"A Real Exploration of Common Ground": AFO Opens Dialogue with The Potter's House

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SOULFORCE MEDIA ADVISORY: May 19, 2008
For Immediate Release

Contact: Paige Schilt, 
Media Director
Cell: 512-659-1771
paige@soulforce.org

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(Dallas, TX) On Sunday, May 18, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families attended worship and met with staff and families from The Potter's House, a 35,000-member multiracial, nondenominational mega-church in Dallas, Texas. Lead by Bishop T.D. Jakes, The Potter's House is nationally recognized for its advocacy on social issues such as domestic violence, poverty, and HIV/AIDS.

"It was a real exploration of common ground," said Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Director of Religious Affairs for the National Black Justice Coalition, of the meeting at The Potter's House.

"Even though we both agree there are theological differences, it was definitely a meeting of hearts and minds, and it laid the groundwork for continued conversation," Rhue continued.

The visit is part of a nationwide fellowship effort called The American Family Outing, which aims to open dialogue between LGBT families and families at six American mega-churches. The American Family Outing is a collaborative project of Soulforce, COLAGE, National Black Justice Coalition, and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.

Next Saturday, May 24, a group of LGBT and straight-ally families will meet with staff and families from Hope Christian Church, a 3,000-member multiracial church in the suburbs of the nation's capitol. Hope Christian is lead by Bishop Harry Jackson, founder of the High Impact Leadership Coalition and co-author of High Impact African American Churches.

Two weeks ago, on Mother's Day, LGBT families attended Lakewood Church in Houston -- the largest congregation in U.S. -- and had an opportunity to speak with Rev. Joel Osteen. The project concludes on Father's Day with a visit to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

Soulforce is a national civil rights and social justice organization. Our vision is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.

The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) is an international fellowship of Christian churches with a special ministry to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The National Black Justice Coalition(NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. The Coalition works with our communities and our allies for social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia.

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer parents. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.
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