PROTESTORS CRASH SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
by Stan Griffin

A convention of Southern Baptists was the target of gay rights protestors who invaded the St. Louis American Center on June 11, shouting slogans as 9,000 delegates looked on. "God loves his gay children", "Stop killing us" and "Stop the spiritual violence" were some of the epithets tossed at the members. (One of the members shouted back, "You need Jesus.")

Twelve protestors were arrested inside the building while 38 of their compatriots outside were taken into custody by riot police. Most of the invaders were members of "Soulforce," an organization that believes Southern Baptist teachings lead to violence against gays.

James Merritt, president of the nation's largest Protestant denomination, said his church had a "biblical responsibility" to oppose acceptance of homosexuality. He aimed particular barbs at the media and Hollywood.

Later that same day President Bush sent a message to the convention by satellite from Washington, thanking the members for "all your good works" and calling members "believers," "patriots," "faithful followers of God," and "good citizens of America."