N E W S R E L E A S E For Immediate Release: February 20, 2006
WCC Gay and Lesbian Participants in the
Spotlight at WCC Assembly on Monday, February 20, 2006
PRESS INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Porto Alegre, Brazil - Gay and lesbian Christians will be in the spotlight on Monday, February 20, 2006 at the Ninth Assembly of the World Council of Churches.
A significant number of Gay and lesbian Christians are among the diverse groups represented at the WCC Assembly and are actively working for inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith within all faith communities.
On Monday, February 20, gay and lesbian members of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), the worldâs largest predominantly LGBT church, will conduct an
open, public worship service at which MCCâs Moderator, the Reverend Nancy L. Wilson, will preach.
In her WCC sermon [text available by writing to _UFMCCHQ@aol.com_ (mailto:UFMCCHQ@aol.com) ], Rev. Wilson will note, "First of all, we are here because we do not wish to be segregated or isolated. More than that, we are here because we seek justice for our people world-wide â basic human rights. We are here seeking justice for our families. We are here to encourage all churches to do justice within their own communions when it comes to people with HIV/AIDS, and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. But, truthfully, we did not come just to ask for help. We came, even more, because we have so much to offer to the wider Church and community. There are millions of gifted, talented, LGBT people all over the world, in the church, who have so much to offer for "tikkun olam" -- the repair of the world."
In addition to the 11 AM worship service, LGBT participants from Metropolitan Community Churches will host a showing of "Fish Can't Fly," a documentary film on ex-gay ministries at 9 AM, conduct public worship at 11 AM, and host a workshop and LGBT people of faith at 1:30 PM.
Rev. Nancy Wilson, an official observer to the World Council of Churches, is hosting the largest delegation of LGBT participants at the World Council and
is available for press interviews.
SCHEDULE OF GAY AND LESBIAN EVENTS AT
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES ON MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2006:
9 - 10:30 AM
Screening of "Fish Can't Fly," documentary film on ex-gay ministries Location: Auditorium of Building 50
11 AM - 12:30 PM
Public Worship Service by Lesbian and Gay People of Faith Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC Moderator, Preaching Location: Auditorium of Building 50
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Workshop: "Theology, Church and Sexuality" Rev. Elder Darlene Garner and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Location: Building 50, Room 801
To Arrange Interviews with Rev. Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, Contact Rev. Wilson:
â On-site at the WCC Assembly, at Room 502 in Building 50 at 10:30 AM, at the close of Bible Study Groups. (Note: Please do note enter the room until the Bible Study has concluded. Rev. Wilson is leading the small group study.)
â Immediately before or after the MCC worship service scheduled from 11 AM to 12:30 PM in the Auditorium of Building 50.
â Immediately before or after the MCC workshop scheduled from 1:30 PM- 2:45 PM in Room 801 of Building 50.
â By leaving a phone message for Rev. Wilson at the Blue Tree Towers Hotel, site of the MCC Delegation, at (51) 3333-0333, or faxing to her attention at
3330-5233.
â By e-mail at _UMCCHQ@aol.com_ (mailto:UMCCHQ@aol.com) . Rev. Wilson will conduct media interviews by e-mail for press who are not on-site in Brazil.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Metropolitan Community Churches MCC Communications Department 8714 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood, CA, USA 90069
E-Mail: _UFMCCHQ@aol.com_ (mailto:UFMCCHQ@aol.com)