Tempe churches affirm LGBT rights during Sunday services
Posted: Sunday, September 9, 2012 5:19 pm
Tim Vetscher, ABC15
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_4483802e-fadd-11e1-b0f5-0019bb2963f4.html (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_4483802e-fadd-11e1-b0f5-0019bb2963f4.html)
This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of the so-called Phoenix Declaration.
Back in 2002, Christian ministers across the Valley came together to declare their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Sunday morning, a special service in Tempe was held to renew that support.
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Photo:ABC15
After starting the service at Community Christian, parishioners marched to neighboring St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.
Organizers wanted to show solidarity in affirming the rights of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual members.
"Our understanding on the life of Jesus and the calling of God is to be inclusive and affirming of everyone," said Susan Ringler, Pastor of the Guardian Angles Catholic Community , a third church involved in the service. "That's not just about tolerance but celebrating our differences, our diversity."