[4-26-04]

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of Hudson River has voted to certify that Raymond Bagnuolo, web spinner for That All May Freely Serve, is ready to seek a call to ordained ministry.

Janie Spahr of TAMFS has issued a statement expressing gratitude for this action.

That All May Freely Serve wishes to extend our most profound gratitude to the members, Session, and Pastors of South Church in Dobbs Ferry and to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of Hudson River as the committee voted to certify Raymond Bagnuolo, our web TAMFS spinner and resident prophet, as ready in all respects to seek a call to ordained ministry. As God continues to call gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons to serve this church, we are thankful to those governing bodies who do not act to thwart God's spirit.

We have experienced first-hand Ray's tremendous gifts in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and his technological wizardry. Regular visitors to this site will know of Ray's eloquence and passion, which ignites in us a fervor to act boldly with and for all marginalized people. Because of his tender heart and compassionate spirit, Ray insists on naming the violence, so that it may end.

When he called with the news, Ray said, "It appears that the fires of justice burn unevenly across this church," referring to the committee that so recently voted to deny the remarkable gifts of our own Lisa Larges. For these and many other reasons, we are all the more grateful for Sessions, Committees, and Presbyteries who choose to follow the risen Christ with grace and courage.

We are overjoyed that the call to ministry of our deeply faithful, loving brother Ray has again been affirmed, and we are determined in our commitment to work for the day when all may freely serve.