March 24, 2004

Churches, synagogue join in reaching out to gays

SENTINEL STAFF REPORT

APTOS — A dozen local religious leaders gather today at the Temple Beth El synagogue in what organizers are calling a groundbreaking outreach effort to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

The goal of the project dubbed "Out in Our Faith" is to promote full inclusion in area churches and synagogues.

"The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered don’t always know they’re welcome in religious communities," said Kathy Goldenkranz of Temple Beth El, the force behind the project.

"It’s pretty exciting for us. The whole relationship we’re building with the churches is pretty exciting, the alliances that we haven’t had before with both the clergy and the lay leadership."

A three-day event the first weekend in June will include speakers, services and workshops, and will culminate with participation in the Gay Pride parade in Santa Cruz.

The effort is funded in part by an $8,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz.

Among the multi-faith leaders committed to the project: First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ, Inner Light Ministries and the Gay and Lesbian Outreach Ministry at Holy Cross.

"We believe this is a social-justice issue," said Goldenkranz. "This is a civil rights issue and we believe this is a religious freedom issue."