June 23, 2005

LOS ANGELES – The Reverend Dr. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), the largest international church started in and reaching beyond the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities, will be speaking and signing a new book entitled, "Troy Perry: Pastor and Prophet." Book signings have been announced in New York City (July 7), Atlanta (July 9 -10) and Los Angeles (October 8-9). This "coffee table book" is a tribute to Rev. Perry, chronicled through full color pictures and dozens of stories about his ministry from early childhood through his announced retirement as Moderator of MCC.

Rev. Perry announced his retirement this year after 37 years of ministry to the spiritual needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, who are often alienated and isolated by misguided and misinformed parents, church leaders, and society-at-large. He will officially retire on October 8, 2005 in Los Angeles.

Starting his ministry in 1968, Rev. Perry took out an ad in "The Advocate," the oldest magazine catering to LGBT individuals. The few who were brave enough to respond to the ad met in Rev. Perry's living room to discuss God and spirituality, and to help one another heal from the wounds inflicted upon them by society and religious dogma. Today, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) has over 40,000 members and 250 churches in 23 countries around the world, and each year more than 225,000 people attend MCC programs and services.

"No single individual in the LGBT movement has contributed more to the well-being, spiritual and otherwise, of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, families, and allies than the Rev. Troy Perry. Beyond that, he's a rare pleasure to be with, so I urge everyone not to miss this opportunity to hear him before his retirement in October and to get a signed copy of this fantastic tribute to his life and ministry," declared Chris Glaser, editor of "Troy Perry: Pastor and Prophet" and well known theologian and author from Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Perry to speak at 7:30pm on July 7 at the Latin Collector Art Gallery (in Tribeca), 153 Hudson Street at Hubert, New York, NY.

Metropolitan Community Churches