On February 11th, 2006 TPPC hosted part of The Shower of Stoles, a collection of hundreds of liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons from twenty-three denominations in five countries.
This extraordinary collection celebrates the gifts of GLBT persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Shower of Stoles was originally created by people who were not allowed to serve out their callings in the Presbyterian Church (USA) because of their sexual orientation.
In some cases, a church has sent a stole inscribed only with the church's name, or with the names of both gay and straight members, to honor those in that particular congregation who must remain anonymous. All of the stoles, named or anonymous, contain stories, prayers, or other messages.
The collection is displayed in hundreds of locations each year as a witness to the Shower of Stoles mission:
"To end religious discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people."
For more information on the Shower of Stoles Project, access their website.
Webmaster : Brian C. Monsell