News
Jun. 10 - Soulforce Issues Statement on Pat Robertson
May. 26 - Soulforce Statement on California Supreme Court Ruling
Apr. 22 - LGBT Activists Hold Two-day Vigil Outside Archbishop's Office
Soulforce Background
What is Soulforce?
Soulforce began in 1998 and is named after Gandhi's term "satyagraha", which means "truth force" or "soul force." Gandhi defined this as a plan of action that developed inner lives while working to transform society. These principles guide many nonviolent justice movements, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for racial equality.
Soulforce is determined to help end oppression against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; determined to help change the minds and hearts of religious leaders whose anti-gay campaigns lead (directly and indirectly) to that oppression; and determined to be guided in our every action by the principles of relentless nonviolent resistance as lived and taught by M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.. In the process of bringing hope and healing to our society, we find redirection and renewal for our minds and spirits.
Soulforce Strategy
Soulforce Inc. is a non-profit organization co-founded by the Rev. Dr. Mel White and his partner, Gary Nixon. Our administrative office is located in Austin, Texas, under the direction of Jeff Lutes, Executive Director. Gary Nixon run the business office in Lynchburg, Virginia. Our young adult division, Soulforce Q, is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Soulforce operates as a network of staff and volunteers committed to teaching and applying the principles of nonviolence on behalf of sexual minorities.
White says "We must continue fighting the antigay political actions. We must continue helping those who suffer. But we must also work to cut off that suffering at its source. That's why we launched Soulforce," White explains. "The toxic rhetoric flows unabated, primarily from sincere but misinformed religious leaders. It is poisoning the national discourse, dividing homes and churches, ruining families and wasting lives. We must do our best to stop that flow of poison at its source, and the 'soul force' rules of nonviolent resistance show us how."
Soulforce Approach
Soulforce is educating thousands in the principles of nonviolence through its educational programs and is producing videos and other informational/educational materials, as well as developing and maintaining its comprehensive web site. For over a decade, Soulforce has been tracking the anti-gay rhetoric in television and radio programs, as well as fundraising letters, pamphlets, and other printed material, and responding to it in a number of ways in line with its mission. The very first direct action was in 1999 at Jerry Falwell's Thomas Road Baptist Church.
How Does One 'Join' Soulforce?
There is no formal membership. All are warmly invited to participate, regardless of sexual orientation, religious belief, or attitude about sexual orientation and gender-identity. However, we encourage participants to inform us about your own journey as you go through it, since hearing each person's story strengthens us all. Also, let us know how to get in touch with you so we can keep you informed and invite you to participate in our plans, events, and progress.
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