On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Rev. Gaddy spoke at Interfaith Alliance of Idaho’s 11th annual gathering. His presentation to the group: The Crisis No One Talks About looked at how we are dealing with a religious pluralism that our founders could only imagine. He recalled that the Idaho Affiliate was one of the first he visited after he became Interfaith Alliance President and how he was advised that the Moral Majority was considered a “moderate” group in Idaho. With discussions on marriage equality, hate crimes prevention legislation and our LEADD program for youth, much has changed, in the country and in Idaho, since Welton’s first visit more than a decade ago. But, as Pam Baldwin, the Idaho Affiliate’s director, told Welton, there is still much to do!
You can listen to Welton’s presentation here.
The event was held at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel and Welton’s presentation delighted and surprised more than a few people. “I’m an 88 year old Jew and I have never heard any Christian minister ever talk like you,” said Joe, a man in the audience. “Amen,” says another.
Learn more at tiaidaho.org.
In Iowa that same week, Welton facilitated “A Call to Quiet Conversations and Public Debate: A Roundtable Conversation with Faith Leaders on Marriage Equality.” The setting was a forum for faith leaders from different perspectives discussing the positions of their religions and, in some cases, their struggles with personal opinions versus their faith directives. The format focused on the conversations without any audience participation beyond observation. It was a chance to “listen in” to this ongoing conversation. The forum was part of a Statewide Conference on Marriage Equality organized by Connie Ryan Terrell and the staff of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.
Learn more at interfaithallianceiowa.org.