EQUALITY OHIO PRESENTS “OHIO, PROGRESS & FAITH”
FAITH LEADERS, CLERGY GATHER TO STAND UP FOR
GAY & TRANSGENDER OHIOANS
Bishop Selders with faith leaders after speech
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 13, 2008
Contact: Kim Welter
Program Manager
Equality Ohio
kim@equalityohio.org
419-410-0156
Columbus, OH—Equality Ohio and the Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program present Ohio, Progress & Faith on November 13 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in downtown Columbus. 100 faith leaders from around Ohio representing most mainline denominations will gather in Columbus to voice their support for equality of opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Ohio.
Ohio, Progress & Faith is the first time the pro-equality faith community has come together for genuine, proactive conversations with each other and the elected leaders of the state. It is a unique event where a diverse cross-section of Ohio faith leaders will join together to ask for positive change.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening program for the gathered participants. Featured speakers include Bishop John Selders of the United Church of Christ, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, of the United Methodist Church, Brynna Fish, Jewish Educator from Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and Do'on Zuihan, co-founder of the Toledo Zen Center. After the program some participants will attend appointments with their legislators.
“’Ohio, Progress & Faith’ is an important event because it highlights the large number of faith leaders from across the state who are in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community,” said committee member Rev. Lynn O’Dell. "As a clergy person who is relatively new to the Ohio area, I wondered how my new Ohio congregation and other churches would be supportive of me and my partner. It has been amazing to discover just how many denominations are allies to the gay community.”
“Equality Ohio organized this event to help amplify the voices of nearly 100 Ohio clergy people who believe in fairness and equality for all Ohioans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” explained Kim Welter, Program Manager for Equality Ohio. “As an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, I am convinced that Christianity teaches that all people deserve to be treated fairly and deserve equality of opportunity.”
Ohio, Progress & Faith will be held in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium on Capitol Square. For more information or questions contact Kim Welter.
Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Contact: Kim Welter
Program Manager
Equality Ohio
kim@equalityohio.org
419-410-0156
Columbus, OH—Equality Ohio and the Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program present Ohio, Progress & Faith on November 13 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in downtown Columbus. 100 faith leaders from around Ohio representing most mainline denominations will gather in Columbus to voice their support for equality of opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Ohio.
Ohio, Progress & Faith is the first time the pro-equality faith community has come together for genuine, proactive conversations with each other and the elected leaders of the state. It is a unique event where a diverse cross-section of Ohio faith leaders will join together to ask for positive change.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening program for the gathered participants. Featured speakers include Bishop John Selders of the United Church of Christ, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, of the United Methodist Church, Brynna Fish, Jewish Educator from Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and Do'on Zuihan, co-founder of the Toledo Zen Center. After the program some participants will attend appointments with their legislators.
“’Ohio, Progress & Faith’ is an important event because it highlights the large number of faith leaders from across the state who are in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community,” said committee member Rev. Lynn O’Dell. "As a clergy person who is relatively new to the Ohio area, I wondered how my new Ohio congregation and other churches would be supportive of me and my partner. It has been amazing to discover just how many denominations are allies to the gay community.”
“Equality Ohio organized this event to help amplify the voices of nearly 100 Ohio clergy people who believe in fairness and equality for all Ohioans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” explained Kim Welter, Program Manager for Equality Ohio. “As an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, I am convinced that Christianity teaches that all people deserve to be treated fairly and deserve equality of opportunity.”
Ohio, Progress & Faith will be held in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium on Capitol Square. For more information or questions contact Kim Welter.
Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Rep. Jon Peterson
view of faith leaders in the room
