From: UfmccHq Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 14:19:22 EST Subject: Gay Congregation Passes $6.2 Million Milestone for New Cathedral News Release The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches Serving 225,000 G/L/B/T Friends and Members Through 300 Congregations In 15 Countries Release Date: Jan. 22, 1998 Predominantly Gay UFMCC Congregation Passes $6.2 Million Mark For New Cathedral "Powerful symbol of hope," says UFMCC Founder Perry Los Angeles -- The world's largest predominantly gay and lesbian church passed the $6.2 million mark this week in fundraising for its new worship facility in Dallas, Texas. The Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder and moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), the largest and oldest gay spirituality organization, congratulated the members of the Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church for this historic milestone. "UFMCC members in Dallas have once again demonstrated those qualities that continue to make UFMCC one of the world's fastest growing religious bodies: commitment and sacrifice," said Perry "In Dallas, Texas, and in cities and towns around the globe, the members of UFMCC are living out our Vision Statement to "meet the justice and faith needs of people in growing numbers of countries and cultures," said Perry. "This magnificent new cathedral in Dallas will be a powerful reminder that gays and lesbians are a deeply spiritual people and are a vital part of God's work in this world," he added. Plans by the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Dallas call for construction of a $25 million dollar cathedral which will seat 2500 persons. With a membership of 2000 persons, the Cathedral of Hope MCC is the largest UFMCC congregation. UFMCC was founded in 1968 by the Rev. Troy D. Perry to provide positive Christian spirituality to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities. With headquarters in West Hollywood, California, the rapidly growing denomination is comprised of more than 300 congregations in 15 countries and an annual combined budget of $15 million. (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: Communications@ufmcchq.com website: http://www.ufmcc.com