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As a child, Rev. Holmes walked the halls of the Rayburn House Office Building with her father, a laborer who carried ice to members of the U.S. House of Representatives as they listened to congressional testimony.
As an adult, she carries the credentials of a clergyperson with Metropolitan Community Churches, the world's largest and oldest Christian denomination with a primary, affirming ministry to LGBT people, and wears the identity badge of a federal employee of the Government Accountability Office.
And in testimony before the U.S. Congress, in the same halls she explored as a child, Rev. Holmes carried the powerful and hope-filled stories of LGBT people who still work and wait for the day when full human equality is realized for all U.S. citizens.
"We have been amazed," said Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, "by the scope of history-in-the-making that Rev. Holmes has been part of in recent weeks."
First invited to the White House on June 17th of this year, Rev. Holmes was among the Oval Office guests as President Obama signed the extension of limited benefits to federal employees. Only 12 days later, the President invited Rev. Holmes to attend the White House Pride Reception on June 29th, along with Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches, and Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, vice-moderator of MCC.
"Rev. Holmes has demonstrated the power of personal witness and integrity," continued Rev. Wilson. "While it is true that justice delayed is justice denied, it is also true that Rev. Holmes is a perfect example of the power of hanging in there and never losing hope. Her personal dedication and witness are making a difference in Washington, and beyond, and will effect some of the changes we are looking for as a people."
In detailed and moving testimony, Rev. Holmes emphasized that the only difference between her loving, committed relationship and that of her heterosexually-coupled colleagues is this: "The Government to which I have devoted 33 years of my working life will not honor my partnership."
Though she has devoted a life-time to government service, Rev. (continued on page 2)
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