wfn.org | Gay Leader Named to Board of Chicago Theological Seminary

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

N E W S   R E L E A S E
 From Metropolitan Community Churches
info@MCCchurch.org  .  www.MCCchurch.org

Visionary Gay Leader Appointed Trustee at Chicago Theological Seminary

Rev. Troy D. Perry Is Founder, Moderator of
World's Largest Church Group Serving Gays, Lesbians

CHICAGO -- The Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator of Metropolitan 
Community Churches (MCC), has been appointed to the board of trustees of 
Chicago Theological Seminary.

Perry is a veteran human rights activist and spiritual leader of the 
world's largest church group serving gays, lesbians, bisexuals and 
transgender individuals. With more than 300 congregations in 22 countries, 
MCC is the world's largest church organization with a positive, affirming 
ministry to GLBT persons.

Chicago Theological Seminary, founded in 1855, has a rich history of 
commitment to social justice issues, including cultural and racial 
diversity, gender justice, and inclusivity of sexual minorities. The 
seminary has been open and welcoming to GLBT students, and many MCC clergy 
have received their theological training there.

CTS is the oldest institution of higher learning in Chicago and is an 
international force for greater justice and mercy.

"I am deeply honored by this appointment to the CTS board of trustees," 
said Perry. "Together we are continuing to build bridges of understanding, 
ministry, and acceptance for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender 
persons in faith communities around the world."

Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis, MCC's Director of Clergy Development, noted, "This 
is a significant honor for a leading gay clergyperson. As a longtime 
spiritual leader, former local church pastor, denominational head, gay 
rights leader and social justice activist, Rev. Troy Perry brings a wide 
range of expertise to his new role with Chicago Theological Seminary."

"CTS and MCC shares many of the same passionate commitments," added Perry, 
noting that CTS faculty and students were activists in the abolitionist 
movement and the underground railroad prior to the Civil War -- and CTS was 
the first institution of higher learning to give an honorary degree to 
Martin Luther King, Jr.  The seminary has also enjoyed a long and proud 
association with the Civil Rights movement and the struggle of South 
African Christians against apartheid.

Perry, who founded Metropolitan Community Churches in 1968, is a frequent 
speaker at churches and conferences around the world. He was a member of 
the first gay delegation to visit the White House during the Jimmy Carter 
administration, and was twice a White House guest of President Bill 
Clinton. Perry served as an official delegate to the White House Conference 
on Hate Crimes. His life-story is told in his autobiographies, "The Lord Is 
My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay" and "Don't Be Afraid Anymore."

(END)

For Additional Information, Contact:
Jim Birkitt
MCC Communications Director
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Second Floor
West Hollywood, CA  90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640, Ext. 226
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org
Website: www.MCCchurch.org