On a day set aside to celebrate love, Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church wants to show folks that God loves LGBT equality.
On Sunday, February 14th at 2 p.m., Neshoba (7350 Raleigh-Lagrange) is hosting “Standing on the Side of Love,” a community-wide equality worship service and reception featuring LGBT-supportive clergy from five area churches.
Participating clergy include Rev. John Gilmore from Open Heart Spiritual Center, Rev. Joe Pfeiffer of First Congregational Church, Rev. Tommy Sheppard from St. Francis Old Catholic Church, Rev. LaPaula Turner of Holy Trinity, and Neshoba’s Rev. Bill Neely.
The worship service will focus on the need for LGBT equality, and a symbolic community wedding reception follows. Guests will be treated to wedding cake adorned with same-sex couple toppers.
“Many of us were energized by last spring’s Shelby County Commission discussion of equality in the workplace. While the resolution that was finally passed by the commission was not all that many of us had hoped for, it was nonetheless a victory for equality in Memphis,” said Neely. “Interfaith voices of support for equality had much to do with that victory. We would like to continue in the spirit of that advocacy so that the religious climate of Memphis continues trending toward equality.”
A love offering will be collected to benefit the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center.
