Los Angeles, November 19, 1997 -- We are deeply saddened by the hostile attacks by the so-called Religious Right upon the only gay Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, in response to the White House's invitation to participate in the Presidential breakfast for American religious leaders on Nov. 20 at the White House. This is another instance in which the Religious Right is simply wrong.

The news release issued by the Family Research Council and Americans for Truth is full of misstatements and untruths which are designed to inflame and divide the American public. For the past three decades, the Rev. Mr. Perry and the churches of the UFMCC have offered positive, affirming Christian spirituality to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered persons.

The Rev. Mr. Perry's work and ministry have been recognized by awards from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign and numerous civil rights organizations. He served with distinction on the Los Angeles Human Rights Commission. His pioneering work in the field of gay spirituality has furthered a a dialog of understanding within mainline Christian and Jewish faith communities.

The more than 42,000 members of the UFMCC, and the 225,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons who find hope, faith, and spirituality within UFMCC congregations each year, are eloquent testimony to the Rev. Mr. Perry's mission.

Attacks of this nature remind us why the churches of the UFMCC are often referred to as "spiritual outposts" for the gay community. As Rev. Perry's participation last week in the White House Conference on Hate Crimes confirmed, gays and lesbians comprise one of the last minority groups in America for which hate and discrimination are still socially acceptable by too many of our citizens.