Texas Governor Rick Perry (a possible 2012 presidential candidate) is teaming up with the American Family Association - labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center - for a prayer rally. Chron.com reports:
Rick Perry, dubbed the Christocrat candidate for the Republican nomination, is putting his faith up front as rumors of a presidential run continue to swell. Perry has announced that he will hold a large-scale Christian rally at Reliant Stadium in Houston this summer.
He has invited the 49 fellow state governors and Christians from across denominations to join him to pray and fast for America on August 6.
“Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy,” said Perry the website for the event, called the Response.
The governor's partner in this event is one of America's most radical right-wing organizations. Writer Tim Murphy on the American Family Association:
The AFA's issues director, Bryan Fischer, has alleged that gays caused the Holocaust—and are planning on doing it again; that gays should be banned from holding public office; that homosexuality should be criminalized; that foreign Muslims should either be exterminated or forced to convert to Christianity; that American Muslims should be deported; that there should be a permanent ban on mosque construction in the United States; and that Muslims should be prohibited from serving in the armed forces.
It should be deeply concerning to all Americans when elected officials align themselves with extremist organizations driven by hatred and fear. Not only does the AFA preach a twisted version of the Christian faith but they offer up a vision of American democracy that stands in stark contrast to the highest ideals of our nation.
