This stole is for all the wonderfully talented individuals called by God to the ordained ministry who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered whom I have served with in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and who continue to seek to live faithfully their call within the United Methodist Church. May God's prophetic healing work within all our lives.
Rev. Mary E. Kraus
Dumbarton UMC, Washington, D.C
This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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
JUDGE JEFFERSON CLEVELAND
In memory of Judge Jefferson Cleveland. His work, as editor of the Songs of Zion hymnbook will be an enduring legacy to the United Methodist Church. His death of AIDS in 1986 was hidden by the Black church community. We honor him and his ministry of music.
",2000,"This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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
My story: Anonymous
My love for the United Methodist Church runs deep. My faith was nurtured from my baptism in my father's hometown church, through summers at UM church camps, Sunday school classes, conference youth leadership positions and a vibrant college ministry program. Many individuals, both gay and straight have demonstrated the love of God in my life through the steps of my journey. After graduating from college, I chose to spend the next two years in UM mission service as a US-2. My ""call"" to ministry became undeniable during my time as a US-2. As I worked in an organization serving immigrants and educating local churches, I realized that my love for people and my passions for social justice and spirit-filled life could be united completely in ordained ministry as a UM Deacon in Full Connection. What a wonderful discovery!
But because I identify myself as a bisexual woman, I am unable to pursue such a vocation in the United Methodist church at this time. I have completed the first part of the study process for ordination candidates, and I find myself at a crossroads. Should I even go to seminary? Will I pursue my calling and my passion for ministry and social justice in the church, only to be rejected by the very same church that has loved and supported me so strongly until now?
My church taught me that I am a beloved child of God who possesses many gifts and skills to share with the world. My church taught me to speak out against injustice and to live in love. To be able to use my gifts, to work for justice and to serve the world through the UM Church would be a great blessing in my life. I believe that my church will change. Until it does, I will live out my ministry in other ways.
The Stole:
The tree on the right side of this stole symbolizes both the offering of myself in ministry, and the nurture and growth the church has provided in the lives of many GLBT young people. We are like leaves springing forth from this sturdy trunk, offering our gifts, our skills and our youthful enthusiasm to the church and to greater society in love and service.
This stole honors LGBT US-2's who have served the UM church through the US-2 young adult mission program and have also been ""called"" into ministry within the UM church. IN giving two years of our lives to volunteer mission service in the UMC, we have already responded to our call. As a result of our church's exclusionary stance on homosexuality, we are forced to choose between fulfilling our call to ministry in the church in silence, or being open about our God-given gift of sexuality and thus being unable to serve.
",2000,"This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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
Is she or isn't she?
They look at my dreadlocks.
They make assumptions.
Is she or isn't she?
Yes!
Who am I?
I'm a Child of God.
Rev. Donna M. Butts
Doctor of Ministry Student, 1998-Present
Pastoral Intern, Mt. Zion UMC, Baltimore Maryland, 10098-2000
Editor, Wesley Journal, 1999-2000
Sales Associate, Cokesbury Wesley Store 1998-Present
This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. 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
In honor of Chip Aldridge and his ministry
The Rev. William D. (Chip) Aldridge, Jr.
I declared myself as a Candidate for Ministry in the United Methodist Church when I was 16 -- it was not until I was 33 that I was actually ordained. It was a journey I followed diligently and with discernment. I take great joy in my corporate life at Dumbarton UMC and my home life with a partner of more than 15 years. And I find much fulfilling in my ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. I am haunted by the question of where my ministry might have taken me, what I could have done for God and the UMC -- if there was not always an impending threat that could be used against me or the church-related institution in which I work.
My stole was made by three current students at the Wesley Theological Seminary. Purple -- in Mardi Gras traditions is the color for Justice (Gold for power and Green for faith). Purple is also the color in our church season of Lenten ""Preparation."" It has the logo for the Reconciling Congregation Program -- and acknowledges my ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary.
",2000,"This is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. Chip Aldridge, Director of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, has been active in the Reconciling movement for many years, both locally and nationally.
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
This stole arrived along with thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. ""Sacred Worth"" is a group of LGBT students who took their name from a declaration of the United Methodist Church that ""all people are of sacred worth.""
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
","United Methodist Church",,,"Clergy Activist,Methodist,Ordination,Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program),United Methodist Church,Washington, D.C.",,Stole,"Shower of Stoles",1,0 948,https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/948,"Signature Stole (Dumbarton United Methodist Church, Washington DC)",,,,,,,"Dumbarton United Methodist Church",,,,,,652,"Washington, District of Columbia (USA)",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Signature Stole (Dumbarton United Methodist Church, Washington DC)","DUMCThis is one of thirteen stoles given to us by Dumbarton UMC in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (Note: A “signature stole” is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as ""one among many"".) Dumbarton is a Reconciling congregation, working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church.
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
","United Methodist Church",,,"Ally,Methodist,Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program),United Methodist Church,Washington, D.C.",,Stole,"Shower of Stoles",1,0 947,https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/947,"Anonymous (""I came out as a lesbian when I was seventeen -- just a couple of years after I first discussed my sense of call to the ministry with the youth pastor... at my church..."")",,,,,,,Anonymous,,,,,,648,"Unknown, -- Unknown (USA)",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Anonymous (""I came out as a lesbian when I was seventeen -- just a couple of years after I first discussed my sense of call to the ministry with the youth pastor... at my church..."")","ANONYMOUS
I came out as a lesbian when I was seventeen -- just a couple of years after I first discussed my sense of call to the ministry with the youth pastor who led the Methodist Youth Fellowship at my church. After coming out, I stayed away from the church for a few years, believing that I would not be fully welcomed and that the church has too often stood on the side of injustice. However, I never felt wholly apart from the church. I returned to active participation in wonderful congregations that welcomed my whole self, whole-heartedly. Still, I set aside my sense of call, exploring other avenues of work, and hope that some other work would answer the call I felt. This whole time, I was open about being lesbian in all areas of my life -- with my family, with all my friends, at my college, and at every job I have held. I have never had to compromise being out -- until now.
My sense of call to the ministry never left me, always kept nagging at me, until I finally argued it out with God, and came to accept this calling with real joy. The power of that call and the depth of my roots in the Methodist tradition have led me to where I am today: a United Methodist clergywoman, currently serving my first appointment.
I love the church and I love being a pastor, but I wonder all the time how long I will be able to do this. What is the cost to myself -- and to my partner? Do I have integrity if I am not ""out?"" Will I recognize it when the cost is too high? I know that I hold back some part of my energy from my congregation, from fear of not being safe. The closet robs the church of my full ministry.
I am submitting this stole anonymously, because of the United Methodist policy that says that I cannot be ordained nor serve as a pastor in this denomination. I look forward to the day when my name can be attached to this stole.
",2000,"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
Rev. Paul Abels
1937-1992
Rev. Paul Abels, Ohio native and Drew Seminary graduate, was pastor of Washington Square United Methodist Church in New York City from 1973 until his retirement in 1984. In 1977 he announced his homosexuality and also performed several covenant ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. (He continued performing such ceremonies until his death.)
In 1978 he was asked to take a leave of absence by Bishop W. Ralph Ward. Paul refused and the New York annual conference upheld his ministry at Washington Square church. The bishop asked the Judicial Council to review Paul's status and in 1979 the Council ruled that Paul Abels was in ""good standing' and in ""effective relation"" with his congregation and could remain at Washington Square.
In 1982 Paul himself entered into a Christian covenant with his life partner, Thom Hunt, at Washington Square UMC in New York City. Paul took an early retirement just before the 1984 General Conference. He died of complications from AIDS in 1992 in Rensselaerville, NY.
Paul Abels is greatly missed but he has left us with his sense of compassion and social justice for all God's children, Christian or Jew, black or white, gay or straight. As the pioneer that he was, he understood and lived out in a deep way the hospitality of God.
A quote of Paul's was: ""I pray that we will experience the liberating love of God as shown through Jesus Christ, and grow more responsible in our love and care. Then our relationships will have the authenticity of the gospel, and our lives shall show forth praise.""
",2000,"The Rev. Paul M. Abels, Pastor of Washington Square United Methodist Church in New York City from 1973-1984, was the first openly gay installed parish pastor in a major Christian denomination. He served during a time of cutting-edge social justice work for the church; it was home to the Harvey Milk School of lesbian and gay youth and the Gay Men's Health Crisis Center. Known as the ""Peace Church"" due to its antiwar activism during the Vietnam War, Washington Square hosted dozens of other activist groups over the years, from the Black Panthers to community housing development organizations and a variety of dance, theater and music groups. (Washington Square has since merged with Church of All Nations and Metropolitan-Duane United Methodist Churches.)
This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
Click here to read Paul Abels' biographic profile in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery.
ANONYMOUS
This stole was given to me at my ordination into the Methodist Church (now the United Methodist Church) thirty-seven years ago. I have been an effective pastor and conference leader, respected and admired by most people in the churches that I have served and in the Annual Conference. As a gay man, I have grown weary of having to live in fear that the wrong person may find out the real me that God created, and I am deeply hurt by having the Church to which I have given so much tell me that it does not want me because of who I am.
",2000,"This stole was given to us along with a second stole (#642) 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
ANONYMOUS
As a person preparing for ordained ministry, I have submitted a ""symbolic"" stole in purple, the Church's color of preparation and anticipation. As a gay man, I struggle frequently to reconcile my sexual identity with the United Methodist Church's current laws that consider me to be ""incompatible with Christian teaching."" I pray for the day when gay men and lesbians will truly be recognized as ""individuals of sacred worth,"" eligible for full participation in all of the rites, ceremonies, and offices of the Church.
",2000,"This stole on behalf of an anonymous candidate for ministry was given to us along with a second stole (#643) 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
Music Ministry
Sterling Rainey
I am organist-choir director at the First United Methodist Church in San Rafael, CA, a position I have held for almost 45 years. I am a gay man, have an 18 year relationship with my partner and am completely open with my sexuality. My church has been totally supportive and affirming of my music ministry.
I became a Certified Director of Music in the United Methodist Church over 30 years ago, a recognition by the church of my academic qualifications and continuing study in the field of worship and music. Last year when the church ended the ministries of Jimmy Creech and Greg Dell, ministries surely blessed by God, I felt it imperative that I make a statement of support for these servants of God and also the ministers threatened with the same punishment for their dedication to treating all people equal, a position the United Methodist Church does not seem to espouse.
I resigned my certification voluntarily in protest of these actions. I am contributing this stole as a symbol of my unity with all those whose orders of one kind or another have been taken away because of who they are and what they stand for.
",2000,"This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. It is one of at least two dozen stoles in the Shower of Stoles collection honoring professional church musicians. 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
","United Methodist Church",,,"California,Church Trials,Clergy Activist,Creech, Jimmy,Dell, Gregory,Methodist,Ordination,Rainey, Sterling,Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program),United Methodist Church",,Stole,"Shower of Stoles",1,0 942,https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/942,"Mark Haberman",,,,,,,"Mark Haberman",,,,,,634,"Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (USA)",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Mark Haberman","Mark Haberman's first home was a seminary apartment at Drew Theological Seminary where his father was studying for ministry in the United Methodist Church. While yet a child, Mark sensed God's call to ministry through the corporate worship of God. Throughout twenty-four years, he served in music and program ministry in three United Methodist churches in Minnesota, Iowa, and Idaho, first as a layperson, later as a diaconal minister and finally as a deacon in full connection. Following the dissolution of his marriage, Mark chose to be ""selectively out"" for over five years before leaving the church in 2000. He now serves as a non-profit program manager.",2000,"Mark Haberman originally gave us this stole anonymously. After ""coming out"" and leaving the United Methodist church, Mark wrote us in 2002 and asked that his story be amended to include his name. Mark is one of at least a dozen people represented in this collection who had hoped to follow a parent in the ministry but could not fulfill that calling because of their sexual orientation.
This stole 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
ANONYMOUS
I am a clergy person beginning my ministry in the state of Wyoming. I have sacrificed a piece of my life by answering God's Call to be in ministry in the United Methodist Church. This sacrifice is living in a small faith community where it is assumed I am heterosexual, knowing full well, I cannot freely pick my friends or fall in love when that opportunity arises.
The symbol I have chosen for this stole comes from the Laramie community. In response to the brutal murder of a gay college student and the continued sentiments of unholiness expressed by many churches, the yellow band with the green circles simply stands for ""No Hate!"" I don't believe there is a more perfect Christian message.
",2000,"This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles."" In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
ANONYMOUS
United Methodist Diaconal Minister, Alabama
Consecrated, June 1988
Surrendered, August 1996
This stole was given to us by a woman to honor her friend; other identifying information was withheld at the request of the donor. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles."" In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
Honoring Steven Olofson and other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender United Methodists, from Ardis Vetesk Chapman, member of Wesley Church in Bethlehem, PA.
Jesus drew circles that left no one outside. His invitation and ministry is for all. How dare the United Methodists disagree with him?
",2000,"This is one of two stoles in the Shower of Stoles collection honoring Steven Olofson; Steven's own stole is #629. This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles."" In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
","United Methodist Church",,,"Chapman, Vetesk Ardis,Clergy Activist,Methodist,Olofson, Steven H.,Ordination,Pennsylvania,Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program),Theology,United Methodist Church",,Stole,"Shower of Stoles",1,0 938,https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/938,"Steven H. Olofson",,,,,,,"Steven H. Olofson",,,,,,629,"Unknown, (USA)",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Steven H. Olofson","Steven H. Olofson
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a life long United Methodist and I am a gay man.
In the UMC I have served as a Certified Lay Speaker, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference, Lay Conference Council representative and I stood as a witness/sponsor for a Deacon and an Elder at their ordinations. On the local church level: Lay Leader, Trustee, Church Council and choir director. I started a gospel band, which ministered to Western New York and Pennsylvania for 6 years and recorded an album with them.
I was heterosexually married for 9 years. I firmly believed that God would see how sincere I was in wanting to be like the conservatives were telling me to be. Yet at no time was there any indication from God that He had any plans on changing me, not even after years of prayer, fasting, counseling, begging and crying for as long as I can recall knowing my attractions. Yet after we decided to divorce because I finally admitted to myself and my wife that I was gay, I put myself into exile from the church because I thought God would no longer want me. I was wrong!
I have now been in a monogamous relationship with my partner (Robert) for 11 years. I had thought I was alone, I was again wrong. I have met so many others that felt the same way I did. I also know of many that could not handle it because of the pressure and assaults that are hurled at lesbian and gay persons that they gave up on faith. Some gave up on their lives.
How many have left the church or left this world without knowing Jesus because they were told they were not welcome? How many teens have given up on their lives because of the intolerance toward them for the way that God created them? I can answer that easily, TOO MANY!
My other burning question is how can we allow people to pick and choose scripture as our level of tolerance permits? Example: Why is the ""Holiness Code"" statement on men with men shoved down our throats yet others are ignored? If it a 'moral thing' then those that see fit to protest at funerals of gay people should picket funerals of divorced persons too, but they don't. It's bigotry and how can our denomination permit this to continue?
The issue should not be dividing our church.
Please work toward peace, understanding and tolerance of OUR differences and stand up against hate. It is our diversity that makes the UMC strong and vital. Infighting weakens and hurts all of us.
",2000,"This is one of two stoles honoring Steven Olofson. The second one was donated by Vetesk Ardis Chapman (stole #630). Steven's own stole features the word ""PEACE"" in bold letters. The last lines of his story contain a prayer for all United Methodists:
Please work toward peace, understanding and tolerance of OUR differences and stand up against hate. It is our diversity that makes the UMC strong and vital. Infighting weakens and hurts all of us.
This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles."" In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006
","United Methodist Church",,,"Clergy Activist,Olofson, Steven H.,Ordination,Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program),Theology,United Methodist Church,United States",,Stole,"Shower of Stoles",1,0 937,https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/937,"Kevin ""Rev. Kev"" Johnson",,,,,,,"Kevin Johnson",,,,,,625,"Wisconsin (USA)",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Kevin ""Rev. Kev"" Johnson","REV. KEV
UNITED METHODIST
WISCONSIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
FM, E 1979
LOA 1982
HL 1993
… Making tents
… Waiting, Praying
This is one of two stoles honoring Kevin Johnson, who was removed from active ministry in the Wisconsin Annual Conference after being ""outed"" by a member of his congregation. Kevin's statement on ""making tents"" refers to his secular employment. The term originated with the Apostle Paul, who worked as a tentmaker in order to finance his evangelistic ministry. A second stole honoring Kevin was donated by John and Ginny Kruse (stole #505).
Ken gave us this stole 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
Click here to read a biographic profile of Rev. Kevin Johnson in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery.
ANONYMOUS
After hearing the stories of people associated with our conference it became obvious that even the simple act of submitting a stole was endangering these people. It was their belief that the identification of their conference and service to the church would jeopardize their ministries and their safety, even if their name was withheld.
Therefore, this stole is donated by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action in honor of ANONYMOUS clergy and laity:
- Those people in our conference who were called by God but were not confirmed by the church because of their sexual orientation
- Those people in our conference who have resigned their membership in the conference because of their sexuality and who, therefore, have denied their call from God, and
- Those people in our conference who are presently engaging their call from God through active service but live in fear of punishment because of their sexuality.
This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. It reflects the essence of a true ally: one who will stand with, and speak for, those who cannot speak for themselves.
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
JAN EVERHART
I was a General Conference delegate in 1988 and 1992, and have held a number of leadership positions in my conference. For seventeen years, I served as a parish pastor. I left parish ministry for the sake of my integrity and the health of my family. My partner and I shared our story with the congregation where we had shared only part of our lives for nine years, so that they would understand why we were leaving. Presently it is so painful to attend the UMC for worship that we have joined the Metropolitan Community Church, although our roots are Methodist and we hope, someday, to return.
",2000,"This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.
Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles."" In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide.
Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006