SOULFORCE UPDATE:
Trial of United Methodist minister, Rev. Beth Stroud
The United Methodist Church will be conducting another trial in the upcoming months in the Philadelphia / Eastern Pennsylvania Area. 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.
Soulforce, Inc is planning on conducting a National Direct Action, a non-violent protest of the spiritual violence committed by the United Methodist Church. This trial is a spiritual assault against all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, both inside and outside the church.
A trial date has not been set, but the United Methodist Church must give at least 20 days notice. We should hear something with the next couple of weeks.
When the date and exact location of the trial are set, you will be informed and encouraged to participate in this Soulforce National Direct Action, which will include Soulforce Direct Action Training.
Exact plans will also be released at a later date. We hope you will consider joining us.
For additional information, see:
The Advocate: http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=13291&sd=08/04/04
Planet Out: http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=13291&sd=08/04/04
Associated Press: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pmupdate/s_206400.html
Thank you,
Soulforce, Inc.