Soulforce images

[Observer]

Dear Readers,

I am a new visitor to the Soulforce website, and I am curious about the image that appears with Soulforce's name. What connection does Soulforce have to Martin Luther King Jr.?

Regards

[Jamie McDaniel]

Rev. Dr. Mel White spent several years studying the teachings and methods of nonviolence that Dr. King and Gandhi used. He wanted to use those same methods in the struggle for GLBT equality. When Soulforce was formed in 1998, the first logo was a graphic of Dr. King and Gandhi.

More info:

1. Here is an email from when Mrs. King passed away. It explains the connection a bit more.

2. Arun Gandhi (Gandhi's grandson) was arrested with Soulforce during a civil disobedience at the 2000 United Methodist Church's General Conference.

3. This picture shows Arun with Mel and also Yolanda King.

4. Some leaders who worked with Dr. King are involved in Soulforce and on the board. Rev. Bob Graetz was the only white minister to march with Dr. King during the Montgomery Bus boycott. His home was bombed twice. Rev. Jim Lawson worked with King and organized the sit-ins in Nashville. Dr. Rodney Powell was on the Freedom Rides.

[Jennifer5]

Soulforce Mission Statement
"The purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."

Wherever you are on your journey of faith,
Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity,
Whatever your religion, race, age, ability, color, or creed,
You are welcome to join us in learning, teaching, and applying
the 'soul force' principles of relentless nonviolent resistance
as taught by Gandhi and King
as we work together to stop spiritual violence
against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people
that flows out of the teachings and actions
of religious leaders and their communities of faith.

-The People of Soulforce

Martin Luther King Jr. always believed in equal rights for all people. He didn't want anyone to ever have to deal with what they had to.

If I recall, Mel said he and Gary came up with the idea for the symbol years before, and when came time for an official symbol they couldn't think of anything better. (Some one please correct me if I'm wrong on that)