Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association

William G. Sinkford

UUA President Criticizes Networks over UCC Ad Refusal

(Boston, MA - December 6, 2004) During the recent election season, the airwaves were filled with advocacy ads on controversial issues. Given that, I was appalled by the refusal of NBC and CBS to run the new ad from the United Church of Christ on the grounds that it was an advocacy ad on a controversial issue. I was especially distressed by CBS's reference to the Bush administration's support for a federal amendment prohibiting marriage equality because the UCC ad makes no mention of marriage equality nor refers in any way to the civil rights of gays and lesbians. It was clear to me that the UCC ad was controversial only in its presentation of Jesus' message of inclusive love.

Last Thursday I spoke with the Rev. John Thomas, president of the UCC, to offer my personal support and that of the Unitarian Universalist community. Rev. Thomas expressed his gratitude for this offer and told me the UCC was discussing how best to organize the many voices of support they were hearing. Despite our opposition to the networks' decisions, it is obvious that the UCC and its message of inclusion have reached a far wider audience because of the recent publicity. In these deeply divided times, we welcome all messages of inclusion, love, and reconciliation.

Our Unitarian Universalist congregations have struggled with the issue of inclusion as well, but we can bear witness to the many blessings that bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender Unitarian Universalists bring to our congregations. No denomination does this perfectly, including our own. But the religious calling, and indeed the words of Jesus, demand that we all strive to open wider the doors of the church and to resist the all-too-human impulse to remain in our comfort zones. Our growth as people of faith depends upon this.

Find out about the UCC ad and sign a petition in support of the UCC:

• View the UCC's ad promoting inclusivity
• Visit the Act for Change petition online to express your support of the UCC's ad

Read interfaith statements condemning the networks' decision:

• From The Interfaith Alliance
• From the National Council of Churches and the Faith Communicators Council

Media Coverage:

• 12/6/04 - Newsday: "Networks Wimp Out on Church Commercial" by Sheryl McCarthy
• 12/4/04 - Chicago Tribune syndicate (appearing in Provo Daily Herald): "Networks Reject United Church of Christ ads as 'too controversial'" by Bonnie Miller Rubin and Manya A. Brachear
• 12/3/04 - Berkshire Eagle: "United Church of Christ protests political climate as TV ad rejected" by Jack Drew
• 12/2/04 - New York Times: 2 Networks Are Accused of Rejecting Ad on Religious Bias by Bill Carter and Neela Banerjee
• 12/1/04 - Boston Globe: Church says CBS, NBC reject ad spot, AP (Associated Press)

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