Sundays of Solidarity

If you perform a google search on “gay friendly church” news, you will find a slew of headlines decrying different faith communities’ public demonstration of homophobia and transphobia. Unfortunately, the rejection of LGBT members from church groups does not come as a surprise: the queer community has been long been systematically abused and discriminated against by the religious sector. Therefore, as America slowly move toward legal equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, it is more than ever important for us to focus our efforts on anti-LGBT religious groups.

In order to bring our civil rights struggle to the religious arena, Atticus Circle and Soulforce are introducing “Sundays of Solidarity” (SOS), a new program which will replace “Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights.” We believe that this program can foster discussions between members of a faith community and equality activists.

Sundays of Solidarity encourages groups of LGBT and allied people around the country to train themselves in nonviolent direct action and communication, and then attend worship services at a church of their choice - a church that is not welcoming and affirming of openly LGBT members and guests(later actions may also include visits to individuals and institutions other than churches). Participants have the option of wearing a shirt or lapel button that reads "gay? fine by me." These items serve as a conversation starter - opening dialogue with people in the church about faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 

If you are interested in learning more about Sundays of Solidarity, please visit our website, and checkout the resource webpage we have compiled which covers the essentials of Nonviolent communication, Media talking points, and What both the Bible and science really say about homosexuality. Let’s join together to peacefully demand that anti-LGBT religious leaders end their campaigns against the rights and well-being of LGBT people!

More information

For further information and resources about Sundays of Solidarity, please visit: http://sundaysofsolidarity.org/
To purchase a lapel button or t-shirt, please email [email protected]

Photos from Cornerstone Church Action