For his faithfulness, courage, and guiding light


** We're forever Friends of Norm.
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On February 27, 2024, Rev. Dr. Norman Kansfield joined the great cloud of witnesses.

It was Norm’s courage that ultimately brought Room for All into existence. In fact, our organization’s original name was “friends of Norm.” And indeed, we remain friends of Norm. He was a theological giant, and a man of incredible integrity. He will be deeply missed.

When he officiated the wedding of his daughter, Ann and her wife, Jen in 2004, Norm changed the Reformed Church in America. For the oldest Protestant denomination in North America, this is no small accomplishment. Then serving as the president of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and as a General Synod Professor of Theology, Norm was placed on ecclesiastical trial by the RCA General Synod.

In the months leading up to Dr. Kansfield’s trial, Reformed Church in America members, ministers and friends realized the need to stand with him for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within the life and ministry of the church. Though, in the end, Norm was found guilty of violating the peace, unity and purity of the church, a period of “don’t ask, don’t tell” had ended.

Through these events and others, the need was made clear for a voice of full inclusion, that a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach will not ultimately serve the church in communicating God’s love for all people.
For a man so gentle, so kind, and so warmly welcoming, these charges would have been laughable if they hadn’t been devastating to Norm, his loved ones, and countless queer people across the RCA.

Norm’s orneriness wasn’t quelled by this trial. Along with his family and many friends, they grieved, and they got to work. A small group continued to meet over the summer of 2005 to discern how best to move forward. Today, their work is the foundation of ours, laid in part by Norm's faithfulness almost 20 years ago.

We are honored to be a part of his legacy, and mourn alongside his wife Mary, daughter Ann Kansfield (Jennifer Aull), son John Kansfield (Melissa Marks), and grandchildren John, Grace, and Jackson.

Well done, good and faithful servant.
Friends who wish to send notes of condolence can do so to: Ann Kansfield and Jen Aull
301 W 46th Street Apt 4B
New York, New York 10036


** Will you be our Valentine?
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New designs have been added to ShopRfA, with lots of options for cards and postcards in our Valentine's collection! Part of the proceeds of your purchase directly impacts our work. Share a little love this season, and thank you for your ongoing support!

Visit ShopRfA ([link removed])


** Join us for Lenten Reflections
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Calling all Mary Oliver devotees: we'll be connecting her Devotions to the sacred season of Lent, using the The Poetry of Lent resource by the SALT Project. Join Program Manager Mitch each Tuesday at 4 PM EST from February 13th - April 2nd, 2024.

Register Here! ([link removed])

If you are unable to attend the meetings but would like the resource sent to you, reach out to [email protected].

Currently serving as Co-Pastor of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI,
we're excited to welcome Rev. Eric Barnes to the RfA Board!

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