Starbucks CEO cancels church speech

[rug]

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz cancelled an appearance at one of the most prominent megachurches in the country after an online petition condemned the congregation as anti-gay — a charge the church denies.

Schultz had been scheduled to speak Friday at The Global Leadership Summit organized by the Willow Creek Association, based in South Barrington, Ill. The annual event draws tens of thousands of viewers via satellite. Past speakers have included former President Bill Clinton, GE's Jack Welch and rock singer Bono.

A Starbucks spokeswoman confirmed Schultz would not speak as scheduled, but she declined to say more.

However, at the start of the event Thursday, the pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, Bill Hybels, said Schultz had cancelled suddenly after a petition was posted on the Internet a week ago that said his participation would be unacceptable.

http://news.yahoo.com/starbucks-ceo-cancels-church-speech-230334929.html

[tblue]

1. We should thank Starbucks then!

We have to have the back of anyone who does the right thing, imho.

[Lezzie]

2. So online petitions really work?

Now I'm glad I sign them whenever possible.

[WhiteTara]

3. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Lezzie]

4. Thank you

[kysrsoze]

5. Screw those Willow Creekers. I was moonlighting nearby with a bunch of their cult members...

They were the biggest bunch of snotty-assed, non-inclusive cliquey little shits. Instead of spreading the word, they liked to talk all about how wonderful it was over their breath to each other so everyone could hear, but with the exceptoin of one of them, they didn't associate with all of us supposed pagans. No small talk. No nothing. Add to that the fact that they were just plain weird.

So did the CEO only choose not to go, due to bad publicity? Would it have been OK for Howard, otherwise? I hope not. Would rather go elsewhere than Starbucks anyway.