wfn.org | Exec. Dir. of Other Sheep to Receive MCC Clergy Credentials

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>N E W S   R E L E A S E
>For  Immediate Release: May 27, 20009

Steve Parelli To Receive Clergy Credentials

in Denomination of  Metropolitan Community Churches

Parelli Is Executive Director of Other Sheep; May 31st  Event
In New York City To Deepen Relationship Between
MCC, Other  Sheep, Says MCC Moderator

SARASOTA, FLORIDA–Steve Parelli, executive director of Other Sheep ,  an
international multicultural ministry to sexual minorities, will receive   clergy
credentials in Metropolitan Community Churches during events in New York
City on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Metropolitan Community Churches is  the world's largest and oldest
Christian denomination with a primary affirming  ministry to lesbians, gay s,
bisexuals, and transgender persons, along with their  families, friends,  and
allies. Known as "The Human Rights Church," MCC  congregations are located  in 27
countries around the world.

Parelli  has served as executive director of Other Sheep since 2005. He ha s
been a  frequent speaker across Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Urugua y
and  East Africa presenting seminars on the "ex-gay" movement and building
a support  network for gay clergy and gay Christians.

Before coming out in  1997, Parelli served as senior pastor of Baptist
churches in Sinclairville, New  York, and Sparta, New Jersey. He holds the
Bachelor of Religious Education  degree and the Bachelor of Theology degre e from
Baptist Bible College, Clarks  Summit, Pennsylvania, and the Master of
Divinity from Grand Rapids Baptist  Seminary, Michigan.

According to Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of  Metropolitan Community
Churches, "Steve Parelli and Other Sheep are meeting a  vital need in our  world
through their complimentary ministries that provide  resources and
networking to sexual minorities of faith around the globe. We are  honored  to
welcome Steve Parelli as clergy within  MCC."

Metropolitan Community Churches and Other Sheep have  collaborated on
ministry projects in Central America, South America and Africa,  according  to
Rev. Wilson.

MCC clergy credentials will be conferred  upon Steve Parelli during the 11
am worship service of Metropolitan Community  Church of New York City [446
West 36th St., NYC 10018 - Tel. (212) 629-7440],  where Rev. Pat Bumgardne r
is senior pastor.

The occasion will mark  only the second time since 2005 that MCC has
extended extraordinary clergy  credentials, and the second during the tenu re of
Rev. Nancy L. Wilson as MCC  moderator.

For additional information on the international ministry  of Metropolitan
Community Churches, visit _www.MCCchurch.org_ (http://www.MCCchurch.org)  .

>#  E N D  #

>To  Arrange Media Interviews, Contact:
>Jim Birkitt
>Communications  Director
>Metropolitan Community Churches
>P.O. Box 691728
>West  Hollywood, California  90069
>Tel. (310) 625-4177
>E-mail: _info@MCCchurch.net_ (mailto:info@MCCchurch.net)

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