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Can art change and heal the world? While we are used to thinking of art as a response to injustice in society, art can also initiate new ways of caring for the world.

Founded by a Presbyterian pastor who was forced to resign her call when she came out as lesbian in 1995, the Shower of Stoles is a collection of over 1000 liturgical stoles, each one bearing a story of someone called to ordained ministry who could not serve in that capacity while being authentically themselves. The whole collection represents the loss of the leadership of thousands of gifted pastors from thirty-one denominations and faith traditions in six countries on three continents. Portions of the collection were on display at ELCA synod and Churchwide assemblies for years.

I’ve used my position as a straight pastor to speak and write and work to overturn rules that kept my LGBTQIA siblings in faith from their callings. More than just scraps of fabric and some stories, this art installation helped change a church and shape my vocation. I hope you have encountered similar examples of creativity that have prodded you to actively live your faith.

This message is excerpted from faith reflection “Art activism” by Susan Schneider in the June 2023 Café online magazine. Today we commemorate Justin, martyr at Rome, c. 165.