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Whether it was intentional or not, the campaign battle over the same-sex
marriage amendment officially began this week, with the article by
Katherine Kersten of the Star Tribune and the "Minnesota Pastors'
Summit" being held by a group called Minnesota for Marriage (one man-one
woman). These two events have sparked an enormous amount of controversy
in our area and ignited heated public opinion on both sides of the
issue. Be sure to read our follow-up coverage of this summit event in
our newsletter next week.
The following is an invitation to join the Reverend Anita C. Hill and
other concerned people of faith for a peaceful demonstration, Thursday,
November 10 near Grace Church in Eden Prairie from 7:30 - 9:00am.
"We are sending this letter to clergy, church staff and others we
believe share our desire for justice and equal civil marriage
rights/responsibilities for GLBT people in Minnesota. Anti-gay forces
(seeking a Minnesota constitutional amendment of exclusion) are
gathering steam through a 'Minnesota Pastors' Summit' being held by a
group called Minnesota for Marriage (one man-one woman).
The 'Summit' will be held all day Thursday, November 10 at Grace
Church in Eden Prairie. The speaker list includes Focus on the Family,
the president of the National Coalition of African-American Pastors, and
is supported by the Archdiocese here through a letter encouraging
Catholic Priests to attend.
Would you prayerfully consider two tasks/opportunities
For clergy only…
1. Will you join Pastor Anita Hill in attending the event to listen,
observe, and write a response commentary piece for publication? Clergy
registration is $20/person and includes lunch. See the online site for
registration.
For both clergy and concerned citizens/families…
2. Will you stand outside and demonstrate with members of the Catholic
Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities and Catholic Parents' Group from
7:30-9:00 a.m. as participants arrive at Grace Church? Will you send
this request to laity and friends who would also stand?
You can find out more at this website about the Minnesota Pastors'
Summit event, speakers, schedule, and registration
here.
Please let us know if you are able to take part. There is so very much
work to do just to keep the current negative status quo (which we don't
support!) in place over against the constitutional codification of
prejudice and discrimination in our state.
We look forward to hearing from you."
Peace,
Pastor Anita Hill
Pastor Paul Tidemann
Please show your support by attending this important demonstration of
faith!
When: Thursday, November 10, 2005 from 7:30-9 a.m. Where:
Corner of Spring Road and Pioneer Trail (in front of Grace Church,
9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie) Parking: In the ball field
EAST of the church on Pioneer Trail (approximately 2-3 blocks).
Follow the rainbow banners to the demonstration location.
Program: (Starts Promptly at 7:30 a.m.)
7:30 - 8:00 Vigil
8:00 - 9:00 Program of Speakers
Speakers:
- Phil Duran, OutFront Minnesota Legal & Policy Analyst
- Randi & Phil Reitan of Soulforce
- Anthony Winer, Professor of Constitutional Law at William
Mitchell College of Law
- Eric Strand, Pastor at Edina Community Church
- Doug Donley, Pastor at University Baptist Church
- James Gertmenian, Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church
- Michael Bayly, Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities
Next People of Faith Roundtable!
November, 28th - OutFront Minnesota and the Faith Family Fairness
Alliance sponsor a People Of Faith Roundtable at Shir Tikvah, 5000
Girard Avenue S in Minneapolis from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Are you interested in
working to ensure that faith communities and people of faith are working
together to create a powerful, unified movement for GLBT rights? Please
join OutFront Minnesota, the Faith Family Fairness Alliance, and many
others for a People of Faith Roundtable, a monthly meeting to organize
interfaith support for GLBT equality and opposition to the
constitutional amendment to bar all legal recognition of same-sex
couples. Please register today to attend the next People of Faith
Roundtable.
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