Rev. William Owens, leader of the Coalition of African-American Pastors, said he was launching a nationwide campaign urging African Americans not to vote for President Obama unless he withdraws his support for same sex marriage.
Owens announced his Mandate for Marriage campaign Tuesday at a press conference in Washington, D.C. Owens, who has been consistently blasting the president since he declared his support for same sex marriage back in May, represents 3,700 black pastors across the country who feel the same way he does.
By embracing same sex marriage, these pastors believe the president is threatening the stability of the family—particularly the black family.
“Mr. President, I’m not going to stand with you, and we have thousands of others across this country that are not going to stand with you with this foolishness,” Owens said at the press conference. “For the president to bow to the money, as Judas did for Jesus Christ, is a disgrace, and we’re ashamed.”
Later in an interview with the Christian Broadcast Network Owens said his organization has been hearing from African Americans across the country who don’t support same sex marriage and feel betrayed by the president. He pointed out that in the many states that have passed laws in opposition to gay marriage, African Americans were always overwhelmingly supportive of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
“We feel Mr. Obama because of the money has bowed to the money people, the homosexual community,” Owens said. “We’re the ones who put him where he is. Where was the gay community when he was running for president? The Civil Rights Movement opened the door for him to become president. At this point he’s pandering to the homosexual community. He’s forgotten where he came from, forgotten who put him there.”
Owens said for those black voters who are not upset enough to withdraw their support for Obama, “we are going to get them upset enough if they are not upset already.”
With Chik-Fil-A president Dan Cathy publicly declaring his opposition to gay marriage and financially supporting organizations that oppose it, his restaurants have become a flashpoint for the social skirmishes over the issue.
Owens said the mayors of Chicago and Boston (in addition to San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) saying they don’t want Chik-Fil-A franchises in their cities was similar to his experiences growing up in the segregated South, where he was not allowed to patronize white establishments because of his skin color. He said these mayors and others opposed to Chik-Fil-A were discriminating against the franchise because of the president’s beliefs, just as he was discriminated against because he’s black.
“There’s no difference,” he said.
Supporters of the restaurant chain flocked to Chik-Fil-A’s around the country yesterday in what they were calling “Chik-Fil-A Day,” which was called by former former Arkansas Governor and Baptist minister Mike Huckabee. Long lines were reported at Chik-Fil-A’s from Texas to Virginia and some church pastors purchased bulk orders for their congregations.
Gay rights groups have scheduled a protest for tomorrow that they are calling “Kiss Mor Chiks,” when they are encouraging people of the same sex to show up at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country and kiss each other.
movement
Amazing
As if the effects of executive amnesty wasn't enough. She was just 12 years old. She knew she was going to be raped again.
He had placed a blue blanket over her face. She heard the sound of the zipper on his pants.
That was in December 2010, she testified Tuesday in Knox County Criminal Court, and was the final time that Andres Francisco would rape her. Soon thereafter, he stopped living as a guest of her family and moved out.
About nine months later, at 13, she gave birth, by C-section, to a 6 1/2 pound boy that she and Knox County authorities say is Francisco's child.
Francisco, now 24, is an illegal immigrant; illegal alien Juan Zacarias Lopez Tzun with 2 previous DUI's and grand theft auto kills dominic Durden.
This pastor is disgraceful! He needs to read his scriptures – judge not lest yes be judged. Doesn't he understand that the President is simply ensuring that all must be treated equally? How dare this pastor try and make anyone believe as he does… How does the President's stance on gay marriage interfere with family? Families today look much different than they did – many are single parent, female led; some are gay; some are male only led. He is playing right into the hands of the right wing? His church and all churches who join this – and preach it from their pulpit – MUST lose their tax free status.
How hypocritical can you be? Why haven't they railed against domestic violence in so-called traditional marriages? Or against the sky-rocketing rate of divorce in so-called traditional marriages? Or against the disintegration of the family because of absent fathers? Or against a Congress that has failed to execute its sworn oath to represent the people of America? Or against the former President for lying about WMDs? No, you are banding together to publicly challenge America's first African American President because of his personal decision. Shame on you you Scribes and Pharisees!
No sheila he is telling the truth. This is what a real christian does. Things that are not of God should be struck down. People are naive and do not believe that there is a spiritual warfare out here even though the bible clearly says it. Do not be a part time christian. Just because you take a stand against homosexuality does not mean you hate them or wish harm but you simply hate the lifestyle that they choose because it is against God. Life is short and is just a test to see where you spend your eternity. Do not die in a lifestyle not pleasing to God and never get a chance to repent. False prophets out here GLADLY leading the lost to slaughter but you know what never mind. Yolo right? 😉
President Barrack Obama's decision is not a religious decision. Obama is a practicing tithing Christian too. The law says there is a separation between church and state. As a public administrator his duties and opinions should reflect the views and opinions of his constituents and they do. So I stand with President Obama these Black Preachers need to sit down somewhere with this nonsense. Support this WELL Educated black man who has an educated black wife and two children that he takes care of while he serves as President of the United States at the same time. If he does not get re-elected we shall be remised.
But Maranda you can hate their lifestyle…that's your right. What is not the right of a religious leader or church is to castigate an elected official in the name of their faith. Thats called politics. Our President is taking a stand against inequality,against prejudice, against bigotry. And so he should. This pastor is not a man of faith. If he was he would keep his opinions to himself or outside of religion. I am not a part-time Christian. I live my faith in how I treat others as I myself want to be treated. Remember the Golden Rule? I live it. This pastor does not.
I'm with you Vivianne. They can believe what they want. But what they can not do is try to influence the views of others of faith. Using religion as their political tool. They speak out of both sides of their mouths… If they were really FOR the famly…then they would have spoken out around the issues you posit. Shame on him and his brethren who would castigate our President for being a man of faith – who lives it every day in the policies he brings forward.
Sheila you fail to see the point. Obama is not a God but a mere man who is standing against God. I don't care if he was the king of the world you should speak out against ANYONE who is not of God. Do not allow yourself to get wrapped up in his hype because he is the first balck president. As a christian you must recognize that satan is using whoever he can to further HIS agenda. As a servant of God it is the job of the pastor to lead the flock in the right direction. Hell is tooooo hot and miserable to be taking one for the team. No man or woman can serve two masters. Either you serve God (which will not be easy but the bible told you that) or man and this world( which is on the fast track to hell and all that that entitles). Again I stress do not be a fence rider because if you do not clearly stand for God and work in that direction then the other side automatically wins whether you believe it or not or want it to be that way or not. Just food for thought. Like I said before you must pick a side.
Excuse me I meant black.
and here's something I just read from the 8 year old son of a gay couple – he asks "doesn't LOVE make a family"… and he's right. Its love not gender. Our President understands that – Praise God. Obama in 2012!
Raven Peterson says Obama's "opinions should reflect the views and opinions of his constituents and they do." No they do not. In 31 states, the issue of same-sex marriage has been put to a vote and 31 times the public has voted against it. Clearly, the voters at large do not approve of same-sex marriage. It has only been made legal by courts or legislators; never by popular vote.
Sheila with all due respect. Read the bible. Not just one verse. Do You know what Jesus was referring to? We are to STAND for God-Not man
Sheila Stephen Watkins Bryan
Yes, love does make a family. Question if I make a cake and set it out for all to eat. The cake looks and taste great! You later find out that the bowl I made the cake in was the same bowl I collect household waste in. It did not change the appearance, look and prehaps the taste. But, later you will see the effects. For him that have ears let him hear.
President Obama was not compelled to say anything on his view of gay marriages. It was a calculated move.
Hi Sheila, Vivian, and Raven,
As you can see I'm kind of technologically challenged when it comes to blogging.
But I wanted to share with you that Maranda is correct.
If you say that you are a Christian, then you believe that the Word of God [The Bible] is the FINAL AUTHORITY. No opinions, reasoning, philosophical arguments, or popular opinions trump what the Word of God says. It is the Final Authority over all other words and all other voices.
Most people don't understand that the Bible is NOT a religious book, but a LAW BOOK. What a King says is LAW, and there is no room for discussion. Any person, politician, preacher, president, baker, boxer, Indian chief that believes otherwise will eventually stand before Jesus Christ the righteous. We all will, some to everlasting life, and others to everlasting separation and shame.
Now you are entitled to your opinions, and you are free to follow your own judgments, but if it is contrary to the Word of God, then it will not stand.
Romans 1: 18-32 address ALL sin, not just the homosexuality.
I encourage you to read the entire chapter. I will only post an excerpt from the passage of scripture
verse 24-28 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lust of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever . Amen
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their woman exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even though they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil minded, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful, unloving, unforgiving, WHO KNOWING THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, THAT THOSE WHO PRACTICE SUCH THINGS ARE DESERVING OF DEATH, NOT ONLY DO THE SAME BUT ALSO APPROVE OF THOSE WHO PRACTICE THEM.
God excuses NO SIN. That's why he paid our debt of sin on the cross, as a free gift to all, satisfying the Heavenly Courts, so that those who receive him, when we stand before the Judge of the Earth [Jesus Christ the righteous] We will be acquitted. Friends, you cannot practice religion and expect to see Heaven. Remember the Bible is a Law Book, and because it is a Law book we are all guilty of sin because of Adam and Eve.
Yours in Christ,
Valerie
So these jack-legged preachers want blacks to vote for Romney and the Republican party, WHO WE KNOW DON"T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US, because our GREAT PRESIDENT (YES I SAID IT!) said he was not for discriminating against gay people. I hope all you jack legged preachers cast your first stone and GO STRAIGHT TO HELL! OBAMA-BIDEN 2012!
Nowhere in any holy book does it say that Allah, God, Jesus, or Mohammed say that you (man) should force someone to believe in them. If they wanted people to be forced, I'm pretty sure that the respective believers would assume that they're highest one is capable of forcing the nonbelievers all by themselves….You know what really kills families….ppl doing what they do, whether wedlocking, cheating, being abusive and etc.
No surprise that the church is against same sex marraige.
Pretty sure I made my position clear Maranda…not at all on the fence. I have picked a side – God's side. He does not discriminate – he loves all. You are using the bible to make the side you have chosen – that's your right. But I answer to no man – only God. This pastor is not a man of God – he is a bigot. President Obama is a man. One who makes laws that protect the rights of all. Thats the kind of President I want. I would not go to a church that cast aspersions on any one for any reason. Thats what this pastor is doing.
Oh but Valerie the Bible has been subject to interpretation for centuries. God loves all – no matter who or what. Its what we all want – equality. Thats what President Obama subscribes to in his policies. He is a man of principle and practices what he preaches. God does excuse all sin. The love of one person for another is not a sin. Why would you discriminate against a gay couple? What do they do that is infringing on you and your life. Nothing that I can see. So why despise them and preach the teachings of discrimination and hate. I feel sorry for you and those like you who hide under the cloak of Christianity – when really you are a bigot. I'll pray for you.
Oh but the American public as a whole have been polled and polled and they do approve …. Some don't its true, but the majority do and that number is increasing.
Ya ok…you brainwashed scallywag!!!!!!!!
Only stating what's actually there in the bible. I gurantee there's no book of maranda or sheila.
You are the dumb azz who is brainwashed….
dumb ass'
I'm so thankful that I put my trust in God…not man or party.
I Cor. 2: 3-6
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, WHOSE MINDS THE god OF THIS AGE HAS BLINDED, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Here are some details which folks MAY NOT be aware of. William Owens – the head of this group – is affiliated with the National Organization for Marriage, a group which has ALREADY endorsed Mitt Romney, Obama's challenger. Earlier this year, it was discovered that the National Organization for Marriage had developed a strategy years ago to cause Obama trouble by pitting the black and gay communities against each other on the subject of marriage equality. Long story short – William Owens and his group is a FRAUD whose goal is to siphon black votes away from President Obama.
interesting how this newspaper keeps deleting my comment here. Why is that so? If it was my link I will try it again without the link.
Does Rev. Owens have a valid faith based position? Yes
Is he discriminatory? No
This is a question of faith and belief in ones religious teachings.
Obama has been making some very calculated moves over the last year or so. If he was soo interested in gay marriage rights…oops, he wasn't until election time. Time to cater to that subsection of population. How about Hispanics, same old hat trick…he never pushed for reforms until now…so lets just not enforce the law. Obama expects the Black vote, Hispanic vote, women vote, and gay vote. His website caters to all these groups. Let me ask just one question that needs answering….If he wants equality and a voice for all, why is it that he never created a support group called "white americans for Obama" or "white african americans for Obama"?
Sheila, no disrespect, liars interpret, the ( bible) stands alone. A man with principles
will say the truth despite popular opinion. I can't imagine what's on the president shoulders, but he has forced me to do a " write in". with this one key issue, Romney is not an even a consideration.
Sheila, no disrespect, liars interpret, the ( bible) stands alone. A man with principles
will say the truth despite popular opinion. I can't imagine what's on the president shoulders, but he has forced me to do a " write in". with this one key issue, Romney is not an even a consideration.
Valerie , you know what people don't realize the importance of the events surrounding Israel and all the stuff popping off in Syria,Iran, it gives people comfort
to think they are in control of there destiny, when we control nothing. My momma used to make us read scripture together every night, and when you are young you think you know everything. Then, it seemed like silliness, I was barely paying attention, but those seed were being planted and now that I'm older, All I can say is wow, it is true.
Valerie , you know what people don't realize the importance of the events surrounding Israel and all the stuff popping off in Syria,Iran, it gives people comfort
to think they are in control of there destiny, when we control nothing. My momma used to make us read scripture together every night, and when you are young you think you know everything. Then, it seemed like silliness, I was barely paying attention, but those seed were being planted and now that I'm older, All I can say is wow, it is true.
Thank you Alvin. The truth will prevail. All of those on this post who will vote against President Obama are playing right into the hands of Mitt Romney and the far right Christian Tea Partiers. Obama has NOT gone against Christianity – he lives his faith. Unlike those who spend their time quoting scriptures and casting stones. President Obama wants to see all treated equally – this is the embodiment of the teachings of Jesus. Those in the community against his policy should take a good look at the reasons Pastor Owens and the "brethren" in his organization are preaching this division.
Thank you Alvin. The truth will prevail. All of those on this post who will vote against President Obama are playing right into the hands of Mitt Romney and the far right Christian Tea Partiers. Obama has NOT gone against Christianity – he lives his faith. Unlike those who spend their time quoting scriptures and casting stones. President Obama wants to see all treated equally – this is the embodiment of the teachings of Jesus. Those in the community against his policy should take a good look at the reasons Pastor Owens and the "brethren" in his organization are preaching this division.
Valerie: I know what I know to be truth. I am a believer. I do not believe that President Obama has ANY AntiChrist policies. Thats not who he is at all. I know that God is a loving God, I know that only he will judge – No one else – nor does anyone else have the right. We all have our own beliefs and I respect yours. I simply do not agree with your assessment. God Bless.
And as a Christian, I expect you to defend ur religion, which is cool with me…and muslims been here since the beginning of America when they were brought over by slaves…and as far as looking at Youtube vids, that should not done be done, if I listen to what you also say as far as not listening to other ppl, and doing research…so thats hypocritical. My ancestors were persecuted and brought into slavery to America, with the bible in mind…so what I don know for a fact is that…that all the religious books in some way fashion or form have ppl discriminating, thus also hating one another…And i'm pretty sure that there are some muslim brotherhood here….there are christians over there…and I'm a vet, so I also know the shitty stuff WE, Americans have done….so both religious sides have done some disgusting things to each other…but both always point fingers and try to act like their innocent.
Valerie: theism is based on faith…because there is no proof in a real sense. Thats why there are atheists (non believers) and agnostics (neither believe nor disbelieve – simply question). Then God gives us the power of determination. The ability to make our own decisions based on our beliefs, our values, our experiences, our learning, our reasoning. I have no blind obedience to the Bible – it offers stories about things that happened during the time that our Lord lived and provides some guidance when we seek it. I do tho' have a faith in God. So quoting me scripture to back up your belief or suggesting I go to the Bible to see that you are right isn't the best approach to convincing anyone of anything. Because our faith, our belief in God is unshakeable and each of us worships and lives that faith in our own way, based on a set of principles and values – and laws. So again while I respect your choice to interpret the bible in your own way, I will live my faith in my way based on all that I have learned over my 65+ years and adhere to the Golden Rule to treat others as I want to be treated. I believe this is what God wants of me and so I need nothing else. I answer to no Man nor Woman about that decision. Best to you in your quest.
April Martin-Reed
I hope that you will continue in the study of the Word as your mother taught you.
Thank God for Mothers!
Here are some Bible Prophecy Scriptures that will help you get started:
Matthew 24, Luke 21, I & II Thess, Many of the parables in Matthew such as the wheat and the tares, [Matt. 13], the Ten Virgins [Matt. 25], The Book of Revelation, The Book of Daniel, Zech. Joel, Ezekiel 38-39, [WWIII], the list is endless. Happy Studying!
Yours in Christ,
Valerie
the sad thing is that people are idolizing this preacher. Isn't that a sin too? So, their vote for a different candidate is merely based on a single statement and not looking and the interest of America as a whole? Shallow indeed! smh.
Mr. Owens, I refuse to let you destroy my family's life by helping a person who does not have the middle class, poor or minorities best interest! This issue is the LEAST CONCERN FOR THE POOR! GOD gives FREE WILL for people to make their own choices. God also says the GREATEST of them all is, Love thy neighbor as Christ has loved you. President Obama is not gay nor did he say that he agrees with you being gay, He said ALL people should have the same rights! to lie is sin, having babies out of wedlock is sin, Adultery is sin, stealing is sin, divorce in some cases is sin, not keeping the sabbath day holy is sin, do atheist have rights? so should President Obama choose which sinner gets what? sinners pay taxes too. Don't try and use Chick-fil-A. They are Christians and they show it by keeping the sabbath day holy and saying they are against gay marriage but they didn't say gays cannot eat there. You are Just what Vivanne Townes said shame on you Pharisees! one last thing:"Be careful not to do your acts of Righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven.
Maranda Younger there we go again taking the context of the bible to fit what you want it too. Why are you and this so called pastor making this sin stand out over all sins? God said the greatest of all things is LOVE. President Obama NEVER said he believes that being gay is not a sin. Everyone is not a Christian or reads the Holy Bible, he cannot try and figure out who believe in what faith, he is just trying to give you your earthly rights YOU need to get your heavenly rights on your own watch. There are a lot of things that are legal such as abortion has been for a very long time, now if you are carrying out God's will you yourself will not have an abortion! and if I was a Christian doctor I would not preform one!!worry about storing up your own timber in heaven you can't store up anyone elses
What a hypocrite!!
Valerie just like I told another person I will tell you:here we go again taking the context of the bible to fit what you want it too. Why are you and this so called pastor making this sin stand out over all sins? God said the greatest of all things is LOVE. President Obama NEVER said he believes that being gay is not a sin. Everyone is not a Christian or reads the Holy Bible, he cannot try and figure out who believe in what faith, he is just trying to give you your earthly rights YOU need to get your heavenly rights on your own watch. There are a lot of things that are legal such as abortion has been for a very long time, now if you are carrying out God's will you yourself will not have an abortion! and if I was a Christian doctor I would not preform one!!worry about storing up your own timber in heaven you can't store up anyone elses
Valerie just like I told another person I will tell you:here we go again taking the context of the bible to fit what you want it too. Why are you and this so called pastor making this sin stand out over all sins? God said the greatest of all things is LOVE. President Obama NEVER said he believes that being gay is not a sin. Everyone is not a Christian or reads the Holy Bible, he cannot try and figure out who believe in what faith, he is just trying to give you your earthly rights YOU need to get your heavenly rights on your own watch. There are a lot of things that are legal such as abortion has been for a very long time, now if you are carrying out God's will you yourself will not have an abortion! and if I was a Christian doctor I would not preform one!!worry about storing up your own timber in heaven you can't store up anyone elses
Valerie IF GOD does not MAKE people believe what makes you think you can! FREE WILL that's what God gives and stop :Mason family and a lot of other cults killed in the name of Jesus Christ that does not make them right either. Don't quote the bible …live it !
Lori, no disrespect, I understand your loyalty, but if something goes against my instinct, I have to go with my conscious. Gay marriage is placing Attraction, that has never created a member of society as an equal of marriage the institution that is the best way, to produce members of society. Marriage sets an accountability for the sexuality that creates life. Gay marriage underminds the importance of biological bonds. 85 % of the prison population is from single parent homes(mostly no fathers) the black community is plagued with absent fathers from the homes, also 1 out 15 black men is incarcerated in their life time compared to 1 out 106 white men. Marriage needs to be promoted between Black families, not 2 people who's attraction will never give us life. If the president over looked this fundamental wisdom, don't make excuses for him, call him what he is on this issue……wrong. It's good to support the president, but he has a bigger duty to support what is best for the country, and gay marriage will hurt more than it will help. How can you expect to get to heaven, if you are only concerned with your own salvation? Love, is made up of many intricacies, and correction, is love. Not because you want to control someone, but because you don't want harm to come among them. What did Jesus tell us to do? He told us to go out to the world and preach the gospel. He said the well is not who needs a physician, but the sick. You do what is right by God, and he will bless on the this Earth as well, as in heaven. Obama has made me sad because I rooted for him, I campaigned for him, I drove people to the booths, telling them them why it was important to vote for him, but I can't support him this time around, and Romney is not an option, so I will write Ron Paul in. Even though, I know he won't win, I can sleep at night knowing I didn't back evil #1 or evil #2.
How is she a Hypocrit. She is standing true to her beliefs. You are the one who is wanting to hold a sexuality responsible for the AIDS epidemic in this country, the one that is plaguing black women, due to black men having gay sex in prison and giving it to black women when the get out, and you are too Obama struck, to realize this is a direct result of wedlock prevalent in black communities. If you ignore consequences of behavioral actions, than my girl don't blame the white man or Romney for your oppression. Point that finger where it belongs, at your self.
Has nothing to do with following man stop picking and choosing what you want when the president does something that directly benefits you then he alright. The battle is not mine it's God's it is not my right to pick what part of the bible the President chooses to abide by. I know one thing he is an adult and I didn't hear all these so called Christians saying anything about the morals of the President who legalized abortion or porn or anything else that's a sin worry about your own salvation ps when a child is raped and murdered and the death sentence is given I don't hear love or forgiveness or maybe u do cause its not your child