N E W S   R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2003
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)

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The World's Largest Organization With a Primary, Affirming
Ministry To Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons
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Gay U.S. Church Moderator to Wed in Toronto July 16

TORONTO, July 14 /CNW/ - Thirty years after he established a Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto, the denomination's founder, Rev. Troy D. Perry, 63, of Los Angeles, will marry his partner of 18 years, Phillip Ray De Blieck in a private ceremony, conducted by Rev. Brent Hawkes, at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 at MCC Toronto, 115 Simpson Avenue.

At a news conference at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Perry will invite same sex couples from every state across the U.S.A. to visit Canada to be married and then register online to join him in challenging American human rights laws. Rev. Perry says he expects U.S. laws to catch up to Canada's within five years.

Rev. Perry and Mr. De Blieck will arrive at Toronto City Hall Tuesday, July 15 at 2:00 to apply for their marriage licence and will be available to speak to the news media in the City Hall rotunda. They will also be available for photo opportunities at Patty's Flowers, 589 Parliament Street, at approx. 11:00 a.m. Tuesday.

In 1973, Rev. Perry called on Rev. Bob Wolfe of Sacramento, California to establish the Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto. Rev. Hawkes was named Pastor in 1977 and conducted the world's first legal marriage of same sex couples in January, 2001. (END)

Additional information on the MCC movement can be found at www.MCCchurch.org A free newsletter is available by writing to info@MCCchurch.org   

For Additional Information, Contact:
Jim Birkitt, Director of Communications
Roman Cardenas, Assoc. Director of Communications
MCC Communications Department
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Second Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640, Ext. 226 or 228
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org 
Website: www.MCCchurch.org