Steve Parelli To Receive Clergy Credentials
in Denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches
Parelli Is Executive Director of Other Sheep; May 31st Event
In New York City To Deepen Relationship Between
MCC, Other Sheep, Says MCC Moderator
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - Steve Parelli, executive director of Other Sheep, an international multicultural ministry to sexual minorities, will receive clergy credentials in Metropolitan Community Churches during events in New York City on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Metropolitan Community Churches is the world's largest and oldest Christian denomination with a primary affirming ministry to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons, along with their families, friends, and allies. Known as "The Human Rights Church," MCC congregations are located in 27 countries around the world.

Parelli has served as executive director of Other Sheep since 2005. He has been a frequent speaker across Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and East Africa presenting seminars on the "ex-gay" movement and building a support network for gay clergy and gay Christians.

Before coming out in 1997, Parelli served as senior pastor of Baptist churches in Sinclairville, New York, and Sparta, New Jersey. He holds the Bachelor of Religious Education degree and the Bachelor of Theology degree from Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and the Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, Michigan.

According to Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, "Steve Parelli and Other Sheep are meeting a vital need in our world through their complimentary ministries that provide resources and networking to sexual minorities of faith around the globe. We are honored to welcome Steve Parelli as clergy within MCC."

Metropolitan Community Churches and Other Sheep have collaborated on ministry projects in Central America, South America and Africa, according to Rev. Wilson.

MCC clergy credentials will be conferred upon Steve Parelli during the 11 am worship service of Metropolitan Community Church of New York City [446 West 36th St., NYC 10018 - Tel. (212) 629-7440], where Rev. Pat Bumgardner is senior pastor.

The occasion will mark only the second time since 2005 that MCC has extended extraordinary clergy credentials, and the second during the tenure of Rev. Nancy L. Wilson as MCC moderator.

For additional information on the international ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches, visit www.MCCchurch.org.