Religious Leaders Celebrate 'Equality Sabbath' in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Oregonians

Over 60 congregations to hold events throughout the region.

Photo courtesy: welcomingcongregations.org/

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Religious and congregational leaders celebrate the call to equality by observing Equality Sabbath January 25th – 27th, 2008. During their regularly scheduled Sabbath observance, participating congregations will focus on themes of inclusion and equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"This weekend reflects a spiritual act of solidarity," says Rev. Tara Wilkins, Executive Director of the Community of Welcoming Congregations and chief organizer of the event. "We feel that regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, we are all children of the same Creator."

Each Equality Sabbath observance will reflect the unique traditions of the individual participating congregations. Some congregations will discuss equality in the context of a sermon, host adult education classes, table at a coffee hour or fellowship time, or make inclusive music selections.

Pastor Pearl Rohrer of the Springfield Church of the Brethren said the current delay in Oregon’s domestic partnership law lends urgency to this weekend’s observances.

"As people of faith, we have long been committed to the values of equality and justice for all God’s people and our observance this weekend is a reflection of that commitment."

The Community of Welcoming Congregations is an interfaith ministry and advocacy organization working toward full inclusion and equality for transgender, lesbian, bisexual, gay and questioning persons, with over 86 active member congregations and affiliated organizations throughout Oregon and SW Washington.