COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Major thoroughfares backed up all day on Wednesday in front of this city’s five Chick-fil-A locations. The scene played out in cities throughout the country, as people who respect marriage as an institution between one man and one woman came out to support the embattled president of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy, who came under attack for expressing his support of traditional marriage in the Baptist Press.
“This is amazing,” said Jackie Walls, marketing director for a Colorado Springs Chick-fil-A, as she helped manage traffic and took orders from customers waiting in the drive-through line. “People started showing up in droves at about 9am, and it has not slowed down. If you show up here now (about 7pm), the wait is about an hour and a half.”
Pedestrian customers stood in lines that wrapped around the chain’s buildings, with some lines extending onto nearby sidewalks, waiting to get in the door.
In the drive-through line, waiting to turn onto a street that led to a Colorado Springs Chick-fil-A, were the founders and owners of CatholicMarriagePrep.com. Christian Meert, who owns the company with his wife, Christine, said all 24 of the CatholicMarriagePrep.com instructors spent hours in line to do business with Chick-fil-A.
Meert and his wife immigrated to Colorado from France and became American citizens in 2010. At the time, he could not imagine this was a country in which four major politicians — the mayors of Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington — would strike out verbally at a businessman for expressing his support of traditional marriage. The mayors said Chick-fil-A is not welcome in their respective cities because of Cathy’s viewpoint.
The Meerts have five children and are concerned about their new country, where they are in the business of promoting traditional marriage.
“I don’t think this would happen in France,” Christian Meert said of the attack on Chick-fil-A’s CEO. “I think we are more intolerant here, at this point in time, than in Europe. This is supposed to be the land of the free, which is one reason we became Americans. I never, ever thought I would see this in the United States.”
Meert said he, and most likely his staff, will continue doing business with Chick-fil-A long after the conflict is yesterday’s news.
“I had never eaten here before, but I will eat here often going forward,” Meert said.
In addition, Meert invited Chick-fil-A to sponsor the upcoming Rocky Mountain Men’s Conference, scheduled for Oct. 13, which attracts more than 2,000 Catholic men to downtown Colorado Springs each year.
People in line at various Chick-fil-A locations told the Register they were troubled by the controversy over Cathy’s support for traditional marriage, but they also saw an upside.
“I think this is bringing together a lot of us who may be of different religions but agree on the value of traditional marriage and families,” said Dee Waite of Pueblo, Colo.
Waite calls herself an “evangelical Christian,” and she spent the day outside of Chick-fil-A on Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs collecting signatures to get a question on the state’s November ballot that would protect the unborn.
“I just think a business owner should be able to express his beliefs without being eviscerated for it,” Waite said. “Here, we have ranking people in government causing trouble for a man simply for saying he believes in traditional marriage. I don’t think Americans are going to stand for that.”
Waite said the waiting line was a gold mine of pro-life signatures, and she encountered almost no counterprotesters.
Bryan and Sally Kneeland waited 90 minutes for their first-ever venture into a Chick-fil-A just to show support for traditional marriage and free speech.
“I don’t like this lack of respect for a man’s opinion,” said Bryan Kneeland, a Methodist from Wisconsin. “I don’t have any problem with the homosexual population. I have a problem with all of this outcry over someone supporting traditional, heterosexual marriage.”
Chick-fil-A officials at the company’s Atlanta headquarters would not release sales figures, but they told ABC News that Wednesday’s sales were “record-setting.”
“We are very grateful and humbled by the incredible turnout of loyal Chick-fil-A customers on Aug. 1 at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country,” said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A’s executive vice president of marketing, in a press release. “We congratulate local Chick-fil-A owner/operators and their team members for striving to serve each and every customer with genuine hospitality.”
The controversy — and subsequent “Appreciation Day” — erupted after Cathy told the Baptist Press, in part: “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
Opponents of his statement complain that Cathy has contributed to organizations that oppose same-sex “marriage.” They are also upset that Cathy, in a recent radio interview, said our generation “has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about.”
On Aug. 3, two days after “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” homosexuals and transgender activists are expected to stage a “same-sex kiss-in” at Chick-fil-As throughout the country.
“Appreciation Day” was initiated by former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark., on his national radio talk show.
“That’s America,” Huckabee said on Fox News Thursday morning, when asked about the kiss-in. “As long as they're orderly. As long as they don’t disrupt the flow of customers and traffic.”
Noting the irony of the situation, he continued, "If they believe that this will help their cause — to put people of the same sex kissing each other in front of families — if they believe that will encourage people to be more sympathetic, then more power to them."
Register correspondent Wayne Laugesen writes from Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Does this embarrass the USCCB who believe in granting quickie annulments after civil divorces?
Bravo…A picture can say a thousand words…Can one man change destiny? Jesus Christ did. Can two change destiny? Can a thousand change destiny? Holy martyers did before us. Faith without works is dead. Works validates the changed heart. Read James 2:14-23. “I will show you my faith thru my works.” Faith that works brings forth the gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and in Deed as a testimony to the world there is a Living Christ “for” the resurrection of the dead…...We, who are called by His name, give a testimony as a witness to the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to transform a hard, self-involved heart of the old man to a compassionate, bold, courageous heart of righteousness. We are asked to seek those things that are of heaven, righteousness, purity and holiness. Bravo, my brothers in Christ of Chick-fil-a for your brothers and sisters in Christ and even those who are not believers stepped up to the plate to demonstrate, in truth, that freedom is worth fighting for. As is spoken in Galations 5:1,“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” and verse 5 states, “but by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.” Verse 13 goes on to say, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
It takes just one to step up to the plate and say, “Hey, wait a minute, this is what I believe because God said it and that is good enough for me.” Then, look at those who support the strong one who stands up for Jesus and for the common good of the people. “Let your light so shine that men may see your good deeds so that your Father in Heaven maybe glorified.” Speak up, stand up, bible up, smile up, Heaven calls. “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me,” says Jesus Christ. Onward Christian soldiers for the Lord goes before us. No fear, for what can man do to us. Amen…The Rose
The Catholic Church declares homosexual acts to be intrinsically evil. Rush Limbaugh played some clips from a coalition of black pastors who decried Obama’s support of homosexual “marriage”, saying that they did not march for civil rights so that a man can marry another man. One in particular made a statement that I know to be true. That the vast majority, if not all homosexuals were molested (and/or) enlisted by an adult while they were minors. This truth alone should bring a soberness to the idea that we should elevate, by the weight of the law, sodomy to the level of marriage. May God have Mercy on our children who are the main target of this perverse effort to present a sanitized image of vile sexual acts. Animals do not even behave this way.
Prediction: Those who participate in the “same-sex kiss-in” will be treated with dignity and respect by the employees of Chick-Fil-A. They will not be mocked or refused service. No viral videos will posted of an employee berating a “same-sex kisser”. No Chick-Fil-A employees will stand outside a store with signs protesting against anything gay. In short, the true hypocrites and haters will be unveiled, and Christ’s love will shine upon them.
Opponents of his statement complain that Cathy has contributed to organizations that oppose same-sex “marriage.” They are also upset that Cathy, in a recent radio interview, said our generation “has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about.”
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Is this the quote the media has ben using to claim Mr. Cathy believes the opposing side is “arrogant?” If so it was taken out of context.
This is a victory for the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony. It’s too bad that the Bishops and priests were not there. They should have had the guts to lead and defend a Holy Sacrament that was “Commanded” by Christ himself.
Hurray for Chick-fil-A and all supporters! I went past a Chick-fil-A on August 2 and the lines were still amazingly long. It is sad in this nation that your opinion is respected only if you agree with the secular distortions and lies.
Homosexual attraction is not a sin in itself. These brothers and sisters of ours should be treated with dignity and respect accorded to all people, but the practice of homosexuality is a sin, like it or not. So what is this “Kiss-in” other than one of a number of homosexual sinful acts. There needs to be more clarity here than charity - a sin is an act of evil. Saint Augustine said that “you do worse by keeping silent than he does by sinning.” St. Paul told the Corinthians to “exhort one another” (exhortamini invicem). These things need to be spoken from the pulpit. Hell is real and eternal; it is the mission of the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ himself, to pursue the salvation of souls.
At least America expresses its opinion! Here in Canada we just lay back and “be nice”.
I am glad that so many people came out in support of chich-fli-a, but you know that the devil is going to come back with a vengeance but we have to stick to our beleifs and teaching of Jesus Christ. We must really pray for them and love them.
I am so glad that so many people came out in support of chick-fli-a,as you know that the devil is going to come back with a vengeance, but we have to stick to the teachings of Jesus Christ and not cave into thier demands, it is beinging shoved down our throats by the media and politicians and hollywood (the city of evil). Just pray
This is indeed a victory for Christianity and the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony. The Liberal Establishment Media tried to bury this event by not covering it. The people who came out to Chic-Fil-A inspires me.
My own editorial - Reflections on today’s reading and this week’s news… (Most of this is “borrowed” from Fr. Alphonse - a local priest who has a daily blog)
Saturday, August 4, 2012 Mt 14:1-12
Angry Birds
In today’s reading - Herod heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” The best thing a despot could do is kill his enemies. The worst thing a despot could do is create martyrs. Herod was no dummy. He knew that, but forgot it. John’s death exposed Herod’s weakness.
King Herod was not as strong and powerful as he made himself out to be. His arrogance brought about Christ’s emergence. Herod was no superstitious guy. He knew what he was saying. He knowingly killed John and unknowingly raised a million more like him. Even better, he raised, from obscurity to center stage, someone a million times more powerful than the Baptist who was ready to take it to the next level. Herod placed his hands over his head. He knew he was through. The Jews knew that. Jesus knew that. The end of an era was fast approaching.
Let us not forget what caused John to lose his head: his unwavering support for the dignity of marriage. (Mt 14:4-5) How bizarre is history. No matter how much we study it, we continue to forget it.
In July 2012 - Dan Cathy CEO of Chic-Fil-A in an interview with a Christian publication - stated his beliefs regarding marriage. Last year the company made 4.1 billion dollars in sales, up 13% from the previous year; a company that closes its doors every Sunday in respect of their own beliefs.
Just two months ago, the supporters of gay marriage were riding high with unprecedented victories. They had won the support of the President of the United States. They had won recognition and support from the NAACP. They were stronger and more powerful than ever. The only thing they did not need to do was turn their rainbow into a storm. And they did.
As a result of Mr. Cathy’s interview - the gay community, once considered victims of discrimination, became ferocious abusers. They issued a mandate for a nationwide boycott of the fast food chain, and even worse, political leaders of our cities engaged in similar conversations, including talks of banning Chic-Fil-A from major cities!
What happened to the Bill of Rights? Doesn’t Mr. Cathy have a right to voice his own opinion? Doesn’t he have a right to do whatever he wants with his money - just as you and I - or do we? As a result of this firestorm - the question on the minds of millions was: “Will this happen to me if I disagree???”
Millions were shocked and outraged the outright lack of understanding, charity and overall conduct towards American citizens of Christian belief. Of course they would never dare attack American Muslims and their beliefs - which are the same as Christians in regards to marriage - for they know that Muslims strike back… and hard. Instead, they went after a soft spot, a scapegoat, but they didn’t encounter the “turn the other cheek” Christian - they encountered the American Christian - The “I have a Right to Believe in God and Talk About it Christian!”
They woke a sleeping giant - the silent majority! The (silent) majority of Americans works hard, and pays their taxes and believes in the Constitution of the United States. They don’t march in parades or hold protests or hang posters or sling accusations. The silent majority “shows up” after a storm - they live the beatitudes - they give when they are needed. This silent majority “showed up” and spoke LOUDLY with their pocketbooks!
This attack on Christian principles and the Freedom of Speech turned into a firestorm. What started off as an individual’s sincere acknowledgement of the dignity and sanctity of marriage ended with the silent majority just “showing up” across the country on August 1, 2012 supporting religious liberty and freedom of speech.
Millions stood in lines for up to 2 hours to purchase a meal or meals from this Christian company. The people in lines were not judgemental or disrespectful. They waited their turn peacefully and happily and let their presence in line speak to the protestors and government leaders alike. August 1st, 2012 turned into the most successful day in Chic-Fil-A’s history.
On the other hand, the so-called “kiss-in” protest turned out to be an abysmal failure. Not only did their manner of protesting disgust the general community, it also opened a window to the community at large at how the gay-community wishes to represent itself: in hyper-hysterical sexual postures. Chic-Fil-A employees continued, as always, to serve everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or preference. But as gay marriage supporters continued to shoot themselves in the foot with bad publicity, they finally shot themselves in the head with a hate filled bigoted gay marriage supporter verbally assaulting and abusing a young employee at the drive-thru. By the end of the week, most supporters of gay-marriage had been silenced, embarrassed and set back. “No comment” was their only way to save face. In a single day, they managed to destroy whatever achievements they had made with the general population. They thought they had found a chicken. They never imagined creating an ANGRY BIRD.
Dan Cathy ended his July interview saying “We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles,”
We the People have to “show up” again November - so we can continue to Live in a Country where we can share our values and say what we want - don’t be a CHICKEN - be an ANGRY BIRD!
I am glad that so many people came out in support of the traditional marriage in behalf of chich-fil-a. be prepared for the evil one to come back with a vengeance. We can’t let not only the government but also those who don’t care about other peoples souls and let then stick it down our throats. The media, goverenment as well as hollywood are the main ones who are pushing this. I will not and can not accept same sex partners as a marriage. If they want to live together thats their business, but marriage is between one man and one woman, as GOD intended to be.
Massachusetts’ divorce rate a/o 2009 1.8. Colorado’s,4.2. (Source, US Census Bureau.) Stats like this seem to be lost in the rest of the noise that’s been put up largely by the Right. Is it possible to get any stories about where Cathy gets his chickens from and how they are treated?
Not too much to ask, is it ... besides why aren’t the Bible Thumping states, with all their thundering bloviators clamoring about this chicken franchise “issue” doing more to reduce their divorce rates?
Gloria, did you enjoy your time writing agit-prop for Santorum? Your post seems like it jumped out of his leftover pile of “talking points.”
Why is it you in the US go bananas when someone declares he supports the long standing definition of Marriage. That is his opining. What would be said if in an interview he had said he does not support the right of everyone to carry a gun. Would everyone rush out with their guns and confront the fellow on the street. What kind of drug is everyone in the US on?? Why are so monay so gullible?? Rather than going crazy every time says something you do not agree with, why not accept it as their opinion. I do not personnaly like Rock Cod the fish. But I have never been the focus of a confrontaton by the fishermen or the fish mongers. I am still servied in our Safeway. I do not like raw oysers. The Oyster fishermen have not ganged up on me at any time even though my cousin has a large oyster lease on one of our islands. Come on US grow up and get off the drugs you are taking. Relax and eventually it will all go away
oops, Gloria above has it wrong. Gays and Lesbians are not the product of mosestation. They are born that way. This is confirmed in the New Catholic Catechism. It is a glitch in their genes. They run into trouble with the church when they do not remain celebate. If you have a chat with some Gays they will say “Who in their right mind would choose to be Gay” I meet gays from time to time and I find they are far more interesting and educated than many stratghts i know. A woman friend likes to go out partying with gays as they are excellent dancers, conversationalists and humourous. When being driven home they do not ffear being taken advantage of. Something Straights should note. My wife and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversay with our children next week.
There will be NO VICTORY until our youth are protected from pornographic curriculums such as “Growing In Love” which is a sex education curriculum approved by the U S Bishops. See what is taught to youth held captive in Catholic parochial schools and CCD classes purposely intended to remove blush and shame and overcome any sense of decency most parents teach at home.
“……Instead of activities for “reading readiness,” Growing in Love supplies “sodomy readiness” lessons by adding the !@#$% and buttocks to the sexual anatomy,….. Growing in Love’s sex abuse begins hitting hard in kindergarten. GIL is calculated to deceive with its superficial God talk. Religion is reduced to sexuality, feelings, trusting others and making choices. GIL’s repetitive emphasis on genitalia, feel good sexual acts, and explicit detail of such acts could only have been developed by homosexual/lesbian pedophiles who care nothing about the purity of children or the sanctity of the Church……..
http://www.motherswatch.net/content/view/12/6/ - Part 1
http://www.motherswatch.net/content/view/15/6/ - Part 2
..Once children are introduced to the filth in this program those images will remain. Add to this the cumulative effect as the same filth is repeated and built upon year after year. It is psychological taunting and emotional titillating while sporting a superficial love, respect and trust of others.”
It was once a crime to corrupt youth.
Are those who apparently despise God calling this a hate crime?
Are those who apparently don’t obey God calling this a hate campaign?
Talk about ignorance and hate: Steve Barrett is the leader.
“bible thumping”
“Agit prop for Santorum?” Sounds like something a KKK type would say.
Steve this is a Catholic website.
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