Letter from Christian leaders in condemnation of Nigerian legislation

February 27, 2007

Honorable Senator Ken Nnamani
President of the Senate
Owa Building
Amichi-Uwani
Awkunanaw
Enugu South, Enugu State
NIGERIA
Via email: knnamani@nassnig.org

Honorable Senator Ibrahim Mantu
Deputy President of Senate
Panshin Road Opposite Mangu Local Government Secretariat
Mangu, Plateau
NIGERIA
Via email: imantu@nassnig.org

Honorable Senator Nnamani and Honorable Senator Mantu:

It has been called to our attention that a bill now before the National Assembly would strip a section of the Nigerian people of their basic human rights. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006 goes far beyond banning equality in civil marriage. It is an assault on everyone's basic freedoms. As leaders of faith communities, we believe that respecting the dignity of every human being is a core spiritual value. We urge you as civic leaders to respect human dignity by rejecting this bill.

The bill says that the law will provide five years imprisonment to anyone who "goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the same sex," helps or supports a same sex marriage, or "is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in public and in private." It will also prohibit adoption of children by lesbian or gay couples or individuals. Arresting people for these acts challenges fundamental freedoms under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law and standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

This proposed legislation also hurts Nigeria in its struggle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. This bill would drive part of the population deeper into invisibility and silence-cutting them off from any sort of education concerning how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights affirms the equality of all people. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Nigeria acceded to in 1993, protects the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders says that "everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: a) to meet or assemble peacefully; b) to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups."

Most importantly, this bill would strike at the equality, dignity and respect due all people in Nigeria. As faith leaders we are committed to building bridges of understanding across divides of difference. We believe all people of faith are called to work together for a world of justice, peace and equality. We urge you to resist the polarizing rhetoric of some narrow, religious ideologues and instead affirm the fundamental values of freedom reflected in the Nigerian Constitution.

We are asking that you oppose this bill and protect the equality of all Nigerians. Your assistance is necessary in order to overcome the discrimination that takes place in the world today. We are depending on you to do all you can to prevent this bill from being passed and to take a stand for the basic human rights of all people.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dyan Abena McCray
Founding Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church
A Member of the Unity Fellowship Church Christian Movement
Washington, DC
ufcdcpastor@yahoo.com

Rev. Paul R. Abernathy
Rector, St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
Paul.Abernathy@stmarks.net
ksbpmj@aol.com

Jonathan Abernethy
Assistant to the Executive Officer
Episcopal Diocese of California
San Francisco CA
jonathana@diocal.org

Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman
Metropolitan Community Church of New York
Landisville, PA

Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr
That All May Freely Serve
San Rafael, California
janiespahr@tamfs.org

Rev. Elizabeth Alexander
The Church of Gethsemane
Brooklyn, NY
ealexander@mindspring.com

Rev. Donna E. Allen
Founder and Pastor, Ph.D.
New Revelation Community Church
Oakland, CA
newrevelation@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Dr. Robert C. Angus
Parish Associate, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church
Washington, DC
rcangus@verizon.net
______________________________________________________

Rev. Dr. Randall C. Bailey
Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Hebrew Bible
Interdenominational Theological Center
Atlanta, GA USA
rcb526@comcast.net

George Balgan
Clergy-in-residence
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
kuyageorge702@yahoo.com

Rev. Earl David Ball
Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ, USA
Easton, Pennsylvania
earleaston@yahoo.com

Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe
The Episcopal Diocese of California
San Francisco, CA USA
michaelb@diocal.org

Rev. Anne K. Bartlett
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church
Ashland, Oregon USA
rector@trinitychurchashland.org

William Bartosh and Anthony Saponate
Lay Vicars
St Matthew's Episcopal Church
San Ardor, CA
wbartosh@kcbx.net

Rev. Karen Bear Ride
Presbyterian Church (USA)

Rev. Joan Van Becelaere
Vice President for Student Services
The Iliff School of Theology
Denver, Colorado
Joanvanb@aol.com

Rev. Michel Belt
Rector
St. James Church,
New London, CT, USA
revmb@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Wilfredo Benitez
St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church
Garden Grove, California
Stanselmgg@aol.com

Rev. J. Brad Benson
Rector, St. Thomas' Church and Vicar
Church of the Good Shepherd
Bath, NY USA
bradbenson28@hotmail.com

Rev. James N. Birkitt, Jr.
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
UfmccHq@aol.com

Rev. Susan N. Blue
Rector
St. Margarets Episcopal Church
Washington, DC
snblue@aol.com

Rev.Teresa T. Bowden
Wahiawa, HI
alohayouall@earthlink.net

Rev. Polly M. Bowen
Deacon
Diocesan Coordinator
Education for Ministry, Diocese of Western New York
polly@foundationenterprises.net

Rev. John Paul Boyer,
M.V.D., M.Div., M.A.(Oxon
Rector, St David's Episcopal Church, West Seneca, NY,
Bishop's Theologian, The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York,
Ecumenical & Interfaith Officer, The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
johnpaulboyer@yahoo.com

John Clinton Bradley
Integrity
johnclint@rochester.rr.com

Rev. Wayne T. Bradley
Minister of Music
The First Congregational Church of Forest Glen
United Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
revwaynebradley@earthlink.net

Rev. Pamela C. Braid
Pastor
United Church of Christ.
Orlando, FL
pcbbraid@bellsouth.net

Rev. Judith Brain
Pilgrim United Church of Christ
Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Revbrain@aol.com

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches - Region 7
RevLillieBrock@mccchurch.net

Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston
Director, Disciples Justice Action Network
revkenbl@comcast.net

Rev.Lea D. Brown
Pastor
Wichita Falls Metropolitan Community Church
Wichita Falls, KS, USA
revlbrown@yahoo.com

Rev. M. F. Buckingham
St. Peter's Episcopal
Niagara Falls, New York
mbuckin1@becon.org

Rev. Pat Bumgardner
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of New York
RevDrEdgard@aol.com

Rev. Felix A. Burrows, Jr.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Washington, DC
fabjr@mindspring.com
_________________________________________

Rev. Laine Calloway
Diocese of WNC
Chair of Gay and Lesbian Ministries
lcalloway1@charter.net

Rev. Dr. Phil Campbell
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO
PCampbell@iliff.edu

Greg Carey
Associate Professor
Lancaster, PA
gcarey@lancasterseminary.edu

Rev. Lee J. Carlton
Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Metro Community Church of Mobile
Alabama
revleecarlton@aol.com

Rev. Michelle Carmody
Metropolitan Community Church
revmich98201@yahoo.com

Rev. Dr. Mari E. Castellanos
Public Life and Social Policy Office
United Church of Christ
castellm@ucc.org

Rev. Ignacio Castuera
Pastor, United Methodist Church

Right Reverend John Bryson Chane
Eighth Bishop of Washington
Episcopal Diocese of Washington
jchane@edow.org

Rev. Otis Charles
Bishop of Utah (retired)
San Francisco, CA
otis@otischarles.com

Beryl T. Choi
Priest in the Episcopal Church of the USA
berylchoi@msn.com

Rev. Dr. Ken Clark
Retired Canon Theologian and sometimes dean,
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Albuquerque, NM
Krc1234@aol.com

Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Clark
Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ,
Pastor of Edwards UCC
Framingham, MA
Debbiecl@aol.com

Rev. James A Clark Jr,
Indianapolis, IN, USA
larjacjr@indy.rr.com

Lars Clausen
Ordained Lutheran Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
lars@americanauthor.com

Rev. Pamela Cooper-White, Ph.D.
Professor of Pastoral Theology
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
and Adjunct Priest
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Philadelphia

Rev. Colin Coward
Director of Changing Attitude England
CCMCoward@aol.com

Jimmy Creech
Executive Director
Faith In America, Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Jimmy.Creech@mgandbw.com

Rev. Laurie Crelly
United Church of Christ
White Bear Lake, MN
lcbreezer@yahoo.com

Rev. Karen Curtis-Weakley
pastorkarenc@earthlink.net
____________________________________________________

Rev. Richard L Dalton
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierras
Reno, Nevada, USA
mccsreno@yahoo.com

Rev. Martha Daniels
Metropolitan Community Church - Windsor
Windsor, ON, Canada

Rev. Ann B. Day
ONA Program Coordinator
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
ONAABDAY@aol.com

Rev. Susan G. De George
South Presbyterian Church
Dobbs Ferry, NY
susandegeorge@verizon.net

Rev. Maureen Doherty
Rector
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Waverly, Iowa
Mcdiniowa@aol.com

Rev. Philip W. Dougharty
Rector
St. John's Grace Episcopal Church
Buffalo, New York
rector@stjohnsgrace.com

Rev. Dr. Stanley L. Dull
Rector
The Church of the Epiphany
Cape Coral, Florida 33950
dullstan@aol.com

Rev. David W. Dyson
Pastor
Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church
Brooklyn, New York
ddyson@lapcbrooklyn.org


Rev. Dr. Christopher East
Co-Pastor
Epiphany Presbyterian Church
lou_chris@bellsouth.net

Emily Eastwood
Executive Director
Lutherans Concerned/North America
exec@lcna.org

Rev. Terri Echelbarger
Peninsula Metropolitan Community Church
San Mateo, CA
revterri@peninsulamcc.org

Rev. Lynn Chester Edwards
Retired Episcopal priest
Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Rev. Paul W. Egertson, Ph.D.
Bishop Emeritus
Southwest California Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
PWEgertson@aol.com

Rev. Ken Ehrke
Senior Pastor
Agape Metropolitan Community Church
Fort Worth, Texas USA
AgapeMCC@aol.com

Rev. John A. Ekman
Presbyterian and New England Congregational Church
Saratoga Springs, NY
jekman@capital.net

Rev. Marvin M. Ellison, Ph.D.
Willard S. Bass Professor of Christian Ethics
Bangor Theological Seminary
Portland, Maine
MEllison@bts.edu

Christine Emery
Pilgrim Congregational Church
Lexington, MA
Chrismause@aol.com

Rev. Mary-Lu' Esposito
Rindge, NH
marylu@cereal.mv.com
_____________________________________________________

Rev. Allen W. Farabee
Director
The Religion and Human Rights Project
Buffalo, NY
MdivJd@aol.com

Rev. Jill Farnham, M.Div.
Co-pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley
mcchv@nycap.rr.com

Rev. John T. Farrell, Ph.D.
Rector
Christ Church Bay Ridge
Brooklyn, NY
johnfarrell01@optonline.net

Rev. Jerre W. Feagin
Rector
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
North Tonawanda, NY
jwfeagin@adelphia.net

Rev. Dr. Terry Fitzgerald
Pastor
United Congregational Church United Church of Christ
Worcester, Massachusetts
tfitz47@charter.net

Rev. David K. Fly
Episcopal priest (retired)
Rolla, Missouri
DFly992984@aol.com

Rev. Ann Fontain
Diocese of Wyoming, USA
The Episcopal Church
Annkri@aol.com

Rev. Dr. John C. Forney
Episcopal
Coordinator, Common Ground and Special Projects
Progressive Christians Uniting
Chino, CA
JForney170@aol.com
jforney@pcu-la.org

Rev. Anne C Fowler
Rector
St John's Episcopal Church
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
acfowler@TheWorld.com
________________________________________________________

Rev. Robert Gamble
Retired Elder
Minnesota Annual Conference United Methodist Church
Faith Family Fairness Alliance
robgamble@usfamily.net

Rev. J. Michael Garrison, D. D.
Bishop of the Episcop Diocese of Western New York
Buffalo, New York, USA
jmgarrison@episcopalwny.org

Rev. Christopher George.
Metropolitan Community Church Lubbock
Lubbock, Texas
revgeorge@sbcglobal.net

Rev. David Gillentine
Associate Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Nevada, USA
mcclv@coam.net

Rev. Robert Jay Ginn, Jr
The Oratory of St. Francis (Episcopal)
Templeton, MA
blackslate@comcast.net

Rev. Katharine Givens Kime
Trinity Presbyterian Church,
Atlanta, GA, USA
katie@givens.net

Rev. Todd I. Goewey
Staff Clergy
Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa
Tampa, Florida USA
RevToddGoewey@aol.com

Rev. Harry T. Grace, Jr.
Executive Director,
Happening National Incorporated a ministry of The Episcopal Church for high school students
htg385@adelphia.net

Rev. G. Green
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Kenosha, WI
GGreenjay@aol.com

Rev. Louise Green
Director of Social Justice Ministries
All Souls Unitarian, Washington, D.C.
LGreen@allsouls.ws

Rev. Lowell E. Grisham
Rector
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas
lowell@stpaulsfay.org

Rev. Lauren A. Gough
The Caritas Community
Binghamton, NY
Revlagough@aol.com

Rev. Edgar A. Gutiérrez-Duarte
Associate Rector
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Paterson, NJ
AsstRectorStPaul@aol.com


Rev. Debra W. Haffner
Religious Institute
Norwalk, CT
haffner@religiousinstitute.org

Rev. Susan Halcomb Craig
Honorably Retired
Presbyterian Church (USA)
shcraig@gmail.com

Scott Haldeman,
PhD, Assistant Professor of Worship
Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago, Illinois
shaldeman@ctschicago.edu

Rev. C. Melissa Hall
All Saints Episcopal Parish of Hoboken
Hoboken, NJ
esauhall@optonline.net

Nancy A. Hardesty
Professor of Religion
Clemson University
Clemson, SC, USA

Douglas Harding-Elder
Faith Full Gospel Fellowship
Castro Valley, CA
harding-d@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Michael E. Hartney
Priest in Charge
Episcopal Parishes of Schuyler County, NY
michael.hartney@aya.yale.edu

Rev. Dr. Stan Hastey
Executive Director
Alliance of Baptists
Washington, D.C.
shastey@allianceofbaptists.org

Rev. Margaret R. Hawk
Pastor
New Creation Metropolitan Community Church
Columbus, OH, USA
MCCCBUS@aol.com

Dr. Holly E. Hearon
Prof. of New Testament
Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, IN
hhearon@cts.edu

Rev. Pat Hendrickson
Peedeefish@aol.com

Rev. John Mark Hild
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Pueblo Colorado USA
Revhild@aol.com

Lida I. Hill
Leader for Wonderful Wednesday Worship at Grace by Day
Birmingham, AL, USA
lidahill@charter.net

Rev. John B. Hills
Priest (retired)
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan
Grand Haven, MI
burste@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Canon Jack Hilyard
Trinity Cathedral
Portland, Oregon USA
jhilyard@qwest.net

Rev. Malcolm Himschoot
UCC
Plymouth Congregational Church
Minneapolis, MN
malcomh@plymouth.org

Rev. Dr. Judith Hoch Wray
Minister Elder
Park Avenue Christian Church,
New York, NY
anrketchem@earthlink.net

Rev. Virginia Holleman
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Dallas, TX

Rev. Michael W. Hopkins
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene
Rochester, NY
MWHopkins@rochester.rr.com

Rev. D. Scott Howell, Sr. Pastor
First Congregational Church of Montclair, NJ
Dscotthowell@aol.com

Mary E. Hunt
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
Silver Spring, MD, USA
mhunt@hers.com

Rev. Michael Hydes
New Light Metropolitan Community Church
Hagerstown, MD
michaelhydes@hotmail.com

Rev. Canon John X. Jobson
Retired Priest
Diocese of Long Island, NY
xave17@ptd.net

Rev. Patricia Johnson
Deacon
Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Sioux City, Iowa
pjohnson@pionet.net

Rev. Jonalu Johnstone
Minister
First Unitarian Church in Oklahoma City
President, Interweave Continental
jonalu@sbcglobal.net

Rev. John M. Kauffman
Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church
Altadena, California
ctschurch@earthlink.net

Martha S. Kimball
Member of Church Council and Former Chair and
Current member of the Open and Affirming Committee
Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC
Lexington, MA
kimball_mart@yahoo.com

Rev. John L. Kirkley
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist
San Francisco, CA
rector@saintjohnsf.org

Harry Knox
Director of Religion and Faith Program
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Washington, DC
harry.knox@hrc.org

Rev. Dan Koeshall
Pastor
Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church
Colorado Springs, CO USA
mccpastordan@yahoo.com

Rev. Drew A. Kovach
MD, MDiv.
Fellowship of Saints Cosmas & Damien,
New Catholic Communion,
Honolulu, HI
dkovach@hawaii.rr.com


Rev. Peter Laarman
Executive Director
Progressive Christians Uniting
Los Angeles, CA
peterlaarman@gmail.com

Rev. Ronald G. LaRocque
Interim Pastor
Holy Covenant Metropolitan Community Church
Brookfield, IL
revron@holycovenantmcc.org

Rev. Martin Lawrence
Priest-in-Charge
Church of England Parish of Cranham
Diocese of Chelmsford, MA
martin@lawrence.net

Robert Leckey,
Archdeacon of Undermount
Diocese of Niagara,
Rector
Church of the Redeemer
Stoney Creek, Ontario
rleckey@sympatico.ca

Geoff D. Leonard-Robinson
Senior Minister
St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL USA
MCCRevGeoff@aol.com

Steven Leonard-Robinson
Member
St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL USA

Rev. Joanne Leslie, Deacon
Holy Faith Episcopal Church
Inglewood California
jleslie@ucla.edu

Rev. David T. Lewicki
Associate Minister
Marble Collegiate Church
New York, NY
david_lewicki@yahoo.com

Rev. Kate Lewis
St. Cross by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Hermosa Beach, CA
klewis@stcross.org

John M. Lewis, Senior Warden
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas
john@teamlewis.biz

Rev. W. Wayne Lindsey
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Nevada

Rev. Arthur S. Lloyd
Retired priest
Episcopal Church
Member, Episcopal Network for Economic Justice and Episcopal Urban Caucus.
aslloyd@mailbag.com

Carol Lowe
Clergy Intern
Peninsula Metropolitan Community Church
San Mateo, California, USA
carolalowe@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Ms. Vanessa L. Lovelace
sismin@sbcglobal.net


Rev. Sandra R. Mackie
RN, MC
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
smackie8@earthlink.net

Peter J. Madison
St. John's Episcopal Church
Union City, NJ
p.j.madison@lawofficeofcpdg.com

Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
jmaneker@comcast.net

Bruce Kent Mason
MSW
Western Regional Vice President
Integrity, Inc.
SS Peter and Paul Episcopal Church
Portland, Oregon
brucepdxor@comcast.net

C. Lee MacCallum
Pastor
Olivet Presbyterian Church
Staten Island, NY
leeloumac@msn.com

Rev. Wayne MacPherson
Pastor, Bethlehem United Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
wjmacp@aol.com

Rev. Lou McAlister East
Co-Pastor
Epiphany Presbyterian Church
lou_chris@bellsouth.net

Rev. Richard W. McCarty
Moderator
Holy Relationships
richmccarty@msn.com

Rev.Deacon Leann P. McConchie
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, ECUSA
lpmcconchie@adelphia.net

Rev. Janet McCune Edwards, Ph.D.
Pittsburgh, PA USA
JMEA08@comcast.net

The Rev. Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
Portland, Oregon
DcnMarla@aol.com

Rev. Joseph McGowan
Pastor, Altadena Community Church
United Church of Christ
Altadena, CA
JoeMcGowan@aol.com

The Rev Colleen McHale O'Connor
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
LeRoy, NY
mcoconnor@charter.net

Rev. Jack McKinney
Pastor
Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Raleigh, North Carolina
jmckinney@pullen.org

Rev. Jeremy McLeod, Pastor
Wellspring United Church of Christ
Centreville, Virginia
jemcleod@hmwd.org

Rev. Bradley E. Mickelson, Pastor
New Spirit Community Church in Oak Park, Illinois
pastoremil@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Terri Miller Senior Pastor
Valley Ministries Metropolitan Community Church
RevTLM@aol.com

Rev. Babs Miller
That All May Freely Serve, Texas
babsmiller@austin.rr.com

The Rev. Ronald H. Miller, Ph. D.
Episcopal priest (retired)
St. Katherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church
Diocese of Maryland
RonMiller1@verizon.net

The Rev. Edward J. Mills III
Episcopal priest, Kingsport, TN
erete55@hotmail.com

The Rev. Albert N. Minor
Ecumenical Officer
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
aminor7006@comcast.net

Rev. Charles Mitchell, PhD.
Parish Associate
First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
cbmitchell@aya.yale.edu

Pastor Robert L. Morgan
Founding Pastor, Potter's House Fellowship Church
Co-founder, Reconciling Pentecostals International
Tampa, FL
Tampachiever@aol.com

Bonnie Moore
Deacon
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL
reveriemaker@earthlink.net

Rev. Paul E. Mullins, pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church,
San Francisco, CA
PastorPaul010187@aol.com

Rev. Wes Mullins, Assistant Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
revwmullins@hotmail.com

Rev. Thomas E. Murphy
Retired Episcopal priest
Ashland, OR.
MURPHYAshland@aol.com

Rev. Robyn A. Murphy
Pastor of Christian Education
All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church
Minneapolis, MN
rmurphy@agcmcc.org

Rev. Dr. Max A. Myers
Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Western New York
mmyers7165@aol.com


Rev. Dr. Alex Nagy
nagya@cableusa.com

Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock
Director, Faith Voices for the Common Good
Member First Congregational Church Berkeley, CA
ritabrock@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Russell A. Newbert
Church of the Ascension
Buffalo, NY 14209
newbert185@hotmail.com

Canon Richard T. Nolan, Ph.D.
Retired Priest-in-Residence
Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
Lake Worth, FL
canon@rtnolan.com

Fr. Steve Norcross
Episcopal priest in Portland, Oregon
snorx@hevanet.com

The Rev. David Norgard
Principal
od180
West Hollywood, CA
davidnorgard@yahoo.com

Rev. William J. Nottingham, Ph.D.,
President Emeritus
Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
nottingham50@sbcglobal.net
______________________________________________

Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Orth
United Church of Christ Minister with Standing in the Metropolitan Boston Association of the United Church of Christ
Member of Old South Church in Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ken.orth@comcast.net

Rev. Canon Ronald D. Osborne
Episcopal Church, Diocese of Iowa
johnclint@rochester.rr.com

Dr. Jane Park Cutler
Chair, Social Justice Committee
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, Indiana
janecutler@indy.rr.com

Rev. Dr. Janet L. Parker
Pastor for Parish Life
Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ
Atlanta, GA
janet@rockspringucc.org

Rev. Edward J. Peck, Jr.
Episcopal Priest, retired
ejicp@pa.net

Rev. Ken Pennings
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
Madison, Wisconsin
ken@wabaptists.org

Rev. Thomas J. Philipp
Old South Haven Presbyterian Church
Brookhaven, NY
TJPHILIPP@aol.com

Rev. Mark Pridmore
Pastor
Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church
Dayton, OH
pastor@eternaljoymcc.org

Don Portwood
Pastor and on behalf of Lyndale United Church of Christ
Minneapolis, MN
lyndaleucc@juno.com

Rev. Dusty Pruitt, D. Min.
Minister, United Church of Christ
RevPru8@aol.com


Rev. Marge Ragona
Pastor
Bethel - A House of God for All People
Birmingham, AL

Annie Rawlings
M.Div.
Interim Associate Executive Presbyter for Social Witness
Presbytery of New York City
New York, NY
socialwitness@presbynyc.org

The Rev. Michael F. Ray
Rector
St. Thomas's Episcopal Church
New Haven, CT
Michael.Ray@stthomasnewhaven.org

The Rev. Rodney Reinhart
Rector of St. Clement's Episcopal Church
Harvey Illinois
Vicar of St. Joseph/St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
Blue Island ,IL
revrod@comcast.net

Nigel A. Renton
Secretary of Convention and Lay Deputy
Diocese of California
nrenton@gmail.com

David Reppert,
Moderator, Philadelphia Association,
United Church of Christ
dreppert@verizon.net

The Rev. Canon Virginia Rex Day
Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church
Mt. Pocono, PA
grexday@msn.com

C. Jack Richards
Interim Conference Minister
Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ
cjrichards@uccfla.net

Rev. Alex L. Richardson
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
Jamestown, NC
uurevalex@aol.com

Rev. Becky Robbins-Penniman
Lamb of God Church
Fort Myers, FL
pastorbecky@earthlink.net

Rev. V. Gene Robinson
Bishop of New Hampshire
The Episcopal Church, USA
Grinnh@aol.com

Stephen P. Rockwell
Managing Director
CrossLeft

Rev. Susan Russell
All Saints Episcopal Church
Pasadena, CA
revsusanrussell@earthlink.net
srussell@allsaints-pas.org

Rev. John A. Russell
Vicar
St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
Cheektowaga, NY
johnar@iopener.net


Rev. Barbara S. Sagat
Metropolitan Community Churches
Waterville, Maine
Revbarbsagat@aol.com

Rev. Jason W. Samuel
Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Lake St. Louis, Missouri
jasonsamuel@earthlink.net

Rev. Hugh Sanborn
Fort Collins, Colorado
hwsanborn@comcast.net

Rev. Sarah Sanderson Doughty
Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Lowville, New York
sarahgrace@twcny.rr.com

Barbara Satin
Former Moderator
United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns

Rev. Paulette T. Schiff
Priest in the Episcopal Church
Long Island, NY
schffi@hotmail.com

Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer
Executive
Health and Wholeness Advocacy
Wider Church Ministries
United Church of Christ
Cleveland, OH
schuenem@ucc.org

Rev. Kay Seitz
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas
Denton, Texas, USA

Bishop John Selders, Jr.
Pastor
Amistad United Church of Christ
Bishop Presider - The Interdenominational Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries, Inter'l (ICLCM)
JerJon@aol.com

Rev. David Selzer
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Buffalo, NY
Dos403@aol.com

Rev. Glenna T. Shepherd
Senior Minister
Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
Portland, OR
revgts@aol.com

Most Rev. Mark S. Shirilau, Ph.D.
Archbishop and Primate
The Ecumenical Catholic Church
Irvine, CA
Archbishop@ecchurch.org
PlusMark@aol.com

Gordon L. Shull
Elder
First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, Ohio.
gbshull@sssnet.com

Rev. Dr. Candace R. Shultis
Metropolitan Community Church
Washington, DC
PastorCandace@mccdc.com

Rev. William G. Sinkford
President
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
RKeithan@uua.org

Rev. Doreen Smalls
Pastor
St. Mary's Circuit of The United Methodist Church
smallsdoreen@tds.net

Rev. Robert R. Smith
Rector
Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion
Norwood, New Jersey, USA
voxbobandsusan@optonline.net

Rev. Robert R. Smith, Rector
Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion
Norwood, New Jersey
voxbobandsusan@optonline.net

Rev. Christopher A. Smith
Albany Via Media Board
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
Amsterdam, NY
adeodatus@mac.com

Rev. Trudie Smither
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Dallas, TX
SMITHER8@aol.com

Rev. Stephen B. Snider
The Episcopal Church USA
sbsnider@comcast.net

Dr. Jennifer Snow
Associate Director
Progressive Christians Uniting
Los Angeles, CA
progressive.christians.uniting@gmail.com

Rev. Tim Solon
M.Div.
Rector Emeritus
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Cheyenne, Wyoming
timsolon@msn.com

Rev. Danny Spears
MDiv.
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Texas (USA)
revdan58@aol.com

Rev. Daniel Stern
Pastor,
Broadview Community United Church of Christ
Seattle, Washington
danstern@juno.com

Rev.Robert E. Stiefel, Ph.D.,
St. Thomas Episcopal Church,
Dover, New Hampshire
RENStiefel@aol.com

Rev. Jennifer H. Stiefel, Ph.D.,
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Dover, New Hampshire
RENStiefel@aol.com

Claire A. Stiles, Ph.D.
Professor of Human Development
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, Florida USA
stilesca@eckerd.edu

Rev. Ralph W. Strohm
St. Simon's Church
Buffalo, New York
rwstrohm@yahoo.com

Rev. Diane Souder
Priest, Episcopal Church
Diocese of Arizona
dianesouder@yahoo.com

Rev. Jean K. Southard
Stated Supply Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Waltham, MA
JKSouthard@aol.com

Rev. Marilyle Sweet Page
St. Mark's & St. John's Episcopal Church
Rochester, NY
Marilyle@aol.com

Rev. N. Sullivan
Word of Fire Ministries
Philadelphia, PA
ndrosechild@yahoo.com

Rev. Charles R. Sydnor, Jr.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Frsydnor@aol.com
_____________________________________________________________

Rev. Neil A. Tadken
Assistant Rector
St. James' Church
Los Angeles, CA
ntadken@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite
President and Professor of Theology
Chicago Theological Seminary, IL
STHISTLE@ctschicago.edu

Rev. Neil G Thomas
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles
West Hollywood, CA
revneil@mccla.org

Rev. Lisa A Thompson
The Gathering Place Worship Center
Austin, Texas
MissionLK418@aol.com

Sharon P. Troyer, Ph.D.
Welcoming Community Network
Independence, Missouri

Jane Tully
Clergy Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
New York, NY
jane@janetully.com
____________________________________________________

Rev. Karha` Us, MSN
Co-pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley, NY

Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein
Pastor, Memorial Presbyterian Church
Appleton, Wisconsin
revchuck@athenet.net

The Reverend Frieda Van Baalen Webb
Associate, Saint David's Church,
West Seneca
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York.
gldn721@att.net

The Rev. Mieke Vandersall
Presbyterian Welcome
New York, NY
mieke@presbyterianwelcome.org

Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
Program Director
Institute for Welcoming Resources
rmmvoelkel@aol.com
_____________________________________________

The Rev. James W. Walkup
Doctor of Ministry
The Counseling Center
The Reformed Church
Bronxville, New York
JWalkup381@aol.com


Rev.. Paul E. Walker
Vicar
Christ Episcopal Church
Belleville, NJ
WalkerPE51@aol.com

Rev. Gene Waller Owens
Deacon
Diocese of Atlanta, GA
johnclint@rochester.rr.com

Rev. Stephen J Waller
Rector
St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church
Dallas, Texas
DoubterTom@aol.com

Rev. Stephen J. Waller
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle
Dallas, Texas 75209

Rev. Kerry Walters
Deacon
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Lewisburg, PA
kwalters@gettysburg.edu

Rev. Canon Daniel S. Weir
Rector
Saint Matthias Episcopal Church
East Aurora, New York
matthias@bluemoon.net
dsweir@alumni.umass.edu

Carole Weissman
Deacon
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL, USA

Nevin L. Wertenberger
Metropolitan Church Ocala
Ocala, FL.
MCCOcala2@aol.com

Rev. Mona West, Ph.D.
Pastor
Church of the Trinity MCC
Sarasota, FL
mwest@trinitymcc.com

Troy Wheelhouse
MDiv.
Atlanta, GA
troywheelhouse@hotmail.com

Rev. Stephen J. C. Williams
Episcopal Church USA
swilliams@nycap.rr.com

Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Church

Rev. Catherine Windsor
The Episcopal Church USA
tallisen9@yahoo.com

Bonnie Winninger
Waverly, IA 50677
Bonnie.Winninger@Waterloo-IA.org

Rev. Canon William L. Wipfler, Ph.D.
Former Director of the Human Rights Office
National Council of Churches USA;
Former Associate for Human Rights
Anglican Office at the United Nations
RevWif@aol.com

Rev. R. Stewart Wood, Jr.
Retired Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Michigan
Quechee, VT
StewWood@aol.com

Dawnne Woodie
Executive Director, Outreach Program for Transgenders In Crisis
sf_dawnne@yahoo.com

Rev. Thomas B. Woodward
St. Bede's Episcopal Church
Santa Fe, New Mexico
tbwsalinas@aol.com

Rev. S. David Wynn
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL, USA
revwynn@yahoo.com
__________________________________________________________________-

OTHER:

All Saints Episcopal Parish of Hoboken
Hoboken, NJ

Bethel - A House of God for All People
Birmingham, AL

Faith Family Fairness Alliance
Minneapolis MN

Glendale City Seventh-day Adventist Church, California
Mitchell F. Henson, Senior Pastor
Pastor Michael Quishenberry
Pastor Denise Kasischke
webmaster@glendalecitysda.com

New Spirit Community Church
Oak Park, Illinois

Saint Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Santa Monica, CA
hartshorn@saint-augustine.org

St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL USA

CC:

His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Republic (info@nigeria.gov.ng; FAX: 234-9-314-1061 or 234-9-234-7546)

Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, (oosunbor@nassnig.org; senate@nassnig.org; clerksenate@nassnig.org)

Senator Julius Ucha, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary (julcha@nassnig.org; senate@nassnig.org; clerksenate@nassnig.org)

Aminu Bello Masari, Speaker of the House of Representatives (amasari@nassnig.org)

Honorable Bala Ibn Na' Allah, Chair, House Committee on the Judiciary (bnaallah@nassnig.org)

Honorable Saudatu Sani, Chair, House Committee on Women Affairs and Youth (ssani@nassnig.org)

Honorable Peter Igbodo, Chair, House Committee on Human Rights (pigbodo@nassnig.org)

National Human Rights Commission (info@nigeriarights.gov.ng; complaint@nigeriarights.gov.ng)