Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 7, 2001)
2 8 J * * * M t • September. ?. 2001 ioner, who was concerned about welcoming gay men and lesbians, asked him, “I’m all for allowing them to attend services, but do we have to let them teach Sunday school and everything?" Jenkins, now undeniably one of “them” hut unable to he open about it, was thrown into turmoil. At last it became clear to him that he would have to leave the ministry. With a flair for drama, he arranged to preach one last sermon on New Year’s Eve 1999. The church was packed. His sermon topic: “I am a self-avowed practicing homo sexual.” As if saying the forbidden words was not enough, he chose his last act as a minister to he a hit of civil disobedience. That night, after preaching his sermon, in a private home he performed a commitment ceremony for two gay men. As he blessed their union he removed his stole from his shoulders and wrapped it around the joined hands of the two men. With that, Jenkins left the pulpit and his ministry. R hodes describes coming out as a kind of conversion experience. Clearly, one of the most inter esting questions is, What enables some people to make that change, to reject homophobic religious teachings and to embrace their gayness? The answers, although varied, are a source of inspiration and hope. One of the most optimistic outcomes is that attempts at repression frequently backfire. Trista Jolly grew up in the Lutheran Church. Her earliest memories are of church, which she describes as a “safe place, another home,” a place where she felt the presence of God. By the time she was in high school, she was feel ing attracted to other girls and women, but she couldn’t deal with coming out. “Measure 9 radicalized my parents at least about homosexuality.” —Trista Jolly , » > V Doug Sandstom knew he wasn’t the enemy of God Although he hasn’t found a permanent spiritual home, he nurtures his spirit at the Anawim Com munity, a nonaffiliat- ed group of gay men who come together to celebrate their spirituality. ;•>: ;. • Vi V A • •• s •; I ' ■' V<V Then along came 1992’s Mea sure 9. Jolly was away at school, but she received the voters’ pamphlet in the mail. She read every one of the arguments both for and against Measure 9. Seeing all of the hatred in the Oregon Citizens Alliance’s words, and knowing her loving feelings were not evil and depraved, she knew what she had to do. She called her parents and came out to them. Although tears were shed, they were quick to affirm their love for her. But now her parents were “in the closet” and felt alone and isolated at church. “Measure 9 radicalized my parents, at least about homosexuality,” Jolly says with some pride. Their congregation was divided and would not take a clear stand against the O CA . After struggling with them, the Jollys left that congregation for another— still Luther an— whose minister was outspoken in oppos ing Measure 9. That minister eventually would officiate at Jolly’s covenanting ceremo ny, which joined her with her partner seven years ago. A n even more ironic example of foiled repression is Doug Sandstrom’s story. He was fully enveloped by the Nazarene church. When he was just 2 days old he was adopted into a pastor’s family, then after the death of his first adopted father, .. . We Are a Reconciling Congregation! We welcome everyone’s full partcipation in our church! k A IR O S -M lL W A U K IE U n it e d C h u r c h of C h r is t Morningside United Methodist Church 3 6 7 4 12th S t S E S a le m , O R 97302 -5 (located at the corner of 12th St & Harris in south Salem) Welcoming and Affirming of ALL people Advocates for Peace and Justice in the World Stewards of Creation A Multi-Cultural & Multi-Racial Church 5 0 3 - 3 6 4 - 5 0 1 3 * em ail: mumc@quik.com www.morning8ideumc.org Contemporary Service: 8:30am Sunday Traditional Service: 11:00am Sunday 5th Sunday Blended Service: 10:30am We invite you to participate in our community, to come to know us better and in the process deepen your own spiritual journey. 4790 SE Logus Rd • Milwaukie, OR 97222 503.654.6770 U n iv e rsity P a rk U n ite d M e th o d is t C h u rc h A Reconciling Congregation Proclaiming God’s Love and Celebrating Diversity in North Portland Nursery Sunday School First Congregational United Church of Christ Adult Education Fellowship W e would be delighted if you would worship with us at Warn Sundays Rev. Dr. Jeanne G. Knepper 4775 N. Lombard Street Church: 503-289-7843 • Pastor: 503-709-4107 At University Park w e not only respect but welcome diversity in race, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, economic status and profession W e believe all people are equal before God and entitled to God s grace and abundance Open Minds Open Hearts Open Doors The People of The United Methodist Church . Sunday Worship at 10:30am Portland First United Methodist Church 1838 SW Jefferson Street (at the Goose Hollow Max statioo) 5032283195 1126 SW PARK AVENUE 228-7219 An open, affirming church where everyone is welcome — straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Worship Service and Children’s Church School Sundays at 10:25 a.m.
