Chapter Two: The Bishop and the televised lie
Bishop Lionel Daniel flew into New York that afternoon. He was seething. He would never sign anything even hinting of compromise on the homosexual issue. He went straight to WOLF Television Network’s headquarters, and within the hour was on the set with gay activist Mike Minor and host Zack O’Rourke.
O’Rourke’s show reached millions. The segment would be on later that evening, then replayed over the weekend. Zack O’Rourke, lanky and balding, usually smiling, had decades of experience as a reporter and news anchor. He looked into the camera, and said, “Welcome, folks, to ‘O’Rourke,’ the show with the reporter–that would be me–who also has opinions. Welcome, in other words, to talk journalism. Tonight we are going to witness a battle.”
Bishop Lionel Daniel didn’t disagree with that at all.
“The last time our two guests were on O’Rourke, it resulted in our highest ratings ever. If you saw that epic clash, you may remember Mike Minor, the gay activist, who is rumored to be on the President’s short list for the Youth Education Post. Mike Minor is recognized as having played a major role for gay rights in a number of cities, and a growing number of states, as well. Welcome back, Mike.”
Mike Minor smiled pleasantly. “Thank you, Zack. It’s an honor to be on your show.”
O’Rourke rolled his eyes. “An honor,” he repeated in his humorous, mildly sarcastic manner. O’Rourke came from a blue collar family in Queens, New York, and his success hadn’t changed him all that much.
“Our other guest is Bishop Lionel Daniel, head pastor of Preach Christ Church, and a formidable opponent to those who advocate same-sex marriage. Bishop Daniel is equally vocal about what he sees as the encroachment of the gay agenda in media, housing, and education. Bishop, welcome back.”
“Thank you, Zack,” replied Daniel. “I’m also glad to be here. I consider this so important, in fact, that I chose to fly here rather than be interviewed from my home town.”
Zack nodded. “All right, let’s get to it. So, let me get this straight–no pun intended–about your assertion, Mike Minor. You are saying that sexually active homosexuals are part of the Church, that they are already part of the Body of Christ. Doesn’t that contradict the Bible? Bishop?”
Daniel cleared his throat. “First, Zack, I would like to point out how even the term ‘gay rights,’ which you just used, is misleading. Perhaps we can get to that later. As far as homosexuals being members of the Body of Christ, there are many who once sinned in this area, but are freed through Christ. There are also those who have come to Christ, but may still have their struggle with this–”
“Because that is what they are and who they are!” interjected Mike Minor.
“Because,” Bishop Daniel replied calmly, “the Lord alone is the answer. If someone comes to Christ and falls, they need to repent, and–”
“You’re a hypocrite!” Mike Minor stood up and the camera shifted to him. He held up a document. “You yourself, Bishop Daniel, are a signatory along with many who represent pro-gay Christian churches and organizations. In this Declaration of Courtesy, you, by your signature, are in agreement that homosexuality is fine in Christianity.”
For perhaps five seconds there was silence. Then, unexpectedly, Lionel Daniel began to laugh. His deep baritone filled the studio. Zack O’Rourke now turned to the Bishop.
O’Rourke said, “Bishop, that’s funny? Why are you laughing?”
“Mr. Minor is referring to an agreement I signed a few months ago. I was introduced to it by the Christ Relational Organization of Churches.”
“Right, the C.R.O.C., the religious/political lobbying group. Their president has been on this show several times.”
“Right, Zack, many C.R.O.C. members signed the Declaration of Courtesy including, I believe, President James Abner. I am actually a board member of the organization, myself. So for this gentleman”–Daniel pointed at Mike Minor–”to make these claims is beyond ridiculous. The Declaration was intended solely for evangelicals.”
“Right, for Christ-followers,” Mike Minor answered. “Like Ryan Langley for instance. He’s a signatory. Can the camera close in on Langley’s signature?” He held up the list.
The name appeared on the in-studio screen. O’Rourke looked at Daniel. “Yep, he’s on there all right,” O’Rourke noted.
Why was the pro-homosexual, emergent leader included? Ryan Langley had flatly rejected the Biblical Christ in his last book, and had garnered much publicity in doing so.
What was going on here?
O’Rourke was still studying the names on the screen. “Hey,” he said, “hey, wait a minute. Two names below Langley, isn’t that Jebidiah Collins, the head of Union of Christ Communities?”
“That’s right,” Mike Minor answered.
“Well, he’s been a guest on this show three or four times. His denomination is extremely pro-gay. In fact, these folks are in the forefront of the same-sex marriage movement.”
“My, my.” Mike Minor grinned at the Bishop. “Lucy, you have some ‘splaining to do.”
To be continued. Next: C.R.O.C.-o-matic
Chapters:
1. How to silence the black Bishop: HERE
2. The Bishop and the televised lie: HERE
3. C.R.O.C.-o-matic: HERE
4. Declaration of Courtesy: HERE
Announcement: Evange-hellicals Anonymous help available: HERE
5. The LORD is a man of war (Exodus 15:3): HERE
Newsbreak: Unhappy Evange-hellicals Anonymous member speaks out: HERE
6. The Fleas and Pets Newsletter: HERE
7. Enough with the propaganda points: HERE
Intermission: Popcorn half price for evangelicals: SNACKS
8. Espresso with the Just Jesus Christian: HERE
9. Nothing he could say: HERE
Advertisement: Universalist “Big Tent” Toy Set For The Kids! HERE
10. Episco-contemplatives: HERE
10.5 Jenni Botswana knows the Lion HERE
11. What is happening HERE
12. Howls and Lamentations HERE
13. Unholy Times and an Unholy People: HERE
14. Jenni Botswana, Early Bird: HERE
15. The evangelist and the rotting fruit: HERE
15.5 Fleas and Heretics HERE
Evange-Smellicals Perfume Commercial: SNIFF
16. Gay Activist and the Puritan Preacher: HERE
17. HELL’S BELLS: HERE
18. Homo-Universalism: HERE
19. Evange-hellicals and People of the Book: HERE
Infomercial: Evange-hellicals Bible sells out first day: HERE
20. Gomer Joe’s Bar: HERE
21. Return of the Anti-Flea Sauce HERE
22. Hanratty praying, the enemy preying: HERE
Announcement: Talking Evange-tellicals in our lobby! HERE
23. “What, you’re a reformed lesbian?” HERE
24. This thing that is upon us: HERE
25. What a beautiful girl: HERE
26. Better to struggle than burn: HERE
27. The Street Preacher HERE
28: Epilogue: Rifles and Parade: HERE
(This is a work of fiction and all characters are fictitious)
copyright 2010 John Lanagan
