February 25, 1995

Today the Rev. Dr. James Melville White entered day twelve 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 Broad-
casting Network (CBN). On Wednesday, February 15, White was arrested for
trespassing at the CBN compound.

Each afternoon since White was arrested for trespassing eleven 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 anit-gay rhetoric
results in violence against the gay community and to denounce those acts
of violence.

Yesterday, when the group was led by Ann B. Carlson, Convener Integrity/Tidewater-Episcopal Justice Ministry for Lesbians and gays, 
Carlson was informed by Security at CBN that Mr. Robertson would not be
available for an appointment. When she asked when he would be available, 
the security officer's reply was "For you, he won't ever be available."

Today, the Bearing Witness delegation again sought a meeting for White
with Robertson. Gary Nixon, Dr. White's partner of eleven years, led
the delegation for the first time today. Nixon told security that he
was there to deliver a gift for Pat Robertson from Mel White, and asked
that Robertson meet with Mel in the spirit of friendship to discuss
the issue of gay and lesbian suffering. Over thirty Bearing Witness 
supporters lined the sidewalk along the highway entrance to CBN Headquarters
while the delegation attempted to meet with Robertson.

In a press release from the Virginia Beach City Jail this morning, White
wrote, "I am here until Pat sees me to discuss the suffering of God's
gay and lesbian children."

The delegation and their supporters from Bearing Witness have vowed to
return at 3PM Sunday to the CBN compound and at noon every day afterward.
Expressions of support may be sent to James Melville White, P.O. Box 6098,
Virginia Beach, Virginia 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.