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California Faith Work Steaming Up

Over the holiday weekend, media in California took a new look at developments around religion and LGBT equality. See HRC's Back Story for a collection of these stories, including an interview with Harry Knox, the director of the Religion and Faith Program, and Samuel Chu, the executive director of California Faith for Equality.

LGBT advocacy and the Obama Administration

On June 29, 2009, Harry Knox attended a White House reception marking the 40th anniversary of Stonewall and LGBT Pride Month. Read his reflection on the event and his thoughts on LGBT advocacy at this historical juncture.

In The News

Faith Response to Police Brutality in Fort Worth

Rev. Dr. Stephen V. Sprinkle, associate professor of practical theology at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, and close adviser to HRC's Religion and Faith Program, is speaking out for the LGBT community in the wake of the Rainbow Lounge Raid on June 28, the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. Sprinkle, an out gay scholar and ordained Baptist minister, has called for an independent investigation into the Fort Worth Police Department and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) raid on the bar.

Twenty patrons were manhandled, cuffed and questioned by officers, seven were arrested and at least two were injured while in the custody of the TABC. One of them, Chad Gibson, 26, of Euless, Texas, suffered a brain injury from the harsh treatment he received from TABC officers. Sprinkle (pictured), along with organizers with Queer LiberAction, is also calling for an LGBT liaison with the local police and the hiring of out LGBT officers in order to check police violence. Read HRC's press release on this incident.

Washington D.C. Recognizes Out-of-Jurisdiction Marriages of Same-Sex Couples
Effective July 7th, 2009, the District of Columbia began recognizing marriages of same-sex couples from other states and countries. This is an important victory for Washington, D.C., and clergy have been critical to its success. Over 150 clergy have now signed the D.C. Declaration of Religious Support for Marriage Equality and have been speaking out for marriage equality in the media. Read an important piece in the American Prospect about African-American organizing for marriage equality and the role of religious leaders in this effort.

New Barna Study and its Effects on LGBT Advocacy
Contrary to what's often portrayed in the mainstream media, a new Barna Group survey indicates that 60 percent of gays and lesbians identify as people of faith. In an attempt to grasp the implications of this data for LGBT equality, Dan Gilgoff speaks extensively with Harry Knox about the Religion and Faith Program's efforts to amplify the voices of LGBT people of faith and allies. Read his article.

Impassioned Baptist Plea to End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
HRC Religion Council member Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre makes a compelling Christian argument in his piece, "Truly Support Our Troops," for the Associated Baptist Press.

Faith Testimony in Senate Hearing on Matthew Shepherd Act
On June 25, 2009, Dr. Mark Achetemeier, associate professor of systematic theology and ethics at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Read his testimony.

LGBT Equality Moves Forward at National Religious Denominational Meetings

• LGBT advocates were visible at the Mennonite Church USA's Biannual National Conference as they have never been before. In particular, young adults of the group Pink Menno organized a campaign for LGBT and allied Mennonites to dress in pink as a form of solidarity with LGBT Mennonites. Carol Wise, executive director for Brethren and Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, reported, "Pink Menno had T-shirts, bandanas, bracelets and as much pink paraphernalia as possible available, and it all went like wildfire, generating an incredible amount of conversation, confrontation and energy in the conference center. To top it off, they spent a lot of time singing outside of the delegate sessions, which made quite a statement in and of itself." Read the article about conference and the Pink Menno Campaign. 
• The Church of Brethren Conference in San Diego also witnessed a powerhouse of youth activism. Over 200 hundred young adults signed "A Call to Confession, Commitment and Action: a Statement from Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adults". In addition, the Brethren Women's Caucus organized the knitting of over 800 rainbow scarves as a symbol of solidarity and support.
• The Unitarian Universalist Association launched its "Standing On the Side of Love" campaign at this year's general assembly. This is a public advocacy campaign that promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Delegates at this year's National General Synod of the United Church of Christ voted overwhelmingly to support diversity education in public schools that includes information about LGBT people. The resolution was a response to attacks on several UCC pastors in California for their involvement with LGBT-inclusive diversity education in public schools.
• The California-Pacific Annual Conference of United Methodists voted on three measures that encourage congregations and pastors "to welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture and pastoral care for [lesbian and gay married] Methodists. During the same week, the California-Nevada Annual Conference meeting in Sacramento approved two similar measures, including one that lists 67 retired United Methodist clergy in northern California who have offered to conduct same-gender marriage ceremonies.

More reports on denominational meetings will be forthcoming in future newsletters.