EQUALITY FORUM 2004 HOLDS SEVENTH ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS COLLOQUY ON APRIL 27

Reverend Barry Stopfel, the first openly gay ordained
Episcopalian Priest, moderates the discussion

Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Islamic leaders gather to discuss issues
facing the GLBT community

Equality Forum will hold the 7th Annual International Religious Colloquy on April 27 from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street. This year's colloquy brings together Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Islamic leaders to discuss religion and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community. Topics include the roots of religious homophobia, changing attitudes toward gay parishioners, ordaining gay clergy and officiating at gay marriages.

Reverend Barry Stopfel, the first openly gay ordained Episcopalian priest, will moderate the panel. Also participating are Rabbi Linda Holtzman, professor at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College; Faisal Alam, director of the Al-Fatiha Foundation; Kevin Simpson, president of Dignity Canada; and Reverend Brent Hawkes, pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Reverend Hawkes officiated at the marriage of the first gay married couple in North America.

This event is open to the public, free of charge.

Reverend Barry Stopfel received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University, his Master of Arts degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University, and his Masters of Divinity degree from the Union Seminary in New York City. He was ordained a priest in 1991, and has since served in Episcopal parishes and spoken at numerous universities, GLBT civil rights organizations, and social service and civic organizations around the country. Reverend Stopfel is the co-author of the book "Courage to Love" and has written many articles for local and national religious publications. He received Equality Forum's 1st Annual National Role
Model Award in 1996.

Equality Forum 2004 is April 26 to May 2 in Philadelphia. For more information call 215-732-3378 or visit www.equalityforum.com.

Equality Forum is the largest regional, national and international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) civil rights forum, working to create understanding about homophobia and its multifaceted impact on individuals, families and society. Each year, in
addition to promoting and discussing GLBT organizations and issues, Equality Forum highlights a Featured Nation and explores that country's GLBT culture, social issues and advancements in civil rights. Equality Forum embraces a number of projects throughout the year, including the production of the documentary films Gay Pioneers and JIM IN BOLD.

Equality Forum is a nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Philadelphia, the site of some of the earliest gay civil rights protests.

7th Annual International Religious Colloquy
April 27, 8:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street
Open to the public, free of charge.

Shabbat Speaker Series and Services
April 30, 8 p.m.
Beth Ahavah, 8 Letitia Street
Open to the public, free of charge.

In The Spirit (Episcopal Coalition for Gay & Lesbian Outreach)
May 1, 3 to 4:15 p.m.
Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street, 3rd Floor
Open to the public, free of charge.