Ida (daughter of Ellen Acton)

Godde's Tears and A Mother's Tears

In Honor of Ida, beloved daughter, by The Rev. Dr. Ellen Acton.  "When I was born, women could not be ordained in the Presbyterian Church.  I am part of a first generation of clergywomen in my tradition.  "Now my daughter could not follow me in ministry, if she wanted, because she is a lesbian.  "Aren't we stifling the Holy Spirit?" 

E. Acton 5/26/01

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Acton is the pastor of Southfield Presbyterian Church in Southfield, MI.  As the mother of a lesbian daughter, and as a pastor in an unwelcoming denomination, Ellen has been very active in More Light Presbyterians and That All May Freely Serve; both are national organizations working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006