The Shower of Stoles: Silence Made Visible

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Shower of Stoles is a collection of nearly 1,000 liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people of faith. The traveling exhibit was created to honor these faithful people, many of whom have been forced to serve in silence or give up their ministerial credentials because of their sexual orientation. The stoles were on exhibit at the University of Indianapolis during the Spirit and Place Festival last month.

For a variety of reasons, many individuals who have donated stoles to the collection have done so anonymously. However, Bart Peterson chose not only to have his name read aloud as he presented his stole to the collection, but also included his name on the stole, itself, for others to see as it travels around the world. When asked why it was important to have his name associated with his stole, Peterson replied, "Hiding who you are takes a lot of energy -- especially when you know you will be judged in a negative way if people knew the truth. By continuing the silence, I would be continuing to misrepresent myself and, frankly, I would rather use that energy in other positive ways."

The stole that Bart designed and created represents his life in the ministry as he "came out" to himself as a gay man. It also reflects key elements of his life since surrendering his United Methodist clergy credentials in April 1998 after 13 years of pastoral service and membership in the South Indiana Conference.

The fabric used for the background of his stole is made from cloth cut from the liturgical robe he used as he began his ministry. It was inducted into the Shower of Stoles in a worship service Nov. 9 at North UMC as a part of the Spirit and Place Festival. The festival is an annual civic project of more than 100 events serving as an Indianapolis-wide conversation; this year, guided by the theme "Breaking Silence." Four other stoles from Indianapolis-area individuals from various denominations were inducted during the service as well. Bart is now a team leader with Eli Lilly and Company.

"Breaking Silence in the Church" was the subject of the Rev. James Lawson's sermon at North Church last month. At both worship services, Dr. Lawson spoke about the church's role in breaking silence about racism, sexual orientation and relational violence. On display in the church's parlor that day were 43 of the larger collection. Among them was Bart Peterson's stole.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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