Rev. Dr. Norman Kansfield (1940-2024)

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 and her wife 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. He was found guilty of violating the “unity, purity, and peace” of the church, and removed from his roles in leadership. 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. Today, that work is Room for All and continues to be built on the foundation laid in part by Norm 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.

Notes of sympathy or condolence for the family may be sent to:

Ann Kansfield and Jen Aull
301 W 46th Street Apt 4B
New York, New York 10036