If we have any news to share with you about TEACH Ministries, we will post it here.

January 2014

There has been a story getting wide media coverage recently about how the mother of a transgender daughter has publicly dead-named her and shamed her with “hate the sin” pseudo-compassion.

Mrs Alcorn however says she still can’t accept her transgender daughter.
“We don’t support that, religiously,” she told CNN.
Mrs Alcorn admits that Leelah had asked them about transition surgery but she said no because “we didn’t have the money for anything like that.”

Newsweek has a good story out:

The suicide rate for transgender youths is staggeringly high. The Youth Suicide Prevention Program reports that over 50 percent of transgender youths have attempted to commit suicide at least once before reaching the age of 20. Health care options for transgender individuals are limited as well, and the majority of violence perpetuated against LGBT folks stems from transphobia. Recent data from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs shows that nearly three-quarters of LGBT homicide victims in 2013 (72 percent) were transgender women.

September 2010

The film “For the Bible Tells Me So” has been selected by “Entertainment Weekly” as one of 5 Documentaries That Have Changed the World.

August 2008

CrisisCRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America

edited by Mitchell Gold with Mindy Drucker

Click Here for more information

May 2008

The article published in People Magazine Nov 19th 2007 is now available for you to read here

March 2008

Thanks to your support, Mary Lou and Bob were able to attend the GLAAD Awards. For the Bible Tells Me So was the recipient of the GLAAD Award for best documentary. You can read Mary Lou’s report and see the photos here

March 2008

TEACH Ministries has a new logo, thanks to Michelle from DeviantART. The Winner was Jessica Crawford. Thank you Michelle and Jessica.

February 2008

The article in the Nov. 19, 2007 issue of PEOPLE Magazine is being picked up in its entirety by a French Magazine.

December 1 2007

Mary Lou was also interviewed by Heather Hahn for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Read it here

November 26 2007

“For the Bible Tells Me So” opened in Chicago. The Windy City Times covered the opening. Read the article here.

There is also a photo album online from the photographer that evening, Steve Becker. See the photos here.

Richard Knight Jr. reviewed the movie for The Windy City Times. Read it here.

November 9 2007

Mary Lou was recently interviewed by PEOPLE magazine! The November 19 issue will be out on November 9.

November 8 2007

The film “For the Bible Tells Me So” is now screening across the country. Check their website for dates: http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org

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Mary Lou and Bob are one of five families who feature in the film. This film was nominated for the Grand Jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival and has won four awards.

February 2nd 2007

Mary Lou and Bob visited the Sundance Film Festival to attend the screening of “For the Bible Tells Me So”, which they appear in. Mary Lou wrote a report on her visit, which you can read here: Our Sundance Film Festival Experience

December 25 2006

Mary Lou was interviewed for an online Magazine called Nerve. Click here to read the article.

January 18 2005

Mary Lou Wallner wrote an open letter to Doctor James Dobson of ‘Focus on the Family’. The letter was published by Soulforce on their website, Dear Doctor Dobson. You can read the letter here: Mary Lou Wallner’s Open Letter to Doctor Dobson.

November 17 2004

Mary Lou and Bob were presented with the “Love Welcomes All” award by MCC Austin for the year 2005. The plaque’s inscription is as follows:
MCC AUSTIN At FREEDOM OAKS
LOVE WELCOMES ALL Award
Presented to Mary Lou and Bob Wallner and T.E.A.C.H. Ministry

In recognition of your tireless struggle against the tragic effects of homophobia in our families and churches, and to assist Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people in living lives of dignity, pride and faith.

Presented by MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks November 17, 2004

Love Welcomes All award by MCC Austin

May 13 2004

We have some exciting news to share with you all! Our video, “From Tragedy to Transformation” has been accepted for inclusion in the 2004 International Film Festival in Provincetown, MA. It will be shown at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 19th at the School House Gallery. www.ptownfilmfest.org.

April 23 2004

Tragedy Changes Mom’s Life – Article on Mary Lou Wallner and TEACH Ministries, from the Chicago Tribune Newspaper.

March 2004

On March 23 2004, Mary Lou Wallner wrote a letter to the Massachusetts Senators and Representatives, questioning the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which would exclude gay marriages. Mr Barney Frank replied to her letter on April 1 2004. To see both Mary Lou’s letter and the reply, please click on the link below.

A Letter to Massachusetts Senators and Representatives and A Reply from Mr Barney Frank.