This Event Was Held June 8, 2002

This year's speaker is Rev. Irene Monroe, religion columnist and head teaching fellow of Dr. Peter Gomes (author of The Good Book).

Irene Monroe is a columnist, public theologian, and motivational speaker. As an openly lesbian African American theologian, she speaks for a sector of society that is frequently invisible. Her writings have also appeared in The Advocate - "A Garden of Homophobia" in the December 9, 1997 issue, and in the Boston Globe-"The Unacknowledged Roots of American Slavery" in the March 15, 1998 issue.

Presently, Reverend Monroe, writes for a biweekly column, "The Religion Thang", for Newsweekly, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender newspaper that circulates widely throughout the New England States that has received a commendation from the mayor's office, and a monthly column online "Queer Take" for The Witness Magazine, an Episcopalian journal that examines church and society in light of faith and conscience.

Celebration in Spirit is sponsored by the Gay Ministries Committee of the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County. Celebration of Faith has been a major supporter and contributor to these events.

For more information, contact Rev. Margo Tenold at revmargo@earthlink.net or call the Council of Churches office at 408-297-2660.