Jerry, I think the assumption on CBS' NBC's part(s) is just what you state. But also isn't saying that we turn no one away saying something positive? The "religious right" does turn people away (and off) but we want only to let those people who feel that they might not be welcome in some congregations know that they are certainly welcome in ours. We aren't really aiming at those who have decided to come as worshipers to a church but those who might wish to do so but don't have the experience of an inclusive congregation or are intimidated by the all the negative rhetoric concerning gays, their rights and inclusion in the benefits of our society as equals. We want people who are "not acceptable" to feel accepted. We want foreigners to know that we do not consider them potential enemies and that we want them to no longer be among us as strangers. In our congregation we have referred to the ad as the "in your face" ad. Tomorrow our study group, which has been discussing "other faiths" will probably be talking at great length about the recent action by the networks and might not get to the lesson for December 5. I'm sorry to go on so about this. I guess the whole issue and the initial decision of my church to persue this campaign has energized me and given me hope and a desire to go somewhere with my new found faith than just to church. A sort of "Go to Jesus as well as church!" McGrath, we ain't saying that we are better we are saying that we turn no one away. There are attitudes on the part of some members of some congregations which ARE exclusive. The defrocking of a lesbian minister was done with strict adherence to the regulations which govern that church's minister's conduct. Having said that, exclusion is what is wrong, for whatever reason. The ad reminds all that Jesus included the disposessed and socially unacceptable and so do we. There is a print ad upcoming which will cause an even greater stir. It has to do with the "good Samaritan". The word Samaritan is crossed out and in it's place is the word 'Iraqui'. Think of that message in the context of the attitude the people of Isreal had towards the people of Samaria. Our attitude towards the people of Iraq and the mid-east as a whole. We are making strong statements in our messages because there is a crisis of faith in our society. We speak up and speak out, hoping for a "pool of light" to come down over the whole world. The ads are just a start. And Kat, R and E are well and say hi! and as you might guess R is tickled about both the ad and the flap. CB
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