April 4, 2001
URGENT!
Will you help bring truth in love to the Southern Baptists, June 11-13, in New Orleans? How many lives have been wasted, families divided, spirits crippled because of religious teachings that homosexuals are "sick" (in need of healing) and "sinful" (in need of forgiveness). Millions of Southern Baptists victims still live in closets of loneliness, guilt, and fear. The suffering must end.
See your own spirit renewed and your society transformed! Help Soulforce change the minds and hearts of Baptist clergy and lay leaders. They, too, are victims. Let’s bring them truth in love relentlessly.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
JOIN US IN NEW ORLEANS, JUNE 11-13, 2001
Come early (during the weekend of June 9-10) and enjoy the hospitality of this historic city. Then stay to do justice with us at the Southern Baptist Annual Meeting. Not just Baptists, former Baptists, or "recovering Baptists"… Everyone who will sign ourSoulforce Pledge to Nonviolence is welcome and needed!
SEND US YOUR PERSONAL STORY AND A PHOTO BY EMAIL OR POST
We will share the true stories of those who have suffered from antigay teachings. Your story will help! Write it in one page or less. Enclose a photo (by post or email). Give your witness to the tragic consequences of untruth (and to the wonderful results of truth in your life).
CONTRIBUTE TO SOULFORCE
These events cost Soulforce, Inc. tens of thousands of dollars (still cheaper than buying one full-page ad in a newspaper or magazine). Donate with a check, money order, or credit card by mail or donate online. All donations are tax-deductible. And the results are amazing!
SHARE AIR MILES FROM YOUR FREQUENT FLYER ACCOUNT
Free tickets make a huge difference to those who don’t have funds for transportation. Call us if you have air miles to share at 510-594-2401.
SCHEDULE IN NEW ORLEANS
FRIDAY – SUNDAY, JUNE 8-10, 2001 (OPTIONAL)
On your own in New Orleans. Rest! Relax! Hear Some Jazz. Enjoy!
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2001
SOULFORCE WORKSHOP:
HANDS ON TRAINING AT SOULFORCE CENTRAL IN NEW ORLEANS
You will be trained in the principles of nonviolent resistance. See dramatic videos and Power Point presentations of "soul force" at work. Sing the songs of freedom. Learn and practice the problem solving techniques of Gandhi and King. Take them home. Apply them in your town, in your church or synagogue, in your life.
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2001
VIGILS, TEACH-INS, MEDIA EVENTS AT THE SUPERDOME
No one will be asked to do anything that feels uncomfortable or inappropriate. Whatever you do (or don’t do) we guarantee that your life will be transformed just by being there.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2001
VIGIL, MEDIA EVENTS, DIRECT ACTION AND POSSIBLE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Don’t worry about being (or not being) arrested. We have NO civil disobedience planned, but if a nonviolent direct action is called for, you will be included at every stage of the planning and be free to join those being arrested (or those who stand in support). We are working with police and officials to be sure that everything we do will be done with love and respect.
PENCIL IN THESE OTHER SOULFORCE DIRECT ACTION EVENTS AT LARGE CHURCH CONVENTIONS IN 2001
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
August 10-12, 2001, Indianapolis, IndianaThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
October 5-7, 2001, Salt Lake City, UtahNational Conference of Catholic Bishops
November 12-15, 2001, Washington, DC
Thanks for your friendship and faithful support.
WE ARE GRATEFUL.
MEL WHITE & GARY NIXON, CO-FOUNDERS, SOULFORCE, INC.
P.O. BOX 4467, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92652
For information or to register on line: www.soulforce.org
For information or to register by phone:
Kara Speltz, Registrar: Phone: 510-594-2401
Laura Montgomery-Rutt, Media Contact: 717-951-7712
For email information: INFO@soulforce.org
For regular updates check the Soulforce web site.
PLEASE FORWARD AND/OR HARDCOPY THIS EMAIL, USE AS BULLETIN OR NEWSLETTER INSERT, DISTRIBUTE FREELY.