Equality Forum 2009

Spirituality at Equality Forum

Many YES! Coalition congregations are involved in events at Equality Forum 2009.

12th Annual National Religious Colloquy - Conversation with Bishop Gene Robinson

Tuesday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Prince Music Theater (1412 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA)

Facilitator: Rabbi Linda Holtzman (Mishkan Shalom)

Gene Robinson was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, making him the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. His ordination led to international debate about the inclusion of gay clergy in the church hierarchy.

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Shabbat Service

Friday, May 1, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Rodeph Shalom (615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA)

Join Equality Forum for a Friday night Shabbat Service at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in collaboration with Congregation Beth Ahavah. Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum will speak. All are welcome to attend.

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Global Justice or Queer Colonialism

Saturday, May 2, 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Temple University Center City (1515 Market Street Philadelphia, PA)

An overview of MCC's pioneering work in Pakistan, Malaysia, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe, building coalitions for justice and enabling spiritual activists,  led by the Metropolitan Community Churches, Global Justice Ministry.

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Would Jesus Discriminate? A Campaign to Counter Religious Bigotry

Saturday, May 2, 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Temple University Center City (1515 Market Street Philadelphia, PA)

Would Jesus discriminate? No! Join this discussion about ways to counter religious-based bigotry and participate in putting an end to it. Facilitated by Imago Dei Metropolitan Church

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Dignity Philadelphia Mass and Couples Blessing

Sunday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany (330 S. 13th Street Philadelphia, PA)

Dignity Philadelphia celebrates a mass with GLBT Catholics and friends.

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5th Annual National Interfaith Service

Sunday, May 3, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Christ Church Philadelphia (2nd & Market Streets Philadelphia, PA)

Rev. Susan Russell, national president of Integrity, delivers the sermon and is joined by representatives of major faiths and the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware as we come together in spiritual celebration at historic Christ Church Philadelphia, the sanctuary where George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross worshiped.

  • The Rev. Susan Russell is an Episcopal priest serving as a senior associate at All Saints Church in Pasadena, California. Russell was elected President of Integrity (the Episcopal LGBT national advocacy group) in 2003 and has been at the forefront of the struggle for LGBT equality within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
  • Cantor David Acker serves Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford, PA. Before coming to Ohev Shalom, he was cantor and music specialist at Congregation Or Shalom in Berwyn, PA, where he founded and directed the Or Shalom Children's Choir. David enjoys singing opera, musical theater and recitals as well as liturgical music.
  • An Associate Priest at Christ Church Philadelphia since 1999, the Rev. Carol Anthony was called as the first Vicar for Parish Life in 2006. Her ministry provides oversight for pastoral care, faith formation, outreach, and the formation of LGBT ministry.
  • Rev. Karla Fleshman is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Delaware County, Pa. Fleshman is a council member of the YES! Coalition of Greater Philadelphia; and a member of the Out & Faithful Committee of the William Way Community Center.

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National Equality Rally

Consider joining the YES! Coalition at the National Equality Rally (May 3, 2009, 3 p.m.), which is a part of Equality Forum (April 27-May 3, 2009). Congregations and other groups can become co-organizers at no cost.  Thanks to the following YES! Coalition congregations who have already signed on:

When signing up, please note that your group is a part of the YES! Coalition.

Additional Equality Forum collaborators include:

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View the Full line-up at Equality Forum

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