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Honors Proudfoot and Unveils New Book
From
PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org
Date
18 Jun 1997 19:59:02
Title:PLGC Honors Proudfoot and Unveils New Book
15-June-1997
GA97017
PLGC Honors Proudfoot and Unveils New Book
by Lee Beckhusen
SYRACUSE--With the perimeter of the ballroom at the Hotel Syracuse lined
by cords supporting liturgical stoles contributed by gay and lesbian
Presbyterians and their allies, a crowd of nearly 450 gathered following
Saturday night's business session to participate in "A Celebration of
Reconciliation." The celebration was sponsored by Presbyterians for
Lesbian and Gay Concerns.
Following words of welcome from PLGC co-conveners, Scott Anderson and
the Rev. Laurene LaFontaine, and opening prayer led by the Rev. Kathleen
Buckley , the annual Inclusive Church Award was presented. It is given
each year to the church or individual who best exemplifies the inclusive
church.
This year's award was given to Merrill Proudfoot, Ph. D., Professor
Emeritus of Philosophy and president of the faculty at Park College, Kansas
City, Mo. Proudfoot's response to the award made use of humor as he
reflected upon the impact of Amendment B and its implications for the life
of the church.
His words were interrupted several times by standing ovations from the
crowd which was very responsive to his words. In closing, Proudfoot
reminded those present that they had no choice but to welcome those who
voted for Amendment B, "because they are our brothers and sisters," and
cited Romans 15, "Welcome one another _ just as Christ has welcomed you_"
Another highlight of the evening was the introduction of the book
"Called Out With: In Support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered
Persons." Edited by Presbyterians, Sylvia Thorson-Smith, Johanna W. H. van
Wijk-Bos, Norm Pott, and William P. Thompson, "the book is a chorus of
heterosexual voices who declare themselves to be "called out with"_called
as allies in solidarity with all who work for a more just and loving
church," and serves as a companion to the previously published "Called Out:
The Voices and Gifts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered
Presbyterians."
The book's 25 chapters are written by different authors who have
pledged themselves to join gay and lesbian Presbyterians in their struggle
for equality in the church. Twelve of the authors were present at the
gathering and read excerpts from their own writing.
Virginia West Davidson , chair of the 1978 Task Force to Study the
Church and Homosexuality, read her own reflections on a question she is
frequently asked, "How did a snowy -haired "het" (heterosexual), become
involved in our denomination's struggle over homosexuality and ordination?"
Her response was, "At this time in my life (I'm now 80), as a woman of
faith looking back and reflecting on my journey, the simple answer is:
`It's God's doing, not mine!'"
Duke Robinson, author and retired minister from Oakland, Calif., read,
"I had experienced the responses of homosexual persons in the church to be
awe-inspiring. Since I began listening to their stories, I found myself
nurtured and challenged. In contrast to our church's dark condemnations,
their patient testimonies shone like stars in midnight sky."
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