Charles Slap

Rev. Dr. Charles Slap, Minister
First Unitarian Society
Schenectady, New York
1985-1992
Died of AIDS November 28, 1992

There are so many hassles in life for those of us who share the human condition.  Let us not add to them through prejudice.  Whether we are black or white, male or female, straight or gay, we are on this voyage together.  As we are all different, let us appreciate our differences.  As we are all human, let us support each other in our humanity.

James Baldwin, a black and a gay person, sums up my thoughts on this issue:
"The sea rises, the light falls, lovers cling to each other, and children cling to us.  The moment we cease to hold each other, The moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out."

From Charles Slap's sermon
"Beyond Acceptance" March 8, 1987

This was the first Unitarian stole donated to the collection.  People often express surprise at the presence of Unitarian stoles in the collection, since Unitarians pride themselves in being one of the most LGBT-affirming denominations in the U.S.  While this is certainly true, over the years LGBT persons have struggled to find universal welcome and acceptance even among Unitarians.  An excerpt from donor Becky Holder's letter to us sheds light on how courageous souls like Charles Slap have helped to bring more awareness to the UUA:

I knew Charles as the minister of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady from 1985 until his death in 1992.  Although Unitarian Universalism has been on record as supporting the rights of bisexual, gay and lesbian people since 1970, Charles was advised by the Schenectady lay leaders in 1985 not to come out as a gay man to the congregation.  So he "served in silence" until he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1991.  At that time, a congregational meeting was called.  Charles' physician, the church leadership and a UUA representative were to be present to explain his health crisis.  The denominational representative suggested that Charles stay away from that meeting.  But, as Charles said at that time, "It is my congregation."  He chose to speak.  The response was a standing ovation from the members who were present.

In his final sermon, "Two Black Cats," delivered on March 29, 1992, Charles wrote, "What have I learned about closure this past year?  In what ways have the various crises forced me to grow?...  I learned to say thank you, to accept the gifts of love and care and time that have been given me these past months...  From the community of saints that helps not just me but all who are hurting, from the love I have received as minister of this church, I learned about love in community."

Charles Slap was a wonderful minister.  Many of his sermons were written after he had learned (but his parishioners had not) that he had contracted the HIV virus.  His reflections on the meaning of life, death, love and relationships continue to influence my theology and the way I live today.  His inspiration and friendship were a great gift.

(Note: With the donor's pemission, this stole was reconstructed in 2003 due to deterioration of the original print transfer panels.)

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006