Faith Leaders Against Proposition 1

As Anchorage faith leaders from a diversity of religious traditions, we affirm the basic dignity of all people – including our transgender neighbors.
That’s why we are opposed to Proposition 1 – which would repeal fundamental protections under municipal law for our transgender friends, family, and community members.
Our faith is a reflection of the love, kindness, and welcome we have received from our Creator. Those fundamental truths extend to all people and all of creation. We find strength and hope for our community in offering hospitality and grace to everyone we meet. And as faith leaders, we are called to take a stand for those who are most marginalized.
We’re proud that Anchorage law extends commonsense non-discrimination protections to everyone. We strongly oppose Proposition 1 – and any attempt to harm the transgender people who call Anchorage home.
Each of us is made in the image of God and deserves compassion – and equal treatment under the law. We call on our fellow clergy – and all people of faith in Anchorage – to join us in voting No on Proposition 1.
JOIN THE COALITION
  • Dawn Allen-Herron · Associate Priest, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Candace Bell · President, Alaska Christian Conference
  • Rev Michael Burke · Sr. Pastor, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Marilyn Carpenter · Council Chair, St. John UMC
  • Douglas Causey · Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
  • Lowell Chilton · Minister, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church  
  • Kate Drefke · Intern Pastor, Joy Lutheran & Lutheran Church of Hope
  • Rev. Martin Eldred · Pastor, Joy Lutheran Church
  • John Hackler · Pastor, ELCA
  • Rev. Susan Halvor · Pastor, Lutheran Church of HOpe
  • Rev. Ellen Johnson-Price · Pastor, Immanuel Presbyterian Church
  • Rev. Britton Johnston · Pastor, Anchor Presbyterian Church
  • Tia Hollowood ·  Reconciling Ministries Chairperson, Turnagain United Methodist Church
  • Rev. Curtis Karns · Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Yukon
  • Rev. Dan Ketchum · Parish Associate, Immanuel Presbyterian
  • Autumn Krueger · Pastor, Anchor Park United Methodist Church
  • Danna Larson · Director of Education, First Presbyterian Church
  • Anne Lazenby · Minister, One Spirit
  • Rev. Judith Lethin · Priest, St. Augustine’s
  • Rev. Ian MacInnes-Green · Parish Associate, Immanuel Presbyterian
  • Rev. Gayle Nauska · Associate Priest, St. Mary’s Episcopal
  • Nora Ortiz-Fredrick · Steering Committee Coordinator, Christians for Equality
  • Laura Owens · Pastoral Associate, St. Mary’s Church
  • Rabbi Michael Oblath · Congregation Beth Shalom
  • Rev. Shelley Page · Interim Minister · Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
  • Andy Bartel Lead Pastor · St. John United Methodist
  • Rev. Jacob Poindexter · Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Anchorage
  • Biana Rauch · Chaplain, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
  • Rev. Nathan Rogers · Chaplain, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
  • Nico Romeijn-Stout · Pastor of Discipleship and Justice, St. John
  • Rev. Matthew Schultz · Pastor, First Presbyterian Church
  • Julia Seymour · Pastor, Lutheran Church of Hope
  • Rachel Simpson · Minister, Unity of Anchorage
  • Bob Smith · Pastoral Partner, Turnagain UMC
  • Denise Sudbeck · Pastor, MCC Last Frontier
  • Jamez Terry · Chaplain, Christian Universalist Association
  • Sheri Whitethorn · Chair (Social Justice Group), Anchor Park United Methodist Church
  • Shelley Wickstrom · Bishop, Alaska Synod
  • Paul Boling  · Senior Pastor, First Christian

Faith Leaders Against Proposition 1

Rev. Matt Schultz
Pastor at First Presbyterian Church

I oppose this initiative because it seeks to dehumanize and stigmatize a group of people by inventing statistically disproven fears. It is unethical and immoral to treat any of God's children this way and transgender people are God's children.  

Julia Seymour
Pastor, Lutheran Church of Hope

As a mom and as a person of faith, I care deeply about keeping my children safe. Proposition 1 is a law put forth by bullies... I don't want that for my children and the city they live in. I don't want that for anyone. That's why I'm voting No on Prop 1.

Rev. Dr. Martin Eldred
Joy Lutheran Church

I believe in an Anchorage Municipality where diversity is celebrated and all God’s Children are honored and protected."

Rev. Michael Burke
Sr. Pastor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Proposition One is an affront to the Christian faith that many of us have committed our lives to. Rather than loving one’s neighbor, and treating them with dignity and respect, Prop 1 sows the seeds of mistrust, fear, and division. I believe that we are better than this.

Rev. Ellen Johnson-Price
Pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church

As Christians, we believe that all people are made in the image of God.  Therefore all people are worthy of dignity and respect, and any law which discriminates against one category of people -treating them as "others" rather than equals - goes against our faith.   Proposition One does exactly that, by singling out transgender people as those who are different and less deserving of equal treatment.   That's why I am voting "NO" to this divisive and harmful proposition.

Join the Coalition