Gay Today: World

Sacramento Gay MCC Pastor's
Murder is Shock

Compiled By GayToday

Sacramento, California-- Following news of the murder of Rev. Ed Sherriff, an MCC minister here, The Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, Founder and Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, announced Thursday afternoon that the denomination is sending a support team to Sacramento's Cathedral of Promise Metropolitan Community Church "because of the overwhelming grief of that local congregation."

Rev. Perry stated, "We do not know whether this is a hate crime or a random act of violence. We understand that the suspects were seen at the house and that the house, according to the police, was ransacked, but we do not know the motive of the individuals that committed this horrendous crime. Also, because of the prevalence of hate crimes against gay people and other minorities in California, we call upon the police to rigorously investigate every aspect of this crime."

In 1994, the church was vandalized with swastikas and a molotov cocktail that apparently did not ignite was found outside of the building. Two months later, a suspicious fire destroyed the $900,000 sanctuary which was also home to the Samaritan Center, where the homeless and poor were given assistance.

Rev. Perry added, "Rev. Ed Sherriff was a person of impeccable character. He was highly esteemed for his service to our denomination and to the poor and homeless of Sacramento, California. No one who needed food, clothing or housing was ever turned away by Rev. Sherriff."

The support team on its way to Sacramento is made up of Rev. Elder Nori Rost, Past of Pike's Peak Metropolitan Community Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Rev. Roy Cole, Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Portland, Oregon.

The team is prepared to assist the congregation with counseling and will also provide a public liaison for the situation.

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Rev. Perry emphasized, "We want to make sure that every avenue is explored regarding this crime. We pray and hope that the police apprehend the individuals responsible for his death. We do not believe in vengeance, but we absolutely believe in justice. And we look forward to justice being done."