When The United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference took a historic step toward inclusivity by removing discriminatory language and policies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, Rev. Dr. Rebeka Maples responded by launching a new project with her sewing machine.
“I wanted to do something to celebrate this historic moment in the history of The United Methodist Church, more specifically, the West Ohio Conference,” said Maples.
The changes included eliminating phrases such as “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,” removing the ban on ordination and appointment of “self-avowed practicing homosexual clergy,” and ending penalties for clergy officiating same-sex weddings.
For the West Ohio Conference, these changes are especially meaningful. Angie Cox, a married lesbian and local pastor, will become the first out lesbian ordained as an elder in full connection in West Ohio since the new legislation took effect. Cox had been denied advancement to ordination six times over six years, but after the ban was lifted, she learned she would finally be ordained in May 2026.
To honor this milestone, the “Good Trouble” clergy stole project was launched. Maples designed and created 80 stoles. Each clergy stole features sacred images in rainbow colors—crosses, doves, chalices, hearts, trees of life, and the Pride flag—symbolizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The reversible stoles, made with both liturgical and rainbow fabrics, each carry a tag: “Good Trouble. Angie Cox, UMC 2026. Sew Seeds of Kindness.”
Maples gifted 80 stoles to Cox for distribution to supporters who aided her ordination journey. Each stole was prayed over during its creation, offering spiritual encouragement and solidarity.
“The stoles themselves are such a tremendous blessing, especially since they allow me, in some small way, to thank some of the people who have journeyed with me through so much over these years of seeking ordination,” Cox said. “And yet, for me, the greatest blessing is Rebeka and all of the love and encouragement she has poured into me. These stoles are visible and tangible pieces of so much that can never be measured, and I am so grateful to be able to share with others.”
Maples, an ordained clergy member with a PhD in political science, began the project after the General Conference’s policy changes. She had previously led the “Sew Seeds of Kindness” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, making and sending over 200 stoles as tokens of kindness to clergy women. For the “Good Trouble” project,
The stole project celebrates the determination of UMC advocates for justice and inclusion. As Cox’s ordination approaches and the UMC moves forward, the “Good Trouble” stoles mark this important change.