This statement has been released by the Eastern Virginia
                   Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns.


This is the third day in which we have fasted and prayer with the Rev. Dr.
Mel White, and walked with him onto the campus of Regent University to
request an opportunity to speak with Pat Robertson. The reason we request
this face to face discussion is to address the mounting evidence that
virulent anti-homosexual rhetoric coming forth from such powerful
religious leaders as Mr. Robertson is spawning hatred and violence. We
come as Christian sisters and brothers to exhort Mr. Robertson to cease
the use of inaccurate and pejorative anti-gay rhetoric in advertising,
fund raising and evangelical materials.  Our Brother Pat has stated that
he does not wish to debate whether homosexuality is sinful.  Neither do
we. We simply wish to urge him to take a lead in bringing reason and
compassion into the dialogue that is raging in the religious community and
ravaging families whose members are of diverse sexual and spiritual
orientation. 

Our members, who have stood and prayed with Mel and others over the past
six days, include gay and lesbian persons and their heterosexual friends
and family. We continue to struggle within our own faith communities for
improved understanding of the nature of sexual minority persons and their
validation within the realm of God's good creation. We join in solidarity
with Mel and our spiritual family in the Hampton Roads area, agreeing that
now is the time and this is the place to end the misunderstandings that
generate meanness and rage. It is our hope that the Holy Spirit will soon
bring Pat Robertson the same concern and that he will meet with Mel and
the church leaders who stand at his door.