Rev. Gil and Grace Caldwell, Asbury Park, New Jersey, will receive the Paul and Paula Murphy Lifetime Achievement Award from the Center for the Church and Global AIDS on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Park Hill United Methodist Church, Denver, Colorado.
“This honor recognizes their life-long commitment to human rights,” said Donald Messer, Executive Director of the Center, “as exemplified by their involvement in the civil rights movement and engagement in promoting the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgendered persons in church and society.”
The Caldwells served churches in many states including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Park Hill United Methodist in Colorado. Rev. Caldwell marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, Alabama, and Boston, Massachusetts, and served on the national board of P-Flag. Messer noted that the Board “recognizes the service you both have given and the sacrifices you have endured in the promotion of social justice for all people.”
The memorial award, named in honor of Rev. Paul and Dr. Paula Murphy, recognizes the Murphy commitment to justice and equality. Marla Petrini, Center Board vice-president, noted that “For decades they were stalwarts in the struggle for human rights for all people. From being jailed in Mississippi to advocating for LGBT rights, Paul and Paula were remarkable persons whose legacy of love will never be forgotten.” This Award was made possible because of the estate gift they gave to the Center for the Church and Global AIDS.
The award ceremony and reception are open to the public.
The Center for the Church and Global AIDS supports and advocates for persons infected and affected by HIV and AIDS around the world through programs of education, prevention, care and treatment.
