In recognition of the harm that stigma has caused gay people, a group of clergy have come together on a journey to understand what God would have them do. Meeting informally at first, we eventually called ourselves the People Together Network (PTN). We have gathered eight times a year for the last several years and represent these faith groups: United Church of Christ, American Baptist Churches, Episcopal Church, Christian Church (Disciples), Presbyterian Church (USA), Jewish Reform, Evangelical Lutheran Church, and United Methodist Church. A small grant from a national foundation was received, making it possible for us to secure resources, attend retreats, and sponsor leadership for events. Over time, pastors in our group have moved from the area to new ministry roles. Interestingly, most are still in contact with us … our cheerleaders! As new colleagues arrived and felt comfortable joining the group, they were assimilated into the effort. The purpose of our gatherings is not to debate but to be caring and understanding advocates for gay people and their families. Currently we have twelve clergy.

Members of PTN are learning a lot from each other. This honest and open collegiality has enhanced our ministry in significant ways well beyond discussions of human sexuality. As one pastor said, “There are those groups I am obliged to attend; I come to this one because I want to.”

PTN is still developing and learning, but we would offer these insights. Gay sexuality seems to be perpetually “just beneath the surface,” whether it is in politics, religion, or education, and regularly in everyday conversation.

Too often it is regressive. Unfortunately there is a negative progression in attitude that needs to be interrupted; indeed, there is need for grace and mercy. The escalating stages are as follows.

Knowingness: Each of us would like to be “open-minded” and ready to learn. Gay sexuality is at best a blessing, or at least a non-issue. Misunderstanding: It does not take long for misinterpretation, benign as it may seem, to cause ill will, a.k.a. “Love the sinner and hate the sin.” It is possible at this stage to change minds and move toward understanding gay sexuality.

Anxiety: In this period of quiet, personal, internal debate and dialog, there is an unsettling clash of values. It is hard for many to assimilate new scientific knowledge or to take the time to objectively look again at the Bible. An attitude develops that fosters phrases like “Those people.”

Fearfulness: Anti-gay jokes are often an indicator that there is a struggle to accept the reality of gayness. People defuse an inner fear with verbal offenses against gay people and their allies. Dialog about gay sexuality is threatening. Many in this stage do not have a gay person as a true friend.

Abuse: Hatred is now outwardly announced with verbal threats and bullying. It is manifested in organized protest and political maneuvering. Gays are no longer seen as equals.

Violence: Gay persons as a group are more often the victims of physical attack than other groups. It seems permissible to do harm because gays are not seen as people. Many remember the case of Matthew Shepard of Laramie, Wyoming.

It is not easy to interrupt this cycle of abuse. But we all must try. We are a transition generation that is being called upon to move forward with a healthier understanding of human sexuality. It is good to see that the next generation is showing signs of more tolerance than we expressed.

The good news is that God is not done with us yet. Indeed, God’s patience is well known. So we offer to you our desire to bring a degree of understanding to a very difficult issue. There is no need for fear, let alone abuse, of folks who, through no fault of their own, are the recipients of such angst. North Central PA is a good place to be. Let us model a style of reconciliation that’s befitting to our great Creator and the beauty of our place of living.

Many blessings to the following participants and supporters:

The Rev. Clara Benson, The Rev. Gwen Bernstine, The Rev. Eric Deibler, Rabbi Serena Fujita, The Rev. Ann Graves, The Rev. Darlene Little, The Rev. Dr. Sharon Littrell, The Rev. Dr. Robert Manzinger, The Rev. Charles Mercer, The Rev. Ken Wagner-Pizza, The Rev. Tom Reeder, The Rev. Larry Waltz, and The Rev. Ken Weiss.



Over time the PTN has confirmed a few facts:

•In any given congregation, one in four extended family constellations has a child, grandchild, aunt, or uncle that has come out of the closet. That is 25% of congregational family life! These families often have to hold that fact a secret!

• Approximately 8% of a given population is gay. That means there are over 25 million gay or lesbian Americans!

• Gay sexual orientation is universal. It does not matter whether the population group is American or Asian, black or white, male or female, poor or rich. The same percentages appear.

• Sex is tough to talk about … especially gay sexuality. We have neglected to deal with it in a healthy way. Over the years we have set ourselves up for the current explosive debate. It is all going to take time to sort out.

• Wonderfully, the Bible endures and continues to be of great inspiration to all who read it with a loving heart. This is especially true for gay people of faith. People are looking again at the personalities, writers, and context of the biblical record.

• We are learning a new language and sharpening some definitions: What is the difference between “orientation” and “preference”? Is the word “gay” used in reference to male or female … or both? How are we now to understand the theology of “creation”?

And the list goes on. Might gay folks be giving us new insights into “spirituality”? And the list goes on.





Ministries of the People Together Network



• Bible Study: “A Transformative Approach”; “Gay Spirituality”

• Resources: making recommendations for understanding gay sexuality

• Counseling: referrals to open and sensitive counselors

• Curriculum: adult Bible study and directed dialog sessions

• Participation in an American Psychiatric Association panel to share the story of PTN

• Providing resources for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

• Collaboration with Lycoming and Penn College young adults

•Encouraging support for the local Gay Men of Faith

• Connecting with allied groups inLewisburg, Mansfield, and State College

• Sponsored a three-part conference with Dr. Scasta, member of the American Psychiatric Association, and Dr. & Mrs. Campolo dialoging on understanding gay sexuality Denominational leaders dialog Helping professions seminar (invitational: doctors, school guidance counselors, teachers, lawyers, clergy)