First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

<?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Fort Wayne, IN

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana has been located in the heart of the city since the mid-nineteenth century. Like most downtown churches, we have seen the need for reaching out to and serving a wide diversity of people. This has included the gay and lesbian community in our city.

The Covenant Triangle fellowship group, Session-adopted statements of inclusiveness, membership in the Covenant Network, and a Committee on Homosexuality and the Church in existence since 1978 as an educational and advocacy group for gays and lesbians are some of the ways we have attempted to minister to and include this group of people who have for too long been excluded and made to feel like second-class citizens of the PCUSA.

Our stole displays the acronym for our congregation (FPC), plus the denominational symbol to show our support for a church unified in diversity. The rainbow is shown rising upward in hope and determination that soon our gay and lesbian members will be able to serve fully, openly, and joyfully.

This stole was given in conjunction with a display of Stoles that they hosted.

David Lohman
IWR and Faith Work Coordinator
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources
Home of the Shower of Stoles Project
2007