LGBT Church in PB Gardens Issues Statement Deploring Mass Murder in Orlando

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - June 12, 2016 - PRLog -- Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches Issues Statement Deploring the Horrific Mass Murder in Orlando as a 'Message of Hate and Violence Against LGBT People'

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL - June 12, 2016) Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches (MCCPB), issued the following statement on the horrific shooting in Orlando this morning that left 50 people dead and more than 50 wounded. The shooting at the Pulse, an LGBT nightclub, is both the most deadly attack against the LGBT community and the worst mass shooting in American history.

"MCC of the Palm Beaches stands in solidarity with the LGBT people of Orlando, The Pulse and Joy MCC. We are praying for them, and like the leaders of MCCs everywhere we condemn this terrorist attack on our community that was clearly meant to send a message of hate and violence against LGBT people. Religious teachings of hatred - no matter from what tradition - are what breed this kind of violence. We invite churches and people of faith and goodwill everywhere to join us in prayer and in sharing the love and respect for all people, of all sexual orientations, genders and faiths that is the only antidote to our world that is reeling from intolerance."

Following this morning's services at MCCPB, Rev. Brown and other church officials left immediately for Orlando to be with the local MCC.

About the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches:

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches is the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends. According to the church's mission statement, "MCC of the Palm Beaches is a joy-filled, justice-centered Christian community of love, vibrant worship and spiritual discovery where all God's people are supported as we become fully alive."

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, MCCPB will present a series of special events throughout the year including the church's 15th annual Rainbow Ball fundraiser on October 29 at the Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter. This will be followed by MCCPB's biennial three-day revival Awakening! (November 18-20), featuring special guest preacher Bishop Yvette Flunder, the Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship and founding pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, CA. Guest musicians for the whole weekend will be Jason and deMarco.

"For 35 years now, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches has been both a bulwark of strength and a source of solace and support for South Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning communities," says Dr. Brown, who recently celebrated her fifth anniversary at the church.

"We are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives and history," she adds. "Just as Jesus did, we take very seriously our calling to do justice, show kindness and live humbly with God."

Located since 2000 at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, MCCPB offers two worship services every Sunday at 9 and 11 am, with childcare provided for children 5 and under along with Children's Church for ages 6 - 10 during the second service. Because the church is made up of people from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, elements of the services reflect both traditions, including scripture readings, hymns and contemporary music, prayer and a communion table that is open to everyone.

For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, please call 561-775-5900 or visit www.mccpalmbeach.org.

Available for Interview:

Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, Senior Pastor

Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches

561.775.5900

pastor@mccpalmbeach.org

Local Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart

PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298

gary@pr-bs.net