Concord Vol 37 No 2 by ReconcilingWorks

Vol. 37, No. 2 FALL 2016

Concord

NEWSLETTER OF RECONCILINGWORKS | LUTHERANS FOR FULL PARTICIPATION

LEFT TO RIGHT: Florida-Bahamas Bp. Schaefer speaks to BIC attendees; A rainbow memorial exists at Pulse Nightclub site; Aubrey poses with training attendee, Rev. Hamilton.

The Power of Love and Light Never doubt your impact on those around you

BY AUBREY THONVOLD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

rom coast to coast your support, gifts, and time are changing the church. The momentum for this holy work is building as more and more of you in your congregations and communities share why this work matters to you. Everyone comes to this journey of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and their families for different reasons, and sharing your support of ReconcilingWorks with others gives them permission to examine their own journey. In the month of October, I was blessed to spend time with members and supporters of ReconcilingWorks just like you in Portland, OR and Orlando and Clearwater, FL. I want to share of my experience in Orlando

"When the shooting happened in Orlando there were no RIC congregations in the city, but now there are over ten on their journey." to affirm how critical it is for you and I to continue to be bold in our love and witness of what it means for Christians to truly welcome, include, and celebrate LGBTQ people and their families in our churches and community. Board Vice-Chair Leo Bancroft and I were invited to Orlando to lead a Building an Inclusive Training for Lutheran congregations October 2122nd. This training was organized by the Orlando clergy cluster the day after the horrifying massacre of 49 people at the Pulse Nightclub. Four local congregations came together to cover the registration cost of the training so 72 people would be able to participate. As Leo and I

prepared to lead the training, we knew it was important for us to visit local LGBTQ centers and organizations in Orlando to learn about the services they offer and about what life has been... Article continued on page 4.

INSIDE 2 From the Co-Chairs 4 New Regional Coordinators 5 Region 5 Spotlight 6 2016 Brings Two New RIC Seminaries 8 700 RIC Communities 9 HIV/AIDS and Reconciling in Christ 10 Orlando, Todavia

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From the Co-Chairs

2016 ELCA Assembly: Freed & Renewed in Christ

CHERYL STUART BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CO-CHAIR

ith the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly more than two months in the rear-view mirror, I thought I’d share a few reflections on that experience. As in previous years, it was a full, busy, Spirit-filled week where Lutherans from all over the country gathered to worship, learn, debate, and consider what God is calling us to do and be as the ELCA. As ReconcilingWorks, we had several goals. First, we sought to be a visible presence of LGBTQ and allied Lutherans and Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregations in the ELCA. Second, we wanted to intentionally and creatively partner with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), as both good stewards of resources and a reinforcement of each other’s important work. Third, we looked for opportunities to build relationships with other groups within the ELCA who are sometimes an afterthought, especially persons of color. The daily morning prayer services co-hosted by ReconcilingWorks and ELM led by allied bishops, queer clergy and others, were well attended and appreciated. Held in the middle of the large hallway near

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the registration desk, a differing mix of about 40 gathered each morning around a designated theme. It was a visible and powerful way to ground ourselves for what lay ahead each day. ReconcilingWorks and ELM co-hosted a reception Wednesday evening—open to all—to relax, renew and build relationships, and have conversation around what LGBTQ people need from the church. In addition, Aubrey, Zac and Ryan (who attended as a voting member from his synod), were able to have time face to face with many ELCA staff on matters of common interest, serve and assist in the Assembly’s daily worship, and push out messages on social media to keep members and friends informed. A nightly “information call” was offered by our Executive Director, Aubrey Thonvold, and ELM Executive Director, Amalia Vagts, for those who wanted to learn more details about the day’s events. Read more about Churchwide Assembly actions: RWKS. org/CWA. Throughout the week, many, many people—LGBTQ and straight; clergy and lay—stopped to talk to one of us about issues or candidates, asked for stickers or pins, thanked us for being present, and affirmed the need

LEFT: Florida-Bahamas Bp. Schaefer prays for victims of gun violence in Orlando RIGHT: ReconcilingWorks handed out thousands of buttons and stickers at the assembly. "Black Lives Matter" stickers were one of our most popular.

for continued visibility of LGBTQ Lutherans in the ELCA. In that respect, it was a gratifying week; I believe we achieved the goals we set. But we learned some lessons, too. The overwhelming feeling of LGBTQ people attending the Assembly was one of “invisibility”. We met only weeks after the Orlando Pulse murders, yet there was no evidence of intentional outreach or care for those impacted and still hurting beyond what ReconcilingWorks was able to provide. One of our morning prayer services, led by Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop Robert Schaefer, centered on the shooting and the anger and lament that remains in its wake. Inasmuch as we were not permitted to staff a table in the Exhibit Hall with ReconcilingWorks merchandise or information, we had to find other creative ways to remind the church that we have a long way to go to live into church policy and the secular right of all to marry. (We are heartened by the efforts of the ELCA congregations and pastors in the Orlando area to host a “Building an Inclusive Church” training in their backyard to better equip themselves for ministry to and with the LGBTQ community). Our conversations also

TOP LEFT: SW California Bp. Guy Erwin prays for indigenous peoples. TOP RIGHT: Sister Liz Colver prays for women.

found common ground with other minorities who find themselves on the margins of the church structure. But the reality is this: there are still closeted clergy in the ELCA; LGBTQ youth and young adults express delight—but still surprise–to know there are people in the church who wish to welcome, support, include and celebrate them just as they are, even if they are unsure about their sexual orientation; LGBTQ people cannot assume that every ELCA congregation is open to the possibility of allowing them to marry; and in 32 (for transgender people)/28 (for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people), you can be fired from your job or evicted from your housing for being LGBTQ, even though you can marry your partner. But we are resurrection people. We know that light comes. We see that light in the 700 Reconciling in Christ settings, and the hundreds of settings, including synods, who are exploring what it means to truly welcome, include, and celebrate the

gifts of LGBTQ Lutherans. Our hope is fed by the stories of those who live into the fullness of the diversity of God’s church. That hope is what fuels our continued efforts to reach out, educate, and gracefully engage all God's beloved throughout the ELCA and its leadership. The 2019 Churchwide Assembly will mark 10 years since the social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” was adopted, as well as policy change in the ELCA to allow partnered same gender clergy to be on the roster. How much progress will we have made to fully live into the day when LGBTQ people are fully invited, included and celebrated in the life of the ELCA? In what ways can we be a prophetic voice to lift up our other marginalized people who are still invisible? That is the work before us now. With thanks to God for the chance to do this work—and to you, who partner with us with your lives, your stories, your financial support and your prayers.

Executive Director: Aubrey Thonvold AubreyT@ReconcilingWorks.org Program and Development Associate: Ryan Muralt RyanM@ReconcilingWorks.org Communications and Graphic Design Coordinator: Zac Baker ZacB@ReconcilingWorks.org Co-Chair: Mike Crandall BoardChair@ReconcilingWorks.org Co-Chair: Cheryl Stuart BoardChair@ReconcilingWorks.org Vice-Chair: Leo Bancroft BoardViceChair@ReconcilingWorks.org Secretary: Dan Graney BoardSecretary@ReconcilingWorks.org Treasurer: Herman Cage BoardTreasurer@ReconcilingWorks.org At-Large Representative: Dr. Marge Charmoli BoardMargeC@ReconcilingWorks.org Canadian Representative: Everett Freeman BoardEverettF@ReconcilingWorks.org At-Large Representative: Philip Moeller BoardPhilipM@ReconcilingWorks.org At-Large Representative: Luis Ochoa BoardLuisO@ReconcilingWorks.org At-Large Representative: Rev. Dan Pharr BoardDanP@ReconcilingWorks.org At-Large Representative: Merton Spencer BoardMertonS@ ReconcilingWorks.org Chaplain: Rev. Ellen Taube BoardEllenT@ReconcilingWorks.org Help ReconcilingWorks save printing and mailing costs by signing up to receive the Concord by email: ReconcilingWorks.org/eConcord.

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Welcome New Regional Coordinators

econcilingWorks is excited to welcome three new volunteer Regional Coordinators to our team. If they are in your region, please reach out and help welcome them. These new faces will serve as resources for all Lutheran communities on their Reconciling in Christ (RIC) journey in their region. We are grateful for the time, talent, and energy they bring to their communities.

MARY ANN NELSON US-1 Co-Regional Coordinator

RICK PRIBBERNOW US-1 Co-Regional Coordinator

MARY ANN CARUSO US-5 Co-Regional Coordinator

Mary Ann (she/her) is a recently retired Early Childhood Educator and a life-long Lutheran. She lives in southwestern Washington in Wahkiakum county where there isn't a stop light in the whole county. She has been involved with ReconcilingWorks when the Portland Metro Chapter formed. Mary Ann is active in Lower Columbia PFLAG and is a board member of the Southwestern Washington Synodical Women of the ELCA. She lives in Cathlamet, Washington with her husband Rick, and they attend Stella Lutheran Chapel in Longview, Washington. Her son and son-in-law were recently married and live in Seattle Washington. Her younger son lives in Oakland California. Mary Ann looks forward to sharing the RIC program in the Southwestern Washington Synod.

(he/him) After 21 years of congregational ministry and 16 years of marriage, Rick came out as gay. He was shocked! While going through his divorce Rick relocated to Seattle where he had previously served in the Northwest and slowly began to bridge the gulf between his faith and his sexual orientation. It was at that time Rick was offered the opportunity to serve as the chaplain director for Open Door, a unique ministry of the Northwest Washington synod, helping to build bridges between the church and the LGBTQ community. Over the last 23 years the Northwest Washington synod has become RIC and there are 38 congregations that have reached the RIC Milestone and 5 that are on the journey.

(she, her) Mary Ann is from the western suburbs of Chicago. She spent most of her life as a National Account Sales Manager in a Foodservice company. She was raised a Catholic. In 2007 Mary Ann found a new church home at Trinity Lutheran in Warrenville, IL an RIC community. She met her partner who was from Rock Island, IL. They moved to the Quad City where they started to look for a church home in that area. There were no RIC congregations! Mary Ann found her calling: she wants to help congregations open their hearts to the LBGTQ community, because many are searching for God, for a community, and a home, just as she was.

"The Power of Love and Light" continued from cover

to Pulse. We parked and walked up to the small nightclub in a neighborhood of Orlando that is now wrapped in a chain link fence covered in banners, images, photos, prayers, flowers, stuffed animals, and candles. I cannot begin to find the appropriate words to express the overwhelming emotions that flooded my body and soul as we walked past the armed guards who stand constant watch over this memorial. As I stood in the parking lot on melted candle wax reading notes people left for those killed, it has never been more clear for me the power hate, fear, and lack of understanding have on a person and the impact that has on a community.

As the Building an Inclusive Church Training began the next day, the Bishop of the Florida Bahamas Synod, Rev. Robert Schaefer, brought greetings to the group, thanked them for their time and commitment to this work of welcome, and affirmed its importance. For a day and a half, this group courageously shared why this work matters to them and learned how to accompany and lead their congregation on the RIC journey. LGBTQ people shared stories of how church is a crucial part of their lives and how they long for worship spaces where they feel safe. Parents shared about how important it is for them to be able to share about

...like after the shooting. Leo and I were encouraged to hear how the national outpouring of support has made it possible for community services to deepen and expand. It was sobering to see walls, desks, and counter tops covered in cards, notes, art, dried flower bouquets, and photo albums that still filled these spaces. The support and prayers you and your communities sent out to Orlando in June are all still present and continue to hold them. After visiting these centers Leo and I made our way

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To contact the correct Regional Coordinator in your area, visit: RWKS.org/about/RegionalCoordinators

Kingo Lutheran Church (Milwaukee, WI) is one of the newest RIC communities is Region 5.

welcome for all LGBTQ folks and their families. Their journey has been a liberating process. Deep relationships are being strengthened across the congregation, and an understanding of intentional welcome is taking root. What a beautiful journey!

Region 5 Spotlight

Co-Regional Coordinator jumps in head first BY MARY ANN CARUSO US-5 CO-REGIONAL COORDINATOR

he Reconciling in Christ movement is alive and well in ELCA Region 5! From the Chicago Metro Synod to the Northern IL Synod, and to wherever the Holy Spirit calls the mission of welcome, the work of inclusion and celebration is making a difference in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.

their LGBTQ children without fear of potential judgment. And some people courageously shared how they are still learning about the LGBTQ community and came with questions of faith and understanding. Together the 72 of us created a scared and holy space as we formed community with one another. When the shooting happened in Orlando there were no RIC congregations in the city, but now there are over ten on their journey to ensure the LGBTQ community is seen, named, and cared for in a new way. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do the work I do,

I am a native "Chicagoan," and many volunteers in Chicago are engaging with several ELCA churches on the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) journey. They are engaging with community members at synod events, potlucks, at music practice and during worship. Welcome work takes a village and I am so grateful to be a part of this national team of supporters and volunteers. As a new volunteer Co-Regional Coordinator, I am going on my first congregational visit in Evanston, IL, a suburb just northeast of Chicago. I will encourage conversation about the RIC journey and will share my story of why this work matters. The congregation is on an intentional journey to ensure the existence of a public and proclaimed and I could not be more motived, encouraged, and proud of all the ways your work is making a difference in the life of the church in the welcome, inclusion, and celebration of LGBTQ people and their families. Do not doubt for a minute the impact you make on your congregation, community and church. Thank you for all you do that makes this church the truest reflection of the radical hospitality Jesus extended to all people. Be bold and courageous in sharing the love and light of Christ; it is the only thing that removes hate and fear. Amen and Amen for you and your support of ReconcilingWorks.

The Northern Illinois Synod is presenting many new opportunities for conversations about welcome, inclusion and celebration. With the guidance of recently elected Bishop Jeffery Clements, I am optimistic about future relationships with ReconcilingWorks. I have also had the opportunity to welcome two communities from Galesburg, IL, into the RIC community. I am currently working to ensure their welcome is fully introduced into the larger Galesburg community. This is an exciting time! With the power of the Holy Spirit and with your continued support, we are truly making a difference together in the Lutheran church. I am proud of the work of ReconcilingWorks. I hope you feel the same and will join with me in this life changing work. Oh come Holy Spirit, come.

William B. Horn II Vice president, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ReconcilingWorks congratulates William B. Horn II on his election as ELCA Vice President at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. We look forward to working with him to create a more welcoming church.

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Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Wartburg Theological Seminary

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

2016 Brings Two New RIC Seminaries

The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community now includes six of eight ELCA seminaries.

artburg Theological Seminary and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have passed LGBTQ inclusive welcome statements and are now designated as RIC. “I am filled with deep gratitude and joy as we celebrate Wartburg Theological Seminary and Trinity Lutheran Seminary's public commitment to LGBTQ people and their families," ReconcilingWorks Executive Director, Aubrey Thonvold, said. "These actions are a faithful witness to the gospel message of love, welcome, and inclusion. ReconcilingWorks will hold Wartburg and Trinity in prayer as they live out this decision, as now 75% of all ELCA seminaries are places where LGBTQ students can discern, build skills, and transform in their call to ministry.”

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Trinity's board of directors voted in May to acknowledge that “Trinity Lutheran Seminary community welcomes, embraces, and celebrates people of all sexual orientations and gender identities whom the Spirit calls to God’s reconciling mission in the world. Our commitment is inspired by the radical inclusivity of Christ, the knowledge that we are all created in God’s image, and the movement of the Spirit that gathers people to places like Trinity to be transformed into leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world.” Wartburg's board of directors voted in June and acknowledged that “In service to the gospel of Jesus Christ for a world created for communion with God and in need of personal and social healing, WTS offers hospitality and welcome to all who participate in and support the seminary’s academic

programs and worship-centered community. Our welcome embraces people of every race, nation, ethnic origin, age, social class, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and physical ability. The practice of this wide welcome among us embodies the seminary’s longstanding and enduring commitment to being an inclusive community that reflects God’s reconciling purpose in Jesus Christ.” Along with Wartburg Theological Seminary and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, RIC seminaries include Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, the Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.

TOP LEFT: Program and Development Associate, Ryan Muralt, and Board Member/Regional Coordinator, Merton Spencer, present Trinity Lutheran Seminary their RIC certificate TOP RIGHT: Rainbow baked goods are an essential (but not required) part of every RIC celebration service. BOTTOM: Wartburg Theological Seminary celebrates their new RIC status and receives a framed certificate at chapel.

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HELP WELCOME

THE

700th

RECONCILING IN CHRIST

COMMUNITY

8% of ELCA communities are RIC

TOP RIGHT: OSLC attends New Jersey Pride BOTTOM RIGHT: OSLC voting members pose with NJ Synod Bishop Bartholomew.

OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH EDISON, NJ

nities

This means: 11% of ELCA communities have either started talking about specifically welcoming LGBTQ people or have already made it official by becoming RIC.

These three states have no RIC communities.

West Virginia 8|

Alaska

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Mississippi

E LC

3% are on their journey

m o Ac

HIV/AIDS and Reconciling in Christ RIC Communities are called to create space for people living with HIV.

BY RYAN MURALT PROGRAM AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

n July, I had the opportunity to attend the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa on a scholarship granted from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for young adults. This was a transformative experience for me in my role at ReconcilingWorks. In particular, the Interfaith PreConference titled, “Faith on the Fast Track: Reducing Stigma, Increasing Access and Defending Human Rights NOW!” was an experience I would never forget. The pre-conference gathered faith leaders from all over the world enriching conversation around a response to HIV and AIDS by people of faith. We also heard from top officials at the United Nations including from UNAIDS and from the office of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The pre-conference focused on faith communities being catalysts for ending discrimination of people with HIV or AIDS through destigmatization, by approaching our theological and scriptural

interpretations with deep grace to ensure our advocacy includes space for all parts of the lives of those who are marginalized and living with HIV or AIDS. This frame was put in the context of a critical five year window detailed by the UNAIDS fast-track for the elimination of HIV infections by 2030: UNaids.org/goals/ unaidsstrategy. In the discussion of stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, an insightful explanation by David Barstow of EMPACT Africa stood out: “There are two kinds of HIV stigmatization; one is when you say, 'I don’t like you because you are infected.' And the other is when you say, ‘I don’t like you because of how you were infected.’” These kinds of stigmatization work to prevent thousands of people, particularly LGBTQ people, around the world, within our national borders and even within the church, from learning their HIV status for fear they will be rejected from their communities. As people of faith, and as supporters of the Reconciling in Christ

(RIC) program, it is our call to make space in our RIC conversations about welcoming and providing hospitality for people living with HIV, and to talk about destigmatizing our perceptions specifically on how people contract HIV. My experience in Durban has called me to create a Lutheran conversation guide to empower congregational discussions about HIV and AIDS awareness. This resource will be released by ReconcilingWorks on December 1, 2016, World Aids Day, and will be incorporated in the resources used for a RIC journey. Will you participate with ReconcilingWorks on World AIDS Day on December 1, 2016? Your conversations will give dignity to thousands of lives and lead to an increased level of community based services and support for those living with HIV and AIDS. I look forward to working with you to make a difference through the RIC program!

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GUEST COLUMN

Orlando, Todavia... An introduction to #DecolonizeLutheranism

BY FRANCISCO HERRERA #DECOLONIZELUTHERANISM ORGANIZER

t is impossible to under-estimate how the queer latinx community was effected by the massacre at the Pulse Nightclub. Omar Mateen did more than take advantage of a “soft target” that horrid night in Orlando, Florida–he violated a sanctuary, a place where we as LGBTQ folk could be free–making the tragedy all the more total. In the hours that followed, then, the “abomination of desolation” from Mark 13:14-19 looped itself in my brain, the horrid desecration of the Temple of Jerusalem and the surrounding city, with its sea of refugees and dead and wounded. But in the hours and days following the killings a wicked pattern re-emerged. First, most public discussion around Orlando centered on terrorism, with barely a mention that Pulse was a gay club. The buzz then switched to gun control, only to be shouted-down by the NRA. But still more horrifying, and even among the most sympathetic mourners and many in the gay community itself, most discussions of the attack doggedly obscured the fact that so many of the Orlando martyrs were people of color. So here was the latinx queer community, once again, like the poor victims foretold in Mark 13–our sanctuary made an abomination of desolation; pregnant with hope for life, nursing the hope for life, but running in fear because our holy of holies had been utterly destroyed and our wailing muzzled by a self-serving, selfdeluding, and self-righteous public. My scriptural gut-reaction had proved to be, sadly, more fitting than I’d imagined.

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An attendee at a Latinx-led memorial for the victims of the 2016 Orlando massacre holds a sign reading "Pulso del Amor Continúa." Photo by Pax Ahimsa Gethen CC 4.0

But gracias a Jesucristo, latinxs know that life is eternal–and that the martyred, the murdered, and the slaughtered will rise again–and that we will never stop telling our stories despite drowning in eager censors and hails of bullets. And once again, our queer latinx community will ever use our very own resurrected bodies, our resurrected dreams and hopes, to forever grind and dance and sing our songs so that we cannot be drowned out, can never be forgotten. And our dreams, our sanctuaries, our stories, will rise again despite any and all manner of silence and violence. Our names, too, are written in the Book of Life, after all, and are gloriously read by Christ and proclaimed before

God and all the angels in the heavens (Revelation 3:5). And on its best days #decolonizeLutheransim does this, too–lifting high the cross, boldly and passionately reading aloud the names of every blessed soul in the Book of Life. Those who have gone on and those who are still with us, the abled and disabled, black and white and yellow and red and brown and every color in between, the queer and the not-as-queer–everyone. And since none of us are free until all of us are free, we will forever preach the Gospel with courage and passion, beckoning any and all to Jesus’ table, and welcoming the world’s countless multitude to the wedding feast!

Save the date:

RIC SUNDAY Reconciling in Christ Sunday is on January 29, 2017

RESOURCES COMING IN NOVEMBER

BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH (BIC) trainings A BIC training helps faith communities design and implement a journey to publicly and intentionally welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations equips you with ways to create dialogue, deepening relationships throughout the congregation rather than sparking debate and division. Grounded in scripture and discipleship, this training allows attendees to explore their call to hospitality and evangelism and includes the tools of Graceful Engagement, the One-to-One Visit, Framing, and Strategic Storytelling. For more info or to register, visit:

RWKS.org/BIC

Hays, Kansas

GUIDE TO

ADVOCATE –for–

LGBTQ PEOPLE IN CHURCH SOCIETY

Coming in November

RWKS.org/LGBTQspace

Trinity Lutheran Church November 4-5, 2016

Salem, New Hampshire Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church January 13-14, 2017

Delavan, Wisconsin Luther Memorial Lutheran Church January 20-21, 2017

La Crosse, Wisconsin La Crosse Area Synod Office April 28-29, 2017

North Versailles, Pennsylvania

St. John’s Lutheran Church April 28–29, 2017

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LUTHERAN INTRODUCTION TO OUR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, & QUEER NEIGHBORS This resource is a basic introduction to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Read it online for free or purchase a print copy for $2.00 from our website.

ReconcilingWorks.org/LGBTQ

A C EL

Inclusive Language Supplemental Resources for Marriage Services The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has published supplemental resources to use with the ELW marriage service. According to the Rev. Kevin Strickland, ELCA executive for worship, these resources offer more inclusivity in language, pastoral care, and openness for all persons who seek to be married within this church.

Download: bit.ly/2bSJUpv

IN HONOR OF...

In memory of Stuart M. Harrison, an esteemed colleague who passed away. This contribution is in accordance with his family and SIGNA Society wishes.

SIGNA Society

In memory of the Rev. Gerald Arndt. Gerry wanted so much for his church to open minds and doors and hearts to the GLBTQ community. As his children we share this gift with you – with all of our love.

The Arndt and Larson Families

In loving memory of Mary Hiller, a beloved ally and mother of an LGBT child.

René García, Jr.

In honor of Jack Gibbons.

Dennis A. Walker

In honor of Zac Baker.

Rev. Anita C. Hill

In honor of Zac Baker.

Rev. Jan Veseth

In honor of Mary Cage, in celebration of her birthday.

Cheryl Hellstedt

In honor and celebration of the Rev. Delaney Schlake-Kruse's ordination.

Anonymous

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