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Clergy Call

Today is Clergy Call.  Human Rights Campaign biennial gathering of clergy from around the United States to learn about and advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights on Capitol Hill.  Our Congresspeople must hear from us. And they must hear from clergy who support gay rights.  They all too often only hear from homophobic religious folks who preach intolerance and inequality at every level. But the Human Rights Campaign, Religion and Faith Department under the strong leadership of Dr. Sharon Groves working with the Religion and Faith Council have changed the equation! We bring clergy to Washington to adovcate for LGBT equality from people of faith!

We sing a more harmonious hymn.

I am proud to be teaching this morning in Washington and speaking to the clergy on the foundations of my faith as I do this political work and how we continue to keep our faith fueling our efforts!

Tomorrow on to Capitol Hill to bend a few congressional ears and press for LGBT equality at every corner of our country!

Monday, May 23, 2011
Mt. Vernon Place UMC: 900 Massachusetts Ave., NW

9:00-9:10  Invocation

  • Rev. Elder Darlene Garner

9:10 – 9:15  Introductory Welcome Remarks

  • Joe Solmonese

9:30-10:30  Keynote Address by Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry

  • Introduction by Sharon Groves

10:30-10:45  Break

10:45-12:15  Beyond Talking Points, Going Deeper with Faith Messaging

  • Rabbi Denise Eger
  • Rev. Harry Knox
  • Bishop Gene Robinson
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson
  • Moderated by Dr. Thelathia “Nikki” Young

12:30-1:30  Lunch

1:30-4:30 Movement Building/Movement Moments

  • Beth Zemsky

4:30-5:00 Logistical Debrief: Dinner & Lobby Visit Scheduling 

  • HRC Religion and Faith Program Staff

5:00-7:00  Dinner

  • We encourage you to organize dinner parties by state and/or regional delegations

7:00-9:00  Interfaith Service

Open to the Public

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Starting at Mt. Vernon Place UMC

8:00-10:00  Lobby Prep

  • Allison Herwitt and HRC Political Staff
  • Rev. Dr. Welton Gaddy, Interfaith Alliance

10:00-10:30  Travel to Capitol Hill for Press Conference

10:30-12:00  Press Conference

  • Joe Solmonese, HRC
  • Rev. Geoffrey Black, UCC
  • Bishop Minerva Carcano, UMC
  • Bishop Yvette Flunder, The Fellowship
  • Rev. Peter Morales, UUA
  • Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, PCUSA
  • Rabbi David Saperstein, URJ
  • Rev. Winnie Varghese, The Episcopal Church
  • Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC

12:00-5:00 Lunch & Lobby Visits

  • See your personalized lobby visit schedule for further information

5:30-8:00 Closing Reception and denominational gatherings 

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