13 20 2500 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (ELCA candidate: "Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single, lesbian woman...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS ELCA CANDIDATE Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single lesbian woman in a family oriented -- homophobic congregation. Internship was also the most blessed experience of my life as I met the woman I love! The tragic irony in this is that because of this beautiful woman I survived my internship and because of my relationship with her I may be removed from the candidacy process. To be ordained I MUST sign a statement of Celibacy my whole life long. I have to choose either to lie to be ordained, deny my call to ministry, or live in hiding the rest of my life. Throughout my entire life I've been incredibly supported by my church family and had great experiences in seminary and the candidacy process, but they don't know who I am or my relationship with the woman I so dearly love. Pray with me that the Church will today accept the gifts I and so many others bring to restored ministry in the "Kingdom" of God. May we all stand together as one loving family! Lesbian Candidate for Ministry ELCA Wisconsin Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story We know nothing more about this Lutheran candidate for ministry -- but such an intimate portrait of inner turmoil she has shared with us! It is as if we've received a phone call from an old friend wanting our advice as to what she should do next. Pray with her, as she has asked of us -- and pray for the church that continues to create such terrible conflict in the lives of its people! Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 727 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (ELCA candidate: "Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single, lesbian woman...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Wisconsin (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Wisconsin Women and Religion https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/08aae0993e2e1056a0a9bacd1c0f2c54.png b9f6a8cdcd564e62356976bfadef326e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (ELCA, For my dear friend, Pat...) Stole Text ANONYMOUS ELCA For my dear friend, Pat, who taught me to love God and myself. Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Information about this anonymous Lutheran and donor have been withheld by request of the donor, to protect the anonymity of her friend. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 502 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (ELCA, For my dear friend, Pat...) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Withheld Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/557c075ed4ea089e953954e5be88df24.jpg 6c24e6d6a63bc2bfb066ebb38f190e37 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3c4799358319df0da7fb1a559cb0922a.jpg 1fe65beb19e049aa2626749855483a7d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (First African Methodist Episcopal Church stole) Stole Text ANONYMOUS AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Sent anonymously by a same gender loving, ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This stole symbolizes the pain and silence of so many within this historic black denomination founded on the freedom and dignity of all God's children. It comes with the prayer that the African Methodist Episcopal Church may one day truly be a liberating and reconciling people. Until that day is realized for the Church of Allen* and the universal church, I remain in unity, struggle, and prayer, Anonymous *Richard Allen was the first pastor ordained in the AME in 1816 at Bethel Chapel in Philadelphia Denomination African Methodist Episcopal Church Contribution Date 2005 Contribution Story This stole was sent to us without a return address, and we have no other information about the donor. As of this writing, it is the only one we have received representing someone from the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since its inclusion in the collection, several African Americans, particularly United Methodists, have expressed their gratitude for its being displayed around the country, acknowledging that dialogue around LGBT issues in that denomination has barely begun. It is our hope that this stole will spark more dialogue and, hopefully, more progress towards the full embrace of LGBT folk in the AME church. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1026 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First African Methodist Episcopal Church stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous African American African Methodist Episcopal Church Allen, Richard Civil Rights Movement Clergy Activist Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6442d5458a2dbe186af51d3033440571.jpg c968cb1dde36fc6d39fb5d00a1e7cc1a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3ee42b2e47225d00069ff71324160802.jpg e78f731b95f4bdfd52293350a0180251 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (First Evangelical Covenant stole) Stole Text ANONYMOUS EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH At the 1996 Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the denominational delegates passed a resolution on human sexuality that states, A publicly declared, legally binding marriage between one woman and one man is the one appropriate place for sexual intercourse. Heterosexual marriage, faithfulness within marriage, abstinence outside of marriage these constitute the Christian standard. The vote passing this resolution was followed by a congregational hymn, the words of which (printed on this stole) continue to be ironic in light of the denominations exclusion from membership and ministry those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This stole is in recognition of those LGBT pastors, ministers of music, directors of Christian education, seminarians, youth ministers, and educators in the Covenant denomination whose Christian witness has been denied or forced into silence due to sexual orientation or gender identification. Denomination Evangelical Covenant Church Contribution Date 2004 Contribution Story This stole came with very little information beyond the fact that it honors a closeted gay person. As of this writing, it is the only stole in the collection representing someone from the Evangelical Covenant Church. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1005 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First Evangelical Covenant stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Clergy Activist Evangelical Covenant Church Marriage Equality Ordination United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (First Presbyterian) Stole Text From a Member of First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto, California Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story This anonymous stole is one of about thirty stoles donated to the collection by First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto. It is decorated simply with a chalice and loaf, and a cross. First Palo Alto, a More Light congregation, has for decades been on the forefront of the movement for full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the church and greater society. Among the many leaders of the movement who have come from this congregation is Mitzi Henderson, former national President of PFLAG and national Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 161 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First Presbyterian) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Palo Alto, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource First Presbyterian Church California Henderson, Mitzi More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Ordination Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Forced by Accusations) Stole Text ANONYMOUS He was forced by accusations of bisexuality to resign the pastorate of a large church and give up aspirations for denominational leadership. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This is one of twelve stoles donated to the Shower of Stoles by Merrill Proudfoot on behalf of friends and colleagues. We have no other information about this anonymous minister other than what is written on the stole. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 112 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Forced by Accusations) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Merrill Proudfoot Bisexual activism Church Trials Missouri Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Proudfoot, Merrill https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ae2f54ed7aeed9798d5fa124849f794e.jpg 0fdff8f589ccef0f9b6b4571a5892d6e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Free Will Baptist necktie) Stole Text ANONYMOUS FREE WILL BAPTIST Student Preacher and Youth Director In keeping with my Baptist tradition, which does not include such things as stoles, please accept my usual Sunday "liturgical garb" -- a necktie. Denomination Free Will Baptist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This whimsical "stole" was given to me by a young man I met at a national conference in Texas in 1999. He was overseeing child care and youth activities for the conference, a task for which he was well suited. His enthusiasm, good humor, and zest for life were matched by his deep faith. At the time that I met him, he was in the process of coming out to his church. Although he was keenly aware that this would preclude him from any possibility of ministry in his denomination, his sense of call was clear and he remained convinced that God would help him find a way to follow that call. In 1999 he was in search of a church where he would be welcome. The church that eventually does open the door for him will find itself blessed abundantly by a gifted pastor. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 744 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Free Will Baptist necktie) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Baptist Church Trials Free Will Baptist Church Ordination Theology United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/79709784addbc15b5e9682d9d84a8ff7.jpg 80f3255859275c86414e958318eb1b82 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/05b38f4be039382eb20f598c1d3471fb.jpg 8ff78f8801c55ad9b8bf599d8a90c234 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (From a Gay Married Minister in His Late 50's) Stole Text ANONYMOUS From a gay married minister in his late 50's who daily lives with the pain that comes from knowing how people would feel about me if they knew my thoughts and longings, and who shares the pain of his gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who long to be ordained because he knows how much greater his pain might have been if he had been born 20 or 30 years later. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This anonymous stole has always held a tender place in my heart. The message on this anonymous stole has seemed confusing to some who ask, "Why would his pain be greater now, at a time when there is so much more support for gay people of faith, than it would have been years ago?" Although my knowledge of this anonymous pastor is limited, my understanding is that when he entered seminary, probably around 1960 (he would now be close to 70 years old), virtually no one was "out" in the life of the church. The subject of homosexuality was not raised except in negative ways; even whispered rumors could be enough to ruin a promising career in the church. At that time, the only path he probably felt he could take was to stay in the closet, to marry and to keep his sexual orientation deeply hidden away. Although the pain and loneliness of a closeted life is palpable in his brief narrative, nevertheless he was able to follow his call, to be ordained and have a fulfilling ministry. Had he been born much later, in an era when young people are much freer to come out, many while still in high school, and issues of sexual orientation and gender identity are discussed openly, he might have made different choices. It is possible that he would have been in a supportive enough environment to come out -- before he was married, and before he made the decision to attend seminary. While one deep pain surely would have been lifted, others would have been present, since his coming out would keep him from the ministry that has meant so much to him. It is difficult for some to walk in this man's shoes. Many people who read his story have never known a time without Ellen DeGeneres or Will and Grace. Certainly it is hard for any of us to recall a time when issues of sexuality were not a constant part of church debate. To some, then, these "what ifs" might seem pointless. To a gay man of 70, though, who from his lonely place of hiding has watched the world change at a dizzying speed , the "if onlys" must loom large. I have always been grateful that this fellow pilgrim chose to share a bit of his story with us. As one who spent the first fifteen years of her ministry in the closet, I know that place of pain, too. Someday I hope that the church will repent of the sinful oppression it has wrought upon this unnamed gay man and on so many, many others. In the meantime, I will give thanks for his good ministry, his service to God and to the church that he loves. And I will pray that he knows without doubt that God loves and cherishes him unconditionally! Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 129 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (From a Gay Married Minister in His Late 50's) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Marriage Equalit Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (From George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman) Stole Text ANONYMOUS Given by George and Betty Krablin Bob and Vergene Wieman and George In honor of a recent graduate of Princeton Seminary who was recently ordained but finds it necessary to remain in the closet. He is waiting for the day when he can truly be himself. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story This is one of sixteen stoles donated to the collection by members of First Presbyterian Church of Ewing, NJ on behalf of members or friends of the congregations. We have no other information about this anonymous individual. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 465 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (From George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ewing, New Jersey (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman Education Krablin, Betty Krablin, George New Jersey Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Wieman, Bob Wieman, Vergene Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Gay minister, Northern California) Stole Text Anonymous Gay Minister Northern California Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story This is one of four stoles donated to the Shower of Stoles collection in 1996 by Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, northeast of Oakland, CA. Unlike the other three, this stole was not made by the church. The church acted as a third party, sending the stole behalf of this minister, to protect his anonymity. We have no other information about this anonymous minister other than the fact that, at the time, he lived somewhere in northern California. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 204 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Gay minister, Northern California) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Clayton, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church California Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8829b94d73aea8856739c62e49efe044.jpg 6513fe3349716466bad3ac3dc5294c48 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/60c03937b1c74944b15ca3e88921eaa7.jpg 6387c410a4637b3e338715e0210bd6c4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Gay pastor in the Independent Christian Church, Indianapolis IN) Stole Text ANONYMOUS A GAY ASSOCIATE PASTOR INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH Indianapolis, Indiana On December 31, 1978 at an Urbana Missions Conference I distinctly heard God calling me to fulltime urban ministry. I began this ministry in 1981 at an urban church on the near east side of Indianapolis, the neighborhood I grew up in. This was an area of high crime and prostitution. Our church was located in the the very center of all the action. I began my ministry by working with the youth in the neighborhood and the nearby urban high school. By the end of the second year, I began to fill the role of Associate Pastor. I stayed in this position for nine years. All through this time, I felt a deep sorrow in my heart. I could not understand how God could love and reject me at the same time. I felt desires for men, which were, supposedly, condemned in the Scriptures. Finally, after many tearful prayers to God I left my ministry to pursue a career in Education. I left my job, I felt, as a failure to God and his kingdom. I am now healing and experiencing the love of Christ unconditionally. Denomination Independent Christian Church Contribution Date 2002 Contribution Story This stole, which I received at an interfaith conference in Indianapolis, is as of this writing the only stole in the collection representing a member of the Independent Christian Church. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 905 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Gay pastor in the Independent Christian Church, Indianapolis IN) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Independent Christian Church Indiana Ordination Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/912cd5737373aa6ad4fc6a6eb20b97ca.jpg b282d86d7ed8139c68757ee473493710 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/31c3732dc5de75b68da3430f5ae0c4e4.jpg 506d7831e8c3aab9cfb950e8048ff8c1 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/8ae937455f981dfcd2ef92e0240075f4.jpg e8773924e02b118ff8e0e098f10d575a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Gay Presbyterian, Boston Presbytery) Stole Text God's Gift In Honor of an Anonymous Gay Presbyterian Boston Presbytery Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story We know almost nothing about this individual, except to say that great lengths were taken to protect his or her identity. The packaged stole was given to a member of the presbytery, who brought it with them to the 1996 General Assembly in Albuquerque. There it was handed over to another person, who finally delivered it to me. Because of this protracted method of delivery, perhaps, it is a stole I have thought about often. The Presbytery of Boston is a relatively small presbytery consisting of twenty five Presbyterian congregations in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Does this stole honor some well known leader within the presbytery? Or is it a member of a local congregation who, because of family or employment circumstances, cannot risk having their identity revealed? Could it be simply someone who, due to their own internalized homophobia, is afraid to come out? We may never know. In the late 1990's, this stole was instrumental in helping someone else to come out. A gay man, an ordained Presbyterian elder in Wisconsin, wrote me a letter saying that he had decided it was time for him to come out to his congregation. He asked me to send him a stole that he could wear on his chosen Sunday. As I read his letter, this particular stole happened to be on my desk, so I sent it off to him and encouraged him to remember as he wore it that day that he is a gift from God. When he returned the stole, he let me know that he had worn the stole throughout that Sunday morning. Being a soft-spoken fellow, he found that telling the story of the stole helped him to tell his own story -- what it had felt like to have to keep so much of himself hidden all these years, and what a great weight would now be lifted off his shoulders. Although he knew he would receive mixed reactions from members of his "rather traditional" congregation, he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support he received from many who heard his story that day. It is my prayer that somehow -- perhaps through this exhibit -- an unnamed child of God from Boston will come to know what a gift they truly are, and what a tremendous gift they were able to provide another gay Presbyterian. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 302 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Gay Presbyterian, Boston Presbytery) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Unknown Church Trials Massachusetts Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Gay United Methodist Pastor, Michigan) Stole Text Anonymous Gay United Methodist Pastor Michigan After years of self-hate and doubt, I have come to believe the truth that God loves me just as I am and accepts me as a whole person just as I am. However, my church currently does not. As a result I remain closeted and anonymous. I pray for the day when my congregations will know me as I fully am…a whole person. I pray for the day when hatred ceases and we are truly a UNITED Methodist Church which welcomes all people. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This anonymous stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 514 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Gay United Methodist Pastor, Michigan) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Michigan (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist Michigan Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/22359b690ae6e894f5b74d5662e80e90.jpg 61cd531dcc93aa8ed644bd6f92d281b7 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f07e8beee2af258ae6a74771f35d3b37.jpg 0c72d2b52c517a9e03ca1aa49b64724d https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ac1963a447c12096996a10b8d91cf690.jpg 40e17ffb7e990690f06fa72421155b48 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (God of Grace) Stole Text God of Grace Unite us in your love <blockquote> to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with our God. </blockquote> May your larger goal lead us beyond the divisions to a new unity in Christ. Amen Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This anonymous stole arrived shortly after I set aside my ordination in September 1995. Apart from the handwritten story attached to the stole, nothing is known about this person. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 85 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (God of Grace) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Covenant Network of Presbyterians More Light Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Grapevine) Stole Text ANONYMOUS Ordained Deacon Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1997 Contribution Story This anonymous ordained Presbyterian Deacon requested that their name and other identifying information be withheld. This person lives in the Southwest. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 380 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Grapevine) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Withheld Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e670c82b14c7f661421fa4c7952b0708.jpg b4b3af4e620716ffc7ce63164224a198 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/2a3d6e1f58f9d628083dcc814c72def2.jpg 9a0b4b934f80bc079566cf43ef46b3f7 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/fc6de4f111f19475c6fd8ebdea2c4ef0.jpg a5b5f0d14ad71fc84c637cb59ac3740c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Hawaii) Stole Text ANONYMOUS HAWAII Denomination #NAME? Contribution Date 1997 Contribution Story This intricately woven stole is the first we received from the state of Hawaii. It came to us by way of a third party, so nothing else is known about the stole's donor beyond location. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 384 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Hawaii) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, Hawaii (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Hawaii Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (He Was an Elder) Stole Text Anonymous A professional person, he was an elder in the Presbyterian church in a small Missouri town. He is now in another denomination which is more accepting of openly gay persons. He is remembered by his Presbyterian friends in Missouri. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This is one of twelve stoles donated to the Shower of Stoles collection by Merrill Proudfoot. We know nothing more about this anonymous ordained Presbyterian elder other than what is written on the stole. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 119 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (He Was an Elder) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Merrill Proudfoot Missouri Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Proudfoot, Merrill Theology https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5a23fe61f641344618c6fe909686d927.jpg 72d219a9eb46ad60332024d170aaf888 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/dd0e9e32fcef41bb86fa012f5162e354.jpg 7123a7063926f75b6a6d1a55e3442d3e https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/37d7094512624b385356214ace7502d2.jpg 728aa7e09cb8bcd860842d6639899a31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (I never revealed the truth) Stole Text This stole was first worn at my ordination into the ministry of the old American Lutheran Church in June of 1967. It was a gift from my parents, as were three other stoles to complete the set of white, purple, green, and red. I remember with what enthusiasm and delight I carefully selected four different ecclesiastical brocades and the symbols which I felt would best fit the seasons of the church year in which they would be worn. Those were days when one didn’t often recognize that it was possible to do anything but what society expected of a young man called to ministry: marriage, college, seminary, ordination, first call to a parish – and don’t reveal anything about one’s sexual orientation in the process. Now questions are being asked, and pastors are being removed from the ELCA, and others are being prevented from following God’s call along the path to ordination. After 32 years of faithful ministry to this church, I am not about to start answering questions that should never be asked in the first place. I struggle with the hypocrisy of that stance every day, but also know that I have been able to help some other folks deal with questions of sexual orientation in their lives and in the lives of those they love along the way. I will never openly lie about who I am, but neither will I fully reveal the truth about me, and risk losing the ministry to which I have devoted my life. I never revealed the truth to the parents who presented this stole on my ordination day. In 1967, I am not certain that they could have handled that information; they came out of an era that just didn’t understand. Perhaps this stole with which they gifted me might join with others in gifting this church with an understanding of the talents and people of whom we deprive ourselves when we, in all of our wisdom, place conditions and restrictions on people who have so much to offer, who seek to be faithful to the call of God in their lives and the life of this church. Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2015 Contribution Story Originally a part of the collection of stoles housed by ReconcilingWorks (formerly known as Lutherans Concerned), this stole was donated by them to the Shower of Stoles Project in 2015. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1204 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (I never revealed the truth) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned) Theology United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/80e7c7e4447f6077a7be36e5042eb0b4.jpg 23c03975820017976f5af37e7f26e179 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c58166dd1976223226cd2e2905aa2a7f.jpg 1871768b078337662545deffe2ab5b9d https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c71bc341a1497aec9582222bb4d14f03.jpg 15040f01145a7ffc63895def41f7ad87 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (I serve in silence) Stole Text God has called me to the ordained ministry. The Lutheran Church, the church into which I was baptized and nurtured, affirms and celebrates that call. The parish I serve welcomes me as their loving, caring, energetic, and wise steward of God’s mysteries. If, however, “they” were to find out about my sexual orientation, none of the above would matter. My call would be denied, my gifts refused. And so I serve in silence; with joy and pain, love and anger, frustration and hope. Always hope. My partner is a pastor. Few people in town know that I have a partner and few who know my partner know that I exist as more than just another citizen. Few know that when they talk to their pastor at home I am frequently trying to avoid making noise so they will not suspect that someone else is there. Few people know that my partner has someone to go home to who loves her deeply. Few people in my partner’s congregation know that their pastor daily considers another occupation, but can’t leave because of a call from God to be in this place at this time. Planning for the future is difficult but at least when the future is here we will have something to deal with instead of the fear of what will happen. Our life together is, to some extent, on hold. Few people know that conversations between us frequently begin with “when I’m defrocked, then we can…” to be completed with “have children,” “go shopping together,” “go to church together,” “get support from a church community." Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2015 Contribution Story Originally a part of the collection of stoles housed by ReconcilingWorks (formerly known as Lutherans Concerned), this stole was donated by them to the Shower of Stoles Project in 2015. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1203 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (I serve in silence) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned) United States Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (Lesbian Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church) Stole Text ANONYMOUS Lesbian Candidate for Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church This stole is dedicated to the ones who have served the United Methodist Church (and the larger collection of Christian churches everywhere) in silence. The strong silent ones of the past, of the present, and of the future. May I learn their strength. May I share their sorrow. May I inherit their hope. And many I never back down in my commitment to this holy ministry of reconciliation. We WILL overcome… someday. This stole is not perfectly made -- that is apparent. The transparent fabric is symbolic of my hope to be transparent to all with whom I come in contact; I do not like hiding things. You see the everything that would not otherwise be seen, and it's not made with expert hands. Like many of the things I do, it's a work in progress -- like me, all of God's children, and the church we serve. Together, striving for perfection, it will all come together. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This anonymous stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles”. In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 520 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Lesbian Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Women and Religion