Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 22:35:20 -0500 From: ac245@osfn.rhilinet.gov (Tina M. Wood) Subject: The CBN Response To PFLAG TV Commercials News Release Public Relations Division, The Christian Broadcasting Network IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 13 1995 CONTACT: GENE KAPP (804) 579-2450 The television commercials produced by PFLAG grossly distort and misrepresent the views of religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, and injure both the reputation of Mr. Robertson and this ministry. The video and audio clips used are taken out of context in an effort to falsely imply a linkage between Mr. Robertson and gay bashing and teen suicide. For example, the PFLAG television spot entitled "Bashing" distorts the true meaning of Mr. Robertson's remarks taken form a January 21, 1993 broadcast of "The 700 Club." On that broadcast and in response to a report that a Christian group in San Francisco was under attack by militant homosexuals, Mr. Robertson commented that many people associated with Adolph (sic) Hitler were Satanists and homosexuals. In that same broadcast--just seconds later-- Mr. Robertson reached out with love and compassion to the homosexual community with these words: "What we want to do is love them...and bring them into the kingdom." However, PFLAG chose to ignore that comment. Further, Mr. Robertson is an outspoken critic of violence and has repeatedly condemned violence against all groups -- including the violence aimed at the homosexual community. On March 28, 1995, Mr. Robertson told his national television audience on "The 700 Club:" " We abhor violence against homosexuals. We would counsel strongly in relation to homosexuality that you could hold your religious beliefs without beating people up and being violent." And, in January 1995, Mr. Robertson offered this advice to a parent whose child is a homosexual: "You love the person...but you never give up your standards. Grant love. Grant mercy. Don't be condemning, and try by prayer and by the administration of the Word to show that one the way of truth." These are the words of a religious leader whose lifelong ministry is built on the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, not fear and hate. These attack commercials produced by PFLAG are under review by the legal department of the Christian Broadcasting Network and its outside legal counsel. -END- 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463-0001 (804) 579-7000 -- ______ Tina M. Wood ac245@osfn.rhilinet.gov \ / Cumberland, Rhode Island twood@qrd.org \ / Homepage: http://drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu/~maire/home.html \/ Queer Resources Directory: http://www.qrd.org/QRD/