United Church Of Christ "Ejector Seat" Ad Unveiled; Major Networks Refuse To Air It

The United Church of Christ is unveiling our new television commercial this morning at a press conference in Cleveland.

Visit ucc.org to watch the spot (or click here).

“Ejector seat” is a funny commercial that will resonate with many who feel that typical church life leaves them out.

The national television networks have banned the ad claiming that the spot is issue advertising.  It will run on cable.

The New York Times has an article out about the commercial this morning:

The church will return on April 3 with a second commercial, also from Gotham, titled "Ejector Pew." The spot depicts a smug, traditional-looking family looking askance as they are joined inside a church by worshipers who are significantly different from them.

Suddenly, the worshipers who are disabled or elderly, or who appear to be gay, Hispanic or of Middle Eastern origin, are forcibly ejected from their seats. "God doesn't reject people," the commercial says. "Neither do we."

This time, the campaign, with a budget estimated at $1.5 million, extends well beyond television. The intent is to stimulate conversation and debate with so-called viral efforts that are to include a substantial online presence, on Web sites and blogs; chain letters, in the form of e-mail messages; audio podcasts; posters; events at local churches; and even merchandise like decals, tote bags, pens and golf balls bearing the phrase "God is still speaking," which is the campaign's theme.

In addition, the UCC has re-launched a website, www.accessibleairwaves.org , where the church’s communications office provides visitors with the opportunity to send a message to network executives asking that they allow mainline voices on television. More on this later.

Enjoy watching.

Update: Here's the Religion News Service story on the UCC ad