Gay Today | Gay News, current events, entertainment, stories and features

WGN-TV Settles Lawsuit by Cathedral of Hope in Dallas

Largest Gay and Lesbian Church Obtains Broadcast Rights
Superstation Promising to Broadcast Video Documentary

Compiled By GayToday

Cathedral of Hope Senior Pastor Mike Piazza

Dallas, Texas--Under a federal court settlement reached Friday, a first-of-its-kind video documentary will be broadcast nationwide over cable superstation WGN. The video was developed by The Cathedral of Hope, a Dallas-based church with a primary outreach to gay and lesbian people.

Last October, the Cathedral sued Chicago TV station WGN, alleging that WGN had breached a contract to air the church's documentary. WGN denied the existence of a binding contract.

Under the settlement WGN agrees to air the program at the times the church claimed it was entitled to under the contract. In exchange, the church agrees to pay for the air time and is dismissing the lawsuit.

Reverend Michael Piazza, Senior Pastor of the Cathedral. Said, "At a time when hateful messages about gays and lesbians fill the airwaves, we are delighted to bring the word of God's love to millions of people. The message of our documentary is simple: there is a special place for all people, including gays and lesbians to feel the love of God and find spirituality. That place is The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas."

Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Fox News: Its Right Wing Bigotry = Zealot Reports

World-Wide Anglican Communion Rejects Same-Sex Love

U.S. Religious Leaders Sign Gay-Friendly Document

Related Sites:
Cathedral of Hope
GayToday does not endorse related sites.

The Cathedral's attorney, media specialist Christopher Wolf of Proskauer Rose LLP added, "The Cathedral is pleased that WGN will be airing the church's documentary since virtually every other broadcaster contacted had refused to accept the program - some for overt, anti-gay reasons."

The Cathedral of Hope, founded in Dallas, Texas in 1971, is an internationally known inclusive Christian community that serves a congregation of over 3,000.

Glimpses of the documentary and the story behind the Cathedral of Hope may be found at the church's Web site. The WGN airings will show the Cathedral's story including testimonials; scenes of worship; community outreach and support; families of church members; as well as a picture of the new building design by renowned architect Philip Johnson.

Under Friday's settlements, broadcasts of "A Cathedral of Hope" are expected on the dates and times listed below on WGN, a channel that reaches nearly 50 million households throughout America.

Cathedral of Hope-- Broadcasts:

Thursday, April 8, 1999 1:00a.m. CST
Friday, April 9, 1999 4:00a.m. CST
Monday, April 12, 1999 1:00a.m. CST
Friday, April 16, 1999 4:30a.m. CST
Thursday, April 22, 1999 1:00a.m. CST