Far-Right "Christians" Opposed to Obama's Message on AIDS
At least they're being consistent. Remember earlier this week when fundamentalists opposed efforts to go beyond gays and choice issues to fight poverty and disease? Okay, now they are talking about poverty and disease—specifically, about HIV/AIDS at an evangelical summit—but are outraged that the pro-choice Barack Obama has been invited to speak.
Obama is one of nearly 60 speakers scheduled to address the Global Summit on AIDS and the Church at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. The base is not pleased. Phylis Schlafly and other extremists wrote an open letter criticizing Obama's pro-choice stance and his support for condom distribution—as opposed to flawed, abstinence policies—to respond to AIDS.
Conservative evangelical Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, flooded in-boxes with this press release: "Senator Obama's policies represent the antithesis of biblical ethics and morality, not to mention supreme American values."
To his credit, Rev. Warren has defended his decision and Barack Obama will speak on Friday. But why the opposition? The senator is just speaking at the summit, he's not addressing the congregation. It's amazing to compare the compassionate message of Obama's denomination—the United Church of Christ—with the hatred evangelism of these fundamentalists. Either they want to fight AIDS or they don't. A new survey says conservatives don't care about the epidemic ... and making these silly pre-conditions to discuss the topic is proof.
Famed Pastor Defends Invitation to Obama (AP)
Obama Runs Into Fierce Resistance (TPM)
More Evagelicals:
So they are interested in fighting AIDS but have conditions on who they will work with. The ddisease is killing people, you need allies.
Posted by: Zavi | 29 November 2006 at 23:24
That's just it. As they admitted, the far right really could care less about disease, poverty of AIDS. If they truly did care, they would seek out allies and alliances.
Slightly off-base, Rod, I'm a member of the new United Church of Christ congregation in Dallas that you mentioned, Cathedral of Love. Thanks for looking for the positive. I assume you are also a church boy, that's very good. Are you UCC?
Posted by: rob | 29 November 2006 at 23:29
Rob, good observation. Many people assume I am UCC or ECUSA but now, I'm a plain ole Methodist. The United Mehodist Church is having its own pains about accepting gay members and clergy. My congregation is extremely accepting and gay-friendly but not all the congregations are. It's worth it to stay in the church and advocate change, a least my two home congregations are very friendly.
If the rhetoric changes too much, I may look elsewhere. ;)
Posted by: Rod McCullom | 30 November 2006 at 00:32
It amazes me with the teenage pregnancy rate and the HIV rate the way it is that distribution of condoms is still an issue
Posted by: C. Baptiste-Williams | 30 November 2006 at 08:01
Condoms are still an issue by people who put their head in the sand, hoping the problem will go away.
Posted by: Anon | 30 November 2006 at 11:17
The so-called Christians on the far right are not intterested in love or compassion, just hate.
Posted by: ATL Kid | 30 November 2006 at 13:30
The far right so called Christians are anything but right and anything but Christians. I'm glad Obama went ahead and spoke. Tools.
Posted by: Ken Harper | 02 December 2006 at 22:46