Date: Fri, 31 Mar 95 13:13:06 EST From: "James D. Anderson" MORE LIGHT UPDATE March 1994 Volume 14, Number 8 Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns James D. Anderson, Communications Secretary P.O. 38 New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038 908/249-1016, 908/932-7501 (Rutgers University) FAX 908/932-6916 (Rutgers University) Internet: janderson@zodiac.rutgers.edu Note: * is used to indicate italicized or boldface text. CHANGES New Co-Moderator & Coordinators Laurene Lafontaine of 1260 York St. #106, Denver, CO 80206, 303/388-0628, was elected by the PLGC Executive Board to fill out the term of Susan Kramer, who resigned at the end of 1993. Laurene was a member of the Executive Board. Va Nee Van Vleck also resigned from the Executive Board. Both her and Laurene's positions on the board will remain vacant until new elections are held in May 1994. The following coordinators and co-coordinators were appointed to serve within synods: South Atlantic: Laurie Kraus-Neale, 5275 Sunset Dr., Miami, FL 33143, 305/666-8586, for south Florida. Northeast: Gary Ireland, 10 Winter St., Montpelier, VT 05602, 802/229-5438. Northeast: John Hartwein, 23 Sherman St., #1, New London, CT 06320, 203/442-5138 home, 440-6124 work. Northeast: Amy Jo Remmerle, P.O. Box 34, Amherst, NY 14226, 716/626-0734, for Western New York State. Rocky Mountains: Dean Hay, 412 E. 3400 S. #1, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, 801/485-4615, for Utah. Sun: Jay Kleine, 8818 Wightman Dr., Austin, TX 78754, 512/928- 4063, 331-7088 work. PresbyNet The Board has asked Bill Capel, 908 W. Healey St., Champaign, IL 61821-3932, 217/355-9825, to serve as co-coordinator of PLGC's participation on PresbyNet, along with Mark Smith. New Zip Code James Earhart, Recording Secretary and member of the Executive Board has a new zip code. His address is now: P.O. Box 8362, Atlanta, GA 31106-0362. EVENTS: Midwestern PLGC Regional Conference, Pilgrim Heights Camp (central Iowa), March 11-13, $50 for lodging Friday and Saturday nights, three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Preceded by "Biblical Self-Defense Course on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns," Friday, March 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $30 with lunch. Followed by the Rev. Jane Spahr at Presbytery Day in Des Moines. For information, call Rick and Robin Chambers, Iowa City, 319/337-8445 or write to Eastern Iowa PLGC, Box 3202, Iowa City, IA 52244. Make checks payable to "Beth Thiel (PLGC)". Dream a Dance of Freedom, Tuesday March 16, 8:30 a.m.--Mar. 16, 5 p.m., at Heartland Presbyterian Center, Parkville, MO, just northwest of Kansas City, MO. Imagine a church where worship is a joy-filled expression of God's love and acceptance of *all* people, where people live out a prophetic vision in service to others. Imagine such a church, *then dare to make it happen!* So much of our energy in the church these days is spent dealing with "what's wrong" and "how to fix it." So many have already left, worn out and discouraged. This retreat will start from a whole new place. It will be a unique opportunity to create an entirely *new* model for Christian community, worship, and service. Sponsored by a collection of folks from all around the Presbyterian Church who are working for new life, new hope, and a more inclusive church. $67 for Mon. & Tues. nights, $45 for Tues. night only, $25 for meals only. Make checks payable to "Cynthia Ogletree". For information call Martha Juillerat, 816/822-8577 or write to Cynthia Ogletree, 1117 Atherton Rd., Independence, MO 64156, 816/256-0414. More Light Churches Network, 10th Annual Conference: From Dialogue to Ministry, May 6-8, St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis-St. Paul. See information and registration form in the February *More Light Update*, or call Lindsay Biddle, 612/724-5429, Lucille Goodwyne or Dick Lundy 612/470-0093, or write to St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Rd., Wayzata, MN 55391. Gay/Lesbian and Christian: Our Journey in Truth, 7 p.m. Thursday dinner, June 9, through Sunday lunch, June 12, $295 ($150 registration deposit), Kirkridge, Bangor, PA 18013, 610/588-1793. How do we journey true to ourselves? Ever open to our God? Honest about our sexual identity? Supportive of the les/bi/gay community? Mindful of cries for justice throughout the world? Growing in faith and love? This 18th annual event for lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals of all colors, their families and friends, continues to explore issues of sexuality in the context of Christian faith and practice. The process includes daily worship, presentations, small group sharing, workshops, play, and celebration. We combine support for our personal journeys with encouragement of the scriptural, theological, ethical, and political work that enables the les/bi/gay community, from its marginal position in the churches, to be faithful witnesses to God's life-giving power. Each year we build a les/bi/gay church on the mountain. It is a community of tears and laughter, healing and empowerment, love and joy, a community empowered to choose life. Led by: Mary E. Hunt, co-director of Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual and author of *Fierce Tenderness: A Feminist Theology of Friendship*; John McNeill, Catholic priest, psychotherapist, co-founder of Dignity, and author of *Taking a Chance on God*; Herbert Evans, African- American Senior pastor of MCC Church of Philadelphia, working with HIV/AIDS persons in the Delaware Valley; Jane Spahr, Presbyterian pastor and advocate for the ordination of gay and lesbian people in the Presbyterian Church; and Coni Staff, MCC pastor and professor at City College of San Francisco, Chair of Women's Secretariat, MCC denomination. General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Wichita, KS, Friday, June 10-Friday, June 17. PLGC and other friendly events include hospitality suite receptions beginning on Friday, June 10; the PLGC Executive Board Meeting, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, June 11; Sunday morning worship, 10 a.m., June 12, with Chris Glaser preaching; the Witherspoon Society luncheon, Sunday noon, June 12; a PLGC Celebration of Reconciliation, Sunday evening, June 12, featuring a team from the Witness for Reconciliation, led by Lisa Larges, and the annual Inclusive Church Award; the annual PLGC membership meeting, Wednesday, 8-10 p.m., June 15, followed by the gala Witherspoon dance; and the PLGC exhibit booth, Friday noon, June 10-Thursday 1:30 p.m., June 16. First Annual Ecumenical Institute of Sacred Choral Music for Gay, Lesbian, and Bi-sexual Christians, Sunday evening, June 19-June 23. Sponsored by the United Church Coalition for Lesbian & Gay Concerns, this "choir camp" for gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual Christians will precede the UCCL/GC 14th Annual National Gathering on the Rutgers University campus in Newark, NJ. It will culminate with a major concert on June 23rd, 8 p.m., at a nationally known church in Manhattan, uniting the voices of 200 gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual Christians as part of Gay Pride Week in New York City. $125, including room and board; $50 without room and board. For information, contact Rev. Christine Leslie, 125 Summit Ave. #4, Summit, NJ 07901, 908/598-0862. Registration will be limited to the first 225 registrants. Hands Around the God-Box, 12 noon, Friday, June 24. An Interfaith Prayer Vigil to End Homophobia in the Church, The Inter-Church Center, 475 Riverside Drive, New York City. This building houses national headquarters for numerous religious organizations, including the World Council of Churches' U.S. office and the National Council of Churches. The event begins around 12 noon with a brief worship service, followed by the prayer vigil itself. The concept of "Hands Around the God-Box" was enthusiastically affirmed by the approximately 30 national leaders from 17 lesbian/gay affirming Christian organizations attending the lesbian/gay Christian meeting in Baltimore, Nov. 9- 12, 1993 for worship, workshops, fellowship, and witness to the National Council of Churches (USA). We want at least 1,000 people to join in the prayer vigil. Please bring banners naming your organization. Provide volunteers to help plan the event. We especially need volunteers in the New York City area. Contact the Rev. Kittredge Cherry, UFMCC, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd. #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029, 213/464-5100 day, 254-0295 eve., fax 213/464-2123. REQUESTS Needed: Lesbian Christians to complete a survey about their spiritual journey. Give a voice to your experience! Women who have left the church are also encouraged to participate. For a survey or more information, contact Kimberly A. Mahaffy, Social Psych Project, P.O. Box 1222, Plaistow, NH 03865-1222. Responses will remain confidential and a nominal monetary compensation will be provided. Kimberly writes: I am a graduate student in the University of New Hampshire's Sociology Department. I am writing my thesis on the identity formation of lesbian Christians. I want to include women who either attended or are attending Christian churches. They must be over 18 years of age and admit to having a same sex, erotic attraction. Women who volunteer to participate in this confidential study will be sent postage paid surveys. My research goals are to explain why some lesbian Christians stay in traditional churches, investigate whether they alter their religious beliefs to relieve the dissonance they feel and determine the influence of the Christian and lesbian communities on their church affiliation. Married, male, bisexual Presbyterian of 56 years seeks to correspond with understanding bisexuals of both genders. At present unemployed but confident of a job in the near future serving the Lord in buildings and grounds maintenance. Lets be pen pals! J. Nolan, 89579 Hwy 101, Florence, OR 97439. CHAPTERS Utah. Presbyterians in Salt Lake City have announced the organization of a Wasatch Chapter of PLGC. For information, contact the Rev. Dean Hay, 412 E. 3400 S. #1, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, 801/485-4615. CONTENTS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Presbyterian Dialogue From Confrontation to Conversation by Jack Hoffmeister Like everyone else, we in the Presbytery of Hudson River have been trying to find the right response to the General Assembly's call for three years of study and dialogue. The mood here has been very pessimistic. There have been a few gatherings of clergy and others to discuss possibilities for 'study and dialogue', but they have revealed little more than anger, despair, and exhaustion. A substantial majority of our clergy are deeply sympathetic to gays and lesbians in this struggle, but the events at General Assembly have left them quite demoralized. Personally I think they have worked too hard and too long for a cause that is not precisely their own for us to expect much else. Therefore, we must understand that if there is to be any impetus for perseverance, it must come primarily from gays and lesbians. What we do right now is of the greatest importance. The word of the moment is 'dialogue', but few seem to be interested in actually doing any. They say we have talked long enough -- that now it is time for some action. I disagree. I would contend that what we have been doing heretofore is not really dialogue; that dialogue means both sides sitting down to talk together. But we are hardly in the same room. What I am trying to promote here in Hudson River is a shift from confrontation to conversation. Clearly, after fifteen years we have to realize that what we are doing isn't working. We might even have to admit that the present impasse is our fault as well as 'theirs'. We have amassed our forces, presented ourselves in a united front. Our goal has been mainly to sell ourselves as good people and as victims of injustice. All too often our tactics have been limited to the kinds of protest that emerged in the sixties, aimed at building up our numbers, solidifying our power base. Many of us who have worked on this effort for many years are finding ourselves defined as gays first, Presbyterians second. We preach the celebration of diversity without admitting to the diversity within our own ranks. And we are surprised that after all this time and effort the church has not come around to our side. All of us, friends as well as adversaries, seem to have arrived at a sort of gridlock of discouragement, paranoia and disorientation. I am particularly disturbed by the widespread belief that we can never change people's minds. That's wrong. Minds can be changed, but only after we have changed people's hearts. Our present tactics are not designed to make friends. I think that it is only as friends and by working together that we can begin to talk together in what can be called true dialogue. A three-year period of conversation might allow us to relax our united front, to function on many fronts. A non-confrontational atmosphere permits study in depth, opens up the many issues and implications raised by homosexuality, and in fact allows us to confront them! And perhaps most important, in conversation we can openly admit to our needs, reveal our vulnerabilities, share them. Nothing we can do will break down barriers more quickly. As it stands we have one thing that positions us to engage in dialogue: we are all members of Presbyterian churches. And presumably we want to continue to be. We, therefore, have a place of common ground for communication with other Presbyterians, as friends working together for what we believe. Friendship of that kind can only grow in honesty and truth. We have already demonstrated that we are truthful about who we are as gays and lesbians. Next we have to demonstrate that we are serious about who we are as church members. For there are those who think we are a bunch of outsiders who just want to 'crack' the church, and spread our subversive homosexual ideas! What I am advocating could be looked at as a kind of infiltration. But without the subterfuge that that word implies, for we are, by definition, open. I would further urge that we make a concerted effort to bring more gay and lesbian people into our congregations. I see no contradiction between witnessing for our church and strengthening our position! In short, I am urging that we look to those processes that promote friendship rather than hostility. We have a great many potential friends out there; I think they far outnumber those who are forever our enemies. Well, that's my pitch. No doubt you've heard it all before, but I would very much like to know how it strikes you. A Prayer of Confession by Jack Hoffmeister Lord, forgive me. I confess that I have wasted and abused the sacred gift of love. I have spent the priceless energy of passion on momentary pleasures, weakening my resolve and neglecting the goals for which I live. I have squandered time, sacred precious time, in lustful dreaming and schemes of conquest. I have cultivated a taste for superficiality, for the sexy and the clever, and neglected my love of beauty and of honesty. I have misused sex to control my lover rather than to express my love. I have played games of the ego, sending dishonest messages to those who have trusted me, taking advantage of their needs to gratify my own. Hear me, Lord, as I confess that I have played the martyr and the victim. I have disdained humility, enjoying my anger and my outrage. I fail to remember that the struggle for justice is a chance to be Your servant, and so I ease into the comfort of cynicism and separation. I have confused being right with being righteous, more willing to condemn my enemies than to win them over, holding to my light for fear that in some unsuspected shadow I might find that I am wrong. I pray that I might break through my regrets to the blessed realm of true repentance. I pray for Your forgiveness. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A Covenant for Providing Safe Space Adopted by Heartland Presbytery, November 16, 1993 The General Assembly has strongly urged the church "to be engaged in the discipline of open, diligent, prayerful study and dialogue on the issues of human sexual behavior and orientation as they relate to membership, ministry, and ordination within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with careful attention to listening within the particular contextual setting of its ministry to: a. the witness of the biblical text; in keeping with the guidelines found in *Presbyterian Understanding and Use of Holy Scripture*; b. the wisdom of theological discourse; c. the guidance of the confessions of our church; d. the insights of sociological, psychological, and medical disciplines; e. the tradition of past policy statements; f. the advice of members and governing bodies of the church." The Synod [of Mid-America] has urged the church to accept earnestly the recommendations of the Assembly regarding study, and to stand ready to receive details of those recommendations and prepare to promote study. Presbytery Council has authorized a sub-committee to be organized by the Church and Society Committee to assist the Presbytery in this process. Heartland Presbytery recognizes this as crucial both to the peace of the Church and to our understanding of the gospel. The Presbytery commits itself to: a. Sponsoring dialogues that may serve as models, suggesting formats and guidelines for further dialogues; b. Standing ready to recommend resources, including persons, and providing training for leaders of dialogues as the need appears. The Presbytery strongly encourages congregations, groupings of congregations, organizations within congregations (such as adult classes and youth programs), and presbytery committees to enter with us into this dialogue process. Suggested Guidelines The Presbytery suggests dialogues should: a. Include persons of diverse views and ways of life, including gay and lesbian persons. b. Be genuine dialogues, not debates. c. Be characterized by listening, with respect for the beliefs, feelings and values of others; d. Cultivate a spirit of openness and trust, in which there is a willingness to share and to question honestly, in confidence that this can be done safely. e. Strive to achieve understanding rather than conclusion. A brief narrative summary of the group's experience is important in preparing the presbytery's report to the 1996 General Assembly as requested. However, it is not necessary for the group to arrive at a consensus for this report to be effective. Providing a Safe Space in the Dialogues The General Assembly has asked that dialogues include gay and lesbian persons, while recognizing the difficulty of this, since gay and lesbian persons who are open may suffer reprisal. "Each governing body below the General Assembly shall take care to address the serious problem of how to ensure a climate for dialogue that is open and non-incriminating, and that would not result in jeopardizing the reputation or standing of any partner in dialogue -- the guidelines and covenants for creating such a protective environment being approved in advance by the governing body and included in all announcements of its studies/dialogue events." Heartland Presbytery therefore calls upon all congregations and groups who plan to engage in dialogues to have this covenant statement which participants sign, agreeing to respect the confidentiality of what is said in the discussions and specifically not to use anything that is said in the dialogue to bring or support an ecclesiastical charge against any participant. Total participation in the covenant is important. Refusal to sign the Covenant would seriously jeopardize the ability to have an open, honest discussion and would create a less than safe space for some participants. *All quotations are from the Report of the Representative Committee on Human Sexuality of the 205th General Assembly (1993).* Covenant for Dialogue in a Protective Environment 1. I will engage in the discipline of "open, diligent, prayerful study and dialogue on the issues of sexual orientation as they relate to membership, ministry, and ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)"; 2. I will remain prayerful and open to the workings of the Holy Spirit in this process; 3. I will not initiate any disciplinary case against any person who participates in such study and dialogue when such action would be based solely upon what occurs in the dialogue session; 4. I will not initiate any remedial case against any session or the presbytery for failure to initiate such a disciplinary case against a participating person. This covenant is adopted in order to "assure a climate for dialogue which is open and non-incriminating, and in order to assure that no testimony given by any person will result in jeopardizing the reputation or standing of any partner in dialogue" (Resolution of the Representative Committee on Human Sexuality, adopted by the 205th General Assembly, 1993). ______________________________________ Signature Date * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Synod Support Group for a More Inclusive Church Synod of the Trinity Mission Statement Believing that the gospel calls us to be an inclusive community of hospitality we will advocate for full privileges, rights and responsibilities, especially in the Church, for gay, lesbian and bisexual persons by means of education, holistic support and political action. The Synod Support Group for a More Inclusive Church offers resources for conversations and workshops around the General Assembly Resolution: "The 205th General Assembly (1993) . . . call[s] upon members, congregations and governing bodies of the church . . . to be engaged in the discipline of open, diligent, prayerful study and dialogue on the issues of human sexual behavior and orientation as they relate to membership, ministry, and ordination within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)" "That all may freely serve." Believing that the gospel calls the church to be an inclusive faith community, some members of the Synod of the Trinity formed the "Synod Support Group for a More Inclusive Church" in January 1993. The members of this group come from all parts of the Synod and include lay folks and clergy, straight and gay, people who are committed to justice and hospitality. Responding to the Synod in Session (1993) directive, that resources and speakers be provided to congregations and presbyteries concerning human sexual behavior and sexual orientation, the Synod Support Group for a More Inclusive Church offers to congregations and presbyteries the following workshops, conversations and resources. Members of the group are willing to travel, to moderate discussions, to provide programs and share their stories so that we may learn from one another and begin to understand and appreciate each other. We include a list of conversations and programs which we are prepared to offer. If any group desires a different theme or emphasis, please contact us and we will try to design something that will fit your needs. One Hour Programs Conversations and Stories -- Hear a story or a sermon by a Gay or Lesbian Presbyterian, followed by a time of conversation. This could be a Presbytery presentation, a congregational event, an adult sunday school class followed by a sermon, a sermon followed by a time of conversation after worship. Three Hour and Six Hour Programs Jane Spahr Video and Conversation -- Using the Video *Maybe We're Talking About a Different God*. Telling our stories with gay and lesbian folks available to share their stories with congregations or presbyteries. 3 hours. Biblical Conversation -- *Presbyterian Understanding and Use of Scripture*, and a discussion of some texts that traditionally are applied to homosexuality. 3 hours. The 6 hour workshop would include some small group work and a more intensive Bible Study. What Is a More Light Church? -- Video, resources, conversation, etc. The resources include suggestions for congregational process, how it has been done in other congregations, and work on practical ideas and methods. 3 hours or 6 hours. Homophobia Workshops -- including resources produced by the Presbyterian Church. 3 hours or 6 hours. Conversations around "The Issues of Human sexual Behavior and Orientation as They Relate to Membership, Ministry and Ordination within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)" -- Conversations with gay and lesbian folks, with clergy, with elders, around the issue of ordination, including small group work and study. 6 hours. Any Design That you Would wish Around These Issues. Print & Video Resources Available *From Church to Church: Resources from the PCUSA on Issues related to Human Sexuality* (Available from DMS, #277-92-100, $2.50.) A comprehensive listing of material produced by the Presbyterian Church in recent years. *More Light Church Resource List* (Available from the Synod Support Group for a More Inclusive Church.) A comprehensive list of print and video resources including those produced by other denominations. Some Specific Resources That May Be Helpful: *Presbyterians and Human Sexuality 1991.* Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 1991 (DMS #OGA-91-001). *The Church and Homosexuality* (includes the 1978 policy statement and recommendations; DMS OGA-88-042, $1.50). Mollenkott, Virginia Ramey; Scanzoni, Letha. *Is the Homosexual My Neighbor?* San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1978. Glaser, Chris. *Uncommon Calling: A Gay Man's Struggle to Serve the Church.* San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988. *Maybe We're Taking About a Different God.* (Video featuring the Rev. Jane Spahr. $32.35 from Leonardo's Children, 26 Newport Bridge Rd., Warwick, NY 10990). Contact Persons Rev. Wayne Gnatuk, P.O. Box 600, Pursglove, WV 26546, 304/296- 1812. Rev. Cheryl Burke, 810 Memorial Park Dr., Huntington, WV 25701, 304/523-9218. Rev. Kate Irish Filer and Rev. Joseph Filer, Box 907, Lemont, PA 16851, 814/234-4765. Rev. Phil Jamison, RD 1, Box 112, Fredericktown, PA 15333, 412/632-2152. The inviting group is responsible for expenses (i.e., travel, room & board if needed, copying, etc.). A resource table of videos, print resources, etc., will be available for each event. All of our programs will be conducted using the guidelines of "Seeking to be Faithful Together." Where these are followed and agreed upon, we are willing to be part of a presentation which might involve those from an alternative theological position. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Great Resources for Dialogue *To Be a Church Again: Papers submitted for study and dialogue on homosexuality and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)*, by Jack Hoffmeister. 60 pages. Contents: To the Clergy: Bartenders and Presbyterians; To the General Assembly: Human Sexuality and the Church; To the Congregation: Gays in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); To the Men's Breakfast: Three Questions; To Gays and Lesbians: To Be a Church Again; To myself: A Prayer of Confession. Available for $10 to cover printing and postage from Jack Hoffmeister, Snedens Landing, 118 Washington Spring Rd., Palisades, NY 10964, 914/359-8620. "Sexuality and Ordination: Preparing for the Coming Discussions." A Special Issue of *Network News*, Official Publication of The Witherspoon Society, Volume 13, No. 5, September/October 1993, 20 pages. This special issues feature "Biblical Perspectives" from Johanna Bos, George Edwards, and Shelley Cochran; "Personal Reflections" from Howard Warren and Chuck Collins; "Background Discussions" from Ned Edwards, Gene TeSelle, and Chris Glaser; plus "Practical Ideas and Resources." Join The Witherspoon Society ($30 individual, $50 couple, $10 student, limited income) by writing to The Rev. Hank Bremer, 4355 Kenyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Newsletter Editor is Doug King, Chaplain, Hanover College, Hanover, IN 47243-0108, 812/866-7086 office, 502/893-9757 home, PresbyNet: DOUG KING, Internet: kingdoug@hanover.edu "More Light Through Open Windows: a History of the Lesbian & Gay Movement within the Presbyterian Church," by Jim Gardner. A paper presented to the congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, Yorktown Heights, NY. Feature article in the PLGC Annual Report for 1993, 8 p. Available for $3 to cover printing and postage from PLGC, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038. *Reconciling the Broken Silence: The Church in Dialogue on Gay and Lesbian Issues*, by Sylvia Thorson-Smith. Louisville, KY: Presbyterian Publishing House, c1993, 111 p. $3.95, plus $2.00 shipping for single copies. DMS #293-93-751. Call 1-800-524- 2612 to order. (See description in the February 1994 *Update*, page 10.) *Against Nature? Types of Moral Argumentation Regarding Homosexuality*, by Pim Pronk. Forward by Hendrik Hart. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., c1993, 350 p. ISBN 0- 8028-0623-6 paperback. A very scholarly work! (See short description in the February 1994 *Update*, page 17.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A Request for Assistance To Presbyterians Committed to Working for Full Inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons in the Church: The Unity Through Diversity Project is working on a packet of materials for use in supporting the "dialogue" called for by the Orlando General Assembly, to be sent to every presbytery. One of the components of the packet will be a list of "witnesses" -- persons who are willing to participate in the dialogue process in congregations and/or presbyteries by sharing their faith, experiences, expertise, etc. We hope that the witness list will include primarily gay/lesbian/bisexual Presbyterians, but also family members, friends, supporters who are well-versed biblically and theologically, etc. -- anyone willing, able, and available to represent our perspective on the issue. The list will be organized regionally, with the intention that there will be witnesses upon whom to call in every geographical area of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We would appreciate your assistance in identifying persons who would be willing to be included as witnesses. Please send name, address, and phone number to me at the address below; indicate the type of witness (e.g. gay elder, lesbian clergy, parent, sibling, pastor who could discuss biblical matters, etc.), presbytery, and whether the person has already agreed to be included, or is being suggested. If you can secure permission from the individual, that would save me a great deal of time and expense. Thank you for your consideration, Tricia Dykers Koenig, 2780 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121, 216/382-0660. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bisexuality Continuing the Discussion Another Perspective by Susan Kramer Considering all the recent conversation about bisexuals and bisexuality, I wanted to add a personal perspective from another bisexual. Since I live with and love one, Kathleen Buckley, I thought that you might want to hear more from her in this month's column. I have never interviewed someone before and then written it up to be read. I discovered immediately that you who read this will miss the measured selection of words by Kathleen, her pauses, her thinking before she responded. You will not see the spark in her eyes, the sadness in her face. You will not hear her intensity, her conviction, nor will you see and hear the one time she particularly laughed and lit up -- when she talked about her woodworking. One more comment before the interview. I have spared you the distraction of indicating when Kathleen or I are speaking. All the questions are from me. All the responses are from her. Kathleen, there has been an increase in the discussion about being a bisexual in the church. People are asking what does it mean to be a bisexual. There continue to be many misconceptions and prejudices. So I'm wondering what you would attribute this increase to. Why do you think we're talking about bisexuality more? I think that previously we have not addressed the issue of sexuality at all. We haven't talked about it in a full way, in a healthy way. Once you begin to talk about it as we have been and as the gay and lesbian issues have surfaced, it then allows for a fullness of discussion which naturally would include the spectrum of sexuality and bisexuality as part of that spectrum. What do you mean when you say that you are a bisexual? I've been in love with 2 people in my life, one was a man and one was a woman, you. Then my follow up question to that is what do you mean when you say that you are a bisexual in a lesbian relationship? It just means that in terms of the people I respond to in a sexual way or could be attracted to, it could be a man or a woman. I'm more attracted to traits in a person than I am to a particular sex. It just happens to be that I fell in love with you. And for that I am very grateful. How do you think the truth about who bisexuals are and what bisexuality is will best be communicated to people in the church, understood within the church, accepted by people in the church? It's just like any issue of sexuality. We're really as a culture just beginning to find the language to be able to talk about this. So I think that over time as more people say who they are and are open about it, we'll find the language to begin to talk about it. How are we going to do that in the church, though? We've already begun doing it. I mean the culture always unfortunately takes the lead and the church lags behind. It was true on the issue of rights for African Americans and women and I think it's true on this issue. The church is going to be surrounded by it and will have to deal with it. Then they will adjust their theology accordingly. Do you think lesbian and gay people will be accepted in the church before bisexual people? I don't make much of a distinction. I know that some people do. I think that when we begin to address seriously and thoughtfully issues of sexuality and really seriously look at the biblical material I don't think that the prohibitions can stand. I do think though that fear can override any bit of information or big pieces of information. I think that we stand at a crossroads and it's my hope that we will be accepting. I think that it has to come in time. It just will be. The price that we as a culture and that gay and lesbians will have to pay to have that become a reality is still a question in my mind. I know that it has been high, and how long it will continue to be a high price I don't know. I think that acceptance of bisexuality will come with that. What do you as a bisexual in a lifelong committed relation with a woman -- and I want to mention lifelong committed relationship because I think that's one of the misconceptions that people have -- that bisexuals just jump from bed to bed to bed, changing from a man or a woman constantly. . . I see my bisexuality as a part of who I am. I have not been promiscuous in my life and I'm in a committed monogamous relationship. I mean those are my values. Those are my Christian values. And if people because they don't know me or they don't choose to get to know people who are different from them will think that because I'm bisexual I'm promiscuous then I think that they have a gap in their information. I would hold them responsible for filling in that gap. Certainly there are enough people willing to talk with others who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual that I think that it is time for those people to fill in the gaps, the preconceived prejudices that they have carried with them unexamined for many years. It's time that they re-examine those beliefs because they're incorrect. What do you want from the church? Right now as a woman who is a bisexual in a committed relationship with a lesbian? What do you want from the church as an ordained minister within the Presbyterian church? Well let me answer that first on a personal level. I don't know that I've worked all that out yet. I do know that I have worked and sought to order my life around a call to be a healer and my passion and my desire to bring people -- to connect people with God. I find myself now in a position where I'm not in any formal way allowed to do that: in any kind of sanctioned way in the church or in any ancillary ministry. I'm a liability, an economic liability for the conservatives and fundamentalists who don't want to see me in a position involved with spiritual care and nurture of other people. It's very difficult for me and I don't yet know what to do with that because that's what I have dedicated my life to. That's what I've committed my being to be. That's who I am. I have to believe that God is bigger than the church and will find a way for me to use my gifts. I've not yet seen that path and it fills me with great sadness to think that the church can't be a vehicle for that. Actually *"won't be a vehicle"* is much more accurate. So what do I want from the church? I want what I can't have right now. I really just want to be allowed to use my gifts, but because of fear, I think, because of fear, people are unable to let me be or others like me. On a different level, one thing I want from the church is for it to become honest and begin to value honesty. We need to address the fact that we have not encouraged people to talk about spiritual issues that they struggle with on a very deep level. And we need honesty not just about sexuality issues, but in relationship to so much. People often don't share with people in Church. I believe an indication of our failure is the mushrooming of self-help groups who value honesty above pretense. Although this question is not specifically about bisexuality, I'm sure many people reading this would like to know how you are doing since coming out and resigning from your congregation last February as their pastor. It's almost a year now since your decision. First and foremost I don't regret that decision at all. I'd do it again, but it's been a much higher price than I anticipated. I thought that Susan and I would be free together and begin a new phase of our life and really be able to enjoy the freedom of being open and honest. Part of that has been true but the other part has been that both of us are filled with so much anger because we had to make the choices that we did. . . . So I don't know yet what's going to happen. I'm working at a job that is o.k., but it doesn't really call forth the primary gifts that God has called forth from me and that I have nurtured through the years. I don't know what to do with that. Maybe I will spend the rest of my life trying to find a way. We'll have to see. It's really too early to tell. I just know that this past year has been much more difficult than I had anticipated. How about your woodworking? I love my woodworking. You know the motto: It's not a mistake until you can't fix it and I can't tell you how often that has been a challenge! Working with wood connects with the earth and connects me with God, our Creator, and it's very important to me, but it's another thing to be able to pay the bills and so . . . . I really enjoy making furniture, making pieces for people I know and care about. It's like a prayer for me to spend time with making a piece for someone I know and care about. To mass produce it you just kind of have to "ch ch ch-click" out pieces. I don't know how I'd feel about that. I haven't really done that. Maybe it would be o.k. We'll have to see. Thank you, Kathleen. And Thank You Susan! **An Editor's Thanks and Goodbye.** This will be Susan's last regular column in the *Update.* Our new female columnist will be Laurene Lafontaine. We thank Susan for sharing her thoughts and wisdom in the *Update.* Here's a letter we received in response to Susan's previous column: Dear Susan Kramer -- Your "Life Options" in the October *More Light Update* is so very delightful. I plan to use it with seniors here who are writing their 40-page autobiography-credo prior to graduating [from Warren Wilson College]. The PLGC monthly newsletter is the very best thing published in ye olde PCUSA, and has been for years! As a member for the past 15 or so years, I am inspired by so many of you and the superb network you have created. I have moved to the outer edge of the PCUSA, after serving within for 29 years, and am about to abandon the ship. Thank you for the PLGC witness and empowerment. -- In Peace, Doug Bartlett. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sadness I read with sadness "The Bisexuality Debate" in the December *More Light Update.* Bisexuals in the United States outnumber gays and lesbians by at least 2 to 1, according to Kinsey. As a man married to a woman for almost 34 years, with four adult children and four grandchildren, I have no intention of throwing away my wife whom I love very much. I also have no intention of throwing away my male lover, whom I also love very much. To suggest that bisexual people must remain monogamous is to show a lack understanding of who bisexual people are. If we claim to be born, or have a gift from God that we are heterosexual, or gay or lesbian -- are bisexuals somehow *not* created by God? How did we escape this Grand Design? Because we claim (and I think we largely still hold this to be true) that bisexual people are also created by God, how do we understand bisexual people? Does it not mean that on a continuum, bisexual people are more equally attracted to both male and female and have great capacity to love both at the same time? How can we expect bisexual people to give up their gift of sexual orientation any more than we could expect you to give up yours? The part of this whole discussion which saddens me most is that there are people who are truly gay or lesbian who, for expediency's sake, would go into the feast of the church without bisexual people -- or deny them the same privileges that they as gay people have been denied. Devout people of old successfully had more than one spouse. I feel this monogamous suggestion is just another silly man-made rule. As a person who has lived a lifetime in the realm of bisexuality, I now ask myself the question: In struggling elbow to elbow with gays and| lesbians, whose rights am I struggling for? Are bisexual people fooling themselves to think that gay and lesbian people are any more inclusive than heterosexual people? This whole scenario of realizing the battle may have to be started again and fought for bisexual people leaves me weary, especially when I realize there are many who would gladly go in to full acceptance by the church without us. It somehow puts a damper on the energy I have put into PLGC. Families are not throw away objects; neither are lovers disposable! With love in Christ, Stephen H. Slatton * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PLGC's Name Bisexuality, transgender folk and inclusiveness were the focus of discussion at the PLGC Executive Board meeting in Atlanta, January 15-16, on whether PLGC's name should be enlarged or changed. The board decided to poll the membership, so on the regular ballot in May, members will have the chance to express their preferences for the following choices: Rainbow: Presbyterians for Lesbigay Justice Presbyterians for Lesbigay Justice Presbyterians for Lesbigay Concerns Presbyterians for Gender and Orientation Inclusiveness No Change (keep Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns) Other The Board also voted to establish a coordinator for bisexual concerns. Nominations for this position should go to our co- moderators (see back of *Update*.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bisexuality: Perceptions & Realities This is the title of a special issue of *Open Hands: Reconciling Ministries with Lesbians and Gay Men* (Vol. 7 No. 2, Fall 1991). 24 pages. $5. Available from Open Hands, 3801 N. Keeler Ave., Chicago, IL 60641, 312/736-5526, fax 736-5475. Includes: Growing as Bisexuals: Four Personal Perspectives; Identity Conflict or Adaptive Flexibility: Bisexuality Reconsidered; Ready or Not: A New Approach; One Church's Journey toward Including Bisexuals; The Bisexual Community: Viable Reality or Revolutionary Pipe Dream?; and Resources. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jesus Acted Up! by Dr. Mel White You may think that you are looking at just another over-educated, over-privileged, middle-aged, slightly balding, (OK, more than slightly balding) white, male, yuppie. Well, you're not. Thank God, after 40 years of struggle, at last I can say to the world who I really am: "I am gay. I am proud. And God loves me without reservation." At the outset, I must confess to you that I am embarrassed and ashamed that I spent so much time in the 70s and early 80s as the ghost writer for the religious right: Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Ollie North, Jim Kennedy, W.A. Criswell, and the rest of them. I'm also sorry that I spent 30 years of my life trying to become an "ex-gay." Trust me. There is no such thing. If there were, I would know it. For I gave it my very best shot. I spent three decades and tens of thousands of dollars getting counseled by the very best "Christian" therapists and being prayed for by experts around the world. I was exorcised, tranquilized and electric shocked. Every day for all those decades, I struggled to overcome my "sinful" orientation. If you're out there still struggling, we understand. Go on as long as you need to. Then give up the struggle and fall back into the loving, accepting, forgiving arms of God. And know this, if your family and friends reject you, it's OK. You have a new family right here with Nancy Wilson and the good people of MCC in Los Angeles, the parent congregation of us all, waiting to love and to accept you as Jesus loves and accepts you, exactly as you are. And always remember this: The religious right is wrong: wrong about the Bible, wrong about Jesus, wrong about God, wrong about the church, wrong about the family, and seriously wrong about gay and lesbian people. And I pledge myself to do my best to prove them wrong with all the courage, wisdom and love I can muster. The lies of Falwell, Robertson, Dobson, Kennedy and the others literally give gay bashers a license to kill. Here are two recent examples of their rhetoric: Don't laugh. Until we take these lies seriously, they will go on killing us. In this Jerry Falwell mailing Americans are called to wage war against homosexuals who have "a godless, humanistic scheme to destroy America's traditional moral values and eliminate God and Christianity from American society." Sign Jerry's Declaration of War, enclose $55, and get tape on gay inaugural. And this. The March on Washington (where they all had TV crews working in secret to capture our alleged debauchery) is described here by Andrea Sheldon, daughter of Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition: "Most of the people there," she lies, "were not what we would call mainstream; rather, they were militant and angry homosexuals demanding the right to sodomize 16 year old boys." Lies. Lies. Lies. These are just two small samples of the millions of pieces of mail and the thousands of hours of radio and television time the religious right dedicate every month to bashing homosexuals. How much imagination does it take to figure out where all of this ends? Example 1: Sometime after midnight, October 27, 1992, Airman Terry Helvey followed Seaman Allen Schindler into a public restroom in Yokosuka, Japan. Without provocation, Helvey attacked his shipmate and kicked and beat him to death for one reason: Schindler was gay. An autopsy showed his skull was bashed in, his ribs broken, every one of his vital organs damaged and his genitals mutilated. Example 2: On May 13, 1988, Rebecca White and Claudia Brenner were hiking on the Appalachian trail in Adams County, Pennsylvania. A stranger, Stephen Roy Carr, followed them awhile and then again, totally unprovoked, began firing with a high powered rifle. Claudia was hit first, in the upper arm, twice in the neck, in the head and face. One of the bullets that hit Rebecca, exploded in her liver. "We never had a chance to say good-bye," Claudia says. Helvey and Carr were both convicted of first degree murder. But was justice done? No! The men and women who helped provoke those killings by stirring up this ancient ghost of homophobia, Robertson and Falwell and the rest of them, remained free: Robertson to jeer and look disgusted at the videos of Roberta Achtenburg's Senate confirmation and Falwell who is even know raising millions to have her removed from office. I believe in their first amendment right to freedom of speech, but these televangelists and religious talk show hosts are misusing that right to stir up hostility and hatred against gay and lesbian people. Now, they have gone too far and the consequences are tragic. God's Queer people are being legislated against, banned from the military, despised, rejected, bashed and murdered. Violence against us is up 175% over the last 5 years. So, what are we to do in response? The Bible is clear: Micah says, "God has told you what God wants," and this is all of it: "Do Justice, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God." Jeremiah describes (in 50:4-7) the Lord as "the habitation of justice, the place where justice lives." Job cries out (in 37:23) -- "God is excellent . . . in plenty of justice." Over and over in the Psalms, David says (for example in 89:14): "Your throne is founded on two strong pillars -- the one is Justice and the other righteousness (doing justice)." And Jesus, after shouting down the Pharisees, said, "You tithe down to the last little mint leaf in your garden, but you ignore the important things -- justice and mercy and faith." Jesus Acted Up. He was committed to doing justice. He fought the Pharisees and the other pious religious leaders at every opportunity. Though it seemed to bring dishonor unto God and the church, Jesus called God's self-appointed leaders sons of vipers, dirty bowls filled with dead men's bones, blind leaders of the blind. Though it was strictly against the Scriptures, Jesus healed on the Sabbath and gave out the Temple wafers to his hungry disciples. Though it shocked their religious sensibilities, Jesus associated with prostitutes, tax collectors, and illegal aliens. Though it made them rage with anger, Jesus took up a whip and drove from the temple anyone who had turned religion into a money making enterprise. In spite of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, when we pray, we are not praying to a white, bearded male with blue eyes, long arms and flowing pajamas. We are praying to the Spirit of Justice. God is absolutely fair -- Jesus taught us that -- and it is God's will that all God's creatures be treated with absolute fairness. That is justice. Doing Justice -- keeping things absolutely fair for everybody -- is the work of God and we join God in that work wherever / whenever possible. When we see an individual or a group (gay or straight, black or white, old or young) being treated unfairly we must do something to help end the suffering. I don't know what it will mean for me or for you to do some justice, but I am determined this time around to be in the front lines. I grew up in an Evangelical church setting. "Activist" was a negative word associated with unruly protest and civil disobedience. To carry a protest sign or to break a law on behalf of a greater good was vulgar and un-spiritual. Then in 1958, during my senior year in high school, I spent an unforgettable week with Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King. During our week together, I probed and questioned Dr. King. For the first time, this privileged white boy saw up-close the ugliness of racial prejudice, institutionalized injustice and the price Martin was paying to oppose them. It wasn't bad enough that racism had been supported by white Christian preachers and their misuse of God's Word. Many black evangelical Christians, too, were shocked and disappointed that Martin had become an activist. Even friends turned against him. He was ridiculed, threatened, stoned and conspired against by the highest powers in the land. I'll never forget Dr. King's reply when I claimed that love was the Christian's real task. He replied, "Yes, but love must be defined and throughout scripture love is always measured in terms of justice." In those next years, while Martin and his friends suffered and died on behalf of justice and truth, most of my fellow Evangelical Christians just stood by and watched. By then, I was a freshman in a Christian college. I wanted to march with Martin Luther King and the brave white students from northern liberal Christian colleges and seminaries who were risking their lives for the cause, but I hesitated. Instead, I went to work with Youth for Christ "saving souls" and coaching Bible Clubs and Bible quiz teams and let that moment in history pass me by. I still feel sad, embarrassed and cheated that I was too busy and too uncommitted to follow Jesus at such a time. Unfortunately, I am about to get my chance to make up for that missed opportunity. With all the advances made, our civil rights are being threatened as never before. We may disagree with the tactics of Act-Up or Queer Nation, but they have paid a terrible price to lead the way. Their leaders are exhausted. Their treasuries run dry. Now it is time for the rest of us to muster up a little courage of our own. We must take a stand for justice before it is too late. I'm not suggesting how or when anyone else should act. But for me, it begins by walking away from the Christian churches and preachers who use God's word to condemn us and into churches and fellowships where we are loved and respected as Christians who are lesbian and gay. It begins by giving our money and volunteering our time to local and national organizations who are working on behalf of our causes. It begins by coming out, in appropriate ways to appropriate people who desperately need to be informed by our example. It begins by watching and listening to the religious right to help us better understand the enemy and at the same time to read everything we can about the issues and those who understand them best. However Christian activism begins for you, let it begin! Draw up a strategy together for doing some justice in Waco or in the community you represent. Recently a senior in a southern California high school, hanged himself. He was a sensitive, gifted, talented boy who wanted to be a Nazarene pastor. Then, suddenly, in the middle of the night, alone, he wrapped a sheet around his neck and died. Rumors surfaced later that the 16 year old had been struggling with his sexuality. You and I know what that boy went through. Wanting to serve Christ but terrified by the lies of the religious right that had trickled down to his parents, his pastor and his friends, he gave into despair and to injustice. According to Project 10, every day approximately 4 young gays or lesbians kill themselves. And we know why. The question you and I must ask is this: when will we do something about the injustice that is killing our children? If I knew exactly what to do, I would tell you. Forgive me if I have even implied that I know. I don't. But this I do know. Unless we do something, we fall short of God's dreams for us. Jesus, help us to master ourselves, that we might become the servants of others. Take our minds and think through them. Take our lips and speak through them. Take our hands and do your work through them. Take our hearts and set them on fire for Christ's sake. Amen. Dr. Mel White is Dean of the Cathedral, Cathedral of Hope MCC, Dallas, TX. He delivered this sermon during Gay Pride Week celebration in Waco, TX, and also at the MCC church in Los Angeles, September 1993. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * UCC Provides Health Coverage to Domestic Partners After more than a year of negotiation and formal requests by staff of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, UCBHM has decided to step out in the United Church of Christ and make health insurance benefits available for domestic partners (and their families). With this decision, UCBHM joins hundreds of city, county, college/university, non-profit, and major private businesses in making available to lesbian and gay committed couples a benefit generally available to married heterosexual couples. -- *Waves*, National Newsletter of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, 20(4): 1, Dec. 1993. Come on, PC(U.S.A.), when will you start to put your "civil rights" advocacy to work within the PC(USA)? -- JDA. In a related matter, James D. Anderson, PLGC's communications secretary, is one of 5 Rutgers University faculty members who, with the ACLU and the AAUP, is suing the university and the State of New Jersey for their continued denial of health benefits to life-partners, despite laws and policies that ban such discrimination. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GA Tape Available Bill Schumaker has an audiotape available from the 1993 Orlando General Assembly. It features interviews with PLGC heroines Janie Spahr and Lisa Larges as well as GA moderator Dobler (who doesn't have much to say!). If you'd like a copy, send $10.00 to Bill Schumaker, PO Box 690 911, Orlando, FL 32869-0911. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *