>From: PMDAtropos >Date: Mon, 6 Jun 1994 15:17:04 -0400 [ Send replies to this article to Russell131@AOL.COM only. I may not be able to forward any mis-sent replies. ] Ministers group backs anti-gay measure By Kathey Alexander More than 100 ministers representing some of Cobb's largest and most influential congregations today endorsed the county's resolution against the gay lifestyle, saying homosexuality "is in conflict with the design of our Creator." "There's no way we can condone something the Bible says is evil," said the Rev. Randell Mickler Jr., pastor of Mount Bethel United Methodist Church and one of the organizers. Church leaders, representing congregations totaling about 100,000, said they were forced to take action after 37 clergy members two weeks ago issued a statement calling the resolution a hate-filled document and urged its rescission. "They don't speak for a majority of Christians," Mickler said of the earlier group of church leaders, a cross-section including Jewish, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Unitarian leaders. Gay advocates, meanwhile, called today's news conference another act of prejudice by "the radical religious right." "I maintain that the majority of people in Cobb County don't believe in this kind of prejudice," said Elaine Hill, co-chairman of the Cobb Citizens Coalition, which is fighting the resolution. In a one-page statement today, influential ministers representing about 10 denominations said they love homosexuals, but can't endorse their lifestyle. Saying the resolution won't be rescinded, ministers called for the community to "prayerfully put aside the issue" and get on with life. The key organizers and signers include the Rev. Nelson Price, pastor of Cobb's largest congregation at Roswell Street Baptist, who reportedly counseled some commissioners before the resolution was adopted 10 months ago; the Rev. Charles Sineath of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta; and the leaders of large Baptist associations in Cobb. Catholic Church leaders contacted about participating did not respond, Mickler said.