Prayer Vigil at ESPN Feb. 11th
February 6th, 2008 by Peter
The Christian Defense Coalition is having another prayer vigil and demonstration at ESPN on Monday, February 11, at 12:00 noon. They are hoping to have a decent turnout and have asked that people spread the word. For more information on the vigil contact Rich Kendall at 203-380-0651. Below is an excerpt from a Christian newswire article on what has sparked the demonstrations.
After a lengthy meeting with the Christian Defense Coalition, ESPN executives will not deny that Dana Jacobson said “F–k Jesus” or a similar expression at an ESPN event.
The Coalition continues to call for ESPN to release the video tape from the event or a verbatim transcript of exactly what Jacobson said.
ESPN also confirmed that do not believe that any insensitive or discriminatory religious speech took place and that Ms. Jacobson was suspended for “her behavior” and not for anything that she said.
So, it appears that using the term “F–k Jesus” or a similar expression in the workplace by an ESPN employee does not merit suspension or discipline.
The Christian Defense Coalition met for over an hour with Mike Soltys, Vice- President of Communications for ESPN, and Steve Anderson Executive Vice- President for ESPN, on Friday January 25.
Although the group commends ESPN for the extended dialogue and the professional conduct of their representatives, it still believes that ESPN does not “get it” when it comes to workplace religious discrimination and hateful speech regarding faith.
The Christian Defense Coalition still maintains that if Ms. Jacobson used the term “F–K Jesus” or a similar expression, ESPN must release her.
As a member of the Catholic League, I generally agree with the endeavors of the Christian Defense Coalition.
Without further elaboration or detail needed, I think we all know that had this so-called journalist made a similar remark about certain other groups, she would be publicly skinned alive, and not just given an obligatory showpiece slap on the wrist.
As Christians, we do need to defend our faith against such actions. While certain other groups are considered hands off by the unwritten rules and various purveyors of political correctness, the world also seems to have a grossly erroneous sense that it is open season on Christians for some reason, and even more specifically, on Catholics. In response to that sadly growing mindset and agenda, I think protests are a good idea.
Nevertheless, she was punished (suspended), whether the punishment fitted the offense or not. It would be another matter if she were not punished at all. I believe in protests, but I believe in forgiveness as well.
So does Jesus.
After the recent tragic shooting in an Amish school house, the world was soon pleasantly aghast at the powerful love shown by the Amish people, who openly forgave, and even themselves, as mourning victims, reached out to console the family members of the gunman who murdered their children.
I wonder which would send a stronger message to ESPN and this journalist, an organized angry protest, or a signed petition of loving forgiveness?
A friend of mind was a cop long ago. Over time, the job badly burned him out, and it eventually impacted his health and personal life greatly. He once lamented to me that as a young rookie, he dove into the swamp to gallantly fight the gators. In later years, he felt like he was in the swamp so long, he became one of the gators. When circumstances dictate, we sometimes need to dive into the swamp, but we should always be cognizant of who we are and why we are in there. As imperfect humans, that’s not real easy.
I have more of a problem with this prayer vigil, though. As Christians, our faith also mandates that we forgive our trespassers. Has anyone yet defined what the theme of the prayers for this prayer vigil will be? Will the attendees be praying that this person be fired instead of suspended, or will they be praying for something more loving, Christian-like, and innocuous, like her repentance and reconciliation?
I strongly advocate for defending and protecting our faith from attack. In this case, however, the attack already occurred. It was briefly over, and the person responsible was punished, even if too lightly. I have a bigger problem, however, with using (or abusing) the power and sanctity of prayer to seek revenge against one of our brothers or sisters, if in fact, that is even the purpose of this prayer vigil. For that matter, what is the specific purpose of this prayer vigil? I am not accusing, only asking, because I genuinely do not know.
Prayer vigils in front of abortion mills are about prevention as much as for forgiveness. There is no act to prevent here. It already occurred, so again, what is this prayer vigil specifically for?
Let us all bear in mind the difference between “justice” and “mercy.” Justice is of this world. Mercy is of the next world. Jesus taught us that as His followers, we are to be of the next world, and not this world.
Discretion should be exercised here. The sage adage reminds us, “Be careful what you wish for.” I would add to be careful of what you pray for as well.
The very first prayer prayed should be prayed to the Holy Spirit, for proper discernment and guidance. From there, God’s will, whatever it may or may not be, and not our will, should be followed.
While both are effective tools for the desired outcome, prayer and protest are not necessarily synonymous entities, nor should they be lightly treated as such.
All attacks against our faith should be aggressively addressed. Ongoing attacks should be protested, but past attacks should be forgiven. In short, there is a time to fight, and a time to forgive. My mother once referred to parenthood as being like riding a horse. She said you have to know when to pull on the reins, and when to let off them a little. I suppose that analogy is true for most situations in life. As one witty insurance commercial on the radio quotes an ancient Chinese proverb, “Never use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend’s forehead.”
And in all circumstances, prayer should utilized consistently, but appropriately.
“Does not wisdom call, does not understanding raise her voice?”
(Proverbs, 8-1.)
Doug
One more thought.
Blasphemy, while always ugly, exists in several forms.
Jacobson made her insidious remark about Jesus while bashing Notre Dame University.
That would be the same Catholic Notre Dame University that willfully allowed the vile theatrical performance, “The Vagina Monologues” to be played on its campus a couple years ago.
Did anyone from Connecticut hold a protest or prayer vigil then?
Two wrongs do not make a right, but blasphemy must always be attacked, whether it originates from the outside, or from within, and regardless if from foe, or from friend.
“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
(Edmund Burke)
Doug