October 11 Press Conference: National Coming Out Day Action at All Saints Church

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2009

On National Coming Out Day, Faith Leaders Come Out In Support of Local Southern Christian Leadership Conference President, Rev. Dr. Eric Lee, Under Fire For His Support of Marriage Equality

A press conference featuring local faith leaders will mark National Coming Out Day at All Saints Church in Pasadena (132 N Euclid Avenue, Pasadena) on Sunday,October 11, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The clergy will “come out” for marriage equality and will announce initiatives of support for the Reverend Dr. Eric Lee -- President and CEO of the Los Angeles branch of the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Council ) -- the organization Dr. Martin Luther King co-founded. Dr. Eric Lee has been an advocate not only for racial equality and economic justice for laborers. Now he is under fire for his strong stance in favor of marriage equality.

Dr. Lee will speak in the All Saints Rector’s Forum at 10:15 a.m. and will make a statement at a press conference at 12:30 pm. (following the 11:15 a.m. worship service). Standing in solidarity with Dr. Lee and “coming out” for LGBT equality will be:

Rabbi Steven Jacobs (long time civil rights activist),
The Reverend Zelda Kennedy (Senior Associate for Pastoral Care & Spiritual Growth)
The Reverend David Norgard (president of Integrity USA)
The Reverend Dr. Jonipher Kwong (California Faith for Equality)
The Reverend Art Cribbs (United Church of Christ, San Marino)

“Despite the fact that Coretta Scott King said before her death that Dr. King’s values meant that he would have supported gay rights, the SCLC leadership is considering relieving Eric Lee of his SCLC post,” said All Saints Rector Ed Bacon in his letter to the congregation regarding Sunday’s action, encouraging parish members “to learn from and cheer on this contemporary prophet."

“As thousands march for equality in Washington on Sunday, we will likewise be mobilizing thousands to stand for equality through letter writing campaigns in support of Dr. Lee’s prophetic witness,” said the Reverend Susan Russell, a Senior Associate at All Saints Church. All Saints Church parish members will be signing letters on the church lawn on Sunday morning, while California Faith for Equality will be initiating an online letter campaign.

For more information contact:
Keith Holeman, All Saints Director of Communications -- 626.583.2739
Louise Brooks, California Faith for Equality -- 626.993.4605