Erin

Photos

https://lgbtran.org/Exhibits/Stoles/photos/original/Photo909.jpg

Stole Text

ERIN

Roman Catholic

Toledo, OH

EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT,
LIMITED BY MY CHURCH

My journey to ministry in the Roman Catholic Church has been one of grace. I was not active in my church growing up. In college, I became active in Campus Ministry and it changed my life. I learned that God is love; that we are created in the image and likeness of God and therefore we have inherent dignity and worth.

Studying theology in graduate school and preparing to minister within my church was incredibly empowering. My course work opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world. I was introduced to liberation theology and social justice. I knew that I was called to be a campus minister. Then, I came out, and discovered what the Roman Catholic Church teaches about ''homosexuals''. I realized that my relationship with my partner is considered "intrinsically evil and objectively disordered". I have yet to discover how that label helps me to know that I am created in the image of God and have inherent dignity and worth.

Serving in official church ministry, I quickly discovered the limitations placed on me as a lesbian in a covenant relationship. My ministry became a difficult and painful cross. I loved the work I knew as a campus minister. I was in a graced place to help students struggling to find their places in the world as people of faith. I love my Church, and its social justice theology. However, the deep sadness of not being able to be fully myself, not being able to allow the people to know me, was degrading. To constantly have to play the pronoun game, to deny my relationship with the woman that I love, who has taught me what God’s love is, and what God’s Grace is, was too much.

I have left the ministry that I love because I could no longer stand living in constant dichotomy. I remain active in ministry outside the bounds of denominational politics and control. I am Empowered by the Spirit. I have answered my call. It is my church’s choice not to value the gifts of LGBT community brings to ministry, but I will stay faithful to the Spirit who calls.

 

Contribution Story

This stole was blessed and given to the Project at a special ecumenical worship service on November 4, 2007 in Toledo, OH.

David Lohman
Faith Work Coordinator
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources
Home of the Shower of Stoles Project
2007

Archival Record

Stole Number: 1116
Honoree(s): Erin
Donor(s): Erin
Geography: Toledo, Ohio (USA)
Faith Tradition: Roman Catholic Church
Donation Date: 2007

Citation

“Erin,” LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed March 28, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/1019.