The following is an email from Karen Weldin
(Posted 3-4-02)

Dear Soulforce In Oklahoma Friends,

It was 7:15 am, we had just spent time with Rev. Kathy McCallie at Church
of the Open and Arms and were spiritually, physically, and emotionally
prepared as we drove to Village Baptist Church, OKC to stand vigil in 7
degree weather.  Thirty people showed up on this bitterly cold morning to
stand together  to continue to send the  message to the people of Village
Baptist Church - to the people of the world - that violence and oppression
against God's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people must stop.  I
was overwhelmed with emotions.  I was proud of those who came, willing to
sacrifice time, sleep, energy and comfort.  I was humbled at all of the
messages we had received from others offering their positive thoughts and
prayers.  There were 30 physically present, but hundreds were there in
spirit.     In spite of the frigid temperature, thirty of us - gay and
straight together - were warmed by the love for one another and the belief
in standing for justice and being vulnerable with our adversary.  We stood
steadfast from 7:45 am to 12:30 pm, taking breaks between services, but
standing proud and with dignity as people scurried past us in disbelief
that we were there yet again.  I watched Paul hurry to help VBC members and
guests across the street so they would not fall on the ice and snow.  I
watched with such a full heart as Frank helped to shovel snow and ice and
engage in conversation with a church worker.  Earnestly vigilers sought
ways to engage in contact of some kind - to find that spark - to find that
divine spark in all of us that connects.

As I stood in the cold I saw Rev. Kersh come outside.  My heart skipped a
beat.  I knew he was coming to talk to us.  My heart sank as he looked down
and scurried past us with barely a wave and good morning.  I waited.  I
waited until he returned.  As he was approaching  I extended my hand and
said hello again.  I asked him if he had received the two letters I had
sent him this month.  He said that he had.  As lovingly as I knew how, I
asked him what it was going to take for us to be able to resume dialogue. 
I shared with him my belief of our common ground and stance against
violence and my belief of the possibility to find a third position - and
option - we all could live with to work to stop violence against GLBT.  He
told me there was nothing left to talk about.  We continued to converse for
several minutes.  I stood steadfast in my hope and belief that we could
talk and work together.  He left believing otherwise.

We continued to stand in vigil singing part of the time and standing
silently part of the time.  We conducted our usual press conference at
10:30 am.  Fox Channel 25 was there.  Several people spoke this morning
including  Paul, Frank, Joe, Eric, Heather, Rex, and myself.  What made
today different than others is the obvious evidence that people were
listening.  People crossed the street and paused and looked back to put
faces with the voices they were hearing.  I am reminded of the reasons that
we do what we do.  One of the reasons we stand in the cold is to be a
witness to those who sit in the pews.  I have no doubt we are having an
impact on people.  I trust and pray that they spend time reflecting on our
faces, our stories, our messages, and our commitment to our beliefs. 

We had a snow ball thrown at us from a passing car, we had a few snickers
from passers by, but we also had people looking us in the eye, shaking our
extended hands, and reciprocating our blessings of "God Bless you."  It may
be a slow process, but it is a process.  One more month, there is no doubt
in my mind that those of us who participated were touched and renewed by
the experience.  There is no doubt in my mind that the subject of
homosexuality was discussed in many restaurants in OKC at noon today. 
There is not doubt in my mind that there is someone who sat in a pew this
morning wrestling with the possibility that the Southern Baptist beliefs
just might be wrong.  There is no doubt we must continue what we are doing. 
We must continue to be led by the soul force Spirit of Justice and be
willing to go where we are led.

Yes, there was more to this weekend than just our vigil this morning.  Some
of us had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the first conference on
Homosexuality and Scripture sponsored by seven open and affirming churches
in OKC.  It is so exciting to see the coalition between these faith
communities - working together to provide safe havens for GLBT.  I am
grateful for all of these churches for what they are doing and how they are
setting example for other communities to come together and share resources
and experience.

Of course the planned event that got the most publicity this weekend was
the planned rally of the KKK.  Soulforce was prepared to be a
human/spiritual shield between the KKK and the Church of the Open Arms. 
However, we never got the opportunity to be such because the KKK called the
police on Saturday morning and cancelled their rally.  Thank you to all of
you who were sending positive thoughts and prayers  - they were answered! 
In spite of the cancellation, the Celebration of Diversity went on Saturday
afternoon at 3 pm.  People came from all over to fill the sanctuary with
love and support for GLBT and for the faith communities serving our
community.  We sang, shared our hearts, and embraced one another in love
and acceptance.

Needless to say, it has been a full weekend.  I am sorry some of you who
wanted to be a part of this weekend could not because of the weather.  Know
that we missed you.  There is a movement happening in Oklahoma.  I hope
those of you who are reading this email realize that and decide to join the
journey if you have not done so already.  There is a river flowing.  There
is a force more powerful than hate or fear that is steadfast in it's
movement.  I hope that you realize and recognize that force in you and
allow it to move you to action.

There is much more I could share, but I am tired.  I will save it for the
Soulforce meeting tomorrow night in Tulsa.  Perhaps you will join us there.

Thank you to all of you for your love and your support.  I hope I see you
the first weekend in April at the next vigil in OKC.

Love to all,

Karen