Catholics, Mormons, many religious will march in Seattle's Pride Parade

[rug]

BY JOEL CONNELLY, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Updated 04:41 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2012

A new wellspring of support will be on display when the annual Pride Parade gets underway Sunday in downtown Seattle. People of faith are coming out for same-sex marriage, speaking with voices and feet, even if their bishops continue to stand against marriage equality.

The Mormon contingent in Seattle's Pride Parade on Sunday will dress in classic missionary attire of shirts and ties, over which marchers will be wearing "Approve Referendum 74" t-shirts.

"We stand for marriage equality: We don't stand AGAINST anything, and we are not interested in attacking anyone," said Scott Holley of Mormons for Marriage Equality. Holley's church stood against same-sex marriage four years ago and was instrumental in passage of California's Prop. 8.

The newly formed Catholics for Marriage Equality will be marching nearby in the parade under a big, newly made banner. Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain has fought against marriage equality, but CME leader Barbara Guzzo is standing her ground and walking her talk.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/connelly/article/Catholics-Mormons-many-religious-will-march-in-3649662.php

[freeplessinseattle]

1. Last year my little group was behind the Unitarians

Not surprising they would be the first to make a public show of support, and it is so heartening that further support is taking a stand.

I'm still undecided if I will march again, it was just a little overwhelming for a shy girl marching past around 400,000 spectators, but such a positive energy that I might just decide at the last minute to join my friends.

[rug]

2. Go!

Personally, I'd like to see the Mormons in their missionary outfits. It's fascinating how a movement that started out to assert a community's rights has become a movement of unity far beyond the original community.

[freeplessinseattle]

5. I'll probably go as a spectator-last year didn't get to see much

being in the parade itself.

I feel like I actually wasn't representing well because I get such bad dry mouth when I am socially anxious that I couldn't even smile properly, with my lips sticking to my teeth. I had a bottle of water in my backpack but didn't help much.

It was definitely fun and exhilarating, but just so freaking overwhelming for introverted ADD folks like myself. One of my friends who didn't go last year is marching this year though, and her natural exuberance should help balance out my dorky absence.

[cbayer]

6. Being a supportive spectator is as close to being in the march as you can get.

I hope you have a great time!

[cbayer]

3. I hope you are able to go, but understand if you don't.

I have always found the rewards of this kind of action outweigh the drawbacks of being surrounded by that kind of crowd.

Fortunately, some of my friends are bears (big, brawny gay men), so I always felt safe with them, lol!

[laconicsax]

4. Good for them. It must take courage to stand up to the leadership of their religion. n/t

[skepticscott]

7. The real courage would be

not supporting religions that preach anti-gay bigotry at all. Stop going, stop giving money, stop calling yourselves one of them, and tell the leaders of the church what you're doing and why. Anyone who remains a voluntary member of those organizations is an enabler and a collaborator. Advocating "change from within" is pure cowardice.

[Starboard Tack]

8. +1. They are truly courageous and are at the forefront of the fight.

There is no better way to fight the bigotry, than from within these institutions.

[laconicsax]

9. How can you say that groups that only recently joined are "at the forefront of the fight?"

[Starboard Tack]

10. Does having recently joined preclude them? They are marching.

There are many who have been fighting these battles for a long time. I may not subscribe to their faith, but like you, I admire their courage. It is easy for you and I to lambast those leaders. We have no fear of being cast out. Can you imagine believing in something very strongly and then discovering that your leaders are out of control fundamentalists, peddling hatred and discontent in your name?
The fact that some have recently joined is even more encouraging. As in most battles, the new recruits are often sent to the front lines. If new groups are marching on the front lines, of their own free will, against leaders who preach intolerance, I consider them to be at the forefront and, as you say, it must take courage.

[laconicsax]

11. IMO, to be at the forefront, one must be leading.

While it's great that these groups aren't having to be dragged along kicking and screaming like other groups will, joining an event and movement already underway is following, not leading.

[Starboard Tack]

12. Well those who have courage are at the forefront of change.

When their supposed leaders no longer practice what they preach, then good people call for change. With their support, marriage equality will apply to all and religious intolerance will be further sidelined. The tyrants are more likely to listen to those who pay their wages, if they want to survive.