Equality PA has really been working hard at developing their network of support across the entire state, and part of that effort has been directed towards persons of Faith. This has been a smart move, in my opinion for a number of reasons, and I’d like to think that it is beginning to pay off in efforts to garner greater support for LGBTQ issues like non-discrimination.
Some of the most vocal voices against non-discrimination protections use religious arguments to justify that bigotry. So it only makes sense to build a strong support of people of Faith to speak out in opposition to the misinformation and poor theology used against gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and queer people. The “religious” argument against treating everyone fairly disappears when it is seen that many people of faith support equality, and respect diversity.
Another value at work to strengthen support within communities of faith, is that a majority of Pennsylvania is made up of small, close knit communities where churches and church communities are vital parts of social life. For many, their connection to church is an important part of their lives. So, encouraging churches and religious communities to be pen and welcoming makes sense.
Lastly, one of the most heavily funded lobbying groups in Harrisburg which fights against full equality and respect for diversity, is the Catholic Conference. As the wrk for non-discrimination will happen knowing opposition comes from this group, we need every person of faith we can get countering that.
Toward those ends, Equality PA is sponsoring a prayer breakfast and hoping you will join them. I received the following press release:
People of Faith Gather to Support Ending Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender People
Equality Pennsylvania, Clergy, and Leaders of the Faith Community to Join in a Prayer Breakfast in Pittsburgh
WHAT: Prayer breakfast with diverse faith community leaders and clergy to raise awareness that discrimination is still a legal reality in Pennsylvania.
This breakfast follows the announcement yesterday that all four Episcopal Bishops of Pennsylvania endorsed legislation to update PA’s discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. (See the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania press release with full letter signed by all four bishops here.)
WHO: Speakers:
- Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell, James A. Kelso Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, Director of Mission Ministries East Liberty Presbyterian Church
- Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Senior Rabbi Rodef Shalom Congregation
- Rep. Dan Frankel, Co-Chair, LGBT Equality Caucus Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Ammon Ripple, MDiv, Faith Organizer, Equality Pennsylvania
- Rev. Shanea D. Leonard, Moderator, Pittsburgh Faith Consortium Pastor, JUDAH Fellowship Christian Church
WHEN: Monday, February 16, 8:00 – 10:00 am
WHERE: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1965 Ferguson Rd, Allison Park, PA
WHY: Despite recent victories around the country and here in Pennsylvania for same-sex couples who want to marry, there remains a patchwork of laws leaving many families vulnerable to one of their loved ones being fired from a job, turned away from a business, or evicted from a home just for being gay or transgender. However, most people in Pennsylvania are shocked to learn that all people are not always protected from discrimination in the commonwealth.
Faith leaders from all over the state have declared that no one should live in fear of losing a job or being turned away from a business because of who they are. This gathering is the first of the year to launch their coordinated efforts to educate their congregations and advocate for the end of discrimination against LGBT people.
Contact: Ammon Ripple, aripple@equalitypa.org, 412-552-4388 or Levana Layendecker, llayendecker@equalitypa.org, 267-240-4338