A group is planning a suicide prevention outreach event and candlelight vigil against gay Mormon suicides Friday night near the Mesa Arizona Temple as the church launches its annual Christmas lights display.
Phoenix GLBT Coalition volunteers will gather at 5 p.m. on sidewalks around the temple to distribute information cards for the Trevor Project Suicide Prevention National Hotline, (866) 488-7386. Speakers starting at 6:30 on the sidewalk in front of Pioneer Park will include Matt Salmon, a former Mormon and the gay son of the Arizona politician of the same name, as well as other activists and clergy. Following their speeches, the coalition plans a candlelight procession on the sidewalks surrounding the temple and a singing of the Christmas carol "Silent Night."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple's festivities are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
