About PRN
We believe that God calls us to support fellow parents and other family members of persons who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+).
PRN began in 1999 when Bruce and Virginia (Ginny) Hilton, both United Methodist pastors and parents of a gay child, brought parents together. They aimed to present a visible witness of parents in support of ending the denomination’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance and provide their LGBTQ+ children the same rights as cisgender, heterosexual United Methodists at The United Methodist Church’s 2000 General Conference.
Since the 2000 General Conference, PRN has been advocating for our LGBTQ+ children and for their full inclusion in the United Methodist Church. PRN as an extension ministry of the Reconciling Ministries Network continues to offer support and walk along the journey of parents and their LGBTQ+ children.
PRN is best known for the creation and distribution of rainbow stoles that have been worn by Reconciling United Methodists at general conferences, at annual conferences, and in local congregations as a sign of support for the full inclusion of all in the UMC. PRN continues to walk alongside and support parents of LGBTQ+ parents.
Whether through virtual sessions on Zoom or working with parents in the development of support groups of parents of LGBTQ+ children in local congregations, the work of PRN will continue. As we move into the future, PRN will continue to reach out to and support parents of LGBTQ+ children in the UMC and in any other expressions of Methodism that develop.
We invite you to consider your role in this continued advocacy and support for parents and their LBTQ+ children that all may know they are loved and beloved children of God.
PRN Board
Members of the PRN Board are available to offer help and support to parents of LGBTQ children. Feel free to contact them with your questions.
Janet Duke
Austin, TXPage Hines
Haslet, TXJennifer Jue
Jackson, MIJoy Leet
Stanley, NYAudrey Myers
Elizabethtown, KYChris Pepple
Germantown, TNWendy Smith
Lincoln, NEEric Swanson
San Diego, CARexanna Swanson
San Diego, CARebecca Lile
Waynesville, NCKevin Thomas
Tuscaloosa, ALCheryl Vaughn
Austin, TXLois Ann Murray
Columbus, OHJulie Wood
Winston-Salem, NCGender Identity 101
We’re delighted to share some information about Gender Identity 101 with you. The video below takes you to the first video, but here’s a link to the whole playlist.
All participants have agreed to be recorded and to share these recordings with you.
Rainbow Stoles
Rainbow stoles have been a part of United Methodist Annual and General Conferences throughout the U.S. since General Conference 2004, worn by those committed to full inclusion of lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and queer person in the life and policy of The UMC.
Signifying the diversity of God’s ordained kin-dom, PRN volunteers have faithfully made over 7,000 stoles for General Conferences in 2004, 2008, and 2012 and at RMN convocations in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2019.
Strong Family Alliance
Parents Reconciling Network partners with Strong Family Alliance, a multi-faith organization saving lives and preserving families by supporting parents and children coming out. RMN holds events open to the whole Reconciling movement including guided conversations, virtual worship services, speakers from around the connection, and more. You’ll find upcoming events here.
For More Resources
For more resources to help you better support your LGBTQ+ loved ones, click to access RMN’s Resources Library, or find us on Facebook.