Soulforce Email Update - April 18, 2008

Gender Identity and Justice in Fort Worth: United Methodist General Conference to Make Policy on Ordination and More

In 2007, the United Methodist Church's Judicial Council ruled that a newly-transitioned transgender pastor, Rev. Drew Phoenix of St. John's United Methodist Church in Baltimore, could continue to serve his church, as his congregation desires. However, because church law makes no reference to transgender people, the Judicial Council referred the broader question of whether transgender ministers are eligible for clergy appointments to the church's main legislative body, the United Methodist General Conference, which will convene in Fort Worth, Texas, April 23-May 2.

The judicial council's ruling has inspired both inclusive and discriminatory legislative proposals. A coalition of progressive organizations within the church have proposed expanding the church's statement of civil rights to affirm support for "all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." The coalition has also proposed amending the church's membership rules to state: "no person shall or will be excluded from baptized or professing membership in the United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation or gender identity."

Unfortunately, anti-LGBT organizations have proposed legislation that is misinformed and discriminatory. One such proposal comes from the leader of an ex-gay ministry:

"Therefore, be it resolved, that in faithfulness to Scripture and Christian/Jewish tradition about God's gift of male and female, and out of deep compassion for persons struggling with gender and sexual identity issues, we do not recognize transgenderism or transsexuality as part of God's good intentions for humankind and we oppose sex reassignment therapy (hormonal or surgical) as a solution to these conditions."

Another piece of legislation, introduced by an employee of the right-wing Institute for Religion and Democracy, would make simply "identifying as transgender" a "chargeable offense" for clergy.

The United Methodist Church is the 2nd largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. The impact of this General Conference will resound beyond the denomination and ultimately affect conversations about civil rights.

You can help the United Methodist Church become a truly inclusive church that welcomes the gifts of transgender people by joining Soulforce at UMGC. Soulforce and its allies have been voices for LGBT justice at General Conference since 2000. This year we are proud to provide an opportunity for delegates to General Conference to meet transgender people and learn about their experiences.

	What: Picnic in the Park with Transgender People of Faith, featuring Soulforce Board Member Judy Osborne, UM Affirmation Spokesperson Diane DeLap, Rev. Drew Phoenix, and many others. Join us for lunch, listen to moving personal stories, and ask questions in an informal environment. Free lunch for GC delegates and volunteers sponsored by Soulforce, Transgender Advocates of Central Texas, UM Affirmation, and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources. Where: General Worth Square (9th and Main, across from the Convention Center) When: Friday, April 25, 12:30pm - 2pm What next: Join Soulforce for a week of vigils, education, and direct action at UMGC. For more information including a complete schedule of events, go to www.soulforce.org/article/1314. For more information regarding the Picnic in the Park with Transgender People of Faith, contact Paige Schilt at paige@soulforce.org.

Read Rev. Drew Phoenix's statement about his transition to the Baltimore-Washington Conference at www.rmnetwork.org/Flashnet_show.asp?FlashnetID=151#4.

Planning to Come to Fort Worth But Haven't Registered? Last Chance to Reserve a Seat on the Bus

Soulforce has chartered coaches for transportation from the DFW Airport Marriott to the Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth. This is the best way to get to the Convention Center Saturday and Sunday morning in time for the beginning of the training and vigil. If you plan to take part in the Soulforce Vigil for Justice at United Methodist General Conference and want to ride Soulforce buses from the DFW Airport Marriott to the Convention Center on Saturday, April 26, please help us by registering online. Because we need to reserve the buses in advance, only those who have registered for the action by midnight on Monday, April 21 will be guaranteed a seat on a Soulforce bus.

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