Gay activist is leader in ‘The Dawn … An Epiphany’
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, December 28, 1999
The man who designed the web site for “The Dawn … An Epiphany” and is serving as director of exhibits for the millennium celebration has e-mailed participants with news about “The Dawn …” plus a link to his personal home page that promotes homosexuality.
At least one participant in “The Dawn …” has complained about e-mail received from John Mayes of Charlotte, N.C., and the link he provides to his personal web site, called “AMAYESD.” That participant forwarded a copy of Mayes’ e-mail to The Layman Online.
Mayes is a gay activist who operates his own web site with a detailed description of his “coming out” after years of serving in Presbyterian youth ministries.
His personal web site does not have any additional information about “The Dawn … An Epiphany.” Rather, it is Mayes’ personal reflections, plus a link to a Charlotte homosexual web site.
On a page titled “Sexuality,” Mayes posts his account of his “coming out” after resigning as youth ministries director of a Presbyterian congregation. He also posts a detailed resume that traces years of work with Presbyterian youth.
The resume does not list a current job, but it says that Mayes served as youth ministries director of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte (July 1996 – December 1998), college staff ministries leader at Montreat (May-August 1995), youth program manager for the Massanetta Springs Conference Center in Virginia (1994), part-time youth ministries director for West Raleigh (N.C.) Presbyterian Church (1991), part-time youth ministries director for Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh (1990), and part-time youth ministries director for First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh (1989).
He also lists a number of volunteer services for presbyteries in youth Bible studies, activities and camping.
According to his resume, he has also worked as an architectural intern and for a few months for an architectural firm in drafting and design for church buildings. No job activities are listed on the resume since December 1998.
Mayes said he received his degree in environmental design from N.C. State University in 1986 and master’s degree in Christian education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in 1996.
His web directs readers to a number of books that argue that there is nothing unbiblical or unchristian about homosexual activity, which contradicts the official position of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
“The Dawn … An Epiphany” is scheduled to begin Wednesday at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds. According to organizers, about 5,000 people are expected. 30,000 people were originally anticipated to attend the 3-day event.