Soulforce

This Father’s Day, a group of LGBT and straight-ally families will spend their holiday in a way that is both extraordinary and profoundly commonplace: they will attend services at Saddleback Church, the mega-church founded by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.

The following day, the families will join leaders from Saddleback Church for a private meal and conversation.

On Mother’s Day, Jay Bakker [pictured], son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, brought a group of LGBT families to worship at Lakewood Church, in Texas - the largest mega-church in the U.S. After the service, Bakker met privately with Lakewood’s pastor, Joel Osteen, to talk about faith, family, and LGBT people.

After the meeting, Bakker released the following statement:

African American United Methodist clergy - who are also longtime civil-rights advocates - say there are parallels between the struggles of blacks in the 1960's and those of gays and lesbians working for full inclusion in the church today.

The Free Press, in Mankato MN, is reporting on the incredible public response to the documentary For The Bible Tells Me So.

The film focuses on the debate about gays-in-the-church. And many pro-gay veterans of theological discussions give their positions on the subject throughout the documentary.

Former House majority leader Dick Gephardt and his daughter, Chrissy Gephardt appear together in the film.

TV and film producer Daniel Karslake studies reactions of devout Christians who learn their child is gay.

In his first project since working on In The Life, Karslake said he felt a need to reach beyond an audience that already accepted partnered gays and lesbians.

Focusing on the gays-in-the-church debate - For the Bible Tells Me So features many pro-gay veterans of the theological debates.

Soulforce and Atticus Circle announced today the launch of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, an online gathering place and educational resource for the millions of straight people who believe in equality for LGBT Americans.

Straight people across the nation will "come out" as supporters of equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans October 7th through 13th.

Overnight vigils will be organized during the course of seven nights, providing unprecedented visibility to heterosexual men and women who want to stand up for their gay and lesbian friends and neighbors.