Date: Tue, 27 Feb 1996 08:59:54 -0500 (EST) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: Informational Press Release (fwd) for your information andy A Jay Eddy ajayeddy@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 27 Feb 1996 08:26:21 PRESS RELEASE "We Are One" AMERICAN FEDERATION OF VETERANS "An Alliance for Equality of Rights" Veterans Hall - New York, N.Y. Contact: Karl Clark, Exec. Vice President P.O. Box 1281, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302 (954) 782-1095 - FAX: same number E-mail: KarlClark@aol.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * EVANGELICALS CHARGE BISHOP WITH HERESY .... Fundamentalist Refute Equality For Gays In Religion In a broad and continuing sweep of realistic denial, motivated Evangelical activists continue the work of the Christian Coalition, the American Family Association, Promise Keepers, Eagle Forum/Foundation, Focus on the Family, etc. by opening their "don't ask - don't tell" witch-hunt trial accusing the mild-mannered retired Episcopal Bishop, Walter C. Righter, of heresy. The ten (10) accusers reject the inclusion, within their ranks, of priests solely because of their sexual orientation. "Their Inquisition like actions only heighten the debate on separation of church and state and the argument for 'Freedom of Religion' and protection against religious persecution," stated Karl Clark, AmFedVets Executive Vice President. He further concluded that "While they don't stone-to-death adulters, do eat shell fish, and wear fabrics that are tabooed within Biblical context, hypercritically they enforce that which is not the words of Christ vis-a-vis persecution of homosexuals." Supporters of Gay and Lesbian Christians and Non-Christians who have been forced out of their houses of worship,their communities because of religious persecution, and from the political arena because of fear and hate are all "Children of God," challenge denominational leaders of the Federation of Metropolitan Community Churches. Dignity Catholics, Integrity Episcopalian, Log Cabin, P-Flag, NGLB Vets of America, AmFedVets, etc. hold firm to the belief that this country was founded on inclusion but not exclusion because of a denial. Yes, denial based on religious discrimination enforced by Freedom of Religion to all except the minority. Our hearts go out today to Bishop Righter and to those who understand the true meaning of the "Golden Rule" which is encapsulated in the Love of all who inhabit this earth. We are in pain for those hunted and imprisoned by the military witch-hunts. We mourn the executed Schindlers whose only crime was and is wrongful judgement by intolerant inquisitors. We abhor the "religious wrong," whose flocks of crusading activists all too often bear false witness shrouded in fear and misinformation.