The evolution of the interaction of faith and LGBT issues will be explored in Philadelphia next week.
Following an advanced screening of “The Pursuit: 50 Years in the Fight for LGBT Rights,” the public is invited to a discussion about the role of faith in the LGBT-rights movement. The free event takes place 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 21 at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St.
The event is being organized by Ark of Refuge Tabernacle, pRiSm @ Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Unity Fellowship of Christ Church Philadelphia, Whosoever Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia and WHYY, which produced “The Pursuit.”
The film, which airs 9 p.m. June 23 on WHYY, focuses on Philadelphia’s role in the LGBT-rights movement, centering on the recent 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminder marches at Independence Hall.
Following the screening, a panel will look at the movement in terms of faith issues. “We want to have a conversation about the role of faith and faith institutions during the movement,” said organizer Heshie Zinman. “Did they serve us well, did they not serve us well? And with all the stigma that went along with HIV/AIDS, did we or didn’t we get the support we needed?”
The discussion will encourage participants to use those lessons to look toward the future, Zinman said.
“Now that we have greater acceptance, we want to talk about how we as diverse faith communities can build toward a more-inclusive faith movement,” Zinman said. “Even though our community is diverse, we’re not always inclusive, so how do we break down those barriers and build a community that is inclusive?”
The panel members include: Tyrone Smith and Pastor Pamela Williams of Ark of Refuge, the Rev. Jeff Haskins of Unity Fellowship, the Rev. Jeffrey Jordan of Whosoever MCC and Jerry Silverman, founding member of pRiSm @ Congregation Rodeph Shalom’s predecessor, Beth Ahavah.
Light refreshments will be served at the event. Parking is free, and guests can enter on Green Street.