"At a time when mainline denominations writhe in self-defeating conflict, this well-funded political pressure is poisonous." -- Director of Presbyterian Action Jim Berkley
Contact: Loralei Coyle 202-682-4131, 202-905-6852 cell, lcoyle@ird-renew.org; Radio Interviews: Jeff Walton, jwalton@ird-renew.org; both with the Institute on Religion and Democracy
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- A windfall $1.2 million will be flowing to homosexual advocacy caucuses within mainline denominations over the next two years. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is injecting the cash to "support a strategic, collaborative effort to expand pro-LGBT faith-based organizing efforts," according to an announcement by More Light Presbyterians (MLP), which operates within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The funding comes from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund through the umbrella National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a lobbying group that has sought to enlist churches in its secular political advocacy. Partnering the secular and faith-based groups "holds the potential to transform the larger LGBT movement by greatly expanding its supporters and extending its reach," explained Randall Miller, a program officer with the Haas Fund.
The gay caucuses within mainline denominations can now step up efforts to pressure churches to alter their belief and morality to accommodate homosexual practice. The funding will allow MLP "to build capacity and take our next steps as an organization and network by hiring additional staff," enthused Michael Adee, MLP executive director. United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, Episcopalian, and United Church of Christ caucuses will similarly benefit.
Jim Berkley, director of IRD's Presbyterian Action Committee, commented:
"Homosexual advocates have long coveted the social capital of Christian churches. The core faith and mission of the denominations matter not. Churches evidently exist merely to be co-opted for politics. Activists want the churches' clout for their society-changing purposes.
"Now church gay caucuses seem overjoyed to be bought out by secular lobbying groups. In this collaboration, political activist want to use the church to promote causes alien to the churches' life and faith, and the church gay caucuses enthusiastically collaborate. At a time when mainline denominations writhe in self-defeating conflict, this well-funded political pressure is poisonous."
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.
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