Date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995 09:18:38 -0500 (EST) From: David Casti Subject: FOLLOWUP: Mel White Press Kit: Feb 18 Hi folks, Rev. Mel White is continuing his fast for understanding in Virginia Beach, Virginia today. I have received some feedback from people saying they are contacting the media, but I have not yet received any information about media reports on this issue, other than in Virginia Beach. This means we need to continue to contact our local and national journalists and ask if they know what is happening, and if they do, why they aren't reporting on it. This is another press kit. Please redistribute this information as widely as possible. You will find the following information in this kit -- 1. A Feb 16 Press Release from MCC 2. A statement from Eastern Virginia Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns 3. A Feb 18 Press Release from Bearing Witness 4. ACTION information To obtain background information online, point your web browser to http://www.casti.com/mel This page is under constant construction. Silent prayer vigils are planned to be held at CBN today and tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Casti Pager: (800) 980-6227 Information Scientist http://www.casti.com/casti/David.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches Ministry of Justice PRESS RELEASE February 15,1995 The Rev. Bob Bradford of Virginia Beach, VA, a retired Presbyterian Minister and parent of a gay son, will lead a delegation of community and Christian leaders to CBN on Thursday, February 16, 1995, at noon. Because gays and lesbians are being hurt by a religion of hate, a coalition of Christian, Lesbigay and gay supportive organizations are asking Pat Robertson to do two things: acknowledge that his anti-gay rhetoric results in violence against the homosexual community, and denounce those acts of violence and hate. This coalition will continue to return to CBN headquarters daily with the prayer that hateful rhetoric can be overcome by love. For further information contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps (804) 543-2460. ***** This statement has been released by the Eastern Virginia Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. This is the third day in which we have fasted and prayer with the Rev. Dr. Mel White, and walked with him onto the campus of Regent University to request an opportunity to speak with Pat Robertson. The reason we request this face to face discussion is to address the mounting evidence that virulent anti-homosexual rhetoric coming forth from such powerful religious leaders as Mr. Robertson is spawning hatred and violence. We come as Christian sisters and brothers to exhort Mr. Robertson to cease the use of inaccurate and pejorative anti-gay rhetoric in advertising, fund raising and evangelical materials. Our Brother Pat has stated that he does not wish to debate whether homosexuality is sinful. Neither do we. We simply wish to urge him to take a lead in bringing reason and compassion into the dialogue that is raging in the religious community and ravaging families whose members are of diverse sexual and spiritual orientation. Our members, who have stood and prayed with Mel and others over the past six days, include gay and lesbian persons and their heterosexual friends and family. We continue to struggle within our own faith communities for improved understanding of the nature of sexual minority persons and their validation within the realm of God's good creation. We join in solidarity with Mel and our spiritual family in the Hampton Roads area, agreeing that now is the time and this is the place to end the misunderstandings that generate meanness and rage. It is our hope that the Holy Spirit will soon bring Pat Robertson the same concern and that he will meet with Mel and the church leaders who stand at his door. ***** BEARING WITNESS PRESS RELEASE Contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps (804) 543-2460 A Coalition of Religious Leaders and Community Organizations On Friday, February 17, 1995, Rev. Elder Darlene C. Garner led a delegation of twelve, along with supporters, to the Christian Broadcasting Network Studio Headquarters Building, in another attempt to get Pat Robertson to meet with Rev. Dr. Mel White. This was a peaceful demonstration in spite of counter demonstrators. Dr. White continues his fast in the Virginia Beach City jail and his spirits are reported to be good. On Saturday, February 18, at 12:15 p.m., Bearing Witness plans to return to CBN. A delegation of twelve will deliver a bouquet of flowers, honoring Dr. White, and symbolizing our commitment to our mission, while the rest line the sidewalk along Indian River Road (in front of The Founder's Inn) in quiet support. Rev. Elder Garner is an elder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and a pastor of MCC of Northern Virginia, in Fairfax, Virginia. Members of Bearing Witness gathered in front of Shoney's and walked across Indian River Road arm in arm. Three counter demonstrators attempted to follow the delegation to CBN and were stopped by CBN security. One of the demonstrators was carrying a sign saying, "Pat, Just say no to the homo." The delegation proceeded to the Headquarters building where they encountered a row of traffic cones, approximately 30 feet away from the building, and three CBN Security Officers. Rev. Elder Garner told the Security Officers that she was there to make an appointment for Dr. Mel White to speak with Pat Robertson. The Security Officer told her that the building was closed, in spite of the fact that many people could be seen at windows in the building. After a 90 minute vigil in front of the building the delegation left the grounds, vowing to return the next day. Dr. White issued a statement today, from jail, in which he clarified the purpose of his fasting. He stated that it was both a form of protest against violent rhetoric and a form of prayer for the misinformation to stop. Dr. White has taken a brave step towards opening the dialogue with Pat Robertson about his anti-gay rhetoric and its relationship to the increase in gay hate crimes. ***** 1. Let Mel know you support his efforts. Time is of the essence, so here are three ways to send your message quickly: FAX: +1-804-625-6024 Email: mel@casti.com <-- messages sent to this address will be collected and faxed at the end of every day Telegram: Call Western Union at 800-325-6000. Send your telegram to: Dawn Rankin-Phelps -- 3164 Petre Rd., Apt. 102 Chesapeake, VA 23325 phone: 804-543-2460 2. Ask your local religious leaders to issue a statement of support for Mel's efforts. It is very important that the world knows that Mel is not doing this without the support of religious leaders everywhere -- from parish priests to patriarchs, apostles, and prophets. Please ask the leaders in your community to send a fax, email, or telegram in support of Mel's fast. 3. CONTACT THE MEDIA! Mel's supporters who are at Ground Zero in Virginia Beach are faxing to national papers and broadcast journalists, but they aren't responding. You can help in two ways -- * Fax the press kit (above) to your town paper, newsletter editor, radio call-in host, and TV anchor person. Let the journalists in *your* community know that you want to be kept informed about this important event. * Select some national and international media sources that you rely on for your information (for example, CNN, ABC, and AP) and either call or fax them with the press kit again. They already have a copy from Virginia Beach, but it seems like they don't think anyone cares about what is going on. If you contact them and ask why they aren't reporting on the events, it will help raise their consciousness. Interviews are available either by phone or in person. The contingent in Virginia Beach includes everything from PFLAG mothers to MCC ministers, so there is an angle for everyone. To request an interview, contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps; her contact information appears above in #1.