California Faith for Equality Takes Major Role in Decision Day Activities
May 29, 2009
Faith leaders and faith voices, representing CA Faith For Equality, dominated the pre and post Prop 8 decision activities. They issued Decision Day Tool Kits with formats for interfaith services and talking points. They organized a peaceful response throughout the state. They met in Cathedrals and bars and offered a pastoral presence in the anticipation of the decision. When the disappointing decision was released they offered hope of a new campaign ahead. At every rally, vigil and march and prayer service, faith leaders from all traditions were at the forefront. Buddhists shared a platform with D-Lister Kathy Griffin in WeHo. Rev Eric Lee, who marched with Martin Luther King, invoked King's memory and assured the LGBT community that King would be with them if he were alive today. Rabbis and ministers were thanked by LA Mayor Villaraigosa for their willingness to march for justice. In San Francisco, an Episcopal Bishop held a prayer vigil on Decision eve. Mayor Gavin Newsom summoned faith leaders to be the first responders in the streets and to set the tone for a non-violent protest. Faith leaders marched arm in arm in the streets of California to affirm the core values of their religious traditions that we must respect the dignity of every human being. And no matter what faith tradition was represented, they had a universal message: Everyone is created equal in the eyes of God and that the arc of history bends toward justice. These faith voices are now poised to lead the new campaign and to guarantee the equal protection of all minorities in California. more pics after the jump...
