The Saint Mark Acceptance of God's Diversity Award & Recipients

The award, first presented in 1998, honors an individual or group who has made an extraordinarily courageous effort valuing justice and supporting diversity beyond that which is normally encountered and can include efforts that

• have focused attention on helping others learn about the diversity of the community in regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, physical capabilities, socioeconomic status, and/or religious affiliation;
• have encouraged the acceptance, respect, and appreciation of diversity;
• have encouraged others to discuss the barriers that exist in celebrating diversity and developed strategies to eliminate those barriers within the community;
• have involved participation in or promotion of multicultural activities;
• may have been singular in nature, but are nonetheless inspirational, powerful, and indicative of the God-like nature of the individual or organization regarding their acceptance of diversity.

Previous Recipients:

• 2011 Dr. Jesse Peel in recognition of his 30 years as a community leader in the fight against AIDS
• 2010 Derrick Martin and Vandy Beth Glenn in recognition of their struggles and triumphs while seeking acceptance at home, school, and work
• 2009 Julie Arms for work within the greater United Methodist Church supporting inclusion
• 2008 Jackie Watson for supporting LGBT rights within her workplace and within the greater
• 2007 Mike Beecham for creating and continuing to direct Seasons of Love, a fundraiser for the Chris Kids Rainbow Program
• 2006 Henry Thompson for continuing support in helping assure that Saint Mark welcomes all people
• 2005 Michael Prudent, Craig Pigg, & Cooper Prudent for modeling a new definition of family for the greater Atlanta community
• 2004 State Representative Jill Chambers for courage and strength in valuing LGBT rights by her vote in the Georgia legislature
• 2003 Rev. Phil DeMore, United Methodist District Superintendent, for his support of Saint Mark during the critical time of ministerial change
• 2002 Jeff & Patti Ellis for their support of parents of LGBT children through their Family Acceptance website
• 2001 Ronald Moore for his support of LGBT issues at Hewlett-Packard and in the Atlanta community
• 2000 Harry Knox, Executive Director of the Georgia Equality Project
• 1999 Rev. Jimmy Thompson, United Methodist District Superintendent, for his support of Saint Mark during the initial increase of LGBT members in the 1990's
• 1998 Dow & Marjorie Kirkpatrick for their lifelong work supporting diversity - racial, cultural and LGBT
• 1997 Dr. Mike Cordle