M E D I A A D V I S O R Y September 7, 2007
National U.S. Religious Leaders Gather in Sarasota for Three-Day Summit of "Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders"
Summit Works for Full Inclusion of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Persons in All Christian Denominations, Churches; Event Includes National Planning to Advance U.S. Social Justice Issues
WHAT:
Three-day gathering of U.S. religious leaders comprising the "Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders." This second national summit follows the historic initial summit in Dallas, Texas, in September 2006.
WHO:
Heads of more than 20 U.S. Christian denominations, churches, and human rights groups.
WHY:
To develop joint strategies for the full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons, and to conduct national legislative planning on behalf of U.S. justice issues.
WHEN:
Friday afternoon, September 7 through Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2007.
WHERE:
Hyatt Hotel, Sarasota, Florida on Friday (4-8 PM) afternoon and all day Saturday. Metropolitan Community Church of the Trinity, Sarasota, Florida, on Sunday.
MEDIA NOTE:
Meeting sessions are private. However, participants will be available to the press and media for interviews by phone or in-person throughout the three-day summit. Interviews and photos may be arranged in advance through James Birkitt, Communications Director, at (310) 625-4177.
AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
Program Director, Center for Welcoming Resources affiliated with National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Bishop Yvette Flunder Presiding Bishop, The Fellowship and Senior Pastor, City of Refuge Ministries, San Francisco
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love
Executive Director, Metropolitan Community Churches
Bishop John Selders Bishop, Church of God and Presider, Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries
Jeff Stone Communications Spokesperson, DignityUSA
Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Moderator, Metropolitan Com
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