A Brief History of Soulforce

Soulforce was founded in 1999 by Rev Dr Mel White to counter religious and political based oppression of GLBT individuals. Following in the footsteps of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Soulforce believes in relentless non-violence to challenge homophobia.

It is the sad truth that much of the anti-gay rhetoric comes from churches and religious institutions. Such misuse of religion to sanction the condemnation and rejection of any of God’s children is spiritual violence. Soulforce staff and volunteers expose the harmful effects of anti-gay beliefs and practices at churches, denominational conferences, universities, military academies, and government facilities through dialogue and direct action.

We are all God's children and Soulforce is committed to spread the GOOD NEWS of God's message; refusing to let it be corrupted for oppression.

During the 2007 Equality Ride, 58 riders will travel to 33 schools across the country to start and continue a dialogue over these schools' policies which treat GLBT individuals differently. Some of these schools have openly gay students while others threaten expulsion for even expressing a GLBT-affirming opinion. Each school is different but they all officially sanction discrimination against GLBT individuals.

We do not come to these schools to be troublemakers, to stir things up, or to pull off a publicity stunt. We come to open our minds and our hearts, to share with students and staff, and to learn. We come to support the students on these campuses affected by these policies. We come to put a human face on this issue. We come for conversation.

God bless.