponsors "Turning the Key," a weekend of story-telling, presentations, film, discussions, communal prayer, quiet time, worship and socializing. Facilitators are Mary Ellen Lopata, the Catholic mother of a gay son who came out ,in 1983 when he was 19, and Robert Nugent, SDS, a Catholic priest who has written extensively on homosexuality . For information contact Fr. Robert Nugent, 637 Dover St., Baltimore , MD 21230, (301)927-8766. Spirituality Retreat for People Living With HIV/AIDS. JUNE 16-17, St. Camillus AIDS Ministry presents "Embracing the Mystery: HIV/AIDS and the Spiritual Lile." This retreat experience has been designed to help participants re-frame their often negative experiences of living with HIV disease. Guided meditation, reframing of emotional resistance, group sharing, trance journeying, body work, music and ritual are woven into holistic exploration of tools for healing which participants can integrate into· their daily lives. There is no fee, but enrollment is limited. For information about location and registration contact Bro. Stephen Braddock, (414)481-3696. Golden Threads 9th celebration JUNE 23·25, Lesbian women from all over the United States and from many foreign countries will meet at the_ Provincetown Inn in Provincetown, Mass. , Golden Threads is a worldwide social network of lesbian women over 50 and their friends . For information contact Christine Burton, Golden Threads, P.O. Box 60475, Northampton, MA 01060-0475. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JUNE 24-27, The annual retreat of ABC will be held at Thornfield Retreat Center in Syracuse, New York. Cost is $175. For·information contact ABC, 872 Erie St., Oakland, CA 94610-2268, (510)465-8652. · Womaen's Caucus & BMC Celebration JUNE 25-26, The Church of the Brethren Womaen's Caucus and the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns sponsors "Dancing at the Wall: Re-Imagining the Church." The event will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, N.G. · It precedes the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference . For information ·contact BMC, Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300, (612)870-1501, mennojim@aol.com. 15th National Gathering of the UCCUGC JUNE 26-29, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets in Berkeley on the campus of the University of California. "Hurtling Toward The Millenium: Political Upheaval, Gay Power, and Our Dreams for the Church" is the theme. The meeting precedes the United Church of Christ General . Synod . For information call (614)593-7301 or write to UCCL/GC, 18 N. College St., Athens, OH 45701. SEE CALENDAR, Page 17 SECOND STONE . - THE NATIONAL E C UMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS, GAYS AND BISEXUALS Contents ........ ... ~ ....... •· ~ ... • ·•· . [I] Calendar Opportunities for connectedness across the country []}•ws .r---;;::7 -~-. Oklahoma City bombing I I motivated by hate · I A wake-up call for a country ···-- too tolerant of hate crimes · St. · Camillus AIDS Ministry · Bro. Stephen Braddock finds a: call at the end of the last lane [j_] Gay priest with AIDS Fr. Jimmy Tabler just won't slow down; . founds new Ecumenical Catholic Church 112 : The Little People . ·. I Superkids make go.od teachers 113 j Videos · l . ~ To Tell The Truth Television: , . . · Cathedral of Hope MCC . L _ · offers videos for cable access television In Print · Reviewed in this issue : Pastor, I Am Gay; · A gay journey by a straight pastor [I 6-\ _ Noteworthy !-18 I Commentary . . l - Mainstream media overlooked · · Mel White's mission 11· 9· -~ From the editor · _ · Oklahoma City bombing brings . scrutiny to those who hate [20] Classifieds MAY/JUNE l 9 9 5 :m v News . ............................................. •· ......................... . Lutheran bishops confront same-sex union debate LUTHERAN BISHOPS IN Denmark and Sweden have taken actions that chip away at their traditional opposi. tion to same-sex unions. Denmark "s bishops set up a committee to deal with, am,mg other things, issues related to gay and lesbian partnerships. In Sweden, same-sex couples may ask for a prayer of intercession for their partnership. Denmark was the first country worldwide to legalize gay unions, while Sweden is the latest to do so. The bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark have decided to deal with issues concerning the blessing of same-sex relationships. In addition to set.ting .up a committee to address issues concem. ing the family and society, including gay and lesbian partnerships, bishops · have been asked "to come forward with a referendum" later this year . Gays and Lesbians may still neither marry nor have their partnership blessed in church. The bishop of Copenhagen recently reprimanded a pastor in his diocese who gave a church blessing to a lesbian couple following the civil registration of their partnership. "It is not acceptable that pastors take the law into their own hands," Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen told the Danish churEh newspaper Kristeligt Dagblad. And a group of 25 pastors in the Danish church have given notice that they will protest any moves toward permitting the blessing of gay partnerships in church. In neighboring Sweden, gay couples may ask for a prayer of intercession following the civil registration of their partnership . The Church of Sweden bishops' conference sent a proposal for a prayer text to parish pastors in every ·diocese. One of the arguments in support of the proposal was that each sexual relationship should be based on fidelity and responsibility. While intercessory prayer for a gay couple should be considered an unofficial act and pastoral in nature, it may be performed in church at the pastor's discretion. The Swedish bishops' move came in the wake of a new law that gives gay couples the same legal and social Danes elect their first woman bishop THE EV ANGELICAL LUTHERAN Church in Denmark has elected its first woman bishop. Parish pastor Lise-Lotte Rebel was installed as· the new bishop of the Helsingoer diocese on April 2. In a January 25 interview with the Danish newspaper Kristelight Dagblad, Rebel cited her 15 years of service as a·parish pastor in the diocese .as. the main reason for her election. "People QUOTABLE Go Ahead, Make My Values. "Homosexuals should not be portrayed at all on television. If young men need to identify with someone, they should identify with Clint Eastwood." -Lou Sheldon of the · Traditional Values Coalition, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 3, 1994 S :E: C O N :D S T O N E who voted for me knew that I had this experience, but a certain 'local pride' probably also played a role." Rebel said that she does not think the fact that she is a woman was decisive in the election. Neither does she expect her gender to cause her problems as a bishop. "I have served in a number of ordinations in Helsingoer Cathedral and have never had it happen to me that a colleague would not give me his hand." (Male ordinands have been known to refuse to shake hands with female pastors at their ordination.) Rebel, 44, has served as a pastor in . the cathedral parish of Helsingoer since 1987. She will be the fourth woman worldwide to s·erve as a Lutheran bishop, following Maria Jepson in Hamburg, Germany; April Ulring. Larson in the La Crosse Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Rosemarie Koehn in Hamar, Norway. Rebel may soon be joined by a second woman bishop in the Danish church - three women are aμiong the candidates for bishop of the Fyn diocese. That election is due to take place later this year. - Lutheran World Information - rights as married heterosexual couples, making Sweden the third country to legalize same-sex unions. The new law, which came into force on New Year's Day, does not allow Gays and Lesbians to marry in church, nor to adopt . or foster children, and Lesbians will not be able to have articifial insemination. The Church of Sweden strongly condemned the law, which was put forward by liberal and leftist parties . Swedish archbishop Gunnar Weman advised pastors not to take part in civil registration ceremonies. - Lutheran World Information Retired Anglican bishop says he's gay THE RT REVD DEREK Rawcliffe, the current affairs program . former ·Anglican Bishop of Glasgow Bishop Rawdiffe 's statement came and Galloway in England told a BBC after Cardinal Basil Hume, the leader television program that he was of Roman Catholics in England and homosexual and called for a church Wales, condemned •homophobia and blessing for gay couples. discrimination against homosexuals Bishop Rawcliffe, who served in but restated his support for a Vatican Glasgow and Galloway from .1981 to statement which described homosexu- 1991 and is now retired, is believed to · al genital acts as "objectively disorbe the highest ranking Anglican cler- . dered" and "morally wrong". ic in Britain to state publicly that he is Bishop Rawcliffe said that he was gay• only able to accept his homosexuality "I think that it is both false and after he had turned the age of 50, cruel to say we are gay but are not during his time in the Pacific, where allowed to exercise that. If God were he spent 30 years. Towards the end of really saying · that, that would be his time in the Pacific he got married cruel. We don't say to heterosexual and thought he was no longer gay. people that God has ... given you this But he said that he realised after his sexuality but you are not to use it," wife died, and about the time when Bishop Rawcliffe told the Newsnight he retired, that he was still gay. -ENI Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible and homosexuality. What13ible -the Really Says About Homosexuality . I• 1-\e\~iniak, f'h.D· oan1e "· Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed." -L. William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Greed and Sex ": .. the most thoughtful, lucid and accessible summary I know of current biblica l scholarship relating to homosexual issues ... eminently useful..." -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ WHAT THE BIBLE REA LL V SAVS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY By Daniel A. Helminiak, $9.95, paperbk Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ---~~ NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 MAY/JUNE l 9 9 5 Subscribe Today. AND YOU'LL NEVER A FRIEND ·JOURNEY. WITHOUT YOUR BE FOR SecoSntdo ne The National Gay and Lesbia _n Christian Newsjournal ;··YES·t ·········································;··· Begin my subscription to ,SECONDS TONEfo r: [ ] One year (6 Issues) $17.00 ( ] Two years (12 issues) $28.00 [ ] Three years (18 issues) $39.00 NAME . ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZICP ODE CHECK HERE [ ] If a plain envelope Is required and add $2.00 per year. Allow 6-6 weeks for delivery of your first issue. international subscribers add $10.00 per year, U.S.c urrency. ·· Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANK YOU for your subscription support! SECOND STONE • News ••e• • • cs•o •a•••••••• o cs o o o ee ee11 ooo cci Q Gay couple -fasts to protest blocked union blessing TWO MEN, WHOSE plan for a service to bless their union -was blocked, conducted a 10-day fast in a chapel of St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle to protest what they called the Episcopal Churd1's injustice to homosexuals. The fast, which concluded March 8, coincided with the House of Bishops meeting at Kanuga Conference Center near Hendersonville, North Carolina. Bishop Vincent Warner of the Diocese of Olympia forbade the December service that would have blessed the union of James A. Black, MD, and Thomas W. Monnahan, both members of the cathedral congregation. While citing his own support for their cause, Bishop Warner said that he could not permit the service until the church as a whole arrives at a consensus on the issue. He said that the two undertook the fast "with no expectations," recognizing that the bishops' meeting was not a legislative session that could change church policy. He added that they still hoped that the bishops would find a way to grant each other "some wiggle room" in which congregations supportive of same-sex unions could choose to bless them. They also hoped that the highly publicized event would raise con° sciousness about the · place of homosexuals in the churcl1, he said. In an open letter to the bishops, Monnahan and Black explained the motivation of their fast, saying, "We pray that our two voices speaking with one heart, from -amidst those millions of us outside the walls of our church, may appeal to the hearts and conscience of the . mighty within -the episcopate of .the church. As the members of the House of Bishops break . bread together may they remember, through our small offering of ourselves, all of i:mr sisters and ,brothers who yearn to come the table and join with ·them in the, feast · of Christ." , A 1990 survey ' by Integrity, a gay/ lesbian Episcopal group, found gay/ lesbian comrriitmerit ceremonies were conducted in all 100 Episcopal dioceses in the United States. In some dioceses the bishop participated in the ceremonies, while in other dioceses the ceremonies were conducted in secret. - Seattle Gay News & EpiscapaNl ews Service Reconciling Congregations speak out on lesbian coach's firing EARLY REPORTS OF the firing of coach Diana Chalfant by a United Methodist college ·included a statement by its president that homosexuality was unacceptable. Chalfant had publicly challenged her firing by Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky in December. She was fired because she is a lesbian. After weeks of protests by Lindsey Wilson students, negative publicity in an area newspaper and a flurry of letters from Reconciling Congregations and pastors around the country, the president publicly denied that Chalfant was fired for being a lesbian. However, an area United Methodist pastor and school trustee was reported by local press to have said "practicing hoR1osexuals may not hold leadership positions in the church, and Chalfant's coaching position was considered a leadership position." The Reconciling Congregations Program said that once again United Methodists have communicated a message of inhospitality to lesbian, gay and bisexual persons, a message they say hinde.rs the ministry-of RCs and other welcoming congregations. Staff ~embers of the Reconciling Congregation Program connected Chalfant with Edgehill United Methodist Church -in Nashville. which has provided a supportive community for her. - RCP News Episcopalians support monogamous Gays THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE of Washington, D.C., at its annual convention• in February, adopted a controversial statement on homosexuality in defiance of the church's official stance. Delegates voted 134-32 to adopt the Koinonia Statement, which says that sexual orientation is "morally neutral" and calls for the church to affirm monogamous same-sex relationships. The statement, introduced at the church's national convention in August by pro-gay Newark Bishop John Spong, has been signed by about 70 bishops, but the D;C: · diocese is the first to adopt it at its convention. . The statement reads, in part, 'Those who know themselves ·to be -gay or lesbian persons, and who iio · not choose to live alone, J,ut forge relationships with partners of !_heir: choice that are faithful, momogamous, committed, life-giving and holy are to be honored."- Chicago Outlines MAY/JUNE 199 5 News ........................................................................ Woman says Catholic school fired her because she's lesbian LOS ANGELES (AP) -A woman who claims she was fired from her teaching job at a Roman Catholic high school because she is a lesbian says she feels betrayed by the church. 'The reason I'm coming forward is that they need to be held accountable and I am hoping that this will not happen to anyone else," said Susan Ford, who was fired from St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. "For me, this is getting the church to deal with the homophobia." · Ford was fired in March 1994 for undisclosed incompetence. She claims she lost her job days after she revealed her sexual orientation, and filed a Superior Court lawsuit. "I think at this point, because of the publicity around this and because I wasn't (openly gay) before, I can't see that I would really go back to my old job," Ford said in a telephone interview. "It's been very, very, traumatic for me, not just professionally but personally and spiritually," she said. " I feel very betrayed by the Catholic Church." The lawsuit, filed in March, accused St. Joseph High School of violating public policy, invasion of privacy and wrongful termination. The suit also said Ford missed work due to depression and anxiety over the firing . She seeks lost wages and benefits, compensation for mental and emotional distress, punitive damages and attorney's fees. Officials for the school al).d the Roman Catholic Church have declined to comment on the suit. " ·When we have a case in court, we respond in court;" said church spokesman Father Gregory Coiro . Ford, who is represented by Mary Ann Tardiff of Santa Barbara, now teaches at a public middle school in the Los Angeles area. Her lawsuit has won support from organizations including . Dignity-USA, a national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Roman Catholics. "What is hidden behind the spurious charge of incompetence is the underlying issue of sexuality," the Lompoc Valley chapter of the National Organization for Women said in a statement Tuesday . " Homosexuality is in itself insufficient reason to dismiss a valuable person from their job." Church appeals right to intervene in same-sex marriage suit HONOLULU (AP) - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appealed a state court ruling that denied it the right to. intervene in a same-sex marriage case. Church leaders in Hawaii are seeking to intervene in the case in which three homosexual couples have sued the state for denying them marriage licenses. . · · " We are urging the court to support Hawaii's families and not undermine them by radically redefining the institution of marriage," said Don Hallstrom, the church's legal repre- to trial Sept. 25. same-sex marriages should not be sentative for Hawaii. State Judge Herbert Shimabukuro legal in Hawaii. The Hawaii church has the full denied that petition March 30. Dan Foley, attorney for the couples, support 'of Mormon leaders in Salt said the Mormon church's motion to Lake City, he said. A The case against the state was filed intervene was filed too· late and has church news release in Salt Lake City in 1991 and appealed to the state no legal standing. said so, too. Supreme Court in 1993. The Mormon Church has 70,000 The justices sent the case back to members in Hawaii. In its original petition filed in February, the church said it could offer Attorney General Margery Bronster extra legal manpower, expert witness and research results as she prepares for the case, which goes state court, saying the state must show a compelling interest why Church of England's first lesbian priest out CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: Helping Christians LONDON - The Church of England, mired in controversy over homosexuality among its clergy, now has its first acknowledged lesbian priest. The Sunday Times newspaper said the Reverend Ros Hunt, from the university town of Cambridge, had decided to reveal publicly that she is a lesbian. "(Her) move will be seen as a further challenge to the Church of England's bar on vicars practicing or being openly homosexuaJ,"·the paper said . Traditionalists in the Anglican church are still coming to terms with its divisive decision to ordain the first women priests in its history last year, and are likely to be uncomfortable with the idea of lesbian priests, . a church spokeswoman said . Some leading clergy have called for the Church of England, which allows priests to marry , to reexamine its attitude to homosexuality inside and outside the church. · Bishop David Hope, the church's third most senior figure, said recently he was celibate but his own sexuality was ambiguous and a grey area after a gay activist group had threatened to "out" him as a homosexual. A national debate on the church and homosexuality has intensified since March when a 74-year-old retired Anglican bishop revealed he was gay. Cardinal Basil Hume, the lead er of Britain's Roman Catholics, has condemned discrimination against homosexuals while sticking to the Vatican line that gay sex .is immoral. -Reuter Recognize same-sex unions, says Norway church committee THE HOMOSEXUALITY WORK group of the Lutheran Church in Norway issued a paper February 15 urging that the church recognize same-sex partnerships and perform gay and lesbian union . ceremonies, reported the Oslo newspaper Aftenposten. The work group rejected allowing Gays and Lesbians to adopt childr en $ECO . ND STONE or access artificial insemination because, they said , children should be raised in as "normal" an environment as possible. Norway is one of three countries that offer an equivalent to matrimony for Gays and Lesbians. ·i :.e gay marriage law it self does not allow for adoption or a rtificial .insemination . - Baltimore Alternative - Edited by Sallv B. Geb & Debate Homosexuality Few other issues divide the Christian community more sharply than homosexuality. In this new volume, writers with divergent ppints of view deal with questions at the center of the debate between pro-gay and anti-gay believers. l )onafcl E. Messer Edited by Sally 8. Geis, director, lliff Institute, Lay and Clergy Education, The lliff School of Theology, Denver, and Donald E. Messer, president, The Iliff School of Theology. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE By Geis/Messer, $12.95, paperbk ___ _ Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME ______________________ _ ADDRESS _____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 MAY/JUNE 1 9 9 5 w News w ........................................................ . ........... . Church of England struggles with sexuality issues AT A PRIVATE, week-long meeting on the grounds of Windsor Castle outside of London, the primates of. the Anglican Communion wrestled with issues of leadership, evangelism, human r ights and sexuality--and discussed plans for the 1998 Lambeth · Conference of bishops . "Our being together has strengthened our vision in Christ and renewed our desire to improve our structures, leadership and communication," the leaders said in a pastoral letter released March 16. The pastoral letter said that the primates were "conscious that within the church itself there are those whose pat.tern of sexual expression is at variance with the received Christian moral tradition but whose lives in other respects demonstrate the marks of genuine Christian character." While acknowledging that the issues are "deep and complex," the primates urged careful reflection on sexuality issues "in the light of the Scriptures and the Christian moral tradition," but with "honesty and integrity, avoiding unnecessary confrontation and polarization, in a spirit of faithful seeking to understand more clearly the will of God for our lives as Christians." During the .meeting, an organization called Outrage! attempted . to pressure the bishop of London, David Hope, into admitting that he is a homosexual. In the face of the implied threats, the bishop called a news conference and said he had "from the beginnin~ chosen to lead a single, celibate life' and that he .was "not a sexually active person," although confessing some "ambiguity" about his sexual orientation . The primates issued a letter of support, expressing their "solidarity in deploring this reprehensible intrusion into your private life. We assure you as a body that we stand against this kind of provocation." "We reject homophobia in any form," Carey said at a closing press conference. "Homosexuals must be treated as people made in the image and likeness of God," he said, adding that sexuality issues must take into account human experience as well as biblical teaching. Archbishop Keith Rayner of Australia said that the church is "finding there are people whose lives show all the marks of Christian character and yet in some way are not . conforming" to the traditional understanding of Christian sexuality. He said that scientific study and human experience had to be taken into account, "just as the church has had to modify its views on marriage and divorce in the light of human experience." Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning added, "Before we can wrestle with the issue of practicing homosexuals, we have to wrestle with the issue of same-sex unions." By addressing the possibility that two people could live in a life-long committed relationship, "that would say something about how we saw that lifestyle and about the holiness of that lifestyle." Browning said in an interview that there was "a great sense of anger" among the primates over the treatment of the bishop of London. But he added that he was impressed with the quality and depth of discussions around sexuality issues," including issues that have made some primates uncomfortable at previous meetings . "For too long we have either dodged the issues or been unwilling to face up to them," he said. -James Solheim, Episcopal News Service Bishop targeted for outing appointed Archbishop of York A CHURCH OF ENGLAND bishop recently targeted by a homosexual "outing" campaign has been appointed as archbishop of York, the church's second-highest post. A leader of the traditionalist Anglo-Catholic wing of the church, Hope was a prominent opponent of the ordination of women, which began last year . He has permitted them to be ordained in his diocese but has declined to participate personally . At York, Hope will succeed the Most Rev. John Habgood, who retires Aug. 31. Prime Minister John Major chose Hope from two candidates nominated by the church. Hope told a news conference Tuesday that he had received hun- . dreds of letters of support after he spoke out about his sexuality last month . "Many of them were from homosexual people themselves and one or two were extremely moving letters," he said . He said he hoped to promote discussion of the issue within the church. " At the present time I am just a little concerned that the debate is causing rather more heat than light," he said. "I think it's immensely important that we remain in touch and keep linked with, as I have attempted to do, a whole range of groups." Christina Rees, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Women, a group which lobbied for women priests, said it would have been more encouraging to see an ally appointed archbishop. "But David Hope is a man of · integrity and I believe he is bigger SECOND STONE than his own points of view," she said. Hope was ordained in 1966, appointed bishop of Wakefield in 1985 and then bishop of London in 1991. Bishop Hope's family came from Yorkshire where his father ran a small building firm and, as a young boy David Hope won a scholarship as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral. Speaking of the relationship between York and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop David said that he had already worked very closely with Archbishop Carey. 'My own background and tradition is of course somewhat different from his and for example in the matter of the ordina tion of women, I have taken and continue to take a different view. This simply reflects however a wider, reality within the Church of England. There are many more fundamental matters on which we entirely agree. One is the perception that there is a spiritual hunger and thirst for faith in our nation. I share with Archbishop Carey his vision for encouraging the Church of England in spiritual growth in its witness and mission' . The Archbishop of Canterbury warmly welcomed the appointment by H er Majesty of Bishop David Hope and said 'He is well-known for his scholarship and spirituality and has proved to be a shrewd and strong leader in the Diocese of London where I know he will be sadly missed.' The Archbishop said 'We compliment each other in churchmanship and in opinions on a wider range of issues but we are single-minded in our concern for the Church of .England and its - mission to the nation and through the wider Anglican Communion to the world.' The Most Revd John Habgood, Archbishop of York, said that he was delighted to hear of the appointment of Bishop David Hope as his successor. Speaking of Bishop Hope he said 'He combines a clear theological mind with deep spirituality, firmness of purpose and gentleness of touch.' Bishop Hope said his appointment was 'A signal to the Anglo-Catholics that there is still a space in the C of E for them.' Responding to questions on homosexuality, the Archbishop Designate referred to homosexuals as 'human persons' and . that serious, careful and reflective discussion need to be taken on the House of Bishops' Statement on Sexuality. He also stated that 'Sexuality is not my main concern' "and that he appreciated the ministry of homosexual priests as·well as heterosexual priests in the church. Bishop Hope said that he had fought against stereotyping throughout his life: "After all the words that have been written and spoken about this issue in recent weeks and days I personally felt it was right to inform you of the way in which Outrage have been pursuing this matter with regard to myself. It has been brought to my attention that many people, both inside the church and out of it, both within the gay community and outside it - find this approach wholly unacceptable . Indeed, many believe, as I do myself, that it could do untold damage to a better understanding of homosexuality and homosexual people. -AP, ENI, Episcopal News Service OutRage! threatens to out more bishops LONDON - A gay activist who has become the scourge of the Church of England by exposing Anglican clergy he claims are secretly gay said in March he had three more bishops in his sights . The church's third-ranking clergyman, Bishop of London Dr Davie! Hope, has already stated his sexuality was ambiguous and a grey area, although he was celibate, but complained that Peter Tatchell's gay campaign group OutRage! had intimidated him . Tatchell's tactics, which he justifies by saying he is rooting out hypocrisy, have unleashed a national debate about the ethics of what he does and about the church's stance on sex. The Church of England does not condemn homosexuality like the Roman ,Catholic Church but does not accept practicing homosexuals as priests . "This small success in getting the Bishop of London to come out and getting the church hierarchy to back him is just a tiny move in a much bigger game plan," Tatchell said on television . "OutRage! is privately attempting to persuade three other Anglican bishops to come out of their own free will," he later told Britain's Press Association news agency. OutRage! named 10 bishops last year, alleging they were gay. MAY/JUNE 199 5 li~l=IH ■il1~t,11=1;t,li=iit;ll1'1l=i The Oklahoma City bombing: Hate groups suspected from the first OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Experts who track hate groups and paramilitary organizations suspected from the first that these might be linked to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Now these authorities are repeating calls for a crackdown. "Americans are dying, and it's time to seriously investigate these movements," said Rick Eaton, a researcher The origin of hate: at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. Another monitoring group, the Southern Poverty Law Center, urged Attorney General Janet Reno in a letter last October -to investigate unauthorized "militias," contending some of these paramilitary organizations were mixing with white supremacists in a "recipe for disaster." The organizations monitored by the Southern Poverty Law Center's Klanwatch network vary widely in philosophy - from Ku Klux Klan-style white supremacy to simply advocating staunchly the right to bear arms and be free of government interference. "We don't believe in violent means or violent acts," said Samuel Sherwood, director of the U.S. Militia Association, based in Blackfoot, Idaho, with chapters in 10 states. He denounced more militant groups as "gangs of.guys with guns." A neo-Nazi group, the American National Socialist Workers' Party, denied that it knew about or participated in the Oklahoma bombing and urged any members with information to help investigators. The group's official statement added it believed "members of the Movement" were involved. Supremacists use declining economies to anger the uneducated STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - To many, the hundreds of decaying factories around Pennsylvania . indicate economic decline. To white supremacists, the empty plants represent op- . portunity. And, rights activists say, .supremacists have wasted no time in taking advantage of the opportunity. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Coinmission reports that 64 white supremacist groups were active in the state in 1994, up from 40 the previous year. Pennsylvania has more neoNazi groups than any state except California, according to the 1994 Klanwatch Intelligence Report. Many uneducated young whites, once guaranteed jobs at the steel mills where their -parents worked, are stuck with _unemployment or low-paying service jobs today. Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Jews, Gays and Lesbians are easy targets for their angst. '1t's difficult to tell a young person to have confidence in a society that glorifies an AIDS-carrying degenerate like Greg Louganis and calls. him a hero when he knows the real hero is his father, who has worked all his life HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH: Quan. Both Sides of the Debate Outstanding authorities on scripture, tradition, reason, biology, ethics, and gendered experience discuss the place of Gays and Lesbians in the community of faith. This book will provoke discussion in congregations, study groups, and ethics and social justice issues. Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker, Associate Professor of New Testament at Loyola Ma·rymount University, Los Angeles. Order now from Second Stone Press □ HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker, $14.99, paperbk ___ _ Postage/Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME---------------------- ADDRESS ___________________ _ CITYISTATE/ZIP· _______________ -'----- ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SECOND STONE - at a factory and is then tossed out and replaced by a minority," said Richard Barrett, the leader of the Nationalist Movement and the Nationalist Skinhead Corps in Learned, Miss. The organization will not release exact membership figures, but Barrett said Pennsylvarua has more members of the Nationalist Movement than all but four states - California, Texas, Massachusetts and New York. Why would white supremacist groups thrive in Pennsylvania, with its peaceful, Quaker roots and its quaint Amish villages? The answer, most experts say, is the decline of industry and the lack of opportunity. "Hatred is a unifying agent," said the Rev. Larry Trachte, who teaches a class on cults and hate groups at Wartburg College in Waverly, fowa. "Hatred often grows out of self-contempt, when a young person feels that he is a failure ." "People who have worked their whole lives are losing jobs to Japan and Mexico," Reading Klansman Roy Frankhouser said. 'There's a tremen- Thought he was gay, attacker says dous frustration when they see foreigners come in and get a smallbusiness loan. They feel anger and outrage." Ann Van Dyke of the Human Relations Commission said hate groups usually start in all-white, all-Christian towns that are losing their industrial base. Rabbi Kenneth Cohen noticed the increase in skinheads around York ·County about two years ago. He didn't worry about the groups, even · after skinheads moved into a house down the street from Ohev Sholom Synagogue. On Feb. 18, congregants found a bloody pig's head hanging on the synagogue door. A month later, police arrested two people with ties to the Eastern Hammer Skinheads. Andrea Arnold, 18, and Mason Aldrich, 22, face ethnic intimidation, institutional vandalism, desecration of venerated objects, ha0 rassment and criminal conspiracy charges. "I think we're concerned," Cohen SEE HATE, Page 17 Hate crime charged in assault of mentally handicapped man LOGAN, Utah (AP) - Cache County prosecutors are contemplating charging a man suspected of beating a mentally handicapped cyclist under the state's hate crime law. Cache County Attorney Scott Wyatt said the 27-year-old suspect apparently punched and kicked the victim during an assault in a store parking lot April 13 because he thought the man had made a sexual advance toward him. The victim, 46-year-old Brent Carpenter, is a familiar site in Logan, where he rides his mountain bike as many as 50 miles every day, waving at passersby. Carpenter is mentally handicapped and has worked 18 years at the Junction, a Utah State University cafeteria. Carpenter suffered cuts and bruises. "His only motivation was he thought this guy was .gay and was trying to hit on him," said Collins. The suspect was arrested at the Logan department store where he works after a witness to the assault recognized him and called security. Logan Police Detective Eric Collins said the suspect admitted to the assault and said he hit Carpenter becuase he thought he was gay and was making a pass at him. He has been released on $5,000 bail. Utah's hate crime statute increases the severity of crimes committed with "the intent to intimidate or terrorize an individual" because of their race, religion or beliefs. MAY/JUNE 199 5 Being gay, says Fr. Greg, made me a better PRIEST A movie featuring a gay priest as its main character opened in theaters across the country on April 19 amidst condemnation from Roman Catholic Church officials and organizations and much less noticed praise from many in the church who say the movie is an accurate portrayal of human issues facing the Roman Catholic Church and the inability of the institution to respond to those issues. Devoted to his work, faithful to his beliefs and true to his word the main character of "Priest", Father Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache), finds his religious ideals quickly called into question upon his arrival at a poor and tough Liverpool parish. -Fellow priest Matthew Thomas (Tom Wilkinson) is carrying on an intimate relationship with Maria Kerrigan (Cathy Tyson), the presbytery's housekeeper. Fourteen-year-old Lisa Unsworth (Christine Tremarco) confesses to him that .she is suffering sexual abuse at the hands of her own father. Forced by the situation to choose between his faith and exposing the truth, Greg's world becomes one of lies and betrayal as he begins to question the ways of the church while confrontin,g his own hidden demons. · Upon first meeting, Father Greg Pilkington and Father Matthew Thomas quickly come to philosophical blows - Matthew preaches tolerance and understanding often going against the teachings of the church while Greg believes the church's doctrines must be closely adhered to. Greg begins to grapple with his own sense of right and wrong as he considers how to end Lisa's suffeing - something he knows he must do. He also knows that the secrets of the confessional are sacred and that church law does not allow him to reveal the secret he knows. · Seeking an escape from the pressure he is under Greg ventures out to a club one evening where he enjoys the company of Graham (Robert Carlyle). A few days later Graham attends mass and attempts to take communion from him; Greg ignores his own sense of human compassion refusing to absolve him. Greg's feelings of remorse and guilt now become extreme. He ceases to function either as a priest or as a man. When Mrs. Unsworth (Lesley Sharp) discovers her husband with Lisa one afternoon she confronts Greg in a bitter rage. He is unable to respond to her anger and is quietly devastated · by his own impotence in the situation. As Greg gradually realizes that the church doesn't always provide all of the . answers, and as his own truth comes more sharply into focus he slowly com:es to terms with himself • and with those around him. Ultimately the story of "Priest". is one of tolerance and intolerance, . belief and compassion, about one man's struggle with a pow·er much larger than himself - that of desire . Through the pain of a teenage girl Father Greg is able to recognize his own pain and finally embrace his own truth. Writer Jimmy McGovern first wrote "Priest" as a four-part BBC television series in 1992. Many drafts and some CardinalO 'Connorj oins criticismo f "Priest" NEW YORK CARDINAL John O'Connor joined the criticism of the movie "Priest", calling it "viciously anti-Catholic", although he hasn't seen the film. The 20,.000-member Catholic League and the mostly Catholic antiabortion group American Life League last week started boycotts of the Walt . Disney Co, parent company of Miramax Films. More than 20 other groups, including the politicallyinfluential Christian Coalition, joined the boycott. "No doubt whatsoever. The movie 'Priest' has to be as vicious!/ antiCatholic as anything that has ever rotted on the silver screen" the i:_:::ardinwalr ote in the weekly Catholic New York. He said he formed his opinions from reading reviews in newspapers and magazines on SECOND STONE "Priest". "Five out" of five priests in "Priest" are twisted, each in his own way, thoroughly unsavory character, with fewer redeeming features than a black beetle in a bowl of black bear soup," the Archbishop of New York wrote in the article. "For every nasty caricature of a 'Priest' kind of priest, I have met a hundred, a thousand, God knows how many, celibate, loyal, self-sacrificing men of Christ." O'Connor said he was disappointed with Disney and Miramax, writing that "your movie is little more than the kind of thing kids used to take delight in scrawling on the walls in men's rooms· ... what you have done is cheap and onerous." -Reuter/Variety - Linus Roache as Father Greg Pilkington years later the BBC told him _that the project would be a go as a feature film. He quickly pared 200 pages town to 65, and the script was sent to director Antonia Bird who immediately fell in love with it. · Both McGovern and Bird took the telling of this story seriously. They wanted to tell a story about a -poor, common Catholic parish in Liverpool - a place where often the people have very few choices in their day to day lives and must accept what is dished out to them. They also wanted to show the courage and hope that keeps these people strong in the face of adversity . McGovern is from Liverpool. He is known as a writer who will say the unmention?ble. He frequently writes about the hidden aspects of peoples' lives - what they present to the world versus what they really do and believe in their inner most, hidden thoughts and emotions. In the case of "Priest" he does it again - the film deals with subjects people may ,be aware of, what people may experience but do not like to talk about. 'The subjects I choose to write about are · usually controversial but I don't write about them simply for the shock value. I like to make comments on people's motives, to find elements of selfishness in their action," said McGovern. Being raised and schooled as a Catholic, McGovern had always planned to write the story of a priest who hears a confession of incest. "It's just been my mission in life to get something writteri about a priest," he says. "In the final scene you've got a priest who thinks he's a sinner and a girl who's been sinned against horribly," says McGovern. "She comes up and absolves him . That's what the Eucharist is about, ifs about a man who is broke, bleeding and dying, naked on the cross . It's about common humanity and compassion." And that is ultimately what the film "Priest" is about - everyday understanding, common humanity and compassion. Critically acclaimed director Antonia Bird has alr~ady won several awards for her work in film and television. "Priest", her second feature film, won the Audience Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Michael Powell Award for Best British Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize at the 1995 Berlin International Film Festival, and has been nominated by the British Academy for a 1995 Alexander Korda Award for Best British Feature Film. MAY/JUNE 1995 Miramax bowed to pressure to change Good Friday theatrical release date THE NATIONWIDE release of "Priest," which opened March 31 in New York and Los Angeles, was changed to April . 19, from Good Friday, April 14, because of protests from Catholic groups. The secular Catholic League, saying the film "insults" the church and its mem• bers, had threatened a boycott of Walt Disney Co., parent of Miramax, if the film opened on Good Friday. Miramax is autonomous, a spokesperson said, and Disney was not involved in the decision to change the release. Miramax has made films such as "Pulp Fiction" and "The Crying Game." Disney officials declined comment. William Donohue, president of the Catholic League, said he welcomed the change in the release date but still wanted Disney to disassociate itself from the movie. Donohue also said he was angry about a statement Miramax released by the movie's director; Antonia Bird. In her statement, Bird defended the fllm and said she had "gained· a huge respect and sympathy for Catholicism and the priesthood as a result of researching and making the film." But she lambasted the Catholic League for what she called "transparent attempts at moral blackmail" and "the blinkered, indeed totalitarian, view that the rest of us should share its assumptions." The head of the Catholic group said Miramax's decision to release the director's statement "shows they want lo continue the war ." the "movie is designed to stick it to the Catholic Church.'-' Bird said she does not believe "that an organization as powerful and influential as the Cathoin the way African-Americans have been depicted in movies over the years.'' lic Church should be immune "If you're going to be a pro- .from observation and o;:,mment vider of smut, you cannot be a from non-members." The Cath- trusted provider of entertainolic League, she continued, ment for children,'' said Judie "suffers from the blinkered, Brown, president of the antiindeed totalitarian, view that abortion American Life League, the rest of us should share its based in Stafford, Va. assumptions." Saying the movie insults Her reference to "moral black- Catholics, both the Life League mail" ·came in response to and the secular Catholic League Donohue's analogy that similar- said they plan to boycott all ly harsh movies about Jews, Disney f.roducts, the Disney blacks and gays, "in the un- Channe, Disney World and likely event" they were made, Disneyland.They also plan to would draw outcries from civil wage a letter campaign. rights groups. The Life League wants Responding that the analogy Disney to fire chairman and was "beyond contempt," Bird chief executive Michael Eisner, said Donohue "clearly has little remove the movie from distriknowledge of and scant interest bution in theaters and onvideo _,_,.,....,..._,.,.. and "apologize to every Christian in the country." Mark Gill, marketing president for Miramax, said "We believe in this movie and believe it is a portrait of real life" He said the response from many Catholics who have seen the movie has been mostly favorable. The head of the Life League said ·its 300,000 members, 80 percent of whom are Catholic, object to the film's "attack" on and inaccurate portrayal of priests, "the people at the forefront of the pro-life movement.'' The League also plans to air nationwide advertisements on programs such as "The Rush Limbaugh Show," and the Catholic League said it would jam Disney's ·phones with complaints. -Reuter/Variety . The New York-based Catholic League for Religious & Civil Rights issued an 11-page condemnation of the movie, saying, among other things, that Linus Roache, Tom Wilkinson and Cathy Tyson in Antonia Bird's "Priest'' Movie treats audiences like voyeurs, says French monsignor PARIS (Reuter) - The movie "Priest" is painful to Catholics and treats audiences like voyeurs, the head of the French bishops' conference said i.n a. letter published April 18. Monsignor Joseph Duval, in a letter sent to French bishops April 17 and printed by the daily Le Figaro, highlighted "recent media events which have been a source of suffering for many Catholics in this country." SECOND STONE He criticized the "complacent" release of the film in the middle of Easter Holy Week. "Saying that celibacy is difficult is self-evident .. Who wouldn't believe that there are some failures?" Duval wrote. ''But betting on the commercial success of a film on this question means treating the audience like voyeurs.'' - The French church has not known any of the incidents involving sexual activity that have involved priests in the United States, Canada and Britain in past years . But France's oncepowerful, but now sharply reduced, Father Jean-Michel di Falco, secretary and spokesman of the bishops' conference, had branded the timing of the release a provocation. militant anti-clerical movement, once gleefully highlighted cases of priests found to be involved in heterosexual liaisons. The church suffered acute embarassement in 1974 when Cardinal Jean Danielou died suddenly in.a . prostitute's flat in a Paris red-light district. The church insisted she was distraught and he was bringing her moral comfort. MAY/JUNE l 9 9 5 Vowing to help others ... BY MARIE ROHDE A decade ago, Stephen Braddock was a man on the fast track. He lived and worked in New York, providing security and private investigation work for the rich and famous. Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery and Jennifer O'Neill were among his clients. At 21, he seemed to be a boy wonder who had it all - money, friends, a golden touch in business, an exciting job. - Now he is a Roman Catholic brother with the Order of St. Camillus in St. Francis, Wisconsin. He has taken a vow of poverty, chastity, obedience and serviee"to ·-t-he sick and dying. He lives with two.other brothers and a. novice in a former convent, running an AIDS program. What brought about the dramatic change in the direction of his life was a sudden illness that struck him on March 19, 1985. It seemed like a flu but it took a violent swing, and by the time Braddock arrived in a hospital emergency room, he couldn't even speak. "I was in and out of. consciousness, and I remember all these doctors and nurses in hospital gowns and gloves standing around me asking if I did drugs or had sex with men," he recalled. "Nobody knew much about AIDS then, and they kept asking me if I could have AIOS. 'There was so much fear then." Braddock continued. "Peo.ple who were a big part of my life were afraid to come to see me." Braddock nearly died, but he did not and does not have AIDS. He had contracted bacterial meningitis, a lifethreatening but curable illness. One lasting effect was that he lost some of his hearing. Another lasting effect was that he took on a profoundly different way of looking at life. · "It made me re-evaluate my life and look at my priorities,'' he said. "I had cars and boats and was buying gas stations and had a cleaning business. Enough was never enough. But it was all very empty and meaningless to me." Braddock came from a :Strongly SECOND STONE Catholic family that supported him through the good times and the bad. Although he drifted from the church, he returned as he searched for meaning in his life. He entered the 400- year-old Order of _St. Camillus, an order dedicated to working with the sick and dying. The order is devoted to health care and is committed to supporting a fuiltime ministry for people with AIDS and HIV. In October 1993, Braddock was named director of an AIDS ministry considered a priority of the order. He and three other men live in St. Francis in what was .once a convent in a building attached to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. The others are Nels Deloria, a nurse with a vibrant sense of humor who entered the order 21 years ago; Louis Lussier, a medical doctor who now edits the Journal of Christian Healing for the order; and Mario Crivello, a former teacher. Lussier and DeLoria have taken their final vows as brothers of the order. Crivello is a novice, one who is preparing to take the vows. · The house is huge, with 22 small bedrooms. The furnishings are homey, intentionally not looking like a rectory or a hospice. A picture of Jesus, head thrown back in laughter, is on one wall. A poster of the crucified Christ looking down on people representing all humanity is on another. And then there's Braddock's collection of whimsical monk figurines - a favorite being three hooded monks in a line with hymnals (look closely, because the last holds a miniature copy of Playboy). These are earthy men who radiate spirit1.1ality without preaching, say those who know them, many of whom have been alienated from the church. Braddock and the others say simply that they are trying to live the Christian Gospel. It's a welcoming place for those with AIDS and HIV and their families, the site of frequent retreats as well as formal and informal counseling sessions. 'The Gospel is very clear," Braddock says. "The only appropriate response is one of unconditional love and caring. That is what we try to provide." Those who have come for retreats have ranged in age from 18 to 61, but Braddock and the others say they have counseled people in their 70s as well as children who have AIDS. Statistics, he says, destroy the myth that AIDS is an affliction of young gay men. 'The reality is that women and children are the fastest growing group among those with AIDS," Braddock said. Brother Stephen Braddock Theresa is one of those women who felt sure she was in a monogamous relationship. She was visiting the former convent recently and agreed to talk to a reporter if her real name was not used. She has a grown son who knows that she has tested positive for HIV. The 45-year-old accountant doesn't use drugs and has never been promiscuous; she's worked hard to raise her son and is a Catholic who misses the days when the Mass was said in Latin. She met and fell deeply in love with a businessman who .seemed to be like her. If he had any faults, it was that he was a workaholic, she says. He died 18 months ago, uncertain how he contracted AIDS and deeply sorry that he passed the disease on to Theresa, a woman he planned to marry. She is neither bitter nor angry with her late lover. Each night she plays a taped recording he made for her. What does she get from being with the brothers? 'They are really good people and so different from.most of the religious people I grew up with," she said, explaining she met one of the men at a seminar on grieving that he was leading. "I was invited here for Christmas and other times. It's a place where I can explore who lam." Joe Zopp, 39, has been active in Milwaukee's gay community and with the gay and lesbian Catholic group Dignity . He is open about having AIDS. Unlike Theresa, he had told his family and has been bolstered by their support. He also is a frequent visitor of the former convent and has been a guest for several retreats. Zopp, who learned he had HIV seven years ago, said he struggled with his sexuality for years before he accepted it as a gift, much as he has accepted the sexuality of his brothers and sisters who have married. "AIDS is also a gift," Zopp said. "You can let it get you down or you can let it help you understand yourself and others. It's helped me clear the clutter out of my life, helped me to understand sexism and racism." Zopp says he can no longer work because of his . illness. These days he has no long-term goals, but he continues to practice what his .religion has taught him: to celebrate life, to love God with all his heart and love his neighbors as himself. Glenn Nash, 41, is a Baptist who has Ii ved all of his life in Chicago. He spent much of his life behind bars for crimes he committed -in order to sup0 port his drug habit. It was while he was incarcerated that he learned that he was HIV-positive. "I lived to use . and used to live," Nash said. 'The only time I was :clear was when I was locked up. My family shunned me and I was homeless." The diagnosis changed Nash's life. At a treatment center, he learned of Braddock and the retreats. He now is a full-time volunteer, working to help others cope with AIDS and to help others learn from his mistakes. And he comes to Milwaukee for retreats with Braddock and the others as often as he can. The brothers do more than run retreats. Braddock has .. organized a series of lectures - some for those infected,. some for caregivers. He also works with a pastoral team at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee as. part of a clinical-pastoral training program. Often, Braddock and the others just visit the homes of those who are ill or offer a much-needed break to caregivers. "Some of the best pastoral care happens when you're doing the most mundane things - giving someone a bath or helping them with their shopping," Braddock said. January and February were difficult months, Braddock said. Thirteen of those he was seeing died, and he officiated at the funerals for many of them. "I have no idea how many of them were Catholics," Braddock said. "It really doesn't matter." Marie Rohde is a religion reporter for The Milwaukee Journal, from which this article was excerpted. MAY/JUNE l 9 .9 5 LIMA, Ohio (AP) For Father Jimmy Tabler, church is a two-story, weathered hous ·e in South Lima. A chesthigh ledg e draped with a cloth is his pulpit. His altar: an antique table in front of an entertainment center. On Sundays, his living room .is a sanctuaiy. He preaches to those who sit in the makeshift pews formed by three rows of folding chairs. Tabler, 48, is an ordained Catholic priest. H e 's also gay with HIV - the virus that causes AIDS. "I feel like gay people really need the church . People that struggle in their morality ought to be the most welcome in the church,'' he said . "Jesus says love doesn't mean anything until you love the people who are hard to love:" And so, after turning away from religion when he acknowledged he was gay, he came back after finding a church that accepted gays and lesbians - and even encouraged them to take leadership roles. In November, Tabler formed the Most Holy Redeemer Ecumenical Catholic Church, a month after he . was ordained a Catholic priest in Oklahoma City. The church is an arm of the Ecumenical Catholic Church of ··•Villa Grande, Calif .;' and has no ties to the Roman Catholic Church. His parishioners, often a handful or fewer, worship in Tabler's old, white house . The crux of his ·weekly message: Christian love should be tolerant of-all people. "To hate people and to discriminate is not really the gospel. That's not being faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ," he said. "I don't think the church can be healthy until it includes its gay sons and daughters ." Tabler first chased ,.his dream of becoming a minister in 1981; enrolling at the Episcopal Theological Semilll\ry of the Southwest in Austin, Texas; after firi.;hing graduate school at Texas A&M. He dropped out three years later, pressured by bishops who had learned · of his lifestyle and told him to keep it quiet, he says. Tabler spent 10 years trying to reconcile his sexual orientation with his spiritual one. He was troubied that many religious people he knew believed it's a sin to b.e gay. "I still love the church; but I don't know why they make it- impossible for anyone who wants to be open and honest," he said. Monsignor . Donald Heintschel, spokesman for the Diocese of Toledo, doesn't believe the Ecumenical church is backed by the Roman Catholic Church. "We don't name ou·r churches 'Ecumenical,"' he said . " But if he has a church where homosexuals are SECOND STONE welcome, I have no problem with that. "Still, I think there are ways of ministering to people who have AIDS other than founding a church . I believe there are a. lot of hospices · around, for example." After seminaiy, Tabler moved to Dallas · and painted houses for the next seven years. He also .met Ruben · Perez, and the two began attending a large inner-city Roman Catholic . Church. I was there that AIDS began to ·' touch his life . Before then, it was somethin ·g they thought .was confined to cities like Los Angeles, New York . and San Francisco. "We were buiying two, three; four young men a week," he said . " It was like getting 200 or so friends together and every week seeing one or two of them die." l i Tabler and Perez chose to leave 'fhii' i daily sorrow in . search of a peaceful ' life together in Lima. Tabler was born . , in St. Marys and spent most of his · early years in rural Gomer . Father Jimmy Tabler, right, founder of the Most Holy Redeemer Ecumenical Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio. . •· They . talked about how nice it would be to escape to a place without AIDS. "Ruben's family had disowned him . They did it when they found out he was gay,'' Tabler said . ' '.My family was different. So we decided to live around them." Tabler continued to paint houses. Ruben managed a local restaurant. "We were very happy together, very happy ." But within months, Perez got sick. Six weeks later, on Christmas Day, he died of AIDS at St. Rita's Medical Center at age 29. "Neither of us knew. Neither of us had been tested,' ' Tabler said . "But looking back, I .realize that the skin condition Ruben had was a precursor ." Tabler knew .he must be HIVpositive, too. Tabler believes he got the disease 12 years ago after a bad car accident. At the time, many people were infected from tainted blood . · Tabler smiles . in the face of death. He believes death will bring him life - forever. And so he's not worried. And he refuses to look at his illness · as a death sentence. Instead he fights it by teaching others - including stu. dents, church congregations and prisoners. He now serves on the board of the AIDS Task Force Regional Cooperative. His congregation during a recent Sunday service was his roommate . She follows the ceremony religiously, turning the pages of the handmade hymnal that's bound by yarn . Tabler belts out the songs in deep voice, then delivers a sermon from the Book of Genesis. He predicts a new beginning for gays in the church. Bulk Copies Available OF T'HIS ISSUE OF SECOND STONE 10 copies· $13.50 • 25 copies - $29 .50 • 50 copies· $45 .00 100 copies · $67. 50 includes postage and handling. Send your pre-paid order to Second Stone, PO. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 "The whole New Testament message is one of greater and gnfa.ter inclusion. It's only been the last 700 years that gays were excluded from the church,'' he said . " It'll turn around again sometime. I believe it's i11 the gospel." h th!: epirit of 5t. Fraici6 a:tJ 51;; Clare, wt!re 6et3kite l,ridgt,_ bulilra a:tJ ~ makers to jourmy with 115 ii the foot61:tipa of JtlEiua Ori;t. IT ol!SJ. We are an ecumenical, · inclusive, non-clerical · O'\l,, community of baptized men V and women from various · Christian traditions who 0 chose to worship and live in C? o'1! a faith-sharing spirit. You may become an ~ Associat.e or enter the program leading to the profession of vows as a ~~ religious Brother or Sister . Ask to receive our newsletter, "Footsteps." t We work in ministries of love, care and reconciliation nationwide. For more information, please write to: MERCY OF Goo COMMUNITY Att: Vocation Director P. 0. ~ox 41055 Providence RI 02940-1055 MAY/JUN , E 199 5 I awakened to the sound of myself crying. I had just dreamt of another hospital room, another IV bag dripping into another vein, another occasion to say goodbye, another desperate . prayer for . healing, another death, another loss, another funeral. Another and another. I had said goodbye to too many people who had died of AIDS. My grief was even in my dreams. I needed a miracle. That afternoon I went to babysit for a friend . She had just had her first child, and, after six months, she and her husband were desperate to get out of the house. I walked in the door, and she put Gerald in my arms. They were late for the movie and rushed to the theater. There I stood with a smiling baby in my arms. It was then the miracle began: I was flooded with hope. With each coo and smile, I felt life returning to my grief-worn soul. Tears streamed down my face. ..Who are you? .. , I said to the baby. ..Who are you to work better than my support groups, and all those finely crafted memorial services? Who are you?" No, the baby didn't talk back - I wasn't that far gone! But I did hear words in my heart: "I'm your reminder. In the midst of the real loss, life continues, hope continues. For everyone who has abandoned you, there is another one born to be a companion on the journey. Whenever love exits, it appears again, reborn in the newly born, newly needy, newly smiling . Incarnation. Crucifixion. Resurrection. They repeat themselves. over and over again." Following my experience with Gerald, my "little healer," I made sure to visit the nursery after visiting anyone with AIDS. A part of me felt foolish. A part of me didn't care. I knew who the true healers were. And I knew · where to find them. They were my little medicine men and women, my little shamans, my wise companions . I hoped some day to give back to them a part of what they had given me. · I _didn't have long to wait for that day. Golden Gate Church of the Nazarene in San Francisco had started a program called The Bridge. It was designed to provide respite care to families who had HIV infected moms, · dads, or children. That is how I first met Laurie Greer, a nurse, who had two foster children, Cornelio and Patrick. • Cornelio is a crack baby and Patrick has AIDS. They were both less than a year old when I met them. Today, they are both five. Laurie acquired Cornelio first. He had scars on his face from a very difficult birth. The first time she held SEC O ND STONE BY JACK PANTALEO him Laurie said, "I'm going to kiss away all his marks." I stared at his scars and shook my head. I was sure only plastic surgery could correct them. Two months later, the scars were gone. Laurie· was no ordinary mom. A few months later, Patrick came to live with Laurie Greer. He was a baby with AIDS, recovering from pneumocystis pneumonia. His motμ- · er had already died. He was an orphan with large, dark eyes, and satiny bronzed-black skin, desperate for someone to Jove him . My first night babysitting both Cornelio and Patrick was terrifying. Cornelio had a greater need for attention than the average child because of . his drug exposure, and Patrick had AIDS! I didn't know whom to hold first. I stared at Cornelio, wondering how to give him all the attention he really needed, and I stared at Patrick, wondering what kind of short life he . could possibly have. Patrick was in pain. He had tubes in his ·arm and belly. He had diarrhea. He was listless,- sweaty, and barely had the strength to cry. "Not again!", I thoughtto myself. · "Not another sick one. I can't deal with another one dying. Aduits were bad enough . How could I watch a baby die of AIDS?" That was before I learned that the many loves that had exited my life would be incarnated in that tiny shaman. · Inspired by Laurie's tenacity and dedication, I made it through that night and many others. I watched Patrick and Cornelio once a week for over two years. I watched Cornelio grow in confidence and · height, boosted by Laurie's affirmation and love. I watched Patrick remain the ~ame size - his body too busy survivmg to worry about luxuries like growth. There were many moments of laughter, and many nights of agony watching Cornelio work through his abnormally severe abandonment_ f ears and watching Patrick endure mfection after infection. Several of those nights were spent in the hospital. . As · his nurse and mother, Laurie spent many long nights in the hospital holding Patrick in her arms. I have watched as the nurses entered his room. Patrick would lift ·his head from Laurie's shoulder, reach out his arm, _cu~ the nurses' chin in the palm of his little hand and give them a kiss . Their eyes would well up with tears, and they would fall in love instantly. Patrick is a lover, and the hospital staff is cast under his spell every hme he is hospitalized . Like Laurie, they become his advocates, demandmg the best care possible. About two years ago, Patrick developed another bout of pneumocyshs pneumonia . Having the pneum? ma diagnosis was synonymous with a death sentence because Patrick had become allergic to all known pneumocystis medications. We prepared for his death - but not Patrick or the hospital staff. AIDS specialist~ at UC San Francisco Medical Center called specialists all over the world looking for a medication that might retard the spread of the pneumonia. After a couple of days, Laurie was told that a drug used for malaria was the only hope. I looked at Patrick in that hospital room and saw him smile. He was undaunted . All he .wanted was the ball to throw . He would Ielus worry. His job was to play. The medicine worked. And Patrick remained infections free for many months until he developed pancreatitis. ' I arrived home late one night to find a tearful message from Laurie. She was at the hosptial with Patrick, and he wasn't expected to make it through the night. I arrived to find Patrick lying in Laurie's arms, hooked up to monitors recording his vital signs. He was in severe pain. His blood pressure was falling and his pulse was rising. He was in and out of a coma. Laurie was sobbing. Our little medicine man was leaving us - or so we thought. We decided to lay hands on Patrick. I was uncomfortable praying aloud with all the hospital staff in the room. Finally, I let go of my fear and prayed that Jesus would either heal him now or tenderly Jet him pass from Laurie's arms into Jesus' arms. I watched as his blood pressure continued to fall and his pulse rate rise; Suddenly, the door opened. To our surprise, Patrick . lifted his head and watched the nurse enter the room. I looked at the monitors and saw that all his vital signs were holding steady. A few minutes later, we watched as his blood pressure rose and .his pulse rate decreased: At 4:00 a.m., I left to go home. Patrick had stabilized. The next day his amylase level, which measures the severity of the pancreatitis , was less than half what it was the previous day . Within a couple of days, he was out, of danger . Within two weeks, he was home. He has not had a serious infection since. Was it our prayers? I'm sure they helped. But I am also sure that our tiny shaman had more work to do here. He continues to cast his spells with his Jove, cupping an unsuspecting visitor's chin in the palm of his hands, !l,elivering God's kisses. Once Patrick kisses you, life can never be the same. In his smile, life's pain is forgotten. In his giggle and sparkling, dark eyes, hope returns to melt the bitter grief of the loss of so many loved ones. · "What about the future?" .. Will Patrick live much longer?" He was never expected to live a full year . "But what about tomorrow?" we ask again. But Patrick teaches us that's the wrong question. He, like us, was ~nly given today. And today it's hme to throw the ball. Leave the worrying for another time. Now it's time to play. Now is here. Now is now. I don't see Cornelio and Patrick as often. My life has changed now that I am a social worker taking care of abused and abandoned children. But children remain my healers, always calling me out of myself, reminding me that in the midst of loss, life continues, hope continues. Love is SEE LITTLE PEOPLE, Page 15 MAY/JUNE 1995 Videos .............................. . • .. . • ..................................... . Lesbian/gay Christian· programming . available for national cable distribution ··we are now ·in several cities across the . c9untry and have had many inquiries from all over," says Valda Lewis, producer of 'To Tell The Truth Television." "I am trying to solicit sponsors initially in Texas, but our aim is ·to reach the more remote areas nationwide." The television program places lesbian and gay Christian programming right along side programs produced by the religious right, which dominate many local cable channels. Using a Christian perspective, the program is intended to challenge the lies perpetrated by these other programs which attempt to deny the lesbian and gay community the freedom to be Christian. The Cathedral of Hope is the largest church congregation in the world with a -gay and lesbian outreach. With an average weekly attendance of more than 1600, the Cathedral of Hope ranks in the top one percent of all churches in America. The television program features sermons by Senior Pastor Michael Piazza . 'To Tell The Truth TV" hopes to reach a goal of one hundred different stations. Target areas include small rural towns where bigotry and hatred toward Gays and Lesbians is most common. CATHEDRAL OF HOPE Metropolitan Community Church of Dallas is building a national cable television program on Public Access stations. The 30 minute program of the Sunday morning worship service is already being seen in Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and several other locations. The show is specifically designed to counter the views and opinions of the religious far right and to bring a message of hope to lesbian and gay Christians across the nation. "Coming Out Under Fire" profiles military's anti-gay history SECOND "COMING OUT UNDER FIRE," a critically hailed and compelling documentary going to the heart of the issue of Gays and Lesbians .in the military, premieres on public television in June. Authur Dong's hourlong program examines the little known military policy that is the precursor .to the Congressionally mandated 1993 ruling known as "don't ask, don't tell," by presenting the true stories of those who found themselves fighting two battles: one for their country and another for their right to. serve ·. Gay and lesbian Christians, who often note the resemblance of the military's policy to many "don't ask, don't tell" church policies, will be able to identify with the men and women featured in "Coming Out Under Fire." Dong uncovers. the history of the military's anti:gay policy that labeled homosexuals as mentally ill and sought their expulsion as "undesirables ." Service men and women merely suspected of being gay or Phyllis Abry (Radio Technician, Women's Army Corps), and her lover, Mildred in vintage World War II photo lesbian were the targets of an armed services-wide witch·hunt consisting of dehumanizing interrogations, medical examinations, lljld incarceration in· "queer stockades" or hospitals for the criminally insane. Based on Allan Berube's groundbreaking book, Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War Two; probes the questionable origins of the military's anti-gay policy and demonstrates how pseudo-psychiatry, erroneous medical theory, and misplaced ethics masked a procedure based on bigotry. "Coming Out Under Fire" combines first person, on-camera .interviews with vintage declassified documents, photographs, and rare archival footage of medical examinations, psychiatric sessions, boot camp training, sex education lectures, and "drag" troop entertainment. Gay and lesbian youth speak for themselves "SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES: Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Youth" is a half-hour documentary profiling the lives of five gay and lesbian young people who represent a wide crosssection of cultures and backgrounds. Through interviews, the young people share the stories of their lives - their challenges and joys. Each story associates a name and face with a Five lesbian and gay youth featured in "Speaking For Ourselves" • spectrum of issues including substance abuse, suicide, HIV/ AIDS, homelessness, survival prostitution, malicious harassment, family acceptance, and youth activism. "Speaking Fot Ourselves" also focuses on the difficu lties gay and lesbian youth face in school. In an environment where students are dealing with their own body changes and sexuality, this process can become even more complicated when they are also asking the question, "Am I straight?, or "Am I gay?". Through these articulate young peole, this program examines the challenges facing gay and lesbian youth, as well as the concerns expressed by their family and friends . The goal of this video, produced by Interrnedia, is to help gay and lesbian youth deal . with the many issues facing them, and to educate and create a discussion tool for others to understand better the issues facing young gay people. For information on this • video contact Intermedia, 800-553-8336 . MAY/JUN~ l 9 9 5 In Print ................................................................ A gay journey with a straight pastor P astor, I Am Gay is the story of a straight male pastor's journey from his first fumbling encounter with a troubled gay parishioner - to a remarkable understanding of the dignity and sanctity of gay and lesbian people and, in his own words, . his "deliverance from further participation in one of the church's ugliest sins and one of the clergy's worst neglects." Author Howard H. Bess is an American Baptist minister who now lives in retirement in the Matanuska Valley in south central Alaska. Pastor Bess has written a unique book, from the caring perspective of a local church pastor, that deals with the issues of participation of Gays and Lesbians in the life of the church. Bess writes with the firm conviction that if gay and non-gay parishioners take time to become truly acquainted, the facing of such issues will be much easier. For pastors and parishioners struggling to understand the real issue of homosexuality - the value of the lives of people who are gay and the people around them - this book is an excellent place to begin. The book issues an indictment of seminaries where the word "homosexual" is not even mentioned, am;! their education of pastors and church leaders who are ill-prepared to deal with the faces behind the issue of homosexuality. The author was a 30-year-old Baptist minister with college and seminary degrees before he was aware of serious discussion of homosexuality. Pastor's embarrassingly limited knowledge of homosexuality and his mishandling of counseling of his first gay parisioner led him .to learn more ' about gay and lesbian people, which Now available from Second Stone! The Word Is Out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage to an anti-gay agenda, In this inspiring collection of 365 daily meditations, the Bible's good news "comes out" to meet all of us with love, justice, meaning, and hope, Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. TiUe □ Postage/Handling $3,00 first book, $1,00 ea. adaitional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME ______________________ _ ADDRESS--------------~------ CITY/STATE/ZIP ____________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECONO STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SECOND STONE he did over the years by meeting them one individual at a time. The book thoroughly explores the division between most Christian churches and the gay /lesbian community. It is filled with personality profiles of gay and lesbian . people · and tells how they have struggled just to be themselves - the people God wants them to be. Very simply, the book is about what it means to be a gay man or lesbian woman in church and society today. It offers disturbing information on the dilemma faced by gay youth and good suggestions on how to become an advocate. Bess grew up in Fairbury, Illinois, a small farm community southwest of Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and then attended Wheaton College from which he recieved his Bachelor of Arts degree. His graduate work took him first to Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago and then to Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Following completion of seminary training, Bess served American Baptist churches in Southern California for 22 years. In 1980 he was called to pastor First American Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska, where he served for seven years. In retirement he nows gives his pastoral talents to Church of the Covenant, a small American Baptist congregation in the Matanuska Valley. .,. For the past six years, Bess has been a regular columnist for the Frontiersman, the twice -weekly newspaper in the Valley. Bess and his wife Darlene have five children, three of whom make their home in Alaska. · Christian feminist author wins book award ELISABETH SCHUSSLER FIORENZA has been named the first recipient of the Continuum Book Award for her new ,Publication Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet: Critical Issues in Feminist Christology. The award was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature in Chicago. Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet is the long-awaited sequel to the author's best-selling scholarly work of a decade ago, In Memory of Her: A Feminist Reconstruction of Christian Origins. Translated into eight languages, In Memory of Her is recognized as the best known work by a feminist biblical scholar throughout the world . In her new book, Fiorenza charts the rise and fall into "historical amnesia" of the liberating movement gathered around Jesus as the prophet and messenger of Sophia, the all-powerful female figure in early Jewish Scriptures and theology. While teachings about Woman Wisdom premeate the texture of the New Testament, they were quickly clothed in what the author calls kyriocentric (ruling-male) language. Continuum's Publishing Director, Frank Oveis, who has been the author's long-term editor, says that "Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet is not simply a work of historical reconstruction, but a work of constructive feminist theology, showing how the historically unrealized possibilities of Woman Wisdom can offer the vision of a different world and a different church." In announcing the first Continuum Book Award for Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet, Werner Mark Linz, Chairman and Publisher of The Continuum Publishing Group, praised · the book for "its scholarly depth, interdisciplinary breadth, and humanistic vision. Fiorenza is the Krister Stendahl Professor of Scripture and Interpretation ·at Harvard University Divinity School. She is the author of In Memory of Her, Bread Not Stone, But She Said, and Discipleship of Equals. She is co-founder and co-editor of the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion and editor of Searching the Scriptures: A Feminist Introduction and Commentary, In Print, briefly ... Out, Loud, & Laughing A collection of gay and lesbian humor edited by Charles Flowers, Featured are 15 of today's funniest gay and lesbian humorists and stand-up comics. Net royalties are donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Al DS, -From Anchor Books, $12,95 A Singing Something: Womanist Reflections on Anna Julia Cooper This book asks what we can learn from Coope~s thought and life of faith as we continue the struggle for full human tights. Karen Baker· Fletcher, Ph.D., author, -From Crossroad Now Dare Everything This book, written by Steven Dansky, equips people with stronger skills for helping HIV-affected persons confront a wide range of physical and mental h~lath challenges. -From Harrington Park Press MAY/JUNE l 9 9 5 . • • Accept AIDS victims, says former Baptist leader CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -The former president of the Southern Baptist Convention is opening his arms to victims of AIDS. At the same time he's lamenting the fact that many' ministers areclosing their doors to AIDS sufferers. Skip, who is gay, has also tested HIV positive. Allen, 67, is writing a book about his family's experience. He .also travels frequently from his home outside Atlanta to Dallas so he and Matthew can enjoy their regular "just us guys" outings . Toting his grandson's wheelchair and oxygen tank, the two took . in an Arby's lunch and movie one · sweet afternoon last week. Allen shared his family's pain with Charlotte churchgoers this weekend, imploring worshipers to accept death as a gift from God. "We need to quit saying 'If I die' and say, 'When I die,' " he preached. At Myers Park Presbyterian, where 50 members are already ministering to AIDS patients, Allen said a congregation's worth can be partly . measured by how far they extend the hand of mercy. Christians are caring · 'The draw is my love for the churches and my sorrow over their .missing the mission," the Rev. Jimmy Allen said April 23 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte . "Families of faith across this nation are dysfunctional. They fail to realize that what we need to be is compassionate . "If we fail, we fail to be what God wants," said Allen, his voice cracking frequently through an emotional weekend of sermons and speeches. 'The challenge is to be what God calls us to be."· AIDS prevention programs missing smaller communities Perhaps no religious leader in America is more qualified to speak about AIDS than Allen, who has had four family members stricken by the virus, The Charlotte Observer reported . An infected blood transfusion led to the death of his daughter-in-law, Lydia, in 1993 at age 37. The transfusion also led to both her sons - Allen's grandsons - being stricken by acquired immune deficiency syn · drome. Eight-month-old Bryan died in 1985 from the virus he contracted in his mother's womb. Twelve-yearold Matthew is in the final stages at home in Dallas . Allen's middle son, 41-year-old LITTLE PEOPLE, From Page 12 always reborn in the newly born. The miracle of life repeats itself. The little medicine men and women raise their medicine sticks - their rattles - and chant their magic incantation - the coo. Then they administer the magic medicine - the smile. And the miracle begins. Shaman Patrick casts my pain and grief into the fire, and hope floods my soul. Such is the way of the sfiaman . Such is the way of the little people. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Researchers warned that AIDS prevention programs are missing small communities where the rate of HIV infection among intravenous drug users is on the rise. In the small town of East Palo Alto, one in thrP.e intravenous drug users was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when tested last year, said John Watters of the University of California, San Francis- . co. Watters said the figure is the highest rate of infection of any heterosexual population west of Chicago. Substantial HIV prevention programs have focused mainly on major cities and smaller communities WHAT you need to know . WHEN you need to k,ww it. ACTION you can take. Second Stone's RESPONSEFAXLetter COMING THIS JUNE. FAX or e-mail us for information. (504)891-7555 / secstone@aol.com. ITIGAYELLOW PAGES TM INFORMING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &[TI 1:9.! TRANSGENDER COMMUNIIY SINCE 1973 1:9.! Complete gay-friendly resources and businesses: accommodations, bars, bookstores, dentists, doctors, lawyers, therapists, travel services, printers, Organizations, Media, Religious groups, Help lines & AJ.D.SJ H.I.V. resources. Listings broken down by State & City. Index & fast access phone list. UPDATED ANNUALLY. For an application to be listed (no charge), or for details of current editions and prices, or Information about malling labels, please send a sell-addressed stamped envelope to Renaissance House, PO Box 533-55, VIiiage Station, New York, NY 10014 (212) 674-0120 You can order directly from the address above, or you can find us your local gay-friendly bookstores. If you wish to order by phone with a credit card, please call A DIFFERENT LIGHT 1-800-343-4002; FAX (212) 989-2158; outside USA and Canada call 1-212-989-4850. (A Different Light has stores in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They are not involved with production or publication of Gayellow Pages, so please don't call them except lo order.) "I wish afl my readers had a copy of this very useful volume. If you live in Nowheresvifle, U.S.A., and haven't a clue about how to find other gay folks, this book is indispens~ble. There's no way to remain isolated.if you make use of the information contained in the Gayeflow Pages.• Pat Califla, The Advocate Advisor · "By far the most comprehensive and up-to-date gay guide .. . Ga yellow Pages .. . includes the standard entries for bars and restaurants . . . But the Gayel/ow Pages excels thanks to its additional alphabetized listings by city for AIDS and HIV services, legal resources, organizations (categorized by purpose or interest), religious groups, publications, businesses and more. In short, if an entity welcomes gay, lesbian and bisexual peopl!', no matter how unlikely the service or remote the town, it's probably listed in the Gayel/ow Pages . . . . Hardly a week goes by that it is not consulted in the Out offices.• Reviewed by Jeff Howells, OUT (Pittsburgh, PA), December 1994 "For over 12 years Gayel/ow Pages t,as been our most-used resource book. We recommend it to eve,y-performer, author, producer, business person, communitY., organizer, activist, and educator we come in contact with. It's the perfect coming out gift/" Romanovsky & Phi/lips, Fresh Fruit Records, March 1995 SECOND STONE near them have not benefited, Watters wrote in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medication Association. The smaller cities "lacked the fiscal and human resources to mount adequate prevention, drug treatment and surveillance efforts on their own,'' he said . Until recently, East Palo Alto, a town of 23,000 people, was ignored . by San Mateo County when it came to funding AIDS prevention , said Sharifa Wilson, East Palo Alto's vice mayor. Second Stone will run your 30 word classified ad in our next· 3 issues for the price of 1 ! $10.50 Our classifieds work! Meet a new customer for your business ... a new friend in a city you'll be visiting soon ... a new pen pal ... tha possibilities are exciting! Second Stone classifieds reach readers in every slate and many foreign countries. Use the order form on the classified page and include classification, months to run and billing address. Ads must be pre-paid. 20 word minimum. Each additional word, 35¢. Ads may be faxed to (504)891-7555. Ads billed must be paid prior to publication. For help call (504)899-4014. No sexually explicit ads. We reserve the right lo refuse any ad for any reas for AIDS patients more than before, he said, but they're still not caring enough. 'The stigma (over AIDS) has not diminished in the minds of a lot of churches," said Allen, who believes some pastors avoid the issue because it scares off prospective·members. Other churches simply don't want to touch an issue that strikes so close to home. 'There's a romance to distant need,'' said Allen, who . describe s himself as· the last of the moderate Southern Baptist Convention presidents . "We like our catastrophes to be in distant places that we can come back from." Selectio11s for your library available from Scco11d Sto11c Press ... DEFECTING IN PLACE: Women Claiming Responsibility for Their Own Spiritual Lives By Miriam Thertse Winter. Adair Lummis, and Allison. Slobs Based on a nationwide survey of more than 7,000 women, this book explores women's attitudes towards the institutional church. $22.95, hudcovu . WOMEN AT WORSHIP: Interpretation s of North American Diversity Ediled by Marjorie Procter-Smith and Janet R. Walton A remarkable collection of essays which probe th e meaning and the many shapes of contemporary feminist worship. $15.95, paper. SEASONS OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Christian Feminist Prayers for the Liturgical Cycle By Mary Ka1hlun Speegle Schmill Graceful pra ye rs written by the first woman deacon ordained in the Anglican Diocese of Quebec. $11.95, paper . SEXUALITY AND THE SACRED: Sources for Theological ReRection By Janus B. Nelson and Sandra P. Leng/Wow A comprehensive RSOurce addressing human sexuality as a critical part of divine revelation. $14.99, paper. MURDER AMONG FRIENDS By Chuck Fager A prophetic and scary murder mystery about a gay Quaker activist . $13:95, paper. THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LESBIAN AND GAY WEDDINGS By Tess Ayers am1 Paul Brown - Vows, invitations, what to wear ... everything you need to alow about planning a same-gcndtr service. $16,00, paper . A SINGING SOMETHING: Womanist Retlections on Anna Julia Cooper By Kantt Baler-Fletchu, .PhD. A study of Cooper's thought and life of faith in the struggle for ·buman rights . $19.95, hardcover. IN THE COURTS OF THE WRD By Jim Ferry A gay priest is put on bial by the F.piscopal Church $22.95, hardcover. Place your order today! Quan. Tide Price Total □--------- □----Postage/ Handling $3 firsl book, $1 each additional TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED NAME __________ , ADDRESS ________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ______ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS P " · BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 MAY/JUNE 199 5 ' ,. "I.: Presbyterian Church cancels gay activity QENVER (AP)~ 0ffici~~ of a I:.afontain!! said she beli!!ves Denver church say they have some members of tht> church canceled a contract with a gay were nervous that the Voices of support grouf1 because the Faith meeting .,might "ttl'.fn into group didn't ~1,1brrμhp,ecjfic another Reimaginirtg Conference." , plans for a worshlp service at · · She referred to a controversial the' chu:r'ch, • · · . meeting in Minneapolis two years But,thegrpup claims Central ago at w):ri,ch feminist theologx Presbyterian Qhurch i~afraid to : aJ)d god'dess-worsfilp were disbiJ. host for a .gay S1'01!R because pissed. of criticism fro!ll some church · The 'Rev, Mark Ramsey, senior members. · pastor of Central ,PNSbytE)ri,m said · 'Central Pi:esbyterian •Church the dispute over Voices ofFaith has agreed .~v .eral monfus ru;o-to :nothirig to db with ideology • .He . allow Voices of Faith to:Use the . acknowledged that it had been a site £1:9~ May 4 through 6, but '.'tough thing" for the church . to . decided this week fo'cancel l!lie agree to .the meeting "but theses- .. ''contract"because 'it never got. ·sion came to terms with it." · explicit irifom)ation abeut the "I feel terrible about it, but we plalll'\.ed worsmysero,ce May-5;' · ,have ,idmiri~trative deadlines and The , Rev:. la~ne ~ontaine, . ·· the session (church board} agreed to dfr.ector of Voice~, which is a host .the meeting 1f we gqt the inforbranch. of E olorad(), mation ab.out the worship;' Ramsey ljisputjld . on, a . s\jid. •: ' , : , . . · Presby:teriarimuu , Lafontaine How~v.er, Ramsey conel!ded' that said; she was surprised by-the. . if a more traditional church had church's aclion 'becau~ltspon- . asked to US!) Cenfral Presbyterian, · s9red a Worl'd XIDS Day semte . he w.ou'ldn't have asked: for detaifs . last year anti spe Ii~ preached abouO~e ~orship service. ~~ taught classes there .. . ' New books available from Second Stone! Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Revised and Updated, by Letha Dawson Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, $1 LOO, paper The Wor~ Is Out The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men, by Chris Glaser, $12.00, paper Jesus Acted Up A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto, by Robert Goss $14.00, paper Family A Portrait of Gay and Lesbian America, by photographer Nancy Andrews, $25.00, paper · Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. TiUe □ Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP __________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SEC5°ND STONE 4D W Noteworthy W .................................... Evangelical group develops national plan . 6.EV ANGELICA LS CONCERNED Western Region plans to expand its ministry beyond the western states to every part of the country. The dec1s10n to go national was reached at the organization's winter board meeting in Laguna Hills January 29. According to ECWR, the group has been approached by several groups m other parts of the United States inquiring about membership. ECWR is solicting input on their plans to become a national organization. Comments may be sent to P.O. Box 66906, Phoenix, AZ85082-6906 Gay Pentecostals announce appointments 6.THE NATIONAL GAY Pentecostal Alliance has appointed Rev. James Virgilio of Little Rock, Arkansas as Elder of the South Central District of the NGPA. Virgilio is pastor of Hope Apostolic Church in Little Rock. Rev . Rebecca D. Boyd is also working out oi the the South Central District. She is Director of Prison Ministries, a division of NGPA's Home Missions Department. ECC ordains John French a}OHN FRENCH was ordained into the priesthood of the Ecumenical Catholic Church on March 25, 1995. French is an adminstrator and professor at Cape Cod Community College. Before seeking ordination with the ECC, French spent many years as a ~enedictine monk in New Jersey. He 1s currently the newly appointed pastor of St. Luke ECC in Dennis, Mass. J COULDN'f GO from this garden spot. I wouldn't go. Even if thet carriage would pull up along by the way, and all your heart's desire a beckonin' within to join 'em, the( door open, and inside YOf' could see Hope and ~atience all dressed in rosy silks, and creamy white ~onmtsadorne1 of small roses beneath the trim, nestled in the finest veil of lace. And each a wavin' to come on, and Frank, my Frank, a ho/din' the door, his prime Jigger all in black, tall and p_roud, a lookin' stiddy on. I jest couldn't do it, jest couldn't move from this spot where I stand. Thet blue velvet seat a shinin' so in the beams of sunlight, set off by gold braid all round. ,:ind Patience a ho/din' up my blue silk dress, fresh as it wuz when new, and glistenin' like a pale summer sky. I jest stand, like there weren't no way to 'em. No way to thet rest and friendship, thet end to trial and sorrow. Even if I could, there's somethin' heavy a p~ssin' down on my inner sides. Somethin' old fate must a wished upon me at my christenin', some long path thet needed a ·travelm ', and only I could a done it. It jest wouldn't a got done should I stray to easy times, jest far wan~ a. comfort; far a understandin' hand to rest gentle like in my own. It wouldn't still thet drivin' desire thet don't know where ar what it will lead to, but needs to be free, to be given its own head, so thet it may find home in its own way. You wouldn't know I wuz a travelin' gal, a settin' here these long years. You wouldn't see me a t' all lest you could close your eyes, and look with a different kind a sight. There hain 't nothin' hard to it. Them shinin' stars git down close at night, and the silence seems filled, filled with them that's come and gone, lives spe~t unknown, but left a clear, wide path of faith in theirselves alone. Thet they wuz part of somethin' thet made everythin' whole, and they had a job to do though it ware heavy and long, they led on. ' . And_ I ,wait here, thet seems the hardest job of all, a reachm out though my hands are still._ Longin' to be home, to see them lights a blazin' within, to hear them laughin' voices, and know they're a waiting for me. -Sister Mary Jqne Noder Christiansbrnnn Kloster Newsletter MAY/JUNE 199 5 Gays, Lesbians, other minorities targets of supremacist hate From Page 7 said. "I don 't think we're afraid yet. We're not sitting here quaking in mortal dread waiting for something to happen to us." Also in February, two skinheads in Allentown were .charged with killing their parents and 11-year-old brother. Bryan and David Freeman, who sport neo-N azi tattoos, were scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 26. During a March recruiting trip to York, Lancaster and Reading, Barrett distanced hlmself from the Freemans, Arnold and Aldrich. He said members of his organization don't wear tattoos or break the law, although he understands the frustration that leads to violence. CALEND AR, From Pa&e 2 CMI Retreat "We condemn violence, but we also condemn the desperate conditions that drive desperate men to desperate acts," Barrett said. 'The causes of violence in Pennsylvania and throughout the country are favors for minorities, illegal immigration, the implication of unjust affirmative action and forced busing." Anger over affirmative action is a prime recruiting tool used by the white supremacists. "A lot of whit.es are upset about affirmative action," Penn State sociology professor Glenn Firebaugh said. ''It's probably more acute now than it was in the past. Most whites had jobs then." Thornhill Cosby, president of the Philadelphia branch of the National JUNE 27-30, Communication Ministry sponsors a retreat for Catholic lesbian nuns and gay priests and brothers. The Serra Retreat House, Malibu, Calif., is the setting. For information contact CMI, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition Conference JUNE 30-JUL Y 3, Gay and lesbian parenting groups from Southern California will host the 16th Annual Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International Conference at the University of California at Los Angeles. Part of the conference will focus on issues of relevance to those . who are currently parents, those who function in a parenting role, or those who wish to -become parents. Two other sub-conferences will examine topics bf import~nce to the children of lesbian or gay parents. Conference fees include all meals and three nights lodging at UCLA's Sunset Village. For information write to GLPCI '95, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., Box 109-346, West Hollywood, CA 90046 or call (213)654-0307, FAX (310)652-7584. Evangelicals Concerned ConnECtion '95 JULY 1-4, This conference is an opportunity to gather with 200 other Christian Gays and Lesbians in a supportive atmosphere of acceptance and celebration. Keynote speakers are author Michael J. Christensen and EC founder Dr. Ralph Blair. This year's conferen.ce returns to the San Franciso Bay Area and the campus of Mills College. For information contact ECWR, P.O. Box 66906, Phoenix, Al.85082-6906, (602)893-6952. Convocation of Reconciling Congregations · JULY 13-16, "Bound for the Promised Land" is the theme for the fourth national gathering of Reconciling C<?ngregati~ns, to be held i~. Minneapolis. ':, youth and stud.ant rally and a special gathering of the Reconciling Pastors' ·Action Network is planned. Individualf ee is $165, $85 for children and youth. For information contact the Reconciling Congregations Program, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL60641, (312)736-5526. The UFMCC General Conference JULY 23-30, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches will ~ather at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for its 17th ·conference. 'All Things Are Possible" is the theme for this conference which offers a discounted rate of $180 for non-delegates. A special gathering will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change. For information, contact UFMCC GCXVll, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (213)464-5100. · Conference of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance JULY 28-30 NGPA holds its General Conference in Schenectady, New York, on dates coi~ciding with the 15th anniversary of the founding of the _or~anization. A variety of speakers ~ill be fea~ured an~ the ~nference will m~lude teaching workshops and evening worship. For mformat1on on NGPA write to P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, NY 12301-1391. Announcements of interest to gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians are welcome and will be included free of charge. Send to Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans,L A 70182,F AX to (504)891-7555o r e-mailt o secstone@aol.com. SECOND STONE $ Association for the Advancement of Colored Peopl e, said white men unfairly blame minorities for lost jobs. 'The white woman has benefited from affirmative action more than any minority," he said. 'The white man is afraid of becoming a minority in the work force. He's desperate to protect his position of power." The state Human Relations Commission reported 417 crimes of ethnic intimidation in 1993, up from 181 in 1988, the first year the statistics were compiled. "I thlrik at least some of the increase is due to increased reporting to the police arid recording by police," Penn State Criminal Justice professor Thomas Bernard said. Trachte said the more troubling aspect of hate groups is not that they are committing more crimes, but the crimes they are committing are more violent. "You no longer have Klansmen threatening with shotguns, you have young skinheads firing Uzis and they are organiz ing on a national level," he said. Because many whites in rural Pennsylvania know few minorities, the potential for violence is even greater, Trachte said. "As long as you can live in your own isolation and can feed the myth that these people are not real persons, it doesn't matter what you do to them," he said. ''You can kill them or you can blow them up because they are not real to you." Religious conservatives . praise custody denial decision RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gay-rights advocates assailed a Virginia Supreme Court decision denying a lesbian custody of her son, whlle conservative groups hailed it as a victory for decency. In a 4-3 decision April 21, the court said Sharon Bottoms is an unfit mother and 3-year-old Tyler Doustou should remain in the custody of his maternal grandmother. "Common sense tells us a parent's sexual practices have a strong influence on a child," said Kristi Hamrick, spokeswoman for the Washingtonbased Family Research Council, a group she described as a pro-family public policy organization . "One of the messages of lesbianism is that men are not necessary, that men and women are interchangeable puzzle pieces." Mike Russell, spokesman for Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition, said the ruling "is iri keeping with what we think is mainstream Middle America's ·wishes." He said the 1.5 million-member coalition believes courts "should do all they can to strengthen the traditional family." Elizabeth Birch, executive director • of . the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign Fund, had a different view. · "Anyone who truly cares about families should be morally outraged that the government has taken a child from his own loving mother because of other people's prejudices," she said. Kate Kendall, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, said Virginia is one of a half-dozen states whose hlghest courts appear to have taken the position that homosexuality alone makes a parent unfit. She said the others are Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma. But Kay Bottoms, who retained custody of Tyler while the case was appealed, said the court recognized there were factors .other than homosexuality that made her daughter a bad mother. 'Thank God they proved her unfit besides just being a lesbian," she told radio station WFLS in Fredericksburg. "She neglected thls baby a lot. I didn't fight her just because she turned lesbian." Kay Bottoms accused the American Civil Liberties Uniori and the media of turning the case into a homosexualrights issu,e. Sharon-Bottoms ~as advised not to talk to reporters for a couple of days, said one of her lawyers, Player Michelson. Michelson said her client "was floored" bythe ruling. In the ruling, the Supreme Court said lesbianism was one of many factors that made Sharon :Bottoms an unfit mother. Sharon Bottoms testified two years ago that she and Ms. Wade have oral sex, a felony in Virginia for heterosexuals as well as homosexuals. Other factors cited in the court.'s decision included her history of moving from place to place, relying on others for support arid "difficulty controlling her temper," the justices said. · In a dissenting opinion, Justice Barbara M. Keenan wrote that the intermediate . appeals court properly ruled that ''adverse effects of a parent's homosexuality on a child cannot be assumed without specific proof." Sharon Bottoms' lead attorney, Donald K. Butler, said he would ask the court to reconsider its decision. Ms. Bottoms, 25, and the child's father were divorced before she met Ms. Wade. The father, who has not been involved in the chlld's upbringing, has said the child should live with Ms. Bottoms. MAY/JUNE 199 5 Comment . ....................................................................... Even in Mississippi Freedom to live where we want to By Rev. Jan Griesinger Guest comment Wiy would you want to live in rural Mississippi anyhow?" If Brenda and Wanda Henson rom Ovett, Miss., hear this one more time they .may scream. They have been traveling around the country to speak about the harassment they have faced from local folks, Southern Baptist ministers, and Mississippi for Family Values at their lesbian and feminist education center. If it is not safe for them in rural Mississippi, is it safe for us in Athens, Ohio or South Bristol, Maine, or San Francisco, or Northampton? As they have traveled, people have told them of a~sault, murder, bashing or harassment in every city they have visited. People acknowledge that these actions are more than likely not reported to law enforcement officials. You may recall that poet Audre Lorde warned us that our silence will not protect us. Even our density does not protect us. But we all like to believe that by 1995 we have created safe zones. Clearly most of us do seem safe - either by staying closeted, choosing urban neighborhoods, or being selective about who knows much detail about our lives. The Hensons have chosen the road farthest away from silence - high visibility. They have had many years of experience as spokespersons in Mississippi on feminist anti-racist and progressive issues and are very media savvy. They have appeared on television talk shows and communicate regularly with media in their area. But they are tired of being blamed by members of our gay /lesbian/bisexual communities for wanting to live in an area where the civil rights movement lost many battles and many lives and where the distinctions between the KKK and local law enforcement officials are not always clear. It's hard to hear "blaming the victim" from our own. Mississippi is Jewish community gets apology fmm Robertson; Gays get silence their home. They found inexpensive rural land to realize their dream of safe educational space. They happen to believe that Lesbians and women everywhere deserve a feminist education and land to learn new skills. I traveled to Camp Sister Spirit with three students during _ spring break from my work as campus minister at Ohio University. We helped build, clear land for camp sites, answer the phones, . put out a bulk . mailing, transcribe the depositions from critics/ attackers who have filed a nuisance law suit against the Hensons claiming their project creates too much noise and traffic. We had a wonderful time, working with students from Kutztown University, Goucher Colege and Smith College. The women at the camp will host a Freedom Ride to the camp over Memorial Day weekend. It is co-sponsored by Robin Tyler, women's music producer, and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. UFMCC founder Rev. Troy Perry urged people to come to Camp Sister Spirit "to serve notice to the reactionary forces in this country that these sisters have the right to purchase and establish their camp anywhere in America." What the Hensons are doing benefits all of us. Once the nuisance suit is thrown out of court they plan to pursue a legal rights case that will stop at nothing less than civil rights protection for gay /lesbian/bisexual people everywhere. And they will continue their front line resistance against the assault of the so-called Christian Right. These sisters deserve your support. Go there with a group for a work project . Send a letter of support or a contribution to Camp Sister Spirit, P.O. Box 12, Ovett, MS 39464, (601)344-1411. Jan Griesinger is a national coardinatar for the United Church Coalition far Lesbian/ Gay Concerns and campus minister at Ohio University. Mainstream media ignored Mel White's mission at CBN By Paula Xanthoooulou Guest Comment I n a year of political obsession, a drama recently unfolded in Virginia Beach that had major · political significance. Yet most people did not hear about it, or if they did, they saw precious little in-d epth reporting on the issues . Mel White, Minister of Justice for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and former Pat Robertson speechwriter, went to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) on Valentine's Day to seek a meeting with Robertson. He wanted to talk about homophobic rhetoric emanating from the 700 Club, et al, and its -.relation to growing violence against Lesbians and Gays aU across America. He wanted to seek Robertson's help in stopping the rhetoric and the violence. He had tried for months to get a meeting and went in person as a last resort. He was turned away. When he returned the next day he was arrested for trespassing. White believed that since his parents, 1grandmother and many others have contributed to Robertson's projects as a matter of faith, the CBN belongs to God and not to Robertson. He refused to admit guilt by posting a bond or paying a fine, and fasted in jail for 23 days in his commitment -to having that meeting and stopping the violence. Every day, a group of local community and religious leaders, "Bearing Witness," visited the CBN to ask for the meeting. On March 8, SECOND STONE Robertson visited White in jail, in a meeting reportedly arranged by the Sheriff. Robertson said he would respond shortly to White's request about the violence and to hear the stories of P-FLAG members. He then dropped the charges against White. End of Round One. Here's what Pat's People had been saying before the meeting: 1) There would be no meeting, because such a meeting would give credibility to the . lesbian and gay rights movement; 2) Robertson has repeatedly condemned violence on the air (although not specifically anti-gay violence); and 3) Mel White was staging a publicityseeking stunt to promote a book he wrote entitled Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America. r,f!!]__ Pontius' Puddle I-IE'/, 'FO~TIOS, I'I/E: G-OT A t,IEIJ OEFEt-lSI: fO~ VOO 0~ JOt>(r!I\EN'f"Ol\/. Did Robertson actually have a change of heart? On March 2, a piece by Frank Rich in The New York Times mentioned some recently published articles which had discussed various · antiSemitic citations in Pat Robertson's four-year-old book, The New World Order. Rich talked about the extremist views held by Robertson and the efforts to gloss over them with the cunning lobbying of Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition. He called it "bait and switch." Rich aiso took the press to task for not challenging Robertson and Reed enough or looking deeper into all that is the foundation of the Christian Coalition and its powerful political base. Those lingering questions about Robertson's book prompted the AntiDefamation League to seek immedi-ate clarification. In 24 hours, they had it - a 500-word explanation / apology from Robertson faxed to the Times. The lesbian and gay community has had no such response . Mel White was in jail for three weeks! In Robertson's eyes, offending the Jewish community is a big political problem. Gay men and Lesbians not only don't count, but efforts to demonize and disempower them is the staff of religious right life! On page 227 of The New World Order, Robertson had this to say: 'There will never be world peace until God's house and God's people are given their rightful ' sEE COMMENT, Next Page . Fllt.S:f !'LL STALL WIT~ f1t.EQOE~~ £11>£8"~!., 1"HEIJ I'LL G-() fOR. A ~UM6-JOlt.V ~/1,-H 1'"'£ A.R~f,\El'l'f .,-"",- .Sl~CE '(OU NE.VER. S'ftJt>V TI-\E Gl&LE, VOOR OML.'I I KNOWLEOG-f 0~ .SIN \S Stto\9L'/ ~E~RS~V · T"'E ~11.~'fo(S ~EEtl ~",.-~"OlGv, JA.'f .,..00 t,l\\)Ct,\ c.ooR,.-,-v, W FrotmhEe ditWor • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • e ~ • • • We'll pay more attention to hate now By Jim Bailey WHETNHE FIRST shocking imag~s of the smoldering Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City were transmitted to television screens across our nation, we wanted to think that some dreadful accident - perhaps a gas explosion - had ripped the building apart. Then the crater was discovered and we reluctantly accepted the horrible reality: Somebody did this. For as long as we could, we suspected some foreign enemy. But little Baylee Almon and all the others who died in this tragedy were not killed by terrorists from the Middle East. The photo of Baylee being passed from Police Sgt. John Avera to firefighter Chris Fields will be remembered as a symbol of the devastation that followed the bombing. And the photo of bombing suspect Thomas James McVeigh, face locked in a piercing, remorseless expression, being led away by federal authorities, will be remembered as a symbol of the day that many Americans learned what a hate crime is. In the hulk of the Murrah Federal Building, African-Americans, Jews, Gays and Lesbians and other minorities who have long been the victims of hate crimes could see vandalized synagogs and burned-out homes and churches. We have stared, often with fear, into the faces of many McVeighs and we have become experts in our knowledge of hate. - Now we are called to be teachers. When Magic Johnson announced that he was HIV-positive and thus sounded the wake up call for mainstream America that AIDS was everybody's pain and sorrow, we compassionately and unselfishly . shared oui know!eage and experience. The Oklahoma City bombing is another wake up call for mainstream America. Hate is everybody's pain and sorrow. During the week following the bombing, there has been an unprecedented backlash against organized hate groups, including a condemnation from an outraged President Clinton, who criticized the most common practice of hate - hate talk and its outlets including talk radio shows. Hate groups, who are chronically rather paranoid, have become even more defensive. ''We don't believe in violence," say the cowards, as they sit on arsenals of weapons. If we are able now to go out and teach the lessons of love and respect for each life that God creates on earth and speak against those who have no such i:espect for human life, we can recall the lives of the many who perished at the hangs of McVeigh and his accomplices with even more fullness. My prayers are with those in Oklahoma City whose lives have been taken away or forever changed by this senseless act. . -··--;~ .~---Cr~ SECOND STONE Newsjoumal, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340; New Orleans, LA-70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17.00 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $10.00 for postage. All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)891-7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Department title) Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340; New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to l>e returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical Christian social justice newsjoumal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR Jim Bailey CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE: Jack Pantaleo, Marie Rohde, Paula Xanthopoulou, Rev. Jan Griesinger SECOND STONE COMMENT · From Pr~vious Page place of leadership at the top of the world . How can there be peace when drunkards, drug dealers, communists, atheists, New Age worshippers of Satan, secular · humanist[, oppressive dictators, greedy moneychangers, revoluntionary assassins, adulterers, and homosexuals are on top? Under their leadership the world will never, I repeat never, experience lasting peace." Will he explain this in a few days? This insidious and dangerous "homophobia+" has been validated by the scant press coverage of White's mission and related issues. Why? In his statement to the Times, Robertson said: " ... only someone who is desperately attempting to cause mischief would make the unfounded allegations about me and or my book that have recently appeared in The New York Times." Mischief? Can we really allow Pat Robertson to be a political force in our democracy and. also the harbinger of discrimination against those who don't fit into the Christian Coalition Master Plan? Is he so powerful that we can just forget or gloss over what took Mel White to Virginia Beach? Has the press (wittingly or unwittingly?) become part of this clever cover-up? Who will join in the imperative task of holding Pat Robertson's feet to the fire as long as he insists on mixing religion and politics ... and building what amounts to an empire? Paula Xanthopoulou is editor of c.c. watch, an independentn ewsletterm onitoring the religious right, 3741 N.E. 163rd St., Ste. 311, Sunny Isles, FL 33160-4104W, atch97@aol.com. YourTum ·-........ ~ .......... . Weymouth, Massachusetts Publicize malpractice of ex-gay counselors Dear Second Stone, The "ex-gay" ministries, including such misdirected groups as Homosexuals Anonymous - whose goal is to change one's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual - represent an extremely violent abuse of Christianity and must be stopped. One powerful tactic in shutting down these alleged "ministries" is publicizing cases such as the "change minister" from Glendale, Calif., who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after one of his clients killed himself (Second Stone, Jan/Feb, 1995). Indeed, these very dangerous people need to know that there are not only emotional, spiritual and physical consequences of their dirty work, but legal ramifications as well. Thank you for spreading the true Good News! Sincerely, Sean L. Avery Riverside, California Second Stone not responsible for "outing" Dear Second Stone, Thank you for the excellent work you are doing. We must comment on a, well, strange missive from Todd Ferrell. (Letters, Jan/Feb '95). Mr. Ferrell shared a heart-warming story of his parents struggling through to acceptance of his gayness. But then his letter goes astray. He objects to your article "Anti-gay activist has AIDS" (News Lines, Nov/Dec '94). First, he claims that you wrote it in an unloving spirit of cynicism. We believe that any such spirit is in Mr. Ferrell's mind; it was not in your article. Second, he objects to Second Stone thus "stooping" to "out" someone. The man in question had already acknowledged his.homosexuality and been publicly (and unfairly) ousted for it. Because you only reported this, certainly you are not the one guilty of the outing itself. Mr. Ferrell seems like a nice, wellmeaning fellow, whose heart is the the right place, but whose logic is sadly lacking. We would like to express one concern about · your news articles. Occasionally the news items are just too brief to clarify questions they raise in the reader's mind. Indeed, a little more inofrmation, including dates, would be helpful. We can think of no better . closing than Ferrell's: "God bless you all as you con.tinue to serve and share Christ.." In our Lord's service, Gwen and Bob Bergh We welcome your letters and opinons Write to Second Stone. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Bai 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or FAX to (504)891-7555. MAY/JUNE l 9 9 5 c1·assifieds w •.....•.......• 1.' •....•... ~ • . ••...••..••••••..•.•.••.•••... . , ...••.•..... 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The Lambd; Directory of Religion and Spirituality with_ over 400 sources of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - books, groups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13237 Montfort, Ste. 810J , Dallas TX 75240. 10195 TIRED OF BIBLICAL "condemnation" of gays? Read . "From Darkness into Light: What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" by David Cooper. Do gays have any basis for Holy Unions? Read "Sex, Marriage, and Divorce 11 by Cornerstone Fellowship. Both pamphlets available for $2,00 each from Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N. Geronimo Tucson AZ 85705 . 6/95 NOVELS FOR RELIQIOUS people! The novels of Lammy-winning authoc Toby Johnson deal -positively with the spiritual significance of- gay experience. · GETTING LIFE.IN PERSPECTIVE is a heart-warming, soul · stirring tale of love and religious meaning. Available at gay bookstores nationwide . Or for $11.50 from Peregrine Ventures, P.O. 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Write: Sarah, P.O. Box 14163, Augusta, GA 30919. 6195 Second Stone classifieds bring results! SECOND STONE -------- ---------, Classified Order Form FOR ONLY 35¢ per word, your classified ad will reach readers from - Sitka, Alaska to Amherst, Maine and everywhere il'I between .. Business or personal. .. , try a classified ad in our next edition! tlail To: Second Stone Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Name ___________ _ AddreH, _________ _ •city/St./Zip _______ _ AD COPY _______ ~ ·--------------------- _ · _words X .35= $. _____ _ 20 word minimum. All classifieds must be pre•paid. Deadline one month prior to .cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad appears .Please place my ad in these i issues: [ J Jan/Feb [] Mar/Apr I . [] May/Jun [] juVAug i [ J Sept/Oct [ ] Nov/Dec -' CLASSIFICATIONS l l Books & Publications [ l Business Opportunities [ l Employment [ l Friends/Relationships [ J General Interest [ l Mail Order [ ] Merchandise [ l Organizations [ ] Professional Services [ l Real Estate [ l Retreats [] Roommates [ ]Travel ------------------------------------------ BUYING FOREIGN/USA stamp collections/ accumulations. Professional appraisal/offer; excellent references; Rob Gesell, Box ·8248, Ann Arbor Ml 48107. (313)662-5460. 6195 IS YOUR CHURCH welcoming and affirming to lesbians and gay men? I'd like to know . I'm compiling a national list. Please write to Ken Lewis, Box 1452, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. PRIVATE RV RESORT park for women being developed irt central Arizona. For details, call 520-797-1626, fax 520- 544-9649, or write The Point, 7920 N. Patrick Henry Place Tucson, AZ 85741. 6195 CREMATION URNS: Introducing the Lambda Pride Um . Celebrate Life with an um that reflects personality and style. · Call for free brochure. LifeStyle Urns 1-800-685-URNS. 8195. GAY PRIDE FLAGS , Banners, Lapel Pins, Wall Clocks, Tote Bags, Bumper Stickers, Wind Socks & More. -Free Catalog . 1-800-854-1438, (24 hrs. - 7 days,) Retail & Wholesale. B - LIVE OPERA-P.erformanc_es on_ audio /video casette . Incredible selecllon smce 1930's, world-wide. Over 7400 items. Magnificent free. computerized catalogue. Live Opera , P.O. Box 3141, Steinway Station , Long Island City, NY 11103. 12195 PIANO FOR SALE. Wanted: a responsible person to take on a low monthly payment on a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll ft~ _;_J,800-533-7953. 10/95 FREE! UFMCC Resource Catalog .. The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is offeri .ng the new RESOURCE CENTER CATALOG, featuring new books by MCC authors; materials for ·· Gay . and Lesbian Christians! Contact: UFMCC Catalog, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, fax 213-464-2123, 4/95 BECOME A PRIEST - Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual persons, serve God and Co_mmu~ity as a Pries~ External program leads to valid ordination. An incardination process is· available for those already in Orders. Those interested in this program for personal fulfillment without interest in ordination may also reply. EACA Vocations , · 2301 Artesia Blvd., # 12-213, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 8195 CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESbians (CCL) is a national organization for lesbians of Catholic heritage. Quarterly newsletter. Supporti ve network. Advocates for lesbian issues in political and Church forums. For membership information please contact CCL-SS, P.O. Box 436, Planetan\Jm Station, New York, NY 10024 , (212) 663-2%3. FAX /212)268-7032 . 12/95 INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC religious order. Men/women, . lay/clerical, _ gay/non-gay. Optional celibacy, non-residential, ecumenical. Ordination possible. - Father . Abbot, -Order of St. John the Divine, 166· Jay St., Albany, NY 12210. 10195 - - ATTENTION CHRISTIAN songwriters : I will typeset your manuscript music : $20 first page, $2 each additional stave, For info write: Eric 'Bicknell , 23244 Almira, Southfield. Ml 48034. RETREATS FOR GAY monks focusing on • coping techniques in repressive communities at Saint Benedict Monastery. lnformat i0n write: Dan, 1012 Monastery Rd., Snowmass, co 81654, 6195 "W}IAT THE BIBLE Says and Doesn't Say About Homosexuality" by Rev. Nancy Hocvath. Professionally produced , studio · quality videotape or audiocassettes in attractive package. Excellent addition to personal library. Wonderful gift. Video: $34.95 .- Audio: $24.95 . Plus $3.95 P&H per order. Credit card orders: 800-370-7483. Or mail payment to H&B Video, JDVMCC', P.O. Box -64996:Baton Rouge, LA 708%. 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PRINT NEW ADDRESS ? 2 ~· :f co '< .... ~ N - 'O (') ~ ~ Send completed form · Jo: THE SECOND STONE · Box8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 MAY/JUNE 1995 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 Second Stone #40 - May/June 1995 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6219e3c0fc5a6cdaf3f2f22788ac8a88.pdf d57e5c721f4758a488ef746e48dc4a0f 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 39 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published Mar/Apr 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document . • • THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS 2.95 SUBS CRIBE NOW • ONE YEAR ONLY $17 • Box 8340 . New Orleans . LA 70182 P.O.Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED TIME DA TED MATERIAL DONOTDELAY BULK RATE U.S.POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 Paul Delph HE'S PUTTING HIS FAITH IN 'A GOD THAT CAN DANCE.' HIS NEW CD CHRONICLES HIS OWN ODYSSEY THROUGH AIDS. Mary Fishe r THE ONLY TIME THE WORD 'GAY' WAS MENTIONED . IN AN AFFIRMING WAY AT THE 1992 REPUBLICAN CONV ENTION, SHE SPOKE IT. SHE'S A WOMAN WITH A MESSAGE. David Shull & Peter Ilgenfritz SELDOM HAS A NEW JOB STIRRED THAT M UCH ATTENTION! NOW EVERYTHING'S 'SUPER' FOR THIS GA Y COUPLE. Remembering Kevin Calegari AIDS C LAIMS FORMER DIGNITY /USA PRESIDENT Henry Finch GAY BAPTIST PASTOR DIDN'T KEEP SECRETS Calendar· ..... .................. , ............. . Brothers Together vacation MARCH 4-11, Brothers Together sponsors its second annual Brothers in Paradise vacation/retreat for gay men on St. John in the Virgin Islands. This organization was started in 1991 by a group of friends who felt their gay community was lacking something personal and spiritual and that it too often left people feeling alone and unfulfilled . Since then, over 500 men have attended the group's events. Single cost for this event is $1,299. For information contact Brothers Together, 115 Newbury St., #304, Boston, MA 02116-2935 or call 1-800-462-9962. . . Midwest PLGC Conference MARCH 10-12, Presbyterians for Lesbians and Gay Concerns sponsors its mid-winter midwest gathering at Stronghold Conference Center near Oregon, Illinois. For information call Sue Jones, (608)244-4820. · Spirituality Retreat for People Living With HIV/AIDS MARCH 10-12, St. Camillus AIDS Ministry presents "Embracing the Mystery: HIV/AIDS and the Spiritual Life." This retreat experience has been designed to help participants to .re-frame their often negative experiences of living with HIV . For information contact Bro. Stephen Braddock, (414)481-3696. Clergy, Women and Men Religious and HIV/AIDS MARCH 24-28, The National Catholic AIDS Network sponsors this conference for religious personnel on HIV/AIDS at the Kenrick Conference Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The mission of the network includes a call to assist Catholic _ leaders and congregations in responding to the impact of HIV/AIDS as well as to support theological reflection and dialogue relating to the pandemic. For information contact the National Catholic AIDS Network, P.O. Box 422984, San Francisco, CA 94142-2984, (707)874-3031, FAX (707)874-1433. Joie de Vivre MCC Health Fair APRIL 1, Joie de Vivre MCC in Baton Rouge, La., sponsors a free community health fair at the Uniting Car:npus Ministry building in Baton Rouge. Rfteen seminars .and over 25 exhibits are offered. For information call (504)383-0450. Affirmation National Gathering .. APRIL 21-23, Affirmation: United Methodists promises a challenging keynote, workshops, mutual support and sharing, festival worship anl! a Texas-st:;de banquet alits 20th anniversary gathering to be held in Dallas. For information contact .Affirmation, P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL 60204. Communication Ministry Convocation APRIL 27-30, Convocation is a national gathering of Catholic priests, brothers and nuns. Last year, just over 100 gay and bisexual priests and brothers and lesbian sisters, and friends, met in . Orlando to explore "The Goodness of Being Gay." For many participants, it was the first time they had ever been able to be so open about their sexuality and to experience an empowering atmosphere of acceptance : The .theme of this year's gathering is "New Expressions of Being Gay or Lesbian in the Catholic Church : Our Myths and Our Stories.• Presenters include Patricia O'Donnell and Richard Woods. The convocation will be held at the Radisson Inn at the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. For information on this conference write to CMI, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. . National More Light Churches Conf ere nee APRIL _ 28-30, The 11th Annual More Light Churches Network Conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland at Rrst and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church. For information contact Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, P.O . Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038. . .. Retreat for HIV-positive religious and clergy MAY 8-12, The Marianist Center in Cupertino, California, is the setting for a five day retreat for religious and clergy who are HIV-positive . For information con· tact John McGtann, Kairos Support for Caregivers, 114 Douglass, San Francisco, CA 94114, (415)861-0877. Spiritfest '95 MAY 26-29, DeGray Lake Resort and State Park in Arkansas is the setting for this annual spirit-filled gathering. For information contact Linda Harris, 5029 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209, (214)528-2811. Religious life Weekend JUNE 1-4, The Mercy of God Community sponsors its fourth annual Religious Life Weekend for those considering religious life. The LaSalette Center for Christian Living, Attleboro, Mass., is the setting . For information contact the Mercy of God Community, P.O. Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940-1055. · SEE CALENDAR, Page 17 SECOND STONE - THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS , GAYS AND BISEXUALS Contents W Calendar Opportunities for connectedness across the country []}•w• 1 ,.-6 ··1 An interview with Mary Fisher On her mission to educate about AIDS ~ -J 1 1 7~ Remembering Kevin Calegari .. ___ i AIDS claims former Dignity/USA president 1.·fl I 8 Pastors David Shull & Peter llgenfritz New UCC job is going 'super' for gay couple I I L _ _ _ !II ]0 l Where can you find angels in America? Essay by American Baptists Concerned leader Rick Mixon . [II] Gay Baptist pastor didn't keep secrets It wasn't Henry Rnch's style . . . 112 ! A pioneer: Rev. Sarah Flynn I I 7' I Transsexual minister has home ~ in both UMC arid ECC ! ~ I Eve's Daughers: stories of , 1:--:::-7Videos · . l .. -~ triumph and resurrection [HJ In Print Reviewed in this issue: The Word is Out, by Chris Glaser and . Homosexuality in the Church, edited by Jeffrey Siker il[fil Music Paul Delph puts his faith in a God that can dance 1·:17] ~oteworthy ~-18 I Commentary i Vatic11n abuses its authority I t 91 From the edttor j· 20 I Classifieds MARCH/APRIL 1995 News ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8 ••••••••• Mel White arrested, fasts in prison REV. MEL-WHITE WAS arrested Feb. 15 at .the Christian Broadcasting Network's headquarters in Virginia Beach, Vir., while asking CBN to condemn hate crimes against gay and lesbian· Americans. He was charged with trespassing at an institution of higher learning, and arraignment was set for March 28. White is now fasting in prision while awaiting CBN founder Pat Robertson's agreement to take a stand against the suffering of innocent Americans who are targeted in hate crimes. · White is Natio nal Minister of Justice for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Before coming out as a gay man, White was a ghost writer for many leaders in the radical religious right , including Robertson, for whom he wrote America's Date with Destiny. On Feb. JS CBN spokesperson Gene Kapp accepted a letter from White to Robertson, which said, "Let me summ .arize our simple request. First acknowledge the · growing number of hate crimes against gay and lesbian Americans. Second, condemn those hate crimes and , the people who incite or commit them." Robertson has ignored · White's request for a meeting for 20 months. Kapp then requested that White leave with his interdenomination delegation of a dozen community and Christian leaders. White replied, "As an act of civil disobedience in the 'name of Christ I choose to stay."· He was then arrested, placed in handcuffs ancl removed from the property by police. · Rev. Troy Perry, founder and moderator of the Universal Fellow ship of Metropolitan Community Churches, expressed strong support for Rev. White. "It is a shame that the head of the fifth-largest television network in America has refused to condemn violence against Americans who, only because of their sexual orientation, are murdered, fired from their jobs, abandoned by their families, and deprived of the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitu tion," Perry said. Supporters continue to return to the CBN property daily for prayer vigils. Lutheran bishop gives nod to gay pastor A BISHOP OF THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has decided to let parishioners at St. Paul Lutheran Church in ·Oakland , Calif. ke.ep th eir pastor, who is gay. The congregation, which had defied a previous order to fire Ross D. Merkel, learned of the decision Jan. 15. "We're very glad J1e's staying and sμpporrhim in whatever he does," said Donna Noel, 46, who had been attending the Oakland parish for 35 years. Noel said the congregation had lost some people because of the controversy, but most have stayed. In February, the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA defrocked Merkel. A disciplinary body ruled he was if1volved in a relationship with another man. The church allows gay and lesbian clergy, but only so long as they are not sexually active. The synod's most recent ruling stops Merkel from appointing people to any vacancies at 18 ·churches in Alameda and Oakland, but left him in charge of the Oakland congregati'pn. : In a letter sent to 220 congregations . in . northern California and m;irthern SECOND STONE Nevada, Bishop Robert Mattheis wrote that his options were to either remove the congregation from church rolls or reverse the defrocking. But he said he chose neither because he recognized that "truth is not captive to any ideological position, but is discovered as people of faith come together in prayer and mutual affirmation to seek the path of faithfulness." Said Lutherans Concerned Program . Executive Bob Gibeling, "I say give him a cheer for good stewardship and wise administration . He has obviously worked hard at coming up with a solution that keeps the ELCA from getting more .· involved, lets Ross Merkel stay and doesn't violate any ELCA rules." According to Gibeling, there are members of the ELCA who . are not happy about the move <!nd will introduce a constitutional amendment at the churchwide assembly in Minneapolis this summer to prohibit such a move in the future. - Associated Press and staff i·eports • EQUAL RI I E ~ tesD1on and Goy Woiship. NEW TITLES Equal Rites Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations Kittredge Cherry and Zalmon Sherwood, editors Paper $14.99 January EqUAI Rites is a much-needed collection of worship services, ceremonies, and celebrations that is attuned to the unigue needs of sexual minorities. The selections, written primarily by lesbians and · gay men, include rites of spiritual beginnings, healing, blessings, holy communion, and pride and empowerment. Also included are funeral and memorial services, seasonal and holiday rites, and covenant rites for couples. More than a collection, Equal Rites can also serve as a reference book for creating unique and meaningful worship services that address significant aspects of lesbian and gay spirituality. Contributors include Malcolm Boyd, Chris Glaser, Carter Heyward, Diann L. Neu, and Troy 0. Perry. Ceremo111es and Ce!eb1ct1ofls K1llredgeOeroyl Zolman She1wood e<11lors "It is time and past time for Equal Rites. This remarkable collection of liturgies demonstrates the spiritual courage, liturgical creativity, and rich diversity the churches are denying themselves in denying lesbian and gay Christians a voice. What a gift!" - Marjorie PIOctor-Smithl'erkins .SC/rool of Thenlog,; Know My Name A Gay Liberation. Theology Richard Cleaver Paper $15.99 April The place of gay men and women in the community of faith has become one·of the most divisive debates in the church today. Roman Catholic writer and activist Richard Cleaver takes a fresh approach to this issue by examining the struggles of gay men and lesbians in the church, specifically the Roman Catholic Church, through the lens of liberation theology. He offers not simply a "gay" reading of scripture, however, but one that is spiritually challenging. Coming Out to God Prayers for Lesbians and Gay Men, Their Families and Friends · Chris Glaser Paper $9.99 Now available "A wonderful collection of compassionate prayers." - The Other Side "Here is a collection of prayers through which bisexual, lesbian and gay persons, as well as their !o,·ed ones, may voice their questions and issues to God." - Friends fonri,al "Chris Glaser, in his exquisite little devotional book Coming Out to God, gil'es us the tools we need to learn to talk to God on !e,1e!s that go beyond the mundane ... Co111i11g 011! lo God is a book that e,·ery person who celebrates spirituality, and e,·ery person who fears spirituality, needs to meet." - Lambda Book Report "The intimacy we seek with the di\'ine is made even more possible.by means of compelling de\'Otional books such as Coming 011! lo God .. " - Tlte Disciple mml WESTMINSTER mm J~t~~!f£~ !!~t~ltee I-800-672-178 100 Witherspoon Streer, Louisville, KY 40202-1396 MARCH/APRIL 1 995 Subscribe Today. AN D Y O U1 L L N E V E R WITHOUT A FRIEND YOUR JOURNEY. BE FOR Second Stone T h e N a t i o n a I G a y a n d L e s b i a n· Chr i stian Newsjournal .···:YES·t·········~·························;···· Begin my subscription to SECOND STONE for: [ :1 One year (6 Issues) $17.00 [ ] Two years (12 Issues) $28.00 [ ] Three years (18 Issues) $39.00 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE CHECK HERE ( J If a plain envelope Is required and add $2.00 per year . Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of you r first Issue. International subscribers add $10.00 per yea r, U.S. currency. Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANK YOU for your subscriptio n support! SECOND STONE V News ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••c~ , Congress may hold hearings on "gay agenda" · AT A RECENT TOWN meeting in Kennesaw, Georgia, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich confirmed to Cathy Woolard, Human Rights Campaign Fund Deputy Director of Public Policy, that he has indeed promised radical right leader Lou Sheldon that he will probably hold hearings on "the gay agenda" and gay-related school curricula sometime in August, once the budget proceeds through Congress. The radical right agenda on the hearings is being pressed by Rev. Lou Sheldon, who is known for advocating the confinement of HIV-positive people . in concentration camps. He has mobilized boycotts and campaigns against any positive portrayals of Lesbians and Gays in the media. He was also behind legislation that sought to impose federal control on schools with programs that address lesbian and gay concerns, According to the HRCF, the radical right may use these hearings to promote negative images of gay, lesbian and bisex .ual Americans, and to advance legislation that will single out gay youth for discrimination in public schools, where they already face intolerance and harassment. The HRCF encourages all concerned to write to Gingrich and "encourage him to advocate for tolerance, not persecution, and not lo be swayed from that stance by extremists on the right who intend to distract Congress from America's real concerns." The address is: The Honorable Newt Gingrich, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. Expanding Alabama MCC faces bad neighbors THE METRO POLIT AN Community Church of Huntsville, Ala. is small, with an average Sunday attendance of about 30 . No one paid any attention during its first seven years as members met in a rustic lodge and a downtown office building . But the church has been subjected to scattered protests since "it opened its $140,000 worship center behind the public library about five months ago. The minister of a nearby congregation erected a sign stating "Homo- . sexuality is a sin," and several neighbors scrawled derisive messages on posters. · · A small group of antagonists confronted several members recently following a holy union ceremony. 'They came over here and were saying things like, 'We'd better go ahead and sell because our property values are going to drop,"' said church member Mancil Self, 37. Pastor Daniel Whitworth, who put up the anti-gay sign outside his Fanning Heights Church of Christ, said the MCC is guilty of blasphemy for teaching homosexuality is not a sin . 'Tam firmly convinced that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is wrong. If it's not, then God owes the .people of Sodom and Gomorrah an apology," Whitworth said. The Huntsville church had few problems until members decided to put their faith into action by launching a building program. For years, Self said, members met in a mountain lodge. More recently they gathered weekly in a downtown building where several rooms had been converted into a church. Now that the new building is finished, things are looking up despite the protests . One local company even donated a flag bearing a cross and a colorful rainbow. "It's made us feel really good," said Self. - Associated Press Lesbian Avengers 'bug' office of Exodus International SAN RAFAEL, Calif - A dozen lesbian activists "bugged" the offices of Exodus International on Feb. 8 - using real bugs . Members, of the Lesbian Avengers released hundreds of live crickets in the ministry's front office, chanted slogans condemning Exodus International, and held up signs urging God lo send a plague on the ministry. Bob Davies, executive director of Exodus International, said, 'This incident is another confirmation that many Gays . are not interested in tolerance and diversity." Davies warned that the incident was "a foretaste of things to come for all members of the conservative church. The Jines lll'e being drawn. Those who condemn sin will experience increasing hostility in the days ahead." Exodus International is a ministry which teaches that homosexuals can find freedom from the gay lifestyle. -EP MARC H / APR I L 9 9 5 W News W ................................... Did gay weddings, says new ELCA bishop LOS ANGELES - A Lutheran minister recently installed as bishop of 150 congregations said he performed three gay weddings despite the denomination's edict against such ceremonies. Paul Egertson, 59, said the same-gender rites he held at a North Hollywood church "were done with dignity and reverence, not as publicity stunts to change peoples' minds." Egertson added that ten other Lutheran pastors and four bishops in Southern California conduct weddinglike rites for Gays and Lesbians. But he acknowledged that the services violate the official position of the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Historic church picks lesbian pastor NEWPORT, R.I. - Progressive p·olitics are a 300-year tradition at the Newport Congregational Church, home of one of the first ministers to denounce slaver.y and a parishioner who signed the Declaration of Independence. , Nonetheless, church leaders hesitated last year when deciding whether to hire an openly lesbian pastor. The question came with the Rev. Lark d'Helen, a 43-year-old Californian chosen last fall as the favorite among 59 candidates to lead the church. But the church's 57 members ultimately decided to live up to the church's stated policy "to be open and affirming to all people regardless of ~heir sexual orientation," said Carl Beckman, a member of the selection committee. d 'Helen is thought to be the first openly gay minister in the state. -Dallas Voice New Life MCC 'se.lls troubled property MATTHEWS, N.C. - Members of New Life MCC have voted to sell the building that made them the target of a neighborhood's anti-gay crusade over a year and a half ago. · At a special congregational meeting held late last year, it was decided that the -church's best interest would be served by selling its facility to the adjoining property owner for $75,000. Darst said that the Board of IJirector's decision to support the sale was a difficult one to make. Some were concerned that selling would be akin to "giving,._in" to the campaign of hate or that Charlotte's gay community would misconstrue the move as a retreat. "We didn't know how people would take it; we didn't · want to be _seen as having sold out to the bigots." Because of the upheaval and hatred the church had been subjected to, attendance was in the midst of a dedine when the purchase offer came in. Spirits were raised considerably when the initial bid was revealed to be $72,000, because the building had been bought for $55,000. · At the special congregational meeting, members voted to ask for $74,000. A board representative then re-negotiated with the proposed purchaser and was eventually able to wrangle an even better price of $75,000. · When all the costs for acquiring the property were tabulated, New Life had invested approximately $67,000 in its space. New Life's building fund now stands at almost $44,000 and Rev. Darst says that the church will continue looking for a home of its own. - Q Notes, David Stout Latvian church excommunicates Gays LATVIA'S EV ANGELICAL Lutheran Church, the nation's largest, has excommunicated all sexually active Gays, reports the International Lesbian and .Gay Association Bulletin. The governing body ruled: "Persons who deliberately practice -homosexuality and have chosen it as their way of life shall not be allowed to fulfill any responsibilities during parish services or within the church hierarchy. They shall also be separated SECOND STONE from the Eucharistic community while the Evangelical principle 'Repent your sins and bring forth the fruits of your repentance' remains unfulfilled." Gays responded with a protest outside church headquarters, organized by the Latvian Association for Sexual Equality. The demonstration was well-received by passers-by and reported on televison. - Chicago Outlines - HOMOSEXUAtITYIN THE CHURCH: Both Sides of the Debate Homosexuali'1 in the Church Outstanding authorities on scripture, tradition, reason, biology, ethics, and gendered experience discuss the place of Gays and Lesbians in the community of faith. This Quan. ,,H, ,ys S,~••,• •Ma, book will provoke discussion in congregations, study groups, and ethics and social justice issues. Edited by Jeffrey S, Siker. Associate Professor of New Testament at Loyola Marymoullt University, Los Angeles. Order now from Second Stone Press □ HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE CHURCH . Edit!MI by Jeffrey S. Siker, $14.99, paperbk ___ _ Postage/Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED --~-- NAME _______________________ _ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 New books available from Second Stone! Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Revised and Updated, by Letha Dawson Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, $11.00, paper The Word Is Out The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men, by Chris Glaser, $12.00, paper Jesus Acted Up A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto, by Robert Goss $14 .00, paper Family A Portrait of Gay and Lesbian America, by photographer Nancy Andrews, $25.00, paper Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. Titte 'D Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS---'-------------------- CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340. NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 MARCH/APRIL 1995 Thi, peti>e blood, womm wi<h a delightful demeanor and open smile seems like an unlikely candidate to bring the reality of HIV- home to millions of Americans who thought they could never be touched by the disease - but . that is exactly what Mary Fisher did. On August 19, 1992, Mary addressed the Republican National Convention, speaking to thousands of delegates in Houston and millions of viewers across the country. In her 13-minute speech, Mary eloquently sounded a wake-up· call which could not be silenced . "I represent the AIDS community ... Though I am female; and contracted this disease in marrfage, and enjoy the warm support of my family, I am one with the lonely gay man sheltering a flickering candle from the cold wind of his family's rejection. To all within the sound of my voice, I appeal: Learn with me the lesson of history and of grace, so my children will not be afraid to say the word AIDS when I am gone." The famous · speech was only a beginning for Mary Fisher. Since that time she has traveled -across the country, pleading· for compassion for people living with HIV and alerting the untouched to the eminent danger of the disease: She has also published a compilation of her speeches, Sleep Willi tlze Angels: A Motlier Challenges AIDS (Moyer-Bell, 1994) and started the Family AIDS Network, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC which is dedicated to increasing awareness, comp,ission and resources with which to fight the HIV/ AIDS epic!emic in America. Mary granted this interview when she was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to give a series of speeches, before she returned home to her two boys, Max, six, and Zachary, four. Cheryl Johnston: In your book you wrote that from April, 1992 to June, 1993 you visited more than 50 communities to increase awareness of AIDS. Has you pace continued this past year? Mary Fisher: The amount I've traveled has varied with my ability to fulfill the requests. And this past year, between my husband passing away, and moving- from Florida to the Washington, DC area, I have definitely needed some personal time. I'd say I've visited about 50 cities again, which might mean 100 or 150 different speeches. rm giving four while I'm here in Pittsburgh . S E C O N D s· T O N · E A Messenger An interview with Mary Fisher BY CHERYL JOHNSTON CJ: Why do you do it? MF: My mission is to go around the country and raise awareness, to create bridges bet~een communities within a city, whether it be the medical community or the political community, corporate community or the AIDS community . It's to broaclen the base of this epidemic to includ_e those who have not been_personally touched. CJ: You've said in many of your speeches that you're a messenger - not a victim of AIDS. How can others living with HIV, many of whom have recently been diagnosed, keep themselves from being victims? MF: That's a good question, because I believe very strongly that a good spiritual base can help one from becoming a victim . Being a mes- 0 senger is not for everyone and I understand that. I encouragi people to speak out if they feel comfortable. But one of the reasons I travel around the country is to try to help communities become compassionate enough to open their arms to make it safe for people to talk. I believe that people who are newly diagnosed need to .give themselves a break .. They need to ask for help, get support. And I don't think that the support, in the beginning, always comes from the places where it has come in the past. I think that the people who love us very much go through their own process of grief about this disease so sometimes they can't give us the support we want. We need to ask for and seek that support outside of our normal circle until our loved ones can catch up in the process. And so, instead of feeling abandoned, we c an turn to others in the AIDS community who are willing to be ·there when .others need them. Being with people like that, with giving hearts who want to help, is a good place to be in the beginning because those people understand. They have been there before, they may be facing it themselves. After we ask for help, we can find the support that will take us to the next level. I think we have to come to acceptance somewhere down the line to gain the ability lo cope with this disease. For me, I have my children. They give me streng .th . I go on and they .are my day-to-day reminders that life is regular and life is normal. I also find that doing what I do keeps me very active and feeling productive. I don't know if I can tell others how not to be a victim . To me, victims are · helpless . I'm not helpless. I'm not hopeless. And so, I am able to take care of myself and my children. That takes me out of the vidiin category. CJ:· Are you ever able · to leave the reality of HIV behind you? MF: If I can think of the bigger picture, I don't dwell on_H1V. Again, my boys help me with that. They · don't understand HIV. What's important to them is what movie to watch, what they want to eat. It's very important- for me to be where they are and that keeps me grounded in today. . CJ: Some people in the AIDS community <1:riticized you 'when you spoke at the Republican convention. They said that the Federal government had not done enough for the AIDS cause and that you were gi_ving the Bush administration an endorsement by giving the speech. What was your response? . · MF: I think the AIDS community reacted one way before I spoke and one way after I spoke, which is fine. I never thought of the speech as a political issue but President Bush wanted m~ to speak at the Convention. Give me an audience of that many millions of people to talk about this disease and I don't care where it is. I try to speak to the people who don't think that AIDS is their problem, who don't understand the necessity of r_esponding. CJ: Do you feel that any administra- SEE MESSENGER, Page 17 MARCH/APRIL 1995 Kevin J. Calegari Former president of ·Dignity/' USA dies of AIDS-related complications Kevin J. Calegari, 36, a former , president of Dignity /USA, the nation's largest group of gay, lesbian, and bisexual Roman Catholics, died in San Francisco of AIDS-related complications on February 12. Calegari lived in San Francisco with Tom Kaun, his partner of 11 years . . Calegari, who served · as president of Dignity from 1991 to 1993; was the subject of extensive press coverage in 1992 when he traveled to Rome and nailed a Vatican document on homosexuality to the door of the Vatican office that issued the document. The . event was widely covered in the mainstream press and in gay publications in the United States, as well as in the Italian press. Calegari also participated in a 1993 White House meeting .with senior aides to President . Clinton, along with the leaders of other progressive Catholic organizations. • Under Calegari's leadership, Dignity increased its level of interaction with the other major Catholic reform organizations in the United States and abroad. During Calegari's term of office, Dignity joined the Leadership Conference for Catholic Laity, and became a founding member of the Catholic Organizations for Renewal . . In November of 1994," Calegari, along with current Dignity/ USA president Marianne Duddy, accepted the leadership award of Call to Action, the largest and most broadbased Catholic reform group in the United States. At the time pf his death, Calegari was pursuing a Ph.D . in theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. A native of San Francisco, he was educated at Catholic schools and graduated from Stanford University in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in classics. He was a Coro Foundation fellow in public affairs, pursuing graduate studies at · Claremont Graduate . School. As a boy, he sang in . the San Francisco Boys Chorus, and later served as a member of its board of directors. He was a director as well of the Dolores Street Community Services Center in San Francisco. · Calegari worked professionally as a development officer, serving as the associate director for development at the Univ ers ity of San Francisco, as well as executive director of the Community Counseling Service Center in San Francisco and Honolulu. Prior to assuming office as president of Dignity, Calegari wrote, "I share .the concern of Yves Congar, who noted 'the inconsistency between what was expected of . the Church (namely, the gospel) and what was concretely · to be fo4nd when one examfoed the same Church.' I hope that whatever gifts I have might be applied to articulating resolutions, or at least, positive means of sustaining the tensions, between the various parts of the Body of Christ. I hope to look at the ways the Church has defined itself, its membership and leadership, and the means it has used to identify and encounter God's revelation in the world. I hope to be "No longer frightened or ashamed, I am learning to confide in God's love and the love of my fellow wrestlers. And after the match is over, I look forward to walking humbly with n1y God, even if it is with a limp." "Under Kevin's leadership, Dignity took on a more active role in the international Church, a role we are continuing to develop," said Dignity/ USA president Marianne Duddy . "His willingness to take a public prophetic stance against Vatican discrimination towards ga)!' people was a real turning point in our movement. As a person, he was totally engaged in life, a passionate and compassionate individual, someone who intuitively understood the connections among various issues. We will miss him deeply." SECOND STONE of service to the Church by demonstrating from its experience creative models both of confrontation and dialogue, as the Church contends with both the 'already' and the 'not yet' of its character.'' In a recent issue of the National Catholic Reporter, Calegari wrote, "My spirituality as a gay man, a Christian and a person living with AIDS for the last seven years has been marked by both conflict and intimacy, filled with passion and ambivalence, anger and inexpressible joy and, above all, driven by a desire for abundant life ... - Kevin Calegari, president of Dignity/USA from 1991 to 1993, returns an antigay document issued by the Vatican by nailing it to the door of a Vatican office in a 1992 protest. "I have wrestled with God, with God's ostensible representatives, with sisters and brothers - often in sweaty, straining, forceful embrace that calls me and those with whom I contend to new identities and new relationships ·. The fight becomes an act of love . This kind of spirituality is not clean and neat, obviously ... "It's a sad commentary on the state · of our Church when the courage and willingness to go to the floor on the issues that count, to speak the truth when it hurts, is. cause for oppression and contempt (see the [Vatican] Congregation for the Doctrine of the . Faith's two -recent documents on homosexuality, 1986 and 1992.) What continues to amaze me is that God's . powerful grace is so palpable precisely where the hierarchy denies it can be. I call it 'the sacrament of irony.' "In all those times of wrestling with the tough issues, with church leaders, with each other, with dis .ease, I have been pinned down and squeezed, touched, massaged, embraced, cuddled and, yes, pleasured by a challenging and ever-loving God. I have been transformed and reconciled. No longer frightened or ashamed, I am learning to confide -in God's love and the love of my fellow wrestlers. And after the match is over, I look forward to walking humbly with my God, even if it is with a limp.'' Kevin is survived by his partner, Tom Kaun; his parents, George and Lorayne Calegari of San Anselmo, California; his sister, Joan Harrington; her husband, Tim, and two nieces and a nephew, all 'of Sonoma, California; and by Janet Cerni, dear friend and confidant, of San Francisco, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the San Francisco Bay area and Tom's parents, brother, and sisters. h th., epirit of 5t. Fraici5 im 5t. Clare, wdre ~ m:tge liuildera aid ~ maker6 to journey with ua ii the footet.eps of Jee;ua Ovist. ~ .;l!f) We are an ecumenical, · inclusive, non-clerical 0!l!o. community of baptized men ~ and women from various · Christian traditions who . ,rl!.O chose to worship and live in li a faith-sharing spirit. -~~ - You may become an Associate or enter the program leading to th.a profession of vows as a ~ religious Brother or Sister. Ask to receive our newsletter, "Foatstsps." t We work in ministries of love, care and reconciliation nationwide. · For more information, please write to: MERCY OF Goo COMMUNITY Att: Vocation Director P. 0. !}ox 41055 Providence RI 02940-1055 MARCH/APR.IL 1995 After the media frenzy New call going 'super' for gay couple BY JIM BAILEY D avid Shull, 35, and Peter Ilgenfritz, 32, were sur, prised with the media attention the gay couple received when they were called last summer to share an associate pastor position at University Congregational United Church of Christ, a 1,200- member Open and Affirming congregation in Seattle, Washington, Now that the dust has settled, Shull says that everything is going "super ." Shull and Ilgenfritz found the job that they had longed for after two years of searching and more than 100 rejection letters. 'This is an extraordinary church and people have been open and welcoming," says Shull. 'There is a real sense that people are interested in getting to know us. It is a very nice time, with lots of excitement and enthusiasm." The new member classes are getting bigger, according to Shull, and there is a larger number of gay and lesbian people coming to church. The church has also called a new senior past9r, Do\1ald MacKenzie,, Jr., who is supportive of the gay couple's call. The response from others in the church community to the gay couple's hiring has been overwhemlingly positive, although one church in a rural part of Washington did remove itself from the United Church of Christ because of the call and other issues. Out from the darkness Paul Sherry, the top official of the United Church of Christ, wrote a letter of support prior to the congregational vote on the call and Rev. Bill Johnson, the first openly gay pastor ordained in the United Church of Christ, was very active in support of the call. The publicity surrounding the hi ring of Shull and Ilgenfritz reached deeply .into many dark closets around the country, and they have been contacted by phone by many ministers who must keep their sexual orienta tion a closely guarded secret. "Closeted gay clergy who are isolated where they are have felt heartened by our experience," says Shull. "It is heartbreaking to see the number of people who are isolated and who feel called to parish ministry. It's good to be in a position where they can contact us . We tell closeted clergy they are not alone and that it's important that they take care of themselves and not be put . in situations where they have to deny who they are." Shull says that he and Ilgenfritz have grown in this experience ,and that they enjoy working together. 'There was the strain on our relationship that would come from any major . transition," he says. "We looked to each other to satisfy all of our needs which had been met by our friends back in Chicago. " The-couple works ·much ·more than their half-time job calls for, says Shull, David Shull, left, and Peter II gen fritz, associate pastors of Unhrersity Congre0 gational United Church of Christ in Seattle. not complaining. They are also involved in the local chapter of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/ Gay ·concerns and plan to be involved as the Washington/Norths em Idaho conference of the UCC deals with a bill before the Washington State Legislature that would ban gay and lesbian foster and adoptive parents. UCC job ended long search for Shull, llgenfritz David Shull and Peter Ilgenfritz met at Yale Divinity School, graduated in 1987, but remained closeted throughout their schooling and for a time thereafter. As a Presbyterian, Shull knew he could not be ordained if he was open about his sexuality. Ilgenfritz, a member of the UCC, could become ordained but knew his chances of finding a call would be narrowed if he came out. Both found churches - 300 miles apart. Ilgeruritz •Served a United Church of Christ parish in Ithaca, N.Y., and Shull served a Pres_l:,yterian church . in Katlanning, Penn. Soon the distance and the strain of the closet became too oppressive. The couple moved to Chicago, where Shull enrolled in the University of Chicago social work program and Ilgenfritz became founding executive director of Better Existence with HIV. Parish ministry, however, SECOND STONE continued to draw them. Soon they Were applying for positions throughout the United States and in Canada, as a gay couple interested in sharing a pastoral position. · Their search led · them to Seattle, where the search committee, chaired by Julie Davis, had found the couple to be the best qualified applicants among the 50 applications that the 12- member panel reviewed. After nearly a week of meeting hundreds of parishioners and answering a myriad of questions about their philosophy of the church, their calling to the ministry, and , of course, their homosexuality, Ilgenfritz and Shull presented their candidating sermon to a standing-room-only crowd of 800 worshippers on June 12. In the sermon, Ilgenfritz reminded the congregation that fear need not be the final word when a group faces change. Shull completed the sermon, saying that the word should be - "trust." He recalled how St. John of the Cross, a 16th century Spanish monk, was preparing for a journey and asked a man at the gate for a hght to show him the path. The man replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God . That shall be a better light, and safer than a known way." Although there was strong support for the couple, the vote was not a foregone conclusion. Some members objected to filling the associate pastor position while the church's senior pastorate was empty . Others clearly stated their opposition lo hiring homosexuals. After preaching Ilgenfritz and Shull headed to a friend's home three blocks away, "biting our nails" the whole time, while the congregation debated their fate. "We did not know when we walked out of the church what the vote was going to be," said Shull. But an hour and a half later, the word came. The couple had been hired. Mary Dougherty, a member of the congregation and coordinator of the Washington-North Idaho Chapter of United Church Coalition for Lesbian/ Gay Concerns, was present ·at the vote and described the afternoon . "Six hundred and twenty three people were present - usually less than 200 would come for a meeting. The fears were aired and the praise was heaped. I was so scared." To assuage some parishioners' fears of losing members, and their contributions, a married man in his 40s with children walked up to the associate pastor and handed her a check for $10,000. At one point during the ·open mike discussion, an unassuming 73-year 0old woman walked up to the front of the sanctuary, looked out over the congrega- SEE GAY PASTORS, Next Page MARCH/ AP81L l 9 9 5 GAY PASTORS, FromPage8 tion, and proceeded to come out as a lesbian . David Bivins voted against hiring the couple. "I'm not a born-again Christian," Bivins said , "but from what I've been brought up to believe, the Bible says it's wrong." Charlotte Taylor also voted against.the two. 0'The change is too radical," she said. But Ilgenfritz and Shull had support in high places. Paul Sherry, president of church headquarters in Cleveland, sent a letter pronouncing the couple "outstanding candidates." Ministers of 18 Seattle-area' UCCs sent letters reminding the church of its "heritage of leadership in ·opening new doors." Minister Emeritus Dale Turner also urged the church to hire the two. 'The eyes of not only Christians, but of society as a whole are waiting to see what we will do. I feel that the integrity of our church is at stake." UnivNsity Congregational Church member Shirley Morrision agreed. She said she had not been active in recent years because she didn't feel the church took strong enough stands. But she said Ilgenfritz and Shull are just what the church needs. "I think they're the most outstanding human beings I've met for some time," she said. · "Almost two hours later we got the tally," said · Dougherty. "'-'Over 75 percent affirming their call. Peter and David came lo-spej1k, so excited, so gracious, so eager to help those 24 percent who couldn't vote yes.- The Coalition folks got together to hug and err, and tell how hard it had been ... . When Ilgenfritz and Shull walked back to the sanctuary that afteroon, the congregation was standing, applauding their .new ministers. · But for two ordained pastors who chose to leave . their parishes rather than remain in the closet, many people felt it was the members of the church who deserved the standing ·ovation. "It was the most incredible experience I'd ever had in my life," Shull said. And Ilgenfritz: "It was an utterly holy moment." To Rev. Bob Fitzgerald, assistant minister of University UCC, the pair "rose to the top' 1 out of the 50 applicants from across the country. "From the beginning, Peter and Dave in their profile; in their letters and in conversations with people here were openly gay,' '. said Fitzgerald . "All · issues were on the table from the very beginning." Although the congregation voted several years ago; by more than 80 percent, to become an Open and Affirming Church, hiring an openly gay couple to be their associate pas. tors was a different step altogether. "Welcoming Gays and . Lesbians in the pews is one thing, asking them to preach from the pulpit is quite another," Ilgenfritz said. "For a prominent chureh in a large city in the country to say we will ... stand up and say that Christianity embraces homosexuality as part of God's plan is amazing," Shull said . . "And we will not only say that on paper, but give a foundation to that by calling [openly gay) clergy." Shull and Ilgenfritz admitted !hat they were . overwhelmed at the call becoming a reality. They had ·prepared themselves for the real possibility that it may very well not happen in their lifetime. But the rage and pain of all the letters of rejection are behind th,em, and all the Reople who told ·them they'd never get a church have been proven wrong . "Certainly 24 percent . of the church didn't think it was a good idea,'' Ilgenftitz said. "But there was such energy ... this is the kind of church we want to belong to." · On July 23, just before their move to Seattle, Shull , and Ilgenfritz were united in holy union at St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Chicago's North Side by the Rev . Randy Deckwerth, associate minister. Compiled from Waves, Seattle Times, Bay Area Reporter, Windy City Times, and tire Seattle Post4ntelligence~ . QUOTABLE "Homosexuals will go before us to tlie kingdom of God." -Dismissed Catholic bishop Jacques Gaillot, . -in a 1989 interview in Gai Pied SECOND STONE - 'Ecumenica{ Catfio{ic Cfiurcfi welcomes men and women, married, single, gay or straight to the priesthood or religious life. Nicene Creed theology, Vatican II liturgy, apostolic succession, socially liberal. Growing national church represented in 17 states also needs lay leaders and donations to spread Christ's inclusive message. For more infonnation, contact Fr. Denis Martel 3824 Eastview Drive Harvey, LA 70058 (504)341-1880 (voice) (504)341-2208 (fax) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality Few .other issues divide the Christian community more sharply than homosexuality. In this hew volume, writers with divergent points of view deal with questions at the . center of the debate between pro-gay and anti-gay believers. Edited by Sally B. Geis, director, Iliff Institute, Lay a11d Clergy Educatio11; The Iliff School of Theology, De11ver, and · Do11ald E. Messer , presideltl;-'Phe -Ilijf-'- ~ School of Theology. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE By Geis/Messef, $12.95, paperbk -~-- Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME--------~~------------ ADDRESS ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP _____ ~-----~-------- ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA70182 MARCH / AP R I.L 1 9 9 5 . \ ,, I I .went into a bookstore the other day in search of a copy of the play, "Angels in America" and was surprised to find a number of new books on angels. I did not expect angels to be such a popular subject. Such an interest might be indicative of a loss of spiritual connection in our times. There might actually be people among us hungry for spiritual food and eager for angelic visitations. In Genesis 19:1-11, the city of Sodom received such a visit. If the people of Sodom had known what these angels were up to, I wonder if . they would have behaved differently. This section of scripture is really only part of the story. To begin with, Yahweh appears to Abraham at 75 years of age, calling him to leave his happy home to journey to a distant, unknown land with the promise that "I will make of you a great nation, and , will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Gen 12:2). Abraham, in an amazing act of faithfulness, answers God's call. With his wife, Sarah and his nephew, Lot, and their families and belongings, they jourJtey off in search of a promised land. . Yahweh proves equally faithful and they find this promised land. After a while, though, we find Abraham and Lot wrangling over the · tand for it · "could not support both of them living together, for their possessions were so great ... " (Gen 13:6). The herds of livestock were too large and there was strife among the herders. They decided to split up . . Abraham, being a generous person, gave Lot first choice. After looking around, Lot, being just slightly greedy, "saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere" (Genl3:10), and scurried off to pitch his tent near Sodom in the middle of the plain. Some time goes by and Abraham is sitting in front of his tent in the heat of the day when three strangers happen along. · Abral1am does what any decent person would do. He · offers them his hospitality. The strangers turn out to be Yahweh and two angels on their way to Sodom. The people of Sodom had a reputation for wickedness and word had gotten back to Yahweh that they were, in fact, "great sinners against [Yahweh]" (Gen. 13:13). If this is so, Yahweh has some unpleasant consequences in store for them - like total destruction of the city, and its wicked neighbor, Gomorrah, as well. Yahweh, acting SECOND STONE Where can you find ANGELSin AMERICA? BY RICK MIXON perhaps too generously, lets Abraham in on his mission, and before Yahweh knows what has hit him, Abraham has drawn him into lengthy negotiations over the salvation of the cities. Eventually, Yahweh and Abraham agree, if ten righteous folk can be found in the city, it will be spared (Gen 18:16-33). In .the mean time the two angels, weary of the wrangling, decide to journey on ' to survey the scene at Sodom. Now in spite of his greedy streak, Lot's a decent fellow, and when the strangers appear in Sodom, he also offers hospitality. (It is important to remember that hospitality · meant life in theseJ'arts in this time. Both the desert an · its people could be deadly hostile to strangers). The folk of Sodom, the men anyway, prove equal to their reputation. Before you know it, they are at Lot's door demanding 'he tum the strangers over to them. Lot refuses, and offers his virgin daughters . instead, demonstrating the cruel difference in the value of men and women in this time and. place. It seems that what the men have in mind is phallic aggression. Their intent is not as much sexual as it is macho. · That is, their intent · is to establish themselves as masters of the strangers through rape . Kenneth Dover, in his book Greek Homosexuality, reminds us that ''human societies at many times and in many regions have subjected strangers, newcomers and , trespassers to homosexual anal Violation as a way of reminding them of their subordinate status ." Only these strangers were in no way subordinate to the men of Sodolll, They were messengers from Yahweh, angels in the midst of the city, and their message was not good news . God was going to destroy the city, not because the men and boys were all gay, but because of their inl10spitality, their arrogant pride in which they were unwilling to share their wealth with the needy, their threat of violence to angelic visitors. One commentator notes that "the 'outcry' against Sodom [which has brought Yahweh onto the scene] is expre&sed [in the text] by a technical legal term ... signifying 'the cry for help which one who suffers great injustice screams.' This is the ·outcry against violence ... voiced by the prophet Jeremiah on behalf of the poor (Jeremiah 22:13-17) and on his own behalf in the oppression he experiences by taking up the cause of the oppressed (Jeremiah 20:8): This recurrent prophetic outcry against violent injustice done by the rich to the poor is based not only · in remembrance of Israel's own bondage/ deliv. erance (Exodus 3) but also in its role as alien and wanderer (Deuteronomy 26:5)." This commentator, Geo.rge Edwards, in his book Gay/Lesbian Liberation: A Biblical Perspective, goes on to argue: 'The reader must put aside pious heterosexual anathemas on private, voluntary, same-sex acts by homosexually predisposed adults. The key [to the Sodom story] is the violent, aggressive abuse of power that had already brought on the city the outcry of 'foul play' (hamas) long before the advent of the divine emissaries in Genesis 19." Another commentator, Old Testament scholar Darrell Lance, in an article in American Baptist Quarterly, entitled 'The Bible and Homosexuality," writes of the prophet Ezekiel's perspectiv.e on Sod9m (Ezekiel 16:48-50: 'The prophet sees between the people of his own time and the men of Sodom as pride, gluttony, conspicuous economic consumption, and failure to aid the poor and the needy." Sodom was a city in deep trouble because it had lost its spiritual connection to the God of all creation They had wandered so far from the reality of their religious need that they were unable to recognize God's _angels when they were standing in the midst of the city. Somehow they had come to think that they ruled the world; that theirwealth entitled them to act like God, deciding who would be in and who would be humiliated, who would live and who would die, without bringing any judgement on their own heads. They were wrong . Whether God destroyed the city or they destroyed it themselves in their wickedness, Sodom was laid waste. There are consequences for violating the -laws of love. And what of us living ·in· our contemporary worlds in 1995. Author and filmmaker Michael Tolkin, who wrote 'The Player" and directed 'The New Age," speaking of Los Angeles says, "I see people grabbing for something to hofd on to. But the spiritual life of the city is so empty, and offers so little, that the help people look for is often as thin as the fortune cookie paper on which the answer to their problems is written." And Vaclav Havel, playwright <).nd president of the new Czech Republic, said in a speech at Stanford that if democracy is to survive the clash of .cultures that has replaced the Cold War as a major threat to peace, it will have to rediscover its own "spiritual dimension.' ' Where are there angels in our midst? Do they visit any more bringing messages of ·doom and destruction, of peace and good will, of teve and. justice? Are they all around and are we just toci blind to see, like the hapless men of Sodom who had become so sure of their ability to run the world that they had lost their spiritual connections? Have we become so alienated from our own spiritual center that we have been left to our own destruction? In his Pulitzer . prize winning play, "Angels in America," Tony Kushner offers powerful images of spiritual connection. The central character of the two . plays which comprise the work is Prior Walter, . a gay man living with AIDS. The obvious angel in the plays descends on wires and proceeds to pontificate obscurely. It tells Prior that he is to be a prophet. But once it has .lured him to heaven, it is revealed that God has run off to San Francisco, that the world is in chaos, and somehow Prior is to be involved in working with the angels to restore order. The hitch is that this order sounds very much like stasis and smells very much like death . Prior bravely refuses the prophetic role and insists on being allowed to live. There is something infinitely precious in saying yes to life with all its messiness. In an ironic, and perhaps unintentional twist of the drama, the character who comes .closest to being an angel, at least in terms of doing the SEE ANGELS, Page 13 MARCH/APRIL 1995 Tl ' Henry Finch Baptist pastor kept n O seer et S :::~,;•.t~!;~::!,.The ntiaSle, Finch's coming out and his death, he kept -in contact with his many friends in the Baptist clturches. "Henry was outgoing," Patrick says. "He never met a stranger. All of his friends, including his straight Baptist friends, were always supportive.'' B_Y JIM BAILEY W ien Henry Finch passed away at age 58 on June 26, 1994, he could have taken • - - some secrets with him : - He could ha:ve been silent about being a gay . pastor in a denomination that preaches vehemently against homosexuality . He could have hidden that he had AIDS from _ people he knew who still believed that AIDS was a punishment from God. But dishonesty wasn't something "that Finch could. tolerate. '. -Finch· was once th!! pastor--0f First Baptist Church of Charleston, Soufh Carolina, the oldest Southern ·Baptist church in Charleston. He studied to be a pastor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He received his first call in 1962 from Salisbury First Baptist Church and from there went on to pastor Baptist diurches in oiher areas of:· North · Carolina; Asheville, Hartsville, and Rock Hill, . where Finclt pastored from 1974 to 1982 at the _ l,500smember Oakland Baptist Churclt. · . ·- "Henry always had a strong faith .... . At times, that's about all he had left." Finch married his wife, Judy, in 1965. The two had met .during his time at Salisbury Baptist Church. Their son Tommy was born in 1966. · Finch was a respected pastor on the fast track in the Southern Baptist Convention. But he was hiding the secret that he .was gay. The dishonesty took a physcial toll. Finch even began having stomach problems. In 1985, while pastoring the First Bapti,st Church in Chadeston, _he gathered up the courage to tell the deacons that he was a gay man. '1n everything · else, I was out front, in the open," Finch said in an Associated Press interview shortly before he died. "But here's one piece of my life that wasn't at all. That'll kill you. You SECOND STONE can -deny something that is a basic part of you only so long." Although telling the truth was a relief - for Finch, his career in the Southern Baptist Convention was crushed . He resigned his pastorship al the Charleston church and entered into a psychiatric hospital for a11 extended period of time. Finch was well liked by his congregation and, although shocked, most church members reacted with understanding and they continued to support him through his ordeal. Members of one of his former congregations were not so supportive. When news of finch's coming out reached Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill, some ·members talked about removing his name from the Henry T. Fincl1 Jr. Family Life Building. , H.enry kept hts faith in God through these times, according to his companion for the last .three years of his life, Patrick ·Smith, 24, who still lives in Charlotte. "Henry always had a strong faith," says Patrick. "At times, that's about all he had left." Finch found that he still had friends in the Baptist Church. Upon release from the hospital, - Finch moved to Charlotte, where his friends Bettie Bibrell and Gene Owens helped him get a job. Owens was the pastor of a very liberal church, Myers _ Park Baptist Church, where Finch eventually taught an adult Sunday School ch1ss. Although Owens offered Finch a deaconship at the churclt, he did not accept it, perhaps an indication that Finch never fully reconciled his sexuality with his spirituality. Owens said he didn't care if Finch was gay and he, along with Bibrell, . helped him get a job at the Randolph Clinic in Charlotte, where Finch counseled alcoholics and drug addicts . Finch also became a · leader in the fight · against AIDS. Henry met. Ratrick at a· theatre in Atlanta after a perfot.mance of "Phantom of the Opera.' '. Patrick was just · coming out at the _. ·lime and had, himself, experienced - a confusing ordeal during his late teens. "We hit it off and were together from then on," says Patrick. _ By the time he met Henry, Patrick had lost all respect for religion and the church. He was raised in the Church of God and lived with his church pastor during his last three · For his own reasons Henry was reluctant to tell Patrick when they first met that he was a pastor. Finally he told Patrick he had something he needed to tell him . Patrick laughs as - he recalls Henry's revelation that he was a pastor . "For some reason, that doesn:t surprise me," Patrick told Henry . Patrick later went back to visit his old Church of God pastor to let him know that he had reached a place of reconciliation in his life. Instead of being able to share Patrick's peace,. the deeply closeted pastor could not get beyond his fright · that Patrick would tell others what had happened between them. In Marclt; 1993; Finch found o'ut for sure what he had long suspected . He was HIV-positive. "We had assumed that he was positive ever since we were together," Patrick says. "It scared me. I loved Henry more than _ life itself. It was very difficult." Finch continued to work at the clinic until December, 1993. Puring the nine years between Finclt's wife, however, would have nothing to do with him after his coming out. She was very bitter, according to Patrick, and the two were unable to maintain any relationship at all. It was much the same with Finch's son. But in January of last year, Finch got a call from Tommy, then 27, after nine years of not hearing from him. Tommy visited Finclt in the hospital shorty before he died, when they hugged for the first time .since Tommy was 17. "Henry helped me get my life back on track," Patrick says. 'This first year without him has -been a lonely time for me. To be · 24 and to have been through this has been very difficult. I miss him alot." Patrick and Tommy sat on the front row during Finch's funeral service. Tommy's mother did not attend . - Some informaticm from Associated Press Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical new view on the Bible and homosexuality. I WhatU1•~1e the l.J LlJ Really Says About B.otrtosexuality .. I< p\10 - . 1 • 1-1e\m1n1a , · oan1e ,-.. Daniel A Helminiak, Ph.D., respect.ed theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed:" -L. William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Greed and Sex " .. .the most thoughtful, lucid and accessible summary I know of cunent biblical scholarship relating to homosexual issues ... eminently uSeful... u -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Quan. □ WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SA VS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY By Daniel A. Helminiak, $9.95, paperbk Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME ______________________ _ ADDRESS _____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP __________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 MARCH/ APRIL 1 9 9 5, ,, • Transsexual Methodist minister finds second home in Ecumenical Catholic Church BY THE REV. SARAH J. FLYNN, 0. S. L. Althoug h wanting to remain loyal to my United Methodist heritage I have felt an in. creasing need to be in ministry to sexual minority people . I doubted how effectively this could be done as a United .Methodist pastor representing a church with a homophobic policy. Increasingly, I have become aware of the need for a church that is unapologetically supportive of ·gay /lesbian people and proactive -in supporting ~hem in the face of social pressures, political exploitation am;\ religious prejudice. The Ecumenical Catholic Church represents this alternative to me; conserving essentials of the Christian tradition while rightly discerning the .dignity and worth of women and gay flesbian/bisexual/ t:r:anssex~al/ transgendered people as equal partners in the Gosp~l.of Christ. ''You are a pioneer" is how United Methodist Bishop William Boyd Grove characterized my decision to apply for a dual affiliation with the ECC. The remark referred to more than this application, but. was appropriate to the situation since as a UMC pastor I was applying to be received as a priest of the Ecumenical Catholic Church. If approved, I would be both Protestant pastor and Catholic priest. I was an unusual Methodist pastor long before applying to the ECC. In 1978 I completed therapy for a lifelong pi;oblem of transsexualism. Having served for a period of 12 years as a United Methodist pastor, I left parish work after my surgery and began a care er in higher education . To my amazement and relief Bishop Ralph Ward, my bishop at the time, arranged to re-issue my ordination papers, and, while unable Jo assign me to a parish, in time placed me in a special appointment category so thafI remained a United Methodist Elder in good standing. Then, eight years ago, through an unexpected series of events, I began to serve as a part time pastor of a small United Methodist church in Connecticut. I became, therefore, the first United Methodist transsexual clergyperson to serve a parish, and possibly the first in any denomination to do so, (but I am not the only such person now; there is at least one other transsexual minister under parish appointment.) SECOND STONE I have felt a great sense of gratitude to the bishops and district superintendents (especially to the Rev. Frank Kaiser) who "went out on a limb" to continue my status as an ordained minister in the UMC and appoint me to the small part time parish that I am still serving. During the intervening years the issue of homosexuality has surfaced in the United Methodist Church as it has in several mainline denominations . The hysterical reaction that followed resulted in a prohibition against the ordination or appointment of "self avowed practicing homosexuals." In spite of determined efforts to ·change the legislation at three successive UMC General Conferences the antigay statement stands as they church's official policy. Although transsexuals were ··overlooked by-the legislation there is little doubt that if a bishop ·were so minded being a transsexual could be used to terminate one .as being unfit for ministry. That is why I am proud of the bishops and district superintendents who were willing to trust me enough to let me continue to serve in spite of the prevailing climate of homophobia in th e UMC. By serving I felt that I was establishing a track record that by being !,exually different I was not emotionally unstable or professionally incompetent. I have reason to believe that the point has been satisfactorily made during · these years . This ·past year has been a time of re-examination of my life and priorities. In the process I made the decision to be more of an advocate for gay /lesbian/ bisexual/ transgendered people. I have initiated a support group for students on the campus where I work as a registrar. Together we held the first National Coming Out Day celebration o_n October 11, 1994 and I "came out" publically at work and at the small parish where I have been serving. At the same time I had been discussing the ECC with several friends from Dignity . They encouraged me to apply. Some may wonder how a United Methodist could agree theologically with Catholicism. The theological gap between the UMC and the ECC is not nearly so great as might be imagined . The Methodist tradition has its roots in the teachings of John and Charles · Wesley, both of whom were "high church" evangelicals in the Church of England. John Wesley's theology was a synthesis of Protestant and classical Catholic teachings. Some United Methodists still value that "high church" tradition in liturgy, and many more are in agreement with Wesley's ProtestantCatholi( synthesis of the main doctrines of the church. Likewise, the ECC is not a reprint of the Roman Catholic Church, minus its repressive teachings on human sexuality. Not only is the ECC more liberal on social issues, but the definition of "Catholic" is much . broader than "Roman" Catholicism . As the name "Ecumenical" implies, the ECC accepts the "catholicity" of Anglicans, . Lutherans, and now, United .Methodists, as well as Orthodox and independent Catholic national churches not subject to Roman obedience. Having served for a period of 12 years as a United Methodist pastor, I left parish work after my surgery and began . a career in higher education. To my am<,1Zement and relief Bishop Ralph Ward ... arranged to re-issue my ordination papers ... A third and final reason why I find little difficulty in this dual affiliation is that for many years I have been .a member of the Order of Saint Luke, a largely United Methodist religious order dedicated to liturgical scholarship, education and practice. This Rev. Sarah J. Flynn Order has been involved with the liturgical renewal movement that has influenced all the mainline denominations since Vatican II. Since this movement has been based on common liturgical scholarship concerning the lituriges used in the early centuries of the church and how these were subsequently elaborated, there has . been a convergence regarding basic liturgical principles, . which gives · the rtewer rites a su_rprising degree of similarity, something \\'hich lay people are only now discovering. The distance, therefore, between a United Methodist Servke of the Word and Table and an Ecumenical Catholic celebration of the .Eucharist is not far, and with sufficient educational background, it is possible to make the journey with a tl1inimum of theolog1" cal hear\burn or liturgical blunders. The several aspects . of my hE!ritage, namely its liberal leadership, its Wesleyan "Catholic "' tradition, its renewed liturgical life .and spirituality explains my continued loyalty to this tradition, in spite of the official policy regarding homosexual people, whicl1 is judgmental, patronizing and hypocritical, and the result of widespread fear and ignorance concerning human sexuality in the churches . The ECC is committed to the ministry of reconciliation, bringing all people, including straight and gay into one holy communion with the Risen Christ. · In conversations with Bishop Mark Shirilau, the primate of the ECC, I became convinced that this church could be the community of faith I was looking · for that wo uld provide the kind of proactive ministry I believe to be needed. If only a way could be found whereby I might be able to serve within it without dishonoring t_he tradition from whence I have come . It is to Bishop Shirilau's credit that he found such a way in receiving me SEE SECOND HOME, Page 20 MARCH/APR!~ 1995 Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. " ....... .. ..... .. ... ... . ...... .. .. ..... . Eve's Daughter s T rium ph for w o men of co urage By Jim Bailey Editor A nne Macksoud and John Ankele have directed and produced "Eve's Daughters," a half-hour documentary pro filing five lesbian women who have struggled with the church's traditional condemnation of homosexuality. Their stories are of triumph and resurrection and coming to a realization that they do not have to be victims. The video features moving art and poetry born of the struggle. This is the same production company that did such an excellent job two years ago with "Maybe We're Talking About A Different God," the video about Rev. Janie Spahr 's battle with the Presbyterian Church. "Eve's Daughters" is in some ways both a continuation of and conclusion to the Spahr video . Again we s ee the struggle to come in from exile and ''Eve's Daughters" features-the paintings and sculptures of. artist Nancy Chinn, including this sculpture entitled "Lot's Wife," inspired by the story in Genesis. SECOND STONE take a rightful place at the table. But "Eve's Daughters" takes us a bit further as we are able to expe rience the resolution and triumph that these women have found in their lives and experiences . In warning us to 'bewar e of Eve, the temptress in any woman, even in a wif e and a mother" th e church fathers declar ed all women to be descendants of the original "unsealer of that forbidden tree," and th erefore guilty. They are "the devil's gateway, ... destroyers of the image of God in man. On account of them, the Son of God had to die ." To be a woman and a homosexual is, in the official church view, nothing less than "an intrinsic moral evil." These daughters of Eve are the subjects of this documentary . Coni Staff, hoping to r egain the love of parents who no longer believe that she will be joining them in heav en, recalls her bargaining with God. She remembe.rs asking, "God, I want to hear from you whether I'm alright the way I am or whether !'in not." "I was raised to be honest," says Staff . " If anything, I was raised to be honest in my family. And I was .. And look what's happened . This isn't at all what I hoped it would be." Although she prays that God Will give her her family back, to this day her family feels that homosexuality is a sin and goes against God. Katherine · Poethig recalls the split . existence of herself as a person who had fallen in love with .a woman and a person who was deeply involved in -her Pentecostal religious community. "I felt that I was constantly pleading with God," says Poethig. "In that experience of becoming a Pentecostal I gave everything over for the pursuit of God in the world and then I fell in love with a woman and I kept thinking, 'Am I off track?"' When Poethig finally came out to her religious commun ity she was asked to leave the church. Lisa Larges' whole life was a path of preparation for the Christian ministry but, like Staff and Poethig, she was unwilling to live what she thought would be a dishonest life in the closet. Homophobia in the Presbyterian Church cut off her path toward ordination. The message from church leaders was that there was no room for unrepentant homosexuals in the family of God . Even the pastor of her parent s ' home church spoke against her ordination . Larges' church says there will be no ordination until she repents of homosexuality but she tells her church there will be no ordinat ion until her church repent s of its homophobia . Penaliti es like these inflict tremendous injury and yet the women we meet in Eve's Daughters have moved beyond the damage into freedom and affirmation. Nancy Chinn knows that not everyone is as lucky as herself. "I am blessed by a wonderful, wonderful relationship in which I can grow and change and grow old and grow spiritually ," says Chinn. "It's a real gift." Although Chinn was married to a man and had children, she says she never felt c!)nnected. When Nancy came out after 25 years of faithfully serving as a pastor's wife, "it was like coming hom e, it was where I should and gay men ... then I won't think much ... of me," deliv ers Rue. In spit e of the institu tional abus e, these women have gained self-knowledge and strength . In spite of the anguish of love withh eld, they have learned compassion. They return t o us as refugees from spiritual exile, refusing to be victims any longer and witnessing, through art and poetry and service, to the freedom that arises from the fusion of body and soul. They call the church not only "to repent of its homophobia," but also "to celebrate the deep spiritual gifts" they have because they are Lesbians. Clips of .Nancy Ch1 nn:s paintings "I am blessed by a wonderful, wonderful relationship in which I can grow and change and grow old and grow spiritually," says Chinn. When she came out after 25 years of faithfully serving as a pastor's wife, "it was like coming home, it- \.Vas where I should have been all my life." have been all of my life." Chinn is an amazingly talented artist who says she doesn't have the words to name what's inside her .- But her ·joy· and pain take form in her striking paintings and sculpture, which sometime depict the abuse and undervaluing of women. Victoria Rue, after leaving the convent, "knew in that moment of kissing another woman that things suddenly fell into place." Rue is an actress and adds a dramatic poetry reading to the video. "If no one thinks much of Lesbians and gay men ... then, I won 't think much of Lesbians ANGELS, From Page 10 right thing, is a flamboyant African American drag queen named Belize. For all his outrageousness, Belize is the tender nurs e, faithful friend, truth teller and angel of mercy . In choosing life and tendering mercy, Kushn er 1 shows us that there are indeed angels in America, if we know where and how to look, if we have not lost our spiritual connections. But the wh ere and th e how of our looking may take u s beyond the safety of · our supposedly sacred places . We may find that angels are lo dging with the aliens in our midst, that Jesus is dining with tax collectors and prostitut es, th,at God is urgently and sculpture brings a pleasing and calming, yet motivating, quality to those few minutes of the video. Musician and composer · Lois Anderson adds a delightful soundtrack. Ultimately the womens' stories of exile, triumph and resurrection pro, vide the viewer with the realization that the power to not be a victim is within reach of every lesbian woman and gay man. Eve's Daughters is available for $32.25 from Leonardo's Children, 26 Newport Bridge Rd., Warwick, NY 10990, (914) 986-6888. seeking the health of the city, that the Holy Spirit blows where it wills and we have simply gott en ourselves out of Her currents. We cannot risk the sins of Sodom - pride, wealth, -inhospitality , inju s tice, power, abu se - without risking the destruction inherent in losing our spiritual center, our .rela tionship to the God who has mad e us, the Chri st who has redeem ed us, and the ·Spirit wh o empowers us. Essayist, author · and journalist Richard Rodriquez, in his addres s to the opening convocation of th e SEE ANGELS, Page 19 MARCH/APRIL 1995 In Print •••••••••••••••• 0 •••••••••••••• . ........................ .. .......... . The book of gay days By Edouard Fontenot Contributing Writer The Word is Out: The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men; Chris Glaser, author. HarperSanFrancisco, 1994. F or many people, one of the most frustrating dev elopments within the gay and lesbian community at the end of the mille,mium is the fragmentation of what has been a more or Selectio11s for your library l1Vl1ila l,le from Second Stone Press ... DEFECTING IN PLACE: Women Claiming Responsibility for Their Qwn Spiritual Lives By Miriam Therese Winter. Adair Lummis, and Allison Stokes Based on a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 women, this book explores women's attirudes towards the institutional church . $22.95, hardcover. SHE WHO IS: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse By Elilabeth A. Johnson Library. Jourrial says •perhaps the best book of feminist theology to date ... grounded in classical Christian thought. rooted in women's experience ... $15.95, paper. WOMEN AT WORSHIP: Interpretations of North American Diversity EdiJed by Marjorie· Procter-Smilh and Jana R. Walton A remarkable collection of essays which probe the meaning and the many shapes of conttmporal)' feminist worship. $15,95, paper. SEASONS OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Christian Feminist Prayers for the Liturgical Cycle By Mary Kathlun Speegle Schm!ll Oraceful prayers written by the first·woman deacon ordained in the Anglican Diocese of Quebec. $11,95, paper. SEXUALITY AND THE SACRED: Sources for Theological Reflection By Jo.nus B. Nelson and Sandra P. Long/t!llow A comprehensive resource addressing l:).uman sexuality as a critical part of divine revelation IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD By Jim Ferry ' A gay ppest is put on trial by the Episcopal Church · $22.95, hardcover . MURDER AMONG FRIENDS By Chuck Faser A prophetic and scary murder mystery about a gay Quaker activist. . $13.95, paper. Place your order today! Quan. Titte Price Total □-,--------- □--- Postage/Handling $3 first · book, $1 each additional TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED NAME----------1 ADDRESS _________ , ctTY/STATE/ZIP _______ I ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SECOND STONE less united fronti This diversification of voices came first from Lesbians who did not hear their perspective articulated by organizations controlled by men, African Americans too spoke up to witness to a different gay and lesbian perspective. Ethnic, linguistic, religious and, most recently, political differences have dismayed many who rally gay men and Lesbians to unity in the primary cause of liberation. The irony is that the very success of the gay and lesbian movement in establishing a political and social bulkhead in the larger culture has facilitated this diversification. These small but significant inroads have made room for the airing of differences when issues seem significant enough. Previously unthinkable variations of gay and lesbian identity - gay and lesbian Catholics, Republicans, Wall Street bankers, farmers, union shop stewards, anti-abortion activists - are no longer unusual. This trend is _reflected in gay and .lesbian literature, perhaps most interestingly in works on gay and lesbian religious experience. The continuing, .even increasing, . phenomenon of books about Gays, Lesbians and religion perplexes many, and is itself reflective of both the fragmentation of gay and lesbian identities as primarily political and the establishment of gay and lesbian voices in virtually every part of society. While gay and lesbian people - though perhaps not elites - have always been a church, synagogue, temple and mosque- . going people, indeed leaders in the sacred sphere, the theme of books on religion sympathetic to gay and lesbian people over the last half century, had been legitimization. Works like John J. McNeil's The Church and the Homosexual, Letha Scanzoni"s and Virginia Mollenkott's Is the Homosexual My Neighbor and William Countryman's Dirt, Greed and Sex have spoken primarily about theological justification. Scholars John Bos- WHAT you need to know. WHEN you .need to know it. ACTION you can take . Second Stone's RESPONSEF AX.Letter COMING THIS JUNE. FAX or e-mail us for information . . (504)$91-7555 / secstone@aol.com. well, Randy Connor, Will Roscoe and Bernadette Brooten have unearthed or reconstructed the historical account of gay and lesbian reople in religions. This foundationa work has prepared the ground for the normalization of gay and lesbian religious experience increasingly reflected in new types of gay and lesbian religious literature. Author and religious activist Chris Glaser"s-latest book, 77ze Word is Out, is an excellent example of the normalization/ fragmentation trend. The Word is Out represents one of the most pervasive forms of gener-ic religious literature, -a sure sign that a religion, sect or movement is around to stay, the prayerbook . And yet both th e prayerbook and those to whom it is directed might appear anomalous to many both inside and out of religion. Staddling heretofore exclusive categories, Glaser ' s book presumes a gay and lesbian (and bisexual and transgendered) Christian- identified readership with a continuing connection, . even if peripheral, to the large r Christian tradition. The Word is Out assumes I.he legitimacy of the gay and lesbian religious experience, focusing on the spiritual nurturance of gay and lesbian people, rather than justification of their existence. Glaser's task is to . provide a "devotional book that helps God's Word to emerge from the closets of the Bible's ancient stories and theological language ." His motivation is the Bible's. inaccessibility to his own partner . He refracts the Bible though a gay lens, drawing upon his spiritual journeying as a springboard, in a process akin to midrash, the "applied exegesis" through which traditional Judaism, presupposing the divinely revealed truth contained in scripture, nevertheless struggles to mine the Torah through study, reflection and rearticulation. Glaser outlines a conventional theological basis for his work. He understands The Word, Logos, of his. title as the self-communicating divine presence, God's creative activity and the essence of the Christian good news. The Word which Glaser wants to get Out transcends the mere verbal communication, even that of Jesus, contained in biblical accounts. Word is communicated, sometimes obscurely, through the biblical narrative which Glaser understands as a vehicle for encounter with God, thus avoiding the idolatry of the fundamentalist/ literalist exegetical error. His perspective is as theologically orthodox as his call for the observance of the tithe. As a devotional manual, The Word is Out reflects the biblical themes of lamentation, liberation and cornmunity. Glaser has structured his prayerbook al ong the lines of the Christian liturgical calendar, though he begins with the solar year on January 1, rather than the Christian year on December 1. While this may simply be an effort to minimize confusion for the liturgically inexperienced; it has the regrettable result of hacking off the preparatory season of Advent, or what Glaser calls Nativity, appending it to the end of the year and disrupting the traditional narrative flow embodied in the liturgical year. Tile Word is Out begins with · Epiphanytide where Glaser explores the themes of revelation and manifestation, drawing especially upon the imagery of coming out. . The coming out act is likened to the divine manifestation in creation, recounted in Genesis and recapitulated in the Psalms, and in the incarnation. Glaser draws the biblical account and the spiritual joys and pains of the gay and lesbian experience close together, . making parallel gay and lesbian coming out into a fullness of identity and the restoration · of the corporeal fullness anticipated at the Parousia. The-likening of coming out to resurrection is ;m incredibly powerful image for gay and lesbian people who often experience homosexual identity as a vehicle for sin and SEE GAY DAYS, Page 19 In Print, briefly ... Same-Gender Covenants Pullen Baptist Church has published the church's task force report on ''Celebration of Same-Gender Covenants." -From Pullen Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27605, $7. And the Flag Was Still There In this new book author Lois Shawver substantiates a heretofore unexamined rationale-the "etiquette of disregard" • for lifting the ban against Gays in the military. ·From Harrington Park Press Rattling Those Dry Bones A new anthology on women and religion. June Steffenson Hagen has brought together 22 women of faith to share their personal views and experi· · ences of what holds them in the church. Included are Madeleine L'Engle, Susan Cole, Elisabeth MlotmannWendel, Virginia Ramey Mollenkptt, Rosemary Haughton and Nancy' Hardesty. · -From Luramedia, 1·800-367-5872, $16.95. . MARCH APRIL l 9 9 5 In Print .................. . ............................................. ~ .... . \ Homosexuality in the Church Book explores both sides of the enduring debate By Allen Smalling Contributing Writer A hundred years ago, Oscar Wilde called homosexuality "the love that dare not speak its name." More recently, some have remarked that it just won't shut up. Among the plethora of gay-themed books in the past several years are quite a few that deal with pure theology, practical theology, congregational studies and anthologies. With such a glut of books on the market, Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate may go under-appreciated. That would be a pity. Homosexuality in the Church is tailored for a specific audience: middle- of-the-road Christians, all "main- ... . ,. ,. ... ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. . ... ,. ,. ... ,. .................. ,. ,. ... ,. ................ ,. ....... ,. ... ' A A ,. ... A ;. ...... A ,. A .,_ ... ,. .................... ,. ..... . A A 4 A ,_ ,_ ... ,., ... A A "' ,- A A . A A . A ... A A A A A , ~~ ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~: JI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~= ~Il~lII~li~IIIl= line" if we include Roman Catholics in that designation. The book's 13 · essays break •into six chapters or "reflections" on scripture, tradition, moral reasoning, scientific reasoning, experience and decision -making. In other words, the old Charles Wesley quadrilateral has been freshened up a bit by breaking "reason" into philosophical and empirical components; the final section on decision-making offers a kind of "where do we go now?" summation . As the b.ook's title suggests, most chapters are set up in point-counterpoint fashion of two essays apiece; t he exception being the chapter on experience, with one very con and two highly pro entries. . The most innovative of all the articles is Chandler Burr's cover piece from the March 1993 At lantic Monthly, "Homosexuality and Biology," here reprinted in its entirety. Although not specifically written for church people, the article offers compelling, if SECOND STONE not fully convincing , arguments that homosexuality is more likely to be biologically determined than socially constructed and certainly is not "chosen" as a lifestyle. (This is important precisely because so many rightwing arguments hinge on a view of homosexuality as a perverse and wrong-headed "choice.") Probably the most thoughtful essay of the lot is Lisa Sowell Cahill's "Homosexuality: A Case Study in Moral Argument," in which Cahill, a Catholic theologian, analyzes the acceptability of open homosexual ity in the church in terms of scripture, tradition, descriptive experience and normative experience. (These days, one need not be a Methodist to find the quadrilateral an irresistible frame- A A ,_ ,. ,_ A ,. A ,. A A ,_ , ,.,,.,.,_,.,_AAAAA ... ...... ,.#, ...... ,.,,. ............ , A A A A A A A A A h A r. .................................. , A A ... ,. A ... A ... A "' "' ,_ ...... ,. ............... ,. ...... ,. , ........................ ,. ...... ... ",.,. ,. .... ,.,.,.,. , .. ,. ,. ... ,. .... ,. ... ,. ... ,. ,. ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. , ,. ,. ,. " ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ,. ... ,. ..... ,. ...... ,. ,. ... ,. , ... ,. ........................... ... ... ,. ......... ",.,.,. ...... , .................................... ... ... ,. "',.,.,. ......... "', ... "' ,. ... ,. ............... ... ... ,., ........ ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ,. , ,. ,. ",.,.,.,.,.,.,.,. ,. .......... ,. ,. ...... ,. .. , ,. ........ ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. .. ,. ...... ,. ............ ,. ,. ,. , ,. ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ,. ... ... .. ... ,. ........ ·"' ......... , ,. .......................... ,. ............... ,. ,. ......... , .................... "' .. ,. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. , ............. ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ....... ,. ... ,. ,. ........ , ,. ... ,. ..................... .. A ,. A .. A A A A A A , ......... ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ... ,. .. ,. ,. ,. ...... ,. ... ,. ,. , ...... ,. ,. ,. ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ,. .......... ,. , ... ,. ... ,. ......... ,. ...... .............................. , ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ,. ........ ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ,. ... .,. ,. , ,. ............ ,. ......... ,. ,. .. ,. ,. ,. ,. ... ,. ... , ,. ,. ...... ,. ...... ,;. ... " .. ..... ,. ...... ,. ,. ... , ... ,. ..................... .. ....................... , ,. ..................... ,. .. ............... ,. ,. ... , ,. ,. ............ ,. ...... ,. ........... ,. .. ,. ... ,. , . :: : : : :: :: : : : :: : : : : 1 ................. ·1 ,. ......... ,. ,. ...... ,. ......... ,. ..... ,. ,. .. ,. .. ,. ,. ,. ......... ... ... ... ... ,. ...... ,. ,. ,. ..... -,. ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. " ,. ... ,. ,. ........ ,. .. : ,. ...... ,. ............ .. ,. ... ,. .......... ...... ,. ; ... ,. ... ,. ,. ......... ,. ...... ,. ... , work.) Cahill concludes that there aren't any firm and fast conclusions; she finds the church's need to be inclusive and nurturing somewhat counterweighted by the normative dominance of heterosexuality. Not that the book as a whole lad..s firm opinions. 'The Love That Dare Not Pray Its Name" is a short piece by Presbyterian Chris Glaser . about the considerable institutional resistance Gays and Lesbians face . Glas.er's piece will enlighten the unenlightened as to why gay ordination is such a hot-bottom issue: at this time, only Unitarians, the United Church of Christ, the Reform wing of Judaism and the predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Church will ordain open Gays and Lesbians. Unfor-· lunately, the slangy, almost rabblerousing style of Glaser's article, which appears to have come straight from a West Coast magazine, is far from his best work. · Of the roughly half of all articles that come down against gay and lesbian ordination (or, much the same thing, that insist on treating openly gay or "unrepentant" homosexuals as sinners), most depend on Pauline writings or the natural-law argument. The latter theory, a staple in church discussions of this type since the late Middle Ages, argues that God made male and female for procreative reasons; thus, same-sex unions, being sterile, are not "natural." For sheer rhetorical sleaze, however, our vote goes to the book's first article, Richard Hays' "Awaiting the Redemption of Our Bodies." Whether homosexuality is a chosen or a given is irrelevant to Hays: "(I]t cannot be maintained that a homosexual orientation is morally neutral because it is involuntary ." Editor Jeffery Siker gives himself the concluding essay, "Homosexual Christians, the Bible and Gentile Inclusion: Confessions of a Repenting Hetero .. sexist." Siker, a Presbyterian who teaches at Loyola Marymount University, sums up the arguments that have been running through Homosexuality in the C}mrc/1 and comes down on the side of inclusion. Specif. ically he draws on the metaphor of inclusion that look place in the first century, when the church absorbed the uncircumcised Gentiles as well as Jews. "Heterosexuality may be the dominant form of sexuality," writes Siker, "but it does not follow that it is the only form ·of appropriate sexu ality." While not perfect, HCll!tosexuality in the Church is better than most of its kind . It belongs on every pastor's shelf, in contemporary ethics classes, and would form the centerpiece of an interesting congregational study. When people ask, "Why are Christian churches so obsessed with homosexuality?" . this book gives some answers . Allen Smalling is a writer and reviewer based·in Chicago. Excerpted with permission from the Dallas Voice . Recommended Reading For Everyone ... l~BN 0-9644123-0-6 PASTOR, I AM GAY by The Reverend H. Howard Bess · An extraordinary book. PASTOR, I AM GAY .. . is a prophetic witness to the . church. It is compelling in its intensity, compassionate in its identifications, and courageous in its call to sharing humanity without dualifications . A reader will not be able to put it own. James B. Ashbrook, Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in Religion and Personality Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary Northwestern Unive rsity PASTOR, I AM GAY is a superb entry into the difficult and pa inful subject of homosexuality that faces us in the church and society today. Both pastor and lay person will find this book readable and informative as we seek more insight into the lives of homosexual friends inside and outside the church. Donald Pars~ns . Bishop, Alaska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America PASTOR, I AM GAY offers wise counsel on the forms and directions our caring needs to take .. .is_ a pastoral look at our gay brothers and lesbian sisters, the most despised and rejected of God's children . Peggy Campolo, Wife , Mother Evangelical Leader Order PASTOR, I AM Gay directly from PALMER PUBIJSIDNG COMPANY , PO· Box 3938, Palmer, Alaska 99645-3938, FAX (907)745-6292. Enclose $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling for each copy ordered. I prefer: __ VlSA _ __ MASTER CARD __ PERSONAL CHECK (enclosed) Card Number: _______________ _ Exp Date: _ _ _ Name: __ _ ____ _ _ _ ___ Signature: _____ __ _ Address: _ _ ____ ____ _ _ _____ __ _ ____ _ - POBox3938 ~ J bs' Palmer, Alaska 99645 Palmer Pu.blishln& Compan:r . . . FAX (907) 745-6292 AOISSPIAG MARCH APR I L l 9 9 5 w Sounds w Paul Delph Putting his faith in 'A God That Can Dance' ByA.J. Kelly Contributing Writer Paul Delph's new . release chronicles a musician's odys. · sey through the AIDS epidemic from a very personal perspective. Paul Delph has AIDS. Delph has worked with major artists like Roberta Flack and Bernie Taupin as session musician, co-writer, producer, and programmer for well over a decade: He brings that expertise to this solo CD in a way that's unique, heartfelt, and important. There's not a dud among any of the 14 tracks. Delph has assembled a superb backup group, and the production is slick, modern, and engaging. But what drives the collection is Delph's laser beam focus on a struggle to survive. The result is a missive for anyone who happens to be alive in the latter part of this century. . The first track, "Mad at God," oegins with Delph's voice in a monklike drone chanting about the failure of organized religio n ·to answer fundamental questions of life and death. It drops into a solid, wellcrafted rocker, in which he sings: 'Tm mad at God / I'm just figuring out / Time is slipping away ... slipping away." And: "When I get up to that big door / And face the awesome light / I'm gonna ask more than a few questions / About what's wrong and right." Delph follows with '.The Good Days Are Better (But The Bad Days AreWorse)," a terse, boom-shacka-lacka groove that offers some guidance through the mine-field. Next is "Mamma Don't Cry." I cried anyway. This poignant ballad is one of the kindest gifts a child could give a parent: "I need a little smile / When my name flies past / To heal the hurt / And Jet the good times last / . Marnma don't cry· / Sing to the stars / As the last light dies / Your son is rising inside." Delph addresses the next generation of AIDS victims in "Stumbling in the Dark." One of the strongest dance cuts on the CD, it juxtaposes an upbeat, dance club feel with a stark warning: ''You can play all night, but are you running with the fear? / Out in the killing fields / You better Now available from Second Stone! The Word Is Out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would hold it hostage t.o an anti-gay agenda. In this inspiring collection of 365 , daily meditations, the Bible's good news 11comes out" to meet all of us with love, justice, meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. TiUe · □ Postage/Handling $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional ----- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME _____________________ _ ADORES$ ____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SEOOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 6340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 SECOND STONE • watch your step / ·Because you're stumbling in the dark." 'Tm Gonna Save My Dreams Until Tomorrow" is a ska-styled dance cut with an optimistic message: 'Tm g<;>nna save my dreams until tomorrow / Sooner or later this world is gonna be so inclined / They're gonna give up on the pain and the sorrow that plague us / And get into what keeps us all alive." The arrangement is joyful, fun, and unaffected - an example of the emotional range that Delph is capable of.You'll want to dance. • I ,I ~ , . bland§ CJnn · A Lesbian Pa1-adise. .. On 100 beautiful acres .with pool, hot tub, skiing and more. Innkeepers Judith Hall and Grace Newman invite you to write or call for a brochure. P. 0 . Box 118 SL Bethle.hem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 The CD ends with two otherworldly sound collages that segway together in a . dignified, haunting good-bye . "Breath of Life" begins with a gospel r.rea ·cher intoning the message, 'Breathe in the breath of life - and let it out. Whatever you came here with today, Jet go, and let God." Over this, Delph layers harps and strings, then weaves in his trembling falsetto ,. He dreams in stream-of-consciousness hope, Iove, sadness, and the bittersweet irony of making peace with creat.ion as his own life wanes. He also offers a hand to everyone else on the same path as he whispers, "If yol! need help, just call." 'The Dance at the End of Time" follows. Here, Delph reads a poem by friend, lover,' and fellow musician Jimmie Spheeris • whose life was cut short in an auto accident in 1984. "We move with such grace / To a love of som~ kind / Gel drunk and ·embrace / In the dance al the end of time ... " From anger and denial to acceptance (or maybe a detached, calm resignation) Delph invites you along on his personal saga. It's a brave piece of work - a wonderful gift to his family and his species. This CD is a must for every collection. "A God That Can Dance" is available from Magic Records, 303 Klotter Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219 by sending check or money order for $15.00. MARCH/ APRIL 199 5 MESSENGER, From Page6 lion - Republican or Democrat - has made an impact in the fight against AIDS? MF: I agree with many that the response from the Federal government was slow under the previous administration. It's still slow. It's no different now than it was under Bush. Yes, we have a little bit more inoney every year. I think that what .we haven't been able to achieve yet is to · get leadership in the country - Federally, statewide and locally - to say, ''This is a priority. This is an epidemic." That's what I want to hear. CJ: What do you perceive to be the greatest need in the HIV community right now? MF: Taking care of each other. That's one of the reasons that at Family CALENDAR, From Page 2 AIDS Network we're so intent on recognizing the caregivers. The epidemic isn't over yet and it doesn't look like it's going to be over soon. I very strongly feel that we have to keep our heads above water, stay hopeful and we have to encourage more people to come into the caregiving side of this epidemic. We need them. Outside of the HIV community, the greatest need is education . That's our only -cure right now. CJ: You're also well recognized as an artist. Has HIV made an impact in your work? MF: My work has always changed over the years because I'm changing and growing. I hope it continues to do that. I don't come from a place of Golden Threads 9th celebration JUNE 23-25, Lesbian women from all over the United States and from many foreign countries will meet at the Provincetown Inn in Provincetown, Mass. Golden Threads is a worldwide social network of lesbian women over 50 and their friends. For information contact Christine Burton, Golden Threads , P.O. Box 60475, Northampton, MA 01060-0475. 15th National Gathering of the UCCUGC JUNE 26-29, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets in Berkeley on the campus of the University of California. "Hurtling Toward The Millenium: Political Upheaval, Gay Power , and Our Dreams for the Church" is thlj.,.theme. _Jhe. .meeting ,: precedes . the United . Church ~of Christ General Synod. F\>r infon:nation call (614)593-7301 or write to UCCUGC , 18 N. College -St., Athens, OH 45701 . CMI Retreat JUNE 27-30, Communication Ministry sponsors a retreat for Catholic lesbian nuns and gay priests .and brothers. The Serra Retreat House, Malibu, Calif., is the setting. For information contact CMI, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 00600-0125. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JUNE 24-27, The annual retreat of ABC will be held at Thornfield Retreat Center in Syracuse, New York. Cost is $175. For information contact ABC, 872 Erie St., Oakland, CA 94610-2268, (510)465-8652. Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition Conference JUNE 30-JUL Y 3, Gay and lesbian parenting groups from Southern California will host the 16th Annual Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International Conference at the University of California at Los Angeles. Part of the conference will fQ.CUS on issues of relevance to those who are currently parents, those who function in a parenting role, or those who wish to become parents. Two other sub-conferences will examine topics of importance to the children of lesbian or gay parents. Conference fees include all meals and three nights lodging at , UCLA's Sunset Village. For information write to GLPCI '95, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., Box 109-346, West Hollywood, CA 90046 or call (213)654-0307, FAX (310)652-7584. Convocation of Beconciling Congregations JULY 13-16, '"Bound·tor the Promised Land" is the theme for the fourth national gathering of Recdnciling Congregations, to be held in Minneapolis. A youth and student rally anij a special gathering of the Reconciling Pastors' Action Network is planned :; Individual fee is $165, $85 for children and youth. For information contact the Reconciling Congregations Program, 3801 N. Keeler Ave . , Chicago, IL 60641,,(312)736-5526. The UFMCC General Conference JULY 23-30, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Communtty Churches will gather at the Westin. Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for its 17th conference. "All Things Are Possible" is.the theme for this conference which offers a discounted rate 61 $180 for non-delegates. A special gathering will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change . For information, contact UFMCC GCXVII, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (213)464-5100. SECOND ST-ONE ' ·~ ·- HIV. I think the only change, the only shift, in my life, is more of a sense of urgency than I already had . I want to do more, maybe take more risks in my art. CJ: You are asymptomatic. Do you take an active role in your health to stay healthy? MF: I can 't say that it's one of the things I do best for myself, so I'm certainly not a rnle model in that area. But I don't smoke and I don't drink. I take my mother's advice and take extra vitamin C. I think sleep is important, but with having two small children and traveling a lot, I don't always get enough. Relieving stress is important and I have found regular meditation to be helpful for me. It allows me to be centered so that I can do what I do. My art is also a form of meditation for me. My art is a soul-opening, creative place for me. It connects me with an energy that is very strong and I don't know where it comes from . Anytime we can spend laughing, enjoying and helping others is good for us. Certainly we should eat well and cut down on our fat, but .I was already doing that. Exercise is impor• tant but I don't always do it. I'll admit it: I'm human and not a perfect person. Many areas of health are important, but there isn 't a set formula I can prescribe . I don't think anyone · has an answer here. I think people have to listen to their heart and do what they feel is best, in partnership with their doctors. Communication surrounding this disease is important. It helps people to connect with others who have HIV, to find out what has been beneficial for them. CJ: You know that women are an increasing segment of our population being infected with HIV. What can be done to help the unique needs of mothers with HIV? MF: I think the biggest thing is to know that a mom will take care of her children before she will take care of herself. If there is a · way to alleviate some of the pressure and stress that revolves aro ,·;id children, then maybe mom can go and take care of her own needs, like going to the doctor. She needs support. Medically, there are a whole different set of issues regarding women with HIV. There are a whole set of things, gynecologically and physically, that happen •::, women, but don't happen to men. More women - and even doctors - need to be aware of that. I have a strong plan to reach OB-GYNs because I don't think they pay enough attention to the problem of women and HIV. I think doctors in general have felt that they can judge people by what they look like, to say if they have HIV or not. Women can change that by talking to their own doctors, forcing their health professionals to give them a test. Education, one on one, can make a difference. Cheryl J ohnstan is editor of Lifetimes2 magazine, a publication of Stadlanders pharmacy, a company specializing in medications delivery for people witl, AIDS. For infonnatian about Stadlanders, or to get a sample copy of Lifetimes2, readers may call 1-800-238-7828. Excerpted with permission from Lifetimes 2. Noteworthy W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bettendorf consecrated t.THE REV. MSGR. CRAIG 5. Bettendorf was consecrated for the Episcopacy of the Evangelical Anglican Church on Dec. 4, 1994. The consecration took place during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at All Saints Parish, Los Angeles, Calif. Particpating clergy included Rev. Mother Kathleen Stowell, co-rector of All Saints, Rev. Fr. Anthony Morello, vicar of St. Stephens Philippine Independent <:;atholic Church in Fontana, Calif ., and Rev. Fr. James Barlow, also from St. Stephens. Ecumenical Catholic Church buys property t.THE ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC Church became a property owner on Dec. 20, 1994 . St. Maximilian ECC bought the former Ebenezer Methodisl Church in Jacksonville, Ill. The church was originally built in 1835, on land donated by Dr. Peter Akers, a Kentucky lawyer who moved to Illinois to get away from slave owners. The present-day building was built in 1866. Don McRae t.THE REV. DON McRAE, pasfor and founder of the Metropolitan Community Church of Windsor, Ontario died on Jan.2, 1995 of complications associated with AIDS. McRae and his partner, Tony Dias, moved to Windsor in 1988 and founded the church. "His life was, and will continue to be a living challenge to society's assulI)ption that one cannot be gay and Christian at the same ,time," said longtime friend John Shellhorn. MARCH/APRIL 1995 ........... ............. .· . .......C...o...m....m....e..n...t. .................... . The ouster of Bishop Jacques Gaillot Vaticanl osesc redibilityw hen it abusesa uthority By The National Catholic Reporter Guest Comment The Vatican significantly raised the stakes in the ecclesial debate on the use • and abuse • of authority when it sacked the popular French bishop, Jacques Gaillot of Evreux. The move took him and most of the rest of the French hierarchy by surprise . It came when Gaillot was in Rome discussing his future with Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. Gantin at first asked Gaillot to resign, sources · said. When he refused, Gantin told the bishop not only that he was out • but that he was out the next day, Jan.13. When Gaillot balked again, Gantin handed him a note signed by Pope John Paul II, then traveling in the Philippines, confirming the deed. There had been no official judicial hearing and no known consultation with the French episcopal conference. The reason Gantin gave for the action was that Gaillot was not in communion with the church. French Catholics and others were asking: Who was not in communion with the church? · According to church Canon 194, the removal of a bishop from office requires "grave reasons" and can come only after a bishop has "publicly defected from the church or from the communion of the church." A number of French bishops and theologians said the Vatican had acted without justification. As news of the action spread, protests erupted throughout the na- QUOTABLE "I think the CatholicC hurch's stando n homosexualitiys horriblye vil. .. It just enrages me to see them take that position. We can debate about Jesus as a historical figure, but when I think of Jesus, I think of someone who is truly about love. I don't think he'd get along toow ell with the Pope". -Cybill Shepherd SECOND STONE lion. By Jan. 15 he had received more than 1,000 telegrams and faxes expressing support. In the city of Metz, parish priests refused to preach at Sunday Mass in protest. He has never disputed official Catholic doctrine. His apparent offense · apparent because it . was not spelled out by the Vatican - stems from his independent-minded ways and his outspokenness on non-infallible matters of morality, especially sexual morality. He has been an advocate of compassion for Gays and Lesbians and has said, for example, that the AIDS virus can be battled by the use of condoms. . . This is a case in which fidelity to the Vatican, as defined by the Vatican, has become the litmus test of rthodoxy. This, then; is a church in · which fidelity to Rome has become more important than obedience, as an ordained bishop interprets it, to the demands of the gospel and conscience. Woe to those Christians called to place institutional fidelity over compassion. Almost within hours, Gaillot's removal was taking its toll on the church of France. He is an articulate television figure, a cleric who has spoken on behalf-of the poor and the marginalized of France. The French bishops are divided on the sacking, with several calling for a gathering of the episcopal conference to consider its implications. Only Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger of Paris was known to actively support the move, which may have already backfired. · 'They can't muzzle someone," Gaillot said. 'Now that I have become an outsider of sorts, perhaps my determination will be even more vigorous than before. 'The church certainly wants to marginalize me, to lessen the weight of my voice. But I will not keep silent." r.,tfj:_P_o_ ntius'P uddle From the vast outpouring of commentary in the French media on Gaillot's dismissal one common theme emerged · a widening gap between the Vatican .and a substantial number of French Catholics. 'There are many who consider the pope's decision totalitarian," said an editorial in Le Dauphine Libre, a Grenoble daily. 'The image of the church has been tarnished. How many men and women will break away?" Le Mol'.lde, in a front-page article, said the church was "distancing itself from society." "I regret this decision," said_ the archbishop of Cambrai, Jacques Delaporte . "For out church, it is a wound. For dialogue, it is a failure. For the poor and those seeking a direction who put their confidence in him, it is a source of incomprehension . ... "If mission and communion do not go together, we are moving sooner or later toward a clash," he said. Bishop Jean Vilnet of Lille said the Vatican's decision was "extremely grave." It is thanks to Gaillot that "the poor, the marginals, the excluded, those seeking hope, felt understood, supported, recognized," he said. Said the president of the French bishops' conference, Archbishop Joseph Duval of Rouen: "I am sad. I never ceased to hope that we would not be faced with such a situation. I am sad for Bishop Gaillot, for the diocese of Evreux. I am sad for the church." Duval said he asked Gaillot last April "to place less distance between himself and the bishops, between himself and Rome . . I explained to him, in_ the presence of several bishops, that I had written this letter so that Rome did not have to intervene." "Gaillot paid no heed to my appeal. I pleaded with Rome to have patience," he said. After being forced out, Gaillot wrote a letter to be read in his diocese that said: 'The important thing is to follow Christ, to welcome his word, to continue to be the church to proclaim the Good News of salvation to everyone." Nine German theologians, including Hans Kung, released a "telegram of solidarity" sent to Gaillot, demanding his reinstatement. "We protest resolutely against this arbitrary action by the papacy. It involves a bishop who, following Jesus in discipleship and motivated by pastoral responsibility, exercised his office as the gospel demands with extraordinary openness and readiness to enter into dialogue." In taking such demeaning action against thinkers and pastoral leaders, it is the Vatican that is actually demeaned. Each exercise of brute authority only diminishes its authority and further erodes its credibility. The pope earlier sent out the message to theologians - toe the line - subjecting some of the most creative to trials and silence. Vatican officials also have gone after bishops, and the ranks of those who dare to question are thinning. It doesn't sound much like the Christianity we long for. Excerpted witlt permission from tlte National Catholic Reporter, Kansas City, Missouri. We welcome your letters and opinons Write to Second Stone. All letters must be · original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or FAX to (504)891-7555. ·nut~J ESOSS AID,"SOffE'~ "'\1-\El. .\'("'fl.-E" CI-\IL\)~E'.N-r o SE"S EPfa..~a._tft~oM . 'f\-1.E\~ WOQ..1"1-\LW.EESLSi= '~~ MOTI-IERSP .l\lt)S EN"t" 1)~C.KU-l-f:rro S '.'l'"A'fE-St:'ONS0~O£Rt,~ \.\A.W~r :rE'S." 'BEtrn~E DEI/OT\ONS \•HWEN'i 6E"£1'l T~E SP..11\$E1 1-iC.EN E"W'T6"- ING-RI~" (;OT fK~ ~OOK l)E.AL-rO ~~l'f"E i"'E ~l~l..E. MARCH APRIL l 9 9 5 W From the Editor W • • • - • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • e ~ • Louganis worth more than gold By Jim Bailey WITH NOTHING LEFT to lose, Greg Louganis has told his secrets. He waited a long time, too long say many in the lesbian/gay community, to finally come out. The 35-year-old four time Olympic diving champion had been not-so-secretly involved with men for over ten years before he officially came out at last summer's Gay Games in New York. And now comes the revelation that Louganis knew he was HIV-positive when he competed in the 1988 Olympics and he didn't share the information with officials. It is "regrettable" and "not morally right" said an outraged Park Seh-jik, chief organizer of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Louganis said he was too scared to reveal his HIV status to the doctor who stitched a cut suffered when he hit his head on the diving board in the Seoul games. After all the secrets are out, is Louganis, holder of 47 national titles, five world championships and five Olympic medals, still the champion we thought he was? · During his school years, Louganis was taunted, called "retard" because of his dyslexia, "nigger" because of his dark skin, and "sissy." He grew up in an adoptive home that included a father who paid little attention to him until Greg found out what he was good at - diving - and he beg·an getting recognition. His father once beat him with a belt across his butt and legs until he got a dive right. . · · As a young gay man, he ended up in a relationship that started out wjth his raging -lover raping him after attacking him with a knife. Instead of terminating the relationship, Louganis allowed this lover to move into his home and help him spend his money. The two stayed together for six years. Louganis' story is different from the stories of many other gay men only in that he disco_vered something early on that he could commit to, work hard at, and excel in - something that would bring him fame. Otherwise he was a scared, depressed youth who knew he "was different." He was afraid to name the difference and even if he had ·he would have still had no role models. When he ven.tured out to explore his· sexuality, he did not find a tender, genuine love; he found greed and abuse. "I thought it was the best I could do," he replied when asked by Barbara Walters why he stayed in the relationship. - -- -- - · Even as he stood with Olympic medals around his neck, Louganis somehow felt incomplete and undeserving. .Our task is to learn the true value of. ourselves, as children of God, and to equip oμrselves to help others understand their worthiness. We are partners with World Community Builders Second Stone has become a partner in ministry with World Community · Builders, an organization we reported on a couple of years ago. It's a group of folks who travel to foreign countries to help build and repair - ministry buildings. The highlight of our partnership will be our activities at the UFMCC General Conference this summer. We will be covering the activities of World Community Builders and will donate to WCB a percentage of subscription sales generated by our partnership. Watch for .mor-e details in the next few issues. SECOND STONE Newsjoumal, ISSN No. 1047-3971, is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone. a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17.00 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $! 0.00 for postage. All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISING, For display advertising information call (504)891-7555 or write to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send· letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Departmentitle) Second Stone, P.O. Box. 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Second Stone is otherwise not responsible for the return of any material. SECOND. STONE, ·a national ecumenical Christian social justice newsjoumal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE: Rick Mixon, Edouard Fontenot, A. J. Kelly, Rev. Sarah J: Flynn, Cheryl Johnston, Allen Smalling. SECOND STONE ANGELS, From-Page 13 Graduate Theological Union last fall, put it this way: churches need to practice our faith ori new frontiers; ·mainstream churches have to serve people where unmet spiritual needs exist - at the border, in secular urban milieus, in AIDS wards. Rodriquez, a gay, Latino, Catholic addressing seminary faculty, administrators, students and trustees, all purported religious leaders, chided: "We are not mainline churches anymore, not i)l 1994, not in secular America, not in yuppy San Francisco, not anymore. We .are on the edge . The world does not listen to . you. America is moving away from established churches ... We have to become eccentrics. We have to meet (people) where -they are. Religion does not begin with theology. It begins ... in a cappucino bar, on a deathbed . It is all around us. Ancient Sodom's angelic visitors came from the edge. They came from the edge of political reality, social convention and religious need. They came because Yahweh heard the outcry of the oppressed. They came to see if the people had strayed so far from right living that they were beyond hope . The story says they found the city worse than they expected and they had no choice but to destroy it. Later, Jesus sat and wept over Jerusalem, another great city that had lost its spiritual connections. He stood in the midst of the GAY DAYS, From Page 14 death. The format of the 365 daily meditations Glaser offers follows a simple pattern. The season sets the general theme: - A passage from scripture, either Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, is the context for a short meditation followed by a two or three line concluding prayer. Generally, Glaser does a good job of developing his twelve seasonal themes, though the reflections flow from the text in a loose stream of consciousness and the connection can be obscure. During the season of Lamentation (February), he confronts issues · such as unbelief, .suffering, grief, resistance, 'internal- . ized homophobia; AIDS. Passion (March) brings consideration of eroticism, carnality, sexual expression, nakedness, and justice and the season of Liberation (June) focuses on the misuse of religious power to condemn alternative sexual identity and the joy of overcoming this condemnation. Glaser makes a valiant effort at the slippery task of inclusiveness, addressing such pressing issues as internalized homophobia, transgendered people, aversion to aging, sexism and misogyny, abusive relationships, religious . arrogance and patriarchal church hierarchy. When he is able to tie together well these issues with thinking about God, Glaser is very effective. Unfortunately some of his city offering a new life, but so many, especially the wealthy and the reli_ gious leaders, could not grasp what he was offering because they were so caught up in defending 'their own way of life. They had it all figured · out; no need of God or God's messenger . Only this time the messen- · ger was . not so lucky or powerful as the angels of Sodom. This messenger they hung on a cross. How are our "cities" like Sodom, and how are we like Sodomites? Are there angels in our midst, come to see how we respond to our neighbors in need? Do we have a word of hope, a cup of cold water, a comforting touch, a challengihg word to .offer? Do we offer what we have, or do we hold back? Can we say no to the sin of security and yes to life that takes us from sacred walls to the very edge of our "cities?" If we accept the notion that the world outside our comfortable environments is hostile and, therefore, evil, and so settle for security and stasis, we run the risk of forfeiting not only our own lives but God's creation, for which we have been made responsible. If we work together, we may move mountain ·s and the fate of Sodom will never be the fate of the "cities" we love. IJ Rick Mixon is director of American Baptists Concerned. This article first appeared in Voice of the Turtle, the newsletter of ABC. gender inclusive retranslations of biblical text are , distracting, with an overdrawn, mechanical feel. As is often the case, simply excising pronouns can produce an excessively awkward text, "For God so loved the world that [God] gave [God's] only begotten son ... " Something deeply personal has .. been lost in this trimsition. In the absence of a more thoroughgoing retranslation, it would have been preferable simply to .alternate between masculine and feminine pronouns for the divine name as the meditations progressed .. This critique is not Glaser's alone to be borne; as .a culture we have yet to become nimble at the task of inclusion . These observations aside, one could not read The Word is Out without feeling a certain humility before the authenticity of Glaser's spiritual journey. At times his· eloquence is deafening. The reader, theist or no, will from . time to tin,e simply set aside the book and wonder at the unexplored possibilities, which is, I suppose, Glaser's goal. Glaser has begun the hard, constructive work of building up the gay and lesbian religious community, a community often assaulted from all sides. He is to be congratulated for this work. MARCH/APRIL 1995 ' ' • Classifieds ... , . ~ .............. ........................................ . BIBLICAL "CONDEMNATION" of gays examined by Columbia University graduate with a decade of UFMCC membership. $3.95 for 26 page booklet H& S/SS. FOB 221841 . . Charlotte NC 28222. "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," · ·"Philosophically intriguing," ,.,Excellent.-" Why' do revieWers highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dial _ogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50 / yr. Or sample us for $3.50 . CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY . P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF OPEN HANDS. an ecumenical quarterly magazine on ministries -with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample . 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641. 312n36-5526. FAX-312/736-5475. 10/95 HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda Directory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 . sources . of spiritual s'Uppcirt for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates - books. groups. periodical s. etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13237 Montfort, Ste. 8J0J, Dallas, TX 75240. 10/95 · WHAT'S IN cosmetics? ·Learn how to understand product label contents and find out yourself. FREE cassette and information. George Battelle, P.O. Box 461423-S, West Hollywood, CA 90046-9423. Voice/FAX (213)851-2372 . 6/95 TWO CHRISTIAN WOMEN seeking investors for development of private RV resort in central Arizona. For details call 520- 797-1626, fax 520-544-9649, or write 7920 N. Patrick Henry Place , Tucson, AZ 85741. 6195 ·- ~; GAY EPISCOPAL PRIEST seeks church position with loving, inclusive community that respects the dignity of all: Write to 431 Gravier St. #300, New Orleans , LA 70130 6/95 . MWBM; Chrlsti;n, 52 years old, 5'5", 165 lbs . . 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For details, call 520-797 -1626, fax 520- 544-9649 , or write The Point, 7920 N. Patrick Henry Place Tucson AZ 85741. 6/95 S E C O N D S T. 0 N E -------- ---------, Classified Order Form I : FOR ONLY Name ___________ _ : 35¢ per word, I your classified ad will Address __________ _ City/St./Zip_~-~---- 1 reach readers from 1 1 . Sitka, Alaska to AD COPY _______ _ : Amherst, lylaine and 1 everywhere in between .. I Business or personal. I try a classified ad in 1 our next edition! __ words X .35= $ ___ _ : .... -------.-- 20 word minimum. All classifieds I /Jail To: must be pre-paid. Deadline one month ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : Second Stone prior to cover date. We will mail you a 1 . Box 8340 copy of the edition(s)·in which your ad Please place my ad in these l issues: [ l Jan/Feb [ l Mar/Apr . [ J May/Jun [ J Jul/Aug ! [ J Sept/Oct [ J Nov/Dec · ! 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Wanted: a responsible person to take on a low monthly payment on a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call !oil.free: 1-800-533-7953 . 6 /95 ·· == = n FREE! UFMCC Resource .Catalog. The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is offering the new RESOURCE CENTER CATALOG, featuring new books . by MCC authors; materials for Gay and Lesbian Christians! Contact: U~MCC Catalog, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd ., Smte 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, fax 213-464-2123 . 4/95 ATTENTION CHRISTIAN songwriters: I will typeset your manuscript music . $20 first pa11e, $2 each . additional stav e. For ·info wnte : Eric Bicknell , 23244 Almira, Southfield. MI 48034. 4/95 "WHAT THE BIBL E Says and Doesn't Say About Homosexuality" by Rev. Nancy Horvath. Professionally · produc e d, studio quality videotape or ~udiocassettes in attractive package. Excellent ·addition to personal library ._ Wonderful gift. Video: $34.95 . Audio: $24.95. Plus $3.95 P&H per order. Credit card orders: . 800 -370-74!!3. Or mail payment to H&B Video, JDVMCC, P.O. Box 64996. Baton Rouge , LA 708% . SECOND HOME, From Page 12 into the ECC as a priest, while recognizing the validity of my United Methodist ordination. He developed a Rite of Reception in which my . United Methodist ordination was duly acknowledged and recognized as valid, while at the same time I was to be welcomed into the ECC with the laying on of hands and a blessing. This proposed rite of reception was shared with my United Methodist bishop, William B. Grove, who _ enthusiastically approved it and saw in the proposed rite of reception a possible solution to larger problems concerning the mutual recognition of ministries between the . United Methodist Church and other churches having the .historic episcopate. On January 11, at a service of St. Francis and St. Clare parish in Hartford, Connecticut, after making the appropriate affirmations of faith and loyalty to the ECC, I was .received by Bishop Mark Shirilau as a priest of the ECC. While it was not my original intent to be a pioneer in either the first or second sense of the word a~ used by Bishop Grove, that seems to be what has happened. So God works in .strange ways to break down the dividing walls of suspicion and division, not only between gay and straight, but'between Christian communites as well. It is my hope that what God has begun in an indirect or "lefthanded" manner in my life my flourish 'in the ministry of the ECC, and in ways I cannot now begin lo see or understand. ARE YOU MOVING? . The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us four weeks in a9vance for uninterrupted delivery. Send both oid and new addresses. If possible attach mailing la.be! in space provided. PRINT NEW ADDRESS ~ ·E ~ f ~ ~ Send co mpleted form to : THE SECOND STONE· Box8340 · New Orleans, LA 70182 M A. R C H / A P R I L l 9 9 5 ,. 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 Second Stone #39 - Mar/Apr 1995 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8eff9f6cd9b43e1ed7e2b49798b64aa5.pdf fe0569d39f6a56e82ab6e7dd60fff854 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 Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 38 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1995 Publication Date The date the issue was published Jan/Feb 1995 Text Any textual data included in the document OUR SEVENTH YEAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1995 ISSUE #38 Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing·stream. - Amos 5:24 DESTINATION. OVETT, MISSISSIPPI Gay and lesbian Freedom Riders to hit the road across America will ride to complete their dream of building a G ays and Lesbians from . all _.own hands so that the camp . -can the aid of a lesbian family feminist lesbian folk school (an eduand their besieged property cational and cultural retreat center outside Ovett, Mississippi on Memo- that makes available an opportunity rial Day weekend, May 26-30. for learning non-oppressive lifeways) Since November, 1993, lesbian and having food and clothing availp art ners Wanda and Brenda Henson , able to addres s the realities of po verty along with numerous volunteets, in the area. . have defended their 120.acre "Camp Robin Tyler, a prominent lesbi an Sister Spirit" folk school from an activist who originally called for and ongoing, religiou s right inspired emceed the first March on Washingcampaign of violence, harassment, Ion for Lesb ian and Gay Rights, and intimidation and death threats. There subsequently produced the main have been over 60 inddeats to date, • stage for the - second . and third including telephone · de-ath th feats, 'matches, a'n'd Rev. Troy Perty, founmail bomb thr eats, explosives found der of the Universal Fellows hip of at their gate and a d ead dog tied to . Metropolita11 Community Church es, their mailbox. The Mississippi Fam- · the largest organization of Gays and ily Values org.anization was created lesbians in the world, announced on for the purpose of finding ways to Jan. 9 that an interfaith coalition of oust Sister Spirit from their land. The Gays and Lesbians involved in th e clim a te of hatred that has been religious community will go to Camp spawned in the s urr..rnnding com- Sister Spirit over _ Memorial Day munities is palpable and deadly . weekend. The climate of aggression briefly - Perry said that World Community attracted the attention of Attorney Builders, a group of women and men General Janel Reno who sent Justice who contribute their time and talent Department representatives to Ovett to flying to countries outside the U.S. to investigate the situation last year. to build homes and churches, a The Justice Department conduded division of the UFMCC World Church that the Federal government could Extension, will be involved in helpnot help because Gays and lesbians ing with the remodeling of five are not covered under the current existing barns on the property. civil rights laws. In addition to help i ng build the With no help from the government property, money will be raised to in sight, veteran gay and lesbian help Camp Sister Spirit pay for exactivists have d_ecided to take the defense of Camp Sister Spirit in their P.O. Box 8340 _ New Orleans, LA 70182 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED SEE FREEDOM RIDE, Page 9 Bll..K RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT Nci. 511 /////////////////1////// TIME DATED MATERIAL - DO NOT DELAY//////////////////////// Those p>e()Jl)l,e At That Church The folks dt St. Francis Lutheran Church in · San Francisco are ·pretty good at cooking up controversy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. · They can also cook up a mean batch of Berlinerkranswer. SEE '1N PRINT," Page n Photos from the_ cover o f "Tho se People At That Church" by Joyce Oudkerk Pool You can e-mail Second Stone through America Online at: SEC STONE or through other services at secstone@aol.com. IN YOUR MAILBOX FOR A WHOLE . YEAR JUST $17.00! .~ Box 8340 • New Orleans, LA 7018_? " THE NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN NEWSJOURNAL FOR LESBIANS, GAYS AND BISEXUALS Contents .................... ., ..... [I] From the editor AMA takes steam out of ex-gay movement, reparative therapy . [I I Commentary J 1994 was a good year for us. [I] Letters to the editor _ r-~5 l_ill News Lines l--s·--1 Loneliness I It affects us all. Dr. William Howland 1 • suggests spiritual ways to cope. L ___ __ _ , . I Videos 00] ' 10 Queer Son, Vickie Seitchik's new video. [II] 1fl lf! _ In Print Bound By Diversity , Mark Thompson's Gay Soul and The St. Francis Cookbook Calendar r ·-:i 115 I Noteworthy [6 ~I Classifieds SECOND STONE - W From the Editor W . . . ........................... . Religious right can't afford new AMA policy By Jim Bailey The American Medical Association's policy change made in Dece mber regarding sexual orientation should - be the deathblow · for the so-called . "ex-gay" ministries - counseling services offered by some churches and religious organizations who claim to be able to change one's sexual orientation from homosexual _to heterosexual. Until Dece mber the AMA officially supported the position that one's sexual orientation could be changed. The AMA did away with that policy last month when the organization adopted a report caJling for "nonjudgmental recognition of sexual orientation." This report officially reduces the counseling services of ex-gay ministries to what they have really amounted to all along - quackery - and it greatly increases the liability counselors face from what may be the results of .the misguided services they provide . One "change minister" from Glendale, Calif., has already been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the case. of a man who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after receiving counseling to change his sexual orientation. The more truthful ex-gay counselors have been known to tell their clients in privat e what they will not acknowledge in public: that they indeed . cannot change a gay or lesbian person's attraction to a same-gender partner. In the wake of the AMA report, perhaps it is time for them to publicly admit the - only thing th ey really can do, which is to teach a gay man or lesbian how. to fake a heterosexual lifestyle. But that won't happen. And the AMA change in policy regarding reparative therapy might not be the deathblow for ex-gay services after all._ Look for an amazing amount of support for ex-gay ministries in the months to come from large, well-funded religious right" organizations. -The concept of the "chosen lifestyl e" is a-necessary and vital element of the religio_us .right's strategy in attacking the gay and lesbian community. If unabl e to continue to promote th e idea that heterosexuals evolve into their sexuality . but that homosexuals "choose" theirs, the religious right will lose the cornerstone of it's anti 0gay political agenda. (Gays and Lesbians might even start looking like a bona fide minority, deserving of equal rights prot ections .) After the "choice" theory is scientifically debunked beyond question, and most believ e it soon will be, the religious right will be confronted with the uncomfortable reality that God made gay and lesbian people .to be who they are. Then the "choice" will be their s. As Christians, they ·can welco_me their gay brother s and lesbian si"sters to sit in their pews, to stand behind their pulpits and to stand hand-in-hand in front of their altars - or, as hypocrites, they can continue to reject gay and lesbian people for the same reason they'v e. had all along, which is hatred. Bob Davies, ihe executive director of Exodus International, a network of ex-gay ministries, was quoted this week as. saying the change in the AMA policy was a "giant step backward into ignorance," That will be loudly echoed during the next months by leaders of the religious righ~. They can't afford for one of their mainstay programs -to slip into quackery. ( --1:-; 7l-n1v--,, -- SECOND STONE Newsjournal, ISSN No. 1047-3971 , is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1995 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $17.00 per year. six issues . Foreign subscribers add $10.00 for postage. All payments U.8- currency only. _ , ADVERTISING, For display advertising infonnation call (504)891-7555 or wnte to P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, noteworthy items to (Department title) Second Stone, P.O . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped , self address~d envelope. Second Stone is othe,wise not responsible for the ·return of any material. SECOND STONE, a national ecumenical Christian socia l justice newsjournal with a specific outreach to sexual orientation minorities. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey - CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE: Dr. William Howland , Johnny Townsend, Edouard Fontenot, Tim McFeeley JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995 . ' ~ Comment ....... -• .................................... ~ .................. . 1994 a good year for our community By Tim McFeeley Guest Comment C . onsidering the progress we've made in the past 12 . months, 1994 may go down in history as one the the most productive years since the beginning of the modern movement for lesbian and gay equal rights . Despite some setbacks and disappointments, 1994 produced many more victories than defeats for the lesbian and gay community on the · national political scene . Along the way/we hav1f shown ourselves to be more · sophisticated and effective · in educating the general public about our issues and building support for equal rights. We had some major victories in 1994. We kept anti-gay initiatives off ·ballots in eight states, and defeated those that appeared in Idaho and Oregon. We · were . instrumental in denying .Oliver North a seat in the jJ.S. Senate. In Congress, we beat anti-gay legislation introduced by Sen: 'Jesse ·Helms (R-N.C.) that targeted gay youth for discrimination in schools and restricted ·access to condoms in •high school health clinics. We also shot down an attempt by anti-gay extremist Rep·. Bob Dornan (R-Calif.) to summarily dismiss HIVpositive service members from · the military. · We made progress toward equal rights. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a new federal bill to prohibit anti-gay job discrimination, gathered more cosponsors i•n · four months than the Gay Civil Rights Bill did in the previous 15 years. ·ENDA put on track. the long:term · strategy that will bring about . equality under federal law. The Senate hell:I its first ·hearing ever on legislation that would extend any form of civil rights protections to lesbian and gay people. We earned a place at the table of the civil rights movement. Mrs. Coretta Scott King spoke at th.e introduction of ENDA, calling the bill a priority for the civil rights movement. The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, which is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights coalition , invited the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the largest national lesbian · and . gay equal rights organization, to serve on its executive committee. In 199 4, we received broader s upport among non-gay Americans. In 1994, we received broader support among non-gay Americans. A series of polls on public attitudes showed consistent, bipartisan support for equal rights and against discrimination on the basis of seJ<cual orientation. Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents polled this year said that no one should be singled out for discrimination, particularly in the workplace, merely for being gay, lesbian or bisexual. Retired Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz .) and Gov . Barbara Roberts (D-Ore.) co-chaired HRCF's Americans Against Discrimination program to defeat anti-gay ballot initiatives . We realized achievements from the Executive Branch. President Clinton issued a letter condemning discriminatory · statewide ballot measures, signed the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act into law, thereby strengthening federal penalties for bias-motivated crimes, including gay QUOT ABLE A matter of be!:,towed identity ... "As for the wrenching issue of homosexuality, I myself have ·undergone a shift in conviction. When I called for a ministry of homosexual healing and re-orientati .on 14 years ago as Bishop of. Atlanta, the only response from the gay community in the diocese was wounded silence, punctuated by overt expressions of disappointment in their bishop. Not rejection; but patient disagreement - with an invitation to sustained dialogue. Since then I have come to know a large number of homosexual men and women, many of them priests .. !no longer believe, as I did in 1977, that homosexu:31ity is primarily an amenabl.e dysfunction, a stubbol"I) but changeable dev1ahort from created .norms. In my view it is a matter of bestowed identity, not a self-chosen orientation an.d behavior pattern ... When I wrote that Pastoral Statement Ill 1977 I ·knew only one homosexual person up close. He scared me to death with his penetrating chall~nge that he was as complete a human being as_ l was - actually more complete, because in order to be openly honest about his identity he had 1o face wide public contempt and the narrower .scorn of his own church." · -The Rt. Rev. Bennett J. Sims, retired Episcopal Bishop SECOND STONE - bashing, and appointed Deborah Batts as the first openly lesbian or gay federal judge . The Justice Department issued a temporary waiver of the HIV immigration ban for athletes attending the 1994 Gay Games in New York. There was unprecedented visibility of the gay community. More than 250 National Coming Out Day events were held in all 50 states, generating •an unprecedented level of media coverage. To lobby at the federal level, HR<::F enlisted more than 4,000 local activists in all 50 states through a new Federal Advocacy Network. A travelling computer generated 60,000 personal letters to Congress, · and messages sent by participants in our Speak Out program topped the 1.2 million mark. Gay and lesbian organizations cooperated on a national scale. The five largest gay, lesbian and g<1y-supportive organizations in the country pooled their resources for the first time ever and raised funds nationally to defeat state anti-gay initiatives . A people of color summit held at HE.CF brought together more than a dozen groups representing African-Americans, · Latinos and Latinas, Asians, Pacific Islanders and N alive Americans to discuss strategies for countering the radical right. More than two dozen lesbian health profes- . sionals gathered in Washington for the first-ever "Lesbian Health Roundtable," bringing formidable expertise and knowledge to bear on lesbian health issues. The list goes on .. Taking stock of our accomplishments is not about taking credit and feeling good. As we enter a new era of unprecedented challenges, we need to know exactly where we . stand. An assessment of 1994 shows that we can face adversity and win, find new allies for our cause, and build the groundwork necessary lo advance from a position of strength . As I leave my position as the head of the largest national lesbian and · gay equal rights organization, I see a future full of hope and confidence for our · movement and our community. Tim Mcfeeley has served as director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund since 1989. He retired from that post in January. CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: Editedbv Helping -Christians Debate· Homosexualtiy Few other issues divide the Christian community more sharply than homosexuality. In this new volume, writers with divergent points of view deal with questions at the center of the debate between p1;0-gay and anti-gay believers. Sallv B. c;eis & Donald E. MessPr Edited by Sally 8. Geis. director. Iliff Institute. Lay and Clergy Education, The Iliff School of Theology. Denver. a11d Donald E. Messer. preside111. The Iliff School of Theology. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE By Geis/Messer, $12.95, paperbk ___ _ Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ___ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME _____________________ _ ADDRESS ____ .:._ ___ _,.. __________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP __ ~---------------ORDER FROM,: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 JANUARY/FEBRUAR . Y 1995 ...... .......... ....... .........Y...o...u..r...T. .u..r..n.. ...................... Bossier City, Louisiana Appreciating our early leaders Dear Second Stone, Your review by William Percy of the Dorr Legg book Homophile Studies in Theory and Practice was the best review I have seen. Many people in our movement have not even heard of Dorr. Having been there when Dorr was planning and giving his classes, I feel that people today don't really understand and appreciate the work done by our early leaders, nor do they yet understand the need to support our movement libraries and archives. We must get publishers, authors and everyoi:ie to save and preserve all our material. And that is where fine publications like Second Stone help, because you have news and views that years from now will help future homosexuals and leaders and educators know what we did and thought during these early days. It is exciting being here in the days when homosexuals, and our families QUOTABLE "Always be sure that you struggle with Christian methods and Christian weapons. Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press 011 for justice, be sitre fo move with dignihJ and discipline, using only the. weapon of-love. Let 110 man pull you so low as to hate him. Always avoid violence. If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in your struggle,. unborn generations will be the ricipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness; and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos. In your struggle for justice, let your oppressor know that you .are not attempting to defeat or humiliate him, or even to pay him back for injustices that he has heaped upon you. Let him know that you are merely · seeking justice for him as well as yourself. -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. SECOND STONE and friends and neighbors are working to bring equal treatment to our part of the American dream as set forth by the founders . Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Bill Glover, HomosexuaIl nformationC enter Daly City, California "News Line" article unloving end outdated Dear Second Stone, I wanted to write you and tell you what a blessing and education your newspaper has been to my family and I. I am a Christian gay man and my parents struggled many years to understand that they had a gay son. Praise God! It has now been several years that my parents are entering a new facet of their life. They are beginning to work with : and counsel parents who are finding out about their gay children. My parents' love for me is and has always been unconditional. I realize how lucky I am because I'm involved in ministry in San Francisco . and see the many people who have been kicked out of their churches and family for being themselves. I have to tell you I'm concerned about a few items that appeared in the Nov /Dec issue. On page 6. an article ran titled, "Anti-gay activist has AIDS." First, whoever wrote this article wrote it in a spirit of anything but love. There is an obvious overtone d cynicism by the writer. Second, I have to object to Second Stone -being used as a method of "outing" people. We get enough abuse from our mainline Christian brothers and sisters . Why must gay and lesbian Christians stoop to that same level? At some point someone has to represent Christ, and He had compassion on all: Third, I happened to have known Frank Shears. Frank very likely was involved in the ex-gay movement at once, but that had to have been sometime ago as I met him in February 1993 and he was not involved in ex-gay then. He was involved with the church you mentioned in your article. Lastly, Frank has been healed from AIDS for almost a year now, when he went home to be with the Lord. · In ·closing I • would again like to stress that I'm very concerned about the timeliness ·-of your information and the validity of your information. Obviously, this information is very old and I have to wonder about the rest of the information that is in here. God bless you all as you continue to serve and share Christ with our community. Sincerely, Todd Ferrell - West Hollywood, California Update on Methodist' judicial procedures Dear Second Stone, I am writing to update your story on the United Methodist Church's attempt to clearly define exactly what a "self-avowed pradicing homosexual" is in relation to clergy policy. In the fall of 1993, the UMC's Judicial Council ruled that, for implementation of the Book of Discipline's rule that bars "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" from candidacy, ordination, and appointment as clergy, the phrase has to be defined. · In response to this ruling, the Council of Bishops developed ·what they considered to be a model definition. A few Annual Conferences, including the West Virginia Annual Confers ence, adopted tl).is definition . The California-Pacific Annual Conference developed and adopted its own definition. Requests for rulings regarding the legality of these definitions were made in both Annual Conferences. In both cases, the Bishops involved ruled that the definitions passed were legal within the framework of the UMC Book of Discipline. Meeting in · late October, 1994, the Judicial Council officially overturned both of those rulings. In the case of the d€finition drafted by the Council of Bishops and adopted in the West Virginia .Annual Conference, the Judicial Council ruled that since the definition included the possibility that a minister .could be declared a practicing homosexual on the basis of testimony from a third-party witness, such could -not constitute "selfavowal." The Judicial Council went on to say that any defipition which is adopted must be based on the personal avowal of the clergypetson that he/she is a "practicing homosexual" and that the definition must make clear to whom the "self-avowal" may or may not be made to be considered valid. In the case of the defintion adopted by the California-Pacific Annual Conference, the definition was thrown out because it included in its definition of "practicing homosexual" sexual acts with a person of the same gender which a clergyperson admits he/she has engaged in, or intends to engage in. The Judicial Council ruled that the legislation in the Book of Discipline only contemplates acts which have occurred . or ·are occurring;- and that the rule does not include future . possibili_ tiesw hich may or may not occur. The result of these decisions is that most of the definitions which have been officially approved by UMC Annual Conferences have been -invalidated. In practice, there are a numJ,er of UMC clergypersons who are homo0 sexual. Many of them, in the words of one such clergyperson, "live in glass closets with mylar doors." The fact that these clergy are gay or lesbian often is known, even by the denominational hierarchy, but few Annual Conferences are seriously taking any action against these clergy, as long as they "officially" keep quiet about their orientation and/ or discreet in their practice, The reality is that most Annual Conferences have adopted a UMC version of a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Sincerely, Thomas H. Griffith We welcome your ·letters and _opihons Write to SecondS tone. All le'ttersl nust be original and sign.ed by: the writer. Clearly indicate if your n_ameis to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. Box 8340, New Orleans, LAl0182 or FAX to (504)891-7555. . ~eH_LilrIdsM yS heph;rtl eKnowsI'mc . ay , ' I ..............N....e..w.L..s.i.n ..·.e ..s..... NewE LCAs ynodb ishopa gayr ightsa dvocate LITHE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-West Synod of the Evangelical Lu.theran Church in ' America elected a new bishop, the Rev. Paul Egertson on Nov. 6. He is a North Hollywood pastor and university professor who advocates opening the ministry to Gays and Lesbians. Egertson said he was "surprised" when he was elected bishop of tne synod's 152 congregations. "My identification with a minority position in the midst of the nationwide controversy made me think that a majority of de[egates would not vote for [me]," Egertson said. Egertson won the six-year term as bishop on the seventh ballot, 222-201. Egertson, 59, has been well-known to Southern California Lutherans for his continuing education work at Cal Lutheran University, .but he also has been a part-time pastor for two years at St. Matthew's parish in North Hollywood, which has welcomed gay and lesbian congregants since 1985. The new bishop is the father of an openly gay son. Greg.Egertson was one of several gay seminarians who came out in the late 1980s. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, he is now an adminstrator at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. - Los Angeles Times, Reconcile Activistcsh alleng"ec urec" onference - LITHE BRIGHTONPRESBYTERIAN Church in Rochester, New York was the host of a conference on "curing 0 gay and lesbian people on Nov. 8-12. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley responded at a press conference on Nov. 12. During the press conference, GAGV repre .sentatives and others challenged the idea that gay and lesbian people can or need to be cured. They pointed out that you can change a person's behavior, but not their sexual orientation. The conference was a project of Malachi, a ministry of. the Brighton Presbyterian Church which encourages gay men and Lesbians to "leave the homosexual lifestyle.'' GAGV members who openly attended the conference said .that conference pa,ticipants . not only condemned,lwmosexuality, but claimed that the many local churches of different denominations which welcome Lesbians and Gays are "not true Christian people." Conference participants blamed. parents for "making their childre.n homosexual" through neglect and abuse. The orgaruzers stated that one of therr goals is to reach the larger community and try to spreaa their ideolog)' beyond "those few who are inspired to-have such a ministry." The GAGV, Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Ga)IS and other gay community groups fear that ministries like Malachi will use what the P-FLAG newsletter called "coercive methods on vulnerable or isolated individuals.'' Many n1embers of supportive churches were present at the GAGV press conference, including representatives from the United Church of Christ, St. Mary's Downtown (Catholic), Unitarian Universalists, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and other More Light Presbyterian churches. - T1zeE mpty Closet Anti-gapyr ofessoartt ackgsa y-friendlcyo lleague LIACCORDING TO A story in the Raleigh, N.C. News & Observer, professor of Old Testament and United Methodist minister Lloyd R. Bailey has attaci<ed Presbyterian feminist professor Mary McClintock Fulkerson for her views on the Bible and its appropriate interpretation and for her participation in a "public homosexu .al rights event. Both are faculty members at Duke University's Divmity School. Bailey sent a 40-page packet to United Methodist leaders all over North Carolina, claimin& that his evidence "should prohibit Fulkerson from getting tenure ... at Duke.'' Bailey also 'used the opportunity to sound an alarm overfocreased support for gays and· lesbians on campus, including a.movement to expand insurance ana other benefits to domestic partners of homosexual employees.'' - Mor_e Light Update SmalWl estV irgnicah urchca llso penllye sbiapna stor LICHERYL BURKE _was cal.led .this past fall to pastor First Congregational Church of Huntington, West Virginia, by a 97 percent vote of the 100-member congregation. At least five other lesbian and gay people -were already members of First Congregational when Burke applied for the pastorate, and she herself .had worshipped tfiere a few times. According to former pastor R<1ymond Woodruff, the congregation has a high level of social concern and involvement in a variety of arenas. When Burke was introduced to the congregation at a potluck dinner, she spoke open!)' about her life and how she came to that i:,lace. No·one voiced opposition to her call. Burkehad felt called to rriinis(ry while still'ln ·high school, but resisted because of the barriers she percieved to women in minisl:\Y. - Waves GermaLnu theranusrg edto ·recognizgea yl,e sbiapna stors LIGERMAN LUTHERAN BISHOP Maria Jepsen has urged the church and congregations to:, ecognize .male and female homosexual pastors . Jepsen, who is bishop of Hamburg, said one should be pleased that women and men who are not heterosexual can at last exe~cise profes~ions in the church without fear , . Addressing the synod ?f the North El.bian Evangelical Lutheran Church; held m Rendsburg Sept. 23, J. epsen said the church must not only orient itself by "traditional. dogmatic statemenfs and forms." The church has to take care of that whichfa .old;but also needs a keen, creative interest in that which is new, she said. - Lutheran World Information Newspap.reerP.Ortthsa tF ECis i nvestigatiCnhar istiaCno alition LITHEST ATE_,a C olumbia, S.C.l½'wspaper, has rerorted that, acting OO•a complaint from the ·Democ_rahc National Committee, the Federa Election Commission is investigating televan. g ehst Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition chapters in 35 states. The · paper reported that three members of the Coalition's South Carolina chapter ha\ie been called to a federal court to explai11 how the arch-conservative group operates and that Roberta Combs; the South Carolina ch~pter's state director, has been asi<ed by the FEC to give the feder~l watchdog agency copies of financ ial records and wntten correspondence with . political ca~didates. _Officials with the Coalition's headquarters in Chespeake, Va., ~efused h, discuss the iss,ue and FEC off1crnls·say they do not comment or even confirm .mformation about pendmg matters. The Democrats .charge that.the Coalition raises tax-exempt funds as a non-partisan orgaruzation l,ut backs only Republican candidates. Th<J De_mocrats say R?bertson:s Christian Coalition should be forced to register as a political action comnuttee, which would severely restrict the group's .fundraising ·and spending activities. - Outlines · SECOND STONE - Subscribe Today. AND YOU'LL NEVER A FRIEND JOURNEY. WITHOUT YOUR BE FOR SecoSntdo ne The National Gay and Lesbian Christian Newsjournal ···YES!·········~··········;···················;··· Begin my subscription to SECONDS TONEfo r: [ ] One year (6 issues) $17.00 [ ] Two years (12 issues) $28.00 [ ] Three years (18 issues) $39.00 NAM~ ADDRESS CITY/ STATE/ZIPC ODE CHECK HERE [ ) if a plain envelope is required and add $2.00 per year. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. International subscrtbers add $10.00 per year, U.S. currency . Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANl{YOU for your subscription support! JANUARY/FE.BRUA ,RY 1995 News Lines ......... ....... , ..... ........ . Gay pastor cut from ministerial association tlTHE SNOQUALMIE VALLEY Ministerial Association, an ecumenical group in western Washington , voted to redraw its boundaries to delibe rately exclude one single church, Tolt Congregational United Church of Christ in Carnation, Washington. The 8-2 vote .means that Jeff Spencer, Tait's Of,enly gay pastor, will no longer be allowed to attend association meetings. The church's youth liasketball team will not be allowed to participate in the ministerial association's leag ue without special permission . Spencer and others believe that the church was gerrymandered out of the association because he is gay. Three of the pastors who voted for exclusion were quoted in the -area's newspaper as being opposed to homosexuality. Spencer began his ministry at Tolt in September, 1993. The church celebrated its centennial in October, 1994. - Waves Bishop halts same-sex union M SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, which would have taken place at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, was cancelled after objecfions from Episcopal Bishop Vincent Warner, head of the Diocese of Olympia for Western Washington. The couple , Dr.James A. Black, M.D., who has served as president of the board of the Northwest AIDS Foundation, and Thomas W. Monnahan, political activist and former aid to Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, cancelled their ceremony three days prior to the event. The ceremony would have celebrated their long-terin commitment before 450 guests, including local and state offici.als and people from throughout the U.S. and· from overseas. Warner , who has opposed local churches performing same-sex unions on their own, told The Seattle Times tliat it was "painful'fpr me to be in a place where I can't be more supportixe" of lesbian and gay marriages . In contrast, the Very Rev. Frederick Northup, dean of St. Mark's, statea that refusing to bless the lifelong commitments of gay and lesbian couples denies those couples the full pastoral care allowed.them by resolutions of the Episcopal Church at both the national and local levels. - Seattle Gay _News · Residents rally against change ministry . MBOUT 40 RESIDENTS of Oak Park in Chicago attended a press conference on Nov. 12 to protest a planned conference on ex-gay ministries at C;,lvary Memorial Church in Oak Park. Representatives from the MCC, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Alliance and local Episcopal and Methodist churches spoke against efforts to "stra ighten" Gays and called for religious acceptance of Gays. "It's a victory that the conference was cancelled, and we'll be certain to respond to every future attempt to define what people should be," said MCC pastor Rev. Bradley New books available from Second Stone! Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Revised and Updated, by Letha Dawson Scam.oni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, $11.00, paper The Word Is Out The Bible Reclaimed.for Lesbians and Gay Meμ, by Chris Glaser, $12.00, paper Jesus Acted Up A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto, by Robert Goss $14.00, paper Family A Portrait of Gay and Lesbian America, by . J?hotographer Nancy Andrews, $25.00, paper Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. Tide □ Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED-~--- NAME ________________________ _ ADDRESS _____________________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA io1s2 SECOND STONE - i Michelson of Oak Park. "We're in a rage that they use the word 'Christian' to push intolerance. They need to learn that diversity is th e intent of a God of love." The conterenc e_ was scheduled to feature keynote speaker Dr. Bill Consiglio, director of HOPE Ministries of Connecticut, a board member of Exodus International and author of Homosexual No More. The change conference was cancelled, allegedl y becaus e of low registrati on. Church leader calls for harsher anti-gay laws t,.ROMANlA'S ORTHODOX PATRIARCH Teoctist has called on the parliament to reverse itself and bring back the nahon:s harsher Communist-era anti-gay laws, with 5-year prison sentences. Teochst said m a written request for reinstatement of the country's older anti-gay laws · that Romania's forefathers "knew how to distinguish between sin and v irtue, natural and unnatural , normal and abnormal." Con1ested bishop calls for new policy on Gays llM ICHAEL TURNBULL, the newly enthroned Anglican Bishop of Durham who was ' convicted i n 1968 of "gross indecency" for having sex with another man in a public ; restroom, has called upon the church to re-evaluate its.ban on gay priests. The gay rights · group ·Outrage protested Tur-nbull's enthronement. Prior to the-revelation of the sex charge, T~rnbull had said that homosexuality was incompatible with th e Church of England.' I know some homosexual clergy who are among the most committed and loving m the Church," Turnbull said. "The last thing I want is for them to feel marginalized or put in a ghetto." - Outlines Pastor's removal from commission okay, judge says llA PASTOR'S REMARKS that homosexuality was an "abomination to God" and his refusal to disavow violence against Gays and Lesbians were grounds to fire him from the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, a federal judge has ruled. Because Rev. Eugene Lumpkin's comments could reas onably be interpr eted· as obstructing the goals of the commi ssion, his firing by Mayor Frani< Jordan did not violate his rights of free speech and religion, said U.S.District Judg e Fern Smith. The ruling dismissed Lumpkin's lawsuit over his August 1993 remo val. · Group forms to counter Rev. Phelps llFAITH IN FREE SPEECH is being put to the test among members of a coalition who believe Rev. Fred Phelps has stretclied the limits with his verbal attacks on ~ay men and Lesbians. "The message of love will be stronger than the message of hate, .said Ginger Ashmore, one of the coalition leaders who met Nov. 26 to discuss ways to reply to Phelps, whose small Baptist congregation consists mainly of family members. The catalyst for the meeting was Phelps' verbal attad ; on poet Maya Angelou,. who is known for her civil rights work, which has included standing up for gay rights. Angelou, whose car was surrounded by Phelps supporters after an appearance m Topeka recently, canceled a speech at Emporia State University after she was shouted at by the group. The coalition claims more than 70 groups as members. Their first action was to send an open letter to Angelou, urging her to come back to Kansas. Quaker group supports same-sex marriage . t,.A CONGREGATION OF Quakers in Vermont is calling on state lawmak ers "to open th e institution of legal marriage to all couples, same sex and opposite sex, who apply for a state marriage license." The word .came in an open letter the Quakers of Ifie Putney Friends Meeting has sent to legislators and local re1igious groups, decrying "the injustice of Vermont law which does not allow a same-sex couple to obtain a marriage license ." The Quakers said they may. start refusing to sign the sfate •license of any marriages they perform . The Putney Friends Meeting does perform marriages for same-sex couples. - Southern Vorce Chicago Theological Seminary and Samaritan share resources t,.CHJCAGO THEOL(X;!CAL SEMINARY and Samaritan College, th,:, educational arm of the UFMCC, formalized a dual enrollment program on Nov.· 18. The program is tl1e first of its kind in which openly gay and lesbian people who are training for the ministry have access to non-homopbobic theological education through Samaritan and also access to an accredited Master of Divinity program through Chicago Tneological Seminary. Samaritan, founded in 1970, is the only institution in the world dedicated solely to gay arid lesbian theological education. Cathedral of Hope picketed · · t,.CATHEDRAL OF HOPE MCC, Dallas, Texas, was _picketed Nov. 11-12 by Rev. Fred Phelps, a fanatical minister from Topeka, Kansas, who preaches a message of hat.red for Gays and Lesbians. Rev. Phelps lecf about 15 other protestors in picketing a funeral and a holy union at the church with signs such as "God hates fags" and "God's hate is great." He has gotten national media attention for picketing funerals of individuals who have died of AIDS. "Our strategy was ·that we would siml;'lY look like the normal Christian people we are and allow the contrast to speak for itself," said Rev. Michael Piazza, pastor. "People ·could see women and men inside worshipping God and women and men outside hating people, and draw their own conclusions.' He noted that neighbors and public officia[s ralhed to support the church. "We got very good support from the city and the police department, and he got a great deal of ridicule," Piazza said. He added that the protest did not hurt church attendance. More than 1,450 people attended Sunday morning worship on Nov . 13, when Phelps was expected to picket agairi, but failed to show : Because the church is situated far from the road, it was difficult for the protesters to get .near the church building, and they ended up looking like they were picketing a nearby gas station and steakhouse. "Some people mistook them for anti-beef activists," said Randy Sparberry , Cathedral of. Hope director of administration ."We had gone to great lengfhs to educate the congregaton and we were prepared for a really ·unpleasant situation, and then it ended up being a comedy of sorts. They didn't achieve what they wanted, which was to provoke us." - Keeping in Touch JANUARY/FEBRUA ,RY 1995 Gay, .lesbian issues escape religion writers' top news picks MEMBERS OF THE Religion News writers Association did not select any news stories with specific gay /lesbian themes as their top stories of 1994, according to a national poll conducted by Willmar Thorkelson. The RNA selected the role of the religious right in the November Republican victories as its top story of the year and named Pope John Paul JI newsmaker of the year, citing, among other things, his silencing discussion of the ordination of women priests. The most votes for the association's "Into the Darkness" award, give.n for attempting to conceal information from the pub lic, went to the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops for its efforts to keep secret its draft state ment on human sexuality. Backlash to the "Re-Imagining" conference held in 1993 was the number three story according to the poll. . The conference provided an opportunity for women to rethink their concepts of God and drew criticism from church conservatives. Also making the list of top stories was the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Church of England . The action ended a long struggle for activists supporting ordination of female priests and prompted some conservative church members to convert to Catholicism. Gay Catholic group welcomes retirement of Cardinal O'Connor THE LEADER OF Catholic Advocates for Lesbian and Gay Rights says his organization welcomes the retirement of New York Cardinal John J. O'Connor. "We hope the Vatican accepts his resignation and replaces. him in a timely manner," said Br. Rick Garcia, director of Catholic Advocates, a national pro-gay Catholic group that is funded by 70 religious orders of nuns and priests. Cardinal O'Connor has vocally He's a familiar face, but .. opposed gay civil rights legislation and has clashed repeatedly with .gay rights and AIDS activists . O'Connor has also expelled gay Catholic groups from church property. "O'Connor's antagonism and lack of pastoral concern toward the lesbian and gay community will not be missed," said Garcia. "We look forward to the. day when his bigotry and insensitivity no longer occupy the See of New York." Due to a production error at our printer, a cutline was omitted from the cover of our last issue. Pictured was Dr. Mel White, UFMCC National Minister of Justice, delivering the keynote address during a forum on religious communities confronting the radical religious right, held in conjunction with the National Council of Churches General Board meeting in New Orleans. QUOTABLE "For me, revolution was never an interim 'thing to do' before settling down: it was no fashionable club with newly minted jargon or a new kind of social life - mage thrilling by risk and confrontation, made glamoro us by costume. Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. When one commits oneself to the.struggle, it must be for a lifetime ." -Angela Davis Bulk Copies Available • • • • • • • • • • • • • OF THIS ISSUE OF SECOND STONE For church/group distribution, conferences, bar ministry, etc. 10 copies• $13.50 • 25 copies· $29.50 • 50 copies· $45.00 100 copies - $67.50 includes postage and handling Limited quantity of back issues available FREE; add $5.00 postage for every 50 copies. Send ,your pre-paid ord.er to Second Stone, P.O.Box 8340, ·New Orleans, LA 70182 THE MOST· VALUABLE NURTURING READABL,E RESOURCE YET New! Expanded 5th Edition CHRISTIANS AND HOMOSEXUALITY , Since 1978, The Other Side has _been speaking to folks with clarity and compassion about questions of homosexuality and Scripture. Due to many requests for copies of some of our earlier articles, we've put a group of them together in booklet form. Included in this updated and expanded 64- page booklet are articles on whether or not sexual orientations can be "changed," what Scripture does and does not say about homosexuality, reading Scripture through gay eyes, gay and lesbian roles in the church, and more. Equally ideal for group discussions or personal reflection. Satisfaction guaranteed. Order yours today! . ♦ Single cop y, $5 postpaid ♦ 10 or more, $4 each, postpaid ♦ 50 or more , $3 eac h, postpaid Number requested Total enclosed: '$ For tax, PA residents add 6%, Philadelphi a res. 7% Name Address City, State, Zip Bonus offer: Check bere □ and el!c/ose an extra $1 for a sample copy q{ Tbe Other Side magazille P0833A It .•. JANUARY/ FE BRUARY 1995 -, We fear it more than death ... LONELINESS BY DR. WILLIAM HOWLAND Among all of the trauma and the torments, the hurts, pains, and problems facmg us md1- vid uall y and corporately, there is one which we need to recognize and acknowledge in order to help one another seek ways to cope. The Wall Street Journal recently reported what I thought was an unexpected series of results of a survey taken in which the question asked was, "What is it you fear most?" Surprisingly, death was a distant third in the responses to that question. Fear of failure was the number one answer and fear of loneliness·was number two. Fear of loneliness is related to fear of failure, for if we do-fail we fear the risk of ridicule and rejection by others and the temptation to withdraw into ourselves out of a kind of embarrassment and shame. · Fear of loneliness is also related to fear of death. We don't know absolutely what the experience of death involves. We do know that nobody can take our hand :1n-d accompany us in death. Ultimately we do die alone. . Loneliness is a longing for that sense of fulfillment that is so satisfying, so enduring, so sustaining that it never departs from us. We do not want to feel that ache and pain, that discomfort that comes from being alone. Describe it as you will, define it as you may, none of us are totally immune from the experience of loneliness. Loneliness may arrive at any moment, sometimes for no reason that we can identify, and other times for reasons which we can logically and rationally explain. For many of us, in our society, loneliness is a debilitating, agonizing, hurtful condition which hounds us and haunts us often with emotions whose full meaning we are reluctant to admit to ourselves. 'And we are hesitant to acknowledge such emotions to any other person Tallulaho n high mass.. . because they are so deep and so painful. What an irony, what a paradox, that in a time of instant communication, when we know what's happening almost in seconds in every corner of the globe, the technology that links our lives together in such formidable ways gives us little real understanding of ourselves and others. In a time when we are i1o longer isolated by geography, but literally crowded together by a burgeoning population, a shrinking globe, and a universe which is not totally devoid of some understanding in the face of all of this, in our moment of history, we are lonely. One has written, "Loneliness - like pollution - is a problem which has crept upon industrial society until it now plagues the whole spectrum of life trom the cradle to the grave. Industrial society unwittingly managed to create a lonely world and nowhere is it lonelier than in advanced countries , People lack !he familiar and spiritual ties which would alleviate the unwanted loneliness and aloneness in which people find themselves." There are degrees of loneliness. We do not all experience loneliness in the same way. For some of us loneliness comes and goes. But for some of us, loneliness seems to take up residence within us and remain with us no matter what we try to do. There are wavs of loneliness with a multipiicity of causes and factors which are unique to us and whom we are, and what our life experiences have been. And those experiences can cause a loneliness that is so intimate we find it hard even to articulate. On a somewhat superficial level, Wade Hewey, professor at Columbia Seminary, has compiled this list of what he says it is to be lonely. "Loneliness is a six-year-old who does not know the name of any other first grader. Loneliness is hearing the It was said that Tallulah Bankheai:1, the fog-horned voiced actress of a generation or so ago, once went to a Catholic cathedral for a high mass in New Orleans, though she herself was not" a Catholic, and therefore could not understand either the symbolism or the ritual . Toward the end of the service the archbishop wearing his fanciest vestments swept grandly up the .center aisle waving that censor on a chain that was emitting billows of incense smoke. As he swept past the pew where Bankhead was seated, she was heard to say to him, "Dahling, your gown is divine, but your purse in on fire." -Tell Us SECOND STONE - umpire call 'Strike three, _you.'re out' when the winning run in on third base. Loneliness is a mother whose children are all away at school. Loneliness is a conscientious objector who is called a 'draft dodger .. .' Loneliness is watching a TV commercial of a fully-stocked refrigerator while serving your children crumbs and scraps. Loneltness is lying in a hospital bed looking at the ceiling and asking, 'how long, how long? .. .' Loneliness is realizing in some ways you can never go home again." In a time when we are no longer isolated by geography, but literally crowded together by a burgeoning population, a shrinking globe, and a uni verse which is not totally devoid of some understanding in the face of all this, in our mon1ent in history, we are lonely. But that iist only tells part of the story, doesn't it? It doesn't tell your story or my story. The Christian Science Monitor printed a story not so long ago that said "Loneliness has been observed as the one thing that falls through the state social welfare net. There are ·cues, application forms, coupons and cash for almost every human need. But the clerk behind the desk, the social worker who visits the home, cannot by official servic.es or practiced technique fill the emptiness in the heart." Friendship, even at the lowest level of acquaintance is beyond the power of all requisitions. Yet. a growing body of self-help literature treats loneliness as a- matter that can be cured by the approach of cruise directors, instant communities and plastic name badges. And if all else fails, lose weight and change your hair-style. But to be lonely is deeper business than a Saturday night with no place to go. To be lonely is to be without strings because nobody needs the other end of your string. To be lonely is a state that requires the scrutiny of more than the psychologist and the sociologist. Not even to mention cruise directors. No single solutions, no quick and ready answers, rio easy escapes. The parable Jesus tells in John 15:1 c 11 speaks about the vine and the vine dresser and the necessity of being in relationship, that life is a gift given by oi1e who loves, and that life if it is to be fulfilled has to be lived in relationship and cannot be lived isolated, cut off, and alone. There's ·danger in disconnectedness. That life and health is dependent on being centered on the God of creation, who nurtures and loves, and that ultimately as hard as this may be for us, even in those moments of desperation, we are not alone, dependent on our own resources, but at the center of creation, the center of life, the center of history. There is a power, a God, a Divine Companion, who seeks to be present to us, for us, around us, and within us. Fortunately we are not like one young boy who I read about recently. According to Max Eastman, who was a teacher and an assistant at Columbia University in pre-World War I years, the philosopher John Dewey .on one occasion left the campus and was walking with ·a colleague. And as he was walking along, a young lad rushed up to him and asked for a nickel. John Dewey was incensed. He gave the boy a coin and then walking away, wondered out loud in a kind of hostile voice and angry posture, what the world was coming to that children could go about begging in the streets. "John," replied the colleague, "that was your son." The Divine Parent of ·us does not forget us. The Divine Parent of us knows our name ... knows who we are ... knows our hurts, our longings, our hopes, our dreams, our successes, our joys, and shares in our life experience with us moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day, week by week. And it is in that affirmation of trust and hope that the ultimate answer may come for our loneliness. · But the God who knows us calls us to do more than simply acknowledge that there is a God who .knows us and loves us . That God through the parable and the whole gospel impact SEE LONELY, Next Page J A N U A R Y I F E B R U A .R Y 1 9 9 5 LONELY From Page 8 of its message says that if we are really to discover God, to know God, we do it in our love of self and love of one another as God loves us . The way to fill the voids and the empty places and to bring solace and comfort is to be available and present to ourselves in ·love, and to be availabl e and present to one another in love . · The New York Times. tells about a small boy who was riding in a cross-town bus, and as the bus moved along, the little boy kept inching closer and closer to a woman in a grey suit sitting beside him on the seat. Other riders thought that because he was so close to the woman that he must b·elong to her. And when he was completely snuggled up n ex t to her with his feet upon the ·seat, his shoes began to rub the dress of th e woman on the other . side of him. She leaned forward and said to the woman in the grey suit, "Pardon me, but would you please ask your little boy to take his feet off the seat. His . shoes are getting my dress dirty." The woman in the grey suit just gave the little boy a gentle shove and said, "He's not my boy, I never saw him before ." The boy squirmed uneasily. He was so small that his legs. dangled ov er the edge of the seal. He lowered his eyes and tried desperately to hold back some ~obs. 'Tm sorry !got your dress dirty," he said to the woman. "l didn't mean to." "Oh, that' s all right," she answer ed, a little embarra sse d. And then, since his eyes were still fashioned upon her , she asked him , "Are you going somewhere alone?" "Yes," he nodded. "I always go alone. There isn'.t anyon e to go with me. I don't have a mommy or a daddy. They're both dead. I live with Aunt Clara and she says that Aunt Mildred ought to take care of me part of the time, so when . she gets tired of me, and wants me to go some place, she sends me over to stay with Aunt Mildred." "Oh, " said the woman, "you 're on your way to Aunt Mildred's now? " , "Yes," the boy continued, "but sometimes Aunt Mildred isn't home. I sure hope she's there today, because · it looks like it's going to rain, and I don't want to have to stand out in the street when it rains ." The woman, with a lump in h er throat, said, "You're a very little boy to be shuffled around like that." "Oh I ·don't mind," he ·said. "I never get lost, but I get lonesome sometimes. So when I see someone I think I would · like to belong to, I sit close and snuggle up and pretend that I belong to that person. I was pretending that. I belonged to that other lady when I got your dres s dirty. I forgot about my feet." Le t us by God's grace be bold enough symbolically to snuggle a bit, and · receptive enough to respond enough when someone snuggles. Then that God in us an<;! among us may help us with our lostn ess and our loneliness. Excerpted witlz pennission from Tell Us, the newsletter of Telos Ministries for Baptists, P.O. Box 3390, Falls Church, VA 22043. Dr. Bill Howland is sponsoring pastor of Telos. . FREEDOM RIDE From Page 1 pens es for a Federal lawsuit to be filed under the anti-Klan act for the harassment they have recieved. Because of the escalating violence against Lesbians and Gays all over tl1e world, an international lesbian/ gay version of the Clothesline Project will occur during this time at the camp. The purpose of the Clothesline Project is to bear witness to the survivors and victims of the war against women, both the casualties of the war, and the wounded. This display will show the extent of the problem with a visual impact similar to the AIDS quilt. Another purpose of the Clothesline is to help with the healing process for people who have lost a loved one or who are survivors of violence. The Destination : Ovett/Gay Freedom Riders Coalition will contact gay and lesbian groups all over the world to send in tee shirts bearing the nam es of Gays, Lesbians and others who have suffered violence or death. These will be displayed at .camp Sister Spirit. SECOND STONE Perry ·stated that -for him and other religious people this should be a matter of really living what the religious life should be for four days . "Instead of just praying for these women, we are putting legs on our prayers and inviting people to join us in Mississippi." Robin Tyler, Gay Freedom Ride coordinator, who is Jewish, says that the Jewish community has always been on the forefront of civil rights, and once . again, this will be their opportunity to confront injustice. Tyler states that the action also sends a message that Gays and.Lesbians are prepared to defend themselves. "For decades Mississippi has been th e battle ground for civil rights," says Tyler . "Following the tradition of the 1960's, the community of faith must rise once again. And we need to let , gay bashers and h.omophobes know that when they attack isolated Gays and Lesbians, they aren't.just taking on one or two p.eople, they are taking on the entire gay and lesbian movement." - EQUAL RI IE ~ lesbian and Goy Worship. NEW TITLES Equal Rites Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations Kittredge Cherry and Zalmon Sherwood, editors Paper $14.99 January Equal Rites is a much-needed collection of worship services, ceremonies, and celebrations that is attuned to the unique needs of sexual minorities. The selections, written primarily by lesbians and gay men, include rites of spiritual beginnings, healing, blessings, holy communion, and pride and empowerment. Also included are funeral and memorial services, seasonal and holiday rites, and covenant rites for couples. More than a collection, Equal Rites can also serve as a referenc~ book for creating unique and meaningful worship services that address significant aspects of lesbian and gay spirituality. Contributors include Malcolm Boyd, Chris Glaser, Carter Heyward, Diann L. Neu, and Troy D. Perry. Ceremonies, and Cel ebrolions Killredge Cherry & Zolman Sherwood, edilors "It is time and past time for Equal Rites. This remarkable collection ol liturgies demonstrates the spiritual courage, liturgical creativity, and rich diversity the churches are denying themselves in denying lesbian and gay Christians a voice. What a gift!" - Marjorie Proctor-Smitlt, Perki//S School of T/reology Know My Name A Gay Liberation Theology Richard Cleaver Paper $15.99 April The place of gay men and women in the community of faith has become one of.the most divisive debates in the church today. Roman Catholic writer and activist Rich;ud Cleaver takes a fresh approach to this issue by examining the struggles of gay men and lesbians in the church, specifically the Roman Catholic Church, through the lens of liberation theology. He offers not simply a "gay" reading of scripture, however, but one that is spiritually challenging. Coming Out to God Prayers for Lesbians and Gay Men, Their Families and Friends Chris Glaser Paper $9.99 Now available "A. wonderful collection of compassionate prayers." - Tire Other Side "Here is a collection of prayers through which bisexual, lesbian and gay persons, as well as their loved ones, may voice their questions and issues to God." -Friends Jounral . "Chris Glaser, in his exquisite little devotional book Comi"g Out to God, gives us the tools we need to learn to talk to God on levels that go beyond the mundane ... Comi//g Out to God is a book that every person who celebrates spirituality, and every person who /ears spirituality, needs to meet." - Lambda Book R~port 'The intimacy we seek. with the divine is made even more possible by means of compelling devotional books such as Coming Out to God." - 17re Disciple Ill WESTMINSTER ttltt1 JOHN KNOX PRESS Will At your bool<store, or call toll-free 1-800-672-1789 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396 JANUARY/FEBRUA~Y 1995. Videos ......................................................... ........ . ...... Queer Son: Family Journeys To Understanding And Love W ith the family experience of holiday gatherin .gs still a fresh memory, now might be a good time for many Gays and Lesbians to sit down with their parents and watch Queer Son: Family Journeys To Understanding And Love. This new documentary video by Vickie Seitchik, the mother of a gay son, shows through interviews with parents of Gays and Lesbians how they were able to move from doubt and fear to understanding and unconditional love of their children. Queer Son gives the viewer an intimate glimpse into the homes and lives of families from diverse ·racial, ethnic and social backgrounds. In its 48 minutes, the video moves from every parent's first halting question, "Are you sure?" to show families who are indeed sure - sure of one another's love arid acceptance. The parents talk candidly from their hearts. Seitchik herself appears in the video along with her son, his lover and other family members. Dinner table conversations between Seitchik and her son reveal years of worry, concern and struggle - and resolution. One of the other parents interviewed says that many parents are afraid of what the neighbors and family will think. "You have a gay child?," Dorothy Beam says neighbors will ask. "Whatever happened in your life?" She recalls a mother claiming her daughter went to a "lesbian college" and became a les- In the epirit of 5t. Frlillci5 atJ St;, Clare, wdre ~ ~ builders atJ peac:e nmrs to jourrey with w h the foot6t.q,e of Jeoos Christ. ~~ We are an ecumenical, · · · inclusive; non-clerical · · •. •~ ccmmunit'fof-baptized men , . ~ and. women from various, · Christian tracfltioris who • chose to worship and live in ,./!.O f 'th- h . . . . ~ ~v· aA:~o~~~:;~ a:n;;~~ an program leading to the profession of vows as a ~ ,lf!!2 religious Brother or Sister. Ask to receive ournewsletter, "Footsteps." We work in ministries of love, care and reconciliation nationwide. For more information, please write to: MERCY OF Goo COMMUNITY Att: Vocation Director P. 0. 6ox 41055 Providence RI 02940-1055 SECOND STONE bian. 'The daughter was a lesbian before she left home," says Beam, "but when she got there [to college] she could be herself." Beam says the issue of homosexuality seldom came up in her Baptist church and when it did, it was discussed as sin. Beam knows that nothing she could have done would have changed the sexual orientation of her son, activist Joseph Beam, who died several years ago of complications due to AIDS.. She says she is taking up the torch so · that her son will not have died in vain . "I am going to let the world know that being gay is good," she says. Another parent interviewed, Paul Yee, says the part that hurts most is when rejection and condemnation come from the community that is supposed to share God 's love, the Christian community. "On the one hand they preach God is all love," says Yee, "but action indicates that their God loves conditionally . . They won't admit that, but that's how they feel." Yee's eyes well up as he proudly talks about raising a beautiful boy. "My son's gay," he says. ''Does that make him less a person? I have two other kids, but because they're heterosexual , they are . going to have . a much easier life." Yee knows that his gay son is. not gay by choice. Says Yee, "Why would he choose that whert life is so much more difficult being a gay person?" Also interviewed are David and Claudia von Savage . They are the parents of a small baby girl, who they hope, they say, with the proper raising, will turn out to be heterosexual. "I'rri a Christian," says Claudia von Savage. 'The Bible says train up a child in the way he shall go and he will not depart ·from it." She says she does not think she could have a gay child;;although she knows there are. Christian families with homosexual children. Claudia believes that if she raises her child with ! ~~ "<~ :~~ 'f£i'e , . ~{'!~~t!'!~ On 100 ~ autiful acres with - pool, hot tub, skiing and more. lnnkeep~rs Judith Hall and Grace Newman invite you to write or call for a brcx:hure. P. 0. Box 118 SL Bethle hem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 . values, standards and guidelines, homosexuality will not be part of her thinking. 'Tm not sure what actually goes into a person's decision to be homosexual, but there seems to my mind it must be something that w~nt wrong in the family life," she says. But Dorothy Beam wou ld disagree with that. She says her son was gay from the time he came into the world and she couldn 't change that any more than she could change the color of her skin. "You cannot change what is to be." And then there's Mary Griffith's deeply moving story. As a child, her son Bobby liked to do what she described as quiet, gentle things - read and color. ·But Bobby's grandmother warned Griffith, "If you don't do something with Bobby, he's going to be a sissy." She quietly talks about how, during his teens, Bobby was filled with self hate and worried that he was going to go to hell. Her tormented son eventually . killed himself by jumping into traffic from a freeway overpass . During the tim e of Bobby's anguish, she was not able to help him because s 11e too felt that one couldn't be homosexual and go to heaven. Says Griffith, "When Bobby was alive my beliefs formed my reality and now reality forms my beliefs." Griffith says that her son 's suicide started her on a journey that brought her to a decision that God could accept Bobby the way he was. · Amy Ashworth felt ashamed and guilty about her gay son, Tucker. She didn't know how she could tell her family and worried that she had done something wrong in raising him. She says her son knew for sure he was gay at age 13 and he su spected at age seven or eight. She recalls asking Tucker why he had not told his parents earlier. "He said he was 99 percent sure they would accept him," says Ashworth, "but there was that one percent he couldn't risk b~cause home was his only safe place. . Beam, Ashworth and Griffith now have only memories of their sons . Another parent interviewed for the videosums it up this way: 'To me it's . about love." "I Jove you," she says, as she hugs her son. · As for the von Savages, they believe that the line has to be drawn somewhere. They believe that homosexuality is destructive to society and leads to the breakdown of the family and should therefore "be discour- . aged ." There's a good chance - most would say nine out of ten - that their baby girl will grow up to be heterosexual. But if she doesn't, the von Savages have ahead of them one of Go<;l's greatest lessons of love. Queer Son can be purchased from Vickie Seitcliik, 19 Jackson St., Cape May , NJ 08204, (212)929-4199 , FAX (609)884-0264. $19.94, plus $3.95 shipping. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 199 .5 w ' \! In Print · ····"·• • e1e>•••• ' ••···· ...... . ................. . ...... ................ . ... St. Francis Lutheran Church cooks Those People At That Church 0 n the verge of getting expelled from the Evangelical · Lutheran Church in America for violating church policy regarding the ordination of noncelibate Gays and Lesbians, the folks at St. Francis Lutheran Church in San Franciso have done what any creative, radical church would be expected to do. They've published a cookbook. The cookbook's title, I11oseE eopleA t That Church, comes from a comment overheard at the time St. ·Francis, along with First United Lutheran, ordained an openly gay man and lesbian couple in January 1990, thereby challenging the ELCA policy of not ordaining openly homosexual candidates to become certified pastors in the 5 million-member denomination. Vwse People At That Church contains In Print, briefly ... TheL ambdDa irectoroyf Religioann dS pirituality BrianC ranfordh ase ditedt hisb ook, subtitled"S ourceosf SpirituaSl upport for GayM ena ndL esbiansS."a ys Cranford",I thinkt heb ests erviceth is providesis creatingg reatera warenesso f thew ider angeo f support available.T" heb ooki s a thorough guidet hroughth e gaya ndl esbian Christianc ommunity. -FromP ryamiPd ress,1 3237M ontfortD r.,S te.8 10,D allasT, X7 5240$.9 . Clergya ndR eligiouasn d theA IDSE pidemic ByJ esuitF atheJr onF ul)ert,h is updateto an earllerr esourcein cludes· twop er:spectivoens t hei ssueo f testing for HIV. -FromN FPC1, 337W .O hioS t., ChicagoIL, 6 0622-64$970 . Thes eculaSr queez·e JohnA lexandern'se wb ooks hows howW esterncu ltureg o)to thep oint of beings hallowe, mptya, ndf lat and presenths is argumentht att he only .effectivere sponsies refillinge verydayl ifew itht hee xcitemenatn d mysteryth, ep aina ndl oveo f Jesus' story. -Fromln tervarsitPy ress With' Magazine ''Them agazinfeo r radicaCl hristian youth"is an excellenrte sourcfeo r youth,a lthoughth eyseemre luctant to dealw iths exualitiys sues. -FromM ennoniteP ublishingH ouse, 616W alnuAt ve.,S cottdale, PA1 5683-19$9198. 95yr. SECOND STONE over 200 recipes from members of the congregation, their families and friends, as well as many contributions from San Francisco Bay Area chefs, restaurants and food professionals . The 256-page, paperback has a full color jacket incorporating numerous snapshots of members of the diverse congregation. In additiona to featuring recipes like Caribbean Corn Cakes with Shrimp/ Avocado Salsa, Breakfast Pasta, Aunt Jane's . Fiesta Mexicali Corn Salad, and Anise Seed Cookies, Those People At Th~t Church includes reflections and anecdotes frqm the members of the congregation as well as dcscriptiol)S of the ministries of this extremely active church. Woven throughout the book is The Prayer of St. Francis of.Assisi, along with. contemporary .prayers written by congregation members, reflecting on their lives and iss:ues. · St. Francis Lutheran is· a small, red~brick neighborhood church which sits in the heart of San Francisco, four subway stops from the city's financial district and three blocks from Castro Street. The church was dedicated by Danish immigrants just 12 days before the 1906 earthquake and was honored as San Francisco Historical Landmark No. 39 in 1971. The congregation of 150 people is committed to caring for their neighborhood and its people. In. 1990, St. Francis Lutheran ordained an openly lesbian couple, Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart, and another San Francisco congregation, First United Lutheran, ordained Jeff Johnson; an openly gay man. That summer the congregations were put on ecclesiastical trial artd subsequently suspended by the ELCA. The churches may be expelled at the end of 1995 if the ELCA does not change its policy regarding the ordination of openly gay and lesbian pastors or if St. Francis does not rescind the calls to Pastors Frost · and Zill hart. On August 28, 1994, the congregation voted unanimously to extend a permanent full-time call to Zillhart and a permanent part-time call to Frost. Wayne A. Strei, editor of Those People At That Church, has been the food and/ or entertairi.ment critic on numerous San Francisco Bay Area television and radio shows . . Ten years ago, Strei began to feel the tragedy of HIV and AIDS, and has lost many friends, including two ct the most important people in his life, John David Hanson and Bradley Scott DeWinde. It was John's funeral that brought him to St. Francis Lutheran Church for the first time in 1987, and although it took him two years to return, it now exists as the most impo.rtant community in his life, Those People At That Church is available at bookstores or directly from St. Francis Lutheran Church, 1-800-779-7179. Profits from the sale of the cookbook go toward ministries of the church both in the congregation and in the .community. To order by mail, send check or money order for $18.95 per book, plus California sales tax, if applicable, and $4.75 shipping for each address, to Those People .At That Church, St. Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church St., San Francisco, CA 94114~1111. QUOTABLE "You can become a Christian by going to church just about as easily as you can become an automobile by sleeping in a garage." -Garrison Keillor JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995 In Print •• •• • • ••••••••••• 0 •• • •••••• • .-, • • ••• - • ••••••• . ••••• • •• • • . .• ·• ••••• ••••• • • •• . • ••• Soul Gazing By Edouard Fontenot ContributingW riter Gay Soul: Finding the Heart of Gay Spirit and Nature with Sixteen Writers, Healers, Teachers and Visionaries, Mark Thompson, author. HarperSanFrancisco, 1994. I . n his latest book, Gay Soul, Finding the Heart of Gay Spirit · and Nature with Sixteen Writers, Healers, Teachersa nd Visionaries,a uthor; jour- Selectio~zs for your library available from Second Sto11e Press. :. DEFECTING IN PLACE: Women Claiming Responsibility for Their Own Spiritual Lives By Miriam Therese Winter, Adair Lummis, and Allison Stokes Based on a nationwide survey of more than 7,000 women, this book explores women's attitudes towards the institutional church $22.95, hardcover. SHE WHO IS: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse By Eliz.abeth A. Johnso11 _ . Library Journal says •perhaps the best book of femuust theol.ogy to date ... grounded in cla~cal Christian thought.. rooted in women's experience ... $15.95, piper. WOMEN AT WORSHIP: Interpretations of North American Diversity Edited by Marjori e Procter-Smith and Janet R. Walton A remarkable collection of eSSllysw hich probe the meaning and the many shapes of contempomy feminist worship. · $15.95, paper. SEASONS OF THE FEMININE DIVINE: Christian Feminist Prayers for the Liturgical Cycle By Mary Kathlten Speeg1e Schmilt Graceful prayers written by the·first y,,oman deacon ordained in the Anglican-Diocese of Quebec. $11.9.5, paper. SEXUALITY AND THE SACRED: Sources foTrh eological Reffection By Janus B. Ntlson Md Sandra P. Lon&fellow A comprehel1Sivrees ourcea ddressing human sexuality as a critical.part of.divine rev~lation. $2,.99, paper. IN THE COURTS OF THE LORD By Jim Ferry · A gay priest is put on trial by the Episcopal Church $22.95, hardcover, MURDER AMONG.FRIENDS By Chuck Fager 1 A prophetic and scary murder mystery about a gay Quaker activist. $13.95, paper. Place your order today! Quan. -Titte Price Total □--------- □--- Postage/Handli$n3gf irst book, $1 each additional TOTALA MOUUET NCLOSED NAME__ _______ _ ADDRES_S, _____ _ CITY/STATE/_Z_IP_ __ _ ORDERF ROMS: ECONSDT ONEP RESS P.OB. OX8 340N, EWO RLEANLSA, 7 0182 SECOND STONE nalist and former Advocate editor Mark Thompson has assembled a collection of interviews which ciy out at the marriage of convenience between the gay rights movement and a scientific positivism which largely abjures a spiritual dimension. Gay Soul recalls gay, "two-spirited" people to their historic spiritual role described alternately as trickster, shaman; poet, catalyst, stoiyteller and always as Other. The publication of Thompson's collection reflects a renewed cultural · willingness to entertain the idea that human beings inay be more than the sum of their biochemical parts, perhaps a response to the · corning millennium. It also recalls the fact that gay and lesbian people - though perhaps not elites - have always been a church, temple and mosque-going people, indeed .leaders in the sacred sphere, possibly, as Thompson's subjects suggest, because gay and lesbian people, in the absence of socially sanctioned roles, must constantly contemplate their personhood and reinvent themselves as they move through lives for which scripts are not provided. The renewed. interest in existential questions · has created a new stratum in gay and lesbian literature, one concerned with the elements of gazing ·at the entirety of homosexual selves and beyond. Gay Soul is a stellar example of how gay people have ,begun the constructive Dpiritual work which will finally · - or again - art,iculate our vitality, purpose and worth . · In the debate between social constructionism and essentialisrn, Thompson's subjects would .be considered essentialists; Thompson acknowledges . the liberating impact of Foucault's radical social constructionisrn, but argues -in his, short introduction . that this perspective has largely exhausted itself as .a philosophy to power the gay and lesbian movement forward into the next , centuiy. The new fuel is not political · activism, but the interior journey. Thompson's subjects include a Native America scholar, a Jungian therapist, a novelist, a Christian priest, a Taoist, a poet, an astrologer and a Freudian analyst. Many of his subjects, activists Hariy Hay and Malcolm .Boyd for example, are gay icons. Though Thompson's subjects come from different starting points and reveal a variety of emotional perspectives, some joyful, others melancholic, others determined, several striking themes emerge across the conversations. The principle theme is a quality of personhood unique to gay men (and, as many imply but most do not develop, Lesbians) out of which rises a singular spiritual perspective. This quality, perhaps biological and certainly environmental, is reflected in the idea of "otherness" or "neitherness." There exist, according to these theorists, not two, but three, four or more genders. Because gay men constitute a third gender, they experience the suffocating effects of truncated identities and insufficiently diverse categories. Thompson's subjec~s are clearly not seeking any existing "place at the table ." They issue a common call to rearrange the chairs. Thompson's subjects are clearly not seeking any existing "place at the table." They issue a common call to rearrange the chairs. Poet James Broughton is a delight to read. His words sing from the page and his joy is palpable and infectious. He exhibits a "gaiety of soul" and an amazing amusement about life where "everything is going nowhere, beautifully." As with all of his subjects, Thompson is interested here in the poet's understanding of soul, which, for Broughton, is "Wherever I hurt, wherever I tingle, whenever I weep, whenever I guffaw, my soul is humming. It flexes With my desires and responses, . my longing and my ailing. It operates in my heart, my deep guts, my genitals ." The importance and celebration of physical eroticism is another important theme, articulated not only by Broughton, but also by Joseph Kramer, the founder of the Body Electric School, who reveals a fascinating Jesuit heritage and, influence; and 5-M theorist and practitioner Guy Baldwin, whose reflections on S-M as "burning away of impurities" in which the "self becomes stripped of all its external trappings" recall nothing so much as the mystical Christian desert Fathers and Mothers, and Thompson's interview with Buddhist teacher Ram Dass. The formative role of gay suffering is ecl1oed by Episcopal priest Malcolm Boyd's identification of the gay experience "as a wounded, broken person with the wounded, broken person of Jesus." Any discussion of meaning at the end of the millennium must acknowledge the forbidding presence of AIDS. This third pervasive theme peeks around the edges of eveiy exchange about purpose and possibility. Says Paul Monette, who has AIDS, "One of the ways in which AIDS has purified so many of us-is in how much it tells us that this is not a dress rehearsal. We are being tested by something as deep in ourselves as we could ever be." Many of Thompson's subjects reflect this understanding of AIDS as a fire which has tested and tempered the steel of gay men who, having come through it, live purposefully but with the "flagrant joy" of self-awareness. · These thinkers celebrate the reclamation of the history of a "gay tribe," a communal remembering of history which recalls a past of spiritual leadership by · gendervariant people. In an especially compelling reflection, gay scholar Will Roscoe discusses the crippling cultural assumption that gay Reople are without social purpose. Roscoe's purpose has been to unearth the profoundly important -social role gender variant people have played historically in order to restore their power and self-esteem. Lament ing "all these [gay people] running around sharnanizing and berdacl1izing, and wanting to be nothing so much as as average person," he calls for gay people to reclaim thei r spiritual roles. Teacher, storyteller and writer 'Andrew Ramey believes ' SEE SOUL, Next Page In Print, briefly ... The_H omophobHieca ler Dr. Sandra St. John's book discusses the fears commonlyh eld by the gen· eral populationa bout homosexuality as well as the fears held by Gays and Lesbiansw hicht end to keep themi n the closet. She offers ideas and. techniquesf or-both groups. -FromT heG oddesEs xpress, 6860G ulfpoBrl lvd.S :, #920S, t.P ete,sburgF, L3 3707$.1 0.45,$ 11.1i8n R a. Substancaeb usree source guidfeo rG aysL, esbians The Center for Substance Abuse Preventionh as releaseda new guide called" AlcohoTl, obaccoa, nd Other DrugP reventionR esourceG uide on LesbiansG, ay Mena nd Bisexuals." The 50-page guide identifies availablep reventionm aterials. -FromN CADI1, ·800-729-66F8r6e.e . J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A ,R Y 1 9 9 5 .. In Print ..................... . .... . ... •·• ....... . Divisively Bound By Diversity By Johnny Townsend Contributing Writer B ound by Diversity (Sebastian Press, 1994) is an odd title for editor James· T. Sears' collection of essays by members of the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender· communities because if anything, the variety of viewpoints expressed show that these groups are far from being unified, and· it is doubtful that these essays, as good as most of them are, will succeed in binding those groups, together. In fact, Sears himself in his essay calls the groups "tribes," each mistaking "self-interest for the common interest." Sears unleashes the tribespeople to have their say in this anthology. .·. The book is divided into sections on family, HIV, politics, the arts, adolescence, teaching, and two sections on dialogue between opposing groups. This was the section which seemed most disturbing because despite an introduction claiming that the book "embraces dialogue and debate in the interest of creating a community strengthened by our differences," what happens too often is · that the various authors are so convinced that they are right and others are wrong that, notwithstanding the "dialogue," no one is really listening to anyone else. SOUL,. From Page 12 th.e "gay tribe" to be "biologically separate from the child rearing pool," separated by nature to "do soul work" and· act , as a mirror for the larger culture. Harry Hay echoes this und~rstanding in his discussion of the "spirit children" - 'poetry, art, teaching - · that he and his partner, gay "specialists of the spirit," have created. The idea of non-biological procreativity is shot · through these ' interviews. Thompson's interview with Hay, the unapologetic and irascible Dean, or perhaps Queen, of the gay rights movement, is enough to justify the price of the book. · Still filled with an adolescent enthusiasm for Marxist theory, Hay is perhaps the most ardent advocate of gay social purpose beyond consumption and biological procreation. · His gay mythos can run a bit thick at times; and even those inclined towards concepts of the ''.natural" and the "intrinsic" may find themselves exasperated by Hays pedantic certainty. Thompson clearly has his own ideas about gay soul, which he tries to sketch out in the introduction and in short reflections at the beginning of SECOND STONE This was partly evident in a discussion of pedophilia but even more striking . in an almost violent debate between feminist Amanda UdisKessler and men's rights advocate Frederic Hayward. Hayward puts forth an interesting argument of how women are to blame for homophobia because it keeps straight men dependent on them for emotional c'ontact, but ultimately he seems to deliberately distort almostall the statistical evidence he uses for his various claims. Udis-Kessler does a little misrepresentation herself in responding, . but she is dearly the one. who is at least attempting to legitimately communicate. Hayward .absolutely refuses to allow her to, however, and the ''.dialogue" of 25 pages does anything but create the sef\se of unity the book is after. It all but makes unity appear impossible. However, most of the rest of the essays are much less hostile and do show sincere attempts both to express a point of view in a way that others can understand, and also to attempt to understand other points of view. The long section of adolescents and teachers is perhaps most promising. Essays by deaf .Gays, women prison. ers, African-Americans, Hispanics, white males ( even a couple of straight ones) border on tokenism, but a·work each interview. The reader is left wishing that he had developed these ideas more completely, perhaps in a final epilogic chapter. Thompson provides his own black and white photographs of his subjects which are in turn delightful, powerful, humorous, and soulful. Gay Soul will challenge and infuriate ardent social constructionists and hearten those who have longed for authentication of a uniquely gay spiritual awakening. Gay Soul is the type of book we will see more of as we advance into the 21st century. It urges us past reductionist positivism and issues an invitation to spiritual journeying informed by a history of religious oppression and the paradox of existence . Says Paul Monette, "I've been furious and blunt... in my impatience and rage with churches and religions. But I have refined that rage ... In the midst of this nightmare and calamity of AIDS, I have seen such eloquent work done by people who are part of the clergy or part of a religious commitment or calling. Here I am close to the end of my life, and I somehow think that I am an atheist, who is,. for better or worse, still an Episcopalian." about diversity almost inevitably faces that criticism. Unfortunately, many of the "tokens" exhibit loo much hostility for any unity to emerge. Robert Vasquez, for example, of Puerto Rican descent, refuses to "sleep with the enemy," meaning any white person . All whiles are his oppressors, even the ones who pretend to be nice. They are just voyeurs out for adventure. If whites aren't interested in him, they're prejudiced, and if they are int,erested, they just want to use him. He leaves no room for any white person to be a decent human being. · Similarly, Aaron T.aub argues against chants such as "We're your family, not your enemy; someone you· love is queer" and "Gay, straight, black,white; same struggle; same fight." He doesn't want us to be friendly with "the enemy" or try to find common ground . He also talks of the "glorious" burning in effigy of Cardinal O'Connor, surely a divisive action. Even authors who attempt to talk of unity often do so in bizarre ways, such as when Walter _Williams sug - gests that one of the things that will help heterosexuals overcome their prejudice and finally find a warm place in their hearts for us is by our teaching them about safer sex. I just find that verv hard to believe. He also sugg e ~ ,hat many women may soon "choose" lesbianism to avoid HIV from straight male partners, which again sounds unlikely. Certainly, many of the essays were interesting and well-written , though numerous irritating typos plagued the book; but it seems that if. Sears were truly trying to create unity, 'including so many negative views of people who felt it was hopeless may not have been the best choice. Of course, he isn't just trying to show a "nice" face but is attempting to show the reality of the divisions which do exist, and I suppose that no real progress can be made unless we face up to those unplea~ant realities. Bound By Diversity then isn't the answer to the problem but perhaps helps us see things from enough different perspectives that we can start trying out our own ideas on how to bring unity to a truly diverse group. Now available from Second Stone! The Word Is Out 365 DAILY MEDITATIONS FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN Author Chris Glaser fearlessly liberates the Bible from those who would bold it hostage to an anti-gay agenda. In this inspiring collection of ~65 daily meditations, theBible's good news "comes out" to meet all of us with love, justice, meaning, and hope. Chris Glaser is the author of Uncommon Calling and Coming Out to God. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. The Word Is Out, $12, paperback. Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. Titie □ Postage/Handlirg $3.00 first book, $1.00 ea. additional -------"'-'- TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED----- NAME ________________ ...,;_ ____ _ ADDRESS _________________ _;_ __ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995 ;. Calendar-........................................................................ Healing the Wounds of Heterosexism FEBRUARY 10-12, "Creating a Home in the Church: Healing · the Wounds of Heterosexism," with Presbyterian evangelist Janie Spahr, will be a weekend of worship, workshops and . frivolity focused on helping congregations become more welcoming of lesbian, gay and b_isexual Christians. To be held in various St. Louis metropolitan area churches, the event is sponsored by Other Sheep, an international and ecumenical ministry actively proclaiming God's love for all people. For more information, contact Other Sheep at 319 North Fourth St., Ste. 902, St. Louis, MO 63102, (314)822-3297, (314)776-4483. 11th Annual Interweave Convocation FEBRUARY 17-19, Interweave, Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns sponsors its annual gathering in Raleigh, North .Carolina. Over 200 participants are expected for three days of celebration, worship, pro- · grams, workshops, and more. Included is a workshop on ecumenical organizing presented by Rev . Morris Hudgins, a Unitarian Universalist pastor, and Rev. Jimmy Creech, a United Methodist pastor and staff member of the North Carolina Council of Churches. For information contact Bonnie Blue Crouse, 2001 Boone Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, (910)722-0421. 8th Annual T-E-N Weekend FEBRUARY 24-26, The Evangelical Network has announced an intense three days of workshops and activities for this year's gathering. The call is to "Come Alive in '95!" and the theme is 'Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship." Cost for the weekend which includes materials and meals is $40 per individual, $70 per couple. For infomation contact The Evangelical Network, P.O. Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ 85011-6104, (602)265-2831, FAX (602)265-2918. Building Bridges for an Inclusive Church FEBRUARY 25, A workshop for persons of all sexual orientations, sponsored by American . Friends 1service Committee, Detroit Presbytery Metropolitan Mission and PLGC/Detroit. Keynote discussion led by Chuck Collins on how sexism, heterosexism and homophobia affect us all. Westminster Presbyterian Church in Detroit is the location . For information call Ken (313)886-6486. Annual Institute of the Son FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 3, An SECOND STONE extension of the T-E-N weekend, the Phoenix Evangelical Bible Institute will feature the course, "Christian Gay and Lesbian Ministry," which was developed by Pastor Fred L. Pattison. The fee for the entire week is $50. For information write to PHEBI, Pastor Fred Pattison, 1035 E. Tumey, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Brothers Together vacation MARCH 4-11, Brothers Together sponsors its second annual Brothers in Paradise vacation/ retreat for gay men on St. John in the Virgin Islands. This organization was started in 1991 by a group of friends who felt their gay community was lacking something personal and . spiritual and that it too often left people feeling alone and unfulfilled. Since then, over 500 men have attended the group's events. · Single cost for this event is $1,299. For information contact Brothers Together, 115 Newbury St., #304, Boston, MA 02116-2935 ot call 1-800-462-9962. Rural AIDS Conference MARCH 10-13, "Sowing Knowledge, Harvesting Care " is the theme of this national conference on rural Americans living with _AIDS/HIV. St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minn. is the setting. For information call (612)255-3082. Midwest PLGC Conference MARCH 10-12, Presbyterians for Lesbians and Gay Concerns sponsors its mid-winter midwest gathering at Stronghold Conference Center near Oregon, .Illinois. For information call Sue Jones, (608)244-4820. Clergy, Women . andMen Religious and the HIV/AIDS Pandemic MARCH 24-28, The National Catholic AIDS Network sponsors ihis conference for religious personnel on HIV/ AIDS at 'the Kenrick Conference Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The mission of the network includes a call to assist Catholic leaders and congregations in responding to the impact of HIV/ AIDS as well as to support theological reflection and dialogue relating to the pandemic. For information contact the National Catholic AIDS Network, P.O. Box 422984, San Francisco, CA 94142-2984, (707)874-3031, FAX (707)874-1433. Affirmation· National Gathering APRIL 21-23, Affirmation: United . Methodists promises a challenging keynote, workshops, mutual support and sharing, festival worship and a Texas-style banquet at its 20th anniversary gathering to be held in Dallas. For information contact Affirmation, P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL60204. Communication Ministry Convocation APRIL 27-30, Convocation is a national gathering of Catholic priests, brothers and nuns, Last year, just over 100 gay and bisexual priests and brothers and lesbian sisters, and friends, met in Orlando to explore 'The Goodness of Being Gay." For many participants, it was the first time they had ever been able to be so open about their sexuality and to experience an empowering atmosphere of acceptance. The theme of this year's gathering is "New Expressions of Being Gay or Lesbian in the Catholic Church: Our Myths and Our Stories." Presenters include Patricia O'Donnell and Richard Woods. The convocation will be held at the Radisson Inn at the Greater CincinnatiNorthern Kentucky International Airport. For information on this conference write to CMI, P.O . Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. National More Light Churches Conference APRIL 28-30, The 11th Annual More Light Churches Network Conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland at First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church. For information contact Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038. Retreat for HIV-positive religious and clergy MAY 8-12, The Marianist Center in Cupertino, California, is the setting for a five day retreat for religious and clergy who are HIV-positive. For information contact John McGrann, Kairos Support for Caregivers, 114 Douglass, San Francisco, CA 94114, (415)861-0877. Religious Life Weekend JUNE 1-4, The Mercy of God Community sponsors its fourth annual Religious Life Weekend for those considering religious life. The LaSalette Center for Christian Living, Attleboro, Mass ., is the setting. For information contact the Mercy of God Community, P.O. Box 41055, Providence, RI 02940-1055. American Baptists Concerned National Retreat JUNE 24-27, The annual retreat of · ABC will be held at Thomfield Retreat Center in Syracu_se, New _ York. Cost is $175. For information contact ABC, 872 Erie St., Oakland, CA 94610-2268, (510)465-8652. J A N U A CMI Retreat JUNE 27-30, Communication Ministry sponsors a retreat for Catholic lesbian ' nuns and gay priests and brothers. The Serra Retreat House, Malibu, Calif., is the setting . For information contact CMI, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. . Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition Conference JUNE 30-JULY 3, Gay and lesbian parenting groups from Southern California will host the 16th Annual Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International Conference at the University of California at · Los Angeles. Part of the conference will focus on issues of relevance to ·those who are currently parents, those who function in a parenting role, or those who wish to become parents. Two other subconferences will examine topics of · importance to the children of lesbian or gay parents. Conference fees include all meals and three nights lodging at UCLA's Sunset Village. For information write to GLPCI '95, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., Box 109-346, West Hollywood, CA 90046 or call (213)654-0307, FAX (310)652-7584. Convocation of Reconciling Congregations JULY 13-16, ''Bound for the Promised Land" is the theme for the fourth national gathering of Reconciling Congregations, to be held in Minneapolis. A youth and ·student rally and a special gathering of.the Reconciling Pastors' Action Network is planned . Individual fee is $165, $85 for children ' and youth. For information contact the Reconciling Congregations Program, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641, (312)736-5526. The UFMCC General Conference JULY 23-30, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches will gather at .the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for its 17th conference. "All Things Are Possible :· is the theme for this conference which offers a discounted rate of $180 for non-delegates. A special gathering will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr . Center for Non-Violent Social Change: For information, contact UFMCC GCXVII, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (213)464-5100. . Announcements of interest to gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians are welcome and will be included free of charge. Send to Second Stone, P.O. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 or FAX to (504)891-7555. RY/FEBRUARY 1995 ••••••••••••• ~ ••••• I:' • Noteworthy W &Q•a1o,;,~c;c;i-:::'='~•'!'•t1"••••••••••••c•••••••• ..... . ...... John Boswell passes tiJOHN BOSWELL, Yale University professor and author of- two books about religion and homosexuality that rocked the church establishment, died of complications from AJDS Dec. 24 in New Haven. He was 47 years old. In 1980 Boswell gained attention with the publication of Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe. From the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Fourteenth Century. Last June, he published the long-awaited follow-up to his first book, Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe, based on his research of more than 60 manuscripts from the 8th to the 16t h century. He is survived by his life partner, Jerome Hart, his parents, Col. Henry Boswell, Jr. and Catharine, a sister, Patricia, and two brothers, Wray and Henry Ill. Catholic organization receives award tiDIGNITY /USA, the world's largest gay, lesbian and bisexual Catholic organization received the 1994 Call To Action Award. Call To Action, a national organization of Catholics committed to church reform in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, presented the award to -Dignity on Nov . 4 during its annual conference in Chicago. Marianne -Duddy, presi- dent of Dignity /USA said the award comes at a time when gay Catholics are increasingly under attack - from Pope John Paul II's criticism of the European Parliament for protecting gay rights and his denouncing lesbian- headed families, to the fact that more than 40 Dignity chapters have been expelled from Catholic church facilities since 1986. Reconciling Congregation Program adds churches tiSIX CHURCHES declared them-selves Reconciling Congregations near the end of 1994. They are St. Paul's Ul\c1C, San Jose, Calif., Broadway UMC, Chicago, Centenary UMC, St. Louis, Clinton-Camanche Subgroup of Iowa MFSA, Clinton, Iowa, Trinty UMC, Kansas City, and Chenango Street UMC, Binghamton, New York, making a total of 83 Reconciling Congregations and 5 Reconciling Campus Ministries. West Hollywood church "bar hops" on Christmas eve tiTHE PASTOR, MEMBERS and friends of Crescent Heights United Methodist Church of West Hollywood went out to the bars and restaurants of Santa Monica Boulevard to round up people for their midnight Christmas Eve service. 'This -is no t a community which has traditionally supported churches," said Pastor Tom Griffith. "It is, though, a' community SECOND STONE which is heavily populated by singie persons, many of whom are homosexual. Many of them, gay or straight, do not have families whom they can easily visit, or who will even let them visit, at Christmas." So for the sixth consecutive year, a group from the church passed out "complimentary tickets" in the bars for their Christmas Eve service. MCC pastor becomes columnist tiREV. TYRONNE SWEETING, pastor of MCC at Boise, Idaho, has been selected by the Idaho Statesman to be one of the featured columnists on the paper's religion page. After being ousted from its home on the campus of Boise State University, MCC at Boise relocated in October to a church building owned by the R~organized Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Ft. Worth church calls first pastor ti WHITE ROCK CHURCH WEST, Ft. Worth, Texas has called its first pastor, Rev. William R. Prickett . Prickett comes ·to Ft. Worth from Orange County, Calif., where he was actively involved with the leadership of Evangelicals Concerned in Laguna Beach. Prior to that, he was a Southern Baptist pastor in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala., for 11 years, where he led the congregation from a membership of 100 to more than 700. Prickett was installed on Dec. 11. White Rock West is a mission work of the White . Rock Church in Dallas. Late last year the church organized as a separate congregation from the founding Dallas church. In the future, the congregation will change its name to reflect an identity with and commitment to Ft. Worth, according to a church spokesperson. For information on this ministry call (817)451-7880. New ministry in Louisiana tiABUNDANT GRACE Christian Fellowship, a Bible-based, spirit filled, non-denominational church has begun meeting in Covington, Louisiana. Pastors Lee Thompson and Yolande Yaeger, formerly of Grace Fellowship in New Orleans, are providing spiritual leadership for the fledging church. For information on this ministry call (504)893-9098. Kentucky church becomes RIC tiTHIRD LUTHERAN CHURCH, Louisville, Kentucky has become a "Reconciled in Christ" congregation, one of more than 100 congregations and ministries in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which affirms and welcomes Lesbians, gay men and bisexual persons into its parish life. Third Lutheran is the third congregation of any denomination in _ the Commonwealth of Kentucky to make such a declaration, following Central Presbyterian, Louisville, 1983, and Zion United Church of Christ, Henderson, 1994. It is the first congregation in the KentuckyIndiana Synod of the ELCA to become RIC. (The Lutheran Campus Ministry in Bloomington, I11diana, is also a Reconciled in Christ ministry.) The decision to become RIC was reached at Third Lutheran's monthly council meeting on Nov. 10, 1994. Newsletter for pastor's spouses tiP.S., YOU'RE NOT FORGOTTEN is a newsletter for spouses of pastors. The newsletter began as a result of a course called "Spouses in Ministry" at the 1993 Advance Christian Ministries conference. Robyn Brown, coordinator of the support letter, said "I have been a pastor's spouse for 13 years of my 16 year relationship . . There were times that I needed a confidant." Brown is the spouse of Rev. William Memmott, pastor of · Agape Church in St. Louis. For information on the newsletter, write to Brown at 2706 A Armand Pl., St. Louis, MO 63104-2214. Agape installs assistant pastor a pastor and installed as assistanf pastor of the Agape Church of St. Louis. Part of Gaile's work will be in Christian outreach to people in the St. Louis area who are HIV-positive. And from our Christmas card newswire ... tiAUTHOR CHRIS GLASER and his mate Mark King had a commitment ceremony on Oct. 30. The couple have bought a new home in Atlanta. Glaser has published his fourth book, The . .Word Is Out, and .King has begun consulting ' on HIV f AIDS in the workplace. tiJOE GALLE IV has been licensed as Chris Glaser, standing, and Mark King Recent finding by top biblical scholars offer a radical 'new view on the Bible and homosexuality. WhatUible the LJ Really Says About 1-lornosexuality . I• \-le\minial<., Ph.D. oame ,..,. Daniel A Helminiak, Ph.D., respected theologian and Roman Catholic priest, explains in a clear fashion fascinating new insights. " ... will help any reasonably open and attentive reader see that the Bible says something quite different on this subject from what is often claimed.'' -L. William Countryman, Author of Dirt, Gre.ed and Sex " ... the most thoughtful, lucid and accessible summary I know of current bibli' cal scholarship relating to homosexual issues ... eminently useful..." -James B. Nelson, Author and Theology Professor Order now from Second Stone Press Quan. □ WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SA VS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY By Daniel A. Helminiak, $9.95, paperbk Postage/Handling $3 first book, $1 each additional ____ _ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ----- NAME-----------------~---- ADDRESS ______ ....,... _____________ _ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________ _ ORDER FROM: SECOND STONE PRESS, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995 .. ....• ... . Classifieds .,, ...... ., .......................................................... . 1¢~~@i,~m~~{§){@ ' I J~ BIBLICAL "CONDEMNATION" of gays eKamined by Columbia University graduate I with a decade of UFMCC membership. $3.95 I for 26 page booklet. H& SISS, POB 221841, I Charlotte NC 28222. I "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily I recomme~ded, 11 11Philosophically in trig- I uing," "Excellent." Why do reviewers · 1 highly esteem CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us ro( $3.50. CHRISTIAN*NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF OPEN HANDS, an ecume11ical quarterly maga~ine on ministries · with gays, lesbians and bisexuals. $16/year. Free sample. 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60641. · 312/736-5526. FAX,312/736-5475. 10/95 HOMOSEXUAL? The Lambda Directory of Religion and Spirituality with over 400 sources. of spiritual support for Gays, Lesbians and their advocates , books, groups, periodicals, etc. Send $7 plus $2 S&H to: Pyramid Press, 13237 Montfort; Ste. 810J , Dallas. TX 75240. 9195 SEEKING PASTOR for small independent' liturgical church in Dallas, Texas. Present pastor retiring ' January, . 1995. Mainline ' · church backgrourd and seminary graduate preferred. Contact: Pulpit Committee, Fr. Frederick Wright, c/o Holy Trinity Community Church, 4402 Roseland Avenue, Dallas. TX 75204. Telephone: (H)(214) 821-0418, (0)(214)827-5088. GAY EPISCOPAL PRIEST seeks church position with loving, inclusive Community that respects the dignity of all: Write to 431 Gravier St. #300, New Orleans, LA 70130 'I MWBM, Christian, 52 years old, 5'5", 165 lbs., HIV-, non-smoker seeks other Christian . bisexuals, gay men for casual relationship. Come to Oregon Ce.ntral Coast. J .. Nolan, Box 2263 Florence OR 97439. 4195 ClilCAGO GWM, 41, 155 lbs., 5'10", ICJ<?~mfgo r a so~l mate. I am emotionally, spmtually, and fmancially secure and seek the sa~e in my rriate. Open with my sexuality, masculine, not riamboyant, HIV-, mvolved in the Episcopal Church, and dedicated lo my friends. You have similar qualities, do no_t abuse alcohol or drugs, and love . hie. Wnte with recent photo: B.R., 4422 N. Greenview, 2E, Chicago, IL 60640. GWF, 44, professional, feminine , well e_ducated, kindly humorous, talkative, fmanc,ally s_table, no drugs/smoking, little dnnk111g, faithful Presbyterian, liberal in o.utl_ook, conservative in lifestyle. ISO truly s,m1lar lady living within 2-3 hours: GWF good listener, feminine, 3~-49, interested it;_ commitment \'.S, casual relationships. Write: Sarah. P.O. Box 14163, Augus1a. GA 30919. 6/95. GWM, Christian, professional educated 35 6'2", 160 lbs., blue/brown (balding) no f;ciru' ~atr, lursute . ISO a non-smoking, drug-free hfemate, monogamous relationship. Inter- SECOND STONE ----- ------------, Classified Order Form Please place my ad in these issues : [] Jan/Feb [] Mar/Apr FOR ONLY 35¢ per word, your classified ad will reach readers from Sitka, Alaska to Amherst, Maine and everywhere in between .. Business or personal ... try a classified ad in our next edition! MailT'1: Second· Stone Box 8340 Name · ___ _ Addre~~------------City/ St./Zip_::-------- AD COPY ------------------------- __ · words X .35= $.------ 20 word minimum. All classifieds must be pre0 paid. Deadline one month prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad ' [ l May/Jun [] Jul/Aug [ l Sept/Oct [] Nov/Dec ' .CLASSIFICATIONS [ l Books & Publications [ ] Business Opportunities [ l Employment [ l Friends/Relationships [ l General Interest [ l Mail Order [ l Merchandise [ l Organizations [ ] Professional Services [ ] Real Estate [ l Retreats [] Roommates [ ]Travel I I I I ! I I I I I I I I I New Orleans, LA 70182 I ---------------------- -----------------------------------' I appears ·l ests:. music, t.heatre, outdoors, travel, quiet evenings , cards, volleyball, dancing. P.O. Box 59, Hummels Wharf, PA 17831-0059. ACTIVE CATHOLIC (Orthodox, Anglican, or Roman Catholic) male wanted. Serious but jovial and sensual and masculine"! ... in the ·s01.1thwest or: San Diego. Weight in proportion to height. Music and animal lover. Around my age range: 53. No smoke or dope, moderate drink! Frank B., P.O. Box 62. Blue Srrings. MO 64013 I'M ATfRAGTEDTO WV, TN, OK, TX. AR. VA, KY Southern boys. Like them Christian .or _other beliefs who are very romantic, lov!ng, - g~ntle, cari•ng, masculine, straightacting, 111c.e, personality. Honesty counts. Must be very loving, sexua l. I like slender types 24-40's, long haired, dark, redhead, blondes. Little Teddy Bear wants a country boy. I'm 37, 5'7, 155 lbs ., hairy, HIV-. No drugs, games, bar types. Photo to M. Barrett , 6244 Corson Ave. So., Seattle WA 98108-3442. ' BUYING FOREIGN/USA stamp collections / accumulations. Professional appraisal /offer; excellentreferences; Rob Gesell, Box 8248, Ann Arbor MI 48107. (313)662-5460. 2/95 IS. Y_OUR CHURCH welcoming and affirmmg to lesbians and gay men? _ I'd like to know. l 1m compiling a national list. Please write to Ken Lewis, Box 1452, Laguna Beach. CA 92651. 4/95 "AIDS AWARENESS" stamp pins. $3.50. Quality made of solid brass. Proceeds benefit PWAs. Volume discounts. Eastern Maine AIDS Network, P.O. Box 2038, Bangor, ME 04402. . CREMATION URNS: Int,roducing the Lambda Pride .Um. Celebrate Life with an um that reflects personality and style. Call for free brochure. LifeStyle Urns 1-800-685-URNS. 8/95. . GAY PRIDE FLAGS, Banners, Lapel Pins, Wall Clocks, Tote Bags, Bumper Stickers Wind Socks & More. Free Catalog: tfi~f;te:"i~3s8 (24 hrs. - 7 days.) Retail & LIVE OPERA performances on audio /video casette. lncredibl.e selec tion s ince 1930's, world-wide. (?ver 7400 items . Magnifi~ent free computenzed catalogue. Live Opera, P.O. Box 3141, Steinway Station, Long Island City.NY IH03. 12/95 PIANO FOR SALE. Wanted: a responsible person to take on a low monthly payment on a beautiful console piano, no money down. Call toll free: 1-800-533-7953 . 6195 REV. N. A. LLOY_D, C.M., spiritu al medium and ad visor. Sp1ntual counsel ino. Call ( 5 I 6)736-1058 . P ATTENTION CHRISTIAN songwriters: I will typeset your manuscript music. $20 first page, $2 each additional stave. For info write: Eric Bicknell, 23244 Almira, Southfield. Ml 48034. 4195 RETREATS FOR GAY monks focusing on copmg techniques in repressive communities at. Saint Benedict _Monastery. Information wnte: Dan, 1012 Monastery Rd., Snowmass, co 81654. 6/95 IWf@l@l @)© "WHAT THE BIBLE Says and .Doesn't Say About H~mosei~ality 11 by Rev. Nancy Hor~ath. ~rofess10nally produced, studio quality videotape or audiocassettes in attractive package. Well researched, uplifhng perspective from UFMCC minister. Excellent ad_dition -. to · personal library. Wonderful gift. Video: ,$34.95. Audio: $24.95. Plus $3.95 P&H per order. Credit card orders: 800-370-7483. Or mail payment to H&B Video, JDVMCC, P.O. Box . 64996 Baton Rouge LA 70896. WARNING REGARDING PRISON CORRESPONDENCE: While most priso11ers seekrng correspondence are genuine in their intent, some are not. Readers are ·cautioned to protect themselves from scams: 1. Do not . send· checks or money orders to prisoners and do not cash checks or money ord~rs from prisoners. PersOns · cashing altefed checks or money orders are respo11sible for the difjere11ce betwee11 the issue amount and the altered amount. 2. Do not reveal pe rsonal information about you rself that would be hannful to you if passed on to employer, family or others. ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us four weeks in advance for uninterrupted deliyery . Send both old and new addre_sses. H possible attach mailing label in space provided PRINT .NEW ADDRESS u, n ~ z p· ~ ~ Send completed form to: THES ECONDS TONE Box8340 NewO rleansL, A 70182 JANU A RY/FEBRUARY 1995 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 Second Stone #38 - Jan/Feb 1995