Ky. Billboard Condemning Homosexuality, Abortion Goes Missing

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Friday, June 01, 2012

A controversial billboard posted by a Kentucky church that denounces homosexuality and abortion has gone missing about a week after it was put on display.

Bluegrass Church of Christ of Georgetown paid $8,000 for a sign in the city of Lexington that read "Homosexuality is an Abomination" and "Abortion is Murder," with Bible verses cited.

Daniel Moody, pastor of Bluegrass, told The Christian Post that the billboard was posted last Friday and that around Wednesday while preparing for an interview with local media he discovered the sign to be missing.

Moody explained that he and his church opted to post the sign for "the same reason God said 'Thou shall not steal,' Thou shall not kill,' 'Thou shall not lie.'"

"For our country and for ourselves, not to head in a wicked direction … we are responsible to one another," said Moody. "We have an obligation to warn one another because God just told us to [in the Bible]."

The billboard received controversy not long after being posted, with some Lexington residents protesting the sign through formal channels.

In an interview with local media, Joe Groves explained to LEX 18 News that the sign "ticked me off" and made him feel "uncomfortable."

"I'm not gonna stop until it's down," said Groves to LEX 18 News, having called the local Human Rights Commission and the mayor's office.

The Kentucky Equality Federation, a pro-gay organization, called the sign "a grandstanding attempt by a local church to divide Lexington's community and to provide moral cover for discrimination."

"Lexington drivers have been subjected to an offensive and divisive message. Bluegrass Church of Christ posted a billboard condemning the LGBTI community and abortion using Old Testament references," said the federation in a statement.

Moody explained that not long after the billboard was posted, "there had been a lot of calls about it," including ones from people complimenting the sign.

This is not the first time Bluegrass has posted a billboard. Signs of a similar nature have been placed in Lexington, Kt., before by the church.

"Yes, we have posted billboards before, about taking God's Name in vain, abortion, and homosexuality," said Moody.

"We received some nasty calls, we have received some good calls. Some good calls were even from homosexuals. We have had more than one of the homosexuals say 'I didn't know that was in the Bible. I am glad you opened my eyes.'"

Benjamin Monroe of White Sulphur Baptist Church in Georgetown, Ky., told CP that while he agreed with the message of the billboard, he questioned its effectiveness.

"I saw the billboard and agree with it although I don't know how effective it is in a beneficial way," said Monroe.

"I think messages like this both promote and hinder the Gospel. I think a bold billboard forces a message without the opportunity for compassion or discussion. I think relationship is critical to advancing the Gospel."

Regarding the criticism he and his church have gotten since the billboard was posted, Moody said that critics should not talk to him about their issues with the missing billboard's message.

"I would say they should go to God about that, because when I quote the Scripture I am only quoting God," said Moody.