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Open House Highlights the Role of LGBT People of Faith
July 14, 2012 (San Diego) -- To draw attention to the role of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith around the country, Kensington Community Church in San Diego will host an exhibit of liturgical stoles called “The Shower of Stoles” at a community-wide open house on July 22nd. The national project represents more than 1,000 clergy members of more than 30 religious denominations on three continents, including many who have been excluded from serving in their church because of their sexual orientation.
“This collection celebrates the gifts of LGBT 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,” said Debbie Loomis, chair of KCC’s Open and Affirming Committee.
KCC is an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well as to people from all walks of life.
Fifty stoles from the Shower of Stoles will be on display at a KCC open house on Sunday, July 22nd at 11 a.m., immediately following the 10 a.m. service. As part of its commitment to social justice, KCC welcomes the entire community to both the service and the free event. Each stole – a long scarf usually worn with ministerial robes – will be accompanied by the story of a clergy member. Attendees can walk through the exhibit, where each stole will be hung with its accompanying story. A documentary film, “So Great a Cloud of Witnesses: The Story of the Shower of Stoles Project,” will play continuously.
In addition, on Thursday, July 19th, KCC invites members of local United Church of Christ (UCC) Partnership churches to another open house with a dessert potluck from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Partnership members can take in the stoles and their stories while making a colorful craft to carry in the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 21st. Along with KCC, the Partnership churches include University City UCC, Christian Fellowship UCC, La Mesa UCC, Mission Hills UCC, and Pioneer Ocean View UCC.
The Shower of Stoles collection tours constantly around the country, being exhibited in local congregations, universities and seminaries, and regional and national denominational gatherings. The project’s mission is to end religious discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. For more information, visit www.welcomingresources.org.
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