2008 Friend of Caucus Award
presented
to
Chuck
Boyer
by Carol Wise
Every
once in awhile the universe tilts in a particular
direction and there emerges an individual who
combines in one person characteristics that are
rare enough in their singularity, and even rarer in
their combination -- the prophet and the pastor;
the pacifist and the activist; the gentle-hearted
and the determined one.; the peace-maker and the
disturber of the peace. These characteristics,
along with a healthy dash of humor, humility and
good nature, are all contained in the person of
this year’s Friend of Caucus award, Chuck Boyer.
Caucus is right to give this award to Chuck Boyer.
Chuck has consistently practiced that good feminist
tradition of taking stories and lives seriously;
especially those that are usually absent from the
public arena – the stories of women, immigrants,
refugees, civilians in times of war, lgbt and
non-white people, the economic poor, and those on
the margins. He understands that basic feminist
principle that the personal is indeed political and
is willing to open his heart and mind to the
experience of another, even thought it might mean
learning something painful about the structures and
practices of the world.
Throughout his life, Chuck has supported women and
those on the margins in part by refusing to place
himself constantly on center stage. In other words,
he has used his position to open up space for
others to fill – an act not only of humility, but
also of an intentionality that mirrored his concern
for genuine social justice. He did this for me as a
young pastor at La Verne, and for countless other
women and young people during his time on
denominational staff, in his role as a pastor, and
in his interactions with friends, colleagues, and
family.
There are so many things that I love and admire
about Chuck – his laugh that would erupt and
consume nearly his whole body, his genuine anger in
the face of injustice, his honest and caring
inclinations, his ability to put people at ease and
call forth the best in them, his courage in the
face of personal struggle and challenge.
I had the good fortune to hear the former vice
president, Walter Mondale, speak at a conference.
In the course of his presentation, Mondale spoke of
the great social movements that have happened in
history and changed the face of this nation. He
reminded us that the achievement of great things -
of things that really matter and make a difference
in the lives of people and nations - has always
required individuals and communities who were
willing to take great risks.
Mondale lamented the lack of such leaders in
today’s world. But the COB has one in Chuck Boyer.
He has been a consistent advocate for peace, a
champion for women, a hero to lgbt people, a friend
to all of those who have found themselves at the
margins of respectability and power. In the face of
much resistance and often trying circumstances,
Chuck has maintained his integrity, his courage and
most of all, his gentle and good heart.
It is an honor and joy to present this year’s
Caucus award to Chuck Boyer. As many of you know,
his health makes it difficult for him to be here
this year. I am pleased to announce that his
granddaughter, Irene Beltran is here to accept on
Chuck’s behalf.
Carol Wise
July 2008
*
Chuck's Friend of Caucus gift is a specially
commissioned song written by Shawn Kirchner and
performed at the Luncheon by Mike Stern and Peg
Lehman. Lyrics and audio of the song will be posted
as soon as we get it -- stay tuned on this
page!