His first video as an openly gay man, an imaginary dialogue with Pat Robertson, The Rhetoric of Intolerance, has been ordered by more than 3,000 schools, churches, P-FLAG chapters, TV stations, universities, libraries, and other justice-seeking groups and individuals. His next two Soulforce Videos, How Can I Be Sure That God Loves Me, Too? and The Trials of Jimmy Creech are already in wide use across the U.S. and Canada.

With graduate work in production from UCLA and USC and with more than 50 films and videos to his credit, Mel has proven skills as a creative, low-budget producer with a sense for timely and prophetic subjects.

After polling their close friends and allies, it seemed important to create a video tool that combined the latest scientific, historic, psychological evidence ("Not a Sickness") with the most current understanding of the biblical data ("Not a Sin").

Mel will anchor the video as the on-camera host in an actual courtroom, inviting the viewers to decide the final verdict. Using a variety of techniques including docu-drama, live action, animation, and on the street interviews, Mel will carefully document his case supported by guest appearances by leaders in scientific, historic, psychological and biblical research.

Neither Mel nor his guests will make false or exaggerated claims. He admits that there is no smoking gun, no clear genetic marker, no final proof. But there is, in White's words, "a sufficiency of evidences" that it is as natural to be homosexual as it is to be left handed and he will demonstrate dramatically that it is time end this tragic debate with full acceptance of lesbians and gays by their families, their churches, and their nation.

The Verdict Video (described above) is an expensive, long-term project. Even as Mel researches, writes, and seeks to fund The Verdict Is In, he and Gary are producing their fourth Soulforce Video, What the Bible Says About Homosexuality. "Our adversaries are not interested in science or history," Mel says sadly. "They are convinced that the Bible supports their false claims that homosexuality is a sickness and a sin. It isn't true. And it's time we had a video to prove it."

Thanks to Peter Larson and his Intaglio Film Production Company (in Grand Rapids, Michigan) What the Bible Says About Homosexuality will be video taped early in June and edited for release hopefully in September, 1999.

How both videos will be used:

The 30 minute videos are short enough to be used in schools and churches, with family and friends, in discussion and support group settings and still long enough to fill a thirty minute segment on a local television or cable-access station. Mel wants to create "the perfect coming-out video tools" that lesbians and gays can use to inform and inspire those who want to understand but just haven't heard the case presented effectively in one sitting.

The USER'S GUIDES will include practical suggestions for using the video most effectively, a complete transcript of the video text, questions for discussion, ways to advertise, a generic press release, and other print, audio, and video resources to consider.

How You Or Your Organization Can Become a Co-Producer:

As you know, Mel and Gary work full time without salary. He and Gary must raise the funds to cover all their costs from a handful of friends who support their interfaith justice ministry. The estimated $50,000 it will require to produce the Verdict (at that a low-budget video) must be raised on top of their usual expenses. He hopes to raise those funds through tax-deductible contributions (and pledges to contribute in the next six months).

Any individual or organization that contributes $1,000 or more may have their name (or a name they want to honor) or their organization's name listed on the titles of the video as a "Co-Producer."

Those who contribute $50 - $500 may have their names (or a name they want to honor) listed in the printed USER'S GUIDE as a production "Angel."

All who donate will receive a free copy of the video & guide and the pleasure of knowing that they have helped provide a much-needed media tool that will be used around the world to confront and refute the terrible misinformation campaign against God's lesbian and gay children.

Donations made out to Soulforce, Inc., designated "Video Production" (and sent to Soulforce, PO Box 4467, Laguna Beach, CA. 92652) are tax- deductible and will be used to produce "The Verdict Is In".

Mel White, P.O. Box 4467, Laguna Beach, CA. 92652 (714) 494-0960
E-mail: RevMel@aol.com