Chicago Theological Seminary

GILIBIT Notes at CTS

For more than 40 years, Chicago Theological Seminary lambda literary Award has welcomed and supported gay, lesbian, bisexual and On May 2, 2002, Ken Stone,associate transgendered faculty and students. As CTS continues to professor of Hebrew Bible at encourage theological scholarship and "cutting edge" Chicago Theological Seminary, thinking about gil/bit interests and concerns, it is pleased received one of this year's Lambda to announce these recent events and accomplishments. Literary Awards for editing, Queer Commentary and the Hebrew Bible. Castaneda Scholars Named In addition to serving as editor of the Castaneda Scholars for the 2002-2003 academic year volume, Stone was one of several were announced, May 9, at the Gilberta Castaneda writers who contributed an essay to Scholarship Dinner. it. The international team of contributors to the volume also included Chicago Theological Seminary faculty members: Theodore Jennings, Jr.; Laurel Schneider; and Robert Bond, Kalamazoo, MI, Tat-siang Benny Liew. completed his first year at CTS as a M.Div. student. He is affiliated with Published in the United States by Pilgrim Press and the Universal Fellowship of internationally by Sheffield Academic Press, Stone's Metropolitan Community Churches, volume tied for the award in the "Religionl _a-r.ld serves as ir-lte.r-im-pastQr-witf:1-a-A _Spiritualit.y:' category. Ibe ju.Ii.e,Uamb..claLiterary Awards MCC Congregation in Battle Creek, are given out annually by the Lambda Literary Foundation Michigan. in order to promote excellence in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered publishing.

Phyllis Z. Pennese, Summit, IL, is a lIG/B/T Religious Archives Network Established at CTS second-year MDiv. student. In CTS is proud to announce the establishment of the UG/BIT addition to her involvement at Trinity Religious Archives Network. This network coordinates and United Church of Christ, she is a supports the identification, collection and preservation of patient, family and community the personal and organizational records of the gay and services supervisor with Advocate lesbian religious movements in the U.S. These records are Hospice. made available, using digital technology when possible, for scholarly research and to encourage historical study of The Gilberta Castaneda Scholarship is designated for self- the gay, lesbian, bisexual and religious identified gay, lesbian, bisexual or trangendered students movements in the U.S. who show exceptional promise for ministry. It is an expression of the seminary's commitment to inclusion and The seeds of the UG/BIT Religious Archives Network were justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people planted in the spring of 2000 in conversations between in church and society. CTS faculty and administrators and long-time GLBT religious activist Mark Bowman. CTS's interest in This year's Castaneda Lecture, Receptivity and Revelation: expanding its GLBT studies program converged with A Spirituality of Cay Male Sex, was presented by Scott Bowman's extensive experience in the GLBT religious Haldeman, assistant professor of worship. movement and resulted in a plan to explore the feasibility If you would like additional information about how you of a GLBT religious archive. Initial funding for the UG/BIT Religious Archives Network has been provided by the can support the Gilberta Castaneda Scholarship Fund, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the please contact the Rev. David Pattee, associate vice UCC Wider Church Ministries and the Riverside president for development, at 773-322-0621 or [email protected]. Church Sharing Fund. For more information, see the website, www.lgbtran.org, or contact Mark Bowman at [email protected] or 773-322-0290. Perry elected CTS Trustee hundreds of organizations and programs serving the At the spring 2002 meeting, the Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In was elected to the CTS Board of Trustees. Perry is the February 2002, Thistlethwaite and Minar attended an founder and moderator of the Universal Fellowship of event held at the Center for Creative Leadership in Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC). Since its Springs, Colorado, which included leadership establishment in 1968, UFMCC membership has grown, training and dialogue on matters of faith and the gay, despite opposition, adversity and persecution, to more lesbian, bisexual and transgenderedcommunity. A second than 44,000 people in over 300 congregations in gathering will take place in Washington, DC this summer. 17 countries around the world. It is through this visionary ministry that the Rev. Elder Troy Perry has become an Heyward-Boswell Society internationally recognized spiritual leader and activist for As a CTS organization, The Heyward-Boswell Society the civil rights of g/Ilblt people. We are excited to have (HBS) is the outreach and support group for the lesbian, him join our CTS community. gay, bisexual and transgender community and their supportersat CTS.HBSstrivesto bring its prophetic gifts of CTS Leaders named to 's Faith witness and education in proclaiming God's work and call Leadership Council in all lives, regardless of , beginning PresidentSusanThistlethwaite and Vice PresidentThomas with this community. Throughout the academic year, HBS Minar were named to the Gill Foundation's Faith maintains a strong presence at CTSthrough leadership in Leadership Council. The Gill Foundation-founded by Wednesday worship services, educational programs, and Tim Gill-annually provides philanthropic support to social events.

I am learning that with God nothing is impossible if we just step out in faith. I know that my fears and reservations have delayed God's plan for my life and ministry. I am thankful to God for providing CTS where my talents are appreciated and I can become better equipped to fulfill my life's purpose. Robert Bond

About Chicago Theological Seminary Chicago Theological Seminary is a graduate school committed to preparing students for transformative leadership and ministry within the context of religious and secular issues that influence the daily lives of individuals and communities. Founded in 1855 and the oldest institution of higher education in Chicago, CTS seeks to be an international force for greater justice and mercy. The degree programs encourage academic excellence and free inquiry, and focus on leadership issues that foster cooperation between communities of faith and other community-based organizations working to transform lives and neighborhoods. A seminary of the United Church of Christ, CTS currently enrolls 235 students from more than 22 traditions. Chicago Theological Seminary has a long tradition of innovation and openness to religious diversity. CTS is home to a ten-year-old GlBT studies program, and its faculty, students and staff include a significant number of openly gay, lesbian and bisexual persons.

For additional information about glltb/t events and programs at Chicago Theological Seminary, contact the Rev. Matthew J. Smucker in the Office of Development and External Affairs, 5757 S. University Avenue, Chicago,IL 60637;773-322-0260,[email protected].