Signature Stole (Tabernacle United Church, Philadelphia PA)

FOR ALL OF THE RAINBOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUND SANCTUARY, COMMUNITY, FAMILY, VOICE AT TABERNACLE UNITED CHURCH.

AND GOD SAID I SET MY RAINBOW IN THE CLOUDS AND IT SHALL BE A SYMBOL OF THE COVENANT BETWEEN ME AND YOU AND WHEN THERE ARE CLOUDS OVER THE EARTH I WILL SEE THE RAINBOW AND REMEMBER MY EVERLASTING COVENANT WITH YOU.

Genesis 9:12-17

This signature stole is one of twelve stoles, three of them signature stoles, given to the Shower of Stoles collection by Tabernacle United Church in Philadelphia.  All twelve stoles are similar in size and style.  The three signature stoles are white and the nine individual stoles are purple; most have matching pastel flannel binding on the ends of the panels.  (Note: A "Signature stole" is one that is covered with the signatures of both gay and straight members of a congregation, denominational governing body, or other organization.  These stoles serve the dual purpose of showing support for LGBT persons, while also protecting their anonymity by including their names as "one among many.")

Tabernacle's other two signature stoles are relatively unadorned.  This one, though, is striking.  One side honors all the "rainbow people" who have found a home at Tabernacle, acknowledging a number of them only by their initials.  The other side is emblazoned with a bold statement of hope for these unnamed "and many more" who have found sanctuary and voice at Tabernacle.

Tabernacle United Church, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian union church located adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania campus, has a long history of activism, from its community organizing and support of a school for Black children in the mid-1800's to its more recent history of sanctuary in support of Central American refugees, peace activism, and outspoken advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.  Tabernacle is both a More Light and Open and Affirming congregation, working for the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life and leadership of the church.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006