BEARING WITNESS
PRESS RELEASE

Contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps (804) 543-2460


          A Coalition of Religious Leaders and Community Organizations



On Friday, February 17, 1995, Rev. Elder Darlene C. Garner led a
delegation of twelve, along with supporters, to the Christian Broadcasting
Network Studio Headquarters Building, in another attempt to get Pat
Robertson to meet with Rev. Dr. Mel White.  This was a peaceful
demonstration in spite of counter demonstrators. Dr. White continues his
fast in the Virginia Beach City jail and his spirits are reported to be
good. On Saturday, February 18, at 12:15 p.m., Bearing Witness plans to
return to CBN. A delegation of twelve will deliver a bouquet of flowers,
honoring Dr. White, and symbolizing our commitment to our mission, while
the rest line the sidewalk along Indian River Road (in front of The
Founder's Inn) in quiet support. 

Rev. Elder Garner is an elder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan
Community Churches and a pastor of MCC of Northern Virginia, in Fairfax,
Virginia. 

Members of Bearing Witness gathered in front of Shoney's and walked across
Indian River Road arm in arm. Three counter demonstrators attempted to
follow the delegation to CBN and were stopped by CBN security. One of the
demonstrators was carrying a sign saying, "Pat, Just say no to the homo."
The delegation proceeded to the Headquarters building where they
encountered a row of traffic cones, approximately 30 feet away from the
building, and three CBN Security Officers. Rev. Elder Garner told the
Security Officers that she was there to make an appointment for Dr. Mel
White to speak with Pat Robertson. The Security Officer told her that the
building was closed, in spite of the fact that many people could be seen
at windows in the building. After a 90 minute vigil in front of the
building the delegation left the grounds, vowing to return the next day. 

Dr. White issued a statement today, from jail, in which he clarified the
purpose of his fasting. He stated that it was both a form of protest
against violent rhetoric and a form of prayer for the misinformation to
stop. 

Dr. White has taken a brave step towards opening the dialogue with Pat
Robertson about his anti-gay rhetoric and its relationship to the increase
in gay hate crimes.