Several people have asked for more information on Chimperator Bush’s nominee for Surgeon General, particular his participation in ex-gay cure ministries. Here is some of the information I have pulled together:
1. The church he founded, Hope Springs Community Church in Lexington (http://www.hopespringschurch.com/index.cfm) has a number of “Change Ministries: Here’s one that appears to focus on male sexuality issues – which I suspect includes being gay (and probably “pornography addiction” which is very prevalent among so-called evangelicals):
1. The church he founded, Hope Springs Community Church in Lexington (http://www.hopespringschurch.com/index.cfm) has a number of “Change Ministries: Here’s one that appears to focus on male sexuality issues – which I suspect includes being gay (and probably “pornography addiction” which is very prevalent among so-called evangelicals):
Men’s Sexual Integrity: Offers an opportunity for men to heal from sexual brokenness and find strength to overcome unhealthy sexual behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. Find the support and accountability you need and develop a closer relationship with the one who can heal, Jesus Christ.
2. Lindsay Beyerstein, a freelance writer based in New York City, has some further details on Holsinger on her news blog , Majikthise, which provides coverage of national, and international politics http://majikthise.typepad.com/majikthise_/2007/06/surgeon_general.html . BarbinMD has some fun facts about the man who could be America's next top doc:
– Holsinger founded Hope Springs Community Church, which “ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian.” Holsinger said that he sees homosexuality as “an issue not of orientation but of lifestyle.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 6/1/07]
– In serving on the United Methodist Judicial Council — the “court” that resolves “disputes involving church doctrine and policies in the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination” — Holsinger “opposed a decision to allow a practicing lesbian to be an associate pastor, and he supported a pastor who would not permit an openly gay man to join the church.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 6/1/07]
– In the early 1990s, Holsinger resigned from the United Methodist Church’s Committee to Study Homosexuality “because he believed the committee ‘would follow liberal lines.’” He also warned “that acceptance of homosexuality would drive away millions of churchgoers.” [Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 5/26/07; Time, 6/24/91]
In addition, when surgeon general nominee Dr. James Holsinger was serving on the board of the Confessing Movement of the United Methodist Church, the board issued a statement accusing the "radical homosexual/lesbian lobby" and those who support homosexuality of precipitating "a crisis in the United Methodist Church."
– In serving on the United Methodist Judicial Council — the “court” that resolves “disputes involving church doctrine and policies in the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination” — Holsinger “opposed a decision to allow a practicing lesbian to be an associate pastor, and he supported a pastor who would not permit an openly gay man to join the church.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 6/1/07]
– In the early 1990s, Holsinger resigned from the United Methodist Church’s Committee to Study Homosexuality “because he believed the committee ‘would follow liberal lines.’” He also warned “that acceptance of homosexuality would drive away millions of churchgoers.” [Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 5/26/07; Time, 6/24/91]
In addition, when surgeon general nominee Dr. James Holsinger was serving on the board of the Confessing Movement of the United Methodist Church, the board issued a statement accusing the "radical homosexual/lesbian lobby" and those who support homosexuality of precipitating "a crisis in the United Methodist Church."
Personally, I believe having this guy as Surgeon General would be a disaster for serious medical knowledge. Again, why didn't Bush simply nominate a witch doctor. Such a nominee would certainly be as credible as a nut job who thinks being gay is "a lifestyle choice." I guess to this guy living and breathing is a "lifestyle choice" as well.
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