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General Conference 2004: Photo Library #3

Crowd gathered at the church beginning the prayer witness.

People gathered at 6 AM on May 4 at Smithfield United Methodist Church.
Photos by Gary Shephard. Click on any photo to see a larger one.

Prayer Witness and Procession to David Lawrence Convention Center

Folk standing in the street, some wearing colorful stoles made by parents of LGBT people.

Folk outside of the East Lobby entrance.

More than 200 United Methodists braved near-freezing temperatures early May 4, to kneel or stand in prayer in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh in silent witness to their desire for inclusiveness. The witnesses processed down Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, one group lining up in the east lobby entrance to the convention center, another group lining up in the sky bridge from the Westin Hotel to the convention center.

See also: "Group Holds Silent Demonstration for Inclusion of Homosexuals," UMNS, May 4, 2004.

Soulforce Demonstration, May 4, 2004

Soulforce members hold banner 'Open Your Hearts, Minds & Doors'

Soulforce displays a banner as delegates come back from lunch.

*Photo Library Index Page*

As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, Affirmation radically reclaims the compassionate and transforming gospel of Jesus Christ by relentlessly pursuing full inclusion in the Church as we journey with the Spirit in creating God's beloved community. We affirm a Gospel of respect, love, justice and mercy for all. Affirmation is an activist, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization with no official ties to The United Methodist Church.