St. John's Atlanta

God & Gays is partners with Soulforce and we get their newsletter which recently had a great list of MLK videos to recommend. Since Mel White founded Soulforce based on Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi principles, I tend to listen to the recommendations. I'm a student of MLK and Gandhi as well, which is one of the reasons we sought out Soulforce first when we barely had the idea for the documentary under way.

They also included a story and prayer vigil on an Atlanta Lutheran pastor who will be in hearings this Friday based on charges put up by a fellow Lutheran pastor. I pasted the story below, as well as the link for more information on the prayer vigil.

We've contacted the pastor and expressed our unconditional support and appreciation for him. We're looking to Atlanta as a tour stop area and if are in that area, let us know so we can notify you when we're heading to town. For now, we'll keep our focus on someone who needs the positive energy and focus. Thanks for caring about strangers. You know what Jesus says about that... :)

On August 8, 2006, Bishop Ronald Warren of the Southeastern Synod filed formal charges with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) against Pastor Schmeling because of his committed relationship with Rev. Darin Easler. Currently, the ELCA has a policy that excludes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in relationships from the ordained ministry. The congregation, which stands in solidarity with Pastor Schmeling, prays the ELCA will change its policy or that Bishop Warren will drop the charges before a disciplinary hearing is scheduled to begin on January 19, 2007.

During the hours that the trial is in session, members of St. John's will keep vigil in the sanctuary. Those wishing to keep watch and pray in solidarity during this time with others around the world may register online in blocs of 1 1/2 hour. Your name will appear in the online list, along with others who are in vigil, and will be posted at the church and at the trial site. (You can register anonymously if you wish.) A meditation guide of readings will also be available for printing. Please forward this request to join the online prayer vigil to as many people as possible. We want to demonstrate to the hearing committee and to the ELCA just how many people are watching and praying.

Go to http://stjohnsatlanta.org/prayervigil.php5 to sign up for the prayer vigil.