'Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls,' said HRC's Harry Knox.

WASHINGTON - As the Rev. Elder Troy Perry, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, preaches his final sermon as moderator this evening, the Human Rights Campaign expressed gratitude for the reverend's ministry. Perry will give the sermon to the denomination's 2005 General Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

"Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls," said Harry Knox, director of the HRC Foundation Religion and Faith Program. "It's appropriate that his triumphal last message of hope to the denomination he founded will be delivered at the same time Canada celebrates marriage equality. Troy and the UFMCC were pioneers in the work to bring equal rights to same-sex couples and have worked tirelessly to see it become a reality. When Reverend Perry started the church in 1968, he broke ground that is bearing glorious fruit today. His was the first voice I ever heard proclaiming God's unconditional love for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians like me. Reverend Perry laid down the foundation for the work we are all doing now to amplify the voices of clergy and lay people who believe in justice for LGBT folks. May his retirement be as rich and rewarding for him as his gifts of ministry have been for others."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.