Lord Save Us From Your Followers

Portland, OR (April 15, 2010) - During a time of crisis, most people turn to their faith in search of hope and comfort, and while some communities are coordinating relief efforts, others are pointing fingers and condemning victims. In an effort to find out why public expression of faith stirs up more controversy than inspiration, the critically acclaimed documentary, LORD, SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS makes its nationwide premiere with the DVD release on April 20th by Virgil Films & Entertainment.

Writer/Director, Dan Merchant, is putting on his bumper-sticker-clad jumpsuit while asking America to stop yelling at each other, and start conversing with one another. With tactful use of humor, his mission to get beyond the superficial bickering certainly got people thinking, and the film was awarded "Best Spiritual Documentary of 2008" by Beliefnet.com. Praised by USA Today as, "A humorous and heartfelt examinations of the culture wars", LORD, SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS received widespread critical acclaim and received a second limited theatrical run earlier this year by Salem Radio Networks.

In addition, and to help kick off the highly anticipated DVD debut, "Lord, Save Us TV - The Conversation," a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, with comments, conversations, and audience reaction will premiere on Trinity Broadcasting Network in April, as well as an online premiere on the faith-based, family friendly network, Tangle.com.

The documentary features exclusive interviews with Senator Al Franken, former Senator and religious right ally Rick Santorum, NY Times best-selling author, William Paul Young (The Shack), noted liberal evangelical Tony Campolo, conservative radio host Michael Reagan and racial reconciliation activist Dr. John Perkins, as well as news clips of Bono, Bill Maher, Bill O'Reilly, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, George Clooney, Pastor Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life), and evangelists James Dobson, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Balanced with humor and insight, the film leaves no stone unturned in presenting a refreshingly amicable examination of religious warfare and the numerous hot-button issues that come along with it.

Variety said of the film, "Admirably bold... It would take a hard heart indeed not to be moved." Chicago Sun Times proclaimed, "Lord, Save Us aims to raise the level of religious discourse... a convincing argument for civil debate", while The Oregonian described the film as "A peace offering, not a battle cry." "A brilliant documentary," exclaimed the San Antonio Express News, and the Dove Foundation said, "Five out of Five. We gladly encourage viewers to make use of this important film. It could be life changing."

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers Synopsis: As discussion of religion floods the media, the rhetoric is divisive, hyper, and most often, angry. Dan decides to find out why the Gospel of Love is dividing America and brings the sensibilities of someone who is deeply concerned with how his faith is being represented by others. After talking with scores of men and women on streets all across the nation, as well as interviewing many well-known active participants in today's "Culture Wars," he realized that the public discussion of faith doesn't have to be contentious.

For more information on the film, please visit www.lordsaveusthemovie.com.