Christian Leaders Blame Foley Scandal On "Radical Gay Rights Movement," "Political Correctness," "Tolerance and Diversity"
The Forward just received a statement from a coalition of conservative Christian leaders that expresses outrage over the Mark Foley scandal and calls for a full investigation, not the least because:
“We are very concerned that the early warnings of Mr. Foley’s odd behavior toward young male pages may have been overlooked or treated with deference, fearing a backlash from the radical gay rights movement because of Mr. Foley’s sexual orientation. It appears that the integrity of the conservative majority has given way to political correctness, trading the virtues of decency and respect for that of tolerance and diversity.”
Here’s the full statement:
AdvanceUSA American Assoc. of Christian Counselors American Assoc. of Christian Schools American Family Association AFA Center for Law & Policy AFA of Indiana AFA of Michigan AFA of Pennsylvania American Target Advertising, Inc. American Values Association of MD Families Antioch Bible Church Biblical Heritage Institute Bott Radio Network Called 2 Action Catholic Citizenship (Catholicvote.org) Center for Arizona Policy Center for Moral Clarity Center for Reclaiming America Christian Interactive Network Christian Law Association Christian Legal Society Citizens for Community Values Coalition of African American Pastors Coalition for Marriage and Family ConservativeHQ.com Constituent Voice Coral Ridge Ministries Cornerstone Policy Research Covenant Marriage Movement Design4 Marketing Communications Exodus International Fatih2Action Families for America Family First Nebraska Family Leader Foundation Family Protection Lobby –MD Family Research Council FRC Action Family Vision Florida Family Policy Council Florida Family Action, Inc. Focus on the Family Focus Action Free Congress Foundation Free Market Foundation Hamilton Strategies, LLC High Impact Leadership Coalition The Inspiration Network Let Freedom Ring Liberty Counsel Liberty Legal Institute Louisiana Family Forum Mayday for Marriage National Assoc. of Evangelicals National Assoc. of Marriage Enhancement National Center for Freedom & Renewal National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families National Coalition for the Protection of Marriage National Legal Foundation Network of Politically-Active Christians New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms North Carolina Family Policy Council Ohio Restoration Project Point of View RealMarriage.org Reclaim Our Culture Kentuckiana, Inc. Salem Communications South Dakota Policy Council Southern Baptist ERLC Susan B. Anthony List TeenPact Teen Mania Ministries The Vanguard.Org Tradition, Family, Property United Families of Idaho Vision America Washington Pastor Association W.I.N. Family Services, Inc.
The Executive Committee of the Arlington Group strongly condemns the activities of former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL), which have been reported by various news sources. We further ask for a full investigation, and should Mr. Foley be found to have broken any laws that he be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
We are very concerned that the whole truth concerning this episode be reported, including when House Leadership or other Members from either party knew of this situation. It is clear that someone knew. Any person who knew of Mr. Foley’s inappropriate contact with a minor child should have reported it immediately, and if laws have been violated due to the failure to report, we urge legal authorities to prosecute.
Let us be perfectly clear: Any sexual involvement with minors is abominable. It is more troubling when a Member of Congress uses his or her position to sexually exploit a minor. It should go without saying that all Members of Congress are in a position of public trust and must be held to a higher standard, avoiding even the appearance of inappropriate behavior. We are very concerned that the early warnings of Mr. Foley’s odd behavior toward young male pages may have been overlooked or treated with deference, fearing a backlash from the radical gay rights movement because of Mr. Foley’s sexual orientation. It appears that the integrity of the conservative majority has given way to political correctness, trading the virtues of decency and respect for that of tolerance and diversity. No one should be surprised at the results of such a tragic exchange.
The Leadership must demand the resignation of any Member who has acted improperly in this matter. Indeed we call on any Member, Congressional staffer, page or other citizen who has information concerning any sexual contact between a Member of Congress and a minor to report it immediately to House or Senate Leadership. We have heard rumors that other, similar, activity has occurred involving additional Congressmen and will be released prior to the November elections. We ask that House and Senate leadership investigate these rumors.
Furthermore, we ask that legal authorities prosecute any person who had knowledge of any such activity but did not report it immediately. The Foley scandal is just one more reminder that America desperately needs to return to the Judeo-Christian values that have served as a foundation of our nation from its inception.
801 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Office (202) 624-3020 Fax (202) 347-4993 www.thearlingtongroup.org
The Arlington Group, a Coalition of over seventy pro-family organizations, joins millions of Americans who pray for a moral renewal in our nation. Arlington Group Executive Committee members include:
Dr. Don Wildmon, Chairman American Family Association 662-844-5036 Tony Perkins, President Family Research Council 866-372-6397 Gary L. Bauer, President American Values 703-671-9700 Paul Weyrich, Chairman and CEO Free Congress Foundation 202-546-3000 Bishop Harry Jackson, Chairman High Impact Leadership Coalition 240-845-0388 Phil Burress, President Citizens for Community Values 513-733-5775 Richard Bott, Vice President Bott Radio Network
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