Shower of Stoles

On June 10, NHCC displayed a small portion of the "Shower of Stoles Project."   The Project is a collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of faith. This extraordinary ecumenical collection tells the story of individuals who have been prevented from fully practicing their faith because of their GLBT status.  For more details on the Shower of Stoles project, see http://www.WelcomingResources.org/sosp.htm.  Here are a few images.

The stoles were displayed in our newly renovated Great Hall.  Here's the scene just before the exhibit opened.

Many of the stoles are traditional.  They come in all the liturgical colors.

Some stoles are more colorful, but each tells the story of someone called to and ordained in the Christian ministry.

A wide variety of denominations are represented.

Here's an example of a stole presented by a Methodist Church.

Many churches support and welcome their GLBT members.  (For the NHCC Open and Affirming policy, click here.)

Sadly, a few do not, and some stoles are donated anonymously for fear of reprisal.

Here's the placard from the stole above.