To all Southeast Texas Pastors,

I was shocked to get a call informing me that correspondence had come out of the mayor's office that described the mayor's lesbian partner as the "first lady of Houston". The correspondence was sent to me confirming that it was true. (see earlier newsletter)

I am deeply saddened that this has come on our watch. I am also outraged and determined that this does not go unchallenged. This is not about politics. This is not about right vs left. This is about God's standard for human behavior. THIS IS ABOUT RIGHT VS WRONG..........AND THIS IS WRONG!

As Pastors and Spiritual Leaders we must stand up to this blatant attempt by the mayor of Houston to force the homosexual lifestyle on us as "normal". As Texans we have voted to define marriage as between one man and one woman. We do not recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships. So how could the lesbian partner of the mayor be the first lady of our city. Who appointed her? How and when did it happen?

It's time for spiritual leaders with conviction and courage to determine that we will make a difference in the next mayoral election in 60 days. On Wednesday, September 14 at Grace (south campus) we will host a seminar with Alliance Defense Fund beginning from 9am to 1:30pm. (lunch will be provided) ADF is a network of over 2,000 attorneys throughout the country committed to defending our religious freedom, including our right as pastors to speak out on any issue or candidate publicly and from the pulpit. They are trained in constitutional law. They will defend any pastor or church free of charge on any litigation involving freedom of speech, attempts by the IRS to remove tax exempt status, and action that restricts a church's right to assemble or locate.

They were already coming for this seminar and with the information I just provided, I feel the timing is perfect for what they will present. It is eye-opening and will liberate you to be a voice of righteousness. At this meeting we will discuss a strategy to confront this mayor's agenda to force her lifestyle on our city. 

I know you are busy. So am I. I know your schedule is full. So is mine. But our city needs a righteous voice raised right now. It cannot wait. We don't get to pick the timing.....we only get to pick whether we will stand up or whether we will allow this kind of action to define our city on our watch. Imagine what would happen in our city if two or three thousand pastors stood up and said ........NO MORE.........NOT ON OUR WATCH!

 I am asking you to clear your schedule to meet me on Wednesday, September 14. I believe it's critical that we stand up on this one. This is not about a meeting. This is a challenge as to what we will allow on our watch. I have decided to stand. Can I count on you to stand with me? I need hundreds of you to show up. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? IF NOT NOW, WILL WE EVER? IF NOT US, WHO?

Please REGISTER TODAY tell me you will meet me on Wednesday. I'm counting on you! Please forward this to every pastor you know and personally call as many pastors as possible and get them to this meeting.

Steve Riggle

Senior Pastor, Grace Community Church

Chairman, Houston Area Pastor Council
Ph 713-363-2500
pastor@ grace.tv