C-Street mega-church pastor need to come clean

From American Atheists, Inc., and this is urgent!

For more information, please contact:
Ed Buckner, President (770) 803-5353

C-Street “Christian Mafia,” Mega-Church Pastor need to “come clean” on backing for Uganda death penalty for gays proposal

An Atheist public policy group today called up lawmakers linked to the Christian group supporting a Uganda death penalty for gays proposal, and a mega-church pastor who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration to speak out about the controversial proposal.

Lawmakers in Uganda — where homosexuality is already punishable — have crafted legislation that would stiffen penalties and include even the sentence of death. The measure has been proposed by an official linked to the international Christian group that operates the notorious house on C-Street in Washington, D.C. which is a spiritual retreat and residence for key religious-right members of Congress. Journalist Jeff Sharlet exposed the group in his best-selling book “The Family.”

Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, has encouraged an official government probe into the activities of the C-Street politicians, dubbed “the Christian Mafia.”

“We need to hear where these officials stand on this outrageous legislation, and whether they intend to continue their close personal and political involvement with the Christian organization behind the C-Street residence,” said Buckner.

Buckner also called upon Rick Warren, the mega-church pastor who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration. Warren, who has a record of anti-gay statements, has been trying to alter his public image and be seen as a more tolerant and moderate preacher.

“So far, [Warren] has backed off about making any definitive statement on the Uganda death penalty plan,” said Buckner.

Dave Silverman, Communications Director and Vice President for American Atheists, suggested that the C-Street politicians — a list which includes Reps. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn.; Bart Stupak, D-Mich.; Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; Mike Doyle, D-Pa.; and Sens. John Ensign, R-Nev. and Sam Brownback, R-Kan. — need to clarify where they stand on the proposed Uganda legislation, and how this might affect their votes on gay rights legislation for Americans.

“If ‘The Family’ continues to support this strident anti-gay agenda, these American lawmakers — who took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States — should consider resigning, and speak out against this kind of bigoted sentiment,” said Mr. Silverman.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.