Plans include Vigils, Signs, Banners, Pictures, Speakers, Youth Study Guide and more, June 14-16, 2004
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Soulforce MEDIA ALERT, June 13 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Montgomery Rutt
Cell 717-278-0592 email:Laura@soulforce.org
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(Indianapolis) – For the 5th year in a row, Soulforce volunteers will be a presence at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting to hold Southern Baptist leaders accountable for statements and practices against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people. The pastor’s convention and annual meeting is being held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, June 14-16, 2004.
WHO: 100 Volunteers from Soulforce, Inc., a national interfaith organization committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people.
WHAT: Soulforce will be holding vigils, passing out information, and inviting people to hear an evangelical woman speak about the suicide of her lesbian daughter.
WHERE: In front of the Indianapolis Convention Center – Monday – Wednesday, June 14-16
WHEN: Vigils begin each morning by 8am, Mon. – Wed., June 14-16, and follow the times that Southern Baptists will be exiting and entering the Convention Center.
Speaker Mary Lou Wallner will be telling her story Monday, July 14 at 8:30am, 1:00pm, and 5:15pm – outside the convention center on Maryland Ave. at the Capitol Commons Park. She is an evangelical Christian whose lesbian daughter committed suicide.
Soulforce youth will be distributing a 48 page study guide throughout the event geared toward Southern Baptist youth, entitled: Christian Youth – an Important Voice in the Present Struggle for Gay Rights in America.
WHY: The purpose of this action is to empower GLBT people, change the hearts and minds of the Southern Baptists, and to let gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people inside and outside the church know that God loves them just the way they are.
Although no civil disobedience is planned, those who wish to participate must take part in a nonviolent civil disobedience training being held at the Comfort Inn and Suites, 530 South Capitol Avenue, on Monday night, June 14, at 6:30 pm.
MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Vigils will be held with signs, banners, and pictures of Southern Baptist leaders who perpetuate untruths about GLBT people. Media are encouraged and welcomed to attend any of the events.
For more information, see www.soulforce.org. For media interviews, call 717-278-0592.