'Moral reformation' group sets its sights on Ohio

The Gay People's Chronicle reports on Rod Parsley's new organization:

Columbus--Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-affirming clergy, lawmakers and activists staged a counter-offensive to an anti-gay “spiritual revival” and political rally launched by television evangelist Rod Parsley at the Ohio Statehouse last Friday.

Parsley’s rally, featuring music and a giant video screen, kicked off his new Reformation Ohio project. It is described as a four-year effort with three major goals: Present the gospel to one million people and get at least 100,000 to accept Jesus as their savior, do charitable works for Ohio’s needy--and register at least 400,000 new voters.

Parsley claims the organization is non-partisan, but operationally it mirrors the agenda of conservative Republicans, especially that of Ohio secretary of state and gubernatorial candidate Kenneth Blackwell.

Ohio Faith and Political Leaders Challenge Reformation Ohio’s Narrow Vision

COLUMBUS, OH - Faith and political leaders from throughout Ohio held a news conference at 9 a.m. today at the Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square. Their goal was to shed light on Reformation Ohio, a coalition whose vision by 2009 is to align Ohio culture and law with its narrow interpretation of the Christian faith.

The news conference pre-empted Reformation Ohio’s official launch event on the Statehouse lawn, slated to take place later in the day.

“There is nothing wrong with encouraging your followers to engage in the political process,” said Rabbi David Horowitz, the rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel, Akron. “But when one religious sect labels others who don't conform as ‘inferior’ or ‘immoral’ then that threatens the American ideal of religious freedom.” Read the full news release