An Interfaith Worship Service
Celebration of ALL God's Children

With great joy, people of faith and goodwill will join together the afternoon of Sunday, April 26 to celebrate the love and commitment of gay and lesbian families in Iowa, which will soon be legally recognized because of the Iowa Supreme Court's decision earlier this month.

"Celebrating All God's Children"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
5:00 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church,
42nd and Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines.
parking ramp available just east of the church

The Interfaith Worship Service, rescheduled from earlier this month, will include clergy and faith leaders from several central Iowa Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist congregations.

Coming together from different faith traditions, we will worship the Creator known to each of us and we will celebrate the love and commitment shared by all of Iowa's families, including families headed by gay and lesbian couples.

Invite friends and family to join you for this joyful service.

It is our hope that people of many faiths and people of goodwill will join us in celebration of the Court's ruling and of the beginning of a new day in Iowa.
For more information about the Interfaith Worship Service, please contact us:
betti@faithfulvoices.org or (515)279-8715

Rally For Marriage Equality

On the afternoon of Friday, April 3, thousands of gay, lesbian, and ally friends and family joined in rallies across the state celebrating the Supreme Court's decision in support of marriage equality. Let's take this moment to rejoice in the unanimous vote for marriage, equality, and fairness, but we know the work continues.

Join us this week and in the coming months to make sure Iowa's progressive voice of faith and goodwill is heard in support of marriage equality. Progressive people of faith and goodwill are vital to making sure this affirmation of equality is not turned back. Take the messages of progressive people of faith and goodwill to your friends, family, houses of worship, co-workers and more.

Tell them:

- As a person of faith and goodwill, I believe the Court's decision upholds the spirit of Iowa's constitution which clearly states each of us has the right to equal protection and recognition under the law.

- As a person of faith and goodwill, I celebrate the Court's decision in affirming fairness and equality for all Iowa families.

- As a person of faith and goodwill, I believe this decision strengthens religious freedom and acknowledges the inherent worth of gay and lesbian families in our state.

Marriage Equality in Iowa?

Dear Friends,

As you probably know by now, the Iowa Supreme Court will release its decision on the Varnum v. Brien case tomorrow (Friday, April 3) at 8:30 am. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa will hold a Press Conference tomorrow at 10:30 am to respond to the decision. See details below.

It is our hope that many clergy and people of faith and goodwill will join us at the State Capitol and stand with us in support of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. We will stand in support of fairness and equality for all families. We will stand to Protect Faith and Freedom.

Will you stand with us?

All supporters of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and Marriage Equality are encouraged to attend. We especially would love clergy to be present to stand with our clergy speakers. Feel free to wear clergy attire such as a collar, stole, etc.

If you would like to attend, we would like you to arrive in Room 116 at the Capitol by 10 am. Allow plenty of time for parking and to get into the Capitol.

Please let me know of your plans to attend the Press Conference.

In addition, One Iowa is planning at least four Marriage Equality rallies in communities across the state. They are in the process of confirming rally locations in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Iowa City and Quad Cities. There may be others. Check their website tonight for more information on times and locations. I strongly urge you to attend the rally in your community or closest to you. One Iowa's website is: www.oneiowa.org

With appreciation,
Connie

Connie Ryan Terrell
Executive Director
The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa & Action Fund
"Protecting Faith and Freedom"
PO Box 41086
Des Moines, IA 50311
Office: 515-279-8715
Fax: 515-279-2232
www.interfaithallianceiowa.org
connie@interfaithallianceiowa.org


WHAT:
Press Conference
Response to Iowa Supreme Court’s decision on Varnum v. Brien

WHERE:
Iowa State Capitol
Room 116

WHEN:
Friday April 3, 2009
10:30 AM (those attending should arrive by 10 am)