CBS, NBC Refuse to Air Church's Ad

[SuzeQuze]

From: http://blog.radioleft.com/blog/_arch.../1/194220.html

Franken was just talking about this this afternoon too.

CBS, NBC refuse to air church's television advertisement
by Geoff at 01:34AM (CST) on December 1, 2004 *|* Permanent Link
United Church of Christ ad highlighting Jesus' extravagant welcome called 'too controversial'

For immediate release
Nov. 30, 2004

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 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."

Apparently, NBC has rejected the spot for similar reasons.

"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?"

[dissention]

How obscene.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by dissention

How obscene.

Five words: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Ugh.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Five words: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Ugh.

I'm against all religion, but if any church like this one wants to promote itself, I say let them do so. I'd be willing to let my disdain for organized religion pass me by if this church does practice what it appears to be about. Not a bad church to belong to, if I do say so myself.

[sodascouts]

Is this for real?!

[ontheEdgeof17]

BULL ****!


"Hey guys, our church accepts everyone."

"Heaven Forbid! Be gone with your church."

[Johnny Stew]

I actually saw the commercial on Nick@Nite during 'Wings'... I think it must have been Wednesday morning.
I have to admit it caught my eye because the first thing they showed was two men holding hands. Since that's not something you see on TV too often (or ever), I took notice.
I was REALLY impressed by it... it was pretty powerful.

Of course, it doesn't surprise me that some stations would refuse to air it. We can see all the images we want of hate, prejudice, intolerance, war, violence... you name it... but a commercial promoting a religion that accepts EVERYONE is deemed too hot to handle.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by dissention

I'm against all religion, but if any church like this one wants to promote itself, I say let them do so. I'd be willing to let my disdain for organized religion pass me by if this church does practice what it appears to be about. Not a bad church to belong to, if I do say so myself.

My only problem with organized religion is, and always has been, the hypocrisy.

But an all-inclusive church which doesn't teach the "it's our way or the highway" thing, has my vote.

[wondergirl9847]

All churches should be open and welcoming to everyone, no matter who you are.

[GypsySorcerer]

My best friend's sister attends a UCC church; they're very accepting and open. As Christy said, all churches should be that way.

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Five words: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE! Ugh.

What are you saying is a violation of separation of church and state? The church wanting to show the commercial or stations refusing to show the commercial?

Hillary

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by GateandGarden

What are you saying is a violation of separation of church and state? The church wanting to show the commercial or stations refusing to show the commercial?

Hillary

The stations refused to air it because of the recent gay marriage ban proposals by the government, because of those the commercial would be "too controversial". So they are refusing to air a religious commercial because of what the state has dictated. It is scary.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by sodascouts

Is this for real?!

Unfortunately it is for real. Franken was interviewing one of the church's leaders yesterday on AAR. He also saw nothing "offensive" in this ad.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by wondergirl9847

All churches should be open and welcoming to everyone, no matter who you are.

the ones here in my area are only opening to those who have the cash

In OKC an open church would be a possibility, But in Tulsa (aka A-slut) no chance...The relig-funda-tards wouldn't want to lose cash, Oops, I meant paritioners to a United OPEN-MINDED church...They hate the competition ya know (For the money that is)

Brian j.

[GateandGarden]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

The stations refused to air it because of the recent gay marriage ban proposals by the government, because of those the commercial would be "too controversial". So they are refusing to air a religious commercial because of what the state has dictated. It is scary.

Now I see what you're saying.

Hillary