Modesto, California

Modesto Faith Community; Modesto, California

Action Location: Modesto, California

Action Leaders: Modesto Faith Communities

Action Date: September 14th - 20th

Statement: The event in Modesto is being sponsored by five faith communities whose leaders and many of their members believe that as people of faith we are called to stand for equality and fairness for all people. In California this year, the issue of freedom to marry has come center stage with the recent Supreme Court decision affirming marriage as a fundamental freedom for all people and efforts through a ballot proposition this fall to take away that equality. In Modesto we will host an information event each evening, inviting members of our community to consider that all people, including lgbt friends, need fairness and equal legal protections and to preserve the freedom to marry. We will also focus one evening towards youth and how they can better support classmates in the lgbt community. We look forward to the day when all people will respect the inherent dignity of all people and the day when sexual orientation will no longer be an issue in our faith communities or society as a whole.

When Russ Matteson, Modesto Church of the Brethren, first heard about Seven Straight Nights a year ago, he felt that it was something that the Interfaith pastors group he was part of could do to make a unified statement that there are religious people who do not believe being lgbt is wrong and to encourage our faith communities to be more active and courageous in speaking out in support of fairness and equality. As a pastor it pains him that people assume that all Christians condemn lesbians and gays. This would be an opportunity to bring a group together to make a bold, week long dialogue, highlighting religious leaders and people who believe that it is faithful to accept, welcome, support friends and family members who are lgbt.

The planning process itself has been wonderful. We approached the local PRIDE Center to see if they would work with us on the events, and they were receptive to the idea. Our planning group has consisted of clergy and laity, gay and straight, and each meeting has been a wonderful conversation and opportunity for learning, growth, and support. If the planning is any indication, the events of the week will be a wonderful opportunity to be in conversation towards openness, understanding, and advocacy. On behalf of all of us, we are pleased to be a part of this week of awareness and advocacy.