N E W S A D V I S O R Y For Immediate Release: June 14, 2006
Press & Media Interviews Available
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Gay Christians In Indianapolis Are Asking: Would Jesus Discriminate? $100,000 Indianapolis Media Campaign Is Prelude To National Dialogue on Homosexuality and Religion
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First there were full-page ads in the Indianapolis Star asking, "Would Jesus Discriminate?"
Then yard signs with the same message began appearing all over Indianapolis.
Then 25,000 door hangers were distributed with invitations to a Town Hall Meeting -- one of which this week which led to a lesbian's Indianapolis home being defaced with a swastika.
Now -- this week -- major billboards across the city are also asking the question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?"
The $100,000 media campaign in Indianapolis is the start of a national effort to lower hostility and tension around homosexuality and religion -- and to initiate a dialogue that can lead to greater understanding on the subject.
The campaign is a joint project of openly-gay East Coast business leader Mitchell Gold , founder of Faith In America, and Dr. Cindi Love, a former senior executive with the Toro Corporation and currently Executive Director of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) -- the world's largest gay and lesbian church group with gay congregations in 26 countries. Both will be in Indianapolis on Wednesday evening and Thursday of this week and are available for media interviews.
And the campaign is being conducted in Indianapolis by Rev. Jeff Miner, Senior Pastor of the predominantly-gay Jesus MCC in Indianapolis. Rev. Miner, himself an openly gay clergyperson, is a graduate of the Christian fundamentalist Bob Jones University as well as Harvard University. Rev. Miner is also available for media interviews throughout this week .
Joining them will be Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches and a long-time ecumenical leader. Rev. Wilson was the only open lesbian to preach at the recent 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She will be in Indianapolis on Thursday of this week to participate in the Town Hall Meeting.
FOR PRESS OR MEDIA INTERVIEWS, CONTACT:
Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) In Indianapolis on Wednesday and Thursday, June 14 and 15 Tel. 972-358-5907
Rev. Jeff Miner, Senior Pastor
Jesus Metropolitan Community Church of Indianapolis Available throughout this week. Office Tel: 317-722-000 Home Tel: 317-894-5269 (Confidential)
Mitchell Gold
Mitchell Gold, founder of Faith In America, will be present at the Town Hall Meeting in Indianapolis on Thursday, June 15 and will be available on site before and after the meeting for public comment or interviews.
The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, MCC Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches Available in Indianapolis on Thursday, June 15 Tel. 941-755-5771
Learn more at _www.MCCchurch.org_ (aoldb://mail/write/www.MCCchurch.net)