Hundreds of Clergy and Faith Leaders From Across North Carolina Call on General Assembly to Oppose Anti-LGBT Amendment

http://equalitync.org/news1/hundreds-of-clergy-and-faith-leaders-from-across-north-carolina-call-on-general-assembly-to-oppose-anti-lgbt-amendment

Raleigh, N.C. – Equality NC today released the names of 242 clergy and faith leaders from across North Carolina who have, in the past two weeks, signed on to a statement publicly denouncing a proposed anti-gay constitutional amendment and calling on state lawmakers to join them in opposing the legislation. The clergy join 526 additional people of faith every corner of the state who have also signed a public declaration against the amendment. 

Spanning the mountains to the coast, the geographic list of clergy and faith leaders in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban all legal relationship recognitions for North Carolina’s same-sex couples, represents a number of denominations including Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Baptist, Reformed Church in America and Reform and Conservative movements of Judaism. 

The list of signatories also includes influential faith leaders like Stan Kimer, President of the North Carolina Council of Churches (Raleigh, N.C.), Dr. Sam Roberson, General Presbyter/Stated Clerk, Charlotte Presbytery (Charlotte, N.C.), Rev. Dr. T Anthony Spearman, Chair, Religious Affairs, NC-NAACP and Senior Pastor, Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church (Hickory, N.C.), the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina (Raleigh, N.C.), the Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina (Kinston, N.C.), The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (Asheville, N.C.), and Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls, Prelate of the Southern Jurisdiction, Unity Fellowship Church Movement (Charlotte, N.C.).

The entire list of clergy signatories will be published in full-page ads appearing in the Asheville Citizen Times, Wilmington Star News (Sunday editions, September 11), and the Raleigh News and Observer (Monday, September 12). The ads represent “An Open Letter to the North Carolina Legislature” in opposition to the anti-gay constitutional amendment and will include the full language of the faith leader public statement against the discriminatory legislation.  

“This list represents a diverse group of faith traditions and congregations from all corners of our state. The leaders of these religious institutions understand the spiritual value of respecting all members of their community, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender,” said Equality NC Interim Executive Director Alex Miller. 

“Their commitment at this important moment in North Carolina demonstrates that there is no one group that owns the pulpit when it comes to whether the state should treat all families equally.”

As people of faith, we, the undersigned, urge the North Carolina State Legislature to protect families in North Carolina by opposing the anti-LGBT constitutional amendment (organizations listed for identification purposes only):

Stan C. Kimer, President, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Dr. T Anthony Spearman, Chair, Religious Affairs, NC-NAACP, Senior Pastor, Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church, Hickory, N.C.

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.

The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, Kinston, N.C.

The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Asheville, N.C.

Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls, Prelate of the Southern Jurisdiction, Unity Fellowship Church Movement, Charlotte, N.C.

Dr. Sam Roberson, General Presbyter/Stated Clerk, Charlotte Presbytery, Charlotte, N.C.

Bishop Donagrant L. McCluney, Progressive Pentecostal Church of the Triad, Greensboro, N.C.  

Listing by N.C. City

Arden

Rev. Dennis R. M. Teall-Fleming, Open Hearts Gathering, Arden, N.C.

Apex

Rev. Sarah Ball-Damberg, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of North Carolina, Apex, N.C.

Asheboro

Rev. Rennie Salata, United Methodist Church, Asheboro, N.C.

Asheville

Rev. S. F. James Abbott, Rector, St. Matthias' Episcopal Church, Asheville, N.C

Rev. Brian L. Cole, Sub-Dean, The Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Todd Donatelli, Cathedral of All Souls (Episcopal), Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Joe Hoffman, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Joyce Hollyday, Co-pastor, Circle of Mercy, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Jim Lowder, Member, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C.

Joy McConnell, Ethical Culture Leader, Ethical Society of Asheville, Asheville, N.C.

Nancy McNeill, Director of Faith Development, First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Esther Megill (Retired), Elder, United Methodist Church, Asheville, N.C.

Rabbi Batsheva Meiri, Congregation Beth Hatephila, Asheville, N.C.

Gary Mitchell, Minister of Music, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Brent Norris, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Mark Ramsey, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. DiAnna Ritola, Interfaith Minister, Asheville, N.C.

Jackie Simms, Board President, Ethical Society of Asheville, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Earl Thompson, United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. George C.B. Tolleson, Member, UU Church of Asheville, Asheville, N.C.

Eric Wall, Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Mark Ward, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, Asheville, N.C.

Chaplain Laurel Wells, Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), Asheville, N.C.

Rev. Sara Wilcox, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Asheville, N.C.

Cantor Debra Winston, Congregation Beth HaTephila, Asheville, N.C.

Black Mountain

Beth Keiser, Co-Clerk, Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting (Quaker), Black Mountain, N.C.

Dan Snyder, Co-Clerk, Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting (Quaker), Black Mountain, N.C.

Burlington

Rev. Dale Walker, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Burlington, N.C.

Rev. Phillip R. Myers, First Reformed United Church of Christ, Burlington, N.C.

Carolina Beach

Rev. Keith Grogg, Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, Carolina Beach, N.C.

Carrboro

Rev. Suzanne Lamport, United Church of Christ (retired), Carrboro, N.C.

Cary

Rev. Dr. Meredith L. Bratcher, Chaplain, Glenaire Retirement Center, Cary, N.C.

Rev. Andy Little, Presbyterian Church (USA), Cary, N.C.

Minister Linda Velto, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Cary, N.C.

Rev. Jenna Zirbel, Rainbow Community Cares, Cary, N.C.

Cedar Mountain

Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward, Episcopal Priest (retired), Cedar Mountain, N.C.

Chapel Hill

Rev. Mindy Douglass Adams, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Bobbie Armstrong, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Randall Best, Ethical Culture Leader, Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Minister Peter JB Carman, Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Jill Edens, United Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Richard Edens, United Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rabbi Jen Feldman, Chapel Hill Kehillah Synagogue, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rabbi Frank A. Fischer (retired), Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Donnie L. Jones, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Hadley Kifner, Chaplain, United Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Rebecca S. McCulloh, Chapel Hill Christian Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Minister Katie Ricks, Church of Reconciliation, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Jenny Shultz, United Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Susan Steinberg, United Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Margaret Stilton, Deacon, Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Rev. Tuck Taylor, Amity United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Charlotte

Rev. Nancy Ellett Allison, Ph.D, Holy Covenant United, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Chris Ayers, Wedgewood Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Marage Blakeney, Unity Fellowship Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Mandy England Cole, Sardis Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Amy Jacks Dean, Park Road Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Russ Dean, Park Road Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rabbi Jonathan Freirich, Temple Beth El, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Hugh Hammond, Piedmont Unitarian, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Catherine Houchins, Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

Rabbi Morton Kaplan, Temple Beth El, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Nancy Kraft, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. James C. Leach, Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Sonja Lee, Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Tim Moore, Sardis Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Melissa A. Mummert, Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Leslie Oliver, Unity Fellowship Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Rabbi David E. Powers, Ph.D, Temple Beth El, Charlotte, N.C.

Rabbi Judith Schindler, Temple Beth El, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Dr. H. Stephen Shoemaker, Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Head Priest Ryusho Jeffus Shonin, Myosho-ji, Wonderful Voice Buddhist Temple, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Robin Tanner, Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Cantor Mary R. Thomas, Temple Beth El, Charlotte, NC

Rev. Kenneth W. Tinnin, Jr., Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

Rev. Deborah C. Warren, Member of Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.

Concord

Rev. Nathan King, Trinity United Church of Christ, Concord, N.C.

Davidson

Rev. Elizabeth McGregor Simmons, Pastor, Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Davidson, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Robert C. Spach, Chaplain, Davidson College, Davidson, N.C.

Durham

Rev. Dr. Homer U. Ashby, Jr., Elder, United Methodist Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Karen C. Barfield, Vicar, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Margaret L. Beard, Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Durham, N.C.

Rabbi Leah Berkowitz, Judea Reform Congregation, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Lynn Carman Bodden, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham, Sr. Pastor, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham, NC

Rev. Martha Brimm, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Jill Staton Bullard, Episcopal Deacon, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Deborah Cayer, Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Durham, N.C.

Minister Nancy Chew, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Suzanne Franklin, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Carla P. Gregg, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Duke Divinity, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Joseph S. Harvard, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Laurie Hays-Coffman, Massey's Chapel United Methodist Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Marilyn T. Hedgpeth, First Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Joseph H. Hensley, Jr., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Anne E. Hodges-Copple, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Dr Bil Holton, Co-Minister, Unity Spiritual Life Center, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Cher Holton, Co-Minister, Unity Spiritual Life Center, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Rhonda Lee, Episcopal Priest, Durham, N.C.

Deborah Morgan, M.Div, BCC, NCLPC, Elder, NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, Chaplain, Duke Hospital, Durham N.C.

Rev. Betty Morton, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. DeWitt L. Myers, United Church of Christ (retired), Durham, N.C.

Rev. Emily Peck-McClain, Doctor of Theology Student, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Margot Trusty Pickett, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Mark Rutledge, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Minister Phillis Scott, United Church of Christ, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Jeanette Stokes, Presbyterian Church (USA), Durham, N.C.

Rev. Chris Tuttle, Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Mel Williams, Watts Street Baptist Church, Durham, N.C.

Rev. Brian W. Wingo, Ordained Elder, United Methodist Church, Durham, N.C.

Elizabethtown

Rev. Hannah Vaughan, Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, Elizabethtown, N.C.

Rev. Dr. David A. Walker, Minister of Word and Sacrament, Presbyterian Church (USA), Elizabethtown, N.C.

Elon

Rev. Sharon Wheeler, Elon Community Church, United Church of Christ, Elon, N.C.

Fayetteville

Pastor Derrick Montgomery, Sr. Pastor, United Ministries in Christ, Fayetteville, N.C.

Garner

Rev. Carl Johnson, Interfaith Minister, Garner, N.C.

Rev. Kathie McCutcheon, Interfaith Minister, Garner, N.C.

Gastonia

Minister Steve Burleson, Open Hearts Gathering, Gastonia, N.C.

Gibsonville

Rev. Dr. Joe Grubbs, Baptist Minister (retired), Gibsonville, N.C.

Greensboro

Rev. Dr. Arnetta E. Beverly, St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Greensboro, N.C.

Rabbi Fred Guttman, Temple Emanuel, Greensboro, N.C.

Chaplain Judy Haughee-Bartlett, Governing Board Member, NC Council of Churches, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Charles M. Hawes, St. Mary’s House Episcopal/Anglican Center, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Wes Isley, Interfaith Minister, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Thomas Kelsey Lane, D.Min., Presbyterian Church USA, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. David C. Partington, First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Sr. Minister Julie Peeples, Congregational United Church of Christ, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Jean Rodenbough, Former President, NC Council of Churches, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Mark Sandlin, Word and Sacrament Vandalia Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, N.C.

Julia Ross Strope, D.Min. H.R., Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Mac Stroupe, Elder, Epiphany Presbyterian, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Michael S. Usey, D.Min., College Park: An American Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C.

Rev. Gale Wulk, Elder, New Creation Community Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, N.C.

Greenville

Rev. Ann Marie Alderman, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greenville, Greenville, N.C.

Rev. William R. Hoyt, Presbyterian Church (USA) (retired), Greenville, N.C.

Hendersonville

Rev. Mark H. Butler, Member, St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, N.C.

Rev. James McKinley, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, Hendersonville, N.C.

Rev. Jerry Miller, Retired Baptist Minister, Hendersonville, N.C.

Rev. Alan Taylor, Hendersonville, N.C.

Hickory

Brent Childers, Executive Director, Faith in America, Hickory, N.C.

Rev. Nevin Feather, United Church of Christ (retired), Hickory, N.C.

Rev. Susan Smith, Exodus Missionary Outreach Church, Hickory, N.C.

Pastor David Thomas, Sr. Pastor, Abundance Grace Church, Hickory, N.C.

Rev. Karla Woggon, The Episcopal Church of Ascension, Hickory, N.C.

Hillsborough

Rev. Kaye Crawford, United Church of Christ (retired), Hillsborough, N.C.

Dr. Tammerie Day, Board Member, United Church of Christ, Southern Conference, Hillsborough, N.C.

Rev. Beth Kennett, Hillsborough United Church of Christ, Hillsborough, N.C.

Rev. Richard W. McBride, Chaplain Emeritus, Elon University, Hillsborough, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Rollin O. Russell, Southern Conference, United Church of Christ, Hillsborough, N.C.

Kernersville

Rev. Daniel Miles, The Alliance of Baptists, Kernersville, N.C.

Rev. Laurie A. Valentine, Presbyterian Church (USA), Kernersville, N.C.

Kitty Hawk

Rev. Pat Haresch, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Lake Junaluska

Rev. Dr. Garland Young, Retired United Methodist Minister, Lake Junaluska, N.C.

Lenoir

Jennie Deal, Chair of CARE committee, St. James Episcopal Church, Lenoir, N.C.

Rev. Dn. Melissa Eggers, St. James Episcopal Church, Lenoir, N.C.

Lexington

Rev. Bett Hargrave, Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington, N.C.

Rev. Mike Hooper, Retired United Church of Christ Minister, Lexington, N.C.

Lumberton

Rev. Micah Royal, Diversity of Faith, Lumberton, N.C.

Maggie Valley

Rev. Dr. Carl Arrington, Ordained Elder, United Methodist Church, Maggie Valley, N.C.

Mills River

Lois Henrickson, Minister of Music, Unity Center, Mills River, N.C.

Rev. Chad O'Shea, Minister, Unity Center, Mills River, N.C.

Rev. Barbara Mason Rathbun, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mills River, N.C.

Oxford

Pastor Alan Felton, United Methodist Church, Oxford, N.C.

Pittsboro

Rev. Patricia Cadle, United Church of Christ, Pittsboro, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Wilberforce O. Mundia, Rector, St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Raleigh

Rev. Dr. George Clifford, Episcopal Priest, Captain, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired), Raleigh, N.C.

Jimmy Creech, United Methodist Church, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Deborah Fox, Chaplain, Episcopal Campus Ministries, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Jennifer Holder, Associate Minister, Unity Church of the Triangle, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Ogun Holder, Lead Minster and CEO, Unity For All, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn, Episcopal Priest, Raleigh, N.C.

Henry Jarrett, President, Methodist Federation for Social Action NC, Raleigh, N.C.

Rabbi Raachel Jurovics, Yavneh: A Jewish Renewal Community, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Lorraine Ljunggren, Episcopal Priest, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Douglas S. Long, Senior Minister, Umstead Park United Church of Christ, Raleigh, N.C.

Rabbi Ari Margolis, Temple Beth Or, Raleigh, N.C.

Judy Occhetti-Klohr, Governing Board Member, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Dr. Janice Odom, United Church of Christ, Raleigh, N.C.

Pastor Nancy E. Petty, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Ted Purcell, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. J. George Reed, Executive Director, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh, N.C.

Rabbi Eric Solomon, Beth Meyer Synagogue, Raleigh, N.C.

Rabbi Jenny Solomon, D. Min., Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Bill Turner, Journeys - A Spiritual Community, Raleigh, N.C.

Barbara B. Volk, Former President, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Julia Webb-Bowden, Edenton United Methodist Church, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Jane C. Weidig, United Church of Christ, Raleigh, N.C.

Rev. Paula Womack, Alliance of Baptists, Raleigh, N.C.

Reidsville

Rev. Margaret Hurst, Baptist Minister, Reidsville, N.C.

Rocky Mount

Rev. Juliana Lindenberg, Assistant Rector, Church of the Good Shepherd, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Sherrills Ford

Rev. John F. Gundlach, Captain, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy (Retired), Sherrills Ford, N.C.

Southern Pines

Rev. Brent A. Bissette, Congregational Church of Pinehurst, United Church of Christ, Pinehurst, N.C.

Summerfield

Rev. Dr. Christopher East, Epiphany Presbyterian New Church Development, Summerfield, N.C.

Rev. Lou McAlister East, Epiphany Presbyterian New Church Development, Summerfield, N.C.

Taylorsville

Rev. Josh Sherfey, First United Methodist Church, Taylorsville, N.C.

Triad Region

High Priestess Liza Suzanne Castro, High Priestess of Clann Caladvwlch, Triad Region

Rev. Christie Dalton, The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Triad Region

Walkerton

Rev. Michele Sevacko, Metaphysical (New Thought) Minister, Walkerton, N.C.

Waynesville

Rev. Dr. William Johnson Everett, Ordained Elder (retired), United Methodist Church, Waynesville, N.C.

Wilmington

Rev. Blair Both (Retired), Church of the Servant, Episcopal, Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. Richard G. Elliott, Rector, St. Andrew's On-the-Sound Episcopate Church, Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. June H. Highfill, Pastor, Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. Matt Highfill, Pastor, Winter Park Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. Robert H. Lapp, Presbyterian Church (USA), Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. John McLaughlin, St. Jude's Metropolitan Community Church, Wilmington, N.C.

Rev. Catherine Powell, Church of the Servant (Episcopal), Wilmington, N.C.

Don Skinner, Executive Director, Phoenix Employment Ministry, Wilmington, N.C.

Winston-Salem

Min. Sahleem Butler, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Min. Harriet Byrd, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Kelly Carpenter, Green Street United Methodist Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Renee Griffin, WENTZ Memorial UCC, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Roger E. Hayes, Senior Pastor, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Gary Hutchins, St. Jude’s Community Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Min. April Johnson, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Maria Teresa Jones, WENTZ Memorial UCC, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Krista Kindley-Martin, Admin. Pastor, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Ron LaRocque, Metropolitan Community Church of Winston Salem, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Amanda M. Davee Lomax, M.Div., Presbyterian Church (USA), Winston Salem, N.C.

Min. Shelia McClain, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Min. Shanda McClain, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Jack McConnell, Sr. Pastor, St. Jude’s Community Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Janet Owen, President of Board of Trustees, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston Salem, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Susan Parker, Wake Forest Baptist Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. S. Curtis Patterson, Retired Minister, Presbyterian Church (USA), Winston Salem, N.C.

Min. Tarrence Pemberton, Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Craig Schaub, Parkway United Church of Christ, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Laura Spangler, Lloyd Presbyterian Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Patricia Stewart, Retired Minister, Presbyterian Church (USA), Winston Salem, N.C.

Tim Sturgis, Co-Chair, Interfaith Voice, Winston Salem, N.C.

Pastor Jon Watt, Highland Presbyterian Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Lawrence M. Womack, St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

Rev. Ellen S. Yarborough (Retired), Green Street United Methodist Church, Winston Salem, N.C.

The full clergy statement and list of signatories is available at equalitync.org/clergy.

The full people of faith statement and list of signatories is available at equalitync.org/faith.

Equality NC is a statewide organization working to secure equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2011

CONTACTS: 

Alex Miller,  Interim Executive Director, Equality NC, (919) 619-3360, alex@equalitync.org

Jen Jones,  Communications Director, Equality NC, (919) 260-5906, jen@equalitync.org

Press contacts from the list include: 

Stan Kimer

Board President, NC Council of Churches 

Phone: (919) 787-3091

Email: sckimer@yahoo.com

Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls Pastor, Unity Fellowship Church, Charlotte N.C.

Phone: 704-567-5007

Email: bishoptrawls@gmail.com

Rev. T. Anthony Spearman

Chair, Religious Affairs, NC-NAACP

Senior Pastor, Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church, Hickory, N.C.

Phone: (704) 267-9017

Email: tant98@aol.com