Chick-fil-A recently donated food to an anti-gay marriage group and has been blasted in the media recently as a result. What should we make of this media uproar?
First, it would appear to me Chick-fil-A should be applauded for donating food to anyone. Businesses giving to others is are a big deal, regardless of the person, group, or reason. I don’t think anyone at corporate was thinking, “Let’s do something that will really offend gay activists.”
Second, the leader of Chick-fil-A has handled the media storm extremely well. In a video on Facebook, the company’s leader stated:
“In recent weeks, we have been accused of being anti-gay,” Cathy said
in a written statement last Saturday. “We have no agenda against
anyone.”
“While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of
marriage,” the statement continued, “we love and respect anyone who
disagrees.”
What is interesting is the use of the word “agenda.” Chick-fil-A was doing something to help a group in their community. A local group affiliated with gay activism made a scene out of the donation. The agenda appears to be more on the side of the group who opposed the issue.
All that to say, I would rather be known for what I stand for rather than what I stand against. In this case, I stand for Chick-fil-A being able to give away food to whoever they want (I would gladly take some free waffle fries.).
Interestingly, my concern with the restaurant was that they still use Styrofoam cups and their food is not known for being organic, healthy, or the like. But that’s another topic for another day…
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DILLON
BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith.
Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has
investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books
include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J.
Powell), and Thirst No More (October). Discover more at DillonBurroughs.org.