Your daily Letter to the columnist — Dec. 5, 2011
Wikimedia Commons
‘Straight’ talk from a devoted member of ‘the gay church’
Thank you Dan for the beautiful article about Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge. I was the first heterosexual to join 25 years ago after being disillusioned with traditional church. I was one of the first Deacon’s ordained at MCCBR and today I am Deacon Emeritus.
I feel so blessed to share this special anniversary with my LGBT brothers and sisters as we live God’s inclusive love. I am 77 years old and a retired Fine Arts Librarian at Roanoke Public Library with 38 years service.
I first attended MCCBR in October 1987 at the Unitarian Church and was baptized, along with my son, and became a member in January 1988. Later that year I became a member of the Church Board.
In April 1992 I was ordained Deacon after a year of study. This year on April 10, 2011 I was consecrated Deacon Emeritus by Rev .Joe Cobb.
I am so thankful that MCCBR has made it for 25 years and I am proud to be associated with the LGBT community and my service with the church. I look forward to the anniversary celebration this weekend.
I am fondly known as “Miss Mama.” This came about when so many of our congregation had lost touch with their Mother because they were “Gay” and have adopted me as Mother.
God Bless You,
Irene Stanley
Deacon Emeritus, MCC of the Blue Ridge
ROANOKE
December 5, 2011 - 1:30 PM
You rock Deacon Irene Stanley! Amen!
Emerita.
Kristen is getting all latinny on us.
I thanked her for her testimony and reflections of the church and I will thank her again. This is the stuff people are just not made of these days. Could you imagine joining a “gay” church in the 80′s as a heterosexual? This woman speaks volumes in a world that still hestitates to embrace anyone that is not their own. She has been a guiding light to the church and defines character that is not visible enough in the tapestry of our culture. Thank you Miss Mama and Thank You MCCBR.
Miriam…it’s not my most popular quality. :/
When the church finally got to the status they could use deacons, there was two originally ordained, Miss Mama, a straight woman, and the other a gay man.
@5 Kristen, popularity has always been over-rated…it requires entirely too much time spent on hair, money on clothes, knowledge of completely inane stuff and avoidance of people that can truly enrich your life. So there.
When I think of courage, I think of Miss Mama and the other brave pioneers for LGBT equality who weren’t afraid to be quite visible right here in Roanoke some twenty-thirty years ago. Their courage should always be the foundation and catalyst for our continuing struggle against outright oppression against our community. While we have come far, we have so far to go here in Virginia(..the state for lovers…??)and yes..that includes right here in Roanoke. Here’s to Miss Mama and to all who believe in full equality for everyone !