Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000 11:10:54 -0500 From: Jim Bailey Subject: Press release: Activists to protest at Baptist convention PRESS RELEASE Contact: Diana G. Westbrook, media coordinator (804)837-1568 [cell] - June 12-14, or (949) 233-3592 June 8, 2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SOULFORCE PROMISES CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IN ORLANDO Group calls Baptists a "primary source of misinformation" Civil disobedience set for Wed., June 14, at the Orlando Convention Center LAGUNA BEACH (June 8, 2000) - Only one month after the arrest of nearly 200 of its supporters at a civil disobedience in Cleveland at the United Methodist Church's General Conference, Soulforce is promising a similar protest at the Annual Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention next week in Orlando. "For far too long the Bible has been used to caricature and demean sexual and gender minorities," says Soulforce co-founder the Rev. Dr. Mel White. "This summer, we are launching a long-term Soulforce program of civil disobedience at national and regional church conferences, conventions and assemblies. We are tired and angry of the misinformation that churches across the country use to condemn us, and we are committed to bringing the truth to them relentlessly." Soulforce is guided by the nonviolent principles of Gandhi, King and Jesus, White said. "We refuse to demonstrate violence of the heart, tongue or fist, which was how Martin Luther King said it. We love our adversaries, but the verdict is in. The debate is over. Homosexuality is not a sickness and not a sin." King's eldest daughter, Yolanda, joined the group in support in Cleveland, White added. The group's civil disobedience will begin on Wed., June 14, at 7:30 a.m. in a prayerful silent vigil at the Orlando Convention Center. Then, at 9:25, as the Baptist delegates inside the convention center begin their introduction of motions and resolutions, the group will block one small exit from the center in an act of symbolic protest . "Our banners will read 'NO EXIT WITHOUT JUSTICE,'" White explained. "We are praying that God will keep the delegates in the conference center until the spirit of love opens their eyes to the truth that we are God's children, too, and that God loves us unconditionally." White estimates that 200 supporters will participate in the civil disobedience and be arrested. In Cleveland, those arrested spent up to five hours in jail before being tried, fined and released. Press also are invited to attend the groups's mandatory training in nonviolence on Tue., June 13, at Joy Metropolitan Community Church on Ferncliff Avenue. Soulforce is planning other civil disobediences in Long Beach, California at the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly June 24 - 25 and in Denver, Colorado at the Episcopal Church General Conference July 8 -14. Additional information can be found at www.soulforce.org. ### ABOUT SOULFORCE: Soulforce (www.soulforce.org) is a coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual people of faith who are dedicated to bringing about justice for sexual minorities. Founded in 1998, Soulforce teaches and applies the nonviolent principles of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. The historic meeting of Soulforce with Jerry Falwell in October, 1999, was widely covered by the nation's media.