Speaker Series Focuses on Family Diversity

Corporal Andrew Charles Wilfahrt was killed Feb. 27, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The oldest son of Jeff and Lori Wilfahrt of Rosemount, Andrew was serving in the U.S. army military police force and an openly gay man.

Since Andrew’s death, the Wilfahrts have been outspoken about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” gay rights and the proposed Marriage Amendment that is scheduled for the November ballot. Andrew’s story has received national attention as his parents work to promote equality in Andrew’s memory, leading Jeff to run for state office in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

On Thurs., June 14, the Wilfahrts will speak at the first of 10 summer gatherings called Spectrum, hosted by St. Paul’s Without Walls (SPWoW). Spectrum embraces issues of family diversity.

The June 28 topic will be “Perspectives on the Marriage Amendment,” a panel presentation and discussion on the political, legal, theological and linguistic considerations associated with Minnesota’s upcoming constitutional amendment question. The panel will highlight the trends for such amendments across the country, the dialog associated with the issue, and its impact.

Other topics on Spectrum’s schedule range from same gender-parenting to the governor’s state task force on preventing bullying. Confirmed speakers include Jake Reitan, founder of Equality Ride, a non-violent resistance movement targeting colleges and schools that openly discriminate against GLBTQ youth, and Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), who opposed the Minnesota bill for a constitutional amendment to ban same-gender marriage. 

All are invited to attend the Spectrum Thursday night gatherings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake Street Ext. in Minnetonka. There is no charge and light refreshments will be served.