wfn.org | Title: UFMCC Appoints New Elder; First From Mexico

[UfmccHq@aol.com]

News From The
Universal Fellowship of
Metropolitan Community Churches
Website: http://www.ufmcc.com

The Rev. Jorge Sosa Appointed, Confirmed New UFMCC Elder
Becomes Fourth Non-US Elder; First From Mexico
"Re-emphasizes our international commitment," says Moderator.

LOS ANGELES -- The Rev. Jorge Sosa has been appointed to the Board of Elders
of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community churches, it was
announced today. (Oct. 16, 1997).  The appointment was made by the UFMCC
Board of Elders and confirmed by the General Council Thursday evening. 

Sosa has served as Senior Pastor of I.C.M. Reconciliacion (Reconciliation
MCC) in Mexico City since 1991, and is UFMCC Area Coordinator for Mexico and
Central America.

Sosa is the first non-elected elder in the denomination's 29 year history,
and the fourth from outside the United States. He will fulfill the unexpired
term of the Rev. Wilhelmina Hein.

"This is a significant step forward for UFMCC's international ministry," said
the Rev. Troy D. Perry, moderator.  "The appointment of the Rev. Jorge Sosa
to the Board of Elders is another step in the fulfillment of UFMCC's new
mission statement, which calls us to  minister in 'increasing numbers of
countries and cultures.'"

"The Rev. Jorge Sosa has made valuable contributions to the people of Mexico,
and to the larger work of UFMCC," added Perry. "From his work in founding
Accion Humana por la Comunidad (Human Action for the Community) to his
service in establishing support programs and home health care training for
persons with AIDS, Jorge Sosa has demonstrated the love of Jesus Christ to
the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities of Mexico."

The Rev. Judy Dahl, UFMCC Director of Global Outreach, noted, "Jorge Sosa's
work offers models of ministry that will benefit all of our international
churches. He brings a spirit of compassion and a willingness to serve God
among us."

Sosa holds a bachelors degree in education from the Universidad Panamericana
in Mexico City, and is fluent in Spanish, Italian, Russian and English. 

Prior to entering UFMCC ministry, he taught language and music courses at
Internacional de Idiomas Polanco, Colegio Ingles-Mexicano, Colegio Simon
Bolivar, Instituto Mexicano de la Audicion Y el Lenguaje, and the Colegion
Nacional de Educacion Profesional Tecnica. He is the author of two works:
"Legislacion y politica educativa de Mexico" and "Instrumentacion educativa."

Sosa will be installed as the 22nd Elder during a "Service of Installation"
at UFMCC's Mother Church, the Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles,
on Sunday, October 19, at 11 AM. The church is located at 8714 Santa Monica
Boulevard in West Hollywood.

(END)

For Additional Information, Contact:
James N. Birkitt, Jr.
UFMCC Director of Communications
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 360-8640
Fax: (310) 360-8680

E-mail: info@ufmcchq.com

Release Date: October 16, 1997