UCC Church commercial deemed "too controversial" to be aired by networks?!

[mzmolly]

The CBS and NBC television networks are refusing to run the UCC's
30-second television ad because its all-inclusive welcome has been deemed
"too controversial." The ad, part of the denomination's new broad
identity campaign, began airing nationwide Dec. 1 and includes the message
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 UCC 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 individuals and organizations," reads the
explanation from CBS, "and the fact that the Executive Branch has recently
proposed a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union
between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable to broadcast on the
networks." Similarly, a rejection by NBC declared the spot
"too controversial." The ad has been accepted and will air on a number
of networks, including ABC Family, AMC, BET, Discovery, Fox, Hallmark,
History, Nick at Nite, TBS, TNT, Travel and TV Land, among others.

The Rev. John Thomas, UCC general minister and president, remarked, "It
is ironic that after a political season awash in commercials based on
fear and deception by both parties seen on all major networks, an ad
with a message of welcome and inclusion would be deemed too controversial.
We find it disturbing that the networks in questions seem to have no
problem exploiting gay persons through mindless comedies or titillating
dramas, but when it comes to the church's loving welcome of committed
gay couples, that's where they draw the line."

To send a fax to the NBC and CBS executives, click
http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=2416001&l=69333

Also, check your local phone listings to contact the station managers
of your local CBS and NBC affiliates and express your disappointment
about the decision not to air the UCC ad. UCC members and congregations
are also encouraged to conduct local press conferences to draw attention
to the networks' refusal to air the advertisement.

To view the UCC press release on the CBS and NBC decision, and send a message to NBC and CBS click here:

http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=2416001&l=69334 :eyes:

[natrat]

1. i feel depressed ,oppressed repressed by shrubco

and I'm just a run of the mill hetero male. I shouldn't complain; if I were gay i would "feel" as though i had a real problem. Unreal-an organization opening it's arms to people and it's deemed too controversial. This is one creepy country

[Kat45]

2. My (UCC) church is tapping in to the ad campaign.

We have a banner up that says, "Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. God is still speaking."

I saw the ads at a UCC workshop on the campaign and they are quite good. The church is trying to reach folks who might feel spiritual needs, but reject church because of the kinds of things preached by the fundies. I don't think anyone anticipated this kind of refusal to air the ads. Maybe if this rejection gets publicized, our church can get even more press and get even more bang for the buck for our ads. (This is not one of those churches with a lot of money.)

[mzmolly]

3. Excellent point about the publicity. I know I don't generally feel

welcome in Church, but the UCC in my area seemed very inviting. Just "average" people gathering. It lacked the hypocritical feel many Churches tend to have.

:hi:

[Kat45]

5. Exactly. I've met some of the nicest people in my church.

And the pastor often talks about social justice in his sermons. :hi:

[mzmolly]

7. I agree. The Pastor prayed for "economic justice and equality"

at the Church is visited, among other things that were important. It felt true to what "Christianity" is supposed to represent.

[Joy Anne]

4. "more bang for the buck"

I've been writing to various CBS and NBC people to tell them I'm sorry I have to boycott their shows. Maybe Olbermann will talk about it.

[Kat45]

6. Great! Glad to hear that.

Maybe this thing with the networks is a blessing in disguise.

[DianeG5385]

8. I think they might be afraid if they air the "liberal" commercial

they may have to air all the right wing christian ads ad nauseum. I think that would be worse, I guess....It would be nice to see a nice ad though...after all we have to put up with scientology and latter days saints ads...