Letter to Mayor Parker
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, I represent Unity Fort Worth in several clergy organizations (e.g., Circle of Clergy, Fort Worth Interfaith Clergy) and with the city of Fort Worth. Much of our work is focused on diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice (DEIJ) founded in interspiritual collaboration, spanning from a wide spectrum of Christian denominations, Jewish and Muslim congregations, and other spiritual communities such as Unitarian Universalists, Unity, and others. Together, we address basic human rights grounded in our foundational spiritual beliefs and convictions, actively engaging with city and county officials, government entities, and charitable organizations. We aim to speak as one voice, demonstrating how the diversity among our faith-based communities strengthens our position for justice for all.
Recently, Mayor Parker removed the option to earn a Pride badge at the city’s libraries’ summer reading challenge program after receiving complaints from her constituents. Spearheaded by Cantor Sheri Allen, one of our beloved guest speakers at Unity Fort Worth, over 40 spiritual leaders of their respective communities signed a letter in response to the mayor’s decision, representing thousands, if not tens of thousands, of like-minded individuals who stand up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
In the letter below, you will see that we asked Mayor Parker to reconsider her decision and requested an audience with her to voice our concerns with a Biblical and other scriptural voices. We all agree that excluding the LGBTQ+ community based on any religious merits is a false interpretation of any of the varied Teachings we all follow and must, therefore, be addressed accordingly.
I am proud to be part of this interspiritual gathering of clergy who continuously demonstrates a willingness to bridge any differences for everyone to belong. A big thank you goes to Cantor Sheri Allen, leading us in this important endeavor. Soon, she will speak again at Unity Fort Worth (July 2, 2023), and I hope you will take the opportunity to support her tireless effort in her DEIJ work.
In Gratitude,
Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer
Senior Minister Unity Fort Worth
Click on the image to read the full letter (PDF).