For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Media Contact: Brad Luna, Luna Media Group brad@lunamediagroup.

com or 202-812-8140 (cell)

**MEDIA ADVISORY: Sunday, April 22** Laity Working to Change Methodist Denominations Stance on Same-Sex Marriage to be Honored at Foundry UMC
"Doors to Equality" Campaign to Send 50 Volunteers Advocating for Book of Discipline Policy Change at General Conference
WASHINGTON, DC Today, "Doors to Equality" a national, laity-led campaign for marriage equality in the United Methodist denomination announced it will hold a send-off ceremony this Sunday at Foundry United Methodist Church, commissioning nearly 50 volunteers as they prepare to attend this years United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference. Volunteers include Foundrys choir, invited to sing at the closing ceremonies of General Conference, Doors to Equality advocacy leaders, and pivotal volunteers from allied Methodist social justice based organizations. "Doors to Equality" will work to secure passage of a resolution to strike discriminatory language in the Book of Discipline, which prohibits the recognition of the relationships of fellow gay and lesbian United Methodists. The campaign joins a growing movement within the denomination to call for policy change at this years UMC General Conference, held April 24 through May 4 in Tampa, Florida. WHO: WHAT: Rev. Dean Snyder, Foundry UMC congregational leaders, and the Foundry UMC choir As church leadership prepares to vote on marriage policy at the United Methodist General Conference next week, Foundry UMC will host a send-off ceremony for their advocate leaders.

Press will have the opportunity for one-on-one interviews with Foundry leaders and laity who will attend the General Conference in Tampa, including Rev. Snyder and Matthew Mustard, lead organizer for the "Doors to Equality" campaign and Foundry United Methodist Churchs Coordinator for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Advocacy. WHEN: Sunday, April 22 Noon: Press check-in 12:15 1 p.m.: Send-off ceremony WHERE: Fellowship Hall, Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036)

** Press interested in attending the send-off ceremony, please check in at noon on Sunday, April 22 in the Foundry offices on the far south door of the church, closest to P St. ** ### "Doors to Equality" is a national, laity-led campaign of United Methodists from all walks of life joined together with a common purpose of making marriage equality a lived reality, regardless of orientation, in the United Methodist Church. You can follow the campaign online at www.doorstoequality.org. Foundry United Methodist Church has been a spiritual leader in the nation's capital for more than 186 years. For almost two centuries, the church has been home to presidents, members of Congress, and others in public service. In a city often characterized by transience and change, Foundry has remained a steadfast beacon -long recognized for its commitment to mission service, social justice, and reconciliation. Foundry's ministers are viewed as models of influential and dedicated parish leadership. You can follow Foundry online at www.foundryumc.org. The church is located at 1500 16th Street NW, Washington, DC.