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Wayne Besen
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I was surprised when I began to tear up prior to the press conference on Tuesday announcing The American Prayer Hour. The purpose of the APH, which is Thursday, February 4, is to offer an alternative to the annual National Prayer Breakfast, which takes place on the same day and is run by the secretive fundamentalist organization known as The Family. This shadowy group is directly tied to the notorious "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda.
In the past, I have worked press conferences that included hate crime victims and their families. So, I've become somewhat inured to the daily horrors that are inflicted on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
But, today really got to me.
Moses, a young gay man from Uganda, spoke at our media conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. He is seeking asylum in The United States, because he fears for his life in Uganda. The Ugandan media sometimes publishes the photographs and addresses of LGBT people, placing their livelihoods at risk and their lives in imminent danger.
I usually prep speakers by reviewing talking points. On this day, however, two staff members for the Human Rights Campaign prepared Moses to face the national media by obscuring his face. They stood in a corner fitting his head with a paper bag.
We had two different size bags, and he tried on each, as if they were shirts at an Old Navy store. We had to ensure that it was a snug fit, lest it fall off, reveal his identity and put his life in jeopardy.
It had been a three-day trek by car for Moses and a friend to get to Washington. This heroic journey would not end in magazine covers, book deals or fame as a talking head on the cable networks. All Moses had to gain was the opportunity to share the truth in anonymity, and he did so with remarkable equanimity.
As Moses stood in front of the podium, the juxtaposition of the American flag and this courageous young man wearing a bag to blur his humanity was jarring. I felt pride for living in a free country where we could hold a press conference to denounce The Family's role in Uganda. But, there was also shame that America, famous for its innovation, had been exporting a virulent and violent strain of religious extremism to far away lands.
In front of the cameras, Moses recounted how he had been forced to marry a woman, was assaulted at school, raped by a policeman, and fired from his job because he is gay.
"One would rather die than come out of the closet," Moses said at the press conference.
Many people at the National Prayer Breakfast have no idea about the radical and unorthodox, cult-like beliefs that The Family is passing off as Christianity. With little transparency and regard for democracy, this organization, which believes God favors powerful elites, spreads its influence throughout the world.
Prominent members of The Family in America include: Sens. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Mark Pryor (R-AK), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Ensign (R-NV). Key House members include: Reps. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn) Frank Wolf (R-Va.), Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.), Heath Shuler (D-NC) Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Joe Pitts (R-PA).
"Would you like a glass of fresh blood with your bacon?"
Perhaps, if this were the question asked the rich and powerful attending Thursday's National Prayer Breakfast, they’d finally understand that the group behind this event was also serving up extreme ideology that wasn't on the menu. They'd realize that while they dined in an opulent ballroom at the Washington Hilton, there were gay Ugandans who were running for their lives.
While some members of The Family have denounced the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, the group's leader, Doug Coe, usually a loquacious man, has been strangely silent. On Tuesday, Religion News Service reported that, "the Family has not officially denounced the bill, and did not return repeated requests for clarification of their role in its development."
One would think that publicly opposing a potential slaughter would be high on Coe's agenda, considering the sponsor of the bill, David Bahati, is a key member of The Family.
President Barack Obama will speak at The National Prayer Breakfast. Hopefully, he will denounce the Uganda bill and make a statement that could affect the dire situation in Uganda.
In the meantime, you can help by attending one of 17 American Prayer Hours across the country, including one in Washington DC. (http://www.americanprayerhour.org). It is time to unmask the horror and create a world where people are free to be themselves.
(Moses, pictured left, is a gay Ugandan seeking asylum in the U.S. who had to hide his face at today's press conference. He feared persecution and even violence if his identity were known.)
Religious Leaders Urge America's Leaders to Speak Out Against Event’'s Connection to Abhorrent Ugandan "Anti-Homosexuality Bill"
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Key religious leaders held a press conference this morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to announce the formation of The American Prayer Hour, a multi-city event to be held in two days on February 4, 2010, with key events in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Chicago and Berkeley and to call on organizers of the National Prayer Breakfast, Members of Congress attending and the President to use the opportunity to send a clear, unified message against the horrendous Ugandan "Anti-Homosexuality Bill".
The American Prayer Hour was announced as an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast which is sponsored by The Family (aka The Fellowship), a group with disturbing ties to those spearheading Uganda's oppressive "Anti-Homosexuality Bill." The Bill proposed by Parliament Member, David Bahati, adds an array of criminal punishments for gay people--including the death penalty.
Harry Knox, Director of Religion and Faith for the Human Rights Campaign,(pictured left) opened the press conference and said, "Tax documents from The Family show millions of dollars have gone into programs run by David Bahati, Ugandan Parliament Member who wrote the anti-gay legislation for Uganda. With that kind of influence, we call on the head of The Family, Doug Coe, to publicly speak out against the proposed anti-gay bill in Uganda. Our nation's public officials, religious leaders and civil and human rights champions must speak with one, clear voice that the proposed execution of a group of people for no other reason than because of their sexuality is immoral and will not be tolerated or condoned through silence. Members of Congress and other elected officials attending this event cannot turn a blind eye to the obligation they have to speak out against such inhumane proposals such as the legislation being proposed in Uganda."
Metropolitan Community Church pastor, the Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, (pictured) said, "MCC is an international denomination at work in dozens of countries so we know firsthand that hatred of gay people is not limited to Uganda. Sadly, conservative groups like The Family continue to spread lies and foment rejection of people based on perceived or real differences in sexual orientation and gender identity. In the name of protecting families, they tell parents to reject their sons and daughters. Implicitly they ask families to imprison their own people and inflict the death penalty on them, whether on the streets or in the jails."
Moses, a gay Ugandan man seeking asylum in The United States said, "It breaks my heart that I have to leave my family and loved ones to seek asylum in this country simply because I am gay. Even as I speak, gay people a are being persecuted as a result of this proposed law against gay people. I can only imagine how bad it will be if the bill is actually passes."
Bishop Gene Robinson, (pictured left) the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church said, "I spent time in Uganda to help set up HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs many years ago. Ugandans are a generous and hospitable people. But because of an unholy alliance between conservative religious groups in this country and anti-gay forces overseas Ugandans are turning on their own Ugandan sons and daughters who happen to be gay. This proposed law is a threat to LGBT people in Uganda and everywhere. Around 35% of Ugandans are Anglican and 45% are Catholic. Although many faith leaders have stood by silently, today we speak out on behalf of the marginalized. Faith leaders of all traditions should speak out for the most vulnerable in Uganda before it's too late."
Bishop Carlton Pearson, (left, with collar) interim senior pastor at Chicago's Christ Universal Temple said, "As a straight ally, gay and transgender people come to me and say 'thank you for speaking out.' In Uganda, gay and transgender people cannot even say 'thank you.' They are being silenced by the threat of imprisonment and death. In the yawning silence, we must speak and we must pray. Both religious and political leaders must pray for gay people in Uganda and stop preying on them."
Frank Schaeffer, (pictured left) son of pre-eminent conservative theologian, Francis Schaeffer said, "As a person who was raised in the heart of conservative Christianity, it took me years to realize that anti-gay beliefs are wrong and not inherent to Christianity. Today, fundamentalists are exporting anti-gay beliefs because fewer and fewer people here believe the lies. It's time to stop using gay people as political pawns and understand that we are all children of God."
Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans for Separation of Church (pictured below) said, "We are heartened to note that Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and the State Department, under President Obama's direction, have been actively working against the proposed anti-gay law in Uganda. These efforts have led Ugandan President Museveni and MP David Bahati to signal that they are considering changes to the legislation. But, now is not the time to ease up the pressure but to continue to push for full decriminalization of gay and transgender people. We ask that President Obama to take the lead on human rights for everyone, everywhere, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."
We are about to embark on a historic mission to stop persecution of LGBT people in Uganda and we want you to be a key part of our vision. (www.AmericanPrayerHour.org)
Uganda's parliament is now debating what has become known as the "Kill the Gays Bill." David Bahati, a member of the secretive fundamentalist group The Family, sponsored the draconian legislation. On February 4, he will appear at The National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, alongside world leaders and members of Congress.
Most people think of The National Prayer Breakfast, which is hosted by The Family, as innocuous and have no idea that the event's sponsors are linked to the anti-gay death bill in Uganda. We believe it is time to inform people and let them know the truth about The Family and its toxic influence overseas.
Equally important, it is time we present a loving and compassionate view of spirituality so intolerant groups like The Family do not define people of faith. This is why we are launching The American Prayer Hour on February 4th, the same day as The National Prayer Breakfast.
The American Prayer Hour will consist of a series of decentralized events across America and be anchored by key events in Washington, DC, Dallas, Chicago, South Florida, Minneapolis, San Jose, Birmingham, Anchorage and Berkeley.
If you are in these areas, please attend an American Prayer Hour event.
Our goal is to have people from around the country speak out against intolerance, stand up for inclusive values and do everything in their power to derail the "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda.
Please, understand, we may be all that stands in the way of blood flowing down the streets of Kampala. I pray that you will link hands and help us do everything we can to save the lives of our Ugandan LGBT brothers and sisters. If the situation were reversed, we'd sure hope they would be there for us, wouldn't we?
Media Contact: Wayne Bessen, American Prayer Hour Coordinator Phone: 917-691-5118 E-Mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
Multi-City Prayer Hour Offers Alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast Whose Leaders Have Apparent Ties to Uganda's Draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill
What: On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 key religious leaders will hold a press conference to announce the formation of The American Prayer Hour, a multi-city event on Thursday, February 4, 2010, with key events in Washington, DC, Dallas, Chicago and Berkeley. The American Prayer Hour events will affirm inclusive values and call on all nations, including Uganda, to decriminalize the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The American Prayer Hour provides an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast, which is sponsored by The Family (aka The Fellowship), a group with disturbing ties to those spearheading Uganda's oppressive Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
When: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 -- 10:30 a.m. (EST)
Where: The National Press Club (Washington, DC) Murrow Room 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor - Washington, DC 20045
Who:
Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church Frank Schaeffer, author, "Crazy For God: How I Grew Up As One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right and Lived to Take All of it Back." Harry Knox, The Human Rights Campaign, Director of Religion and Faith Moses, A gay Ugandan man seeking asylum in The United States Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Metropolitan Community Church, Vice-Moderator Board of Elders Bishop Carlton Pearson, Senior Minister at Chicago, Illinois's Christ Universal Temple
Background: Uganda is considering the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, put forth by parliamentarian David Bahati and initially backed by President Yoweri Museveni. If passed, the new law would unleash a vicious campaign of persecution against LGBT citizens. Bahati and President Museveni are members of The Family and are among their "key men" in Africa. The Family hosts the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. The American Prayer Hour will show that such cruelty and extremism does not represent most people of faith.
Sponsors:
National Religious Leadership Roundtable National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
National Black Justice Coalition
Religion and Faith Program Human Rights Campaign Foundation
A new poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that if a modern woman's place is in the kitchen -- it is likely one in a restaurant that she owns, while her less educated husband toils at home and plays "Mr. Mom."
"Men now are increasingly likely to marry wives with more education and income than they have, and the reverse is true for women," said Paul Fucito, a spokesperson for the Pew Forum. In 1970, only 4-percent of married women surpassed their husband's salary. By 2007, the number had risen to 22-percent.
This dynamic is changing the definition of traditional marriage in a far more profound way than allowing gay couples to marry. While the religious right has been preoccupied with queers, they've completely missed the impact ambitious wives with careers are having on families.
The main issue is that this is creating a problem for a significant subset of men who feel like loser if a woman is the breadwinner. A New York Times story features a quote from a man who jokes that his female friend's success will make it more difficult for her to find a husband.
"You are confident, have good credit, own your own business, travel around the world and are self-sufficient," he tells her. "What man is going to want you?"
It seems the ego of men may be the biggest threat to traditional marriage, as the number of educated women skyrockets. If groups like Focus on the Family were serious about promoting marriage, they would help men adjust to the reality of the contemporary family.
Instead, Focus on the Family is stuck in a time warp, which is evidenced by an article on their website, "The Real Job of Moms."
"What about a mom's primary job?" the article asks. "It's not cooking dinner, changing diapers or helping a preschooler glue colored macaroni on a coffee can as a Father's Day gift. The most important assignment a mom has is to nurture her children."
For fathers, the organization has an article, "Balance Work and Family," that makes the false assumption that men are still wearing the pants.
"Don't expect corporate America to recognize how much fathers are needed at home," says the article."The employee's family life isn't a part of the annual report, nor can it be measured on the bottom line."
On their website, fathers are stereotyped as workaholic businessmen and women as nurturing homemakers. Focus on the Family is doing an amazing job preparing families for life in the 1950's. They offer very little for the countless families where a wife brings home the bacon instead of cooking it.
The Southern Baptist Convention is even more backward, approving a resolution in 1998 claiming a man has authority in the household, while a wife must "submit graciously" to his leadership. This family model does not work so well when the financial purse strings, really do come in the form of a purse.
Given this antiquated view of "sex roles", it is no surprise that marriages are more likely to fail in The Bible Belt. The five states that have the highest proportion of men married at least three times are Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. The states with the lowest number of men at least thrice married are Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Perhaps, these men have to keep remarrying because women are not as gracious in their submission as they were when "Leave it to Beaver" was on the air. Time and again, the states that have the most fundamentalists are the ones where marriages are more likely to be fundamentally flawed.
It is also important to note that Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts all have significant protections for their gay and lesbian residents. Meanwhile, gay and lesbian people are treated as second-class citizens in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Clearly, those who are socially backward on gender issues have great difficulty accepting anyone who does not fit into a narrowly defined view of sexuality and gender.
If right wing organizations were smart, they would abandon restrictive gender roles and embrace same-gender families as role models. Gay men, in particular, have had to learn to swallow their egos and accept that one partner must produce more income -- unless they have identical jobs. These men learn to divide chores and support each other by building relationships based on trust and equality. (Healthy heterosexual couples, of course, also share this model.)
As well-educated, highly paid women climb the career ladder, groups that work to allegedly help families must change course or risk becoming irrelevant. Fundamentalist men who are sexually immature and emotionally insecure have a lot more to worry about than their gay neighbors next door. It's time to start focusing on their own families or have lives without wives.
In a dramatic move, University of Florida's legendary football coach, Urban Meyer, abruptly quit the sport on Christmas Day. His decision came after a hospitalization for chest pains and a realization that he had nearly worked himself to death building a championship team. Meyer's prodigious work habits included neglecting his family and e-mailing recruits in church.
"I'm a person of faith and I wanted to make sure I had my priorities straight," said Meyer. "A lot of times, coaches do not have their priorities straight. You put business before God and family, you have a problem."
Of course, this is wishful thinking. If Meyer had actually prioritized God and family before the pigskin, he'd make a fine deacon and a great father... and a mediocre Division II coach. Those who reach the pinnacle in sports have a rare combination of natural gifts and an obsessive need to win. For example, the two most successful basketball players in my lifetime are Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant - both of whom are pathological competitors. Their need to win likely crosses over into a disorder - but that is what it takes to be a champion.
For all his talk about God, it was the text messages and e-mails from the pews that catapulted the coach into sainthood in Gainesville. The choice was to worship on Sunday or be worshiped by adoring fans each Saturday - and Meyer chose the latter. This is not a criticism, just a reality check on Meyer's message that he could have reversed his priorities and still had the same successful career. I doubt he could have.
When Meyer announced his retirement, his 18-year-old daughter hugged him and said, "I get my daddy back." The coach said that he was retiring because God had told him to quit and his daughter's reaction was confirmation of this divine intervention.
Two days later, following an afternoon on the practice field, Meyer changed his mind and switched his retirement status to a "leave of absence." He expects to coach next fall.
So, did Meyer misinterpret God, confuse God's voice with his own desires or is the coach defying His will by returning to the sideline?
In sports, it seems, God is always on the winning side, ready to snatch victory from the presumably heathen team, and deliver the game to the good guys. However, the notion is quite offensive and in some ways ruins the game. Why even watch, after all, if the sport is fixed and a victory is already preordained by God?
In any case, I think that athletes and coaches should get back to scoring touchdowns or drawing up plays on chalkboards. The whole "catch a ball for God" routine is getting quite stale. Just once I'd like to see an athlete say, "I dropped the ball because Jesus doesn't like me."
Why not? Does He not get the credit for touchdowns, with an increasing number of spoiled, solipsistic athletes pointing towards the heavens after each score?
It is also outrageous to think that God gives a damn about football when children are starving and wars are raging. On my block in New York City, there are about a half-dozen hobos who are exposed to the harshness of winter. I'd like to think that a just deity would end such injustice before traipsing off each Sunday to the New York Giants game.
For selfish reasons, as a University of Florida alumnus, I am glad Meyer is returning. I like to win and gator chomp and it makes me feel good to marinade in victory.
But can we finally keep God off the goal line and have a separation of sports and Scripture?
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