Announcing "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO" A Documentary Film by Daniel Karslake
By PCCI
Does
God really condemn loving homosexual relationships? Is the Bible an
excuse to hate? The provocative, entertaining documentary, For the
Bible Tells Me So, addresses these questions and more.
The
recipient of nine honors, including the Audience Award for Best
Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, this film
brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture.
It
makes the case that religious anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon
significant misinterpretations of the Bible. Through the experiences of
five very normal, Christian, American families, including those of
former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene
Robinson, discover how insightful people of faith handle the
realization of having a gay child or family member.
Informed
by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvards Reverend
Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech,
the film offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in
the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
SEVERAL FREE Public Screenings in Central Iowa:
March 15, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
First Unitarian Church , 1800 Bell Ave. , Des Moines
April 3, 2008, 7 p.m.
Smith Chapel, Simpson College, Clinton & Buxton St., Indianola
April 5, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Waveland Hall Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave. , Des Moines
April 11, 12, or 13, (date and time to be announced soon) Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines
May 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Parents Hall in the Olmstead Center, Drake University, 25th & University Ave.
Des Moines (with appearance by film director, Daniel Karslake). Discussion opportunities to follow at some screenings.
Sponsored
or Endorsed by: Crossroads United Church of Christ, First Unitarian
Church of Des Moines -- Interweave and Social Action Committees,
Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Joint GLBT Caucus of the Iowa Coalition
Against Domestic Violence and the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual
Assault, LGBT Community Center of Central Iowa, Marriage Equality Iowa,
Methodist Federation for Social Action Iowa Chapter, One-Iowa,
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ Board of Christian
Social Action, Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa, Social Ministries
Task Force/ Des Moines Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church USA,
Trinity United Methodist Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church --
Gay Lesbian Straight Affirmation Group.
Stand Up for Iowa Democrats By National Stonewall Democrats
Dear Democrat,
You know that the Iowa Democratic Party was one of the first states in the nation to support the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. Since that time, over a dozen state parties have echoed Iowa's call - with real legislative impact in states such as California, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon.
Now, we need you to stand up for Democratic ideals and American values. We need you to stand with Iowa in support of the position of the Iowa Democratic Party.
As you know, Governor Culver has made some troubling statements which suggest said that he will block the freedom of same-sex couple to marry in Iowa. We're working with partners in Iowa to put positive pressure to change his mind, but he needs to hear from you. We need you to remind him that Iowa Democrats are here to support Governor Culver so that he can support the freedom of all Iowans to marry.
This is what the Iowa Democratic Party Platform clearly says:
We support: Equal marital rights for all consenting adults regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification.
Please call the Governor's office at: (515) 281-5211
- First, tell the Governor's office that as a Democrat, you respect the process of the Iowa courts. Let them do their work before the legislature steps in.
- Second, tell the Governor's office that as a Democrat you support the Iowa Democratic Party platform and the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.
This is our chance to help Democrats be Democrats. Please call Governor Culver now.
Thank you,
Jon Hoadley
Executive Director
(c) 2008 National Stonewall Democrats. Contributions to National Stonewall Democrats are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Well,
weve come a long way in just a few years. Last week, as part of the
national campaign called Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, I
spoke at a rally just yards from where Phelps burned our flag. This
time, there was no flag burning, no name-calling, no gay bashing
simply 30 people braving a cold evening to show support for equality.
More
than anything, thats what this about: equality. Yet, I know many
good people who struggle with this issue, who feel in their hearts that
marriage must be between a man and a woman. I appreciate such struggle
when it is sincere and not motivated by hate or fear.&nbs p; But I
ask all my friends, family members and acquaintances who oppose
same-sex marriage to study the perspective of those of us who embrace
equality and to try to understand the challenges facing gay and lesbian
couples.
To
give you some insight into my viewpoint, I have included, below, the
full text of my 1998 speech on the subject. I would also refer you to
a column from the New York Times
(http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9902E2DA1F39F93BA35750C0A960958260),
and my speech before the Iowa House in 1996
(http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Village/9299/speech.html).
As
always, I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for taking the
time to read this Update, and please consult our website for upcoming
events.
Ed Fallon
Ed Fallons Speech on Same-Sex Marriage before the Iowa House (March, 1998)
Ladies
and Gentlemen of the Iowa House, I hope that before you vote today,
youll consider the full impact of HF 382, which has received very
little debate in committee and seen almost no coverage in the press.
Equality
for women was the defining civil rights issue of the early decades of
this century. Equality for African Americans was the defining civil
rights issue of the 1960s and 70s. The reason this legislation is so
important is b ecause equal rights for gays and lesbians is almost
certain to be the defining civil rights issue of the early years of the
next century.
Please
note that I say equal rights, because there are people who
consistently mislead the public, insisting that gays and lesbians want
special rights. The lack of logic in this argument is self-evident
if you will examine the content of the bill before us.
Because
those of you in this chamber who are heterosexual (and Ill assume that
five percent are not) have the right to marry, with all the attached
benefits and privileges. Yet under current law, homosexuals are not
afforded this right. In other words, homosexuals are less than equal.
And if Hawaii decides to take the giant leap forward and recognize
same-sex u nions, HF 382 will make certain that in Iowa, gays and
lesbians remain second class citizens. The truth is, colleagues, we
should be going in the opposite direction. Instead of the
anti-marriage bill before us, we ought to be discussing legislation to
allow any two adults who want to make a commitment to each other the
option to do so legally. I cant help but note a bit of hypocrisy
here: Supporters of banning same-sex marriage frequently portray gays
and lesbians as promiscuous. Yet, theyre also eager to forbid
legally-sanctioned, personal commitment.
Some
contend that we need this legislation to protect the sanctity of
heterosexual marriage. From what? It isnt as if theres a limited
amount of love to go around. Love isnt a non-renewable resource. If
Amy and Barbara or Mike and Steve love each other, it doesnt mean that
John and Mary cant.
It
isnt as if marriage licenses are distributed on a first-come,
first-served basis. Heterosexual couples dont have to rush out and
claim marriage licenses now, before theyre all snatched up by gay and
lesbian couples.
The
truth is heterosexual unions will continue to be predominant,
regardless of what gay and lesbian couples do. To suggest that
homosexual couples in any way, shape or form threaten to undermine the
stability of heterosexual marriage is paranoid and absurd.
Two
years ago I spoke against this same legislation. During the months
that followed, I received over 2,000 letters, phone calls, and e-mail
messages in support of same-sex marriage. And this may surprise you,
but about 40% of those letters came from heterosexuals. Through the
stories people shared, I learned much about the challenges,
frustration, intimidation, and abuse endured by homosexuals trying to
fit-in to a hate-filled world that doesnt accept them. One of the
many former Iowans who wrote had this to say: The fact that, in
recent years, some sectors of Iowas political process have become
increasingly hostile to gays was a major factor in my decision to leave
the state.
Another
former Iowan wrote: Im a 41 year-old lesbian raised in Grinnell. My
partner and I have been together for 14 years. We have two sons, ages
12 and 8 . . . we are consistently denied benefits due to our unmarried
status, everything from student housing and AAA spousal cards to
adoption.
And
this one: As a Canadian homosexual who does a lot of business travel
in North America and in Europe, I must admit that nowhere do I feel as
uncomfortable and unprotected as I do in the U.S., particularly in
states such as yours.
Another
couple wrote: The fact that we pay outrageous taxes because the state
does not recognize our union, the fact that I could be stopped from
visiting my lover in the hospital because I am not family, and the
fact that we get stared at if we show any affection towards each other
is quite appalling.
A
college student wrote this: Sometimes sitting in classes I feel as an
African American law student must have {felt years ago}. I have to
learn, memorize and be tested on laws which discriminate against me in
almost every area tax, insurance, family law, social security, wills,
estates and trusts, torts, criminal procedure . . . the list goes on.
And
finally, I am a high school psychologist, and I work daily with gay
and lesbian children who are depressed, scared, intimidated and looking
for understanding.
Colleagues,
these are the voices of people affected by your vote here today. And
if that isnt enough to convince you that this legislation is wrong and
hurtful, then Id like to introduce you to a few of the faces behind
these voices.
If
you look up into the balconies, youll see a handful of the many Iowans
who a re opposed to this legislation. Most of those opposed arent
here today because theyre working or in school. And to put it
bluntly, some are too scared to be here, scared of retribution. Most
are in stable, healthy relationships. Many have children. Some are
your constituents and even your neighbors.
And
like you and me, they celebrate Christmas, attend PTA meetings, get
stuck in blizzards and plant flowers in the spring. They pay taxes,
pick-up trash in front of their homes and eat three meals a day. In
short, they share all the usual joys, dreams and concerns that you and
I share. And yet somehow, all some of you can see is what they do in
their bedrooms. The only tag youre willing to place on them is the
one that identifies them by their sexuality. And since you regard that
as sinful, its a short step from there to justify a denial of civil
rights, including a denial of the right to marry.
Think
about if for a minute. How thoroughly inappropriate, small-minded and
yes, bigoted, to label someone by one small aspect of their identity.
Do we hear the Speaker of the House say, the Chair recognizes the
heterosexual from Polk, Representative Lamberti? Or, the Chair
recognizes the asthmatic, or the lawyer or the senior citizen?
Colleagues,
I feel we are asleep at the wheel. If you cannot see the harm this
legislation does to one of our most maligned minority groups, then you
havent thought about the issue or this legislation in great detail.
Make
no mi stake about it: What we do here in this chamber has a definite
and profound impact on public opinion. And if we pass this bill, we,
the elected government of the state of Iowa, say to the people and
businesses of this state that not only are same-sex marriages wrong,
but homosexuality itself is wrong. The message is that if its OK for
government to deny civil rights to homosexuals, then government is
certainly not going to care if others do so as well.
Just
last week, I heard an evangelist named Jim Wallis tell a very moving
story about another evangelist, a guy named Tony. One hot summer day,
Tony was walking down a street in Philadelphia when he saw a homeless
man walking toward him. Despite the heat of the day, the guy was
wearing a big, heavy coat. He was sweating profusely. He had a long
beard, didnt look too clean, and even from a distance Tony could smell
him.
And
Tonys thinking, With any luck, this guy will just keep walking right
on by me. But as luck would have it, the homeless man stops right in
front of Tony and says to him, How are you doing today? Tony
responds, Fine. The homeless man says, Would you like a sip of my
coffee? When God gives you something good, you share it. And this
coffee is really good.
Well,
the last thing Tony felt like doing was taking a sip of this dirty,
sweaty, smelly homeless bums coffee. But to refuse would be to hurt
his feelings. So, Tony takes a sip of the coffee and says, thinking
the guy might like some pocket change, Friend, is there anything I can
give you?
The
homeless many looked Tony right in the eyes, paused and said, I sure
could use a hug. And when he heard that, Tony thought he would have
preferred to part with a twenty-dollar bill than to touch this sweaty,
stinky fellow. But he reached his arms out to embrace the man, the man
embraced Tony . . . and the poor guy was so starved for affection he
just wouldnt let go. And as that embrace on the hot streets of
Philadelphia stretched beyond the comfortably brief period normally
expected of such human encounters, and as Tony, the evangelist, felt
and realized the depth of this mans loneliness, he forgot about the
smell and the sweat, and the experience became for him a profoundly
sacramental moment. To Tony, in that moment, it seemed as if he was
hugging Jesus Christ himself.
Like
all metaphors, this one has its limitations. But like homeless people,
homosexuals are often shunned, maligned, feared and misunderstood.
Well, colleagues, just as Tony the Evangelist found Christ in a
homeless man on the streets of Philadelphia, we could find Christ in
our gay brothers and lesbian sisters, if we would only make the effort
to reach out to them, even as they try desperately, quietly, to reach
out to us.
There
are far too many outcasts in our society. Homosexuals, like the
homeless, are people wed rather not think about, rather not see,
rather not reach out to. And thats because they appear different, and
their difference makes us uncomfortable and even afraid.
But
our discomfort is no reason to deny other individuals their basi c
civil rights. The state of Iowa does not have veto power over your
choice of a marriage partner. Why should the state of Iowa deny gay or
lesbian people the right to marry the ones they love?
In
closing, Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you to join me in voting NO on
this very anti-marriage bill. A NO vote is to offer a warm,
accepting embrace. A YES vote is merely kicking someone whos
already down.
It's Pride month, and you know what that means - One Iowa's 2nd Annual Equality Ball! In honor of the monumental legislation recently passed, this year's theme is "We The People."
5:00 - 7:00 pm - Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres 7:00 - 10:00 pm - Open Bar and Entertainment 8:00 & 9:15 pm - Special Entertainment Provided By Champaign Showers, CC Sakowitz, Jessica Tyler, Iris Aspire, and many more!
504 East Locust Avenue $5 Suggested Donation (However No One Will Be Excluded)
Establishing our Progressive Iowa Network (PIN) - Update By Caroline Vernon
This Saturday, June 9th, progressive leaders, legislators and activists from various organizations across Iowa will come together for the first DFA-Iowa Networking Summit.
We will be gathering at theIowa City Public Library from 9am to 3pm(the last hour will be devoted to DFA-IA administrative business).
Some of our great leaders who will be in attendance include Charlie Chamberlain from Democracy for America, Ed Fallon, Denise O’Brien, and Senator Joe Bolkcom, just to name a few…
Once again, the purpose of this gathering is to establish a Progressive Iowa Network which will serve to better unite progressives across the state in order to support each others efforts around important issues, particularly if we hope to be more effective moving into the next legislative session. Besides providing an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow progressives, one direct benefit of an Iowa Network would be the enhanced ability to articulate our progressive world view by creating a state-wide echo chamber that will carry our unified message to all Iowans.
As previously indicated, we have identified 5 issues in Iowa that require urgent action:
1. VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections) 2. CAFO regulations / Farm Bill 3. Fair Share 4. Healthcare 5. Media
Also, due to the recent vote on the Iraq supplemental bill, it is our hope that peace activists from across Iowa will take advantage of this opportunity to come together to discuss potential state wide initiatives that will effectively pressure those in Congress who voted for the bill.
In addition to addressing the above issues, we are tracking organizations by their particular area(s) of focus. This list has also evolved since my last blog:
1. Policy / Research 2. Lobbying 3. Media & Blogs 4. Grassroots Organizing
These 4 areas have been added:
5. Direct Action 6. Education 7. Funding (to identify potential sources of funding) 8. Political Campaigns (organizations who can be involved with campaigns)
We are working on compiling a comprehensive list of all participating organizations, including contact information, primary areas of focus and primary issues of concern. If you or your organization will be attending the summit, we ask that you submit your information using the example below (4 stars = primary focus)
Example:
Organization: Progressive Action for the Common Good Address: 3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA 52807 Contact Information: (name/position/phone/email): Caroline Vernon, Organizer, 563-676-7580, carolina1961@gmail.com. James Lee, Executive Director, 563-650-3922, jlee6367@yahoo.com
Please send the above information to carolina1961@gmail.comby Thursday, June 7thso we can be sure to include your information in the hand-out.
It is important to note that we encourage ALL progressive organizations to attend this meeting and become part of the network even if we may not be focusing on your specific issues at this time. The goal of the network is to create a framework designed to support all progressive initiatives. We need everyone’s participation in order to succeed.
If you have any questions, please call Caroline Vernon at 563-676-7580.
Establishing our Progressive Iowa Network (PIN) – Mark the Date!
By Caroline Vernon
On Saturday, June 9th, progressive leaders, activists and legislators from across the state will converge on Iowa City for our first 2007 Democracy for Iowa Organizing Summit. We are still working out the details on the venue (forthcoming) but we will be meeting from 9am to 3pm (the last hour will be reserved for DFA-IA members to discuss administrative business so it will not be necessary for everyone to stay for that segment).
The purpose of this gathering is to establish the Progressive Iowa Network (PIN). This network will serve to better unite progressive organizations, legislators, and leaders across the state so we can support each other’s efforts around progressive issues in Iowa.
Currently,
we have an unprecedented opportunity to get progressive legislation
passed in our state. However, in order to achieve legislative victories
on the issues that we care about, we must establish an effective
framework that allows us to better organize our efforts, clarify our
message, mobilize our base, educate the public and influence our state
officials.
We have identified the following 5 issues as requiring urgent action:
1. VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections) 2. CAFO regulations / Farm Bill 3. Fair Share 4. Healthcare 5. Media
Please note: we want ALL progressive organizations to attend this meeting and become part of this network even if we may not be focusing on your specific issues at this time.
The Summit Agenda will cover the following:
I. Why is PIN important?
The first part of this summit will discuss why PIN is important. Groups/Individuals will be asked to introduce themselves and identify their main areas and issues of focus:
This will NOT be an informational meeting about the issues, but rather a strategy session on how we can support each other moving forward.
II. Update & Evaluation of the recent Iowa Legislative Session
• What went well? • What would we do differently?
III. Break-Out Sessions by Issue
• Strategize with other progressives around the state that are working on the same issue. • What kind of help do you need from other organizations/leaders who may not be directly involved in your issue.
Lunch
IV. Report back to larger group identifying specific needs
• What do you need from PIN?
We will not have time to hear specific plans but rather will want to hear your list of needs on how other organizations/leaders can help you make progress around your issue.
V. Where does PIN go from here?
We will discuss logistics, network structure and set a date and time for our next meeting(s).
VI. DFA-Iowa Administrative Planning Session (for DFA-IA members)
This last segment will be for DFA-IA members to discuss by-laws, how we can better support Blog for Iowa, and other administrative details.
Outreach around this summit has been underway for awhile -- many progressive organizations/individuals in Iowa have already been notified. However, if you have not yet heard from us directly, please email Caroline Vernon ASAP: carolina1961@gmail.com. We need every progressive organization, leader and legislator in Iowa to participate in order to achieve maximum effectiveness as a network.
Action Needed on Civil Rights Bill in Iowa House Janelle Rettig
Friends,
SF
427, the civil rights bill, is in trouble in the Iowa House. The bill
would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state civil
rights code, making discrimination in employment, housing education,
credit, and public accommodations illegal in Iowa. The bill previously
passed the Iowa Senate with large margins. The Iowa House is
controlled by Democrats 54-46, with one Democrat not voting while
serving in Iraq.
The Speaker of the House, Pat Murphy Pat.Murphy@legis.state.ia.us,
last week said the bill was likely dead for the session because he
didn't have the Democratic votes. In the last election you might
recall the talk about what good things could happen if we only gave a
Democratic triffecta. The Democrats control the house, they control
the senate, and we have a Democratic Governor. It seems reasonable to
think that the Democratic triffecta and a few reasonable Republicans
could get basic civil rights done if they truly wanted it to happen.
Here's how you can help.
1)
Write your legislator asking them to do everything they can to give
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people basic civil rights like
working, eating in a restaurant, renting an apartment. Tell your
stories of discrimination and your fears, the fears you have for your
friends and family, the desire you have to live in a place where
everyone is valued. You can find your legislator here:
2)
If you are a Democrat think about everyone you've ever given money to,
ever volunteered for, or anyone you voted for and consider asking them
to get involved and pull in all the political capital they have to make
this happen.
3) Dig through your address book and contacts looking for anyone from these counties asking them to help:
Christopher Rants, is the Republican Majority Leader.
This
is a defining moment in Iowa history. We can take the path of being a
welcoming state where everyone is valued or we can take the path of
fear and discrimination. Make no mistake about it this is also a
defining moment in the Democratic party. The question is whether GLBT
people our friends and allies have any value to a party that we have
shown profound loyalty. If Democrats value GLBTA people they can find
a way to get this done now, not next year, not one more election. I'm
tired of hearing just one more election, just do this, just do that.
We've been loyal, we are Iowans, now treat us as equals.
Some
of the people on this list have been working on this bill for over 20
years. Each and every year we've been told just one more election,
just one more something. We've been patient for plenty of time. Now
let's get basic civil rights passed into law. As individuals we may
not be that powerful, but together we know people who know people who
have power. If you believe in equality there has never been a better
time to call in your friends.
Janelle
Janelle Rettig 110 Shrader Rd Iowa City, IA 52245 319-338-0999 (phone/fax) 319-330-0916 (cell) janellerettig@aol.com
