77 20 2479 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/faeed71e85f5d1e3c17d93293365b4c0.jpg 4d2421b65f5d8623979f1be0de8854f8 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/5d75af18645fc267a2753955a7a23c4e.jpg f75ce3b2859d3fd3d34f28548dcbe7f8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Wendy Vander Hart Stole Text REV. WENDY VANDER HART United Church of Christ Melrose, MA I was born into the church with a preacher father and director of music mother. It was into the Reformed Church of America that I grew as a Christian, a denomination that only started to ordain women when I finished at Hope College in 1985. Andover Newton Theological School was the next stop on what I thought would be a career of teaching. But I was blessed to find Church of the Covenant in Boston with the kind of extravagant welcome I never thought possible. I felt the call to ministry working with the children of Covenant and was completely out within the safe walls of that church. I was ordained in 1989. The search process for my first call to First Congregational Church in Reading, MA, however, was a “don’t ask, don’t tell” experience. So was my second call to Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, UCC. But through a painful divorce and the joy of finding love again, the people of Melrose UCC came by the busload to my wedding to my spouse, Joanne. Though our church voted for Marriage Equality in 2005, I long for the day when they will take the next step of becoming Open and Affirming! Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary, and for the refuge that the UCC has offered for so many GLBT clergy. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1108 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Wendy Vander Hart Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Melrose, Massachusetts (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Wendy Vander Hart Marriage Equality Massachusetts Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) United Church of Christ Vander Hart, Wendy Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference Stole Text ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS ANNUAL CONFERENCES<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> June 2006 & June 2007 United <?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />MethodistChurch This signature stole is dedicated to all the wonderful, gentle spirits – children of God – who because of love, a love that has been sorely misunderstood, have been forced to leave, or have chosen to leave the UnitedMethodistChurch. May the lack of their gifts and graces be noticed – for the church is neither whole nor complete without them. For myself and for my partner, we pray this stole, as it joins others, will be a lasting, living, and loving tribute to the memories of all who should have been allowed to serve proudly, without label or exclusion. If one who reads this is hidden in the secret recesses of fear and religious discrimination, may you find strength and courage to dare to be the person you are called to be. The church WILL change; it must. God is still speaking. Reconciling United Ministries of Illinois (RUMI) Luncheons IGRAC, Peoria, Illinois June 10, 2006 and June 8, 2007 Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2007 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1107 Title A name given to the resource Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Peoria, Illinois (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference Illinois Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Congregational Church of Needham Stole Text THE CONGREGATIONAL <?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />CHURCH OF NEEDHAM<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> United Church of Christ Needham, MA …gives this stole in celebration of the 5th anniversary of our vote to become an Open and Affirming congregation. We dedicate this stole to those in our midst and elsewhere who have lived and served openly or in silence, those who have suffered because of church or society and those who have been healed, those who have lost family or safety and those who have found them. May we be a place where all people find safety, healing, affirmation, fulfillment, and God’s grace. Open and Affirming Statement As a covenant community, we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together. Adopted February 2000 Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story The stole arrived in the mail. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1106 Title A name given to the resource Congregational Church of Needham Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Needham, Massachusetts (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Congregational Church of Needham Congregational Church Massachusetts Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/447bba3e6495b80187e945b59d662a20.jpg 3bc5675023c8cb79dca633e21e9bc5f4 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/96b70df1325bddec5e878e1873522e9d.jpg a0b0a11060fc50d6cfbcade3a9471d8b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Jen Rude Stole Text JEN RUDE<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> <?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America Tucson, AZ This stole is dedicated to Jen Rude by her parents Ron and Nancy, and sister Angela, in thankfulness for Jen’s integrity, faith in Christ, brightness, love of people, and gifts for ordained Word and Sacrament ministry. It is also given in hope and prayer that the EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America (ELCA) and its leaders will soon end their “policy of harm” toward lgbt couples, individuals, and their families, and live out God’s amazing gospel and justice in Christ for all persons. As of June 2007, Jen’s call to ordained ministry, and the many affirmations of her faith community remain held in a state of “indefinite postponement” by the ELCA. Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was sent to us by Jen's parents and sister. David Lohman IWR and Faith Work Coordinator National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources Home of the Shower of Stoles Project 2007 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1105 Title A name given to the resource Jen Rude Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tucson, Arizona (United States) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ron, Nancy, & Angela Rude Ally Arizona Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Rude, Jen https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3e489f012c98174c9b19d772a804ff1f.jpg f024be51666ab984e82f62f504a35cbf https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3a2a20242529d3b6aea28bebfe68dad2.jpg 7d0e9cad62c50c994da9f3c39348ccec https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e4e278a47a848a157f17725d6f9014ff.jpg e61c439c440b6c185a08fced6c142ab2 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/1e3b09062e81ba7c952ce67fef36c3a3.jpg 3c29c358f252f06eab0c886443c48e26 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/f1f334c87bb4cee6251e647e31489df4.jpg 2639bbfaaea1f3ad2411ef41dd28a051 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7a23909bf651cead1ec5a0bc7188cf54.jpg 29ed2a42299fbc7019dade297de8c464 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Harry Knox Stole Text HARRY KNOX, M.Div. United Church of Christ Washington, DC Director, Religion and Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign Harry Knox experienced a clear call to ministry on Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12th, 1977 (now Freedom to Marry Day). In church that day, the spirit told him, “I want you to be my man in South Georgia.” When Harry asked, “Does that mean you want me to be a minister?” God answered, “for now.” Harry's ministry has been continually shaped by God's words, "for now." This calling took him from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where he attempted to shut off his sexuality, to Lancaster Theological Seminary where he prepared as an openly gay man for ministry in the United Church of Christ. When Harry was denied ordination in the UCC Georgia-South Carolina Association of the Southeast Conference, God called him to do social justice work instead. At the American Cancer Society, he ministered to people dealing with life and death and modeled how an organization can better care for people in crisis. At Georgia Equality, at Equality Florida, at Freedom to Marry, and now at the Human Rights Campaign, he has pastored to a community under attack and served as a spiritual guide to those actively engaged in the struggle for equality. This stole honors his remarkable ministry outside the official church. In the face of prejudice and homophobia, Harry became pastor to people on the margins. He cares, as Jesus would, for those who have been castigated, shunned, and abandoned. His is a ministry of presence, teaching us the importance of being available when needed and representing God the best we can. Harry currently plans to pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ, Washington, D.C. To all of us, he was ordained in 1977 when he heard his first call. – His colleagues and friends at the Human Rights Campaign Denomination United Church of Christ United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story Comments from Sharon Groves at the Dedication of  Harry Knox’s stole for the Shower of Stoles Project Thank you all for coming out tonight. Assembled here Harry, are your partners in faith, in political advocacy, your wonderful colleagues from HRC, and many, many good friends who love you. We want to give a special welcome to Harry’s longtime friend Jeff Whitney. On his own dime and with virtually no advance notice from us, Jeff decided to catch a plane from Atlanta to be here with Harry. Special thanks also to Rev. John Mack and Rev. Barbara Gerlach, pastors of Harry’s Washington, DC church, First Congregational United Church of Christ and other First Congregational members for coming out tonight. I also want to thank those we’ve asked to speak. Winnie Stachleberg and Barbara Menard are the women responsible for creating HRC’s Religion and Faith program a year and a half ago and for hiring Harry. Also, my pastor and Harry’s good friend Rev. Louise Green will lead us in a short dedication service. Others wanted to be here but couldn’t make it. In particular, <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=242">Rev. Rebecca Voelkal</a> the program director for the Institute for Welcoming Resources, home to the Shower of Stoles project. Rebecca is due to deliver her new baby, Shannon Mackenzie, any day now. Though she can’t travel she still wrote a letter in honor of Harry’s, which Kyla will read later in the program. We also want to thank the artist who created the stole for Harry, Darcy Dye. Harry and I met Darcy in Iowa and liked her immediately. After talking to her at length about her work, her faith, her commitment to LGBT equality, Kyla and I knew she was the right person to create the stole. Darcy was captivated by Harry’s story as you can see from her artist statement on the back of the program. The stole she’s created is a labor of love bringing together the pivotal moments in Harry’s life as a person of faith. I’d like to say a few words about Harry’s ministry, but first let me give some context to the Shower of Stole project. In 1995, no longer able to work in the Presbyterian Church as an out lesbian, Martha G. Juillerat, the project founder, decided to forego ordination knowing that it would be revoked from her. Although she had been asked to spend the previous three years telling her story as a lesbian and Presbyterian pastor, the presbytery then told her she couldn’t be out. Rather than be defrocked she relinquished her ordination. To mark the decision and to let the presbytery know that she was not the only LGBT person of faith in the Presbyterian Church, she sent out a request for stoles that would be hung in the church where the presbytery was meeting. The stoles were intended to be evidence that homophobia and heterosexism affected many, many more people. Instead of the dozen stoles she expected, she received 80, almost all arriving overnight and most of them anonymous. With that, the Shower of Stoles project was born. The project now contains over a thousand stoles from LGBT people and allies from twenty-six different denominations. The stories these stoles tell are always poignant, and sometimes gut-wrenchingly so. They tell of children who have been denied baptism, clergy partners forced to live in separate towns for fear they’ll loose their positions, and church elders who have remained closeted for decades. They also tell positive stories of churches that have become welcoming, and of Out clergy honored by their congregations. Together they create a stunning picture of resilience, creativity, and grace in the face of tremendous obstacles. It is fitting that Harry should be included in this company. As you’ll hear more about later, Harry was denied ordination because of his sexuality, but through his deep faith and personal perseverance he refocused his energies and became a pastor to organizations that serve people on the margins, first cancer survivors and then the LGBT community. In thinking of what I wanted to say about Harry, I come back to a riveting performance I recently saw of Lorraine Hansberry’s, 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun. In the penultimate scene, the son in the family has hit rock bottom and is contemplating selling out the family to a white racist neighborhood association, to the complete disdain of his younger sister. In response: Lena Younger, the Matriarch in the family, posed the question that makes me think of Harry: She asks: “When is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy?” She continues, “when you start measuring someone measure him right. Make sure you take into account the hills and valleys he’s come through before he got to wherever he is” To my mind, Harry is a pastor for the LGBT community the way Mama Lena Younger is for her family. Harry never looses site of the hills and valleys with which we all wrestle. He knows his own too well. He knows that to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in this country--whether living openly or in the closet, whether an advocate or not—means that at some point or another there is going to be struggle often combined with degrees of shame, denial, and exclusion. He also knows that our religious communities, the place where we are at our most vulnerable and where we go for solace and refuge are often the places that hurt us the worst and are the first to shut us out. Yet, just as Harry became stronger through his struggle, his ministry to others is as much about hope and buoyancy as it is about compassion. Harry loves when it isn’t easy to love and he believes in our gifts even when we forget we have them. By so doing, he models a compassionate strength that empowers us to work harder for justice and to love those in our lives more deeply and freely. In my mind there could be no higher religious calling than this. Rebecca Voelkel’s Words About Harry For Harry Knox as his stole is donated to the Shower of Stoles Project With love and gratitude from Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, friend, colleague and Program Director of the Institute for Welcoming Resources, home of the Shower of Stoles Project I must begin by saying that my understanding of our vocation as human beings is to help participate in bringing in God’s realm here on earth. In order to do this, God has given us all gifts and graces, skills and passions so that we might be co-collaborators and co-conspirators with God in this joyful, justice work. But one of the truths about our world is that the powers of death use a variety of means to keep justice at bay and righteousness a far-too-distant reality. Among these means are the isms and phobias that would have some defending their humanity instead of using their gifts to hearken the realm of God. The Shower of Stoles Project seeks to both illustrate the sheer sinfulness of denying the power of God as manifest in many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives AND to highlight the creativity, power and beauty that are released when LGBT folk refuse to allow homophobia and heterosexism to keep them from sharing their God-given vocations. In other words, the Shower of Stoles Project calls the question on the powers of death and challenges us all to use what God has given us to make this world more like the one God intended. The fact that we are honoring Harry Knox today with a stole in this collection seems perfectly fitting to me, because Harry represents the best of Christian leadership and ministry if I have even seen it. If anyone in my life has embodied the gifts and skills, the graces and passions to help make this world more like God’s, it is Harry. Whether it is as a Southern raconteur whose self-deprecation and humble humor focus the listener’s attention on the moral of the story or as the soft-spoken man whose fearless presence in the halls of power have literally transformed minds, Harry is a minister of the Word. Whether it is as a ubiquitous presence at practically every conference on faith and LGBT issues around the country or as the man who responds almost immediately to your email, Harry takes seriously the call to embody God to those with whom he ministers. Whether it is as strategist and thinker or as behind the scenes organizer, Harry knows that faith without works is dead. The Church was wrong to deny Harry ordination the first time around. But Harry has refused to have his gifts go unused. As we receive Harry’s stole into the Shower of Stoles Project, we gift thanks to God for Harry’s co-conspirator status, for his co-collaborator heart that has meant that God’s ministry has been so powerful in his life. And, personally, as one who tries to stand in a similar place as Harry—between secular politics and Church dynamics—my heart is full that God has granted me the gift of Harry Knox in my life as colleague and as friend. Thanks be to God. <h1 style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;"></h1> <h1 style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">Reflection for Harry Knox – Shower of Stoles</h1> Sermon by Rev. Louise Green January 11, 2007 The hour is striking so close above me, So clear and sharp, That all my senses ring with it. I feel it now: there’s a power in me To grasp and give shape to my world. I know that nothing has ever been real Without my beholding it. All becoming has needed me. My looking ripens things And they come toward me, to meet and be met. <h1 style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;">Rainer Maria Rilke’s Book of Hours</h1> It’s a great pleasure to stand before you for the purpose of honoring the calling and ministry of Harry Knox. We are fairly recent friends, but since the beginning I have resonated strongly with Harry’s great open spirit and obvious passion for his work. As I thought about what to say today, I came across this poem again…one of the great things about being a UCC minister in a Unitarian setting is that you can use poetry as sacred inspiration for the preaching moment! The urgent text moves me deeply, and also reminded me of Harry, so let me explore that for a moment with you. Rainer Maria Rilke wrote the Book of Hours, also called Love Poems to God, from strong inner stirrings over three powerful time periods. What he named as “inner dictations” were put to paper quickly and shaped to indicate his fervent belief in the experience of a reciprocal universe. By this I mean that he felt in two-way communication with God, with his calling, with destiny, as it unfolded, and knew that what he chose would create new shape to his life. This was a divine reciprocity in which Rilke’s participation was crucial and his actions significant. When we honor Harry today, I believe that we are celebrating that lively and disruptive reciprocal Spirit, the one the moves us and guides us, but also demands our own response to create our calling. In Harry’s journey, we are reminded that the principalities and powers of this earth may speak on the subject of call, but that they are often irrelevant or flat-out wrong. The Shower of Stoles is a project about callings that blossom and flower in spite of the limitations of human beings. It is a testimony to how God moves people regardless of the structures and injunction that appear to stand in the way. As we hear in Isaiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” On this evening, we only give voice to what has been so apparent for so many years, that Harry has shaped ministry from his calling. He was simply ahead of his time in the jurisdiction where he most unfortunately landed originally. But not ahead of God’s time, sometimes named the kairos moment! For if anyone reminds me a bell ringing clear and sharp, so that all your senses ring with it, it is Harry Knox. When Rilke says “there’s a power in me to grasp and give shape to my world” we see a map for what Harry has created. And isn’t this like so many transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay folks who find themselves shut out of one party but able to create their own? Rilke goes on to say, “All becoming has needed me. My looking ripens things and they come toward me, to meet and be met.” It is a joy to see what Harry saw becoming here at HRC, and how his calling was true towards a creative vision that is literally touching thousands of people around the country. I believe this becoming, this Faith and Religion program at HRC, needed his looking to ripen the thing, his clear bell of recognition that this was his next place to be. Now the expanded vision needs the ongoing vision of Sharon and Kyla and Rebecca and other staff here, plus clergy and lay people around the country who are stirred by the accomplishments of this fine work. We who are outside the organization see also that the hour is striking so close above us, clear and sharp, that our senses ring with it. We feel the power of call, as it moves through Harry and this staff and directly to each of us. It is kind of an odd thing to commission a stole that you will only wear once, but in a way this is also emblematic of how calling works. We seek to give shape to what moves within us, and we let it go, we send it out into the world and pray that our blessing blesses others along the journey. Harry, your calling began back in your adolescent yearnings to participate in the life of congregation and polity, and in your deep and urgent questions about how you would serve. It has flowed out from you in various forms over time, and the Spirit is with you, clearly naming you a beloved child of God, with whom God is well pleased. Thank you for not hiding your light under the bushel, and for giving freely, and intensely, of the abundant talent that the Spirit has given to you. I would like to close with a blessing for Harry, and for each of us as we shape our calling and bring it forward. It comes from my other favorite Rilke poem, also from the Book of Hours: …If this is arrogant, God, forgive me, But this is what I need to say. May what I do flow from me like a river, No forcing and no holding back, The way it is with children. Then in these swelling and ebbing currents, These deepening tides moving out, returning, I will sing you as no one ever has, Streaming through widening channels Into the open sea. May it be so for you, Harry, my friend and colleague in ministry, and may it be true for each of us who are so fortunate to be here with you today. Blessed be and Amen. Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=417">here</a> to read Rev. Harry Knox's biographic profile in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profiles Gallery. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1104 Title A name given to the resource Harry Knox Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Washington, District of Columbia (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Sharon Groves Clergy Activist Groves, Sharon Knox, Harry Marriage Equality Methodist Ordination Theology United Church of Christ United Methodist Church Voelkel, Rebecca Washington, D.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Malcolm Himschoot Stole Text REV. MALCOLM HIMSCHOOT United Church of Christ Denver, CO I transitioned from female gender expression to male gender expression when I was 23 years old. I was in seminary at the time, and the Shower of Stoles Project paid a visit to our campus. I walked around reading stories of people who could not follow their call into ecclesial ministry. Little did I dream that I, as a transsexual, would be able to do so! I was ordained in 2005 at the age of 27. My local church and pastor carried me all the way. The UCC had no policies against it, and in fact that year the denomination co-produced a documentary film, CALL ME MALCOLM, to spark progress for all trans people. Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary, and for the refuge that the UCC has offered for so many GLBT clergy. David Lohman Faith Work Coordinator National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources Home of the Shower of Stoles Project 2007 Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=215">here</a> to read Rev. Malcolm Himschoot's biographic profile in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1103 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Malcolm Himschoot Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Denver, Colorado (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Malcolm Himschoot Clergy Activist Colorado Himschoot, Malcolm Ordination Theology Transgender activism United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/b12f00b8bdcf7bd92df6faefc3a956ae.jpg 9c063f260b58eec098ad6fbbcda9a900 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/cc8981c807ddf3506312b893c2d63712.jpg 82d009493f7cfa78991aad8286c200cc https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7dca22d46591a48bbf8f58293834b484.jpg dcd16b8d58de5f26cfd3dde1eb9538d5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Rebecca Mary MacKenzie Voelkel Stole Text REV. REBECCA MARY MACKENZIE VOELKEL United Church of Christ Minneapolis, MN In 1972, Bill Johnson was ordained as an openly gay man in the United Church of Christ. I was three. In 1985, the United Church of Christ General Synod passed the Open and Affirming resolution. I was sixteen. In 1989, I came out as a lesbian woman in the context of my family and my church. I was welcomed and affirmed, continued receiving support for my plans for seminary and ordination, and continued to serve on committees and in worship. In 1997, I was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ. In many ways, this story evokes yawns for its lack of excitement and drama. But in a world such as ours, I rejoice every day for the United Church of Christ and its churches that I have called home—St. Paul’s in Cleveland, St. John’s and St. Luke’s in Dayton, The Peoples Church of Chicago, All Pilgrim’s in Seattle, and in Minneapolis, Spirit of the Lakes, and now my current home, Lyndale. Because of the faithful work of so many over the past forty years—much of it before I was born and before I knew I needed it—my story has been one of justice and celebration, love and rejoicing. The ministry that I am privileged to share has been ignited, nurtured and prospered because of this denomination. It is what every person should expect. In this fiftieth anniversary year of the United Church of Christ, I give thanks that God’s extravagant welcome is practiced in this denomination and has so richly blessed my life! Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary, and for the refuge that the UCC has offered for so many GLBT clergy. David Lohman Faith Work Coordinator National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources Home of the Shower of Stoles Project 2007 Click <a href="https://www.lgbtran.org/Profile.aspx?ID=242">here</a> to read Rev. Rebecca Mary MacKenzie Voelkel's biographic profile in the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profiles Gallery. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1102 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Rebecca Mary Mackenzie Voelkel Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Rebecca Mary Mackenzie Voelkel Clergy Activist Johnson, Bill Minneapolis Minnesota Open and Affirming in the UCC (ONA) Ordination Theology United Church of Christ Voelkel, Rebecca Mary Mackenzie https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3a9392fe2d10fe9e74c555a104c1418b.jpg 9788c5de0525cb0db3ec195733654ea5 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3c090002ba4d945cf6c9dfaef7598683.jpg ad1591a5976c089b7cf43f35452ddeb5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Scott Landis Stole Text SCOTT LANDIS United Church of Christ San Diego, CA This stole was presented to the Rev. Scott Landis by his former congregation, First Plymouth United Church of Christ, Englewood, CO. It was made from the same fabric used to construct Joseph’s “technicolored dreamcoat” that Scott wore when he played the role of Joseph in the congregation’s summer camp production in 1997. When he later came out as a gay man, that congregation asked him to resign. Scott was subsequently employed in secular work for two years. Scott was called by Mission Hills United Church of Christ in San Diego in 2004, where he continues to serve as its pastor. He has worn this stole both in gratitude and in pride for overcoming adversity and continuing to embrace his call to ministry. Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary. David Lohman Faith Work Coordinator National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources Home of the Shower of Stoles Project 2007 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1101 Title A name given to the resource Scott Landis Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant San Diego, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Scott Landis California Church Trials Landis, Scott Ordination San Diego United Church of Christ https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/77ba5bed91116c6138af81015b600586.jpg dbfc7dae18486c50317613b42b992274 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Rev. Julie Kilmer, Ph.D. Stole Text REV. JULIE J. KILMER, Ph.D. United Church of Christ Eagle, MI Throughout my ministry, I have been open and honest about being lesbian. In 1994, I was granted in-care status in the Central Southeast Association in the Ohio Conference UCC. In 1997, I was ordained at First Congregational UCC in Huntington, WV. It is exciting, wonderful, and a blessing to serve as pastor and teacher in UCC churches and colleges. I have served in ministry in the following settings: Barrington Congregational UCC Barrington, RI Winnetka Congregational Winnetka, IL First Congregational Church UCC Grand Ledge, MI Elmhurst College Elmhurst, IL Olivet College Olivet, MI My partner, Rev. Cheryl L. Burke, is also an ordained minister in the UCC. Our union service was July 11, 1998 at Barrington Congregational Church UCC in Rhode Island. Thank God for UCC congregations and colleges that are willing to call “out” lesbian ministers! Denomination United Church of Christ Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary, and for the refuge that the UCC has offered for so many GLBT clergy. David Lohman Faith Work Coordinator National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources Home of the Shower of Stoles Project 2007 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1100 Title A name given to the resource Rev. Julie Kilmer, Ph.D. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Eagle, Michigan (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Julie Kilmer, Ph.D. Burke, Cheryl Kilmer, Julie Michigan Ordination United Church of Christ Women and Religion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Da and Ma Stole Text Da and Ma<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Independent Pentecostal <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />La Porte, IN We once believed in the ritual and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. A large social group in the Catholic Church decided that we were involved in too many ministries, and excluded us due to chronic illness. Neither the priest, pastor, nor the bishops would intervene in support of us continuing our ministries of many years. While mourning the loss of the church and our ministries, we were led by the Holy Spirit to a Christ-centered, open and affirming church – The New Life Community Church of Hope in La Porte, IN. We have learned truly of God’s love through the love shown us, even though most of the members are GLBT while we are straight. We were very homophobic before attending and joining this church. The Christian love shown to us by members of the church has changed us. This Stole of Contrition asks forgiveness of our GLBT family, because we now know that our God is a god of inclusion and not exclusion! Denomination Roman Catholic Church Independent Pentecostal Contribution Date 2007 Contribution Story When stoles from an exhibit in South Bend, IN were returned to us, this stole, along with this letter, were included. Dear Friends: Our local newspaper featured the appearance of the Shower of Stoles Project at our church. The story ran a few days before the display. We received several calls in response to the story. People were grateful for our effort and for the Stoles’ witness in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />South Bend. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The day before the display we received a call to the church from a local couple. They told this story. They had gay children and gay foster children. As conservative Catholics, they felt that their children were sinners. At one point, their church ostracized them for a variety of stated reasons and implied racial prejudice (the family is African American). The experience opened a new window on discrimination and their relationship with their children. In time, the couple found their way to a GLBT Pentecostal congregation in a nearby community. Initially facing their own fears of change, the couple joined the congregation anyway and found a new spiritual home. Since this time of transformation and healing, they have begun producing crocheted stoles. They call them “Contrition Stoles,” designed to atone for their former beliefs and behaviors and to offer a vision of hope in their God who is inclusive rather than exclusive. After hearing this story, I asked if they might be willing to share their testimony in our Sunday morning worship service. They agreed. During the sermon time, four of our members read descriptions of four of the stoles. Then, our new friends and allies told their story. They began by singing together and then inviting the congregation to join them. In a spirit of worship, they told their story. It was an unexpected gift, an opening for us to hear our “Still Speaking God.” We now add that stole to the larger gathering. In Peace and Hope, David Gerth, Pastor Zion United Church of Christ South Bend, IN Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1114 Title A name given to the resource Da and Ma Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant South Bend, Indiana (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. David Gerth African American Catholic Gerth, David Pentecostal Roman Catholic Theology Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous (New Yorker cartoon: "I'm out of the closet but under the radar.") Stole Text [Caption on attached cartoon:] "I'm out of the closet but under the radar." Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Never let it be said that the Shower of Stoles collection lacks a sense of humor... This stole was sent to us with no identifying information or narrative. Attached to the stole, however, is a photocopy of a cartoon that was cut out of New Yorker magazine. In a cocktail lounge, a man in a business suit, leaning against the bar with a martini in hand, says to another fellow, "I'm out of the closet but under the radar." This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 728 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (New Yorker cartoon: "I'm out of the closet but under the radar.") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Robert Duncan Campbell Stole Text In Memory of ROBERT DUNCAN CAMPBELL This stole is in memory of Robert Duncan Campbell. Initially going by the name of Robert (Bob) Campbell, he serve in a variety of local United Methodist church settings as either or both music and youth director. He was a very gifted baritone singer, a composer and lyric writer. One year he was the Annual Conference Song Leader. Bob's gifts for ministry were affirmed by their fruit: growing musical programs and expanding youth ministries. The local church where Bob was a member ignored him and a (now well known) lesbian. "We love you two so there is not an issue here!" It was only late, in the mid-eighties, where three more events converged with these two's continual push, that something did happen in that local church. As Bob struggled with what it meant to be gay and to be in ministry, he realized he could not continue to work in the UM church and be who he was. As he came out, he started using his middle name, Duncan, as his first name. Duncan became a landscape gardener, creating and maintaining one of a kind, custom-made gardens. He continued singing and composing. He started having proceeds of any concerts that he did, most of which were performed in churches, go to support ministries of those living with AIDS or cancer. He joined with two other gay men to continue the concerts and complete a CD. As a gift to the local UM church that ignored Duncan when he came out, and for a denomination he loved, Duncan went back in the mid-nineties and worked with the clergy in his "home" church to start a process that lead to that church becoming a Reconciling Congregation, but not before Duncan died. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to at the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people, including the unknown donor of this stole, brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 726 Title A name given to the resource Robert Duncan Campbell Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Unknown AIDS Campbell, Robert Duncan Clergy Activist Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stole (Members of the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church) Stole Text NORTHERN NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE UMC Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. (Note: A “signature stole” is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 722 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Members of the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New Jersey (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Members of the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Ally Clergy Activist Methodist New Jersey Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stole (Reconciling United Methodists, Detroit Annual Conference) Stole Text Detroit Conference Reconciling United Methodists May 6. 2000 Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This Signature Stole was signed by Reconciling United Methodists from the Detroit area. Reconciling UM's are individuals who have added their names to a national list of those who support the Reconciling Ministries Network in their work towards the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church. (Note: A “signature stole” is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".) This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 721 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Reconciling United Methodists, Detroit Annual Conference) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Detroit, Michigan (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Reconciling United Methodists, Detroit Annual Conference Ally Clergy Activist Detroit Methodist Michigan Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Bert All Stole Text In Memory of THE REV. BERT ALL California - Pacific Conference United Methodist Church A gift from Ed Hansen, Pastor, Hollywood United Methodist Church, California Bert was a creative and dedicated pastor who served local churches and as a leader in the Conference Camping Program. For the Southern California region he founded the Strength for the Journey retreats for persons living with HIV/AIDS and continued to guide these retreats until his own failing health prevented him. Because of his fear of losing his ordination status if he revealed that he was gay, Bert kept this part of his life very hidden. Only his best friends knew this dimension of his life. Along with other friends I am honored to dedicate this stole in Bert's memory. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. Although he remained closeted throughout his career in the ministry, Bert allowed for the possibility to tell his story to the church following his death. This is one of two stoles given to the collection by Ed Hansen (#716 & 719). In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 719 Title A name given to the resource Bert All Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Ed Hansen AIDS All, Bert California Clergy Activist Hansen, Ed Methodist Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Norman Wright Stole Text Rev. Norman Wright California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Church Given by Ed Hansen, Pastor Hollywood United Methodist Church, California This stole is given in memory of the Reverend Norman Wright, a United Methodist pastor who served in the California-Pacific Conference. It was the stole that Norm and his wife had prepared for me when I was privileged to co-officiate at their wedding. Norm was tragically killed in an auto accident in the 1980's. He was deeply committed to justice issues and gave leadership for this in the Conference and District. The inclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons was at the top of his list of concerns. His own bisexuality did not prevent him from entering in to a wonderful marriage. Rather it enabled him to have understanding and empathy with those who felt marginalized by their sexual orientation. I dedicate this stole to Norm's memory. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole, in memory of Norman Wright, a United Methodist minister who was bisexual, was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. It is one of two stoles given to the collection by Ed Hansen (#716 & 719). In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 716 Title A name given to the resource Norman Wright Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rev. Ed Hansen Bisexual activism California Clergy Activist Hansen, Ed Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church Wright, Norman Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stole (Allies in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church) Stole Text From allies in the Oregon-Idaho Conference Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the UnitedMethodistChurch in Cleveland, OH. (Note: A “signature stole” is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization. These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many".) In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240. Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles.” In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 715 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stole (Allies in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Oregon (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Allies in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church Ally Clergy Activist Idaho Methodist Ordination Oregon Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. William Gordon Danny Reed Stole Text HELP US ACCEPT EACH OTHER R.E.R. REV. WILLIAM GORDON AND ARE WE YET ALIVE? SMD DANNY REED Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us at 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. In 1999, the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) inquired about the possibility of having a display of the Shower of Stoles at the General Conference the following April. At the time, there were only around twenty United Methodist stoles in the collection. We decided to introduce the Shower of Stoles to the Reconciling community by bringing the twenty UM stoles and about a hundred others to RMN’s Convocation in Denton, TX over the Labor Day weekend. Stoles started to trickle in during the fall, and by February they began coming in droves. In all, we received 220 United Methodist stoles – the vast majority of them arriving within eight weeks of the Conference. Thanks to a monumental effort by a number of volunteers who pitched in to help record, inventory, sew labels and make last-minute repairs, all of the new stoles were present in Cleveland. Twenty more people, including the unknown donor of this stole, brought stoles directly to Cleveland, bringing the total number on display to 240.  Towards the end of the General Conference, twenty eight lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists and allies stood on the Conference floor in silent protest over the Conference’s failure to overturn the ban on LGBT ordination – a profound witness and act of defiance for which they were later arrested. As these twenty eight moved to the front of the room, another 200 supporters stood up around the balcony railing, each wearing one of the new United Methodist stoles. Hundreds more stood in solidarity as well, in the balcony and on the plenary floor, wearing symbolic “stoles” made from colorful bands of cloth. A group of young people from Minneapolis, members of a Communicant’s Class, had purchased bolts of cloth the preceding evening and stayed up all night cutting out close to a thousand of these “stoles." In less than eight months, a handful of stoles had grown to become a powerful, visible witness to the steadfast faith of LGBT United Methodists nationwide. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 714 Title A name given to the resource William Gordon Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Unknown Clergy Activist Gordon, William Methodist Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Signature Stoles (Nebraska Chapter, MFSA) Stole Text Nebraska Annual Conference 2000 Methodist Federation for Social Action Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 708 Title A name given to the resource Signature Stoles (Nebraska Chapter, MFSA) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Nebraska (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Nebraska Chapter, Methodist Federation for Social Action Ally Methodist Nebraska Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shower of Stoles Description An account of the resource Items (stoles) for the Shower of Stoles exhibit Stole A stole in the Shower of Stoles exhibit Honoree The person honored by the creation of thestole. Anonymous ("I am what fraternities and sororities call a Legacy... generations of family in the M.E. Church, South, the Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Church...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS I am what fraternities and sororities call a Legacy… generations of family in the M.E. Church, South, the Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Church. Brought up by its Sunday Schools, Baptized, Confirmed, sang in her choirs, attended its camps, and married at her chancel. Then, when I got in touch with my sexual orientation, I was no longer allowed to serve as Minister in sharing the gifts and graces which God has given me. There is much sadness and grief and, when I allow it, much anger in not being allowed to be who God has called me to be. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2001 Contribution Story This stole was given to us anonymously. We have no other information about this former United Methodist pastor. Martha Juillerat Founder, Shower of Stoles Project 2006 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 697 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous ("I am what fraternities and sororities call a Legacy... generations of family in the M.E. Church, South, the Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Church...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Methodist United Methodist Church United States