This evening, I received news about the death of Paul Tideman, 76, who died early this morning, July 26, of a heart attack in Minneapolis. Lynda, Paul’s first wife, asked that this news be shared with those who knew him during his work with EI/OE/ICA, 1967-1980. Rick Deines, who was a close friend of Paul’s since their first meeting in 1963, has provided some key information to share about his life. Paul played a pivotal role played with the Local Church Experiment when it commenced in 1970. Between 1981 and 2006, Paul was pastor of St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran in St. Paul, MN. During his time there he played a leading role in bringing the church universal (ELCA, ecumenical and interfaith) to an new awareness and relationship to GLBT realities. His writings and action on this and other human rights issues, including race and poverty, were pioneering endeavors. His missionary time in Guyana was a key reference point for him about global care throughout his entire life. Paul was married to his second wife, Janet, for 30-some years. Though she had Parkinson’s during the second half of their time together, and experienced radical health decline in recent months, Paul and Janet continued to bring depth and insight to this and all situations they encountered. A full obituary with information about service arrangements will follow. Grace and Peace, Terry Bergdall