Believe Out Loud Director Joins Post-Election Panel Discussion

Washington, D.C.-November 15, 2012—Joseph Ward III, Director of Believe Out Loud, joins faith leaders at the U.S. Capitol tonight for a post-election panel discussion: “The Next Chapter in LGBT Justice: A Faith Perspective.”

The discussion, convened by the Raben Group with Metropolitan Community Churches, will reflect upon the state of collaboration between progressive faith leaders and LGBT leaders to secure the civil and human rights achievements of our time.

The panel seeks to offer a clear alternative to the familiar “Gays vs God” media frame that pits conservative religious denominations and organizations on one side and the secular gay rights activists and organizations on the other side.

Ward will reflect on the role faith groups played in the recent election and what the future may hold in this changing political climate.

The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton will offer opening remarks, and Rev. Cedric Harmon, Co-Director of Many Voices, will serve as moderator.

Panelists include:

Joseph Ward III, Director of Believe Out Loud

Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson, Presiding Moderator of the Metropolitan Community Churches

Rachel Laser, Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center for Reformed Judaism

Sarah Dreier, International Affairs Director of the Episcopal Church USA and ECLA

Rev. Dr. Dennis Wiley, Co-Pastor of Covenant Baptist UCC Church

Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, Presiding Bishop of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries

Sharon Lettman Hicks, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition

David Stacy, Deputy Legislative Director of the Human Rights Campaign