UCC ad: Church/State and so forth

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Hi,

Just so I don't plug up the over the fence chat thread, I'm posting over here. I'm not trying to be a proslytzer (or however that's spelled) but I do think there's something scary going on out there when teevee execs are in bed with the White House! Sayonara freedom of the press! (yeah, same as it ever was....same as it ever was).

Here's an excerpt (from UCC.org but it's all over print press too)This is regarding how my church was rejected by CBS and NBC:

"In focus groups and test market research conducted before the campaign's national rollout, the UCC found that many people throughout the country feel alienated by churches. The television ad is geared toward those persons who, for whatever reason, have not felt welcomed or comfortable in a church.

But, according to a written explanation from CBS, the United Church of Christ is being denied network access because its ad implies acceptance of gay and lesbian couples, among other minority constituencies, and is, therefore, too "controversial."

"Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups by other individuals and organizations," reads an explanation from CBS, "and the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] networks."

NBC stated simply the ad is "too controversial."

"It's ironic that after a political season awash in commercials based on fear and deception by both parties seen on all the major networks, an ad with a message of welcome and inclusion would be deemed too controversial," the Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC's general minister and president, has said. "What's going on here?"

Indeed!! What's going on here?????

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004

Answers

Oh, and while I'm at it:

"The UCC's rich historical tradition includes launching the first attempt at congregational democracy (1630); leading the movement to abolish slavery (1700) and the spiritual revival known as the Great Awakening (1730); staging the nation's first act of civil disobedience that inspired the "Boston Tea Party" (1773) and hiding the Liberty Bell when the British occupied Philadelphia (1777); being the first mainline denomination to ordain an African-American pastor (1785); forming the United States' first foreign missionary society (1810); coming to the aid of the illegally-enslaved Amistad captives (1839), an event that led to the U.S. Supreme Court's first civil rights ruling; being first to ordain a woman (1853); being first to ordain an openly gay man (1972); and coining the term environmental justice (1987)."

OK I'm done posting for a while!

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004


It is indeed scary stuff, sheepish. Apparently the networks are now officially and admittedy an arm of the government. Sig Heil!

Our local paper in reporting this story, headlined it by describing the ad a "gay ad," which is stupid, dishonest, and annoying as hell. One woud think the UCC wassponsoring an episode of Queer as Folk or something what with all the BS bantering about. The ad is so innocuous, you'd have to be a raving bigot to find it offensive or even controversial in any way.

Apparently it is ok to call yourself a Christian nowadays, as long as you make certain you do NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM behave like Jesus Christ.

Maybe some good will come of this, in that so much publicity is being generated that it will not go unnoticed by much of anyone, and that churches like yours will soon fill their pews to overflowing with those who live the true message of Christ, not to mention who have a brain and understand the Bible for the guidebook that it is.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004


Well, I'd threaten to boycott NBC and CBS, but since I already boycott TV, I don't think it would have much impact. These freaking people annoy me. Too controversial. Wimps. Like the old networks aren't dead in the water anyway. Heck, this may have brought them in some viewers, one never knows. Sheesh.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004

So does that mean they're going to stop broadcasting shows like "Will and Grace"? It seems that the networks have no problem with stereotypic homosexuality, but trying to portray homosexuals as just plain old folks is too controversial.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2004

Exactly, Sherri. I agree....I never could stand that Will and Grace thing. It's sad, so many in the 'gay community' whatever that is, slobbered all over themselves when that thing first came on, they were so hungry to see themselves represented at all. That show set us back decades, as far as I'm concerned. Like a gay "amos and andy." No wonder it's so popular! I read just recently that its biggest market share is young republican women.

In case anyone hasn't seen the UCC ad, here's a link:

UCC AD

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2004



Earthmama, thank you for posting. I thought about posting it, but thought I might be getting a little evangelical about it. I'm glad you did!

Sounds like we are getting some good publicity now too. Thanks again.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2004


Hi, guys,

Hey, sheepish, that's a way-cool add for your church!

I haven't been a church goer for the last 45 years or so, but the UCC sounds pretty interesting. Bravo for the openmindedness!

Thanks for posting the ad, EM; I don't see what's so controversial about it, frankly.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 2004


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