Multifaith LGBTQ Demonstration
Faith leaders, including many United Methodists, held a prayer vigil outside the United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C., in support of the Equality Act. The act, currently being considered by Congress, provides protection from discrimination for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, credit, education, public services, federally funded programs and jury service. The United Methodist Church explicitly states, “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.” (Social Principles, ¶162.J) (Church and Society Photo)
United Methodists took the campaign for LGBTQ equality from the church to the U.S. Capitol this week as they joined religious leaders and people of faith to lobby Congress to pass an LGBTQ anti-discrimination bill.
According to a Huffington Post article Interfaith Groups Rally In Support Of Equality Act For LGBTQ Rights, “Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus urged Congress to pass the bill, which would outlaw discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity.” The event was organized by Faith in Public Life, and the General Board of Church and Society encouraged United Methodists to contact their congressional representatives in support of the legislation. A rally of people backing the bill took place May 14 in front of the United Methodist Building at 100 Maryland Ave. NE in Washington, across the street from the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court.
The article by HuffPost religion reporter Carol Kuruvilla continued: “About 40 people attended the vigil, and 71 religious groups signed a letter endorsing the Equality Act. About 5,000 individuals added their names to the letter through an online form, according to Faith in Public Life, a progressive faith group.
“… Democrats ― with support from a handful of Republicans ― reintroduced the Equality Act in March. The bill would add gender identity and sexual orientation to existing federal nondiscrimination laws,” the report said.
Media Mentions as of May 15, 2019
Church: Adhering to scripture is not backward – Tacoma News Tribune
New England Methodist Church Leaders Disagree With Gay Marriage, Clergy Ban – New England Public Radio
Overlooked: Christian Spaces for LGBTQ-identifying students exist despite oppression – The Daily Northwestern
Some Methodist churches withholding dues over LGBT ban – The Columbus Dispatch
–Daily Northwestern
Fullerton Pastor Opposed to Gay Marriage Arrested on Chester Charges – OC Weekly
Jesus had plenty to say about hypocrisy (letter) – LancasterOnline
After ban on LGBT-inclusive practices, progressive Methodists in Evanston see potential split of ... – Daily Northwestern
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.