Open Hands Vol 11 No 1 - Remembering...10th Anniversary

Open Hands Vol 11 No 1 - Remembering...10th Anniversary

11

1

1995

Summer

Open Hands is a resource for congregations and individuals seeking to be in ministry with lesbian, bisexual, and gay persons. Each issue focuses on a specific area of concern within the church.
Open Hands is published quarterly by the Reconciling Congregation Program, Inc. (United Methodist) in cooperation with More Light Churches Network (Presbyterian), Open and Affirming (United Church of Christ), and Reconciled in Christ (Lutheran) Programs. Each of these programs is a national network of local churches that publicly affirm their ministry with the whole family of God and welcome lesbian and gay persons and their families into their community of faith. These four programs -along with Open and Affirming (Disciples of Christ), Welcoming (Unitarian Universalist), Supportive Congregations (Brethren/Mennonite), and Welcoming and Affirmi ng (American Baptist) programs-offer hope that the church can be a reconciled community.
Open Hands is published quarterly. Subscription is $20 for four issues ($25 outside the U.S.). Single copies and back issues are $6. Quantities of 10 or more, $4 each. Subscriptions, letters to the editor, manuscripts, requests for advertising rates, and other correspondence should be sent to:
Open Hands
3801 N. Keeler Avenue Chicago, IL 60641 Phone: 312 / 736-5526 Fax: 312 / 736-5475
Member, The Associated Church Press
© 1995
Reconciling Congregation Program, Inc.
Open Hands is a registered trademark.
ISSN 0888-8833
@ Printed on recycled paper.
Remembering . .. 10th Anniversary
RETROSPECTIVES ON TEN YEARS
OWMAN
'\ gift of naivete, an act of faith, and risky step-taking birthed Open Hands. '
Affirmation: Celebrating a Birth
MORRIS FLOYD AND JEANNE KNEPPER
Open Hands is an important accomplishment in
Affirmation's twenty years.
Changing our Name
B ETH RICHARDSON Our first name, Manna for the Journey, was challenged.
-
RYMPH HALSEY 'V Editorsi'~ye the'Past" . 8 ~ M. BURRILL . , .A:NN-T.COOK
• MARY J9 OSTERMAt)I , .
and a tirt1~fi e:provide a bird's-eye view of ten afpublishing. .
Issue Coordinators Reminisce 12
JEREMY LANDAU • LOIS SEIFERT • BEN ROE • CAROLINE PRESNELL
Volunteers share their pleasure and the challenges involved in planning an issue.
National Coordinators Reflect
W ILLIAM C ALKINS
Bill interviews national welcoming program leaders Judy Bond, Mark Bowman, Bill Capel, and Ann B. Day.
A SCRAPBOOK OF MEMORIES
Gospel Visions for our Justice Work JAMES D. ANDERSON • SUE BROWN • COSROW SHIRLEY W. DEHORITY • DONALD E. MESSER JOHN AND PAT SCHWIEBERT • LEO T READWAY VICKI L. WOODS • DAVID R. WRIGHT Human rights and social justice activists claim Open Hands as prophetic voice and companion for their journeys.
2 Open Hands
4
5
7
14
15
-----
Manna for our Faith Journeys 19
ANONYMOUS • CARLENE BESSEY • DICK BURDON BOB FICKLIN • A LLAN A. MICHAUD • ROB V AUG HN LIL VENNER • RALPH AND SANDY YORK
Ten years of "manna" has strengthened readers.
Open Hands Provides 21 MARY BORHEK • SHIRLEY DARE • GREG AND JADE DELL SUSAN P. D ICKERMAN • CAROLYN GAUSE • A LICE ANN G LEN TOM GRIFFITH • LUCILE AND MELVIN WHEATLEY
Each issue has brought resources and sustenance.
23
Publisher
Mark Bowman
OpenHands Editor
Mary Jo Osterman
Layout I Graphics I Typesetting
In Print -Jan Graves
Cover Photo
Dale Fast
Why We First Subscribed 24 GERALDINE B. H EI LMAN • FRED METHERED STINA POPE • RUTH L. WALTON
Early readers subscribed for many different reasons.
ProgramCoordinators
Our Favorite Issues 25
CARLENE BESSEY • JERRY CARTER • SHIRLEY DARE
PHILIP G ILMAN • JAN GRIESINGER • BILL LASHER
TIM OVERTON-H ARRIS • JOHN AND PAT SCHWIEBERT
ROSE SMITH • O TIS THOMPSON AND GEORGE B OB
LIL VENNER
Some respondents choose a special issue or artic/e. Others can't possibly choose!
tf1;1;~
OPEN
Ifflll!
~~ ~
............. . .. ..
SUSTAINING THE SPIRIT
26
Mark Bowman Reconciling Congregation
Program, Inc. 3801 N. Keeler Avenue Chicago, IL 60641 312/736-5526
Ann B. Day Open and Affirming Program
P.O. Box 403 Holden, MA 01520 508/856-9316
Judy Bond
o Reconciled in Christ Program
1722 Hollinwood Drive Alexandria, VA 22307 703/768-4915
William Capel More Light Churches Network
T123R West Church Street Champaign, IL 61820-3510 217/355-9825
Editorial Advisory Committee
Lindsay Biddle, MLCN Ann Marie Coleman, ONA Dan Hooper, RIC Derrick Kikuchi, MLCN Samuel E. Loliger, ONA Dick Poole, RIC Caroline Presnell, RCP Irma C. Romero, ONA Paul Santillan, RCP Martha Scott, RCP Stuart Wright, RIC
ONE MORE
WORD
27
MOVEMENT
NEWS
28
Summer 1995 3
on Years
The gift of naivete is its release from worldly limits and conventions. Beth Richardson and I were novices at magazine publishing back in 1985 when we began thinking about an ongoing resource for Reconciling Congregations. Had we known that most new magazines fold within their first year and that it takes a large amount of capital to start a magazine, we might not have taken such a foolhardy step. The flourishing state of Open Hands ten years later is a testimony not only to this gift of naivete, but also to the power of collective vision and the grace of God.
The initial act of faith was to call on United Methodist churches to become "Reconciling Congregations" at the General Conference in May 1984. Ten churches responded to the call within a few months. In this euphoria, anything seemed possible.
We recognized that the declaration to be a Reconciling Congregation was only one step on a church's journey. Declarations become real in action. Reconciling Congregations would be challenged to develop ministries with lesbiaIi, gay, and bisexual persons and their families. Public witnessing by Reconciling Congregations would be helpful in inviting other churches to join them. The gay/ lesbian community needed
By Mark Bowman
to hear frequent words of welcome and comfort from churches. Society needed to know that all churches did not condemngays.
Realizing that some kind of ongoing resource would be essential to nurturing Reconciling Congregations and cultivating the collective II reconcilingII movement, Beth and I knew a magazine was the ideal answer. So, one year after launching the Reconciling Congregation Program, we took the next risk by publishing the first issue of Manna for the Journey. (See Beth's story about the name change, page 7.)
Guiding Principles
Consultation with many Affirmation colleagues (a couple ofwhom even had publishing expertise) in the months preceding the first issue produced some principles to guide the magazine. In retrospect, that collective wisdom was astounding, since these same principles have driven Open Handsthroughout the past ten years. 1) A professional appearance is crucial. A
friend once told me that what he liked best about Open Hands was that it looked good enough to lay out on his coffee table along with other magazines. From the beginning, we sought to communicate stability and permanence with the magaZine. We were not a "fly-by-night" operation. We intended to be around for the
"long haul" on this journey.
Open Hands
4
We wanted to communicate not only permanence, but also an attractive appearance. In those days when mimeographed newsletters were still the norm for churches, we sought a look which would grab people's attention. The appearance of Open Hands should literally extend a hand to invite others to join us.
2) Each issue focuses on a theme. One colleague argued against a thematic magazine because we would exhaust all possible themes regarding lesbians and gays in the church in two to three years. Ten years later we are still discovering new themes!
Using a theme for each issue combines the continuity of a magazine with the utility of a study guide. Each
Affirmation: Celebrating aBirth
speaks to the full spectrum of persons in our churches. Concerns regarding sexual orientation are not only relevant to a subgroup of persons within our churches. The concerns of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons also touch the life of every single Christian. Homophobia and heterosexism limit the fullness of faith for every Christian. To illustrate this, writers for Open Hands have often been asked to imagine that they are writing for the person who sits beside them in the pew on Sunday morning.
4) The tone is positive and inviting. Ten years ago, and unfortunately often yet today, much published writing in this arena is of an IIapologetic" nature, Le., seeking to convince hetero-
At its recent twentieth anniversary national gathering, .Affirmation celebrated birthing of the Reconciling Congregation Program as one Of its most important contributions to the church. Open Hands is perhaJ)s the single most visible and effective resource and organizing tool now available to support advocacy for and ministry with lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons. We cherish its roots in Affirmation and celebrate the wide circulation and appreciation it now enjoys.
-Morris Floyd afJdJeanne Knepper, spokespersons for National Affirmation
issue of Open Hands is useful long beyond the quarter it is published. A particular back issue provides useful tools for a church to plan a new ministry. Another back issue becomes the content for an educational series. Another is a handy reference guide for a ministry professional.
3) Our audience is the diversity of persons in mainline churches. A good number of the early supporters and devotees of the magazine were lesbian/ gay/bisexual Christians. Lacking another publication to nourish their personal faith journeys, they latched onto Open Hands as their salvation. The temptation to fill this void has been a constant lure.
While individual gay/lesbian/bisexual Christians continue to be a significant number of Open Hands' readers (and writers), the magazine
Summer 1995
sexual persons that homosexual persons are truly decent folk who deserve expressions of God's love. The chief problem with such writing is that it validates the prior question of whether or not gays and lesbians are fully human.
In Open Hands we break away from the limitations of this patronizing and often dehumanizing stance. The basic premise of Open Hands is that lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons are part of God's creation and are faithful Christians. This often subtle but critical distinction is the foundation of the "welcoming church" movement. Our task is not to convict others of the errors of their ways, but to invite others to join us in the struggle to become a truer reflection of God's love and God's intention for humankind.
5) Sexual orientation is balanced with other diversity concerns. The primary purpose of Open Hands is to empower churches and individuals to be in ministry with lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons and their families . Homophobia and heterosexism are prime examples of unfaithfulness in our churches today. However, homophobia and heterosexism are linked with racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of discrimination and exclusion. To ignore these linkages would doom our efforts toward reconciliation. Through Open Hands we attempt to walk a delicate balancemaintaining our focus on sexual orientation while lifting up other manifestations of in justice.
Guided by these five principles, we published the first issue of Manna for the Journey in the summer of 1985. The first issue, "Be Ye Reconciled," provided a framework and foundation for the fledgling Reconciling Congregation movement. We asked a New Testament scholar, the late Joseph Weber, to write a biblical basis for Reconciling Congregations. Ginny Hilton, a pastor and colleague, wrote about estrangement and reconciliation of lesbians and gays in her church. Pioneering parents, Howard and Milly Eychaner, told the story of their reconciliation with their gay son. Dr. Joanne Brown wrote a litany and prayer. Two other Mfirmation colleagues, Bruce Calvin and John Hannay, compiled an extensive bibliography on homosexuality and the church. Finally, we included introductions to some of the first Reconciling Congregations. This blend of theological reflection, personal stories, practical resources, and movement news, including profiles of new welcoming churches, continues to define the magazine to this day.
Publishing that first issue was truly a labor of love and innocence. Beth edited the articles. I typed the text into an unfriendly word processor. Graphic artist Brenda Roth created titles, drew illustrations, and pasted up the copy. Two Mfirmation friends raised the funds to print 1,000 copies. We mailed these out to members of Affirmation and the Methodist Federation for Social Action,
morel.."
5
inviting them to subscribe at $10 per year. These recollections reinforce my recognition that the existence of Open Hands ten years later is a miracle!
Becoming Ecumenical
The first few issues of the magazine, along with some recognition in the church media and other circles, brought a steadily growing number of readers. It also brought overtures to publish it with welcoming groups in other mainline denominations. While the early magazine readers were predominately United Methodist, a significant number were from other traditions. Since a similar magazine did not exist in other denominations, a joint venture was appealing.
After some deliberation, Beth and I declined these early requests for two primary reasons. A few years earlier, a coalition had resurrected a dying Insight magazine in order to publish it as an interfaith gay/lesbian periodical. Lacking an acceptable plan of shared responsibility for oversight and support, that venture quickly folded. Secondly, we perceived that Open Hands' strength was its focus on Reconciling Congregations and local church ministries. We were hesitant to dilute or expand that focus until we had sufficient time to build a solid base for the continuation of the magazine.
The situation changed over the next several years to create a new possibility for a successful ecumenical venture. The IIwelcoming church" programs grew and flourished in the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America, as well as in the United Methodist Church. Similar programs were birthed in the Disciples, Brethren/Mennonite, and Baptist traditions. Leaders of these programs met for a weekend in 1990 to share ideas and resources. The success of this gathering led to a commitment to meet annually. While each of these programs varied slightly in emphasis and polity, there was an emerging recognition of being on a common journey.
A year ofdiscussion and negotiations led to the publication of the first ecumenical issue of Open Hands inJanuary 1993. The IInew" magazine is published by the Reconciling Congregation Program in cooperation with More Light (Presbyterian), Open and Affirming (UCC), and Reconciled in Christ (ELCA) churches. The size of the magazine increased by one-third to thirty-two pages, but the style and basic format remained constant. Probably the most significant change in the magazine is the richness of the expanded pool of writers and consultants. Readers' responses to the ecumenical Open Hands have been overwhelmingly positive.
Personal Highlights
The temptation to use the privilege of this forum to share some of my personal feelings from ten years of Open Hands is too great to resist. The ecstasy
of perusing each new issue as it arrives from the printer and thinking III can't believe we actually did this!" has faded by this forty-first issue. Yet life with Open Hands still produces many moments which are truly thrilling.
Some of my greatest satisfaction comes when Open Hands is on the llcutting edge" of a particular concern, when we provide new information for youour readers-that you have not found anywhere else. I remember the second issue which was about AIDS (Fall 1985) and the issues on youth (Winter 1991), bisexuality (Fall 1991), aging (Fall 1992), the religious right (Fall 1993), and campuses (Fall 1994). In each of these cases, Open Hands anticipated an emerging concern in our churches. It explored a topiC that no one else had yet published. The calls and notes after these issues are stirring:
IIThanks so much-I've been waiting
for this!"
IIYou've affirmed my struggle!"
lIyou don't know how much I
needed this right now!"
In most of these cases, the issue quickly sold out!
.
\
On a more personal level, the refinement of the Open Hands production process has brought me great joy and re~ieved me of much stress. Despite fine work by the co-editors in the early years, I was intimately engaged in the creation and production of each issue. Itwas taxing to live up to and build upon the standards of the first issues we published. The increasing hours needed for Open Hands cut into my other work as RCP
Open Hands
You
give me hope n"ot to give up on the church. you~lt ~how.muehJ nu.ded~ \ ~now-!
6
coordinator which raised the question as to whether Open Hands was actually helping or hindering the RCP movement.
Increased financial resources, ecumenical expansion, and the commitment of the RCP board to continue Open Hands resulted in hiring a part-time editor in the fall of 1992. Mary Jo has truly been a blessing to the magazineand to me! She adapted to Open Hands traditions quickly and brought insight~ ful new ideas and suggestions. Her organizational abilities have gotten the magazine back to a more regular schedule and have provided wider input into the creative process. She has improved upon the high standards she inherited. All this while requiring much less of my time!
There were many moments these past
en years when the weight and drudgery of producing another issue seemed overwhelming. Yet again and again God provided a word of affirmation to get the next issue moving along. The awards from the Associated Church Press were unexpected and deeply satisfying. However, the most gratifying affirmations have been a note scribbled on a renewal form, an extra sentence at the bottom of a letter, a passing comment in con-
ersation:
"I depend upon Open Hands for a
breath of fresh air."
"You give me hope not to give up
on the church."
"You've restored my faith in
God-and myself! "
The miracle of completing ten years of Open Hands could not have happened
,ithout the assistance and support of hundreds ofvolunteer planners, writers, consultants, and supporters. Join us on the journey of the next ten years as we persevere in bringing the good news of jesus Christ to a troubled church and
world.~
Mark Bowman is a cofounder and national coordinator of the Reconciling Congregation Program and publisher ofOpen Hands.
Changing Our1tame
By Beth Richardson
When the Reconciling Congregation Program was a year old, Mark Bowman and I decided we needed an ongOing resource for local churches who were beginning to declare themselves reconciling congregations. We seized on the idea of publishing a magazine and named it Manna for theJourney, a perfect description of what we wanted the resource to be for people embarking on a journey toward full inclusivity for lesbians and gay men.
Soon after we began publishing Manna for the Journey, we received a letter from The United Methodist Renewal Services Fellowship, a charismatic group in the United Methodist Church. This organization, in its letter to Morris Floyd and Affirmation, charged that our publication's title was an infringement on the federal trademark they held on the title of their newsletter MANNA. We were informed that if we did not change the name of our publication, we would be subject to legal action.
A few months later, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied our trademark application for the title, Manna for the Journey. Rather than pursue an appeal, we made the difficult decision to change the name to Open Hands, which had been the title of Mfirmation's daily newsletter at the 1984 General Conference. The idea and image of Open Hands came from John Wesley's sermon "The Catholic Spirit" which was based on II Kings 10: 15: "Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours? ... If it is, give me your hand" (RSV).
Wesley's interpretation of this passage states fi rst that Jehu is not inquiring if he and Jehonadab are of the same opinion or worship in a similar fashion. Instead, says Wesley, the question simply is, "ls thy heart right with God? ... Dost thou believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?..ls thy faith filled with the energy of 10ve?...Is thy heart right toward thy neighbor?" Second, according to Wesley, the statement "give me your hand" is a bond of faith and love and does not convey a unity of belief and thinking. Wesley concludes by saying that a person of "catholic spirit" is one whose "heart is enlarged toward all mankind, those he knows and those he does not; he embraces with strong and cordial affection neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies."l
As we noted in the announcement of the name change in the Summer 1986 issue:
We find this image to be particularly meaningful for the Reconciling Congregation Program and this publication. As women and men of faith, we lay claim to the promise of the church as the inclusive Body of Christ. On behalf of those who have been cast out by the institutional church, we extend our hands to those who remain inside the ecclesiastical structures and those who are now without, welcoming them to our common bond of . love in Jesus Christ. Hands joined together span divisions and brokenness, even if they do not erase them. It is through God's saving and liberating grace that we can say "Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours? .. .lf it is, give me your hand."
In the summer of 1986, beginning with volume 2, Manna for the Journey became Open Hands.~
Note
IThe exclusively masculine language is retained from Wesley's writing, as it was when Open Hands first quoted it. It is intended to include all persons.
Beth Richardson was co-coordinator of the Reconciling Congregation Program from 1984 to 1988. She lives in Tennessee and is on the editorial staff of Alive Now magazine.
Summer 1995 7
From Editorial Advisory Committee to Co-Editors
For the first several issues of Manna for the Journey/ Open Hands, the magazine's editorial style strove to emulate the nonhierarchical, consensus-based governing style of its parent, Affirmation. No official editors were named. Instead, several Affirmation members from across the country served on an Editorial Advisory Committee. In theory, each person was to read and comment on each article submitted to the magazine; committee members in metropolitan Washington, D.C., where the magazine was produced, were then to collate everyone's comments to produce the lIedited" articles.
In practice, this system never worked very well. It became apparent that most of the editing and production work was being done by Mark and Beth, Reconciling Congregation Program co-coordinators, and the Advisory Committee members who lived in Washington. Within a few issues, Julie Morrissey, who became involved with the third issue, and I, who had been helping since the magazine's first issue, had begun functioning as unofficial co-editors. Finally, with the inauguration of the magazine's third year, it was decided to abandon the pretext of the Editorial Advisory Committee and officially name two co-editors. M. Burrill and I became responsible for coordinating each issue's editing and production, working in liaison with the RCP coordinators. -Bradley Rymph
A Lunch and an Offer
When the phone rang and Mark Bowman invited me to lunch, my years as co-editor of Open Hands began. I worked closely with Brad Rymph, an editor by profession, who gave me a crash course in the details, terminology, and shorthand notations involved in editing a periodical. To this novel partnership, I brought my knowledge of the church, a background in Christian education, and writing and proofreading skills. As co-editors, we were not only involved in technical editing tasks, but also had input into issue themes and possible article angles. We recruited writers and wrote articles to fill content gaps when necessary. We typed submitted manuscripts into computers for ease of editing. For my part, spell check was a necessity for rapid discovery of my many late-night typos. From beginning to end, each issue generated a stack of paper six to eight inches high in articles, rewrites, edited versions, blue-line copies, and final versions.
Near the end of my tenure as co-editor, we moved to a system of volunteer issue coordinators. As a theme was selected, a coordinator was recruited who then took charge of fleshing out the issue. Recruiting of writers, urging writers to meet deadlines, and first draft editing was done by the issue coordinator. Bringing another person into the loop broadened the perspective and strengthened the magazine.
I learned much during my time with Open Hands-not onI in the technical aspects of journal production but in other ways as well. It was personally healing for me to be involved in such a positive way with the connections between church and sexuality. I am honored to have played a role in the life of this publication. Thanks again, Mark, for lunch and an offer I couldn't refuse.
M. Burrill, a Christian educator and sexuality educator, was coeditor from 1987 to 1990.
1985
8 Open Hands
Dull Gray to Semi-Glossy to Environmentally Correct
For its first four years, Open Hands was printed on an unassuming, uncoated (Le., not glossy), ay paper stock. Actually, the fifth issue was printed on an uncoated ivory stock, but it was n less attractive, so the magazine reverted to gray. To enhance the magazine's display apal, a second color was added to the cover at the beginning of the third year, but the gray
aper remained. ith the beginning of year five (in 1989) and the selection of its third graphic designer, the Open Hands management team decided to take a small step to the big time: a shift to a semiossy,
coated, white paper and a new design. The bright paper and design made the magazine re appealing in displays and sales racks, but with environmental consciousness rapidly easing, Open Hands' staff increasingly questioned why we were not using recycled paper. This question became particularly embarrassing for me, as I was working full-time as an itor for World Wildlife Fund and had done the research to propel that organization's shift to . led paper. The Open Hands graphic designer and I identified an option for producing the gazine on an uncoated, white recycled paper. Not only did this paper exceed the recycledr
guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but the ,\. paper also was less expensive than the glossy white paper the maga. e had been using. As a result, beginning with the Spring 1991 issue, O{'el1 Hands was able to shift not just to recycled paper but also to the use of a second ink color in addition to black throughout the magazine-and have a slightly reduced printing bill to boot.
ley Rymph works for a consulting company in metropolitan Washington,
.c. He continued work as co-editor through the Summer 1992 issue.
Recognition from the Christian Publishing Mainstream
In 1988, Open Hands management decided to test the religious mainstream. The magazine applied for membership in the Associated Church Press (ACP), an association of over 175 religious magazines and newspapers published in the United States and Canada. To the surprise of at least some persons involved with producing the magazine, Open Hands' application was accepted.
Each year the ACP sponsors an Award of Merit competition among its member publications. In 1989, Open Hands won the Award of Merit for best /lin-depth coverage of a current issue" for its Summer 1988 issue, /lLiving and Loving with AIDS." That year, it also won an Honorable Mention in the premier category, /lGeneral Excellence." -Bradley Rymph
1987 1988 1989
OH wins ACP Award of Merit (for magazines of fewer than 10,000 subscriptions) for best "in-depth coverage of acurrent issue"-AIDS-and Honorable Mention in the premier category "General Excellence."
Summer 1995 9
Amazing Times
Those were amazing times, with tender dialogues (has anything really changed?) and pain and hope and struggle. The 'parts of being a co-editor and an issue coordinator that touched and/or tickled me most:
•
Voices ofteens reflecting on what would happen if they did or did not come out to their parents.
•
Lifting up the silenced, powerful, agonized voices of lesbian clergy.
•
Reflections on the possibilities, pitfalls, and tensions in becoming allies.
•
Suggestions for street theater to give would-be allies a glimpse of the pervasive impact of homophobic, heterosexist society.
•
A lesbian artist's healing as she contributed her own version of spiritual connectedness.
Ann Thompson Cook is executive director ofthe Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and a member of Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Washington, D. C. She served as co-editor during
1991.
1990
Relationships and Connections
My memories of the year I served as a co-editor of Open Hands are filled with people, stories, paSSion, and pain. The magazine format and editing details have faded into obscurity, but the relationships and connections I made with people, the personal stories I was entrusted with, and the deep feelings of passion and pain, both of others and my own, continue to have an influence on me and my ministry.
My work with Open Hands, which was my introduction into the reconciling
community, provided a positive outlet at a difficult time in my ministry. I was feeling extremely constricted in my local church at the time, and the people I worked with at Open Hands provided me with a breath of fresh air. (I have to thank especially Brad Rymph, Van Dixon, and Mark Bowman for shared laughter and new perspectives.) What I found in the reconciling community was a dedication to the gospel of love and reconciliation that called forth life and celebration, even when surrounded by many deaths from HIVI AIDS and a sense of exclusion from the church. I found great passion and deep pain. Much of this sense of dedication and enthusiasm in the
midst of suffering and grief came from my contact with individual contributors to Open Hands. The story that had the greatest impact on me was "I Don't Get Baptized Anymore" by Mark King (Summer 1992 issue). His story was a painful one of searching and struggling, of being rejected by the church, of one who "(hasn't) stopped looking for God" (but has) stopped looking in church. Living with HIV, his question is: "If I have taken half my life trying to find God, why won't God take just a moment to find me?" His story and others continue to influence me as a local pastor. What kind of God are we the church conveying? When will we rise above fear and prejudice to be true to the gospel of love and reconciliation? How can I help my church and the Church develop IIopen hands"? My experience with Open Hands is one that lives on as people, stories, passion, pain-and as a call to do justice.
Betsy L. Halsey is a United Methodist clergywoman serving in the Baltimore Washington Conference. She served as co-editor during 1992.
1991 1992
Betsy Halsey co-edits with Bradley through Summer' Mary do Osterman begins as part-time editor in Fall.
subscribers
OH goes ecumenical. Anationaleditorial advisory corrvr '.
tee is formed, with representatives from each progra:"
It meetsin Chicago in fall to plan first ecumenical issues.
Open Hands 10
'e Honors
In 1992, the ACP again honored Open Hands-this time by giving it the Award ofMerit for "General Excellence" among magazines with fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The judges praised Open Hands ,as IIan exemplary publication because of its courage. It provides a valuable sere
to an element of the population
o may have no other publication to ,"hich to turn." -Bradley Rymph.
Nolt,: .,qep Iuu cIA.opped it6,
~~wzar;a~wiLlI, {ewu tIuzn Vf)OO~and~
w.iIA nuYle,. We, 1e, now. ~wiLlI, tIte, '~" m~~!
-~
From Co-editors to One Part-time Editor
The year 1992 was a momentous one for me! In February, I moved from Chicago (where I had lived for twenty-nine years) to the Denver area. By the end of the summer, I was still searching for the right ministry where I might contribute my skills and my commitment to a more inclusive church and world. Open Hands had been a significant part of my life since the first issue appeared. In my education work with local churches and other groups in the Northern Illinois Conference, and through my outreach work in the Kinheart Women's Center, I had used articles, resources, and liturgies many times. I had written several articles for the magazine and helped plan two issues. When the ad for a part-time editor arrived in my mailbox in Colorado, I immediately said "Yes!" This was what I was waiting for!
Mark had devised a rather detailed application process, which as I completed it, just increased my interest. I reviewed about thirty issues of the magazine (I had them all!) and then critiqued three more closely. Looking at Open Hands as its would-be editor, I was even more impressed than I had been through the years as a reader! I could see the strengths. I could also see ways I could contribute as its editor. Then came the telephone interview. Mark's questions were thought provoking-and I had a great time answering them. When the call came several weeks later, I said "Yes, when do I start!"
Several challenges awaited me immediately: creating a new ecumenical planning process with a brand-new advisory team, planning and editing the first ecumenical issue of Open Hands (Winter 1993), and putting a planning and publishing schedule in place that worked for the various people now involved with the magazine. I also knew that Mark and the RCP board wanted me to take most of the magazine responsibilities off Mark's hands so he could devote more time to general Re p work.
Working long-distance with Mark and our designer (both based in the Chicago area) and with program coordinators and advisory committee members scattered all over the country has slowly evolved into a comfortable process. As we finish our tenth year of Open Hands publication, I'm off and running on a new set of challenges. (See editorial on page 27.)
Mary /0 Osterman began as editor with the Fall 1992 issue.
1993 1994 1995
Summer 1995 11
Jssue Coordinators 9<eminisce
Collaborating on AIDS Issues
When I first heard about Manna for the Journey/Open Hands, I had three reactions:
a.
The church will never take this seriously.
b.
It is about time those committed to justice issues did this.
c.
IfMark and Beth are involved, it must be good.
I followed these reactions with a commitment to support the new magazine with a subscription, personal support for its founders, and writing for the magazine whenever possible.
My life in the church as a gay minister with HIV has obviously been turbulent. Open Hands has been a light in this darkness. At the time of its emergence, I was struggling with my continued relationship with the church as I became an early IIAIDS activist." There were a few of us back then and the church would have wished us away. We stayed and Methodism eventually came on board. How many lives might have been saved if the church had born honest witness to this calamity?
When I was invited to help coordinate each issue on AIDS (IiLiving and Dying with AIDS," Fall 1985, and IlLiving and Loving with AIDS," Summer 1988), I responded eagerly. I love reading the magazine, but the opportunity to put ari issue together collaboratively and to learn how much suffering and joy people in the heartland are experiencing in an AIDS context-in spite of and because of the church-was one of the more fulfilling endeavors of my life! I hope the epidemic finally turns a corner so that another, more positive issue, would be justified. It might be entitled: II Government Admits to AIDS Cure/Church Apologizes to Martyrs."
Open Hands has helped to reinforce my beliefs and strengthen them when the church has often been an alienating force. When I was invited to write an article for a recent issue (Spring 1993), I was in a time of struggle with the denomination. Open Hands and its editor helped me put my witness concerning AIDS in perspective rather than in exile.
At a time when terrorism becomes homegrown, poverty and hopelessness escalate in our cities, AIDS spreads deeper and deeper into the very fabric of our society, and the government takes out a contract on America, it is heartening to know that magazines like Open Hands, and welcoming congregations that support it, exist.
Jeremy Landau, who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was the founder and executive director of the Rural AIDS Network. He is a photographer and health care advocate.
Photo: lain Boltin
Expanding Family Images
I was honored to be asked to be an issue coordinator for IlImages of Family" (Fall 1989), and even more so to be working with Bert All. We each had our own circle of contacts which provided a wide variety of resource persons. I don't know how long ago Bert knew that he had AIDS,'but he was a trouper and a participator in everything his strength would allow right up until his death last fall.
Homosexuality was not as openly discussed ten years ago as it is now. The Claremont United Methodist Church had been providing a support group for families and friends of lesbians and gays since March 1984, largely because Marshall Brewer had just come out to his parents. When Marshall and John Calvi were united in love, with a marriage ceremony by a Friends Meeting in Vermont, their story became an article in Illmages of Family." It was also fun working with John Cobb and Will Beardsley on biblical images of the family.
Our church subscribes to five issues of Open Hands which are available on the literature table. In May 1993, the congregation, by a 75 percent vote, became a Reconciling Congregation. Who can say in what ways Open Hands contributed to this welcoming stance?
Lois Seifert is a retired diaconal minister/Christian educator. She
and her husband, Harvey, live in Pilgrim Place, a retirement community for religious workers in Claremont, California. They have three daughters, one ofwhom is a lesbian who didn't come out until after Lois had started the PFLAG support group. Lois says, "If only I had known while she was in high school what I understand about homosexuality now!"
12 Open Hands
___ .i1lg Sexual Ethics
eciated being asked to coordinate the sexual ethics "nter 1989) of Open Hands. I had been heavily involved _ "Jesus. :;21Uality issues in Lincoln, Nebraska, in my association with on Human Sexuality, but had not been very involved dnds of issues since moving to Denver. This was an
---.-,. ..... nity to contribute something more to the movement, . seminary training as well as interest and experience enches" during those Nebraska years.
ember feeling somewhat daunted by the task of findwho could and would write short articles, even though written books on the subject! I once wrote that deal"th the issue of homosexuality puts in focus what a 's real sexual ethic is. I would now broaden that to say
Ie area of sexual orientation does this. _nk that reflection on ethics from the gay/lesbian/biexperience is important for our community to do, but
S important for the larger community and, especially, "stian community. I appreciated working with Joanne -ery much, as well as with Brad and Mark, and hope we mething helpful to the movement with this issue.
e and I have long felt that the Reconciling Congregagram and the communication channel of Open Hands .. important in the movement towards a more inclusive " erse church that welcomes the gifts of all who seek to
oe, a United Methodist minister on leave ofabsence, works
in the software department ofan environmental monitoring company. Maggie, an M.Div. student at Iliff School of Theology, works at the school and at theColorado Council ofChurches. They are active at Warren United Methodist Church on Capitol Hill in Denver. Maggie is currently a board member ofRCP; Ben has served on the board as well.
mmer 1995
!
t:i~~ ,.~t..¥~ ~~::~.~
Explori1lg Bisexual Issues
When Mary Jo Osterman and I were invited to coordinate the bisexuality issue (Fall 1991), I wondered "Why me?" I soon realized it was a fine opportunity. For several years I had been co-leading educational workshops on sexuality and homophobia as a volunteer for the Kinheart Women's Center, so it wasn't exactly a new topic. However, I was becoming aware that I needed to do some more study and thinking about bisexuality to better answer questions that came up in the workshops and to clarify my own thinking. Here, in Open Hands, was the perfect framework around which to organize it all, complete with deadlines! I could do something I already intended to do and contribute to the welcoming movement at the same time.
Part of the excitement of working on the magazine was the intellectual stimulation and engagement with Mary Jo as we shared and processed information together. We spent many hours sorting through issues, deciding which ones made up the core Open Hands should address, and working through our overall view of sexual orientation to incorporate additional information.
Part way in, we realized the bisexuality issue was likely to be controversial to our readers, so we offered to do a pre-publication workshop for the Reconciling Congregation Program board (at that time, the sole publisher). This gave me a head start on organizing the material for workshop presentation and getting feedback on it.
I received an extra bonus when two bisexual people close to me asked to see the completed magazine as information for their own journeys. One of them was newly out and the other was just beginning to come out to herself. Both found it useful. I am also reminded of how important Open Hands is when I learn that PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) groups, seminary discussion groups, and others have used it. I don't know of any other publication that provides this kind of solid, topic-focused information in accessible language. Congratulations
to all of us!
Caroline Presnell is a member of Wheadon United Methodist Church, a Reconciling Congregation, in Evanston, Illinois. She serves as a member of the Advisory Committee of Open Hands and has written several times for the magazine.
13
Bill interviews national welcomingprogram leaders Judy Bond, Mark Bowman,
By William Calkins
Bill Capel, and Ann B. Day.
"The courage ofsome churches is inspiring, "
Says Ann B. Day, coordinator for the National Open and Mfirming Program of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. She cites Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas, as an inspiration in the face of the Fred Phelps phenomenon. Phelps and his family/congregation picket all over the country at funerals for people who had AIDS. They visited the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration of Stonewall in New York with signs that said GOD HATES GAYS, DEATH TO SODOMITES, and GAYS DESERVE DEATH. /lForcefully hostile as he seems to be, it's easier for others not to get involved, " Day says. However, Phelps hasn't slowed Pastor Don Miller and Central Congregational from actively witnessing in the face of that hostility.
The Climate
M ark Bowman, national coordinator of the Reconciling Congregation Program reflects that /I Over all, gay and lesbian issues don't receive as good a hearing (in the United Methodist Church) as they did ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago." On the other hand, he notes that the number of RCs continues to grow. /lOne of the gifts of the Reconciling Program," says Bowman, /lis to point out that the church has been asking the wrong questions about whether you can be gay and Christian. The right question is: Can you close the door on thousands of people, whole groups of people?"
The climate in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) is mixed, according to Judy Bond, coordinator for the Reconciled in Christ program. A second draft of a study on sexuality is currently Circulating among church bodies. The response to the first draft was so hatefully anti-gay and lesbian that "some of the ELCA staff required counseling." The current draft is still not conservative enough for many, she says. The negative reaction to the study, however, II awakened all those congregations who said 'we don't agree'. A lot of the persons in Reconciled in Christ congregations were distressed and discouraged by the intensity of the response. One of the bright lights was that a group of folks brought together a reforming church conference." Seven hundred individuals addressed whether reform was actually possible in the ELCA; the conference seemed to breathe new hope into the movement.
liThe Sixty-two More Light Presbyterian Churches," according to Bill Capel, co-moderator along with Virginia Davidson, of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A) More Light Churches Network (MLCN), "are just a tip of the iceberg. Many churches are not willing to state that they'll ordain a gay or lesbian elder (lay leader). We have many more welcoming congregations than are officially declared More Light." More Light Churches are actually in disobedience of denominational policy when they elect gay and lesbian church elders.
The climate in the United Church of Christ is a beacon of hope for us all. The UCC national administrative body, or General Synod, voted to be open and affirming in 1985, the only denomination related to Open Hands ever to do so at that level. One hundred fifty-eight local churches and nine UCC Conferences also have open and affirming resolutions. "Welcoming churches' willingness to make connections with what they say and then do are the key to powerful witness," says Day.
Ecumenical Connections
Originally intended as a resource for United Methodist Reconciling Congregations, Manna for the Journey/ Open Hands served that audience for seven years. However, Bowman notes that from the very beginning some subscribers were connected with other denominational welcoming programs. Part of the reason the magazine went ecumenical in 1993 was economic. "Quite frankly," says Bowman, "we needed a broader base of support to sustain the magazine into the future. At the same time, it was becoming clearer ilia the different welcoming programs we" on a common journey and needed ~ support each other."
Ann Day was excited when the decsion was made to turn the magazine in an ecumenical publication. Day refle that Open Hands is "an invaluable too to understand what's going on in othe denominations' comparable programs. We don't have to re-invent the whee We can benefit from their experience. The Open and Mfirming Program gives new welcoming churches a one-year subscription gift to ensure that they start out "plugged in."
Bill Capel says that all of the board members of the More Light Churches Network use Open Hands as a tool. It is "where we come to terms with ecumenical things." Judy Bond agrees that the magazine provides a sense of a whole interdenominational sweep. "We are working on the same issues and none of us are alone out there. As we hear a more strident conservative movement, it helps to know we have partners in this struggle."
Bowman concludes that in addition to being valuable to congregations, Open Hands serves as a personal resource, especially for individuals in smaller communities who are isolated from groups of like-minded people. The magazine helps them feel connected in a climate where many doors are still closed. T
William Calkins, M.A., formerly an educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
has also been heavih involved in the United Methodist Church and currently participates in education at Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado.
14 Open Hands
J;{)-m IAOtor!tlIl Ar:;udfoe to-Deep 8m/atlu;
I have long been active in peace and justice issues at all levels of the Presbyterian Church,U.S.A. and its predecessor. In 1976, I made an aggressive effort to inform my ignorance (and prejudice) regarding homosexuality. The more aware I became, the more I saw the many parallels between racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Since the decision in 1978, which made ordination of homosexuals all but impossible, I have worked to educate others and share my own journey from "Victorian" prejudice to deepempC;lthy. When Open Hands became available, my husband and I immedi~ ately subscribed. It has become another valuable tool in educating and sensitizing the dominant majority of the church. I am often surprised at how few Methodists are aware of this · very good
publication.
_ 9hcrlel( W. De l-/o-ritlj
uer 1995 15
Gospel
Visions for our Otl: A AtJ-jJhetc'O qUic/e and
Justice Work
l?e(Jo-ming OuwjJo-/ten Ad()(}OaiM and Co-fflJJanl()n~
The 1984 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which John attended as a clergy delegate, revealed to us first hand how firmly the church is bound by a spirit of fear about sexuality and about people who are perceived to be sexually different. Following the Conference, we were embarrassed and saddened by the inability of our denomination to embrace even its own sexual minority members, preferring instead to conform to the prevailing cultural norm which allows and promotes prejudice against sexual minority persons.
Into this atmosphere of fear-and from deep within the church itseli-came Open Hands. It came addressing the fear, comforting the victims of that fear, and demonstrating that a breath of change is blowing that will eventually drive away the fear and
lead the church back to faith.
Open Hands has been at least partly responsible for our becoming outspoken advocates for the full inclusion of sexual minority persons in our Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference and for encouraging our church to become a Reconciling Congregation with an ordained lesbicm. UMC minister as our co-pastor. Mostly, however, Open Hands, provides us and our sexua:. minority companions with "manna for the journey" towards full acceptance of lesbigay persons. And, since Open Hands has become an ecumenical publication, it has helped us to expand our interest and work across denominational lines.
cfo-hn Siah()}{e6erteJ> ao--jJMto-rolJrletanola Peaae Co-mmuntft( Un{ted JrlethodtJ>t Chura/z, areaona{/cng a(}fl gregaf[o-n {n Pwt!and Oregon. hteJ> dr:reato-r ola Jrletanola mefu"S'trt( Im01J.fn M Pennata! .,;;/!rm wh{ahjJuM~1ze.g re.f(}Urae.f Ib-r jJarentf who-aregnel/eng the death o-!aaheld. Sihe eJ> awo-a mem6er o-!the !(}(Ja! Jrletro-jJo-!ctan Communtft( Chura/z, where ~he eJ> we!ao-med andena!udeden ~jJete o-!the !aa! that ~he {~hetero-~eKua!!
Co-mjJanio-n
The journey for justice necessitates traveling through many dark nights of the soul and facing many seemingly insurmountable barriers. Open Hands serves as our prophetic guide and companion in the struggle for Christian inclusiveness and caring.
As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, too often the church has served as a taillight rather than as a headlight for justice. In regard to gays and lesbians, the church has provided almost no light at all. Open Hands, however, has chosen to ignite a candle of hope rather than simply to curse the darkness.
Having fought in the civil rights revolution, and having seen the church and society finally beginning to change, I do believe, deep in my heart, that ultimately the church will repent of its anti-lesbian and anti-gay stances. Someday we shall overcome-and when we do, we will remember the faithful and fearless witness of Open Hands and all those who made it possible.
Dona!d 8. JrleMer hM 6een re.f{dent 0/ -5)!tI! Siah(){)/ ol7Jzedogt( {n Denver; Coio-rado; Ib-r the/1(1-2t !(}Urteen t(ear~. Autho-r o-!~ex 600-h, he ao-edtfed Caught (n the Cro-~~I/:re: f..Ie!p{ng ChnJ>teaM De6ate f..Io-mo-~eKua/ctl(. Do-n sat(~, ' 17o-t on!t( am -5) an o-rtg{na! ~u6~or{6er; 6ut -5) 6e/ceve
-5) have readevert( eJ>~ue/
C09ROWReI!e(JW
Congratulations on your 10th year anniversary! We celebrate with you! Our recollection of Open Hands begins when the magazine went by the name Manna for the Journey You have "come a mighty long way"! The magazine has been an effective resource for the church as the church continues to engage in dialogue about homosexuality, ordination, and other attendant issues. Open Hands has also provided helpful information about the Reconciling Congregation movement and similar movements in other denominations. Thanks for your good work!
-7Jze Cfenera! Co-mmeJ>Non on the Sitatu~ and Role olWo-men, Untfed JrlethoriM Churah
16 Open Hands
'arher,g
{)-tl thecfourtlet; emember when an announcement for Open Hands first came across my desk in 1985. -rngspan Ministry at St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church and the local chapter of rans Concerned were gearing up to actively promote LC/NA's "Reconciled in Christ" am in the state of Minnesota. One of the questions facing us was how to keep congre:--..5 engaged in dialogue and ministry with lesbians and gay men...once they had ob~heir ruc status. It occurred to me that we could offer a complimentary first year ..ption to each congregation as they achieved ruc status. I believed the magazine serve as a small "thank you," and that its articles could support, encourage, and ge congregational members to continue stretching and growing in their understandut ministry with lesbians and gay men. I was absolutely right, as it turned out. en Hands had a way, not only of supporting and encouraging us (especially with its jp resources) but of challenging all of us. The issue on bisexuality (Fall 1991) chal:hose of us who were gay or lesbian to be inclusive of our brothers and sisters whose . differed from ours. We had spent so much energy challenging the church to accept ~o be inclusive of us that it was a powerful experience to be challenged on that same .8 _ not often pause to reflect on the blessings of people, places, and events that God across my path. But on this 10th Anniversary for Open Hands, I would like to think Tas God whose hand prompted the appearance of this publication ... and that it was UAly Spirit that nudged us all to consider the many questions which Open Hands before us . Thank God for this wonderful blessing in our common lives together. Leo poses wit h Squeaker, Who is not impressed by an y of Leo's commitments that take him awa y.
flUlJZh Io-r the 1II()tltla!
.d!eo-7readwaI( 6egan lu~ mtntstrt( wttlz gal( and !e.g6tan fleo-fl!e twentt(-Ifve t(ear.2 ago-and.2flent rxrer lza!10-1 tlzo-.2e t(ear.2 a.2 mtnt.2trt( a.2M{Jtate Ib-r tlze Wtng.2flan 1fItflt'.2trt( 0-1 9t. Paul-Refb.rmatto-n .d!utlzeran Cizurolz. I-Ie no-w d{rect.2 aro-gram fb.r tlze 1fIeilneaflo-!c'.2 9alzo-o-! ric'.2trtat, eil .2Uflflo-rt 0-1
q .d!'BJ.2tudent.2, stall, laau!tt(, andtlzetr l'amt!c'e.2.
Manna for the Journey came to us just when we needed it in 1985. The More Light Churches movement in the Presbyterian Church was seven years old and had just received its first big blow. The high court of the Presbyterian Church had just declared it illegal for a Presbyterian congregation to welcome lesbian, gay, and bisexual folks into the full life of the family of faith. The ban on our participation now extended to the local church as it included the lay offices of deacon and elder in the local congregation. Our newsletter, More Light Update, focused on the political, ecclesiastical, and theological battles in the Presbyterian Church. What we needed was another medium to emphasize both the broader and the more intimate needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual folk and their families and friends as they pursued their daily lives in the context of their faith. This was Manna for the Journey-later to become Open Hands offering vital manna. From the beginning you have been outreaching across our denominational barriers and boundaries, welcoming us all into the inclusive church that stands as our goal and our vision. Thanks for the manna! Thanks, Open Hands.
cfame.g D Ander.2o-nlzCL.2 6een Co-mmuntaatto-n.2 9 ecretart( Ib-r RM6t(tert'an.2 fb.r fo6tan &-qal( C()-flaem.2 .2eilae / () gO. He ai-2O-.2erve.2 CL.2 edtto-rfou6!c'.2lzerMP .d!qc~ mo-ntlzltt 1fI0-re Ltglzt U;zdateJan e'.2 CL.2.2(){Jtate dean andrMM.2o-r til tlze 9alzo-o-!MCo-mmuntaatto-n, ~nfb.rmatto-n, and.d!{6rart( 9turic'e.2 at Rutgm.
.3 'REAK TIME: As Chair of the President's Select Committee for Lesbian &. (;-oy Concerns at Rutgers. jim works with many lesbian. gay. bisexual. and r'onsgender students. faculty. and staff
17
~er 1995
01-1: An Alternative Clzn-gtlan RMjJon.fe "Homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." Before these words found their way into The Book ofDiscipline of the United Methodist Church, they were already the theological justification for exclusion of gays and lesbians from ordained ministry, as well as from full acceptance within the Christian community. Open Hands became for me an alternative Christian response in this dialogue. I believe the magazine and those committed to its publication have been the most prophetic voice in the United Methodist Church on this issue. The church will one day recognize Open Hands and those who have been its voice in the same way it has needed to give thanks for those who opposed the religious justification of slavery and the exclusion of women from the ordained ministry. Open Hands has been a primary resource for me
to share with so many persons on a spiritual journey who have been invited by the church to journey elsewhere. My ministry would not have been the same if I had not had such a theologically sound and grounded resource. fAoki .;;i? W(){){./.g t:g ciL:gtnd .fujJerintendent 0/the /)1 o-rthem D t:gtrid ol'the /)1 ew 8ng!and Annua! C oni'erenoe 0/the Uuted 1r'Iethodi.ft
Church. 9he U:IJ'M in BangO-I; 1rlaine.
HAPPY
FAMILY: Cody and Julie Maria are co-parenting Julie's two sons. Russell and Dallas. HOLY UNION RECEPTION: Cody Emmett (Jeft) dances with her mother. Sue Brown. at Cody and Julie's March 2B. 7992. reception.
01-1: .f..IefjJ.f 1rIe ~7izem Antlwtl/f Open Hands would have all United Methodist chur be reconciling congregations. So would I! When I firs s scribed to Open Hands, my Methodist church in so . west Denver was studying the issue of gays in the chure . I had just found out I had a teenage daughter who was a lesbian. I don't go to that church anymore, but I want to keep loving the people there...even the friend who said it was okay for my daughter to be her daughter's soccer coach, but it wasn't all right for her to be her Sunday School teacher. It is hard to understand people with homophobic attitudes, but Open Hands helps give me the ability to try to love them anyway. Open Hands has been the one magazine I read from front to back. Thank you and keep up the good work.
9 ue Bro-wn, Nxtt( t(ear.f o-!d, o-wn.f her o-wn 1r'Ier!e /)1 o-rman C rwnefitJ 9tudio-. 9he t:g a jJMtpMl'dent o-t Uuted 1rlethodL:gt Women anda I-/umanitart'an Award reNjJt'ent. 9he taught 9undat( 9 ohoollOr twentt( t(ear.f and WM (}fl the Pa.fto-r-Part:gh 12elati(}fl.f Co-mmittee lOr Nxteen. 9he hM t/)}(}daughter.f, o-ne o-twho-m hl2fljJen.f to-6e .ftratglzt.
1rIafang a / gO 0 'Jurn
My wife Janet and I had been members of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (PLGC) for many years. In 1978, at the General Assembly of the PCUSA, I voted for the ordination of gays and lesbians. I had changed my mind 180 degrees after a great deal of biblical study and reading all the resources I could find at the tline. A good resource like Open Hands was too good to pass up. I have kept every copy. It is lonely working toward full membership and ordination rights in the UMC and PCUSA. Open Hands has continued to keep us in touch with our other sisters and brothers.
When Janet and I started on our "journey" toward human rights in the secular community 'and ordination rights in the church community, our two sons were in grade school (eight and six years old). Now, they are "open and affirming" adults.
DtliHd R. Wrightre.fi!Jnedht:g jJMfo.rate aimo-,gt t/)}(} t(ear.f ago-. I-/e n(}/)}p(}()1.de.f olllidoare I'o-r ht:g grand.f(}fl, /)}(}rh again.ft the Mn.ftant anti-glJ.t( ri!Jht.f ifutiatilJ'M in WMhingfo.n .ftate, do-M mo-re /)}(}rk I'o-r P d!qc and .f[mdar eoumeniOaigro-up, and.fM!he!;7.f keejJ the he.f6t(tert( o-t geatt!e aware that the ohurch Wi!! ohange it.f v-iew (}fl ho-mo-,geKuaittt(-.fo-medlJ.t(.
PLAYTIME: DaVid notes that his grandson. Jesse. will be the third generation Wright without homophobia in his family life.
18 Open Hands
Manna for our faith J;eg/z Fine K:ndltn!J en Hands has been a great witness to faith. It has helped me know, appreciate, and eroic persons who believe in God's presence in, and hope for, the church when the has refused to believe in God's people. I often recommend Open Hands to my ·s at Randolph-Macon College where I teach a class on Religion and Sexuality. unes, particular articles have been required reading. PJways, Open Hands has been a Ie resource for students' research. It has helped to prepare students to dissolve prejuexpand minds, and be ready for open and constructive dialogue with openly gay and . persons. It has also been invaluable in trying to establish a "reconciling congrega-ganization" in my area ?s well as beginning and nurturing an Affirmation chapter. . ISsues on "Church on a Journey toward Sexual Inclusivity" (Winter 1995) and "Camlistries with Sexual Minorities" (Fall 1994) are magnificent. Their practical help and commitment to a vision of faith have been like fresh pine kindling added to a slow g fire which had begun to crumble to glowing embers. U '71m i.2 a (/trginia Un ded 1iIethodr.djJMto-rieduaato-rires'earcher who-nurtures' the IJ-iS'io-n 0-1aahurch f'o.r all 'S' anddaughterS'. Journe4S Open Hands was given to me as a gift-and what a "gift" it has turned out to be. After that first year, I was hooked and have subscribed ever since. In turn, I give Open Hands to friends as a gift. I attend rural churches and Iknow that most of the people I worship with are homophobic/racist. As I read Open Hands, I feel I am worshipping with friends and "family" in an atmosphere of complete love, as Jesus taught. Writers for Open Hands keep confirming that Jesus does truly love us and that we are not sinners because of our orientation. This is very
'trenftlz Irrr ourJoartler and Wo-rk
e Yorks have always been human rights activists, believing in inclusiveness in all What a shock to hear that the United Methodist Church is not totally inclusive. ediately began to work towards the goal of inclusiveness at all levels of the UMC. our homosexual brothers and sisters not to be recognized in the "safety" of the seemed totally unacceptable to us. Our work began back in the 1970s and contin·his day, sometimes with a lot of heartache and frustration-but we cannot let
top us.
en we heard about the plan to publish a magazine, Manna for the Journey, we ectately subscribed. It gives us strength and courage to continue as we read the scriptures, litanies, etc. It gives full meaning to life. We continue to work with congregations who are studying the idea of becoming "Reconciling Congregaand Open Hands gives us courage to continue this ministry. We eagerly read every 0: Open Hands and circulate it among friends and family. We see our task as
:g seeds, giving God the chance to harvest ultimately. We read in the Talmud:
e work is great,
e day is short, The laborers are sluggish,
e Master is insistent.
are not obliged to complete the task.
e:ther are you free to desist from it.
atulations on your 10th anniversary. Keep up the good work!
tforll is' a retired Unded 1iIethodr.'S'tjJMto-r andf'o.rmer cit'S'tnd S'ujJerintendent. S}andt( f/o-rll t'S' a retired '/OilCher who-t'S'res'entlt( ¥jJo-tnted6t( the W o-metz J. D iIJ-t'S'io-n o-Ithe Qeneral g o-ard0-1Q l0-6al 11Iint'S'~''le {..(1iIC as' an advocate f'o.r Unded IJ1 dio-nS' C o-naernS'. f...Ier artiale 'geMming a Reao-nailing -eJWe' aan 6e f'o.und in S}ring / () gg,!fqe . / 2
important to me.
C arlene ges'S'er.; liveS' in 1iIaine wdh her jJartner. 'flter.; are no-! M active as' thet( uS'ed to-6e o-r wt'S'h ther.; ao-uld6e, 6eing limited 6t( jJht(S'faalcit'S'a6ildieS'. C arlene S'at(S', ' DjJetz f...IandS' reallt( 6rightenS' mt(
dar.;.'
THE YORKS: Ralph and Sandy York have been human rights activists for over fifty years.
mer 1995 19
In 1985 I was actively involved in the Wilshire United Methodist Church, having recently moved to Los Angeles from central Illinois. At that time, I was going through my own coming-out process, attempting to reconcile being gay with my Christianity. Open Hands assured me that I was not alone in the struggle to remain in the church as a gay man. It has also helped reinforce my understanding of being a Christian in the world today. We are called to be healers, leaders, and agents of change in a troubled world. We are called to bring the good news of God's love for everyone into our local communities and ultimately change people's lives. Open Hands, as well as the Reconciling Congregation Program, give me hope for the future of the United Methodist Church. Frankly, it is very difficult to support the worldwide United Methodist Church when its positions are so unwelcoming to many people.
B0-6 :Jicklin, wlzo-.§e untie andgrandlatlzer were 1rletlzodid minider.§, wa.§ 60rn andrearedo-n tlze larm in Central 01!cnoi.§. At Wc!.§lzire United 1rletlzodc"S't Clzumlz Ize IzM olzairedtlze i!.nanoe oo-mmitiee andadmtnt"J>trattiJ-e6o-ard Iza.§ .§eru-ed on PMto-r Pt2rt"J>1z !<?elatiom, andIza.§ tauglzt adult [;Junda!( .§olzooloIMM.§ ou-er tlzeta.§t ten e;ear.§.
go/Me ~rthe Pain
During the summer of 1985 the first issue of Manna for the Journey arrived. During those years I sought all the helpful resources I could find. I was filled with confusion and pain as I faced the wrenching dissolution of a twenty-five year marriage. I feared rejection by my children and disgrace in my local church. I was terrified by imagining being fired at work. This was a dreadful period in my life in which I faced the reality: I am a gay man. Friendships developed to sustain me and gave me the strength to become a sustainer of others facing similar problems. My journey toward wholeness continues. I credit Open Hands as a very valuable resource that I have used and shared.
Diok B urdo-n t"J> aolerge; mem6er oltlze Drego-n -0dalzo-Conferenoe o-Itlze United 1rletlzodc"J>t C lzumlz o-n Izo-nora6le locatio-n. Rtor to-Ieau-tng tlze aoitiJ-e mtnt"J>tre;, Ize .§eru-ed a.§ a United 1rletlzodc"J>t mt"J>.§ionare; to-Brazt! and Zaire, a.§ wella.§ tado-r olu-ariou.§ localoo-ngregatiom tn izt"J> Conferenoe. f..Ie t"J> ourrentle; amem6er o-Itlze B oard 01Cizurciz and [;Jociete; fa reoo-nOl!cng 60ard) and amem6er 01 (AiUiJ-er.§ite; Park United 1rletlzodat Clzumlz fa reoo-nOl!cng oo-ngregatio-n/
17{f 1rlatter the 7dle, gtill 1rlanna
Growing up, everything I learned of faith, I tried to deal with as I was able a the time. It made for some interesting stories . Sunday School teachers struggling to teach could not seem to understand my concerns. I did not. I just knew something was tragically wrong with the way we ac~ out our faith. As a child, I could not e>_plain my feeling. Now, older, I try.
I was waiting for Manna for the Jou.: ney/Open Hands. In a way, the theft " the original title is symbolic of what I a ways knew was a perversion of the gospel spirit. From the first issue, I have thanked the Lord and prayed for your prophetic witness. I have often used stor'es from your journal in my sermons. Fo ks who might never have heard truth spoke with your open tones have been deep""; touched in spirit by your word and world. I am privileged to be allowed to contribute my small gifts to an endeavor so filled with courage, compassion, and faith. No matter the title, your journal has ever been manna for my journey, a manna I try to share.
-Allan A . 1rlifJhaud
1rlanna When 1rlr Chumh Jatfed 1rle
I first subscribed to Open Hands a few years after learning that one of my daughters .s lesbian. It was a lonely confusing time for me. There was little information available 0 homosexuality and most of it was negative. It was the first time my church failed me _ time of need. To have such a resource was truly "manna for my journey." It helped me my journey of understanding, acceptance, and love-not just of my daughter, but of all H. gay and lesbian sisters and brothers. It helped move me from a parent in the closet to ~ activist. Open Hands today remains a primary resource for me. The personal stories cor. tinually rekindle my calling to be a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves The articles expand my knowledge and provide inspiration. It is an excellent resource: r those who are tired of the "party line" spread by "Christians." I often recommend it .. those seeking a broader pOint of view, especially parents who have gay or lesbian childre~
dr.! l/enner t"J> tlze mo-tlzer 01tlzree, grandmotlzer o-Ilour, a local P7.d!A Q oo-nu-ener, a Ia!( leader at J ift!
United 1rletlzodc"J>t Clzumlz tn Bur!cngto-n, l/ermont, andtart oltlze .§tea/zer';' 6ureau 01 Dutrtgltt l/ernwnt on organization Ib-rgae; and1e.§6ian e;o-utlz/
20 Open Hands
~ 'PI l/oloe from the C!o-~et
a gay man who is an elder in the .:ethodist church. Therefore I ask . name not be used. I first subMannafor
the Journey because
ember of Affirmation and wanted up with all that was going on in ch and with what was going on
.. friends. I also wanted to receive port of welcoming United Meth!'lurches. Open Hands has influ.r:lY faith journey mostly by giving ngth and courage, through knowthere are others on the same jour15 especially important now with .: wing at work both in church and
-AnOftt;mo-u.g
~ndJ
9u~talnlng, 11urturlng 5,'0{. roe 01~nlb-rmatlo-n
en Hands, from its beginnings to resent collaboration with other denations committed to inclusiveness, been a sustaining, nurturing source
e.pful information. It is not possible to se a favorite issue. We read them, e them, and are indebted to them as
o what Mel calls our primary avoca....'1 retirement, which is to work and
for the day when all churches and agogues will be truly inclusive.
~'n Wizeatlet; c'.g aretc'red Bt'S'lzo-fl o/tlze Uuted 'izodift Cizuraiz. I-Ie and .;;:t:u(Jc'!e Izal}-e tlzree tk t;o-unge.gt 0-/wlzo-mcfo-Izn, .glzaredlze'S' .game:"~'
eI1tate(}n wdlz tlzem c'n Decem6er / () 72
c,. ,,~ then, tlzer Izave wo-rkedI'o-r o-flen and aI//:rm·(UlOft.g amOftggar andMn-gat; fler.go-n.g c'nNde llrclz M we!! M o-ut. 1rluclz o-/tlzec'r c'nvd~IhM 6een wdlz P7.;;:t:,Aq a.g a memo-redtowho-deedOft 1rlarclz 2 I, / () g4
'1lffier 1995
A l/oloe fro-m the C!o-~et
When I first subscribed to Manna for the Journey (predecessor to Open Hands), Iwas both deep in the closet and a church professional. In fact, this was the first publication related to homosexuality I had the courage to subscribe to. I felt it was "safe" since it had a "church" connection. Very quickly, Open Hands became the one solid and reliable, yet not overly scholarly, publication I read regularly. It helped me know that it was okay to be gay, in the church, and employed by the church-all at once. It also helped
me
know that in all these respects I was not alone. I have so appreciated both the biblical/theological resources and the liturgical/worship resources this publication has provided over the years. The former have deepened my understanding of what the Bible and our Christian heritage and tradition have said on homosexuality and related issues .
The latter have helped me personally to feel affirmed in my spiritual journey as a male in the church who is both ordained and gay. I believe more strongly now than ever that God created me as I am, that all of God's creation is good, and that I am God's child and fully a member of God's family. At the same time, I have never been part of a mainline congregation that accepted me as I really am. Unfortunately, that has happened only in my MCC congregation. Nevertheless, I journey on, more and more certain that God loves me completely-regardless of what my church says.
-A nOftt;mo-u.g
Provides
R~(}{jfo~ Ib-r oar Ongo-lng
IJrlllU'gtrl~
When Open Hands first came out, we had just moved from a church which was a Reconciling Congregation to a church we were sure had never heard of the idea. We needed this magazine to keep us in touch with the ongoing struggles against homophobia and to nourish us with hope in the future. When our new church began to study the issues of heterosexism in 1987, the magazine became a crucial resource to those persons advocating for RC status. Since our church declared being a ReconCiling Congregation in 1988, Open Hands has become a sustaining irifluence and a breath of fresh air to the gay men and lesbians, bisexual folks, and straight persons who have joined the circle of inclusivity.
q reg andcfade De!!!l~ [n Oak Park, -5)!!tiwc'S', wlzere qreg e'S' flMto-r at 8uc!td ,A~ue Unded 1rletlzo-dc'S't Cizuraiz. flu'S' .gummer tlzet; mwe to8 ro-adwat; U1rlC, a /2eMnceir.'n.g COftgregate{}n [n CIz[cago-.
THE WHEATLEY TEAM: Lucile and Mel pose for a friend.
'Photo: Dana Nye
21
I was first drawn to the Reconciling Congregation Program out of a faith commitment to justice; excluding lesbigays from full participation in the life of the church just wasn't fair. The testimonies and articles in Open Hands have broadened my understanding to focus not only on justice, but also to witness to RCP as a faithful response to Christ's God. I always learn a new slant or insight from Open Hands. It is a nudge to "keep on keepin' on."
Qlurle!( D are c'~ alzac'ro/tlze 60-ardo-Itlze natc'o-nal Reao-nac'!c'ng C ongregatc'o-n Rogratn. Olfer tlze I(ear~, ~Ize IzM ~erlfedo-n ~el/eralMnierenae and natc'o-nal60-arcfg M(Jart 0-1Izer I~tnt'nc'~trl(.
j An 8fl/Jt/Ot'o-jJedla 0/~fllo-rmatlon
I have always had concern for the rights of gays and lesbians. I was living in a very conservative community and wanted a resource that kept me in touch with the current issues and was a good resource to share with people when they raised questions about sexuality and the Bible and/or theology. Open Hands has served as that resource for me.
Open Hands is a resource-like an encyclopedia-on an issue which my denomination continues to debate. Because my church and others know I work with those living with HIVIAIDS, they approach me when they feel dis-ease with the church's discussions around sexuality and ask if I have resources to help others grasp why all people are acceptable to God and in the community of faith. Usually an issue of Open Hands is among the resources I share.
A!c'()e Ann Qlen t'S a Untied 1rletlzodM dt:aMnaltnt'nt'Ster wlzo-t'S a Clzrc'S/c'an eduaato-r andMntract
wrtier Ib-r tlze U1rlC. Qlze Izo-(JM to-6e re-electedto-Qeneral Co-nierenae ~o-~Ize aan aMt Izer
wtM Ib-r t'naluNl/enM~.
RMoamM lOr a Conlerenoe
9taltAr.2()-fl
The Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ voted eleven years ago to become an open and affirming (ONA) Conference one year before the General Synod of the UCC voted a similar action. Our ONA Task Force works to increase awareness of the issues surrounding gay, lesbian, and bisexual concerns;
. provides resources to local congregations
, to become Open and Affirming churches; and provides support networks for churches that have voted to become ONA congregations. As the staff person to this task force, I have found Open Hands to be an invaluable resource as I work to support this important ministry of our Conference. Since each issue focuses on a specific area of concern, I have also found it to be readily accessible to our pastors and lay leaders. Thank you for a resource that empowers me and the local congregations of our Conference.
Qu~an P Dt'()!zertnan t'S tlze a~~Mc'ate Mnierenae tnt'nt'Ster Ib-r /Mal Cizuraiz /tie and R enewalo-I tlze 1rla~~aalzu~etb Co-nierenae 0/ tlze Unt'ted Cizuraiz 0-1 Clzrc'St.
9jJeakng flfld W()-r~lztp l-lelp~ I first subscribed to Open Hands probably because I got a flyer in the mail! I was doing some public speaking as the parent of a gay man and author of My Son Eric and Coming Out to Parents. Since a good bit of this speaking was to religious groups, I felt that Open Hands would be helpful to me. A year and a half ago I started a lesbigay group (Sanctuary) in the Moravian Church. For many meetings we have written or put together our own liturgies and have found Open Hands very helpful. Open Hands is definitely a quality magazine, both in appearance and content. You have survived and thrived for ten years, and gotten better and better. May your twenty-year anniversary find the magazine maintaining its high standard and ministering to a community that has been fully embraced by the Christian church.
1rlarl( '&o-rlzelz!ci;-M t'n '&etlzlelzetn, Penn~l(lv-anc'a
Open Hands 22
v~qet gtarted
-' nerous friend gave me a one-year jon that started with the first isave renewed every year since. I "e volume 1, number 1 with the mside!By way of unsolicited teslet me say unequivocally that ,0 other magazine to which I have ibed for ten uninterrupted years. .e other magazine comes close. I put it aside to read when I have as I do other very, very good publi-. When it arrives, I read it-and I
e children and family issues I use a'1d again since I work in ministries dren and families . I am also part of :ssue enant study group on the United ~".hodist Study on Homosexuality and ound the Summer 1993 issue on cal Interpretation: Beyond Judgment 'e" especially helpful. Because of al concerns about the activities of eilgious right, I often reread the Fall on "Responding to the Right: egies for Change."Every issue brings , . articles, such as Lindsay Biddle's .... uilding a Liberating Bible Study into
•.1inistry" (Fall 1994) which we have ill our covenant study group.
ilfn C}at.m, an afJieil'e IflfjlJ)()-man oltlze 8 altc-WM/zmgton COfllerenoe oIthe Unded 1rlethC/zurch, oIzacrs the ()(}n/'erenoe ()(}mmdtee o-n D 5)/II-!J l/ 1Y!cncS'trtes and IJ)()-rM 1'0-1' the "().n, cnIJ'oilJ'ement, and emflo-werment o-llat(
(tz(Jludcng oIzcidren. 5)he trt'e.S' to-Icil'e the'S ou.t ruown. oIzeldren andgrandohc!dren.
~rlART£,R SUBSCRIBER: Carolyn Gause uses Open Hands often in her . arious loy ministries.
ummer 1995
1rIaturfnj R~oart)~ Ib-r a 1rlr.-xed 1rlr.nt".2trtl
I originally subscribed because I was buttonholed at our 1985 Annual Conference by the late Reverend Bert All. I wanted to support my friend, Bert, so I signed up and gave him ten bucks. Frankly I was disappointed with those first issues, mostly because they seemed to be centered around the theme of "Isn't it wonderful that we're gay/lesbian -and, oh, yes, we happen to be Christian and United Methodist." As a "straight" man, I was not reached by liturgies which celebrated "our gayness." I thought those writing the magazine articles had their priorities backward. Aren't we, first of all, Christians? I didn't renew. Two years later I became pastor of Crescent Heights United Methodist Church. As a Reconciling Congregation, we got copies of Open Hands. Some of the articles were beginning to change their focus, although the liturgies still suggested "Isn't it wonderful we're gay?" Ten years later, I am grateful for the maturing of Open Hands and the Reconciling Congregation Program. It provides me with much needed resources for my very mixed church.
'Jo.m C}rtlllih Icires Cn West lIollt({JJ{){}(/, C alclomca.
Ecumenical Ties That Bond
1)1atura/ltl ReMlunj Out
United Methodist minister, Perry Wiggins, gave me my first subscription. He knew I would find it helpful in my ministry at West Hollywood Presbyterian Church, a largely gay and lesbian congregation. When my first issue arrived, I was so impressedand envious-that United Methodists had such a fine publication to support their reconciling congregations. Open Hands displays uncommon integrity by all the connections it makes among vital church concerns: feminism, worship, racial diversity, evangelism, disability issues, peacemaking, cultural sensitivity, prayer, the poor, social justice, the family, same-gender marriages, Christian education, and sexual orientations.
As a Presbyterian, I am grateful to feel yet more a part of the Open Hands family since it has officially become ecumenical. On all my speaking trips I carry subscription forms and urge people to sign on.Sometimes I do it so fervently I have to add a disclaimer that I receive no kickback for my endorsement!
Chrt'S C}IMere'S the autho-r01 flze W o-rd ,,9s Out (a daclt( c!eIJ'{)o{COflal)
F/egenttnj a United -:h(}flt
When I received my first issue of Manna for the Journey as a courtesy from Mark Bowman, I was intrigued by the unusual name. I was the first director (1984-1990) of the Reconciled in Christ Program for Lutherans Concerned and in those days any form of inspiration and support was badly needed. I was impressed by the decision for the magazine to become ecumenical and present a united front to our respective church bodies. That was an important move forward in the ministry.
-Ro-se 5)mdh, 11o-rth lIollt(~ Calr./Mnca
qreettnj~
I am very proud that the United Methodists have developed such an excellent and beautifully designed magazine on behalf of the whole ecumenical community.
cfeanne ./ludrq Po-wers
23
We were so pleased when Open Hands became ecumenical, as that reflects our relationship to various churches seeking to be welcoming of all persons. With the closing of Capitol Hill UMC in Seattle, Mary's focus shifted back to University Congregational United Church of Christ. The ONA journey there led to the call of David Shull and Peter llgenfritz as their associate pastor team (see story, Winter 1995, page 15). Families have questioned: how do we talk to our kids about Dave and Peter? Well, there are five issues of Open Hands to help us!
1r'Iart( .f...I. Do-ughertl( t:r a retired so-(){al wo-rker and R eah Sl. Do-ughertl( is a retired United 1r'IethodMjJaswr.
O.f.lIJ7ol flet Pull( 8oumenloal
In the beginning I was under the impression that Open Hands would be ecumenical. On those grounds we subscribed for a year. I became aware that there was never ever mention of Roman Catholic issues, projects, or programs. When someone gave us a gift subscription a year or so ago, I found the same lack of any mention of Roman Catholic events or activities. It definitively serves those churches and denominations listed in the journal and this is fair enough. You can't do it all! However, I still find the conspicuous absence of a Roman Catholic perspective disturbing.
R0-6ert 17ugent is a oo--I'o-under o-I'the Ro-tnan Catholio 17ew Wal(s 1Ylinistrl( in 1r'It. Rainier, 1r'Iarl(land.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Mary responds to one of numerous calls.
Photo: Dolly Pomer/ean
Rowlng t4~tream 'logether
Open Hands caught my attention as a well written, on target, religious publication dealing with vital issues in a thoughtful, stylish way. As a Roman Catholic I found some of the in-house issues slightly foreign (when would we ever have a lesbian District Superintendent or a General Conference at which lay people discussed policy), but invariably the
. lives, commitment, and talent of the writers brought me along. I have read'Open Hands steadily over the years, more than I can say for other denominational materials, many subscriptions of which I let lapse due to terminal boredom. I often wonder why any of us still bother with most institutional churches given the dismal track record most have earned on lesbian/gay/bisexualltransgendered/questioning issues. However, Open Hands always reminds me that there are people within those same institutions who are rowing upstream, well accompanied by justice-seekers of all stripes. Those people renew my hope on a regular basis. I am grateful to Open Hands for a decade of stellar service. Ad multos anos.
1r'Iarl( 8. /-.Iunt is a!etninist theo-!Ojean {n the wo-tnan -ohurch tradr:t{D-n andM-dr:reato-r oIthe Wo-tnen ~ Allanoe I'o-r flzeo-!Ojl(1 8thioS and latual fWA78Rhn SNlJ'er Sl/Jrt'ng, 1r'Iarl(land.
Wh4 We
First
Subscribed
JO-r flze%gloal RelletJtlOll
When I first heard about Open Hands, I was thrilled to hear about other gay Christians. I was glad to have theological reflection done from a gay perspective.
Qtt'na Po-jJe, 8jJt'S'MjJaljJrt'estl c'S' ourrentll( the Mstdant at Slt. eartho-/o-tnew ~, agal(-i'riendll( jJart'S'h t'n Atlanta. Qtt'na andherjJartneroleiglZtl(earsl Que flzo-tnjJSD-n, are M-jJarentt'ng two-So-n.f wtih the ohtfdren ~ I'ather andht'S' Wtl'e,
:JOr COIlneetlon
Why? WHY? I, the only gay United Methodist in the whole Hawaii District? No one to talk to, but I could read, couldn't I? Why subscribe? Did I have a choice?
-7red12 1r'Iethered
:JOr Mit In Utzder~tandtilg
I cannot remember all of the reasons... I was looking for help in understanding why so many churches, who by their very nature are called to stand for inclusion of all who seek God's love, instead present walls and exclusion and hurt to some of those very seekers.
R uth .;;t:. WaltD-n t'S' a retired United 1r'IethodM diaco-naltnt'nt'S'ter who-has Io-ng 6een active t'n SMeal oo-noerns t'S'SUe.f.
JO-r Co-nttiluec/ A.waren~~
I knew little or nothing about homosexuality or bisexuality prior to 1972. It was at that General Conference, which I attended as a visitor, that my consciousness raising began. It has become increasingly clear to me that our sexual orientation is not a matter of choice. We are who we are and God created each of us good. I first subscribed to Open Hands to learn and to be supportive of what I now know as the les/bi/gay community. The magazine continues to inform and inspire me and I am grateful for that.
-qera!dr.'ne g I-Iet!man, Awt'S'6u'!Jl Pennsl(ban{a
24 Open Hands
.~Jilt;
da(){)-rtte -!9S'S'ue ?
The current one. Why? Each issue seems to outdo the last!
...."', ..,,........ ,',. ".Ro-S'e SJmt't1z c"S' tlze /J.rS>t rlcreato-r 0-1 ReOO-f1Otled [n
Clzre"S't, I gg>4-1 ggO .;;/?utlzerarzS' Co-noemedl
11o-rtlz Amer[aa.
<";>I!J!I, _______.-____.-__.1
ui
/ding Reeo-tw{icng 1rlcn{S'tn"eS' favorite issue of Open Hands is ding Reconciling Ministries" (Spring and my favorite article in that issue is T 'lelcome Place: Biblical Hospitality for ans and Gay Men" by Stephen Gre=have found many opportunities to use :ssue and article in sermons and Bible . in workshops and presentations on sexuality and in the two churches e I helped start the process of explor-Oflelion -l-IarriS', f1aS'l/ze BS'taoada and ;gS'ff/e oo-ngregafioflS' [n ~on--SdaJzo-.Annual ~EJlOe, Unt'ted 1rletlzChurch, [S' marr[ed arzd er oItlzree olztldren. I guess my favorite issues I gave away! f?c!! .;;/?as'lzer c"S' af1Mto-r, genera! agenal( rlcredo-r, f1arent, Io-rmer mo-unta[n oIim6er arzd !o-ng-rlc"S'tarzae klter,-n01.U 1z00rS'e o-wner arzd tratlrelier. Peo-pie 01CoiorlE/t"S'eKuaictt;Itjoath My favorite issues include: minorities/people of color (Spring 1987)-so few things like it are available; bisexual issue (Fall 1991); and the youth issue (Winter 1991). Keep those special topics coming! Jarz qrieS'[ngerc"S' arz orda[ned U C C m[m"S'ier, rlcrector01Uncted Camf1uS' 1rlcnc"S'ter at Olzc"o-UnciJ-erS't't1( cn AtlzenS' arzdnatc"o-na!oo-o-rrlcnato-r I'o-r tlze U C C.;;/?/ qC. RtLL"S'lng Reeo-no{icng Chlldren The issue on Raising Reconciling Children-because we helped in recruiting writ-ers and organizing the issue with worship Imaterials and games. O -Ii -'tC"S' ,../lzo-tnfS'o-n arzd qeo-rge e0-6, Clzc()ago-E/t6ic"(!ai -!9nterpretat{o'fl and damtlt; l/aiueS' "Biblical Interpretation: Beyond Judg•
and 51eiuai -!9dentttt;: 17ew {/c"S'taS'
ment to Love" (Summer 1993) was helpful
-eral years ago you published an issue with a photo of some in explaining those often quoted passages nagers on the cover (Winter 1991). Their struggle-which in the Bible. I used it in a class and for work_'non to all gay teens-resonates deeply within me. I purshops I have done. "Rethinking Familyseveral copies to give away to pastors in my area, in hopes Values"(Spring 1993) was invaluable in giv~ehowtheir hearts might also be touched in a meaningful ing me information and better preparing me to respond to those who hear the cliches
-P!ZC!f(J qtlmarz, ::Treelzo-ld, 11ewJerS'ec;
batted around.
~ kiridLng!
uldn't possibly choose one isr
:en-they are all unique!
-SJlzcrlet; Dare, -S!uno-c"S'
-.;;£c! l/enner, eurungto-n, lIermo-nt
J{L(){)-rtte Artl"(!ie
One of the most memorable issues for us was "Responding to the Right: Strategies for Change" (Fall 1993) which contained a story by John Sumwalt titled "Anniversary." With Pastor Sumwalt's permission we have distributed thousands of copies of the story. It tells how a congregation begins to change its attitude about homosexuality when two of its active mernbers-"bachelors" sharing a farm house togetherinvite the congregation to a celebration of their "fiftieth anniversary" in the church social hall.
cfo-Izn arzd Pat SJolzw[e6ert, 1rletarzola Peace Co-mmumtl( U1rlC
Chumh o-n aJoamet; toward 51eKuai -!9noiuS'{()-{tt;
My favorite issue is the most recent one, "Church on a Journey toward Sexual Inclusivity," (Winter 1995). Excellent! Good art, good writing, focused on local church.
JerrI( Carter, age 83, t"S' tlze f1Mtor 01qrace Unt'ted 1rletlzo-rlc"S't Cizurciz tn SJaratoga, Ca!ci'om[a, lzuS'6arzdol SJara, latlzer o-l1rlar[arz arzd A!!en, arzdgrarzdlatlzer 01Cattun.
mmer 1995 25
In Days to CorneA
litany for Advent
by Ann B. Day
Voice I: In days to come, God shall teach us and lead us in the paths of peace;~ " Then we shall beat swords into plowshares; and spears into pruni,ng hooks.
Voice II: Human hands and human hearts are full of swords. We wield them against the bodies and souls of one another.~
o,#,',);
All: Domestic violence and gay bashing, child abuse and eConomic injustice,
Voice I: All:
Voice II:
Voice I:
Voice II: All:
Voice I:
rac
ial strife and war. These are swordsjl hat wound and kill. f--But in days to come, if we are willing10 learn, God,shall' teach us peace! P){ , Merciful God, forgive us the harm ~e have done, the alienation we too easily ,_ accept. Show us the healing and reconciliation we. might ~.ring about. Nurtu~~' in us a longing for true peace. I-Ia~len the day when lYe sriall not lift up our f+: swords or learn of war any mpre. ~ , In days to come, the wolf shan nte with the lamb ...lhe cowcfuand the bear sh,all graze, and their young sha!'4ne(do~n t~~ether;jfiltt1aysto ~ome., waters wi'j~ break forth in the wilderneSs and s~,~e1fus flow in'theJjesert. ' c ", ' walk ,tiEt~6IY@Wa~. tog~m,~r and §orrow '~4\"-'~;;lf;:-~':f-, -}f:i? & /if} Sisters and brothers. can ~u ~~ine"UCWa~r!~ of grace ~d~atm(jn~? Trusting in God, we can! Everi'~ow:,' "t~,.1-led by the Spirit, we seek to tie' ~ca~in where hope encourages, faith sY;$tai'ns d*love.ulJ~!es; where peace is the gift we receive ~nd peace i~Jhe'giJt we give!, . lt4L -:=:;{"'-' ki,f -The chorr or asoloist shall sing the verse of "0 Come, 0 Come, Emma~~el"
which begins "0 Come, Desire of nations... " (trans. by Henry S. Coffin).
All: Beckoning God, we rejOice in the days to which you call us, days without swords or warfare, days when creation shall dwell in peace, days when Emmanuel shall be our delight and our guide. Blessed be your holy name, today and in all the days to come! Amen.
26
Note
The litany is based on the Isaiah texts (NRSV) for the Sundays in Advent. Year A It may be reprinted for local worship events, giving the author credit Other uses require her permission,
Ann B. Day is coordinator of the Open andAffirming Program of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns.
Open Hands
Contact Edito" RCe 3801 N. Keele" Chicago, IL 60641, 312/736-5526 er 1995 27
\/InJ.
On Challenges Ahead
-e look to the future, Mark Bowman, publisher of Open Hands, I have identified these five major challenges.
onding to a Maturing Movement
.:!\.S the welcoming movement matures, the needs of churches expand. One emerging situation was stated by a subscriber: r congregation has grown to the point where nobody, and I
an NOBODY, cares whether any person is single or married; 'an, gay, or straight. Orientation has ceased to be an issue." . will Open Hands respond to new situations?
viding Spiritual Sustenance
Several times since becoming editor, I have encountered the
ptation Mark described on page 5 of wanting Open Hands to
lesbigay Christian magazine to nourish personal faith jour.
Lately, that temptation has taken a broader tum. Our readare
not only newly-out lesbigay Christians estranged from their "ch roots; they are also long-time-out lesbigay Christians who
severed church connections. They are families of lesbigay .~tians whose churches are not welcoming of them either. They as several subscribers noted) the lone voices of lonely justice
-j"ers in the wildernesses of rural areas, states with few welng churches, and conservative enclaves everywhere. Open cis is the only positive Christian connection for many readers. role can it play in providing spiritual sustenance?
'eloping Financial Self-Suffiency
•. , the forefront of the mind of every publisher is the financial nance of the magazine. Mark notes: .1e goal of financial self-sufficiency for Open Hands has
ded us for ten years. Subscriptions and related revenue .-e steadily increased, but expenses of maintaining a highality magazine have increased accordingly. Only the genous gifts of the friends of Open Hands and Reconciling ngregations have kept the magazine in business. This ubsidy" (about $30,000 last year) is greatly needed in other CP ministries. Until we get Open Hands closer to financial
Call forA Spring
('!jeen
(;-land!
timacy: Redefining Relationships
self-sufficiency, the RCP board must continually weigh the financial needs of Open Hands against needs in other areas of the RCP.
Making Open Hands self-sufficient will require the experience and wisdom of many of us to spark a creative solution.
Expanding the Ecumenical Circle
While our initial ecumenical expansion of Open Hands has been successful, it is still in its infancy. Our focus is clear: we seek to provide resources for welcoming churches and other groups who are engaging in ministries that welcome all persons, especially sexual minority persons and their families. However, our structure and process need further refining if we are to expand our circle. Six questions for the future:
1) Is it desirable/possible to move into a more equal partnership among the four programs currently cooperatively publishing Open Hands? When and how?
2) How can we incorporate newer welcoming programs into the Open Hands family before they are able to become full partners in our publishing venture?
3) What role can Open Hands play for welcoming ministries in church traditions where there are no national welcoming program structures? What might it look like for these ministries to participate in the Open Hands process?
4) How will we continue to provide a truly representative diversity of voices as our circle expands?
5) What does the development of "welcoming" programs outside the U.S.A. imply for Open Hands?
6) How will we respond to the tension between the desirability of an ecumenical publication and the need for editorial focus and fiscal accountability?
Balancing Change and Continuity
Change is necessary-even exciting and desirable-if Open Hands is to grow. Yet, as editor I must facilitate change in a such a way that you, the readers, know both that something new has happened and that it is still the same magazine you love and value.
An Invitation
Your input on these five challenges is critical. You-the readers, resource users, leaders, and participants-are our "fingers on the pulse" of the movement. Let us hear from you.
--7f1.~~DsL~t.;.,____
Introducing our New Welcoming Churches
We welcome these twenty-five new churches which have joined our growing grassroots movement in recent months.
~'YA'YA'Y~ ~'Y.'Y.'YM
OPEN
~
AffiRMING ~
lii!i
L
OPEN AND AFFIRMING
Bethel Congregational Church, UCC White Salmon, Washington
Located in the mid-Columbia Gorge, this rural church of 70 members tak~s as its mission, lito make known the risen Christ among all people." Through youth and support groups, the congregation provides expanding opportunities to deepen fellowship and increase outreach to the community. It offers meeting space for children's play groups and for organizations addressing a variety of issues, including sexual abuse. Its outreach committee is working to identify new ways that the church can put its ONA commitment into practice.
Brookemeade Congregational Church, UCC Nashville, Tennessee
A congregation with an active urban/suburban ministry, Brookemeade's 160 members come from all around the city. The church, which describes itself as an "Open and Affirming, inclusive and diverse community" is completing a "Just Peace" study process. That and its ONA commitment express the congregation's desire to be a welcoming and justice-seeking faith community. Among the congregation's community activities are its support for Nashville Cares (an HIV/AIDS service group) and the local Metropolitan Community Church, and efforts to form a chapter of the Interfaith Alliance, an alternative voice to the religious right.
Brown Deer UCC Brown Deer, Wisconsin
A "warm and welcoming" church in suburban Milwaukee, Brown Deer's 100 members maintain a strong, diverse mission program which provides food for a local pantry, paper goods for a safe house for battered women, and quilts for atrisk babies at an area hospital. "Positive Parenting," a weekly parenting skills group which meets at the church, also offered an eight-week session at an area elementary school. The church's pastor serves on the Wisconsin Conference's Accompaniment Committee, which addresses gay/lesbian issues, and on the Milwaukee public schools' Gay/Lesbian Task Force.
Clackamas UCC Milwaukie, Oregon
A suburban congregation outside Portland, this lOa-member faith community is observing its looth anniversary year. The big celebration in September will offer music, picnics, and programs to honor the church's life and mission. An ONA and Just Peace church, Clackamas is involved in a variety of social justice concerns. Church members march in the Gay Pride Parade and participate in the Just Peace Fair held in downtown Portland. It also offers a "Moms and More" support group which includes heterosexual and lesbian mothers.
Claremont UCC, Congregational Claremont, California
Located next to the colleges and School of Theology in Claremont, this growing congregation of 1,250 draws members from thirteen municipalities of Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties. The church recently completed a capital fund drive, "Strengthening our Ministry: Mission, Mortar and Music." They happily report exceeding their goal of $1.65 million. For five years, the congregation has offered IIAnother Voice," a support/social/advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and friends. It, too, is growing!
Community Congregational UCC Pullman, Washington
A small-town congregation of 243 members, Community Congregational is located in the southeast corner of Washington on the Idaho border. Its strong social action program includes a thrift shop which supports a variety of community service projects as well as activities in the church. The church's ongoing ONA witness is guided by the Board of Deacons. The congregation looks forward to welcoming a new pastor in July.
Community of Hope UCC Madison, Wisconsin
An urban congregation in ecumenical partnership with a Lutheran (ELCA) congregation, this 100-member church has a tradition of social justice ministry. It is presently revising its mission goals to express its role, as a faith community, in addressing concerns such as violence in the city. The ONA Committee continues to help the congregation develop this aspect of its ministry. Current topics include ONA publicity and the possibility of offering a gay/lesbian/bisexual support group.
Community UCC Champaign, Illinois
Located on the campus of the University of Illinois, Community UCC houses the only full-time uee campus ministry in the country. Realizing that mission and mortar go together, the 250 active members of this church recently undertook a capital campaign to raise funds to extensively renovate their well-used building. Having exceeded their goal, they plan to repair the roof and exterior of the church, and improve their parlor, fellowship hall, and educational space. The church has
Open Hands 28
de space available for area gay/lesbian meetings and reaches t to gay/lesbian/bisexual groups on the campus as well.
den UCC
-ayward, California
Eden is the oldest church in Hayward, a city of 70,000, which part of the East Bay of San Francisco. In an ecumenical spirit, 's 2S0-member faith community provides worship space for :en other congregations! When calling its new pastor retly, the congregation described itself as wishing to continue adition of being IIChrist-centered, theologically liberal, and .ssion-oriented." As part of its programs for education and rture, the church is offering a class on Borg's book, Meeting Again for the First Time, which has been well received.
irst Church in Windsor
'1dsor, Connecticut
A suburban congregation of 1,100 members, First Church a very strong sense of the inward reflection and outward ring that constitute the life of faith. The congregation seeks move IIsomewhere new" in response to its understandings . spirituality and social concern. It continues to have an ac.-;e ONA Committee and members will carry a banner in the :ea Gay Ptide Parade. First Church is also featured in a new k, Congregation: The Journey Back to Church by Gary Dorsey.
irst Church of Christ, UCC
artford, Connecticut
Originating in Massachusetts in 1632, the congregation oved to Connecticut under the leadership of Pastor Thomas ooker. There it became the state's founding church in 1636.
~'diverse and receiving" faith community from the start, the .00 members of this urban II Center Church" continue that :-adition. They are currently in the third year of a strategic anning process intended to make the church's structure more
sponsive to its pluralistic membership and more effective in utreach. The church hosted an ecumenical AIDS Healing Serce and members participate in Gay Pride Day.
irst Congregational Church
erkeley, California As the first church built in Berkeley (1874), this congregan has a long history of preaching and presence in the city.
700 members are in a time of exciting transition as lIold es way for new" in many areas of church life. Activity is parent everywhere as many members prepare for the VCC's eneral Synod meeting this summer in nearby Oakland. The
urch is also conducting two staff searches: Associate Pastor :1d Music Director. It has a gay/lesbian/bisexual concerns roup called AGLOW (Affirming Gays and Lesbians in Our :orld) and will be sponsoring two AIDS benefit services in eptember.
irst Congregational Church
'verside, California
The first church in the downtown area, this faith commu.tity of 300 members and friends is endeavoring to continue ninistry in its present setting. This is a financial challenge ...nce extensive earthquake retrofitting is required to meet state ~ tandards for a public building. The church wishes to carryon
Summer 1995
its urban outreach, which includes providing a hot meal to 200 people each week. The congregation is supporting an ecumenical conversation about ways to increase tolerance in the high schools and has just begun a gay/lesbian/bisexual support group in the church. They are also engaged in a pastoral search process.
First Congregational Church, UCC
Salem, Oregon
For over 140 years, this 400-member, historic downtown church has addressed lithe issues of the day" -from abolition to gay/lesbian/bisexual concerns. It is involved in community activities, including Habitat for Humanity, and offers meeting space for a variety of social concerns organizations. The church's monthly gay/lesbian/bisexual support group meets to explore the connections between spirituality and sexuality.
LiberationUCC
Cleveland, Ohio
Not quite two years old, this ISO-member VCC congregation, serving the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community of Cleveland, is Open and Affirming to heterosexual people, too. Believing that lithe spirituality of the gospel is perceived and expressed through social justice," Liberation is an activist church. It provides food and clothing for the Cleveland AIDS Housing Council, participates in the G/L/B Pride activities, and offers Liberation Women's Spirituality and Gay/Lesbian Parents groups. For the past year, the church has been deepening
GATHERED IN SPIRIT
GAINING IN STRENGTH
A NATIONAL ONA EXULTATION
October 13-15, 1995
Members of Open and Affirming (ONA) churches in the UCC, churches exploring the ONA process, and friends from other welcoming programs will gather in Cleveland, Ohio, to rejoice in our shared witness to God's love for all people-lesbian, bisexual, gay, and straight.
To register, contact:
ONA-UCCL/GC
P.O. Box 403, Holden, MA 0 1520·0403
508/856-9316
(Sponsored by: The ONA Program of the
United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns.)
29
........-,.
its relationship with Chevrei Tikva, an area gay/lesbian synagogue. The two congregations have attended each other's services and visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Plans are underway for more Jewish-Christian dialogue opportunities.
Macalester Plymouth United Church
st. Paul, Minnesota
Adjacent to Macalester College, the 500 members of this UCC and Presbyterian USA congregation come from the immediate neighborhood and the wider urban area. The church seeks to honor the corporate mission of both denominations. It is "fairly liberal theologically, strongly committed to social witness, and intensely focused on personal spirituality." Numerous persons from the church have entered the professional ministry. The church recently raised funds to help purchase one hundred acres of land for campesino farmers in Guatemala. It is implementing its ONNMore Light stance by asking all church committees to be mindful of its implications in their work.
Suquamish Community Congregational Church
Suquamish, Washington
This 2S0-member congregation, northwest.of Seattle, is very involved in community issues including public education, relations with local Native American Indians, and combating racism. The church has a multi-dimensional ministry of hospitality: "Called to Care" helps connect people who are ill or grieving with those who have similar experiences; "Helping Hand" offers a variety of everyday assistance-like putting up a shelf where you need it; the "Reunion" program seeks to reunite inactive members with the congregation. The church provides space for a gay/lesbian teen support group and church members plan to participate in the Conference's weekend for gay/lesbian/bisexual people and their families.
United Church of Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
This IIexceptionally warm and welcoming" city church of 164 members and friends celebrated its 15th birthday in worship on May 21. During a special reception after the service, the church highlighted important events in their history together and the ways in which they have served the local area and the world. At their May 25 annual meeting the congregation gathered for a "ceremonial circle" bonfire and burned two mortgages! Birthday festivities also included an art show where members and friends exhibited sculpture, weaving, and other works.
WELCOMING CHURCH LISTS AVAILABLE
The complete ecumenical list of welcoming churches is printed in the winter issue of Open Hands each year. For a more up-to-date list of your particular denomination, contact the appropriate program listed on page 3.
Clinton-Camanche Subgroup of Iowa MFSA
Clinton, Iowa
This community of 17 laypersons, founded on a liberation theology base, has met for fourteen years without a clergyperson. The community meets semimonthly for worship where all members share the tasks of presenting a message, leading study, and making organizational decisions. This subgroup of the Methodist Federation for Social Action is supportive of labor and other peace and justice concerns, contributing both financially and with actions. During 1994 they supported the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, Gateway Peace Council, conference MFSA retreats, Partnership Way, and the local NAACP. Members report that their RC decision, made after much study, discussion, and prayer, was their "biggest step forward" last year.
Grace UMC
Saratoga, California
Located in the Silicon Valley about an hour south of San Francisco, Grace UMC was organized in 1959. Its building, shared with a Korean UM congregation, is acommunity center used by several hundred persons each week. Grace's 1S5 members are active in a program emphasizing music-choral, organ, and congregational singing-and adult education both on Sunday and during the week.
Norwood Park UMC
Chicago, Illinois
This small congregation on the far northwest side of Chicago celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Many of its current members, mostly elderly persons, are active as volunteers in various community groups. Norwood Park's ministry focus is accessibility for persons with disabilities, particularly the blind. It is now acquiring equipment to print in Braille and will offer this as a service to other churches.
St. Andrew's UMC
Palo Alto, California
st. Andrew's has been a diverse congregation since its founding thirty-six years ago. Its 100 members are drawn from the larger Silicon Valley region who are attracted to the congregation's strong outreach ministries. The building is a multi-use facility with no fixed sanctuary. Over the past decade the congregation has sponsored the relocation of thirteen refugees from Ethiopia. With a tradition of consensus decision-making, the congregation unanimously affirmed its RC decision.
30 Open Hands
ueve
rly cole
Opening the door and turning
on the light
In this moving, personal story Cole
describes her spiritual pilgrimage from It was Christmastime, and she was
dismay to denial to understanding to calmly sorting laundry when Beverly
acceptance. Sharing the fruits of much Cole overheard her seventeen-year-old
research-and even more prayer-she son's friend say the words that turned
offers sociological and scriptural bases
her life upside down:
for rejecting hate and accepting homo"You're the only gay person I know sexuals as worthy humans whom God who doesn't smoke." loves. 10040S-4p, $14.99
~lice~!~Press Box 179 • St. Louis, MO 63166-0179 or call toll-free 1-800-366-3383
St. Paul's UMC San Jose, California
This lOO-member, multi-ethnic congregation is located in downtown San Jose. Its ministries focus on homeless persons and the mental health community who represent the largely marginalized population of the downtown area. The congregation houses a child care center and participates in a rotating shelter program. It also provides office space for various community groups. The congregation is looking at ways to build
RC ministries.
Saratoga Springs UMC aratoga, New York
Founded in 1829, Saratoga Springs was the site of the UMC's
916 General Conference. The congregation has a long history
f mission support, social activism, inclusiveness, vital worship with superb music, and a "can-do" spirit. Its 720 members are a mixture of older members, including fourteen retired pastors and spouses, and many younger families who support a large church school and youth program. The congregation leads its annual conference in mission giving and has sent work teams to Mexico, Brazil, and Oklahoma in recent years. After six years of study and reflection, Saratoga Springs voted on January 24 to become an RC amid the glare of TV cameras and newspaper reporters. Three Albany area TV stations carried the news of the church's action.
Trinity UMC Kingston, New York
Trinity UMC, founded in 1834 as a class meeting, grew into one of the prestigious churches on the waterfront of this Hudson River city. The decline of the city's river economy led to attrition in the church's membership. Building on its open and liberal tradition, the church is now reaching out to persons who are not comfortable in other, more conservative churches in town. Worship attendance has grown to 4S persons. Trinity houses a homeless shelter and has initiated a county-wide interfaith worship with persons with HIVjAIDS. One of its first steps as a Reconciling Congregation has been to add an alternative evening worship service. The pastor notes: "We are planning to grow! 1/
Minister Protests Gay Policy with Hunger Strike
The Rev, Charles Moore, 60, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas began a hunger strike on April 22 to protest denominational discrimination against gay men and lesbians. Timing his strike to coincide with a worldwide gathering of United Methodist bishops in Austin, Moore urged them " to declare your concern for homosexual persons, especially those who are excluded and suffering because of ecclesiastical condemnation, and to call for the removal of all language in United Methodist documents which discriminates against anyone because of sexual orientation./I
In his written appeal to the bishops, Moore described (anonymously) several persons he had personally known to have suffered from denominational discrimination because they were (or were suspected to be) gay/lesbian. He lamented, "I never did... say a word in protest against this pattern of lifedestroying discrimination. It is too late for most that I have mentioned to hear me, but it is certainly not too early to remove the stigma that homosexual persons still face in the church. 'Incompatibility' is an idea whose time has gone./I
Responding to Moore, the Council of Bishops sent a delegation of three-Bishops Ray Owen, Sharon Brown-Christopher, and Woodie White-and presented a prepared statement which "confesses our own failure if by our inaction we have contributed to ostracism, stigma, unnecessary suffering, denial of human rights, torture, persecution, and pains inflicted .. ./1 Though ending his fast on day fifteen, Moore expressed disappointment that the Council failed to 1/acknowledge that the official United Methodist position ...is wrong and contributes significantly to the persecution of gays and lesbians ... /1
Summer 1995 31
First Affirming Church in Canada
On February 20,1995, Augustine United Church in Winnipeg, Canada, publicly proclaimed itself to be an Affirming Congregation-a congregation which IIdelights in the diversity of all people ... and welcomes lesbian, gay, and bisexual sisters and brothers and acknowledges (your/our) rightful place (in this church)."
Augustine's public statement and prophetic stance marks the first United Church in Canada to name itself an Affirming Congregation. Augustine is a downtown church which has, over the years, felt called to minister to the colorful rainbow of people who live at their door. In 1986, Augustine reached out with a street ministry to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who live in Osborne Village. When the General Council of the United Church of Canada asked all churches to study and be prayerful about human sexuality, Augustine took this challenge to heart and held many workshops. In 1992, when the Affirming Congregations Program began, Augustine requested one of the first trained consultants. And though Augustine is the first to be named an Affirming Congregation, people in the congregation are clear in saying, IIThis isn't the final stepit's just one more step along the way." For more information about the Affirming Congregations Program in the United Church of Canada contact Bernadette Richards, co-chair of Affirm/Friends of Affirm, at 306/653-1475; fax: 306/665-2128.
RIC Update
The new Reconciled in Christ brochure is now available, along with a revised packet of resource material for individuals or congregations seeking to be RIC. Model resolutions calling on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to adopt an Affirmation of Welcome have been circulated to synods for approval in their spring assemblies in anticipation of the church-wide Assembly in August. A Reforming Church Conference is being planned for November 2-4 in Philadelphia as a follow-up to a similar conference attended by 700 persons in Minneapolis earlier this year. For more information on any of these items, contact RIC Coordinator Judy Bond at 703/7689825.
QTY. BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE
UniqueResource on
Be Ye Reconciled (Summer 1985)Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual A Matter of Justice (Winter 1986) Concerns in the Church for Our Families (Spring 1986)
Our Churches' Policies (Summer 1986)
Christian Education • Personal Reading
Published by the Reconciling Images of Healing (Fall 1986)
Congregation Program In cooperation Research Projects • Worship Resources
Minorities within a Minority (Spring 1987)
with More Light, Open and Affirming,
Ministry & Outreach Sexual Violence (Fall 1987)
and Reconciled In Christ Programs.
Building Reconciling Ministries (Spring 1988) living and Loving with AIDS (Summer 1988)
o Please send me the back issues indicated ($6 each; 10+ @ $4).
Raising Reconciling Children (Fall 1988)
o Send me Open Hands each quarter ($20/year; outside U.S.A. @ $25). Sexual Ethics (Winter 1989)
o Send Open Hands gift subscription(s) to name(s) attached. Lesbian & Gay Men in the Religious Arts (Spring 1989) The Closet Dilemma (Summer 1989)
Enclosed is payment of $ OR
Images of Family (Fall 1989) Charge $ to my VISA MASTERCARD (Circle one) Journeys toward Recovery and Wholeness (Spring 1990) The "Holy Union" Controversy (Fall 1990)
# Expiration _ _ /__. Youth and Sexual Identity (Winter 1991) Signature _____________________ Lesbian/Gay Reflections on Theology (Spring 1991) The Lesbian Spirit (Summer 1991) Bisexuality: Perceptions & Realities (Fall 1991)
My Name ____________________ Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals in Ministry (Spring 1992)Address _____________________
Our Spirituality: How Sexual Expression and Oppression
Shape It (Summer 1992) Aging and Integrity (Fall 1992) City/State/Zip ______________ _____
Daytime Phone __________
Celebrating the Inclusive God: Worship (Winter 1994) Local Church ---:-_________________ Reaching Out Boldly! Evangelism (Spring 1994) Reclaiming Pride (Summer 1994)
Denomination ___________________
Church on a Journey toward Sexuallnclusivity (Winter 1995) The God to Whom We Pray (Spring 1995)
Send to: Open Hands, 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641
Remembering ...10th Anniversary (Summer 1995)
Phone: 312n36-5526 Fax: 31 2n36-5475
32 Open Hands