Hello there -- Theo, CR's administrative assistant, here! Soulforce is a significant "force" to reckon with as the people in this organization pursue an aggressive strategy for 2004 and beyond! Recently they issued a call to hold a "silent protest" in all houses of worship where "Protect Marriage Sunday" was being observed. Now they are soliciting stories and experiences from those who participated in the protests. Notice the effective rhetoric employed such as "...spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people!" This is one of the reasons why they are making headway in the pursuit of their agenda -- they too often succeed in "laying a guilt trip" on Christians who are unwilling to stand by God's clear revelation which condemns sodomy and lesbianism, never once giving sanction to a same-sex relationship or "marriage!" Details below.......

---

Stories/Experiences wanted from "Protect Marriage Sunday"

Dear Soulforce supporters,

Thank you to everyone who is working so diligently to stop spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people!

Soulforce has received some reports from people who were in a church that participated in “Protect Marriage Sunday” on July 11, and who stood up during the sermon in nonviolent protest as the minister used the pulpit as an opportunity to degrade the loving relationships of two people and promote the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment in church.

We want to hear from you, and learn about your experiences and what happened during that time and afterwards – how the congregation responded, what the minister did, etc..

Please write a description of your experience during "Protect Marriage Sunday" and email it to karen@soulforce.org.

Also, please take this opportunity to try to contact your Senators again (even if you already have) to let them know that as a person of faith, you OPPOSE the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, and tell them to vote NO to amending the Constitution to codify discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, couples, and families. The vote is schedule to take place Wednesday, July 14.

The switchboard number is 1-877-762-8762. You may have better luck getting through by calling the offices directly – you can locate that number at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Thank you again!

Laura Montgomery Rutt
Director of Communications

Karen Weldin
Director of Operations

Soulforce, Inc.
www.soulforce.org