FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Presbyterian Welcome www.presbyterianwelcome.org, 917-441-8638
2095 Broadway, Suite 308, New York, NY 10023
Contact: Rev. Mieke Vandersall, 917-441-8638, pastormieke@gmail.com
October 5, 2011
On November 10, Presbyterian Welcome will present its 2011 Faithful Servant Award to three exceptional leaders in the movement for full inclusion of all people — without regard to sexual orientation and gender identification — in the life and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Honorees are the Rev. Tricia Dykers-Koenig of The Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Patrick Evans of Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music, and the Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen of the Presbytery of New York City.
The event will be held at 7:00 PM, November 10 at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, 7 West 55th Street in Manhattan. Tickets begin at $50 and can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/p6QF8x
The Rev. Mieke Vandersall, Minister Director of Presbyterian Welcome, says,
“For the LGBTQ movement in the Presbyterian Church, this has been a watershed year because of the passage of Amendment 10-A.” The amendment replaces exclusive language in the Book of Order, the church’s governing Constitution. “Amendment 10-A puts equality on the books,” Vandersall added, “it is now in the hands of the church’s leadership to make it a reality.”
The Faithful Servant Award recognizes the remarkable and inspirational leadership for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the world. Previous honorees include the Rev. Barbara Lundblad, the Rev. Dr.Mark Hostetter, Doug Nave and Christine Quinn, all leaders for LGBTQ individuals in church and the world.
Tricia Dykers-Koenig is the National Organizer for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. She played a critical role in the passage of Amendment 10A and has worked tirelessly for LGBTQ Presbyterians for over a decade. The Rev. Dr. David Colby, Board Member of The Covenant Network of Presbyterians says “For many long years, Tricia kept a laser focus on what was needed to change the ordination standards in the PC (USA). She was pragmatic and strategic at every stage, keeping her integrity and compassion intact through perceived victories and losses. The passage of 10-A could not have happened without the hard work and perseverance of so many faithful people. Yet it is particularly appropriate to honor Tricia and celebrate her efforts as we pray that the church will embrace this new reality.”
Patrick Evans, Associate Professor in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and Minister of Music at Broadway Presbyterian Church, serves the LGBTQ movement in the Presbyterian Church through music: song, musical liturgy, composition and education. Says Michael J. Adee, the Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, “Patrick has faithfully and joyfully taught our pro-LGBTQ movement how to sing and worship our way into justice. Internationally recognized for creation and leadership of affirming worship, Patrick is a remarkable organizer and advocate for LGBTQ equality. During the 10-A struggle, he adopted his home state of Alabama for outreach and 10-A won in that state in no small part because of Patrick.”
Anna Taylor Sweringen, a native New Yorker and graduate of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, provided critical public witness that contributed to the recent passage of the New York State Marriage Bill. “Anna was the heart and soul of our work for marriage equality in Queens,” says Kate McDonough, Lead Organizer of the Empire State Pride Agenda. “She gave tirelessly of herself and was crucial to the change of hearts and minds of key leaders in Queens. Her commitment and dedication to LGBTQ equality and justice is truly inspiring.”
Rev. Vandersall extended a personal invitation to the celebration, “The Faithful Servant Awards is our one party of the year, and for a great cause. Not only do we get to meet and celebrate our heroes, it’s a wonderful occasion to support each other, network and make new connections for the important work ahead.”
Presbyterian Welcome, a 14-year old ministry with offices in Manhattan, represents 20 Supporting Congregations in the tri-state area, as it works with local congregations to support, educate and equip persons to combat homophobia, exclusion, and bullying in their churches, communities and schools.
In addition, Presbyterian Welcome offers active support to scores of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person across the country who are actively pursuing ordained ministry in the PC (USA), providing a network of community, guidance, and strategic counsel on a continuing basis.
Presbyterian Welcome works for the full participation of individuals in contexts of faith, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. As followers of Christ, convinced by Scripture, we labor for a world where all persons might live into the calling that God has placed in their hearts. We are a resource, training current and future leaders of church and society. Presbyterian Welcome is based in New York City and supported by member congregations and individuals.
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