Inclusive Window

The window combines panels emphasizing light and openness with elements that refer specifically to the struggles to gays, lesbians, and transgendered Presbyterians. A red ribbon reminds worshipers of loss of members and friends to AIDS, and the rainbow flag inspires hope for liberation. The pastoral scenes are filled with light, reminding the congregation that Presbyterians participate in a theology that is reformed and always being reformed.

"In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave or free, male nor female." These words from Galatians 3:28 appear on one of the lower panels of the window.

The facing panel refers to the following quote adapted from those of the Rev. John Robinson, a Pilgrim pastor, in 1620. "We limit not the truth of God to our poor reach of mind -- by notions of our day and sect -- crude, partial and confined. No, let a new and better hope within our hearts be stirred, for God hath yet more light and truth to break forth from the Word through the Holy Spirit."

McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church in Champaign, Illinois, hosted the 1998 More Light Churches Network conference on Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24, 1998. Approximately 200 delegates attended.

During the conference, McKinley Memorial dedicated a new stained glass window with the theme of Inclusivity, complete with pink triangles and other symbols. We believe this is the first church window to reflect our struggles and history within the Presbyterian Church, USA.