The American Anglican Council (AAC) today launched a provocative and groundbreaking new campaign at the Episcopal Church?s General Convention in Denver.  Designed around the theme ?God?s Love Changed Me? the campaign proclaims to Episcopalians and to all people of the 21st century the power of God?s transforming love.

The AAC unveiled the campaign in a press conference held at the Denver Athletic Club, which is serving as the AAC?s headquarters during the two week General Convention.

With colorful portraits and testimonies, the campaign tells the stories of real people whose lives have been powerfully transformed by God?s love.  Included in the campaign are the testimonies of six individuals who God has delivered from areas of brokenness such as homosexuality, racism, abortion, and drug, alcohol and pornography abuse. Their testimonies are living proof of God?s power to forgive, heal and change.

?This campaign shares the plain truth that God changes lives for good.  It is a message of hope that we must boldly proclaim,? said the Rt. Rev. James Stanton, Bishop of Dallas and President of the AAC.  ?For too long the Episcopal Church has been obsessed with internal conflict and division.  It is time to get on with our true Gospel mission. We must reach out in compassion and love to those who are hurting and in need of Christ?s love.?

Several of the individuals featured in the testimonies were present at the press conference and shared their stories of personal transformation.  Bob Ragan, a former homosexual, shared how he was transformed when he surrendered His life and his sexuality to God.  Georgette Forney, who had an abortion at the age of 16, related how God waited patiently until she was ready to face the truth about the human life she aborted.  At 35, she surrendered her life to God and was set free from years of pain and guilt.

The AAC directly challenged the Bishops and deputies of the Episcopal Church to listen to the stories of individuals whose lives have been radically changed by God?s love.  The AAC also called on Episcopal

leaders to share this message of hope and transformation with those who are still trapped by brokenness.

?We are calling for justice for the least and the lost,? said David Anderson, rector of St. James, Newport Beach, CA, and AAC Board Member.  ?We are seeking justice for those who are being denied the hope of Christ?s transforming love.  Too many of our brothers and sisters have been condemned to death and despair.  It is time that the Episcopal Church acknowledge the life-giving truth that God changes lives for good.?

At the conclusion of the press conference, the posters and banners were carried in procession to the Denver Convention Center where they were displayed throughout the exhibition hall.  Copies of the advertisements will be available for viewing at the AAC?s website.

During General Convention all of the individuals featured in the campaign will be speaking at an AAC sponsored ?Mile High Break.? Kicking off this series of events will be Tom Tarrants, a former grand wizard of the Klu Klux Klan.  He was delivered by God from a life of racism and hate and transformed into a leading advocate for racial reconciliation. The events will be held in the Denver Athletic Club at 4:00pm each day, except Sunday.

The American Anglican Council is an orthodox and mainstream mission organization working for the transformation and revitalization of the Episcopal Church.