An Open Letter to Pat Robertson        February 15, 1995


Dear Pat,

       Today, once again, when I returned to CBN with our delegation of
Christian leaders (as Jesus commanded us in Matthew 18: 15-16), your
security force met us at the gate. After warningus that we were not
welcome, your spokesman, Gene Kapp, ordered the Virginia Beach Police
to arrest us.

       At that time, I spoke with my delegation and told them to go ahead
and leave the property, respecting your wishes and said to Mr. Kapp, "As an
act of civil disobedience in the name of Christ I choose to stay". I was
then handcuffed and led off the CBN property, while the delegation softly
sang a hymn.

       It is growing more apparent, even to the eternally optimistic, that
for some reason you have decided never to meet with our small delegation of
religious leaders who come to you on behalf of God's gay and lesbian
children.

       For twenty months I have asked for such a meeting, first in a
private, off the record discussion, then in a more public forum. When you
refused to meet us on Tuesday, February 14, I began a fast for
understanding, hoping that this small sacrifice would convince you of
my sincerity. And though I will continue to hope and pray that you will meet
with us to review the hate crime data, let me summarize our simple request.

       First, acknowledge the growing number of hate crimes against gay and
lesbian Americans.

       Second, condemn those hate crimes and the people who incite or
commit them.

       Tha's what we came to ask. Will you use your powerful voice to take
a stand against thesuffering of innocent Americans? When I hear that you
have taken this simple stand, I will end my fast. Is it too much to ask of
you to report the hate crimes and to do your best to end them?  In the name
of God, please, Pat, help us end the suffering