From: UfmccHq Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 15:37:54 EST Subject: Cathedral of Hope MCC Is Target of Bomb Threat N E W S F L A S H From The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches Cathedral of Hope MCC Target of Internet Bomb Threat DALLAS, TX -- The Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church in Dallas, Texas, the world's largest predominantly gay and lesbian congregation, has been the target of a bomb threat posted on the Internet. The threat, received last Thursday morning by The Dallas Morning News, is being investigated by the FBI. The Rev. Mike Piazza, senior pastor of the congregation, said the church would continue to operate normally. "Our stance is that we need to release this information so our members know [and] can make their choice. We're going to have services, but people have a right to know what they are coming to," he said. Piazza also noted that last year's bombing of an Atlanta gay bar and more recent bomb attacks on abortion clinics have forced the church to view all threats with concern. The threats affected attendance this past Sunday, but all services were held as scheduled. The Internet threat contained condemnations of homosexuals and claimed, "You think Oklahoma City was bad, wait until you see this." The Rev. Troy D. Perry, Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the parent denomination of Cathedral of Hope MCC, noted: "We strongly condemn these threats to our constitutional rights to worship and free assembly. Over the past 30 years, more than 20 Metropolitan Community Church congregations have been targets of the hate crimes of arson or firebombing, and many more have faced threats to both worshipers and property." "I call upon all people of goodwill to uphold the Rev. Mike Piazza and the congregation of Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church with their love and prayers during this time," Perry added. "I salute the church for keeping its doors open to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. The Scriptures declare that 'perfect love casts out fear.' Thorough their boldness and love, our members and friends in Dallas are communicating the message that we don't have to be afraid anymore." The Cathedral of Hope MCC, with a membership exceeding 3000, is a member congregation of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC). UFMCC is a Christian denomination which offers positive, affirming Christian spirituality to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons and their enlightened friends. With an inclusive membership of 42,000, UFMCC is composed of 300 congregations in 15 countries. (END) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: James N. Birkitt, Jr. UFMCC Communications Department 8704 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor West Hollywood, CA 90069 Tel. (310) 360-8640 Fax: (310) 360-8680 E-mail: info@ufmcchq.com website: http://www.ufmcc.com