Measuring faith
More gay groups are reaching out to clergy, but changing hearts and minds is hard work
KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, May 16, 2008
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/5-16/arts/feature/12589.cfmOne of the greatest hurdles to advancing gay civil rights is overcoming religious, anti-gay rhetoric. From Fred Phelps in Kansas to Focus on the Family in Colorado and the late Jerry Falwell's church in Lynchburg, Va., religious institutions with deep pockets and vast political power are more than willing to use their resources to demonize gays.
Recently, however, gay groups have started to respond with programming of their own. The Human Rights Campaign has just announced a new venture for 2009 that will focus on clergy members, and several other gay groups have made outreach to faith communities an important part of their work, including the National Black Justice Coalition, Soulforce and Faith in America.
