|
Episcopalians Plan Participation in Annual "Christopher Street West" Parade Members of congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles will take part for the third consecutive year in the Christopher Street West Parade (PRIDE 2005), scheduled for Sunday, June 12 in West Hollywood. Sponsored by the Bishop's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Ministry (BCGLM), the Episcopal Church contingent will wear matching tee shirts and an array of hats reflecting their personalities, occupations, hobbies, or ethnic origins. Some of the marchers will carry placards identifying some 94 "welcoming congregations" in the diocese. All Episcopalians in the diocese are cordially invited to join the marchers. As in years past, the day's events will begin with a "Street Eucharist" at 9:00 a.m. near the parade organizing area. Following the Eucharist, participants will have plenty of time to have breakfast at one of the local restaurants in West Hollywood and spend some time people-watching before the parade gets under way at 11:00 a.m. "This is a great opportunity to spread the Good News of the Gospel to a population that has been estranged from the church," says the Rev. Susan Russell of BCGLM. "The chance to offer the blessing of God's love to more than 300,000 people is an exhilarating concept. We hope to recruit as many as 800 participants this year to show the gay and lesbian community that this church truly does welcome them." BCGLM will sponsor a booth at the PRIDE 2005 festival in West Hollywood Park on Saturday, June 11, and after the parade on Sunday, June 12. For more information about the Diocesan Bishop's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Ministry, a list of Welcoming Congregations, and updates on this year's BCGLM PRIDE 2005 participation, visit the Commission's website at http://home.mindspring.com/~bcglm1/index.html
Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
|
