THE NORRIS / SOETENGA LEGACY FUND
TAKE A STAND FOR LGBTQ+ INCLUSION IN THE CHURCH OF GOD
Honoring two people who called the church toward justice, welcome, and conscience – and inviting you to continue their work.
A CHOG AFFIRM INITIATIVE
In the history of the Church of God Reformation Movement, there have been many whose lives have spoken bravely and consequentially. There are also those who live more quietly, with determination to live and teach in relational and life-changing ways. We honor two such persons – not as monuments to past, but as a call to the present.
M. LaVern Norris, PhD
University Professor
Vern took very seriously the words of Jesus: "unto the least of these." This instruction, along with Vern's strong desire for everyone to experience "the abundant life," fueled his passion for social and economic justice and equal opportunity for all persons. For over 50 years, he advocated for a more welcoming, supportive, accepting, and inclusive stance for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rev. William Soetenga
PASTor
Bill's life exemplified the call found in the book of Micah: to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. A pastor who taught, preached, practiced, argued, and lived on behalf of a more loving, more human, a healthier understanding of the church in its relationship to those who are maligned and often denied recognition as Christians.
why a legacy fund?
Because of their living commitment to the health, safety, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, this fund is established by CHOGAffirm in their names. It is an invitation to carry forward what Vern and Bill modeled: that faithfulness requires action, that conscience is not silent, and that the church's best instincts — freedom, welcome, honesty — are worth sustaining.
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The Legacy Fund supports CHOGAffirm's full mission: advocacy, pastoral support, resource development, community building, and the creative witness that makes the presence of affirming people in the Church of God undeniable.
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All people are sacred and beloved, created in the image of God.
HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS USED
COMMUNICATION
Website hosting, social media, newsletters, podcast, and other public-facing updates that keep the conversation visible.
EVENTS
CHOGFEST, art exhibits, potlucks, Anderson Pride, and other gathering spaces for connection and witness.
RESOURCES
Curricula, print materials, a forthcoming book project on affirming perspectives in the Church of God.
PASTORAL CARE
Support for ministers and families navigating credentialing actions, institutional responses, and isolation.
CONTINUE THE LEGACY
BECOME A CHOGAFFIRM PARTNER. YOUR RECURRING GIFT SUSTAINS THE WORK VERN AND BILL BEGAN.