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Quakers SUDDOI’t LGSDiOD founded on the beliefthat all people have “that
& G M - of God” in them. This belief shapes our
fly arr'ages worship, which is a collective experience of
_ by Betsy Nea_le _ _ silent waiting for spiritual leadings. These are
The Lexrngton Friends Meeting has. 101ned a usually expressed as spoken or sung ministry
growrng number 0t Quaker meetings that shared by individuals as they feel led. Visitors
have agreed to marry 165b13h/ gay couples. are always most welcome to join us. Worship
Lexington Friends will consider marriage is at 10am on Sunday mornings at the
requests from couples regardless 0t sexual Meetinghouse,1504 Bryan Ave., which is just
orientation who are active in the meetingThis inside New Circle Road. If you have any
d¢C1510h tOHOWS several years Of, StUdY_ and further questions, please call Betsy Neale at
d15cussrons of gay/lesbian issues including a 277—6101.
presentation by members of the GLSO Speakers _
Bureau and personal sharing by lesbian DI’ICIE WEEK IS A
members of the meeting. Because Quakers try '
to act out of spiritual leadings rather than Blg SUCCESS
rational decisions, they make their collective Lexington’s Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Pride
decisions only when the group is in unity. It Week was held June 3—15 and was a great
took several years and the painful resignation success in most ways. Most events drew
of one member before we were in unity on this crowds exceeding 100 people with the Fairness
decision. But the meeting at which the same— Campaign’s Pride Rally in Triangle Park
gender marriage minute was adopted was a attracting over 200 people and local news
joyous occasion. Quakerweddings are different stations. The best attended event was of
from conventional church ceremonies. The course the Pride Picnic at Woodland Park that
meeting witnesses rather than performs the drew almost 500 people on a rainy Saturday.
ceremony in which the partners marry each Although GLSO has sponsored Pride Picnics in
other in the presence of God at a Quaker the past at private farms, this picnic was the
meeting of worship. Once the couple marry, first public “family outing” in Lexington of this
the meeting carries a continuing responsibility type and magnitude. Lexington is coming of
for helping them and their children with any age. Kudos to all the many EXHAUSTED
difficulties they experience. Thus, Quakers people who made us laugh, cooked for us,
speak of being married “under the care of the entertained us and made us buy all those
meeting.” In addition, because marriage is a rainbow flags. (By the way, if you didn’t get
spiritual union, Quakers have never believed your very own temporary tattoo, Suzanne still
that a marriage requires the sanction of the has abox.) Thanks should also go to the many
state. local businesses who donated prizes and
Friends’ wedding and marriage traditions are materials for the eVents.