Pentecost in Shelby County

...there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2 (NRSV)

The Feast of Pentecost comes to Memphis today just as it arrives in every part of the world using the Western Church's calendar. Making Pentecost a little different this year is that it comes on the eve of a critical vote of the Shelby County Commission on the non-discrimination ordinance.

A diverse congregation is gathering today at First Congregational Church to find the strength for tomorrow's fight:

Hundreds of people from local religious, gay rights, political and business communities will urge Shelby County commissioners to vote in favor of the ordinance Monday, organizers said at a press conference Saturday.

The rally will start at 1 p.m. on the front steps of First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper.

Just as Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church, today's rally is not the end, but the beginning of a new coalition that will fight for equality regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's vote. If last week's General Government committee discussion and vote is any indication, a violent wind will shake the entire house tomorrow as the full Shelby County Commission meets to deliberate.

Let the debate rage and the tongues of fire descend!