Posted by
Billy on Thursday, December 11, 2008 11:26:42 PM
An outspoken and polarizing voice in conservative Christian politics resigned effective Thursday from the National Association of Evangelicals after a radio interview in which he voiced support for same-sex civil unions and said he is "shifting" on gay marriage.
The Rev. Richard Cizik's comments _ made on a Dec. 2 "Fresh Air" broadcast on National Public Radio _ triggered an uproar that led to his stepping down as NAE vice president of governmental affairs.
The Rev. Leith Anderson, a Minneapolis-area pastor who serves as NAE president, said Thursday the group is not backing away from its environmental stances. Cizik's resignation was necessary, he said, because some of his answers in the radio interview did not reflect NAE values and convictions.
Anderson said a "combination of things" Cizik said in the interview led to his downfall, including this comment on gay marriage: "I'm shifting, I have to admit. In other words, I would willingly say I believe in civil unions. I don't officially support redefining marriage from its traditional definition, I don't think."
Coming off the passage last month of amendments barring gay marriage in three states, some evangelicals took that as a slap in the face, said David Neff, editor of Christianity Today magazine and a member of the NAE executive committee.
(It is good that this man was forced to step down. The NAE is run and supported by those who follow the Bible. The Bible says the gay life is sinful. There are a number of issues that followers of Christ may not agree on such as taxes, capital punishment, etc. However same sex marriage is not an issue where there is room for those who believe the Bible is God's word to disagree. Read more on this story Top evangelical resigns after backing gay unions.)
