Member Spotlight

Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn

At Healing Spirit Metropolitan Community Church, Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn preaches acceptance and respect for all people. As a Christian minister and a lesbian, Nancy knows how important this message can be. As her family has moved through Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, Nancy and her long-time partner Barb have experienced the ugly face of prejudice in death threats and verbal assaults. Although most of these negative experiences have been responses to her sexual orientation, prejudice can come in other forms. “I have been ostracized from some family members for being gay, and from some gays and lesbians for being Christian.”

Despite these experiences, Nancy does not believe in just preaching to the choir. “I realize that promoting and accepting diversity also means engaging those with whom I disagree. If I want others to hear my point of view, I must be willing to hear theirs as well. True diversity means that I can listen respectfully, while at least agree to disagree.”

As part of promoting diversity, Nancy became a Board member of the Diversity Council and a facilitator for the Prejudice Reduction Workshops. In addition to sharing her own experiences, Nancy hopes to learn from the many diverse people in our community and help to build bridges between people of different communities.

Nancy says, “It is wonderful to be back home in Minnesota! I know that the GLBT community is far from embraced here, but it’s wonderful to live in a city where we are at least tolerated, where we don’t have to be afraid. I am committed to working toward the day when Rochester becomes not only accepting of all people, but truly embraces and celebrates our diversity!”

Nancy is currently working on her D.Min. (Doctorate in Ministry) at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nancy and Barb recently celebrated eighteen years together. Their son is a seventh grader at Kellogg Jr. High School.

1130 1/2 7th St NW, Suite 204 , Rochester, MN 55901 · Tel: 507.282.9951 · Fax: 507.282.9964 · info@diversitycouncil.org

Diversity...It's all about respect.