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PRESERVE LANCASTER COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION!!
UNITY RALLY AND PUBLIC HEARING IN LANCASTER
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UNITY RALLY
Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 5:30pm
Binns Park 100 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603
PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 7:00pm
County Administration Building, Room 102 150 N. Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
WHY WOULD LANCASTER POLITICIANS CHOOSE THIS TIME TO ABOLISH ITS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION??
Two Lancaster County Commissioners, Scott Martin and Dennis Stuckey, have suddenly decided it is time to abolish the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission.
Most people involved in the work of intercultural, interfaith, ethnic and race relations know that there is a tendency for human relations issues to become worse in bad economic times. It would seem that in the midst of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression that a Human Relations Commission would be needed now more than ever. All the moreso here in Pennsylvania where we have nationally leading numbers of hate crimes and hate groups.
Coincidently, some would say, only three months before this proposal to abolish the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission, a serious proposal was made to expand the Commission's mandate to include issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. This proposal is supported by the third Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman, the only commissioner who thinks the county Human Relations Commission is worth preserving.
Most people who watch LGBT issues know that the single greatest pocket of political power still seeking to continue legal oppression of LGBT people is rooted in.........the religious community. This is why we at TIA-PA need to be asking an uncomfortable question: Are there elements in the religious community in Lancaster County who are trying to abolish the Lancaster Human Relations Commission in order to preserve legal discrimination of people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered?
Most responsible members of the religious community would hope that religion is not at the core of this untimely attempt to abolish such an essential peace-making agency of Lancaster's county government. But the fact that it might be makes it even more imperative for the religious community to voice its objections loudly. Abolishing the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission is a bad idea, whatever the motivation.
The July 29 rally to preserve the commission deserves our loud endorsement. The rally and the public hearing deserve our attendance. Those who cannot attend - and those who can - should send a statement of objection to the County Commissioners by letter or email:
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ONLINE INTERFAITH DISCUSSION PLATFORM:
TIA-PA, and its sister-organization The Religion and Society Center,
seek to launch Online Dialogue Magazine:
Send Your Articles
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With August soon approaching we are looking forward to the launch of Movement&Faith Magazine; an online platform which discusses interfaith dialogue, contemporary culture and shared action both within our city and abroad. As the design and site structure are being finalized we are eager to get the word out to our community that we are looking to begin pulling together various articles and essays for the site (mainly because we don't want an empty site when we launch it- but also because we want to hear what YOU have to say!)
Articles, essays, letters, queries, discussions and ideas for recurring columns are all welcome! Topics can range to nearly any dimension, however you see them fitting into the ongoing and ever expanding interfaith dialogue. Ultimately we want this online publication to be a resource that covers every avenue for a wider discussion on faith (i.e. writing an article with respect to questions shared by all faiths, writing from one faith to another, a reflection or interview with a religious hero of yours, etc.), contemporary issues (engaging policy makers, discussing current events, movies, etc), shared action (pragmatically working together in our world; oil spills and your faith?? Challenges in your community, etc.)
Whatever you have a voice to say we would love to give you a platform to say it- there really are no wrong ideas as far as what can be written about. If you are interested, please email either an article query (if you would like feedback or direction about an idea or piece you are considering writing) or send finished articles to
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Please extend this invitation to anybody you know who has a love of writing and an interest in the subject- the only thing we ask is that pieces not be exact copies of already submitted materials. We do reserve the right to make editorial edits (grammar, spelling, etc.) or to refuse an article because of inappropriate material- so keep everything kosher, I suppose! All authors will be fully recognized on the website along with any of their pieces.
We are excited about this opportunity to partner with you all and are working hard to make this a success! If you have any questions at all please feel free to email Ryan Gerber at
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or get in touch with us at
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. Included is a preview of the site so you have an Idea of what we have been looking at every day!
Ryan Gerber (Managing Editor) and everybody at the Interfaith Alliance/PA and The Religion and Society Center
e:
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| Feedback and Input
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TIA-PA Goal/Mission Statement:
To create an interfaith movement in Pennsylvania where citizens committed to the American values of justice, equality and compassion are encouraged to speak out in support of issues and policies which promote that vision.
To create politically resonant religious language derived from that progressive social vision, and engage our community by restoring that language into the larger society.
Are there issues and events happening in your area? Tell us about them so we can share with others. Have ideas on programs and events you'd like to see? Share your thoughts so we can collaborate.
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| Contact Information
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phone: 717-724-0353
This e-newsletter is produced and sponsored by BoltMap, Inc (717) 564-2477
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Support The Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania
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HELP PROTECT BOTH FAITH AND FREEDOM IN PENNSYLVANIA
2010 is well underway. Please help us continue to advocate for a stronger multi-faith society. Our Board has decided to ask for voluntary contributions rather than asking for a flat annual dues amount. You can support us on-line using the DONATE option on TIA-PA.org, or here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8124595
The Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania
3211 N. Front St., Suite 104
Harrisburg, PA 17110
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