Flying the Flag of Inclusion

St. Andrews flies flag for inclusion
By D'Anne Witkowsk
Originally printed 5/24/2007 (Issue 1521 - Between The Lines News)

CLAWSON - Anyone who has ever driven by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Clawson and wondered whether or not the church was gay friendly need wonder no longer.
The church has made their support of the LGBT community explicit by flying a rainbow flag outside the church. The pole on the church's front lawn now includes three flags, the other two being the Episcopal flag and the American flag.
St. Andrew's vestry voted to allow the flag in April.
"I want people when they see the flag to know that we are a GLBT welcoming church and it is a place where people who have GLBT people in their family can attend and not sit in the pews and hear their loved ones being bashed from the pulpit," said Charlene Genther, whose partner Gloria Beaune is a member of the vestry. The couple have attended St. Andrew's since November 1994. Last year, Genther lost job her at Marion High School because she was a lesbian.
Pastor Harry Cook said the flag is "merely an outgrowth of what our church has believed forever."
In a May 10 email to Genther and Beaune, Pastor Cook further explained his thoughts on the new flag. "I think the three flags up there say exactly what we want to say about ourselves: 1) We are American, even though it's sometimes tough to admit it; 2) we are Episcopalians despite the ignorance of the guy in Nigeria, and 3) we are (as the Baptismal covenant says) 'striving for peace and justice among all people' and 'respecting the dignity of every human being,'" he wrote. "And I'll fight anybody who says otherwise."
"It was a decision of our governing board to make clear that St. Andrew's is an open and accepting parish and the rainbow symbol, as you know, is a sign of that," he told BTL. It is a part of the parish's strategy to make sure everyone knows that GLBT people are welcome there and not only as visitors but as essential a part of the parish family as they wish to become."
"We wouldn't raise our family in any place that denied people or separated people," said vestry member Mike Kramer.
If you truly believe in religion it can't be any other way," added Beth Kramer. The couple attends the church along with their two children, Charlotte and Patrick.
On Sunday, May 13, the church had its first visitor as a result of the new flag.
"He'd been driving by for years and when he saw the flag he decided to come in," said Genther.
St. Andrew's is located at 340 N. Main St. in Clawson, Michigan. For more information call 248-588-3230.

Read the rest HERE

Rainbows in Virginia - Humor Alert

Oh my! Archbishop Akinola with rainbow colors at the installation of Martyn Minns as missionary bishop for CANA.

The Rainbows of Easter

I saw my first rainbow of the Rainbow Presence last night at the Vigil. Mom wore the large button I gave her. I had not even thought about wearing mine--although I remembered to take the one for her--because I was trying to make sure I had everything I needed for the service (flute, hymnal, music stand...).

At St. Paul's this morning there were a handful--a couple of pins worn by friends, a couple of ties on men who I don't know well but know that at least one of them is gay, a stole on the Associate Rector, and a sweater that may or may not have been worn because of the Presence. There were not as many as I hoped, but it was about what I expected given the upper middle class, family oriented, somewhat centrist congregation.

We will add more Rainbow stories as they come in.

Peace,
Jeffri
----
At my parish here in Albany, NY.. a progressive one in a conservative Diocese. I had purchased a bunch of buttons as well as some with the saying " respecting the dignity of every person". I had given out the first set several weeks ago and them brought more to the Easter Brunch between Eucharists on Sunday.. by the end of brunch before the second service every button was gone. I really didn't even explain what they were. One woman asked if it was ok to wear the rainbow even if she isn't gay. I told her yes that it was her way of saying she supports the full inclusion of everyone in God's church. I was more than excited about the response.

Rich in Albany NY
----

Our Easter went well. Kim did two of the three services (a retired priest did the third. I gave out 20 rainbow presence buttons and many rainbow yarn pins I had made. Kim wore his rainbow stole. Lots of positive feedback and support. One parishioner informed me she has a gay son. One angry parishioner thought we were being political and pushing for gay marriage in church. He calmed down and even agreed that all should feel welcome and safe in church (he didn't take a button). The organist took the rest of the buttons to the third service to hand out--I don't know how that went. All told a positive event in our church of mostly retired educated people.

Blessings, Janet
----

My parish is a small, conservative community with several retired military families. On Good Friday, a poster sponsored by Integrity was placed in the hallway, explaining the purpose of the rainbow presence and asking folks to wear a rainbow ribbon throughout the Easter season. A large plastic bag filled with ribbons was placed beside the poster. We were out of ribbons by the Easter Vigil. Rainbow ribbons were scattered throughout the congregation, on lapels, on jackets, on dresses and t-shirts. Children and youth wore them; elders and youth alike wore them.
We are going out today to buy more ribbon.

Alleluia. Alleluia!
----

I attended the Vigil Service as a congregant wearing a rainbow ribbon and my (Canadian, hand-died) rainbow socks. I very modestly did not put my feet up on the back of the pew to show off the socks!

At the 10 AM Sung Eucharist (our major service, very well attended) I assisted, wearing alb and a rainbow stole hand woven for me by a friend in New Mexico . At the offertory, to my pleased astonishment, our rector, Robert Erwin, called attention to my presence (I’m often away doing supply) and proclaimed that I was wearing the rainbow stole as a sign of God’s generous love, of the diversity of the Episcopal Church, and of the many gay and lesbian members so important to the life of the Church.

I didn’t have a way of contacting the GLTB people in our parish efficiently, so only one or two others wore anything rainbowish. But others were clearly pleased by Bob’s announcement. I just stood there and grinned, and then we went to the altar of God, the God of our joy and gladness, where we co-celebrated the Eucharist and then the deacon and I distributed the Bread and two lay persons ministered the Wine. The rector, he sat in his chair and looked both tired and pleased.

After the service I took a particular if inward pleasure in the fact that two very straight men of the parish complimented me on the rainbow stole. Now we’re getting somewhere…..

This Easter Week I am lecturing at UNH on Kushner’s “Angels in America ,” that wonderful ‘gay fantasia on national themes’ to a humanities class of one hundred students.

Robert

(The Reverend) Robert E. Stiefel, Ph.D.,
New Hampshire
----

I wore my rainbow stole at the Great Vigil and at three services Easter Day (Approx 1200 people total). It stood out among the four white stoles worn by Rector and other staff. There were several comments - all from straight parishioners - and most of them 'got' it. A couple did not. One thought I was portraying Joseph and another, Noah. I said, "Well, yes but no." It gave me the opportunity to tell a brief story of Integrity. The cumulative response was summed up by one, "I'm glad you wore it." There were no face-to-face negative reactions. On Monday I asked the other clergy if they had received negative comments. None.

Steve Snider
----

My parish, Santiago Episcopal Church, is a small mission in old historic downtown of Lafayette, CO. We are literally a "storefront" church. The previous occupiers of this historic building, several years ago, was a dance studio. When we first looked at the building, about 2 years ago, the mirrors of the dance studio were still on the wall.

We have had our fair share of priest problems. Last June the Bishop's Committee decided not to renew the contract of the rector because he had different ideas than the parishioners of what the parish should be. Parishioners left in droves! Our membership dropped from around 120 to about 60 in a year. We were not certain that we could survive, but several of us were determined to try. I wrote our Bishop, Rob O'Neil, that we needed his help to find the right vicar if we were to survive. He responded and promised to speak to me at General Convention as I told him I was going to be there and working on the Integrity Staff. We did meet. He expressed his concern for our status and stated he and the missioner were looking for the priest that would be a good fit with us. We had a number of supply priests all summer, starting in July.

At the Colorado Convention in October, Integrity held a Eucharist at the Cathedral. A priest who attended the Eucharist, Vicki, whom I had worked with on Integrity matters several years before, alerted me to a priest, Martha, who had moved to Colorado from Iowa that summer. She followed her husband who had been transferred by his company. Vicki thought that Martha would be a perfect match for Santiago. Vicki knew us and was one of our supply priests on two or three Sunday's. I immediately alerted the Senior Warden and in a couple of weeks, Martha was a supply priest. And she came back a couple of more times. It was a perfect match! In December we signed a contract with Martha effective Jan. 2, 2007.

Martha+ has been a true blessing to our little mission parish. We have started to grow again. In February she was the celebrant at the Denver Metro Integrity meeting. When the Rainbow Presence was announced, I asked Martha+ if she had any objection if I had the buttons available on Easter Sunday. She supported the idea whole heartedly. Along with two other Integrity members, we bought 40 buttons and had them available on Sunday morning. We had about 80 people in attendance (which filled our little worship space). About half those in attendance wore buttons and we could have easily used another 20. It was heartening to see the support in this little congregation.

What was most amazing was the 1.5 page letter I received last Tuesday from Martha. I don't know whether it was sent to every parishioner or not, but it was a personal letter from her, addressed in her handwriting, with her home return address. I am going to assume that the postage was paid from her pocket and not by the parish based on these facts. Below is part of this letter.

"It is about 5 PM on Easter Sunday and I am just getting home...

But this morning's worship stays with me still. It will forever I think. I just have to say thank you to each of you! It was the most glorious, spiritual and joy-filled Easter worship that I have ever had the privilege to be part of. Chirst's presence was tangible in more than the bread and wine for me this day.

Thank you... (Martha starts out to name people who contributed to the service. It goes on for the next page and a half)......Ron, xxx, and xxx, thank you for the rainbow pins and reminding us that this day was about resurrection and respect and love for everyone!..."

All I can say is thank you Ann, Jeffri and Larry for developing this Rainbow Presence idea and designing the pins, cards, etc. It has truly achieved its purpose-- at least in my little parish.

RonProud member of Santiago Episcopal Church
Integrity Network Coordinator for Colorado
Temporary co-convenor of the Denver Metro Integrity Chapter
----

A wonderful member of the parish announced it for two weeks and made rainbow ribbons for people. On Sunday a number of folks had rainbows on...shawls, scarfs, pins, etc. I wore my rainbow stole and chasuble. It came off rather well in St. Michael's. I noticed that a number of the latno teenagers from the early service were taking rainbow ribbons as well. Nice.

Lee Shaw
----

Prayer Vigil For Canadian House of Bishops

Posted this morning on Walking with Integrity:

Clergy and laypersons of The Episcopal Church will support the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada at their Spring Retreat with a prayer vigil on Tuesday, April 17, from 10-12 Noon (EDT). The Canadian House of Bishops is meeting next week at the Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre which overlooks the Niagara Falls, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. On Tuesday they will be led in retreat by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. The prayer vigil will be in prayerful, respectful support of the Canadian House of Bishops for their retreat and that the Archbishop of Canterbury will soon accept the invitation of our own House of Bishops for a similar meeting. Information regarding the vigil may be obtained from: Earle King, Deputy from Western New York [padreking@aol.com] or Michael Hartney, former Deputy from Western New York [michael.hartney@aya.yale.edu].

Tell Us Your Rainbow Story

Tomorrow is Easter Day. The celebration of our Savior's Resurrection.

Many of us will go to church wearing our rainbow pins, hats, stoles, sashes, etc. For some of us it may be an easy day. For others, a difficult one. For all of us it is a ministry of presence.

Share the story of your experience with us. Email us at rainbopres@yahoo.com or leave a comment.

Peace,
Jeffri

To Welcome and Be Welcomed: Love One Another

Mark Harris at Preludium offers this sermon for Maundy Thursday:

"The real hope in the Rainbow symbol that makes the rounds in several forms, is its signal that all people are welcome. At one or another time a particular part of the rainbow of people have found this symbol particularly hopeful. It has been a symbol of hope in a wide range of circumstances – for a peoples party in Ann Arbor, for a vision of God's people in the mind of Bishop Tutu, for an alliance in Chicago for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, for wider acceptance of the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people, and on and on. So, perhaps we can put the rainbow on the posts, as a sign that EVERYONE is welcome here."
Read it all HERE

New resource

Anglican Compass Rose rainbow pins available HERE

More on Why The Rainbow Presence is Still Necessary

C. Christopher Epting, retired Bishop of Iowa and the Episcopal Church's Ecumencial Officer, posted What the Bishops Didn't Do on his blog That We All May Be One. Of particular interest is the second paragraph, which says:

What we did NOT do was to foreclose discussion on the Episcopal Church’s response to the main requests of the Primates’ Communique. We have not “ruled” on whether or not to reassure the Primates that General Convention meant what it said when it asked us and our Standing Committees not to give consent to any bishop-elect whose manner of life might prove of concern to the wider Anglican Communion and to clarify for them the status of the blessing of same-sex relationships in this church.

Please take the time to read Bishop Epting's entire piece, because his analysis and insights are often helpful in looking at the bigger picture.

However, the discussion goes on, and we still need to make sure that we are visible and insist that we are part of the discussion, not just talked at or about.

Rainbow Presence still necessary

Is there still a need for Rainbow Presence now that the Bishops have made their statement? YES! even more so! The press reports and publicity are saying "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You," all of you. This is all the more reason to have a small sign of rainbow welcome for visitors who will appear at Easter to check us out. For someone venturing back to church after years of feeling like they would not be welcome, you will show her or him that you are a person who is welcoming. Look for the hesitant ones, help them with the service, accompany them to coffee hour. It is a great evangelistic moment.

Full and Equal

From the House of Bishops Meeting at Camp Allen, TX

It is incumbent upon us as disciples to do our best to follow Jesus in the increasing experience of the leading of the Holy Spirit. We fully understand that others in the Communion believe the same, but we do not believe that Jesus leads us to break our relationships. We proclaim the Gospel of what God has done and is doing in Christ, of the dignity of every human being, and of justice, compassion, and peace. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek, no male or female, no slave or free. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including women, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ's Church. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ's Church. We proclaim the Gospel that stands against any violence, including violence done to women and children as well as those who are persecuted because of their differences, often in the name of God. The Dar es Salaam Communiqué is distressingly silent on this subject. And, contrary to the way the Anglican Communion Network and the American Anglican Council have represented us, we proclaim a Gospel that welcomes diversity of thought and encourages free and open theological debate as a way of seeking God's truth. If that means that others reject us and communion with us, as some have already done, we must with great regret and sorrow accept their decision.

read it all HERE.

All Rainbow, All the Time

March 12, a letter from Thom Jensen, rector of St. Thomas' Parish, Newark, Delaware was published here.
Here are the pictures from St. Thomas now that they have their rainbow flag by their Episcopal Church sign.

FYI

While conservative clergy may feel called to deny communion to anyone wearing a rainbow sash or insignia on Easter Day, in doing so they could be in violation of the Canons of The Episcopal Church. Canon I.17.5, titled "Rights of Laity," states

No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by Canons.

Of course, the distinction between "orientation" and "behavior" is often a bit fuzzy in many places. If you feel you may be challenged by the clergy in your parish on Easter Day, double check with your Diocesan Chancellor or Canon to the Ordinary as to how they interpret Canon I.17.5.

If you are refused Communion on Easter Day, inform the priest that s/he is in violation of the Canons of the Episcopal Church, and that you cannot be denied Communion for being lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/transexual, for identifying yourself as lgbt, or for supporting the rights of lgbt people in the church. If the priest still refuses to give you Communion, take whatever action you deem appropriate, but please remember that the Rainbow Presence is about visibility and not disruption.

Anyone denied Communion has the right to appeal to the Bishop, as outlined in Canon I.17.6.

Refused Communion

A letter reminding us that this may happen in some Episcopal churches. We will soon post a note regarding the rubrics and canons and clergy refusing communion to parishioners.

Posted with permission:

I can speak from experience that being refused communion can tear at the very fabric of your soul.

I was attending a Soulforce action at the National Council of Catholic Bishops meeting in Washington, DC, trying to get the Roman Catholic Church to see that their anti-gay stance was killing their LBGT children. These actions are based on the principles of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, non-violence and lots of prayer.

There were a group of five of us (four guys who were members of the Rainbow Sash and me) who were practicing Catholics who attended the evening mass held for over 1000 devout Catholics who had contributed or raised over a million dollars for the Bishop's fund. The only thing marking us from anyone else was the rainbow sash we were wearing. We were there to participate in the mass and be a reminder that there are lots of 'us' who are faithful but invisible to the church.

As a courtesy, the Cathedral was notified that we would be there, but had no intention of disrupting the service; we would be there worshipping just like everyone else. The Monsignor made a statement at the beginning of the mass that there was a group there to disrupt the service and that we would be refused the elements. They has specifically seated us just behind the transept where we could be 'watched'.

When it came time for communion, the priest came down with the bread, accompanied by a guard. We went forward and were refused. They did not bring the wine down until after they had refused us. Having known that they were going to do this did not make it any easier for me. There was something so fundamental to my soul and being that was destroyed that night.

The five of us returned to our pews and respectfully and prayerfully stood throughout the rest of the service. What was interesting was some twenty people came forward to receive, refused to partake because we had been refused, and came and stood silently with us. By that time, we were surrounding by security guards.

At the end of the mass, we were not allowed to leave until everyone else had. I received one of the most hateful looks from my own Bishop as he processed by. I had sung at the Cathedral and in his personal schola for many years and he had eaten meals with me and my partner, as well as many other gay members of his schola.

The priest who had to refuse us came to us afterwards and asked forgiveness; he was only doing what he had been instructed. He offered a special communion for us (I am sure he got in a heap of trouble over that!)

But the damage had been done. This was the final straw for me. A church that I had given almost forty years of my life had withdrawn the ultimate sign of God's grace. This is when I came to the Episcopal Church and found an open and loving community. Now I am on a long-ignored journey and bumpy ride to ordination as a vocational deacon. God does work in mysterious ways. The obstacles placed in front of me because I am a partnered lesbian hopefully will make me a stronger and better deacon. Only time will tell, but at least I can now answer a call to the ministry that I have had since I was about 8 years old.

To this day, I wear a rainbow cross when I am serving. Sometimes it is one made for me by man in New Orleans in grateful appreciation for the actions I have participated in at the Southern Baptists Convention, or one that a Catholic gave me for being a woman serving at the table of an ecumenical service, or one I got at the 2006 General Convention made of Roman glass to remind me of my participation in the action in Rome at the closing of the doors of St Peter's in 2000.

This is my subtle way of reminding everyone of God's love for ALL people.

I understand the need for people to visibly affirm their inclusion of all peoples. That was really what that fateful night in November was about. But I also now question whether the Eucharist is the best place for that. I have experienced firsthand the damage caused by this marking in a world where we are 'intrinsically evil' and 'objectively disordered'. But this is my
personal opinion. In fact, at 'communion' may be the very best place (why do you think I always wear my rainbow cross?)

I wholeheartedly support the Rainbow Presence and its idea of marking us with rainbows. I think we, as Episcopalians, need to make a more visible stand for inclusiveness. Rhetoric is fine, but visibility is better. The world is watching us right now; we need to be as vocal and visible as possible. So I will be wearing my rainbow cross on Easter. . . and each and every service where I serve.

Blessings to everyone this Lenten Season,

deniray mueller
Diaconal Student
Diocese of Southern Ohio
deniray@deniray.com

Canadian Rainbows At Easter

The following was forwarded to me by a friend in Canada, and I have permission from the priest who wrote it for his parish newsletter to post it here.
Peace,
Jeffri

Rainbows At Easter

This Easter Sunday your rector will be wearing, not a white stole, but a rainbow stole, indicating his support of the full inclusion of Gay and Lesbian persons as members of the Anglican Church of Canada. In response to the vitriolic anti-gay rhetoric manifested by certain representatives of neo-conservatism in the global Anglican community, and as an indication of support for the Anglican Church of Canada’s present commitment to respectful and open dialogue with its Gay and Lesbian members, Anglicans across Canada are being asked to show up on Easter Sunday morning wearing the rainbow, which has become the symbolic of our hope to be a church which welcomes and affirms all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. So I am asking you to find a rainbow and wear it with pride this Easter Sunday.

If you need one, Janet has a collection of rainbow buttons which she will be pleased to share with you for the occasion.

Kim+

More Resources for Rainbow Presence

Click Here for cards you can print to send to your church or place in the collection plate.
See What to Wear for pins, stoles, fabric.
Also look at the links under Resources in right column for more ideas at
Episcostuff
Episcopalia
and a Fair Trade site for Stoles from Guatemala.

Our First Media Release

Media Release

Contact:
Ann Fontaine
Jeffri Harre
rainbopres@yahoo.com

March 9, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LGBT Episcopalians to be Visible with Rainbow Presence at Easter

On Easter, April 8, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, and supportive allies in The Episcopal Church will wear a sign of the rainbow to Church in response to the February 19, 2007 Communiqué of the Primates Meeting in Tanzania.. This Rainbow Presence will be a visible witness to The Episcopal Church's Welcome of all the children of God and the value of their ministries in church and in the world.

The Rainbow Presence will be a visible sign to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Episcopalians that they have a community of support.. It will also give a human face to the “issue” being discussed by the Primates and the leadership of The Episcopal Church. We believe that decisions about our place in the church cannot be made without knowing who we are and talking with us rather than about us.

The Primates’ Communiqué laid out steps to be taken by the Episcopal Church, specifically by the House of Bishops, by September 30, 2007. We do not agree with the course of action recommended in this Communiqué as it calls for sacrifice of the ministries and loving relationships of gays and lesbians for an illusive false unity. We also do not believe the bishops should take these steps given the clear decisions made by General Convention in its Constitution and Canons.

We are asking lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual Episcopalians and their supporters to wear something that shows your support: a pin, a scarf, a stole, hat, button or some other piece of rainbow apparel. You can find resources by checking out our Blog at http://rainbow-presence.blogspot.com, and for more information write to Ann Fontaine and Jeffri Harre at rainbopres@yahoo.com.

Attached is the complete text of The Rainbow Presence Declaration.

Rainbow Presence Declaration

March 5, 2007

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house, I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you. Psalm 5:7

To our sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion:

In their Communiqué of February 19, 2007, the Primates of the Anglican Communion laid out steps to be taken by the Episcopal Church, specifically by the House of Bishops, by September 30, 2007. As lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members of the Episcopal Church and heterosexual supporters of full and equal participation for lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people in the church, we do not agree as to the course of action the Episcopal Church should take in response to the Primates’ Communiqué.

We agree that:

• The Episcopal Church must understand what is being asked of it—especially in terms of its lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members.
• The Episcopal Church needs to know who its lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members are in order to know who is being asked to pay the price of unity in the Anglican Communion.
• Until lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members of the Episcopal Church have full and equal access to all the sacraments and rites of the church, lesbians/gays/bisexuals/transgendered people are essentially second-class members of the Episcopal Church.

We acknowledge that:

• No matter what course of action the Episcopal Church decides to take, faithful Episcopalians will feel it necessary to leave the Episcopal Church.
• Some of us may be among those who leave the Episcopal Church.
• There are lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people who live in places where making themselves visible is unsafe and even life threatening.

We affirm the presence in the church of our lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender sisters and brothers who preceded us, giving of themselves and their gifts while remaining invisible as lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people.

Therefore, on Easter Sunday we (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender and all allies) will be present in our churches and make ourselves visibly known to our fellow parishioners, clergy, bishops, and leadership through the wearing of rainbow sashes, stoles, hats, buttons, and other articles of clothing and accessories.

What to Wear?

People have been asking us where to find stoles, sashes, and anything else. We have posted some links in our Resources section, but here are a few other ideas. If you have any other ideas or links, please post a Comment or email us at rainbopres@yahoo.com.

Pins
Rainbow Pins

Stoles

CM Almy
http://www.almy.com/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=5693

Gospel Colors
http://www.gospelcolors.com./search.php?cat=1&subcat=8

Gail Bird Vestments
http://www.gailbirdvestments.com/stoles_anytime.html

Sashes

This came in from our friends at the Rainbow Sash Movement:

Go to any fabric store, ask for rainbow colored fabric. We buy it by the bolt and it costs about $90.00. Or you could just have them cut as many 7 Ft. strips as you may need. We wear it over our left shoulder and attached to our right hip.

Skull Caps

http://hooked-on-crochet.blogspot.com/2007/01/textured-mesh-scully-cap-pattern.html
Can be crocheted in 6 stripes of the lgbt rainbow flag (ROYGBP), or the complete rainbow (ROYGBIV), or , or use a multicolored yarn like Red Heart’s Color 0950 Mexicana.

http://www.hatternique.com/downloads/boyband_cap.pdf
Can be knitted in 6 stripes of lgbt rainbow flag (ROYGBP), or the complete rainbow (ROYGBIV), or , or use a multicolored yarn like Red Heart’s Color 0950 Mexicana.

Or adapt any number of patterns you can find online.

Rainbow Presence Declaration

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house, I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you. Psalm 5:7

To our sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion:

In their Communiqué of February 19, 2007, the Primates of the Anglican Communion laid out steps to be taken by the Episcopal Church, specifically by the House of Bishops, by September 30, 2007. As lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members of the Episcopal Church and heterosexual supporters of full and equal participation for lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people in the church, we do not agree as to the course of action the Episcopal Church should take in response to the Primates’ Communiqué.

We agree that:

• The Episcopal Church must understand what is being asked of it—especially in terms of its lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members.
• The Episcopal Church needs to know who its lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members are in order to know who is being asked to pay the price of unity in the Anglican Communion.
• Until lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender members of the Episcopal Church have full and equal access to all the sacraments and rites of the church, lesbians/gays/bisexuals/transgendered people are essentially second-class members of the Episcopal Church.

We acknowledge that:

• No matter what course of action the Episcopal Church decides to take, faithful Episcopalians will feel it necessary to leave the Episcopal Church.
• Some of us may be among those who leave the Episcopal Church.
• There are lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people who live in places where making themselves visible is unsafe and even life threatening.

We affirm the presence in the church of our lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender sisters and brothers who preceded us, giving of themselves and their gifts while remaining invisible as lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender people.

Therefore, on Easter Sunday we (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender and all allies) will be present in our churches and make ourselves visibly known to our fellow parishioners, clergy, bishops, and leadership through the wearing of rainbow sashes, stoles, hats, buttons, and other articles of clothing and accessories.