13 20 2617 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 (Donated by Joyce Steiner: "Called to Question") Stole Text Called to Question ANONYMOUS United Methodist Seminarian Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three stoles given to us by Joyce Steiner in advance of the 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 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 583 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Joyce Steiner: "Called to Question") 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 Joyce Steiner Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Steiner, Joyce 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. Anonymous (Donated by Joyce Steiner: "This stole was made to honor one of our ministers, a lesbian...") Stole Text Awaken to Oneness This stole was made to honor one of our ministers, a lesbian. We, the members of her congregation, pray for the day the larger United Methodist Church will awaken to oneness. In so doing the church will at last be able to acknowledge and value our minister for the gift she is to us. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three stoles (#581, 582, 583) given to us by Joyce Steiner in advance of the 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 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 582 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Joyce Steiner: "This stole was made to honor one of our ministers, a lesbian...") 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 Joyce Steiner Clergy Activist Methodist Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Steiner, Joyce United Methodist Church United States 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. Anonymous (Donated by Kelly Turney) Stole Text Anonymous I studied alongside this insightful, gentle spirit during our M.Div. Years and I knew he'd make a great pastor. I wasn't so sure of myself but he knew from an early age that he was called and pursued a church vocation all his life. He was a leader in his local church growing up - at every age level - then served with distinction at the denominational level in Nashville. When he became a candidate for ordination, his West Virginia conference was so pleased. They needed pastors, true, but this was a boy they had raised to love God and serve the church and they were so proud. But at school, he began to draw away from his conference, trying to shield himself from the pain of rejection he knew he would face. His secret, his sexual orientation, would change how the conference perceived their golden son. He "came out" to his Board of Ordained Ministry right before the vote. The Board asked him to withdraw the statement. "Take it back and we'll pass you." As he recounted that moment to me, you could see how the pride for the UMC was knocked out of him as immediately, completely and shockingly as having the wind knocked out of your body. "They wanted me to lie! If I would just lie to them they'd vote me in." What a bizarre concept he thought - they admitted he was qualified (even a gay man) but they wanted him to be dishonest. Yet living a lie was completely incompatible with the theology, integrity and understanding of being a child of God that the church had taught him growing up. He's now a respected and valued leader in the Episcopal Church and has a lovely home with his partner. They have a beautiful life together serving God. Denomination United Methodist Church Episcopal Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story A number of people who have read this story at displays of the Shower of Stoles have commented on its appalling irony -- that the United Methodist Church should directly encourage someone to lie, and then punish him for choosing to maintain his integrity and tell the truth. It is fortunate, indeed, that this young man decided to leave a church that would ask such a thing of him, and instead offer his considerable gifts in service to a church that has wholly embraced him. This stole was given to us in advance of the 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 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 516 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Kelly Turney) 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 Kelly Turney Clergy Activist Episcopal Church Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Turney, Kelly 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. Anonymous (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring a United Methodist probationary member becoming an elder who is committed to celibacy.") Stole Text ANONYMOUS Honoring a United Methodist probationary member becoming an elder who is committed to celibacy. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three stoles (#576, 577, 578) given to us by Laura Wilson in advance of the 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 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 577 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring a United Methodist probationary member becoming an elder who is committed to celibacy.") 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 Laura Wilson Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Wilson, Laura https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/141d430608f47712e2021310f3f56423.png f531f45ded5024a698daeeb04a56e73d 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 (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring a United Methodist probationary member who is being discontinued...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS Honoring a United Methodist probationary member who is being discontinued (SA&P) Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three stoles (#576, 577, 578) given to us by Laura Wilson in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (We have no other information about this anonymous person, and are unsure what the reference to "SA&P" means.) 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 576 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring a United Methodist probationary member who is being discontinued...") 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 Laura Wilson Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Wilson, Laura https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/eba0fc4130d4960f3cb1826ee98fc04a.png c3bcb4969661c95c53a253ce02985e18 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 (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring several United Methodists in Ohio who decided not to pursue candidacy...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS Honoring several United Methodists in Ohio who decided not to pursue candidacy at all in the church's current (temporary) inhospitable atmosphere. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This is one of three stoles (#576, 577, 578) given to us by Laura Wilson in advance of the 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 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 578 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Laura Wilson: "Honoring several United Methodists in Ohio who decided not to pursue candidacy...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ohio (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Laura Wilson Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) United Methodist Church United States Wilson, Laura 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 (Donated by Laurie Clark) Stole Text ANONYMOUS From Rev. Laurie Clark These two stoles honor two ministers. Two of the most important, most faithful United Methodist ministers in my life are also gay men. I am thankful for their caring, wisdom, preaching, teaching, and prayers that have shaped my life in Christ. I look forward to the day when these two ministers can be who they are, and wear their ordination openly. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 1999 Contribution Story This is one of two stoles given to us by Rev. Laurie Clark in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. (See also stole #492) 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 493 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Laurie Clark) 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 Rev. Laurie Clark Clark, Laurie Clergy Activist 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. Anonymous (Donated by Mary Helen Gerwin: "...dedicated to those United Methodists who have dared to help the church understand the special love relationship that supports the lives of homosexuals...") Stole Text This stole is dedicated to those United Methodists who have dared to help the church understand the special love relationship that supports the lives of homosexuals. Love is of God. Jesus understood the power of love and would welcome to the table all those whose lives are ruled by love. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 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 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 580 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated by Mary Helen Gerwin: "...dedicated to those United Methodists who have dared to help the church understand the special love relationship that supports the lives of homosexuals...") 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 Mary Helen Gerwin Ally Clergy Activist Gerwin, Mary Helen Methodist Ohio 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. Anonymous (Donated on behalf of anonymous clergy and laity in Eastern Pennsylvania by the Eastern PA Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action) Stole Text ANONYMOUS After hearing the stories of people associated with our conference it became obvious that even the simple act of submitting a stole was endangering these people. It was their belief that the identification of their conference and service to the church would jeopardize their ministries and their safety, even if their name was withheld. Therefore, this stole is donated by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action in honor of ANONYMOUS clergy and laity: - Those people in our conference who were called by God but were not confirmed by the church because of their sexual orientation - Those people in our conference who have resigned their membership in the conference because of their sexuality and who, therefore, have denied their call from God, and - Those people in our conference who are presently engaging their call from God through active service but live in fear of punishment because of their sexuality. Denomination United Methodist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This stole was given to us in advance of the 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Cleveland, OH. It reflects the essence of a true ally: one who will stand with, and speak for, those who cannot speak for themselves. 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 623 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Donated on behalf of anonymous clergy and laity in Eastern Pennsylvania by the Eastern PA Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pennsylvania (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action Church Trials Methodist Ohio Ordination Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly Reconciling Congregation Program) Theology United Methodist Church United States https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/89356e7e3ce380c29eb65faaa122653b.jpg 2d898ccbfe5dba33e18408cad5b89e51 https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c12a8c0f1e8a10881c2a2733f749c9cc.jpg a4cbd55521d66f6c8aea2a82ff979e35 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 (Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester NY) Stole Text Two roads diverged in a wood and I, took the one less travelled by AND THAT HAS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE ANONYMOUS Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story This is one of about two dozen stoles donated by members of DUPC in early 1996. Most of the stoles arrived without names or narratives. However, we have been told that most of the donors are "out" LGBT persons, unnamed but not necessarily anonymous. DUPC was at the center of a pivotal moment in the history of the Welcoming movement in the Presbyterian Church. In 1978 the General Assembly acted to bar the ordination of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals." However, an exception was added to the action which exempted those ordained before 1978 from future judicial action. This clause allowed DUPC in 1991 to call the Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr to become a co-pastor of the church; Janie had been ordained prior to 1978. However, the Presbyterian Church broke its trust and in 1991 the denomination's highest judicial body barred Janie from being installed. In response, DUPC called Janie to be an "Evangelist," and formed That All May Freely Serve to allow Janie to preach, educate and challenge church structures at DUPC and throughout the country. 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 190 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester NY) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rochester, New York (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Downtown United Presbyterian Church Clergy Activist New York Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Spahr, Jane Adams That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/42ce54827b82a3305c2fb666ebc1d04e.jpg 5ba758c0e080d2c5a19f99c62fffb896 https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/105ad1c0f943585893a5a894b3e1aa6b.jpg 9d5c61f34c66a33721fa18a02bb5973b 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 (Eighteen Years) Stole Text Anonymous This is a stole which I have worn throughout the eighteen years of my ministry in our denomination. I would ask that you not use my name, but I look to a time when worrying about such things will be of no consequence and we will all be able to serve as we have been called. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This stole was received just after I set aside my ordination on Sept. 16, 1995. The donor, a Presbyterian pastor whom I knew, has chosen to remain anonymous. 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 81 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Eighteen Years) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Alaska (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Alaska Covenant Network of Presbyterians More Light Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 (ELCA candidate: "Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single, lesbian woman...") Stole Text ANONYMOUS ELCA CANDIDATE Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single lesbian woman in a family oriented -- homophobic congregation. Internship was also the most blessed experience of my life as I met the woman I love! The tragic irony in this is that because of this beautiful woman I survived my internship and because of my relationship with her I may be removed from the candidacy process. To be ordained I MUST sign a statement of Celibacy my whole life long. I have to choose either to lie to be ordained, deny my call to ministry, or live in hiding the rest of my life. Throughout my entire life I've been incredibly supported by my church family and had great experiences in seminary and the candidacy process, but they don't know who I am or my relationship with the woman I so dearly love. Pray with me that the Church will today accept the gifts I and so many others bring to restored ministry in the "Kingdom" of God. May we all stand together as one loving family! Lesbian Candidate for Ministry ELCA Wisconsin Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story We know nothing more about this Lutheran candidate for ministry -- but such an intimate portrait of inner turmoil she has shared with us! It is as if we've received a phone call from an old friend wanting our advice as to what she should do next. Pray with her, as she has asked of us -- and pray for the church that continues to create such terrible conflict in the lives of its people! 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 727 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (ELCA candidate: "Internship in the rural Midwest proved incredibly difficult as a young, single, lesbian woman...") Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Wisconsin (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran Ordination Wisconsin Women and Religion https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/08aae0993e2e1056a0a9bacd1c0f2c54.png b9f6a8cdcd564e62356976bfadef326e 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 (ELCA, For my dear friend, Pat...) Stole Text ANONYMOUS ELCA For my dear friend, Pat, who taught me to love God and myself. Denomination Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story Information about this anonymous Lutheran and donor have been withheld by request of the donor, to protect the anonymity of her friend. 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 502 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (ELCA, For my dear friend, Pat...) 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 Withheld Evangelical Lutherans of America (ELCA) Lutheran United States https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/557c075ed4ea089e953954e5be88df24.jpg 6c24e6d6a63bc2bfb066ebb38f190e37 https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3c4799358319df0da7fb1a559cb0922a.jpg 1fe65beb19e049aa2626749855483a7d 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 (First African Methodist Episcopal Church stole) Stole Text ANONYMOUS AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Sent anonymously by a same gender loving, ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This stole symbolizes the pain and silence of so many within this historic black denomination founded on the freedom and dignity of all God's children. It comes with the prayer that the African Methodist Episcopal Church may one day truly be a liberating and reconciling people. Until that day is realized for the Church of Allen* and the universal church, I remain in unity, struggle, and prayer, Anonymous *Richard Allen was the first pastor ordained in the AME in 1816 at Bethel Chapel in Philadelphia Denomination African Methodist Episcopal Church Contribution Date 2005 Contribution Story This stole was sent to us without a return address, and we have no other information about the donor. As of this writing, it is the only one we have received representing someone from the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since its inclusion in the collection, several African Americans, particularly United Methodists, have expressed their gratitude for its being displayed around the country, acknowledging that dialogue around LGBT issues in that denomination has barely begun. It is our hope that this stole will spark more dialogue and, hopefully, more progress towards the full embrace of LGBT folk in the AME church. 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 1026 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First African Methodist Episcopal Church stole) 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 African American African Methodist Episcopal Church Allen, Richard Civil Rights Movement Clergy Activist Theology https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/6442d5458a2dbe186af51d3033440571.jpg c968cb1dde36fc6d39fb5d00a1e7cc1a https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/3ee42b2e47225d00069ff71324160802.jpg e78f731b95f4bdfd52293350a0180251 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 (First Evangelical Covenant stole) Stole Text ANONYMOUS EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH At the 1996 Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the denominational delegates passed a resolution on human sexuality that states, A publicly declared, legally binding marriage between one woman and one man is the one appropriate place for sexual intercourse. Heterosexual marriage, faithfulness within marriage, abstinence outside of marriage these constitute the Christian standard. The vote passing this resolution was followed by a congregational hymn, the words of which (printed on this stole) continue to be ironic in light of the denominations exclusion from membership and ministry those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This stole is in recognition of those LGBT pastors, ministers of music, directors of Christian education, seminarians, youth ministers, and educators in the Covenant denomination whose Christian witness has been denied or forced into silence due to sexual orientation or gender identification. Denomination Evangelical Covenant Church Contribution Date 2004 Contribution Story This stole came with very little information beyond the fact that it honors a closeted gay person. As of this writing, it is the only stole in the collection representing someone from the Evangelical Covenant Church. 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 1005 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First Evangelical Covenant stole) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Withheld, (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Anonymous Clergy Activist Evangelical Covenant Church Marriage Equality Ordination 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. Anonymous (First Presbyterian) Stole Text From a Member of First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto, California Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1996 Contribution Story This anonymous stole is one of about thirty stoles donated to the collection by First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto. It is decorated simply with a chalice and loaf, and a cross. First Palo Alto, a More Light congregation, has for decades been on the forefront of the movement for full inclusion of LGBT persons into the life and leadership of the church and greater society. Among the many leaders of the movement who have come from this congregation is Mitzi Henderson, former national President of PFLAG and national Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians. 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 161 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (First Presbyterian) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Palo Alto, California (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource First Presbyterian Church California Henderson, Mitzi More Light Presbyterians for LGBT Concerns Ordination Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 (Forced by Accusations) Stole Text ANONYMOUS He was forced by accusations of bisexuality to resign the pastorate of a large church and give up aspirations for denominational leadership. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This is one of twelve stoles donated to the Shower of Stoles by Merrill Proudfoot on behalf of friends and colleagues. We have no other information about this anonymous minister other than what is written on the stole. 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 112 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Forced by Accusations) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Kansas City, Missouri (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Merrill Proudfoot Bisexual activism Church Trials Missouri Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Proudfoot, Merrill https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/ae2f54ed7aeed9798d5fa124849f794e.jpg 0fdff8f589ccef0f9b6b4571a5892d6e 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 (Free Will Baptist necktie) Stole Text ANONYMOUS FREE WILL BAPTIST Student Preacher and Youth Director In keeping with my Baptist tradition, which does not include such things as stoles, please accept my usual Sunday "liturgical garb" -- a necktie. Denomination Free Will Baptist Church Contribution Date 2000 Contribution Story This whimsical "stole" was given to me by a young man I met at a national conference in Texas in 1999. He was overseeing child care and youth activities for the conference, a task for which he was well suited. His enthusiasm, good humor, and zest for life were matched by his deep faith. At the time that I met him, he was in the process of coming out to his church. Although he was keenly aware that this would preclude him from any possibility of ministry in his denomination, his sense of call was clear and he remained convinced that God would help him find a way to follow that call. In 1999 he was in search of a church where he would be welcome. The church that eventually does open the door for him will find itself blessed abundantly by a gifted 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 744 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (Free Will Baptist necktie) 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 Baptist Church Trials Free Will Baptist Church Ordination Theology United States https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/79709784addbc15b5e9682d9d84a8ff7.jpg 80f3255859275c86414e958318eb1b82 https://www.exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/05b38f4be039382eb20f598c1d3471fb.jpg 8ff78f8801c55ad9b8bf599d8a90c234 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 (From a Gay Married Minister in His Late 50's) Stole Text ANONYMOUS From a gay married minister in his late 50's who daily lives with the pain that comes from knowing how people would feel about me if they knew my thoughts and longings, and who shares the pain of his gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who long to be ordained because he knows how much greater his pain might have been if he had been born 20 or 30 years later. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1995 Contribution Story This anonymous stole has always held a tender place in my heart. The message on this anonymous stole has seemed confusing to some who ask, "Why would his pain be greater now, at a time when there is so much more support for gay people of faith, than it would have been years ago?" Although my knowledge of this anonymous pastor is limited, my understanding is that when he entered seminary, probably around 1960 (he would now be close to 70 years old), virtually no one was "out" in the life of the church. The subject of homosexuality was not raised except in negative ways; even whispered rumors could be enough to ruin a promising career in the church. At that time, the only path he probably felt he could take was to stay in the closet, to marry and to keep his sexual orientation deeply hidden away. Although the pain and loneliness of a closeted life is palpable in his brief narrative, nevertheless he was able to follow his call, to be ordained and have a fulfilling ministry. Had he been born much later, in an era when young people are much freer to come out, many while still in high school, and issues of sexual orientation and gender identity are discussed openly, he might have made different choices. It is possible that he would have been in a supportive enough environment to come out -- before he was married, and before he made the decision to attend seminary. While one deep pain surely would have been lifted, others would have been present, since his coming out would keep him from the ministry that has meant so much to him. It is difficult for some to walk in this man's shoes. Many people who read his story have never known a time without Ellen DeGeneres or Will and Grace. Certainly it is hard for any of us to recall a time when issues of sexuality were not a constant part of church debate. To some, then, these "what ifs" might seem pointless. To a gay man of 70, though, who from his lonely place of hiding has watched the world change at a dizzying speed , the "if onlys" must loom large. I have always been grateful that this fellow pilgrim chose to share a bit of his story with us. As one who spent the first fifteen years of her ministry in the closet, I know that place of pain, too. Someday I hope that the church will repent of the sinful oppression it has wrought upon this unnamed gay man and on so many, many others. In the meantime, I will give thanks for his good ministry, his service to God and to the church that he loves. And I will pray that he knows without doubt that God loves and cherishes him unconditionally! 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 129 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (From a Gay Married Minister in His Late 50's) 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 Marriage Equalit Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Theology 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. Anonymous (From George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman) Stole Text ANONYMOUS Given by George and Betty Krablin Bob and Vergene Wieman and George In honor of a recent graduate of Princeton Seminary who was recently ordained but finds it necessary to remain in the closet. He is waiting for the day when he can truly be himself. Denomination Presbyterian Church (USA) Contribution Date 1998 Contribution Story This is one of sixteen stoles donated to the collection by members of First Presbyterian Church of Ewing, NJ on behalf of members or friends of the congregations. We have no other information about this anonymous individual. 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 465 Title A name given to the resource Anonymous (From George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman) Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ewing, New Jersey (USA) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource George & Betty Krablin and Bob & Vergene Wieman Education Krablin, Betty Krablin, George New Jersey Ordination Presbyterian Presbyterian Church (USA) Wieman, Bob Wieman, Vergene