SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE BY THE UNITED METHODIST (UM) CHURCH CONTINUES….
THE TRIAL OF UM MINISTER REV. BETH STROUD, December 1-3, 2004 in Eastern Pennsylvania
JOIN SOULFORCE IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TO VIGIL WITH BETH’S SUPPORTERS from First United Methodist Church of Germantown, the Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network
(November 11, 2004) The United Methodist Church will be conducting another trial, December 1-3, 2004 in Eastern Pennsylvania. Rev. Beth Stroud, minister of First United Methodist Church of Germantown came out as a lesbian in a committed relationship in a sermon April 27, 2003. Additionally, Beth and her partner Chris had a committment ceremony at Tabernacle United Church in October of 2000.
Soulforce will be present at the trial, which is taking place at Camp Innabah , near Pottstown Pennsylvania. Our plans are to vigil along side of supportive members of First United Methodist Church of Germantown, members of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, and members of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
No civil disobedience will take place, however, we will be wearing our Soulforce shirts/sweatshirts and carrying Soulforce Banners.
Please consider joining us to show your support for Beth, to bring attention to the spiritual violence being committed by the United Methodist Church, and to stand up against our own oppression, while renewing our spirits and empowering others to do the same.
Please let us know you are going to be joining us by registering online.
If you are unable to join us, please consider supporting us financially and help us to end spiritual violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
Soulforce is a national interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. We teach and employ the nonviolent principles of Gandhi and King to the liberation of sexual and gender minorities. www.soulforce.org