Mel White Press Release, February 24, 1995

Robertson Security Officer tells Mel White's Supporters "For you,
he won't ever be available."


Text
Today Rev. Dr. James Melville White entered day eleven 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.

Each afternoon since White was arrested ten days ago, a group of
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 Ann B. Carlson,
Convener Intregrity/Tidewater - Episcopal Justice Ministry for
Lesbians and Gays. When Carlson was informed by a security officer
that Robertson would not be available for an appointment today,
she asked when he would be available. The officer replied, "For
you, he won't ever be available."

The delegation presented the gift of a single white rose for
Robertson bearing the message: "Pat, it is not about media events...
It is not about validating homosexuality...It is about stopping
the violence. Please meet with my delegation and me. In Christ's
name, Mel."

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, P.O. Box 6098,
Virginia Beach, VA 23456. A question and answer letter written
by Dr. White from jail is available upon request.

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For more information, please contact Dawn Rankin-Phelps at
(804) 543-2460.