Thank You

[awediot]

Schoolboi, I hope you don't mind my taking liberties with reproducing this great summary... You were laying out what may be accomplished...
1)We will be changed and renewed. 2) Our closeted brothers and sisters will know they are not alone. 3) The general public will be made aware of the injustice. 4) The Church will be aware of the injustice. 5) The institutions will be aware of the injustice.

I still have had questions as to what are SoulForces' tangible goals. While it would be wonderful to have an institution wake to the Truths of acceptance and remove their painful policies, the encouraged souls seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for the first time, having met a well adjusted, moral and out peer is the immediate healing power of this group. It is the one on one that remains the most moving. Even with the set backs and political backfirings, I pray all involved do not get frustrated at the elusive big goal when so much good is accomplished along the way... Though I am old and secure enough to have found my light and comfort some time ago, just observing the hearts and spirit expressed here is a joy and opprotunity that would be lacking without you. Thank you.

[Daniel]

Awediot-

Like you, I am over a 'certain age' and "secure enough to have found my light and comfort some time ago". And I think you bring to mind a great truth, that is, the healing power of meeting a "well-adjusted, moral and out peer."

This makes me recall a statement attributed to John Boswell, The late lamented author of Same-Sex Unionsand Homosexuality, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality which went something like this:

"You can't argue a person out a position that they weren't argued into."

It's occurred to me that what he was addressing wasn't the fact that people can't think for themselves (though one wonders at times), but rather that the actions and stimulous for people's homophobia isn't rational to begin with on some level.

You are right, this is done person to person and heart to heart.

Daniel

PS- my partner and I watched a great documentary on the Gay Cable News here in New York City tonight about the final passage of a non-discrimination law in 1985 which took 15 years. Incredible. The fire and commitment of those participating (on both sides) was tremendous. I think SoulForce has that fire and has found its voice.

[Jennifer5]

I know I may not be the right one to put anything here but I'm going to anyway.
I think in a big way everyone here at Soulforce has to know that we can't change anyone's heart or mind.... but for those who are just having a hard time and need that outside help to feel that what they are feeling is right, this is a great group... so many, more than anything just really need to feel like there are people out there who love and care about them.
I agree that real change comes from a person to person talking things through.... but, people still need more:)

[schoolboi]

My 5 point quote below is not really mine. If you have ever had the opportunity to go through a nonviolence training with Mel he lists those 5 goals every time.