ATLANTA - Rev. Paul M. Turner Sr. Pastor of Gentle Spirit Christian Church, today joined with "Equal Partners in Faith" (http://www.us.net/epf/ ) in signing a statement that will be read PRESS CONFERENCE FRIDAY, ** FEBRUARY 22 at 3PM ** In FRONT OF the JUDICIARY BUILDING ON DEXTER AVENUE in MONTGOMERY ALABAMA. This is concerning Judge Roy Moore's recent comments concerning Gays and Lesbians. The "Equal Partners in Faith" statement reads as follows: "A Unified Statement of Protest against Justice Moore’s action and Position:
It is our belief that Judge Moore has been authorized to serve judgments on behalf of the citizens of the state of Alabama that are fair, just and grounded in the Constitution of the United States and the ethics and shared values of our diverse faith traditions. Judge Moore crosses the line of service, however when he layers his personal beliefs on those judgments to the extent that individuals who comprise any minority population in the state are labeled, persecuted, placed at risk and ostracized as the result of his ruling. In his recent decision, Judge Moore has served his personal bias rather than the people of our state and has effectively legitimized hatred and marginalization of a minority population in our state."
In addition Rev. Turner has further stated, "Judge Moore's homophobic rhetoric while all too common in this country, once again speaks out loudly and painfully that intolerance, hate and bigotry is very alive and powerful within God's creation. Our faith leads us to say to Judge Moore: Do the right thing! Do an act of justice, Yes do the right thing and resign. If your judicial thoughts are based on -- discriminatory factors because of your religious beliefs, including sexual stereotypes, gender identity, expressions or characteristics of that gender identity then please sir do the right thing; step down, do it now before your thoughts and public words become the tools by which violence is visited upon our people.
<<< END OF PRESS RELEASE >>>