Dear Supporters of Soulforce
Soulforce will be in Phoenix June 15 – 18 during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting (SBC) to once again address the spiritual violence committed against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people by their anti-gay policies and teachings and promote a message of hope and love instead.
Religious freedom allows the SBC to be as bigoted as they choose to be against GLBT people. Fortunately, freedom of speech allows us to speak another message of hope and love for God’s GLBT children, as we seek to change hearts and minds both inside and outside their church.
And in Phoenix, we need your support to once again spread that message of hope and love.
SUNDAY – MONDAY (June 15-16) -Start-up, Forming, or Established Local Group Training
A two-day training for local group participants, leaders, and anyone interested in starting a local group anywhere in the country, will be conducted on Sunday and Monday, June 15th and 16th – just prior to the Phoenix action.
The training will cover nonviolent resistance, the Soulforce process, and grassroots organizing (including topics such as leadership development, organizational structure, coalition building, public speaking, media training, establishing goals/objectives, and understanding the current social/political climate, and more). The training will be facilitated by Jean Holsten and Karen Weldin. Register to attend on the Phoenix, SBC registration form.
MONDAY EVENING (June 16) Press Conference, Rally, and Soulforce Training
While Soulforce is in Phoenix, we would like to publicly recognize that there are dozens of GLBT-supportive clergy and houses of worship in Phoenix during a "joint" press conference with the signers of the Phoenix Declaration. Our goal is to promote the PRO-GLBT religious message Monday night, prior to the official start of the SBC to counter their anti-gay rhetoric.
We are also planning a rally and non-violence training by Rev. Mel White and others for Monday night June 16 after the press conference, the location as yet to be determined.
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (June 17-18) – DIRECT ACTIONS and VIGILS
We will conduct vigils in front of the convention center on Tuesday and Wednesday during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.
We need you to make sure the SBC message doesn’t go unchallenged.
HOTEL
Soulforce Central will be at the Days Inn – Phoenix Airport, 3333 East Van Buren. There is a free airport shuttle, a fitness area, pool, coin-op laundry, etc.. and plenty of space for us to meet!
The cost is only $44/night plus tax. Call 602-244-8244 for reservation – group name Soulforce.
website link: Days Inn Phoenix Airport
weather link: Weather Underground: Phoenix, Arizona Forecast
The hotel is 3 miles from the SBC convention site, but on a direct bus route. Buses leave every 15 minutes and cost $1.25 exact change each way, so bring extra quarters!!!
Please register at www/soulforce.org/sbc0603/register.shtml . We will keep you updated as changes are made and the schedule is developed.
We look forward to doing justice with you!
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