On April 30, 2008, delegates to your General Conference meeting in Ft. Worth, Texas, voted to keep these words in their Book of Discipline: "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching." Since 1972 United Methodists have used these words to deny lesbian and […]
Church Work
Gil Caldwell: Of Rights and Rites
Of Rights and Rites By Gilbert H. CaldwellSpecial to the Star-Telegram Eight years ago, at the age of 66, I was arrested at the United Methodist General Conference in Cleveland. I was arrested twice: first as part of a demonstration outside the meeting place, and later with my fellow United Methodist clergy and lay persons […]
Black Clergy Allies to Show Support for LGBT Methodists
As UMC Commemorates the End of Segregation, Panel Reflects on Racism and Heterosexism in the Church ******************************************SOULFORCE MEDIA ADVISORY: April 23, 2008For Immediate Release Contact: Paige Schilt, Media DirectorCell: 512-659-1771paige@soulforce.org ****************************************** On Sunday, April 27, delegates to the United Methodist General Conference will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of official segregation in the church. Created […]
Christian Youth: An Important Voice in the Present Struggle for Gay Rights in America
by James Deaton, Jamie McDaniel, and Jacob Reitan Order This 48-page booklet was prepared especially for the Soulforce action at the Southern Baptist Convention. It contains two Bible studies, an article on the failings of ex-gay ministries, open letters to Southern Baptist youth from young Christian leaders in other denominations, and more! Free DownloadYou can […]
Soulforce Events Urge Methodists to Open Hearts, Minds, and Doors
UM General Conference Can Make a Historic Shift Toward Justice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People ******************************************SOULFORCE MEDIA ADVISORY: April 11, 2008For Immediate Release Contact: Paige Schilt, Media DirectorCell: 512-659-1771paige@soulforce.org ****************************************** In 2006, the highest court in the United Methodist Church granted sole authority to local United Methodist pastors to deny church membership to lesbian and […]
Jay Bakker to Join Gay and Transgender Families at Austin Training
Son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker Will Preach at Local Church on February 24 ******************************************SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: February 15, 2008For Immediate Release Contact: Paige Schilt, Media DirectorCell: 512-659-1771paige@soulforce.org ****************************************** What: Jay Bakker, son of noted evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, will join gay and transgender families from across the country in Austin on February 22-24. […]