52 20 2479 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Lucas Hergert Stole Text Rev. Lucas Hergert Unitarian Universalist Livermore, CA I have been incredibly blessed to grow up in a faith community that is welcoming to people of all sexual orientations. I was thirteen when I came out as a gay man. My spiritual home, St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church, embraced me and welcome the gifts that I brought. It was in high school that I began considering the ministry. Being active in my youth group, volunteering for committees, and engaging in social justice were all things that I loved. I couldn't imagine my life without church. And so I became open to the idea that religious leadership was my path. After graduating from Harvard Divinity School in June of 2009, St. John’s ordained me to the ministry. The ceremony included many of my mentors, my family, and people who had watched me grow up in the church. It was a moving ceremony. I now serve as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore, CA. That congregation is also struggling to create a more just and compassionate world for all people, LGBT people included. I am humbled to be a minister in this religious tradition, and grateful for its prophetic commitment to love and justice. Denomination Unitarian Universalist Contribution Date 2010 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 1148 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Lucas Hergert Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Livermore, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Lucas Hergert California Clergy Activist Hergert, Lucas Ordination Unitarian Universalist Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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. Gay Straight Alliance at Methodist Theological School (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Gay Straight Alliance at Methodist Theological School Ecumenical Delaware, OH We are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and queer. We are United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (USA), Disciples of Christ, American Baptist, and Unitarian Universalist. We are students, professors, and administrators. We are ordained. We are awaiting ordination. We are denied ordination. We are Sunday School teachers, musicians, and children and youth leaders. We are progressive, liberal, and conservative. We are hopeful. Denomination Ecumenical Contribution Date 2010 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 1149 Title A name given to the resource Gay Straight Alliance at Methodist Theological School (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Delaware, Ohio (USA) Ally American Baptist/USA Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Ecumenical Ohio Ordination Presbyterian Church (USA) Unitarian Universalist United Church of Christ United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Fresno Wesley United Methodist Church Stole Text Fresno Wesley United Methodist Church Fresno, CA 25 Years Reconciling 1984-2009 Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2009 Contribution Story Donated in celebration of their 25th anniversary of becoming a Reconciling Congregation. 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 1150 Title A name given to the resource Fresno Wesley 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 Fresno, California (USA) California Clergy Activist Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Carol Scherfenberg Stole Text Carol Scherfenberg United Methodist Los Angeles, CA This stole, and many like it, were given to participants at the United Methodist Church World Conference in Fort Worth, Texas in April, 2008, by the Parents Reconciliation Network. I wore this stole during Soulforce’s prayer vigil for full inclusion of LGBT people. The vote of the assembly did not go in our favor. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2009 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 1151 Title A name given to the resource Carol Scherfenberg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Los Angeles, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Carol Scherfenberg California Clergy Activist Los Angeles Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Scherfenberg, Carol Soulforce United Methodist Church 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. Rev. Al Schon Stole Text Rev. Al Schon United Church of Christ St. Louis, MO Al’s Schon’s call to ministry began early in his life and so too the circuitous path towards ordination. As he describes the journey, Al laughs gently and says that God is surely a man, because a woman would have asked for directions. Born and raised in one of the United Church of Christ’s predecessor denominations, Al’s early call to ordained ministry was postponed with the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. His spiritual pilgrimage led him to the Roman Catholics and a brief sojourn as a Franciscan candidate before returning to the United Church of Christ. Consistently his path included service within and beyond the institutions of the Church. Following many years of serving as a lay leader, Al’s gifts for ministry were affirmed with a call, first to licensed ministry in 2008 as a Pastoral Associate with Peace UCC and now to ordination. As a gay man in the church, Al knows the definition of dissonance and the value of standing in the gap. Patiently and intentionally, he has words to create safe space in the church for all those who sojourn. The Reverend Albert Schon Ordained on May 19, 2012 Peace United Church of Christ St. Louis, MO Denomination United Church of Christ Roman Catholic Church Contribution Date 2012 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 1152 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Al Schon Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant St. Louis, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Katherine and Darlene HawkerSelf Clergy Activist HawkerSelf, Darlene HawkerSelf, Katherine Missouri Ordination Schon, Al St. Louis United Church of Christ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rachel Small Stokes Stole Text Rachel Small Stokes United Methodist Church Rachel began her life in the United Methodist Church, and felt called by God to the ministry at age thirteen. She served in leadership and chaplaincy positions through high school and college, and preached several times for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Wesley Foundation. Her gifts for ministry were highly affirmed, and after college she accepted a call to become a United Methodist US-2 Missionary. During that time, she also became more and more aware that she was a lesbian. After her mission service, she went to the UMC seminary, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and prepared herself to become a closeted clergywoman. However, as she saw the anger, rancor and hate in the upper echelons of her beloved denomination, that choice became untenable. She eventually made the very difficult decision to leave the United Methodist Church and to join the United Church of Christ, a denomination that welcomed her and many others with open arms. Hers is a story with a happy ending for everyone but the UMC. She was ordained in the UCC in 2009, and married her partner of seven years in 2012. Denomination United Church of Christ United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2012 Contribution Story The stoles for Rachel Small Stokes and Mark Gruber were made and donated by Mandi Janis. 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 1153 Title A name given to the resource Rachel Small Stokes 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 Mandi Janis Gruber, Mark Marriage Equality Methodist Stokes, Rachel Small United Church of Christ United Methodist Church 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. Mark Gruber Stole Text Mark Gruber United Methodist Church As the song of a United Methodist pastor, I grew up with deep love for Jesus Christ and His church at the center of my life. In 1983, after beginning a career in elementary education, I felt my own powerfully clear call to the ordained ministry. Heeding that call, the following year I began full-time seminary studies and began serving a Northern Virginia parish as assistant pastor. My sense of joy and certainty in responding to God’s call was absolute. Unfortunately, I began my studies and parish ministry in the year that this denomination issued its decree against the ordination of “self-professing” homosexuals. While I had not yet declared my sexual orientation – to myself or to the world at large – its reality was becoming undeniably clear inside me. Not wishing to be an embarrassment to the church I loved, and believing that I had been created for better than a life of loneliness and lies, I withdrew from seminary and returned to the teaching career that I had previously begun. To this day, twenty-six years later, I grieve my departure from the path I had begun toward ordained parish ministry. God has blessed me with continuing opportunities to serve within this troubled denomination that I love, despite it all, and with the miracle of a wonderful husband with whom to share my life and faith journey. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2012 Contribution Story The stoles for Mark Gruber and Rachel Small Stokes were made and donated by Mandi Janis. 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 1154 Title A name given to the resource Mark Gruber 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 Mandi Janis Gruber, Mark Janis, Mandi Methodist Ordination Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Stole Text Anonymous United Methodist Church Western Jurisdiction I have faithfully served as a United Methodist Church Clergy Woman for over 30 years. I was single and celibate until I was 35 years old, not being able to reconcile my sexual orientation with my call to ministry. Unfortunately, I was also very lonely and feeling less than “whole.” It was beautiful and also terrifying the day I said, “Yes” to being in a relationship with another Clergy Woman. We have been in a committed relationship for over 16 years. There is no doubt that God has been with us on this journey, and we have been blessed by being in ministry in the United Methodist Church. We hope and pray for the day the United Methodist Church will openly affirm that the church has been blessed by our ministry. With honor and respect I am donating this stole worn by my pastor during her 30+ years in ministry. It is with a heavy heart that this stole must be donated as “Anonymous” to protect her in her current ministry. I pray that this stole will be her voice until the day she can speak openly and freely herself. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2012 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 1156 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource A.G., a member of the United Methodist Church Clergy Activist Methodist Ordination United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Sacred Worth (Candler School of Theology) Stole Text Sacred Worth, Candler School of Theology Ecumenical Atlanta, GA Sending Forth Service April 18, 2012 Sacred Worth is an organized group of LGBTQ and allied seminarians at Candler School of Theology, who seek to support the diverse expressions of human love and sexuality among all of God’s children and is committed to acts of justice, education, conversation, and celebration with Candler, Emory University, and the larger community. Each year we have a Sending Forth service where we recognize and bless those in our community who are heading into the church and the academy. We also recognize the loss of leadership that the church has brought upon itself in excluding LGBTQ people. This stole was placed on the altar next to an unlit candle, symbolizing the loss of light, life, and love that has been and continues to be excluded from the Body of Christ. Denomination Ecumenical Contribution Date 2012 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 1157 Title A name given to the resource Sacred Worth (Candler School of Theology) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Atlanta, Georgia (USA) Atlanta Clergy Activist Ecumenical Georgia Ordination Theology Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. First Congregational Church UCC, Boulder (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text First Congregational Church United Church of Christ Boulder, CO This stole is dedicated to our many members and friends who have been called into ordained service to God, but have been denied that call by their home denominations. With deep gratitude to all our LGBTQ brothers and sisters for sharing their gifts, presence and inspiration among us in the UCC, we pray for the day when the household of God allows all to freely serve in the denomination of their choice. When God calls us to share our talents and gifts, may we be truly free to answer that call in the wholeness of our being God’s children. This stole is a collage of handprints of members of our congregation with words of support and affirmation – a symbolic laying on of hands with the fervent hope that these hands might help to bring about healing. Colorado’s first Open and Affirming congregation of the UCC – proudly proclaiming and living God’s inclusive welcome since 1987. Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2012 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 1158 Title A name given to the resource First Congregational Church UCC, Boulder (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boulder, Colorado (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Barbara and Scott Reed Ally Colorado Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Ordination Reed, Barbara Reed, Scott United Church of Christ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Elder Sandy Steelman Stole Text Elder Sandy Steelman Presbyterian Church (USA) Minnetonka, MN Sandy and her partner Lori joined St. Luke Presbyterian Church in 2006. Sandy’s gifts of leadership were quickly discovered and she was elected an elder in 2007, serving capably and joyfully for three years. This stole was created for Sandy by St. Luke member Nancy Fisher. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 2012 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 1159 Title A name given to the resource Elder Sandy Steelman Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnetonka, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource St. Luke Presbyterian Church Minnesota Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Steelman, Sandy 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. Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Minnetonka United Methodist Church United Methodist Church Minnetonka, MN This ally stole was created in recognition of our church becoming a Reconciling Congregation in 2010. Following a lengthy discernment process, the membership of Minnetonka United Methodist Church voted to adopt a Welcoming Statement by an overwhelming majority. Our statement reads: The vision of Minnetonka United Methodist Church is to follow Christ’s example and, as a Reconciling Congregation, to welcome persons of all sexual identities and orientations into this faith community. We are the 20th church in Minnesota to become a Reconciling Congregation. Since then, our church membership has continued to grow. Let this stole bear witness to our hope for the full inclusion of all God’s family in the life and work of the church. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2013 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1160 Title A name given to the resource Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnetonka, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource The adults of Minnetonka United Methodist Church Ally Methodist Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Minnetonka United Methodist Church United Methodist Church Minnetonka, MN The vision of Minnetonka United Methodist Church is to be caring, inclusive, and Spirit-filled in all we do. Our commitment is to follow Christ’s example and, as a Reconciling Congregation, to welcome persons of all sexual identities and orientations into this faith community. This ally stole was signed by youth in our church. The Reconciling Committee presented anti-bullying information to the youth, as part of our discernment process in becoming a Reconciling Congregation in 2010. Let this stole bear witness to our hope for the safety and full inclusion of all God’s children. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2013 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1161 Title A name given to the resource Minnetonka United Methodist Church (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minnetonka, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource The youth of Minnetonka United Methodist Church Ally Methodist Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. MCC of Louisville (Solidarity Stole) Stole Text Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 I was cast aside by the denomination in which I grew up, and responded by leaving organized religion for thirty years. Then I discovered MCCL. I found a spiritual home that I didn't even know I was seeking. I found a loving group of individuals who had been rejected by the very institutions that should have embraced them as children of God. I found a place where the Holy Spirit was vibrant. And I found a group made richer by the contributions of other seminarians and clergy who had also been rejected by their original denominations. This is not about me; it is about us. My story is their story. My pain, theirs. And most importantly, my redemption is theirs, too. The incredible richness that they bring to the ministries of our church is beyond measure. Through suffering we have been transformed, and by the journey have become the instruments through which God works to bring about healing and love for all. If the church is the Body of God, then MCCL is its heart. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Contribution Date 2013 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1162 Title A name given to the resource MCC of Louisville (Solidarity Stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville Ally Clergy Activist Kentucky MCC Ordination Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Susan Deitrick Stole Text Susan Deitrick Roman Catholic This stole came to me in Mexico City in the summer of 1994. What was especially poignant about this time and place and experience is that first of all, I was to speak to a predominantly Catholic congregation. I, Susan Deitrick, who grew up Catholic, having received my calling in the second grade at St. Joseph’s Church in Canton, Ohio. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest sends laborers.” In my young heart, I knew Jesus was calling me. The problem was that I was a girl called to the priesthood. The Catholic Church still hasn’t heard Jesus, who called His own mother, as well as Mary Magdalene and many other women, including me. In fact, in my visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe, she gave me the message to deliver to this people that had never seen or heard a woman preach. She let them know that they were the new Juan Diego, called to be a church for her son Jesus Christ. The second thing that made this ironic is that I was called to Mexico City to sit on the credentialing committee for some Mexican about-to-be clergy. In the process, I was asked to perform the Holy Union of a Mexico City pastor and his spouse. Last of all, as I was leaving to come to Mexico City, my very special niece was killed in an auto accident. My brother and all her family were devastated beyond consolation. She had just turned 24. I had to choose her funeral or God’s calling. I went where God led me. Denomination Roman Catholic Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1166 Title A name given to the resource Susan Deitrick Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Susan Deitrick Catholic Deitrick, Susan Feminism Mexico Roman Catholic Theology Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Pastor Colleen Foley Stole Text Juston Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY From my earliest memories, I knew God. I wasn't taught that, I seemed to have come into the world knowing that. I grew believing in Jesus, but my relationship was with God my Father. When I reached maturity, I struggled with the God I always knew and the interpretations of “Christians” that judged me an “abomination.” I spiraled closer to suicide. On my darkest night, convulsing in tears, begging God to change me, I fell asleep and awoke, directed by the Holy Spirit to read Matthew 19:11–12. Jesus was affirming that He knew I was born gay and there was nothing about me He wanted to change. Jesus struggled with traditionalists and legalists, and they wouldn't accept Him and chose to crucify Him. The Christian traditionalists and legalists of today are part of the Church and the Body of Christ, and with their best intentions, their words couldn't be further from the example of Jesus. The Covenant of Jesus is inclusive and unconditional love offered freely to all. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1163 Title A name given to the resource Pastor Colleen Foley Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Pastor Colleen Foley Ally Foley, Colleen Kentucky MCC Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Juston Stole Text Juston Metropolitan Community Church Louisville, KY From my earliest memories, I knew God. I wasn't taught that, I seemed to have come into the world knowing that. I grew believing in Jesus, but my relationship was with God my Father. When I reached maturity, I struggled with the God I always knew and the interpretations of “Christians” that judged me an “abomination.” I spiraled closer to suicide. On my darkest night, convulsing in tears, begging God to change me, I fell asleep and awoke, directed by the Holy Spirit to read Matthew 19:11–12. Jesus was affirming that He knew I was born gay and there was nothing about me He wanted to change. Jesus struggled with traditionalists and legalists, and they wouldn't accept Him and chose to crucify Him. The Christian traditionalists and legalists of today are part of the Church and the Body of Christ, and with their best intentions, their words couldn't be further from the example of Jesus. The Covenant of Jesus is inclusive and unconditional love offered freely to all. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1164 Title A name given to the resource Juston Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Juston Kentucky MCC Queer/nonconforming Theology Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Michelle Kanatzar Stole Text Michelle Kanatzar, Deacon Metropolitan Community Church Baptist Louisville, KY I always knew that I was destined to serve God in a public way. Yet, something stood in my way. I was a lesbian in a very strict Baptist church. I decided it wasn’t going to stop me from serving God. I started working with kids at only 12 years old and even decided to get my degree in Biblical Studies. I was able to hide my identity until my mid-twenties, but was finally outed. My studies were over and I no longer could work with the kids or be a member of the church. I never felt like I had lost God, but I felt like I would never have a way to reach others. Then, 15 years ago I found Metropolitan Community Churches. I have been able to work with kids again, interpret services, and most importantly become a Deacon of my local congregation. My story is so much like so many others that are forced out of the church that they grew up in. I am one of the lucky ones that find a place to use my gifts for the benefit of God. I pray that others may find that safe place. Denomination Metropolitan Community Church Baptist Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1165 Title A name given to the resource Michelle Kanatzar Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, Kentucky (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Michelle Kanatzar Baptist Kanatzar, Michelle Kentucky MCC Ordination Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous Ordained Elder Stole Text Anonymous Ordained Elder United Methodist Church I knew I was gay when I felt and answered God’s call to ordained ministry. For over thirty years of ministry and marriage I struggled with the tension of not being able to be genuine and accepted for who I am. I was silent when the church struggled with the homosexual issue, afraid I would become a casualty if I spoke up or out. Living in that tension finally broke me physically, mentally and spiritually. Suspected of being gay, I was placed on disability leave. At the next General Conference, the rules were changed and I became eligible for retirement, so I retired in my early 50’s. For now I still have my orders, but I am not welcome to serve. I am healing and learning that God loves me as a gay man, and I am still struggling with my call. I hope and pray that I live to see the day when the United Methodist Church truly has open hearts, open minds, and open doors. I donate a Lenten stole, purple, with part of John 3:16 on it, because I, we, are members of the world God loved and loves. This stole was made for me by a friend – the friend who offered me a home and family when the United Methodist Church was no longer either to me. Denomination United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1167 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous Ordained Elder Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Methodist Ordination Theology United Methodist Church United States https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/25e67519c0c5d904ca16101562f78f18.jpg 35071b11d0b2d98a57a1ccadfcada7a3 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4920bae9554d97cf32094e1a185f4b63.jpg 393ae87af9e236617943edc11212b453 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4d7422d426d28c910591a7af6b3a9b4c.jpg 3904416cf6fca1637292f03c7886d62a https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6fff3586ff74d3bae34b222e2858479c.jpg d87d6420dc1d7e7939b01e1af815e371 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Elizabeth Hall Stole Text The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth S. Hall Presbyterian Church (USA) Troy, NY For 14 years I was a parish minister in two different PC(USA) churches. When I fell in love with a woman, I knew I would have to leave my beloved ministry. I could not with any integrity serve the church, preaching of God's love and justice for all people knowing the PC(USA), and several people in the pew, could not accept me, or worse, would condemn me. Integrity, for me, is the integration of my internal feelings with my external actions. I could have no integrity if I pretended to live one way so that people would accept me, knowing full well this is not who I am. The sentence, "I found God in myself, and I loved her, I loved her fiercely," became my fully integrated self. Outside the church, I have felt this full integration of me, God, and the world. I was, and am, at peace with God. I am still not at peace with the church. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth S. Hall Honorable Retired Spouse Pamela M. Palumbo Dedicated on Sunday, November 16, 2008 First United Presbyterian Church - Troy, NY Given by the More Light Ministries Team *** The Pink Triangle Dedicated to Rev. Elizabeth Hall Designed by Quilt Artist Renee Kroner Hoagland Having been raised to believe we are all equal and should be treated with dignity and respect, it is sad to realize not much has changed in the last 75 years. 75 years ago Hitler started his campaign of terror and hate. Everyone knows about the near annihilation of the Jews. However, few people know the extent of Nazi madness and how many other groups of people were selected for death. As each group was selected for deportation to the death camps, the Nazis needed a way to categorize their captives so they could keep accurate records of their madness. They gave each group a colored triangle to wear on their camp uniforms. Jews wore yellow stars (two triangles), criminals wore green and homosexuals wore pink triangles. There were many others, sadly too many to mention here. I wanted to express my sadness over the fact that we still find it impossible to accept those members of our society who are different. The Bible teaches us that we are all God's children. Why then, do so many of us believe his love is only for a select few? This stole is designed to remind us that we still carry old prejudices and more work needs to be done to bring God's love to all. The dark pieced background represents the rigid attitudes and prejudices towards the sexually disenfranchised. As well as the loneliness and despair they must feel by not being able to fulfill their calling to serve the church and live openly. The "Holocaust" triangles remind us the LGBT members of our society are still discriminated against, even those called to serve God. It is meant to be uncomfortable to look at, thereby forcing us to address our prejudices. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1168 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Elizabeth Hall Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Troy, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource More Light Ministries Team of First Presbyterian Church, Troy, NY Hall, Elizabeth More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns New York Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology