"Prayers Of Justice" to Rise Up From Bay-State Churches, Synagogues; Commu

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"Prayers Of Justice" to Rise Up From Bay-State Churches, Synagogues; Communities of Faith Defend Civil Rights of Gay and Lesbian Families
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=101-03032004

To: State Desk, Religion Reporter

Contact: Josh Friedes, 617-821-7206, Brad Reichard, 617-470-8265, both of the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry

BOSTON, March 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In an effort to send a message of unity and support for the constitutionally-protected right of same-sex couples to marry, more than 500 religious leaders across the Commonwealth are mobilizing their congregations to "Pray for Justice" and take action to inform elected officials about the broad support within many religious communities for same sex marriage, and the wide-spread opposition to the passage of any constitutional amendment that would write discrimination in to the Massachusetts State Constitution.

"We as religious leaders in the Commonwealth have a long tradition of mobilizing our congregations to protect and preserve the Civil Rights of individuals, and this weekend's Pray for Justice activities will mark another chapter in our long-standing fight for justice and equal protection of all individuals and families under the law," stated Devon Lerner, chair of the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry.

"Our tradition teaches us to embrace and celebrate justice, which is why we are participating in the upcoming Pray for Justice effort," explained the Reverend Terry Fitzgerald, Pastor United Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC), Worcester. "Our congregation is committed to making a difference for next week's vote, and we are proud to be among the hundreds of congregations across the Commonwealth that will pray for justice this weekend."

This Pray for Justice Weekend, slated to begin at sunset on Friday, March 5th and conclude at sundown on Sunday, March 7th is designed to enable religious leaders to empower their congregants to act on what many feel is sense of urgent obligation to defend the civil rights and equal legal protection of gay and lesbian families. In cities and towns across Massachusetts, Jews, Christians and many other faith communities will participate in a variety of activities urging elected state officials to vote "no" on an anti-gay amendment including:

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