Acknowledgments

ACTING OUT LOUD draws on the collective wisdom of scores of clergy, theologians, researchers, writers, activists and organizations, whose work is referenced throughout this guide. We are particularly grateful to the clergy we interviewed for this project, who shared their experiences about full inclusion efforts in their congregations. Their ideas and insights have richly informed this guide. We acknowledge and thank them for their contributions:

• Rev. Carol Anderson (retired), All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills, CA

• Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers, Wedgewood Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC

• Rev. Verlee Copeland, Union Church of Hinsdale (UCC), Hinsdale, IL

• Rabbi Edward Feinstein, Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA

• Rev. Jude Geiger, First Unitarian Congregational Society, Brooklyn, NY

• Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson, Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, Dallas, TX

• Rev. Dr. Miriam Leupold, First Presbyterian Church, Albany, NY

• Pastor John Meulendyk, Zion Lutheran Church, Ferndale, MI

The Religious Institute is grateful to the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund for its generous support of this project.