MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA — The Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson, the openly lesbian presiding bishop of the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches, will participate in Wednesday’s Walk for Tolerance sponsored by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life in Montego Bay.

The goal of the public walk through Montego Bay is to engender goodwill, support and tolerance for persons living with HIV and AIDS. The public march will be a historic first for the Montego Bay community.

Joining Rev. Wilson will be a contingent of MCC leaders, including Rev. Pat Bumgardner, a social justice minister from New York City, Revs. Robert Griffin and Michael Diaz, who serve on staff at Sunshine Cathedral MCC in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Jim Birkitt, human rights activist and writer.

All members of the MCC delegation are available to speak with the press on Wednesday, in person or by phone, before, during, or after the public march through the streets of Montego Bay.

Rev. Wilson comes to Jamaica immediately from serving as a White House guest of U.S. President Barack Obama at a White House Prayer Breakfast. During the event, Rev. Wilson spoke with the U.S. President, members of the current U.S. administration, and religious leaders from numerous faith communities.

“The 45,000 members and adherents of Metropolitan Community Churches stand in solidarity with all persons with HIV and AIDS,” said Wilson. “Jesus stood with those who were marginalized and rejected by their societies. Jesus loved those who had been made to feel like outcasts; Jesus welcomed such, embraced them, loved them and cared for them. Those who would be Jesus’ followers today must show God’s same extravagant love,” added Wilson.

Wilson oversees MCC congregations in 27 countries.

Rev. Nancy L. Wilson is available for on-site media interviews in Montego Bay on Wednesday. Members of the press and media may obtain follow-up interviews by writing MCC Communications at media@mccchurch.net.

For additional information on Rev. Wilson and the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches, visit www.MCCchurch.org.

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