Gay Christian in the Land of Jesse Helms
 Stan Kimer and his partner, Rich, at the March on Washington |
There are eighteen denominations and eight independent churches across North Carolina (representing over 60,000 congregations and 1.5 million congregants) that make up the North Carolina Council of Churches. NC is not known for being wildly liberal; so how did an out gay man (not even an ordained clergy person) representing one of the state’s smallest denominations get elected President of the Council? And can you imagine the reaction from Christians across North Carolina – not to mention what crazy things far right-wing bloggers had to say?
 Stan Kimer in Amman |
Our guest on June 26th is Stan C. Kimer, a long-time resident of North Carolina (his family having moved to Raleigh in 1970). After retiring last year from a thirty-one year career at IBM, he founded his own consulting practice, Total Engagement Consulting. His areas of expertise include career road-mapping/skills development; organizational effectiveness/ project management; and diversity management with a specialization in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) workplace and marketplace.
In addition, he enjoys speaking and presenting workshops on diversity and leadership development. He is active in leadership roles in dozens of community and civic organizations, serving on the city of Raleigh’s Human Relations Commission, as Chair of the Metropolitan Community Church’s Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Team, and as President of the North Carolina Council of Churches.
 Stan started a vocational school while visiting Mtito Andei, Kenya last summer. |
After a trip to Kenya last year, Stan provided the seed funding for a vocational school to be built in one of the most economically depressed parts of that country. The Triangle Business and Professional Guild recognized Stan in 2003 with their Professional of the Year award.
In this discussion, Stan will share
- what the North Carolina Council of Churches is and does
- his own personal journey, which led him to the position of President, and the lessons he has learned
- the positions and actions the Council has taken in the area of LGBT inclusivity
- his vision for the Council during his service as President
- the outrageous reactions of ultra right-wing bloggers to Stan’s election