The opposition to Montgomery County's sex education curriculum, and the promotion of abstinence education and similar programs, is often -- correctly -- attributed to Christian groups. A lot of the organizing, for instance, is done in the churches. But it is important to note that these are only particular religious groups, particular churches. It is entirely possible to have faith in God, to adhere to Christian Scripture, and to take a nonjudgmental attitude toward people who are unlike yourself. In fact, the gospels quote Jesus many times saying that we should "judge not lest ye be judged," "let he who is without sin cast the first stone," and similar things, and not once saying anything about homosexuality. One could conclude that the churches who teach that homosexuality is an abomination are the ones who have deviated from Jesus' words.

The United Church of Christ welcomes everyone to its services, and wanted to advertise the fact. They put together a television ad that showed a gay couple, a Latina woman, and some poor people being invited into the church.

But the networks are afraid to show it:

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."

Similarly, a rejection by NBC declared the spot "too controversial." CBS, NBC refuse to air church's television advertisement

So, if it seems that Christians are full of hatred toward gays, it just might be because you're only allowed to hear one side of the story.

Today UCC announced they are filing a petition with the FCC:

The United Church of Christ today (Dec. 9) is filing two petitions with the Federal Communications Commission, asking that two network owned-and-operated television stations in Miami be denied license renewals for failing to provide viewers "suitable access" to a full array of "social, political, esthetic, moral and other ideas and experiences."

WFOR-TV (a CBS station) and WJVT-TV (an NBC station) -- whose operating licenses are currently up for FCC review -- are being challenged because "there is substantial and material question" as to whether the stations' parent companies, Viacom, Inc., and the General Electric Company, have operated the stations in the public interest, the petitions state.

The action stems from a much-publicized decision by both networks to deny an advertisement that makes clear the church's welcome of diverse, even marginalized, segments of the population. CBS and NBC have said the all-inclusive ads are "controversial" and, therefore, amount to "issue advocacy," something the networks have said they do not allow.
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"Who would have guessed that it would one day be our voice that was silenced?" Chase said. "When CBS and NBC refused to air our commercial because they considered it 'too controversial,' we found ourselves in the very position as other groups for whom we have historically been advocates."

Gloria Tristani, OC Inc.'s managing director and a former FCC commissioner (1997-2001), said, "NBC and CBS and their stations must be accountable to the communities they are licensed to serve. How can it be in the public interest for television stations to exclude a church's message of inclusion?" United Church of Christ files petition with FCC over networks' refusal of church advertisement

Whoever controls the information available to people also controls the decisions those people will make. You might have thought that the Christian church uniformly believes that homosexuality is an abomination, that gay people will rot in hell -- as you can read at the Baptist web site God Hates Fags.

Turns out some Christians believe in forgiveness, in understanding, some believe that God loves everyone. But you won't be seeing their message on TV, no ... that's too controversial.