wfn.org | UCC/Support for gay persons studying for

[powellb@ucc.org]

  ministry

  June 14, 2000

  Office of Communication
  United Church of Christ
  Hans Holznagel, press contact
  (216) 736-3863
  <holznagh@ucc.org>
  On the Web: <http://www.ucc.org>

  A D V I S O R Y :
  Press briefing in Cleveland Friday, June 16, to announce
  support for gay persons studying for ministry

       EDITORS: At a news briefing at 9:30 a.m. Friday,
  June 16, a major Christian mission board will announce
  an unusual initiative to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and
  transgender persons in preparing for the Christian
  ministry.

       The briefing will be at the national offices of the
  United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland.
  The news media are welcome.  The briefing room (to be
  announced) will open at 9 a.m.  Coffee and bagels will be
  available.

       Among those present will be the Rev. John H.
  Thomas, president of the 1.4-million-member United
  Church of Christ, and the Rev. Thomas E. Dipko,
  executive vice president of the United Church Board for
  Homeland Ministries, the mission board announcing the
  initiative.

       For information, contact Hans Holznagel (216-
  736-3863) or Barb Powell (216-736-2217) at the national
  offices of the United Church of Christ.

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