WHAT IS FAITH FORWARD?

Faith Forward MN is part video documentary, part activism. On the project Web site, you'll meet Minnesotans across the spectrum of religious faiths making the biblical case supporting same-sex marriage. These videos—a mix of sermons, rallies, panel discussions and personal interviews—illustrate the moral right of the religious left.

My hope is that people will share these videos in the run-up to the November 2012 election, when Minnesotans and voters in four other states will have the chance to defeat measures that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.   

WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT

Through AM radio, Sunday morning cable TV and mainstream media, the religious right has owned the conversation about gay marriage. Faith Forward counters the prevailing narrative that conservatives define and monopolize so-called family values.

Today, progressive faith leaders are banding together to help people understand how religious texts and histories support same-sex relationships. Through Faith Forward, I'm gathering video at sermons, rallies and panel discussions and interviewing priests, rabbis, scholars and other devout progressives. 

As a collective religious calling, progressive faith leaders are fighting Republican anti-marriage measures that would prevent loving same-sex couples from ever legally marrying. They point to scripture and say YES to committed couples of all stripes.

Thirty other states have already branded discrimination against same-sex couples into their constitutions, and Minnesota is one of five states (also Maryland, North Carolina, Maine and Washington) fighting against this from happening in November. Now is the time to make history by standing up for our families, neighbors, friends, maybe even yourselves.

HOW YOU CAN USE FAITH FORWARD

On the project Web site, you’ll find people illustrating the progressive, inclusive, hopeful side of faith. My hope is that people will share these videos—that they’ll send these expressions of faith forward—and bring them into conversations around this issue.

Are you close to people who aren’t sure how to think about same-sex relationships? Do you know of people who oppose same-sex relationships on religious grounds? The videos at Faith Forward Minnesota are your ammunition.

WHO IS PRODUCING FAITH FORWARD?

I’m Matt Peiken, a longtime journalist in the Twin Cities. I’m a straight Jewish atheist, but I'm driven to make a difference in defeating the anti-marriage amendment in Minnesota. I see real power in this realm of "advocacy journalism."

WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT THIS KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Your investment in Faith Forward will help me amplify more voices from the left and counter the prevailing narrative that conservatives hold a monopoly on so-called “family” values.

With your support, I'll spend the summer outside the core Twin Cities, interviewing faith leaders and other devout progressives all over Minnesota. It's important that voters in rural Minnesota see their friends and neighbors talking about their faith and support for same-sex couples. Winning these voters will make all the difference in this election.

Check out the great rewards I have for you—from awesome T-shirts to a limited-edition letterpress poster from Minneapolis artist/designer Todd Thyberg.