The Twitter-verse was set ablaze yesterday as Chick-Fil-A anounced a redistribution of its charitable donations beginning next year. Conservative Christian leaders immediately took to social media to denounce the restaurant chain as cowards, compromisers, and cavers.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote via twitter: In August 2012, I coordinated a national Chick-Fil-A appreciation dayafter they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today Chick-Fil-A betrayed loyal customers for money. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder Truett Cathy. Sad.
Rob Dreher tweeted out this gem: Shame, shame on you, @ChickfilA. You are the 3rd most successful fast food franchise in the US. You had no reason to capitulate. But you did. Yes, shame on the progressive bullies too — yet the greater shame is yours, Chick-fil-A, you cowards.
Several other Christian leaders heaped burning coals of shame upon the head of Chick-Fil-A. The report being referenced is an article from the dailywire, detailing an interview with Biznow in which Chick-Fil-A President and Chief Operating Officer, Tim, Tassapoulos, said, “As we move into new markets, we need to be clear about who we are.” That statement, among others, was enough for these and other influential Christian leaders to jettison Chick-Fil-A to the dustbin of capitulators with the LGBT agenda and other liberal bullies.
There are a few ironies in this situation. First, the very same Christian leaders who jumped to criticize Chick-Fil-A and its leadership based on a mainstream media report are the very same leaders who decry all mainstream news as “fake news.” When are we supposed to believe the mainstream media? The article in question makes broad assumptions about the intentions of Chick-Fil-A, and leads with a headline and opening sentence that highlights only a small part of the restructuring of Chick-Fil-A’s charitable giving.
I read through the 2018 charitable giving report, published by Chick-Fil-A on their foundation website. While the report does not give specific numbers, I’m assuming the amount given to FCA and The Salvation Army were but a small percentage of their total charitable gifts. The truth is that Chick-Fil-A has always invested heavily in their communities. They are just increasing that investment.
The second irony? These influential Christian leaders tell their followers to gather all the facts and not jump to conclusions. Do they not follow their own advice? A five minute read of the official statement from the Chick-Fil-A foundation would reveal no mention of the LGBT movement or its allies. The official statement would also shows none of the false motives attributed to the Chick-Fil-A foundation by a mainstream press, all too eager to claim a victory in the culture wars.
Finally, we hear our Christian leaders encouraging us to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when it comes to certain political figures. “Look past his character flaws. Look at his policies. Give him the benefit of the doubt.” Does Chick-Fil-A not deserve the benefit of the doubt? They’ve been operating with the same values and principles for 73 years. Does that history not afford them some grace?
I’ll be taking Chick-Fil-A at their word. They are restucturing their giving. That is all. There is nothing more to see here, Can we pull Chick-Fil-A our from under the “woke” evangelical bus and show them some grace and give them the benefit of the doubt? We who preach grace to should be the first to show grace, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
BP covered this: http://www.bpnews.net/53938/chickfila-announces-new-approach-to-charitable-giving
Thank you for this. The rush to judgment by Christians based on biased media reports has been disappointing, to put it mildly. The reaction to this is no better than what the left wing demands – do what we want, or be destroyed.
Chick-fil-a donated 900 sandwhiches to the prison where I serve as chaplain when an evangelistic group did an event in the yard. Every offender and officer got one. Two chick-fil-a employees were on-site (and on the restaurant clock, as I understand) to cheerfully hand out each sandwhich, including to guys in “the hole.” No, there was no publicity around this (short of the excitement among the inmates when the van came on the grounds) and I am guessing this happens all the time.
In a faith where giving is best done in secret, can we really judge anyone for where they give?
William.
It’s clear to me that this is a #WitchhuntCollusion of epic proportions – one like we have never seen before… maybe ever. The restaurant was perfect. The media is the enemy of the home of the chicken sandwich.
Popeye’s and Bojangles must be stopped!
I am sorry Tony – i now see you are the author of this. Lol.
The touches of pithy sarcasm within the article and then seeing his comment threw me off. Lol.
I enjoyed your sarcasm
When will some evangelical stop the silliness of believing that we can save culture by boycotting, bowing up and lamenting the loss of our privileged status in western culture?
It is not the culture’s job to make life easier for the church or Christians.
It is time for the church to rediscover its initial purpose as a distinct, community of people who have been plucked out of the culture and united with Christ to be sent back in, to do the same for others.
Fast food restaurants aren’t building the kingdom of Christ…the church should be.
Now pass me my Frozen Lemonade.
As CNBC business news headlined it Chick-Fil-A is stopping its financial support for the “controversial ” Salvation Army organization because ? If it is not for the opposition of certain alphabet groups who are still unsatisfied with Chick-Fil-A unless they give full body support for their issue, what is the reason?. People can vote with their money and feet if they feel a business does not warrant their support. What does matter and how is the Christian community to respond in the secular world to have a voice in current events or is that not needed? If so let us do away with the ERLC for example. Another example of what this leads to is the Boy Scouts who are now a train wreck and a shell of what they use to be because of their inclusive stance in secular society. I guess we can be happy when the day comes in the world when people of faith can say and believe in whatever manner they wish just do not take it outside the physical confines of their church and have a voice/influence in secular society. Somethings are symbolic but important. What would make you guys pull back your support for a popular entity in the secular world? Anything? Personally I have stopped NFL, NBA, Dicks Sports and supporting the Boy Scouts as a personal choice to show my disapproval of their actions, should I not do this? How about IN and Out restaurant, I hear they ;print Bible verses on their cups and napkins, are they being hostile to non believers, they may be next target. However, thanks to God this is America and we have our rights that come not from the government and we can exercise our freedom in the secular world.
My point was, maybe it is time to focus on being the church instead of worrying about what culture does. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t convictional, but I am not sure these cultural wars with fast food and retail stores are actually standing up for God. I don’t think that really is our job. Man is sinful, the world is broken, has been, always will be until our real King arrives.
For millennia the church has been a prophetic minority in whatever culture it existed. The true church is going to be just fine in the coming days, whether or not we get Jesus-sanctioned chicken or not. In fact, if history is a good indicator of what may happen, the true church, might just grow.
So, you would still go to CFA if they were proven to be racist –– since we’re not called to “worry about what culture does”? Is there ANYTHING that a company could do that would cause you to take a stand with your wallet? I’m certainly glad Dr. Martin Luther King Jr didn’t think like you, or blacks might still be riding in the back of the bus. Not trying to be sarcastic here, but doing nothing about culture because that is not “really our job” isn’t exactly being salt and light.
Hi Ed,
I don’t think your comment is a fair assessment or appropriation of my comment. I don’t think it is very fair to imply cowardice toward racism because I purchase a mocha or a milkshake. Seems like quite a jump to me 🙂
If you want to boycott, go for it. Great. (I am assuming that you work for American Family Association). But I don’t think it is fair to judge and typecast those who don’t feel like that actually works. How many organizations do you think are pure, righteous, clean? Where do we stop? Do you use Amazon? They are quietly banning conversation therapy books. Do you go to Walmart, do you drink coffee that is harvested in third world, do you buy furniture or products made in China by people are essentially slaves?
I was actually trying to be encouraging (maybe I am just a terrible writer). What I am saying that is that the sky is not falling, the world is not ending, so what if we lose tax exempt status, so what if we have our freedom of speech restricted, so what if we face real persecution, so what if America ceases to be what it was founded to be. We would be in good company of the saints of the past with real authentic faith expressed in real authentic churches. The purpose of the church in my opinion, (you are free to disagree), is to be on mission with God to make disciples for his Glory, not undergird American culture and democracy.
Blessings,
As you said, “because ?” THIS is the problem. Chick-fil-A largely did not list a “because” and the media, secular and Christian (Christianity Today, I’m looking at you), filled in a “because” that fit the narrative they wanted to tell. They filled in the “because” as the headline and lead sentences. Without any quotes from Chick-Fil-A to substantiate their assumptions.
And a number of us, yourself included, are willing to judge based on an intent Chick-Fil-A did not themselves state. It’s appalling to me how many Christians are being led by the nose to stomp and sputter based on the unsupported opinions of the media presented as fact.
I agree. If you’re going to be consistent when it comes to where you’re going to shop and where you’re going to eat and all of your choices are based on who they choose to support with their charitable contributions, if any. then you need to do the research and make sure you treat everyone equally. It would be an endless job trying to keep up with all of the investors, subsidiary companies and where all of the donations went. And the fact of the matter is that buying a chicken sandwich doesn’t mean you share the convictions of the person who sells it to you.
Given recent history, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that American evangelicals have forfeited the moral authority to speak on these matters.
You are right.
Christians who sin, make mistakes, do and/or say things we disagree with have absolutely forfeited their moral authority and should never speak against anything. Ever.
Maybe not never, but they’re in time out.
Absolutely correct!
They have the best food and best service in the fast food industry. And without question they will still be impacting communities in meaningful ways. Plus it’s not my company. So I don’t understand the fuss.
I do hope they stay closed on Sunday for the sake of their workers. I think that has been the greatest testimony they have had.
CFA is a private company that is very generous. They can give money to whoever they want to… and they give a lot.
I am sorry, though, if there is some implication or agreement that FCA and Salvation Army are “hate organizations”. One commentator described the Salvation Army as “a hate group thinly disguised as a religious charity”. We should be paying attention closely as many on the left would happily regulate our doctrine and practice in this area.
The Salvation Army helps 25M people in the US w hunger issues
At least, Tara said that number on the radio.
That’s correct. And local food banks, who they are going to start giving money to, help 250M people. So they will be helping more people with hunger now. Not less.
That’s not how the math works.
I talked to a CFA Operator yesterday who said that the “shift” is to even more heavily invest in their local communities and in no way are they abandoning their beliefs or values. And yet I know of local CFA staff who have been accosted by fellow believers and at church over this issue. This is literally no different than a local church deciding to give less to an outside ministry or missions effort in order to focus more on their immediate community. As always we in the “church” are quickest to eat our own….with a side of chick-fil-a sauce.
Tassopoulos, the current president and COO, told Bisnow that the foundation will be open to partnering with faith-based charities in the future, but “none of the organizations that have anti-LGBT positions.”
It sounds like you possibly heard spin from a CFA Operator. I hope I’m wrong and I certainly don’t fault the workers or Franchise owners from Corporate’s apparent new giving policies.
I could care less is Chick fil a gives to SA or FCA (Not that I’m against either one). BUT unless they have been misquoted or taken out of context they have communicated that the only faith-based charities that they will support in the future are ones that do not espouse a traditional Biblical view of marriage. If that is not the case they should clearly state that soon. Because to me that is a MUCH bigger issue than whether they are closed on Sunday or have done good things in the community.
I reread the article to make sure I didn’t miss that quote. It is not a direct quote, and given the author’s blatant attempt to celebrate a perceived victory for the LGBTQ bunch, there’s a high probability that everything in that article was taken out of context. Wondering why Chik-Fil-A would choose to give an interview to this “news” outlet.
It appears to me that Bisnow’s article is the main reason for the “Chick-fil-A has caved” hysteria. In Chick-fil-A’s statement they said they were not excluding any organization as a partner going forward. That paragraph ended with the statement “These partners could include faith-based and non-faith-based charities.”
Bisnow appears to have added a statement the end of that sentence, “but none of the organizations that have anti-LGBT positions.” That one phrase has circled the globe twice while Chick-fil-A’s actual statement hasn’t made it out the driveway yet.
I have a 2 part comment.
Part 1
I enjoy CFA, and will eat there regardless of their donations. That’s true of most of the places I eat. I eat where they have food I like.
I also believe that we need to be careful about reacting too swiftly or overreacting.
It needs to be remembered that CFA did not pick this fight. They weren’t even in a fight. Others picked a fight against them because CFA President expressed support for marriage.
It is beyond naïve, however, to believe that this is a good or a neutral development. If you recall the Cracker Barrel story from years ago, they had a policy about not hiring gay store managers etc. CB was attacked, fought back. Was sued. Won. But then over time corporate higher ups gave in to pressure to lose the anti-gay image. Changes were made. CB eventually collapsed. And everyone eats there.
The people who react more strongly to these developments tend to include (not exclusively, however), people who are engaged in public discussion regarding these issues from a Christian perspective. That’s why, for example, Al Mohler, has received more heat over the years than whoever was the head of the IMB at that time. Christians who tend to engage on the national stage are generally more aware and articulate, and follow these stories and their fall out more than others.
Part 2 (It’s gonna be 3
Other people who react strongly are the people who are caught up in examples of abuse or pressure. Threats to their children or livelihood.
The poor Colorado baker, for example, probably feels more strongly about First Amendment rights than a young pastor who really just wants to not have to talk about this stuff. The baker probably spent thousands of dollars to defend himself. The young pastor who is not really engaged in these issues (except by study and talking) probably just yawned and thought of ways the entire fight could have been avoided if only the baker was a member of his church, and he would have counseled him around the problem. The more we have a personal investment, the more interested we are in the issue.
In our area I have friends who own businesses. They are being contacted by LGBTQ+ groups who are putting together a list of supporting businesses. Guess what happens if you don’t sign the pledge to support the group? You will be labeled. Pressure will be applied.
I also know of 2 students who were in the 4th year of medical school who were asked, along with all of the other students, to wear a shirt that said, “You’re gay. It’s o.k.” The purpose was ostensibly to make gay people feel that medical professionals weren’t holding that against them. They were almost kicked out of medical school. Fortunately, there were people in strategic places in the University who were Christian and were able to protect them.
I know of another person who was in a large corporation. Great career. Super reviews. But he balked at a voluntary corporate program to show support to LGBTQ+ issues. His promotions were put on hold until he agreed.
Pastors are pretty immune to this presently, as they work in religious organizations. But the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court gay marriage case said that they were going to bring future cases against churches that refused to allow gay weddings in their facilities. Fortunately, with the 2 new Supreme Court Justices, that day has been postponed. (Thank you President Trump!) And the real game is to affect people who attend church. That will cause the churches to change.
Other people with a higher level of interest would be legal professionals who advise and work with the first two groups. The read the recent decisions from the courts. They see the shift in philosophy. They tend to see more clearly where things like this lead.
Part 3
I can’t think of a more fine organization that FCA. They have led thousands of people to Christ, and FCA, more than any group I know of, has been truly involved in minority communities for years – without all the woke nonsense.
You don’t get any bigger in terms of helping the homeless than the Salvation Army.
It’s pretty clear that CFA did just reorganized their giving. But it wasn’t thoughtless. The BP article gets that right. It was strategic. To avoid trouble.
The people who brought the fight to CFA are not satisfied. They’ll be back for more concessions. CFA will probably make them. And some people will again move the goal posts and claimed that nothing really significant has occurred.
And we’ll probably hear some of the same blather about how a little persecution would be good for “us”, and it’s good the church’s role in society is being reduced because we’re arrogant etc.
The thing that gives me heartburn is not a chicken sandwich. It’s the Pharisaic attitude among so-called Christians that places a higher value on symbolism than on substance. When will “Conservative Christian leaders” stop throwing the baby out with the bath water?
I guess their giving reports in future years will show if the restructure is a cave or no change.
The BP story says there is a change. And the new recipients will not have the anti-LGBTQ+ positions that some of the previous recipients have. The emphases of the recipients are good ones and consistent with CFA’s emphases.
But the change is intended to get CFA out of the sex/marriage debate. One which they really weren’t in to begin with, but because they’re big and successful, they became a target.
Wait, are we still angry about this? I thought we were on to ads for women senior pastors being posted. I am not sure where to direct my outrage today.. pls advise!!!
No. We’re not on those today. We’ll probably be back to discussing the Civil War, Strom Thurmond, and Beth Moore soon.
I missed the Strom Thurmond discussion.
You know. Jim Crow and all. We talk about that all the time.
Seems like I am in the minority here . I am wondering what the consensus is about the opinion/viewpoint of the average SBC pew sitting member is on this chicken sandwich issue. My guess as a layman is that about 80% of SBC members will be upset and not supportive of CFA on this issue. This is a cultural issue for sure and who will have influence in the culture that we live in. The Salvation Army is the organization that really took a hit as somehow they now have been branded as a threat to some in the community and must not be support, same with the ACA. Wow. Yes, the CEO can say CFA is resetting their giving but it seems faith based organizations will be neglected and generic United Way charities will be supported as long as they do not mention any faith based opinions. What happens when the demand is placed on those who donate to charities/organizations to disavow any group that disagrees with the powerful minority who somehow have gotten the moral high ground. If the goal of the SBC is to lose influence and leadership in the secular world being passive on this issue will aid in that goal.
“If the goal of the SBC is to lose influence and leadership in the secular world”
That horse has already left the barn.
Yep. A loooooong time ago. This is a major blind spot among southern baptists, not realizing that the SBC bubble is not the rest of the world.
Chris Teichler Exactly what is the SBC bubble? I am probably in it and do not know it. thanks
Sorry, that was meant to be a response to Bill Mac. I’m referring to the fact that the SBC is a big deal in the SBC, not so much outside of it. Self-awareness issues.
I thought Rod Drehrer was a monk, a Jedi, or something like a Shaman.
Al Mohler has weighed in on this issue.
Mohler does not treat the CFA move as innocuous. Just corporate restructuring that has little broader meaning.
As in many cases, Mohler is spot on.
https://albertmohler.com/2019/11/19/briefing-11-19-19/
I am afraid Chick-Fil-A will be subjected to an organized boycott. Organized boycotts are a worldly, ungodly, unbiblical method of trying to enact change by purposely hurting people you might otherwise do business with. They don’t win people to Christ but instead show there is no difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. The last thing any Christian should be doing is participating in one. Grace instead of judgment should be a calling card of the Christ follower.
If your mad at Chick-Fil-A, pray for them.
My humble two cents worth is the following: And be kind to one another, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.
AND
Whoever is without sin cast the first stone.
To some above, to be clear I do not know of anyone that is calling for an organized or national boycott of CFA. I believe those who are dismayed and do not agree with CFA on this issue would as individuals chose individually not to get them business. The issue of enabling CFA to throw the Salvation Army and ACA under the bus in one each individual should make. In my opinion by withdrawing support for Salvation Army and Christian Athletics, CFA has cast a doubt on the integrity and purpose of these long time Christian organizations. What stance did Salvation Army and Christians athletics take that required stopping CFA support? They both have a long term Christian foundation that far precedes CFA. Why now is Salvation Army and ACA now just not worthy of support? To sum up, yes it is up to each individual to do what they think right in regards to Chick F A. I chose to not support them and I think the majority of Christians will do what they believe is right. CFA will never regain the support they have lost and the LGBTQ groups will not support them unless they really cave in and surrender unconditionally. Their focus group explanation will lessened the damage to them but in the long term their brand is tainted.
I do not eat at CF for two reasons (1) Real Montanans eat beef (2) The nearest one to me is a six hour drive. I do think we have more important issues with which to deal than this “controversy”.
P.S. I do eat shrimp on occasion…however I always re-dedicate my life the following Sunday.
Just read this article.
https://www.christianpost.com/voice/mat-staver-responds-to-franklin-graham-chick-fil-a-is-now-funding-pro-lgbt-group.html
Does anyone know if this information is true about Covenant House?
I have no idea.
I am not in favor of boycotting CFA or pounding on them.
I also don’t want to latch on to a narrative that is untrue, no matter what direction it comes from.
Louts, https://www.chick-fil-afoundation.org/news-events/covenant-house-california-and-new-york-2019-true-inspiration-award-winners
Do not know if this means they will get annual donation but is possible. Convent House has a scandal ridden past. The point to me is that the Salvation Army and athlete association were targeted because of their stance on traditional same sex marriage, which is their historic belief same as SBC . They are not anti anybody and are pro faith. I will send another link about Convent House so there is no doubt where they stand. I believe the Salvation Army and CCA are not anti anything but pro Christian values. This is political and cultural shakedown. Each individual should decide where they stand and act accordingly.
https://www.covenanthouse.org/charity-blog/blog/celebrating-pride
Louis, the Convent House went out to clearly show their support which is fine. Where is the anti action toward LGBTQ of the organization CFA decide to stop funding for having a traditional view on marriage. They caved. Again up to each person to decide what to do and if it is worth taking a stand on this. If not this issue individually, what would be?
read today Chick fil a supporting Southern Poverty Law Center. I guess the question to their supporters ? do you want salt to rub into that wound? Again individual decision but I think I will decline to support them in any way.
At Chick Fil A in Vestavia Hills, AL. They have a Salvation Army Angel Tree in plain view. There are already some gifts under the tree, plus plenty of tags ready to be taken.