February 22, 1995 Today Rev. Dr. James Melville White entered day nine of a fast. He is the former ghostwriter for leaders of the so-called religious right and a minister in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. On Tuesday, February 14, White attempted to set an appointment with Pat Robertson, founder and CEO of Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). On Wednesday, February 15, White was arrested for trespassing at the CBN compound. Hundreds of calls and letters are coming in to White from supporters across the country. University professors, church leaders, lay people and community leaders are writing to let White know that he is in their prayers and has their support. Each afternoon since White was arrested eight days ago, a group of 12 delegates from Bearing Witness have attempted to arrange a meeting for White with Robertson. Bearing Witness is a coalition of religious leaders and community organizations. Gays and lesbians are being physically, emotionally and spiritually damaged by some religious rhetoric and untruths. Bearing Witness is supporting White's efforts to get Pat Robertson to do two things: to acknowledge that anti-gay rhetoric results in violence against the gay community and to denounce those acts of violence. Today, the Bearing Witness delegation again sought a meeting for White with Robertson. The delegation was led by Rev. Elder Darlene Garner from the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Garner said, "The patient persistence of people here reflects our commitment to having loving dialogue with Robertson on the issue of violence. We will continue to persist until Robertson understands that the lives of many people are affected by inflammatory and anti-gay rhetoric and untruths. A word of truth from him will save thousands of lives. He has the power to deter the perpetrators. We pray that he will do so before more people are hur or die." As they have done each day since February 15, White's supporters again asked for an appointment to be made between Robertson and White. They requested that their gift of a red carnation bearing the message: "We come in peace and love. Please meet with us" be given to Robertson. It was signed in White's name. They were told yet again that Robertson would not agree to meet. The delegation and their supporters from Bearing Witness have vowed to return at noon daily to the CBN compound. Expressions of support may be sent to James Melville White, c/o Virginia Beach Municipal Jail, P.O. Box 6098, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. For more information, please contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps (804) 543-2460.