May 2, 2005

LOS ANGELES – Faith groups around the globe will observe the "World Day of Prayer to End Homophobia" on Sunday, May 29, 2005.

The international observance is organized by Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), the world's largest faith group with a primary, affirming ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) persons.

"Too often homophobia has been rooted in religious intolerance," said veteran human rights activist Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry, Moderator of the MCC denomination. "Discrimination against any of God's children is wrong."

According to Perry, "Homophobia distorts the spiritual message of God's love for all people."

"Even with all of our progress over the past three decades, the reality is that millions of people around the globe are harmed by this type of discrimination," said Perry "Homophobia contributes to higher rates of suicide in LGBT teens, higher rates of LGBT homelessness, lower wages for lesbians, and employment and housing difficulties for LGBT people. It still divides families, and results in hate crimes against LGBT people."

"Whatever one's spiritual views, we can all agree that discrimination is wrong and that all people are deserving of respect and equality," said Perry, a past delegate to the White House Conferences on Hate Crimes and AIDS.

International response to the May 29th has been positive, according to MCC officials, who note that supporters include local Anglican, Episcopal, Unitarian, Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ churches that will hold observances on May 29, as well as Jewish temples that will hold observances that same weekend.

Metropolitan Community Churches