[Dialogue] UCC ad too inclusive

[LAURELCG@aol.com]

Forwarded by Jann McGuire.

CBS, NBC refuse to air church's television advertisement

  United Church of Christ ad highlighting Jesus' extravagant welcome
  called 'too controversial'

  CLEVELAND -- The CBS and NBC television networks are refusing to run
  a 30-second television ad from the United Church of Christ because
  its all-inclusive welcome has been deemed "too controversial."

  The ad, part of the denomination's new, broad identity campaign set
  to begin airing nationwide on Dec. 1, states that -- like Jesus --
  the United Church of Christ (UCC) seeks to welcome all people,
  regardless of ability, age, race, economic circumstance or sexual
  orientation.

  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."

  Similarly, a rejection by NBC declared the spot "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," says the Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC's
general minister and
  president. "What's going on here?"



If anyone wants to take action on the UCC ad issue, you can do so at:
www.ucctakeaction.org.

The Rev. Loey (Lois) M. Powell
Minister and Team Leader
Human Rights, Justice for Women and Transformation Ministry Team
Justice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland OH  44115-1100
216-736-3715  * Toll free: 866-822-8224 x3715  * 216-736-3703 (fax)
Web:  www.ucc.org/justice    www.uccTakeAction.org

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