WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- "Who amidst the current tidal wave of the homosexual movement has demonstrated this kind of courage?" said Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Sandy Rios in reference to the Salvation Army's rescinding Monday of its "domestic partners" policy. "We applaud the Salvation Army for changing what would have been a disastrous course once they realized they had made a wrong decision."
"This policy, in effect, had the Salvation Army giving its stamp of approval to sexual relationships outside marriage," Rios said. "The danger here is that the Army is not only an agent for humanitarian relief, but a strong, evangelical church of great influence. But through prayer and outside pressure, Army officials came to realize the gravity of their mistake. C.S. Lewis once asked this question, which I paraphrase: Who is the wisest? Is it the one who, having taken the wrong path, continues into the thicket, or the one who retraces his steps to find the right path? The Salvation Army, thank God, has once again found the right path."
In a "Commissioners Conference Statement," Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz wrote: "We deeply regret the perception that the Commissioners Conference surrendered any Biblical principles in making the original decision. ... I assure you, again, that the Salvation Army has not changed its position on marriage and the family, homosexuality or other position statements, nor have we changed any of our basic doctrines or moral positions. ...We will not sign any government contract or any other funding contracts that contain domestic partner benefit requirements."
Concerned Women for America and other pro-family groups had run radio programs and done numerous interviews urging constituents to contact the Salvation Army with their concern.
"Our understanding is that the Salvation Army will pay a heavy price, both financial and psychological, as liberals begin to assail them for their Biblical stand in favor of marriage and family," Rios said. "We MUST rally to their support."
For a roundup on this issue, read the Culture and Family Institute's Culture and Family Report at www.cultureandfamily.org.
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.