... seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
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... seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). |
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MEDIA RELEASE
More Light Presbyterians announces "Victory 2006" campaign
MLP to train dozens of Presbytery organizers, promote creation of local
chapters, encourage fair and non-hostile dialogue on gay/lesbian concerns
September 27, 2004
The board of directors of More Light Presbyterians (MLP) today announced a broad-based strategic plan for victory on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) concerns within the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). The plan seeks victory for the Gospel, victory for the Church, and a legislative victory for LGBT equality at the next Presbyterian General Assembly in 2006 and throughout the Presbytery overture voting cycle in 2006-2007.
As part of this multi-year campaign for victory, More Light Presbyterians will:
- Recruit and train a national network of Presbytery organizers and deputy field organizers, who will work with grass-roots supporters to bring information and dialogue on LGBT concerns directly to Presbytery meetings and Presbyterian elders.
- Promote the creation of additional More Light Presbyterians chapters, strengthen existing chapters, and provide specific written, communications, and mentoring resources to all chapters.
- Organize a series of 2005 More Light regional conferences to offer support, networking opportunities, resources, training, and spiritual nurture to grass roots supporters of LGBT equality.
- Promote the peace, purity, and unity of the Church by encouraging and training MLP supporters in constructive dialogue, story-sharing, and information-sharing skills.
"For decades, the church has called for prayer, discernment, and dialogue on gay and lesbian issues," noted MLP co-moderator Donna Riley, "yet too often these calls for action have been met with inaction. Today, More Light Presbyterians has rolled out an action plan designed precisely to meet these calls. We're not going to wait for our elected leaders to come talk to us -- instead, we're coming to talk to them."
"The Victory 2006 campaign seeks victory for the entire Church," remarked co-moderator Erin Swenson. "The PCUSA's institutionalized discrimination against LGBT people has caused decades of unnecessary suffering and cost our denomination some of its finest leaders. It's time to put an end to the anti-gay provisions of the Book of Order once and for all, and declare victory over the affliction of G6.0106b."
"I'm pleased and excited to be a part of this multi-year initiative," commented MLP Field Organizer Michael Adee. "It's a great opportunity for Presbyterians everywhere to get involved and make the PCUSA stronger by strengthening the denomination's commitment to equality. I look forward to working with our More Light chapters, both new and established, and with a broad group of Presbytery organizers as we all seek victory in 2006."
Media Contacts:
Donna Riley, Co-Moderator, 413-584-7935, dmriley@alumni.princeton.edu
Erin Swenson, Co-Moderator, 404-312-5677, erin@erinswen.com
www.mlp.org
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