New York, NY, November 27, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomes a recent court order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois compelling the white supremacist group World Church of the Creator to stop using its name, to give up its Web addresses, and turn over all printed materials bearing its name.

The order follows the group's defeat in a trademark lawsuit brought by the Te-Ta-Ma Truth Foundation, which successfully trademarked the name "Church of the Creator" years ago. The World Church of the Creator, presently run by the anti-Semite and racist Matt Hale, won in district court in January 2002, but lost on appeal. As a result, Hale's group no longer may legally use any form of the phrase "Church of the Creator."

"World Church's loss of its 'brand name' may hinder its ability to spread its virulent message of hate," said Richard S. Hirschhaut, ADL's Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Regional Director. "The order is another positive step in countering prejudice and bigotry."