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Date: 7/22/2022
Subject: Stand Up for Love and Turn our Backs on Hate
From: LWVNAZ




Dear LWVNAZ League members,


Our local LGBTQ+ community has reached out for support across our area to respond to plans for a targeted anti-LQBTQ+ protest here in Sedona.  You can join others in an act of peaceful response and support.  Here are the details:

 

The LGBTQ+ community in Sedona and the Verde Valley is being targeted by Westboro Baptist Church in four protest “services” on Sunday July 24.  

 

Westboro is known for engaging in inflammatory, homophobic and anti-American pickets, as well as hate speech against atheists, Jews, Muslims, transgender people, and numerous Christian denominations.  In addition to conducting anti-LGBTQ+ protests at military funerals and at the funerals of the children killed in the Sandy Hook massacre, the organization’s demonstrations have included defacing the American flag and holding signs with inflammatory statements such as "God hates fags" and "Thank God for dead soldiers".  

 

And now they are coming to Sedona.  

 

There will be a peaceful, non-confrontational response to WBC’s vitriol. In that spirit please join us to

 

STAND UP FOR LOVE

and

TURN OUR BACKS ON HATE

 

On Sunday, July 24 we will gather on opposite corners from WBC at the churches it has targeted for its hateful displays. Please let us know if you can join us.  Contact:

 

SedonaActionNetwork@gmail.com  

 

WBC’s schedule of protests is:

 

·       8:30 AM    St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon DR.

·       9:30 AM    St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 180 St, John Vianney Lane

·       10:30 AM  Sedona Church of Christ, 2757 W. SR 89A

·       11:30 AM   Master’s Bible Church, 175 Kallof Place

 

Please join us at the first site at 8:15 AM, or at subsequent sites 15 minutes before the above stated times.   We will travel to each location in groups (carpooling is encouraged.)  Please join us at all or one of the gatherings.  

Be aware that WBC tries to incite a response.  Much of their communication can be highly offensive.  Our gathering of love and support for our community will not engage with WBC.  The plan is to stand on opposite sides of the street with our backs to the WBC picketers and display our own messages of love. We encourage positive signs stating love, peace, and support for all.

At 12:30 PM, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church has invited us to gather in its Parish Hall for refreshments and friendship, to celebrate our unity and community.  We hope you will join us for this celebration of love

 

Thank you for Standing up for Love and Turning Your Back On Hate

 

Maryann Kenney

President