wfn.org | Faith Groups Observe "World Day of Prayer to End Homophobia" on May

[UfmccHq@aol.com]

29, 2005
 
N E W S   R EL E A S E
For Immediate Release: May 2,  2005
 
Metropolitan  Community Churches
_www.MCCchurch.org_ (http://www.MCCchurch.org)	 .  _info@MCCchurch.org_ 
(mailto:info@MCCchurch.org) 
 
***Free Resource Kit  Available Upon Request***

Los Angeles -- Faith groups around the globe  will observe the "World Day of 
Prayer to End Homophobia" on Sunday, May 29,  2005.

The international observance is organized by Metropolitan Community  Churches

(MCC), the world's largest faith group with a primary, affirming  ministry to

gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT)  persons.

"Too often homophobia has been rooted in religious intolerance,"  said 
veteran human rights activist Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry, Moderator of the 
MCC 
denomination. "Discrimination against any of God's children is	wrong."

According to Perry, "Homophobia distorts the spiritual message of  God's love

for all people."

"Even with all of our progress over the past  three decades, the reality is 
that millions of people around the globe are  harmed by this type of 
discrimination," said Perry "Homophobia contributes to	higher rates of
suicide in LGBT 
teens, higher rates of LGBT homelessness, lower  wages for lesbians, and 
employment and housing difficulties for LGBT people. It  still divides
families, 
and results in hate crimes against LGBT  people."

"Whatever one's spiritual views, we can all agree that	discrimination is 
wrong and that all people are deserving of respect and	equality," said
Perry, a 
past delegate to the White House Conferences on Hate  Crimes and AIDS.

International response to the May 29th has been  positive, according to MCC 
officials, who note that supporters include local  Anglican, Episcopal, 
Unitarian, Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of  Christ churches
that will 
hold observances on May 29, as well as Jewish temples  that will hold 
observances that same weekend.

A free e-mail resource kit,  complete with liturgical resources, prayers, 
litanies, a sample press release  and background facts is available from 
Metropolitan Community Churches by  writing to info@MCCchurch.org.

(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_ (aoldb://mail/write/www.MCCchurch.org)