Rev. Dr. Linda Patrick
Stole Text
Rev. Dr. Linda Patrick
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Indiana
As a Closeted Lesbian, I served as a senior pastor of a mid-sized congregation and worked as a teaching pastor in the Indianapolis area. I had just received my Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Theological Seminary when I came OUT in 2000.
Later that year, my judicatory “lost” my personal file, including my contact information and all documentation that I had ever attended seminary, been ordained, or served the church as a pastor.
For years, I heard nothing from our Region. I had been in Search and Call, hoping to be called to a new parish, but communications quit coming. I gave up seeking a church as I had to make a living, and returned to my previous vocation as a registered nurse.
Finally, in 2010, it came to my attention that I no longer had standing in Indiana. When I made this discovery and petitioned our Region for reinstatement, I was told that, now that I was OUT, I was not eligible for be re-instated as Clergy with Standing and, hence, barred from serving as clergy in any of our churches. Three O&A congregations, along with previous professors and pastors petitioned on my behalf for my reinstatement. Finally, in 2013, when the Church in Indiana dropped the ban, ordaining LGBT persons, my standing was reinstated.
Even though I had been effectively silenced for thirteen years at the height of my ministry, I have returned to church life. I am actively serving as a retired pastor, volunteering to lead a ministry team at Central Christian Church, where my wife and I are members. We are also active members of the GLAD Alliance.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Indiana
As a Closeted Lesbian, I served as a senior pastor of a mid-sized congregation and worked as a teaching pastor in the Indianapolis area. I had just received my Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Theological Seminary when I came OUT in 2000.
Later that year, my judicatory “lost” my personal file, including my contact information and all documentation that I had ever attended seminary, been ordained, or served the church as a pastor.
For years, I heard nothing from our Region. I had been in Search and Call, hoping to be called to a new parish, but communications quit coming. I gave up seeking a church as I had to make a living, and returned to my previous vocation as a registered nurse.
Finally, in 2010, it came to my attention that I no longer had standing in Indiana. When I made this discovery and petitioned our Region for reinstatement, I was told that, now that I was OUT, I was not eligible for be re-instated as Clergy with Standing and, hence, barred from serving as clergy in any of our churches. Three O&A congregations, along with previous professors and pastors petitioned on my behalf for my reinstatement. Finally, in 2013, when the Church in Indiana dropped the ban, ordaining LGBT persons, my standing was reinstated.
Even though I had been effectively silenced for thirteen years at the height of my ministry, I have returned to church life. I am actively serving as a retired pastor, volunteering to lead a ministry team at Central Christian Church, where my wife and I are members. We are also active members of the GLAD Alliance.
Contribution Story
Archival Record
Stole Number: 1183
Honoree(s): Rev. Dr. Linda Patrick
Donor(s): Rev. Dr. Linda Patrick
Geography: Indiana (USA)
Faith Tradition: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Donation Date: 2015
Citation
“Rev. Dr. Linda Patrick,” LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed April 19, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/1098.