wfn.org | Honors Proudfoot and Unveils New Book

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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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