Hello there -- Theo, CR's administrative assistant, here! The sodomite/lesbian advocacy group, UM Called Out, has given out information concerning the availability of rainbow stoles to those who will wear them at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church meeting in Pittsburgh PA from April 27th through May 7th, 2004! The stoles will be given free to delegates who will wear them. Others will be charged a fee to help offset cost of materials. Below are some details.

From UM Called Out [address: umcornet@yahoo.com]

The Parents Reconciling network (PRN) announces a Stoles Project for General Conference 2004. All who feel called to witness on behalf of the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the life of the church are urged to join with us in wearing a rainbow stole. The Parents Reconciling Network will hold a commissioning ceremony of the stoles and their wearers at the beginning of General Conference, with daily, rolling commissioning on subsequent days as volunteers arrive.

The stoles are made of a rainbow flame-like ribbon print on one side and white terry cloth on the other, measuring approximately 40" by 5". PRN is seeking volunteers to sew the simple stoles. Patterns and materials will be provided to anyone who wishes to help. Other reconciling groups who wish to join this witness can obtain the pattern and material ordering information as well. Interested parties should contact Helen King by e-mail or phone: weking@duke.edu or 919- 403-1169.

It is PRN's plan to provide rainbow stoles free to sympathetic delegates. All others will be charged $5.00 to offset the cost of materials and production. We solicit your help and participation in this significant witness. You can help by sewing or by underwriting costs for the stoles!