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from Theological Issues
Gay Christian Soulforce
Will Challenge Mega-Churches
By Mike Hatfield
January 28, 2008 - Soulforce, headed by homosexual Mel White, is targeting six mega-churches to pressure them to dialogue about homosexuality.
The campaign will target: Lakewood Church (pastored by Joel Osteen); The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes); Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson); New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Eddie Long); Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels); and Saddleback Church (Rick Warren).
According to Soulforce: "... lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people" will visit these churches to force them to dialogue about their religious views on homosexuality. The goal is "to begin a process of changing hearts and minds."
A delegation of gay families with children will visit each of these churches between Mother's Day and Father's Day weekends. Forty families will be recruited to visit the churches.
Caleb Price, a research analyst with Focus on the Family, warns these churches about Soulforce's tactics: "These churches that have been targeted by Soulforce need to be clear about the real agenda behind these staged actions. It's not for dialogue and greater understanding - it's to tempt them to embrace a false doctrine, which will keep many from the gospel message of hope and transformation for those who are trapped in homosexuality."
One likely goal of the Soulforce campaign against these churches is to provoke an incident that can be used to garner negative publicity for the church and to gain nationwide publicity for Soulforce's efforts. This tactic is part of an overall strategy mapped out years ago by gay activists: portray gays as victims of intolerant bigots.
Additional Reading: The Overhauling of Straight America;
Responding to Pro-Gay Theology;
What a Gay Activist Says about Religious Traditionalists
Updated: 8 February 2008
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