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Thought some of you might liike to see this

<br><br><br>Degs
'Wherever Jesus went there was a revolution;
wherever I go people serve tea"
                           (Anthony de Mello)



>From: UfmccHq at aol_com
>To: derekac001 at hotmail_com
>Subject: Rev. Troy Perry Responds To Falwell Terrorism Comments
>Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 10:31:19 EDT
>
>P R E S S   R E L E A S E
>September 15, 2001
>
>The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) is the
>world's largest organization addressing the spiritual needs of gays and
>lesbians. UFMCC offers more than 300 predominantly gay churches in 19
>countries. UFMCC is composed of more than 45,000 members and adherents, and
>225,000 persons annually attend programs and services at MCC churches. The
>Rev. Troy Perry was an official delegate to the White House Conference on
>Hate Crimes during the Clinton Administration.
>
>Statement by The Rev. Troy D. Perry
>Founder and Moderator
>Metropolitan Community Churches
>
>
>In Response To The Rev. Jerry Falwell
>
>
>While many will understandably feel anger toward Jerry Falwell for his
>outrageous and callous remarks that gays and lesbians, feminists and the
>supporters of women's rights are responsible for the climate leading to the
>terrorist attacks this week, I am today feeling a great sense of sadness.
>
>I am saddened that on this day devoted to prayer and remembrance and 
>healing,
>Jerry Falwell has once again uttered untrue and hurtful words that inflame
>people and which divide, rather than bring us together.
>
>The truth is that for many, many years, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and
>transgendered persons have been the targets -- not the perpetrators -- of
>hatred, attacks, rejection, and bashings. For Jerry Falwell to further
>demonize LGBT people is morally wrong.
>
>As an openly gay minister, I take special exception to Jerry Falwell's
>comments. As LGBT people, we have known far too often what it is to be
>attacked. In fact, more than 30 of our predominantly gay Metropolitan
>Community Churches have been the targets of the hate crimes of arson and
>firebombing.
>
>One of our own MCC members who worked in the World Trade Center is today in
>the hospital with severe burns, and unconscious. We ask for the prayers of
>all people of goodwill for her recovery, and for her children during this
>time. Another MCC member, a police officer, is working 12 hours days in the
>midst of the rubble -- and then volunteering when his shift is over. And
>still another MCC member who worked in the World Trade Center has lost 
>scores
>of friends and coworkers, and is also serving as a volunteer on the scene.
>
>Mr. Falwell should know that the response of the gay community has been one
>of love and sacrifice and giving. Our MCC churches around the world have
>joined with the LGBT community to offer prayer vigils, and to collect funds
>and supplies for the Red Cross and other groups serving the victims of this
>tragedy.
>
>For a long time, I've listened to Jerry Falwell tell gay people to repent.
>Today, I'm calling on Jerry Falwell to repent -- and to repudiate his own
>cruel and untrue attack on the gay community.
>
>/signed/
>The Rev. Troy D. Perry
>Office of the Moderator
>Metropolitan Community Churches
>
>
>
>(  E N D  )
>
>
>For Additional Information, Contact:
>UFMCC Communications Department
>8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
>West Hollywood, CA  90069
>Tel. (310) 360-8640
>E-Mail: UFMCCHQ at aol_com
>Fax: (310) 360-8680
>
>
>
>


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