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| Mission Statement |
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 Presbyterian Parents of Gays and Lesbians, Inc., is not involved in: |
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RESBYTERIAN Parents of Gays and Lesbians was founded in 1994 in Dallas, Texas, by Jane C. Loflin, the mother of a gay son.
EALIZING the pain and isolation many parents experience upon
first learning their child is homosexual, Loflin saw a need for a ministry
with mothers and fathers within the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) in
which parents could come together to share their experiences in an environment
of concern, compassion, and spiritual nurture. Early in 1993, Loflin
invited a group of clergy and lay leaders in Grace Presbytery to assist
her in creating a model plan for such a pastoral care ministry. In a
few short months, her vision became a reality when Presbyterian Parents
of Gays and Lesbians formed a Board of Directors under founding
President Rev. Charles Taylor. Loflin became the organization's Director.
There are currently five Presbyterian Clergy, elder, and lay members
serving on the Board.
HE first meeting of parents was held in May, 1994, at Westminster
Presbyterian Church, Dallas. Other groups soon formed in Dallas, TX;
La Cañada/Glendale, CA; Raleigh, NC; Seattle, WA; Albany/Watervliet,
NY; and Norwalk, CT. Currently, the only group that remains active is
in Dallas.
LTHOUGH PPGL was founded as a support group for parents who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the organization has always welcomed, and now includes, parents of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. PPGL is supported by contributions from congregations and individuals as well as by parent participants.
ACH chapte r of PPGL provides regular meeting opportunities that encourage parents to share their own experiences, when ready, so that parents may help one another toward understanding, acceptance and affirmation of themselves and their gay and lesbian children. Privacy and confidentiality are honored. Meeting conveners and leaders are carefully trained and are always parents of gay or lesbian children.