Jay Bakker Popularity Growing

RALEIGH, N.C., USA (SANEPR.com) August 11, 2008 -- St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Raleigh, (www.stjohnsmcc.org) a church for all people founded on the “whosoever” principal in 1976, announces today that Jay Bakker; son of PTL’s Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner, is gathering national attention that may focus on Raleigh September 27-28.

Bakker and his “straight advocate for the gay community” message are gaining national attention and popularity. Most recently, Kenneth Cole included Bakker in both print and video promotions entitled We All Walk In Different Shoes. The print ad first appeared in the August edition of Out Magazine. The video is featured on Keneth Cole’s Website at http://www.kennethcole.com/home/index.jsp . In addition, Logo channel’s AfterEllen.com’s newest video blog series Oh God I'm Gay, kicked off with host Alicia Ross talking with live with Bakker. The video can be seen at http://www.afterellen.com/taxonomy/term/1902 .

"I am so pleased that Jay Bakker is coming to NC Pride," says Amy Lambert, Duke Divinity School student. "His message of love for all people, regardless, compliments the teachings here at Duke."

During the 2006 filming of Sundance Channel’s documentary One Punk Under God (http://www.sundancechannel.com/onepunk), Bakker begins to question the churches teachings against homosexuality. He comes into an understanding that much of what is taught in church on the issue, is tradition based on misinterpretation of scripture. Captured on film is much of his soul searching and investigation of the issue, as well as the start of his “gay is ok” advocacy.

“Jay’s message of God’s unconditional love for all people is desperately needed today,” says Rev. Belva Y. Boone, Senior Pastor of St. John’s MCC. “People are being hurt daily by hateful words and actions, to the point that the legislators of N.C. attempted to pass anti-bullying legislation this summer, an action I personally applaud.”

In addition to pastoring Revolution NYC (www.revolutionnyc.com) Bakker works with Soulforce, an organization with a mission is to cut off homophobia at its source -- religious bigotry. In support of Soulforce, Bakker meets with religious leaders across the country engaging them in conversations about homosexuality and the church.

Bakker will be participating in several events throughout the Triangle as part of the annual Pride weekend celebration. Bakker will be participating in the Pride festival opening interfaith ecumenical service as well as marching with St. John’s MCC members in the Pride parade held on Duke University’s East Campus, Saturday September 27. Saturday evening, there will be an open-to-the-public reception for Bakker at The View, part of the Legends Night Club complex, located in Raleigh on the corner of Hargett and Harrington streets from 6-7 p.m. Sunday St. John’s MCC has secured Broughton High School’s auditorium for the 11 a.m. Service Bakker will be preaching. The school is located at 723 St. Mary’s St. in Raleigh. After the 11 a.m. service, St. John’s MCC will be hosting a complimentary friendship and fellowship lunch on the church grounds located at 805 Glenwood avenue, only a few short blocks from Broughton High School. The weekend will finish with Bakker speaking a second time at St. John’s MCC’s 7 p.m. service Sunday September 28. This service will take place in the churches sanctuary.

Posters and Flyers Available:
Contact Mike Gauss at mike@articulon.com (919-232-5008) to arrange interviews.

About St John’s MCC:
St. John's Metropolitan Community Church began as a small group of individuals who came together on the last Sunday in February, 1976, to study the Gospel of John. Facilitated by Southeastern Baptist Seminary Graduate, Rev. Willie White and his partner Robert Pace by June of 1976, they voted to affiliate with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Churches. In July of 2001, St. John's called The Rev. Belva Y. Boone to serve as its fourth Pastor. Committed to "find them, bring them in, grow them up and send them out," Rev. Boone is leading St. John's into a new vision for ministry in, with and among God's people. St. John's MCC is a christian church where all services and activities are open to all people, regardless of religious affiliation, background, sexual orientation or beliefs. For more information visit www.stjohnsmcc.org, or call (919) 834-2611.

About Jay Bakker:
Son of PTL Club founders, Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner, Jay grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1994, Bakker along with Kelli Miller and Mike Walls, started the first Revolution Church in Phoenix, AZ. Revolution seeks to meet the needs of a whole subculture of people ignored and even blatantly rejected by the established church. Revolution services have featured bands, DJ's, art exhibits, a coffeehouse and guest speakers, many times bringing in both local and regional touring acts, trying to cater to the interests of the community around them. Jay has spoken at numerous festivals and churches as well as appeared both on television (“One Punk Under God”, “Larry King Live,” “20/20,” “Good Morning America”) and in print (Rolling Stone, NY Times, Time, FHM, Charisma, Relevant). For more information visit www.revolutionnyc.com or call (704) 684-0777.

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