Raydon and Betty Workin of Fargo were "outed" on the front page of their local newspaper in 1988.
Their son, Joel Workin, and two other seminarians were denied ordination into the newly created Evangelical Lutheran Church in America because they were openly gay.
Joel told his parents he was gay in 1985. But when he found himself at the center of national controversy, the news went beyond immediate family and friends.
"He had met the love of his life," Betty said. "All he wanted was to love and be loved and to share his life with someone."
Joel and his partner had a commitment ceremony. Raydon and Betty learned they weren't ashamed of their son.
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Faith helped them as they experienced the support of some friends and the desertion of others.
"Without faith, you have nothing," Betty said. "When Joel came out, we prayed and asked questions. We're waiting for everyone else to come this far."
Joel died in 1995 of AIDS.
He never saw his dream of gays and lesbians being ordained by the church.
"I think the church loses a lot of people with a lot of talents and skills," his mother said. "People like Joel."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
