LGBT Activists and Allies Prepare to Rally in Cleveland

by AMAR

Chicago, IL - Hundreds of LGBT activists and allies will be amassing in Cleveland, Ohio during the United Methodist General Conference, May 2 - 12, 2000, to participate in public events and lobbying efforts to educate delegates and advocate for full inclusion of LGBT persons. General Conference is the United Methodist legislative body, where delegates will be deciding if the United Methodist Church will move toward full inclusion, affirming the inherent worth and dignity of all people.

Additionally hundreds of activists and allies from all walks of life are being invited to Cleveland to join with United Methodist activists during activities the weekend of May 5-7, calling for justice for all people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Reverend James Lawson, internationally known architect of the non-violent methods for civil rights, will culminate the weekend activities during a worship service scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at 1:30 at Cleveland First United Methodist Church.

Weekend events begin on Saturday morning, May 6, with a Parents' Breakfast. Parents and allies of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons are invited to a free breakfast at 9:00 in the "AMAR Hospitality and Resource Center for an Inclusive Church", located at the Sheraton City Centre, 777 St. Clair Avenue, in Cleveland. Hosted by Bruce and Virginia Hilton, the event's featured speaker is Paul Beeman, National President of PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

At noon on Saturday, organizers are expecting 2,000 people to converge on the convention center's plaza for "Wide is God's Welcome: Extend the Table Rally!!" Speakers include San Francisco activist Randy Miller, Soulforce Director Rev. Mel White, Reconciling Congregation Program (RCP) board president Rev. Gayle Felton, RCP executive director Marilyn Alexander, and Rev. Bill Johnson, the first openly gay man to be ordained in the United States, and a longtime leader of the United Church of Christ.

"This will be a rousing and meaningful experience with great music, stirring speeches, a special presentation to California-Nevada Conference Bishop Mel Talbert, and communion, concluding with a circle of love around the convention center as we extend the table to all persons, of all sexual orientations," declare Karen Oliveto, a pastor in San Francisco and co-chair of the rally.

At 8:00 pm Saturday evening, the Methodist Federation for Social Action will mark the midway point of General Conference with an evening of fun and celebration entitled "For Such a Time as This." Designed to be a time of renewal and inspiration, festivities will take place at First United Methodist Church, 3000 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Entertainment will be provided by Beacon Street Performing and the Greater Cleveland Choral Chapter. Tickets are $20 each ($10 low-income option) and can be obtained by calling 202-546-8806 before April 25 or in Cleveland after May 2 at the AMAR Center at the Sheraton.

A M A R
Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgendered Concerns
Methodist Federation for Social Action
and Reconciling Congregation Program

Coordinators: Jeanne Knepper, Affirmation - Kathryn Johnson, MFSA - Marilyn Alexander, RCP

Contact: Marilyn Alexander
Phone: 773-736-5526
Email: marilyn@rcp.org

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.