Observe MCC's Marriage Equality Week
October 12-19, 2003

A Message From Rev. Troy D. Perry
12 September 2003

Dear MCC Leader:

This is an important, advance notice -- additional materials will follow next week.

I am asking our local churches and our MCC church leaders to do what we do best: Rise to the occasion and take a public stand as part of MCC's commitment to Christian Social Action.

Let me explain:

A coalition of 22 right wing and religious fundamentalist groups have just announced plans to observe the week of October 12-18 as "Marriage Protection Week: A Week Dedicated To Preserving The Sacred Institution Of Marriage."

This coalition is working hard to stop the movement toward same-sex marriage rights. In fact, if you read their literature, many of these groups want to stop all legal protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons.

This right-wing coalition is made up of names and groups you will easily recognize -- Jerry Falwell, Concerned Women for America, Phyllis Schlafly, William Bennett, the Family Research Council, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family, the Traditional Values Coalition, the 19-million member Southern Baptist Convention, and scores of fundamentalist Christian radio and television stations.

During the wek of October 12-18, 2003, these groups will generate huge press coverage for their cause -- and against our community!

We must not be silent.

We must make our voices heard.

We must respond to these messages of intolerance, oppression and hate.

I am asking all local MCC churches to observe the week of October 12-19 as "Marriage Equality Week." And I am asking every MCC pastor to call attention to the marriage issue during worship services on Sunday, October 19.

Our observance of "Marriage Equality Week" at the same time we are being attacked by the Religious Right will provide many opportunities in your community for media and press coverage of your church and your ministry. Your participation will once again position you and your church as leaders in the struggle for justice and equality.

Our MCC Headquarters staff members are preparing helpful resources for you to creatively observe "Marriage Equality Week." We'll include sample news releases you can send to both mainline and GLBT media in your area -- and valuable resources on the same-sex marriage issue.

I simply wanted to send you an advance "heads up" today about this upcoming attack by the Religious Right, and to let you know that helpful resources will be sent to you early next week so you can begin to plan your church's participation.

For the past 35 years, MCC has consistently been involved in Christian Social Action as one important way to live out our Christian faith. Your voice for equality on the marriage issue will serve to empower our community and educate our society.

/signed/

Rev. Troy D. Perry
MCC Founder and Moderator