By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
DETROIT – Soulforce, a faith-based organization that uses non-violent direct action to promote recognition of the human rights of LGBTs, has called for a week of prayer and vigil leading up to the next meeting of the American Catholic Bishops.
There will be no direct action in Washington this year, according to local Soulforce organizer Peg Given. Rather, the point of the week of prayer and vigil, "is to promote dialog and to tell them, 'what the church teaches is hurting me.'"
"We tell the truth – that gay people are God's people, and if we're diminished all society is diminished," Given said. "We want LGBT people included in the greater Catholic community."
Soulforce welcomes LGBTs and allies of all faiths, Given said.
Following is a list of upcoming Soulforce events. For more information on Soulforce nationwide, visit http://www.soulforce.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Mass at SS. Simon and Jude parish at 32500 Palmer between Venoy and Merriman in Westland, beginning at 7 p.m. All are invited. For more information contact Linda Karle at [email protected] or 313-886-1694.
Wednesday, Nov. 9 – Nonviolence training at Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit, 2441 Pinecrest Avenue in Ferndale at 7 p.m. For more information contact Peg Given at 313-971-6474.
Friday, Nov. 11 – An all-night vigil will be held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral at 9844 Woodward Ave. in Detroit beginning at 6 p.m. and concluding on Saturday morning from 7:30-9:30. The Friday evening theme will be "Witness of the Wounded" with opportunities to hear the experiences of gays and lesbians and their families as members of the Church. The Saturday morning theme will be "Begin the Healing," and will feature speakers and musicians. For more information contact Erin Adriel at 248-345-7873 [email protected].
