Weekly Witness For 2 October 2009

Statement From New President

by the Rev. David Norgard

As I begin my term as President of Integrity, I wish to start this special ministry with words of thanks. My immediate predecessor, the Rev. Canon Susan Russell, gave a powerful and persuasive voice to Integrity’s witness during her two terms as President. Yet she was far from alone. Countless Integrity members, partners, donors and volunteers deserve profound thanks for their many years of service and generosity. It is the unwavering commitment by so many that has brought us to this place of rejoicing following the actions of the Anaheim General Convention.

With the Episcopal Church now having come out unequivocally on the national level as a family of faith that includes LGBT persons, the work of Integrity is as important as ever. Now we must support dioceses as they seek to live into the realities made possible by the convention’s resolutions. Toward that end, I invite churches across the country to join us as partners and individuals from every diocese to participate actively as members.

I look forward eagerly to working with my fellow new board members in leading this justice ministry: Josh Blackwood, Stakeholders’ Council Chair; John Clinton Bradley, Acting Executive Director; Louise Brooks, Director of Communications; David Cupps, Treasurer; Neil Houghton, Vice President for Local Affairs; and the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, Vice President for National Affairs. I am confident that Integrity’s membership has elected sound leadership that will not only serve the organization well but far more importantly, serve the mission to which it is dedicated: a church in which all the sacraments are indeed made available to all the baptized.

Michael Bell Leaves Staff

For the past 9 months, Michael Bell has served as Integrity's part-time event organizer while engaging in seminary studies. Michael's project management skills and attention to detail were invaluable in handling logistical preparations for Integrity's witness during General Convention and the After Anaheim leadership conference.

After a job done, Michael left our staff on September 30th. Thanks, Michael, for all your hard work! We wish you well as you complete seminary and continue through the ordination process.

Religious Events During National Equality March

Are you traveling to our Washington DC next weekend for the National Equality March? There are LOTS of LGBT religious events being offer by a number of groups! Click here for a list.

Registration Open For Creating Change

We’re on the brink of BIG CHANGES. Are you ready to change your world?

Get the tools to make change real at Creating Change in Dallas during February 3-7, 2010. This conference has what you need--trainings, workshops, strategy sessions, was well as time to meeting network with other activists in our movement for LGBT equality.

Creating Change is for YOU because you’re an organizer, an activist and a community sparkplug. You’re a staffer, a board member, a volunteer in the LGBT movement. You’re a student, you’re a political junkie. Mostly, Creating Change is for you because you’re a dreamer, a thinker and you want to be part of the change that’s coming.

Live Large and think BIG – and catch our early bird registration!

We'll see you in Dallas!