This post has been updated
It is one of the biggest natural humanitarian disasters in our lifetime. It appears that well over 100,000 people will have been killed by the tidal wave in Southeast Asia. Many religious groups have responded. But not the religious right in the United States. Bill Berkowitz takes a look at the Christian right and their web sites in an article for Working for Change and finds something lacking: any mention of the crisis. Those groups are too busy fighting gay rights and for conservative economic policies to notice that millions are suffering on the other side of the world. This should be a scandal for Christians. But will anyone be surprised that the religious right cannot see past their own narrow self-interest? These groups have failed God once again.
Update: Another sad example of how the religious right is acting this week... Albert Mohler, one of the best known Southern Baptist leaders, used his column today to attack lesbian parents. Yes, with 100,000+ dead and millions suffering Mohler is ignoring the crisis in Southeast Asia and is using his position to attack the real crisis the world is facing: parents who love their children.
Update: Jerry Falwell updated his web site Friday with an urgent appeal for donations.... for him. No mention of the tidal wave.
Update: It turns out James Dobson from Focus on the Family has been using his Christmas break and New Year to rally support for conservative judges. He sent out a letter to 1 million supporters. There was no call asking for support for tidal wave victims. Read more.