Billy Graham and others stand behind Cathy and Chick fil A

Amidst the seemingly overwhelming onslaught of criticism and repercussions for Chick fil A and its president Dan Cathy after his comments against same sex marriage last week, there has also been a strong contingency of support as well.

Recently, Charlotte’s own Billy Graham has released a statement supporting Cathy and his company. According to an article on Christianity Today’s website, Graham heralded Cathy, his family, and his company for standing up for Christian values –

“I want to express my support for my good friends Truett Cathy and his son Dan Cathy, and for their strong stand for the Christian faith. I've known their family for many years and have watched them grow Chick-fil-A into one of the best businesses in America while never compromising their values. Chick-fil-A serves each of its customers with excellence, and treats everyone like a neighbor. It's easy to see why Chick-fil-A has become so popular across America.

Each generation faces different issues and challenges, but our standard must always be measured by God's word. I appreciate the Cathy family's public support for God's definition of marriage.

I also appreciate [former Arkansas] Governor Mike Huckabee's leadership and for encouraging Americans to support Chick-fil-A on August 1. As the son of a dairy farmer who milked many a cow, I plan to 'Eat Mor Chikin' and show my support by visiting Chick-fil-A next Wednesday.” (Jasmine Young, Christianity Today)

The article also stated that the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas planned on showing its support of Cathy and Chick fil A on August 1st as well.

“Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, has also expressed support for Chick-fil-A saying that they will be "participating in [the] 'Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day' campaign" on August 1, where they plan to purchase more than 200 sandwiches from a local restaurant. “

The Chick fil A Appreciation Day campaign was conceived by Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, and other conservatives who ask that Christians eat at a Chick fil A restaurant on August 1st as a way of showing support.

Meanwhile, both Cathy and his company have faced harsh criticism and political backlash since Cathy’s statements regarding his disapproval of gay marriage.

The Jim Henson Company claims to have severed their partnership with the fast food chain, in which Muppet toys were given with kids’ meals.

Chick fil A executives gave a rebuttal to this, stating that it was Chick fil A that broke ties first because of safety issues with the toys.

Also, the mayors of Boston and Chicago have released statements saying that their cities will block Chick fil A from expanding within those cities.

Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel said that Chick fil A’s values were not “Chicago values” and implied that the restaurant (Cathy in particular) disrespected Chicago neighbors and families.

Emmanuel and other city officials hope to block the food chain from opening any more stores in the Windy City.

To add to the political barrage, Boston mayor Thomas Menino wrote a letter to Cathy saying –

“I was angry to learn on the heels of your prejudiced statements about your search for a site to locate in Boston. There is no place for discrimination on Boston's Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it." (Jasmine Young, Christianity Today).

Just a thought here…

Wouldn’t it be “prejudiced” to refuse to do business with someone or their company simply because they don’t agree with YOUR point of view?

Cathy never said that he and Chick fil A would refuse to serve gay or lesbian couples or children of gay or lesbian couples.

In fact, his comments were simply based on a question he was asked about same sex marriage during an interview. He was expressing his personal opinion based on his fundamentalist Christian beliefs – nothing more.

Here is what he said –

“I think we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say that we know better than You as to what constitutes a marriage.” (ABC News)

During another interview on the topic of same sex marriage, Cathy said –
"I pray God's mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about," ()

If you see my point and agree, please support Dan Cathy and Chick fil A on August 1st by eating at one of their locations.