Gay Marriage Debate Prompts Church Group to Order Security for President

By Nicola Menzie, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, September 05, 2012

The National Black Church Initiative has announced the organization of security for its president, the Rev. Anthony Evans, in light of the shooting at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. last month, and to protect its leader from possibly being "harmed by the forces of evil that support same-sex marriage."

Revealing the decision of its board, the NBCI said in a recent statement: "The shooting underscores the violence that has plagued the same-sex marriage debate. The security measures are necessary to protect Rev. Evans and the NBCI stance for Christ and against same-sex marriage."

The NBCI, a national coalition of 34,000 African-American churches involving 15 denominations, claims to represent 15.7 million black Americans. Evans, who previously spoke with The Christian Post about the NBCI's efforts to defeat same-sex marriage in Maryland, has also been rallying voters to "defeat any candidate who supports same-sex marriage."

The NBCI believes Evans' efforts to uphold traditional marriage may inadvertently put his life in danger due to the heated national debate on same-sex marriage, a platform adopted by the Democratic National Convention after President Barack Obama's outspoken agreement with redefining "marriage."

"Rev. Evans is a brave Christian clergy who stands on the Word of God, and we would hate for him to be harmed by the forces of evil that support same-sex marriage. We do, however, commend leaders of the gay community who have denounced the shooting of the staff member at the Family Research Council," said Debra Coley-Bagley, chair of NBCI's Board of Directors.

The shooting at the Family Research Council on Aug. 15 was allegedly carried out by Floyd Lee Corkins II, a regular volunteer for the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Corkins, who is accused of entering the Family Research Council building and shooting a security guard before being tackled, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime and interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition.

Apparently Corkins found the Family Research Council's conservative Christian stance on marriage and opposition to homosexuality offensive. His parents told investigators he "has strong opinions with respect to those he believes do not treat homosexuals in a fair manner," according to ABC News. Many members of the gay and lesbian community denounced his actions, with the DC Center for LGBT Community expressing shock over the "tragic act of violence."

The Washington Post reports that those campaigning for and against same-sex marriage are expected to step up their efforts as November draws nearer. The Marylanders for Marriage Equality has organized a star-studded fundraiser in NYC this month, while for the first time in its history, the Democratic National Convention has adopted same-sex marriage as part of its platform to have President Obama re-elected.