Rockford church to display stoles that tell stories of LGBT people
By Charlyne Blatcher Martin
RRSTAR.COM
Posted May 26, 2013 @ 09:00 AM
ROCKFORD — Fifty decorated stoles that nod to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will be on display from June 2 to 23 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Rockford.
The long strips of fabric pastors typically wear over the shoulders are among 1,000 in the Shower of Stoles Project. Each stole contains the story of a LGBT person who is active in the life and leadership of their faith community in some way: minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator or active layperson.
The stoles represent 32 denominations in six countries, and some stoles have traveled nationally.
Emmanuel Lutheran has invited 14 local churches to view the exhibit. The hope is not only will people view the display but will learn the stories of LGBT people of faith given short shrift by most denominations.
In January, Emmanuel Lutheran became Rockford’s first designated Reconciling in Christ congregation, which advocates full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through ReconcilingWorks. More…… (Continued on RRStar.com/go/x863232223/Rockford-church-to-display-stoles-that-tell-stories-of-LGBT-people)
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