CLOSER CONNECTIONS
Hsheviile. North Carolina
Decern per, 1566
We were so fortunate to have Mrs. flrny Ashworth as our speaker at
the Ninth Anniversary Dinner. Arny, who spoke at CLOSER’s first
anniversary dinner, is the dynamic mother of £ gay sons, one of
whom died of AIDS in 19S7. While here, Arny was interviewed by
Paul Johnson of the Asheville Cit izen , Kirn Ellis of the
Green1ine. and Lynette James of WCQS Public Radio. Theo B. made
a video of the evening, which he is donating to CLOSER’S
1ibrary.Because of this, Amy’s messages were able to get to a far
wider audience than the current CLOSER family. In case you
missed her, or in case you weren’t taking notes, here are a few
quotes:
■'The Christ I know and the God I know never mentioned the ilth
commandment, ’Thou shalt not be gay and lesbian.’ ...This is just
one of those things where the Church isn’t educated ...Love is
God’s greatest gift. He created people so that man and woman
could love, where parents and children could love, where man and
man could love, and where woman and woman could love. Just as
much as he likes diversity in people, he likes diversity in love.
...If parents don’t stand behind their children, who will?
...People with AIDS teach us that it isn’t how long we live, but
it is how well we live ...You have one choice available to you;
The choice to be open and honest or the choice to lie and hide."
THANKS
Thanks to everyone who helped make the Ninth Anniversary a
wonderful success— and that means every one of the over iiO
people who attended Special thanks to Dr. and Mrs, Ben Streets,
Jr., who financed Amy’s trip, the whole Streets family for
hosting her visit, and David and Ben Streets for arranging it.
Special thanks also to those whose hard work resulted in a
beautiful Parish Hall, to those who helped set up and those who
helped clean up. It takes lots of people, but how rewarding to
participate:: Richard and Tom (Rich—Tom Florists) for the
elegant flower arrangements and candles. Bill A. and crew for
setting up, Theo for videotaping, and everyone who helped clean
up, including the dishwashing crew of Angela, Cindy, and Joan.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations, love
beinq awarded the 1988 Ci_OSER Humanitarian Award.
, and appreciation to Ben Streets III
f o'r
Seldom does
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