Martha Juillerat, Director of the Shower of Stoles Project, reflects on recent developments toward a more just and inclusive society.

This essay was originally published in the newsletter of Voices of Sophia.

NOTE:  This was written before the Episcopal national convention. Martha was there and actively involved in some of the events.  She promises to share her thoughts on that amazing event soon.

Two sweeping actions have taken my breath away recently. First, by a 6-3 vote a relatively conservative Supreme Court struck down the sodomy laws of Texas and all other states with such laws. In what has been called one of the most significant decisions since the civil rights movement, the court effectively decriminalized the behavior of mutually-committed same-sex couples in the privacy of their homes.

It is fortunate that the Supreme Court did not turn to the Presbyterian Church for its wisdom on this matter. The church might have said, "Wait. The people of Texas are not ready for such an action yet. The time is not yet right."

That very same week an equally stunning action was announced: Wal-Mart, that bastion of conservatism, sexism and Byzantine labor practices, added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy. In so doing Wal-Mart joined most of the Fortune 500 companies in recognizing that flagrant discrimination against GLBT persons is just plain bad for business.

It is fortunate that Wal-Mart did not turn to the Presbyterian Church for its wisdom on this matter. The church might have said, "The time is not right. Wal-Mart shoppers are tired of hearing about this. They just aren't ready to agree with this new policy."

Historically, churches have always been well behind society on civil rights issues, but I am confident that some day the Presbyterian Church will catch up with the likes of Wal-Mart, the Supreme Court and the Canadian government as well. However, it will take more than just waiting patiently for the Presbyterian Church to begin moving in the right direction. It will require bold action, an uncompromising commitment to justice and a visionary, prophetic witness on our part.

The Shower of Stoles Project remains committed to the work of justice. We invite you to become a part of this work. For more information about arranging for a display of the Shower of Stoles in your church please visit our website at www.showerofstoles.org.

The Shower of Stoles is a collection of hundreds of liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons from twenty-one denominations in five countries. Each stole contains the story of a GLBT person who is active in the life and leadership of their faith community in some way: minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator or active layperson. This extraordinary collection celebrates the gifts of GLBT persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.