Clergy Call for Justice & Equality, Washington DC, Apr 16 - 17

Focusing upon lobby visits with Congress, we will meet with our representatives to call for the end of discrimination by lobbying for ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects LGBT persons from discrimination in the workplace. We will also lobby for the passage of hate crimes legislation that is inclusive of hate crimes against sexual orientation and gender identity.

I have been invited to serve with the contingent from New Mexico as well as the national representative from More Light Presbyterians.

This historic Clergy Call for Justice and Equality, a Gathering in the Nation's Capital on April 17 is being sponsored by HRC's Religion and Faith Program. By HRC's Religion and Faith Program, we are being called to: "Join clergy from around the country to raise public awareness of the need for Congress to pass legislation to combat hate-motivated violence and end workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The time is right for the passage of these bills and clergy can make the difference."

Calling for Equality in Church and Society

More Light Presbyterians remain wholeheartedly committed to: spiritual equality, ordination equality and marriage equality for LGBT persons and their families. Working to end discrimination in civil society against LGBT persons and their families is in harmony and supports our initiatives to achieve spiritual, ordination and marriage equality within the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Calling for Participation

For More Light Presbyterians in or near Washington, DC, you are welcome to join us for an Interfaith Celebration, April 16, 7 PM - 9 PM, All Souls Church, 1500 Harvard Street NW, Washington, DC. You are also welcome to join us for the Clergy Call for Justice and Equality gathering April 17, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Holiday Inn on the Hill, 425 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC. The press conference is set for 10:30 AM. Congressional lobby visits are 1 PM - 5 PM.

For more information, to register for this Gathering - www.hrc.org and go to the "Religion and Faith" section

Calling for Presbyterian Voices, Dreams & Prayers

I want to ensure that as many Presbyterian voices, wishes and dreams related to LGBT justice and equality as possible get expressed during this historic gathering, rally and lobby day in Washington, DC. Please do send your thoughts, wishes and dreams about LGBT justice and equality to me at michaeladee@aol.com so that your voice can be lifted among others in Washington, DC on April 16 and 17.

Please join More Light Presbyterians in prayer for this gathering, rally and the Congressional lobby visits that indeed it will become clear to all that LGBT Americans continue to be denied full, equal, civil rights and protections afforded to heterosexuals and that this reality is unjust, unfair and immoral. Now is the time for equality. Now is the time for justice.

May the prayer from the ancient Hebrew prophet Amos be fulfilled on April 17 in our Nation's Capital: "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

with hope and grace,
Michael

PS - please join us in prayer for this rally for LGBT justice and equality, and if you want to share your voice, wish or dream for April 16 -17 send it to michaeladee@aol.com

Learn about other celebrations and events that will be going on April 15 - 17 in Washington, D.C.