Trumpet

Jimmy Creech and Family
to Take Part in "The Wedding"

   Washington, DC – January 27, 2000 - "I’m very pleased to announce that the Rev. Jimmy Creech, former United Methodist clergy and outspoken advocate for holy unions of same-sex marriages, will be speaking at ‘The Wedding’, the largest same-sex wedding demonstration and celebration in history," said Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC). UFMCC is the world’s largest and oldest spiritual organization offering positive, affirming spirituality to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities.

   Rev. Jimmy Creech, a United Methodist minister for 29 years, lost his credentials in November 1999 after a United Methodist Church jury found him guilty of disobeying church law by officiating at the same-sex union of two North Carolina men. Creech is at the forefront in the fight to remove sanctions against same-sex marriages in established Protestant churches. He has called the opposition to holy unions amongst same-sex couples "spiritual violence".

   "We aren’t being faithful to the vision of Christ when we exclude gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons," Creech stated. The Rev. Creech will be joined by his wife, Chris Weedy and their daughter at "The Wedding."

   "The Wedding: Now More Than Ever" will take place in front of the Internal Revenue Service Building, located at 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 29 at 10:45 a.m. Registration for the April 29, 2000 "Wedding" exceeds the numbers of "The Wedding" that Rev. Perry conducted at the 1993 March on Washington, which was recorded at that time as the largest same-sex wedding demonstration and celebration in history.

   The Lesbian and Gay Bands of America (L.G.B.A.), the national musical organization comprised of concert and marching bands from cities across America, will supply the romantic and inspirational music before and during the ceremony and demonstration.

   In addition to the L.G.B.A., the acknowledgment of two same-sex couples who have been together the longest will highlight the March. Perry said, "We have received numerous responses, and we are still looking for two same-sex couples, living in America, - lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered – who have been together the longest." All those who have been part of their same-sex relationship for an extended period of time may contact UFMCC at RevTPerry@ufmcchq.com or write UFMCC – Search for Couples, 8704 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor, West Hollywood, CA 90069. UFMCC is offering free hotel accommodations, transportation and meals during the weekend of the March to the selected couples.

   While there have been setbacks in Alaska and Hawaii in the struggle for same-sex marriage rights, the recent victory in Vermont has fueled activists to continue fighting for equal rights. The Rev. Troy D. Perry stated, "We thank God for this victory, but I also urge all of you to pray with me that we will one day have laws that truly protect each and every one of us. I look forward to seeing all of you at the Millennium March on Washington April 29-30, 2000 in Washington, DC as we stand together to demand from our government all our civil rights."

CONTACT:

Ms. Maaza Mengiste, UFMCC
Director of Communications
(310) 360-8640 x226
ufmcchq@aol.com
http://www.ufmcc.com