Nashville Counters "Just Us" Sunday with Community of Faith and Unity and Protests!

It was a hot day in Nashville as over 700 people gathered at the Community of Faith and Unity to oppose "Just Us Sunday" on the other side of town. Two friends and myself carpooled in a friends Prius to join everyone at the Cathedral of Praise at 4300 Clarksville Hwy in Nashville. Glenn Smith of Drive Democracy and author of The Politics of Deceit, and Rev. Jerry Maynard II coordinated the event.  The Community of Faith and Unity had 11 speakers from both the Nashville area and the national Freedom and Faith Forum.

The rally opened in this beautiful church with great music and singing. Rev. Jerry Maynard II made the opening remarks and his father, Bishop Jerry L Maynard spoke about how true salvation cannot be legislated.

Rev. Rita Brock founder of Faith Voices asked "where is the love" in the actions of this administration? She also said that we are judged by how widely we love, not by how narrowly we define our neighbors.

Pastor Tim Alexander of Smith Springs Church of Christ called those on the other side of town "Complaining Christians" and said we must keep separation of church and state because the rooster doesn't need permission from the farmer to crow. He also stated he is a conservative Democrat who is pro-life and opposes gay marriage.

Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State asked us to remember it was judges in black robes who have defended civil rights and supported women to make their own health care choices.

Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville spoke of tolerance and respect for all. Bishop Walker stated that the Supreme court must support a diverse society and the 1st amendment. He brought the house to its feet applauding with his phrase that "You can not pimp morality"!

Rev. Becca Stephens of St. Augustine Chapel at Vanderbilt said that nobody owns the truth because one persons truth can always be debated with someone else. She also believes that we will be free when we move beyond the fear. (Then Rudy Guilliani burst onto the stage saying "9-11! 9-11! 9-11!"  - Just kidding!)  

Patrick Mrotek, President of Christian Alliance for Progress told us we must reclaim our Christianity from those who leave millions in hunger and ignorant in science. Where is the compassion for all, and not just the chosen few who received tax cuts?

Rev. Emilee Whitehurst, Director of Austin Area Interreligious Ministries said the religious right has used Jesus in a grab for power. The real strength of America IS our differences. Austin TX has embraced all the different religions to make the city stronger.

Rabbi Cliff Fiedler, the token Jew (his words not mine), of B'nai Isreal Congregation said the religious right chooses to ignore the First Amendment of the constitution. He read 10 points of the FRC website and had humorous statements about each.

Rev. Gail Seavey, the new minister the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville spoke of the Tower of Babel and diversity. She closed with a 200 year old quote used in the Unitarian church that "We need not look alike to love alike".

The rally closed with music from Regina McCrary a former singer with Bob Dylan. This gal can sing! WOW! She brought everyone to their feet with her amazingly powerful gospel voice, reminding me of Mahalia Jackson.

Rev. Jerry Maynard II then brought Glenn Smith and Jason Powell and another who helped set up the event onto the stage.
Bishop Maynard and his wife closed the program.

I met Glenn Smith after the program and fellow Dkos bloggers Yellow dog man and Yellow dog woman.

Glenn Smith, Rev. Rita Brock and Rev. Emilee Whitehurst were then on their way to Crawford TX to support Cindy Sheehen. I told Rev. Whitehust to give her a hug from all of us.

Local news coverage was not very good, but it did exist here are some of the links:

News Channel 5 covered the Justice Sunday live on its cable channel 51 and we got a brief mention here with  Bishop Maynard and here; Community of Faith and Unity.

The Tennessean had 4 front page stories (including today) about Justice Sunday and only one story, in the local page about the Community of Faith and Unity How is that for so called liberal media bias?

FOX 17 did mention the event on the third story down on the page.

There were people protesting Justice Sunday at Two Rivers, but my picture is terrible.
NOW members, and some others, numbering about 20 were by the Baptist Church's parking area. We honked, waved and gave the thumbs up.

A third event was held at Vanderbilt by the Human Rights Campaign. Harry Knox was scheduled to speak at the Benton Chapel. Article is here.