Did AIDS Council Nominee Really Call Disease the 'Gay Plague'?

Jerry Thacker withdraws from presidential AIDS advisory council after White House criticism“Do not refer to people afflicted with Acquired Immune Disease Syndrome as victims. They are simply people with AIDS or AIDS patients,” says our magazine’s stylebook, Christianity Today Style. But it just might be fair to call Christian AIDS activist Jerry Thacker a victim—not of AIDS (though he has the disease), but of AIDS activism.

Nearly everywhere you look today, Thacker, who had been nominated to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS, is being referred to as the man who called AIDS “the gay plague.” Here’s how various papers begin today’s stories:

Jerry Thacker, a Christian conservative who has called AIDS the gay plague … (The New York Times)
Blasted by controversy over his characterizations of AIDS as a “gay plague,” Christian activist Jerry Thacker … (San Francisco Chronicle)
Jerry Thacker, a Christian activist who has described AIDS as the “gay plague” … (The Washington Post)
A Christian activist. … [characterized] the disease as the “gay plague.” (Associated Press)
A controversial marketing consultant who once called AIDS a “gay plague” (Reuters)
The Christian conservative … [who made] earlier references to AIDS as “the gay plague.” (Los Angeles Times)

But The Washington Times actually bothers to quote what Thacker actually said. Yes, he used the term “gay plague.” But it’s clear from the context that he’s condemning those who see AIDS as such. “Before 1986, Jerry Thacker was probably a lot like you,” Thacker’s online biography said.

He had a beautiful family, a good church and a rewarding ministry. He knew vaguely about the ‘gay plague’ known as AIDS, but it seemed a distant threat. AIDS was something that bad people had to worry about. Not Christians. Not the church. But one Saturday morning in 1986, AIDS came home to the Thackers. … For many years, the Thackers kept their condition secret. HIV was something shameful—God’s judgment on immoral behavior. Who in the church would understand? But slowly, through years of private anguish and exhaustive research, Jerry came to realize that the church had to understand. If AIDS could come home to the Thackers, it could come home to anyone. The vast majority of infected persons don’t even realize they have the virus. Who would minister to them when they got the bad news? Who would counsel broken-hearted parents? Who would reach out to sinners in need of God’s love and grace? Who would warn Christian teens of the very real danger of AIDS? With concerns such as these, Jerry started speaking out on the unspeakable. His books and videos are dispelling the myths about AIDS and helping Christians to think “christianly” about the subject.

The online biography has since been changed, but the damage was already done. “His brand of reactionary gay-bashing has no place in public policy and government,” said Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts (who is running for president).

“His offensive public statements about homosexuality indicate a disturbing bias that is completely at odds with the role the advisory commission should play,” said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

“This is like putting a Dixiecrat on the Civil Rights Commission, and you just can’t do that,” said one of the other seven new nominees to the commission. “For a president who I think has been much better on gay issues than people assumed, it sends a bad signal.”

“Those words are as wrong as they are inappropriate. And they are not shared by the President,” said White House spokesman Ari Fleisher. “The views that [Thacker] holds are far, far removed from what the President believes.”

And so Thacker took his name out of the running. “I feel I must withdraw my name from consideration to serve at this time due to my family’s personal concern about my ability to be effective with the council, given the current controversy,” he wrote in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. “I do not consider myself anti-gay. I am, however, anti-HIV/AIDS. The three infected people in our family … would not wish this disease on any other human being.”

So far, one of the only people sticking up for Thacker is Bill Pierce, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services. He says Thacker “has an extraordinarily powerful, very tragic story, and he has done great outreach on how to prevent AIDS in the conservative and religious communities. That’s what he has taken up as his mission, and that’s important. That community is no different from any other community that needs to be hearing these messages.”

Education:

Teaching of Christianity is being ignored | Call to define role of Kirk chaplains in schools (The Herald, Glasgow)
Most say religious group should be allowed to meet | Monroe Board of Ed. stands its ground after listening to residents (North South Brunswick [N.J.] Sentinel)
Texas teaches abstinence, with mixed grades | In the seven years since their schools began teaching abstinence-only, young people here have been anything but abstinent (The Washington Post)
Enrollments drop at Catholic schools | Catholic education officials attributed the declines to tighter family budgeting in the recession, competition from charter schools and the migration of families out of inner cities, rather than to parental concern that pupils in parochial schools might be at risk of abuse (The New York Times)

InterVarsity:

UNC student leaders question Moeser’s decision on Christian group | Scott Vermillion, InterVarsity’s area director, said the column in the student newspaper and the stance taken by the student leaders disappointed him (The Herald-Sun, Durham, N.C.)
Clause violates religious freedoms | InterVarsity wants University policy to change (Michelle DeRitter, The Daily Targum, Rutgers University)

Archeology:

Does the ‘James Ossuary’ bring us closer to Jesus? | Even if the provenance and historicity of the much celebrated James Ossuary could be confirmed as on some level being actually the bone box dedicated for the physical remains of James the brother of Jesus, the religious significance of such a finding has been rather precipitately assumed, than analytically engaged (Margaret M. Mitchell, Sightings)
Of biblical dimensions | A newly found tablet that is either a hoax or pivotal corroboration of the existence of the First Temple is pitting geologists against archeologists (The Jerusalem Post)

Music:

Christian rapper explains ‘letter’ to Shady counterpart | One of the more talked-about Christian hip-hop singles of the year has been “Dear Slim” by Florida rapper KJ-52 (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
Billy Corgan in search of personal ‘Jesus’ on Zwan debut | While Corgan’s lyrics for the Smashing Pumpkins were often concerned with the search for transcendence, spirituality, and love in dark hours, his Zwan lyrics are even more focused on messianic visions of love, but with a more uplifting vibe (MTV)

Film and television:

The passion of Mel Gibson | His Jesus film is bloody, bold—and in Aramaic. Here’s an exclusive look (Time)
Trinity Broadcasting seeks FCC’s forgiveness on digital deadline | By threatening sanctions against delinquent stations, the agency is trying to speed up the slow rollout to DTV (Los Angeles Times)

Books:

Church father, sex writer give their takes on sin | The similarity between Martin Luther and Dan Savage (Cathleen Falsani, Chicago Sun-Times)

Missions and ministry:

Street preacher on mission in Salt Lake | Disliked by many and enjoyed by few, in-your-face, megaphone-wielding street preacher Lonnie Pursifull is not hindered by such reactions in his call to spread—and define—the gospel on the streets of Salt Lake City and beyond (The Deseret News, Salt Lake City)
Minnesota Family Council sees a golden opportunity | The new political landscape offers unprecedented hope for the council’s long agenda, its leader said (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
IRS has eyes on priest’s ministry | INS seeks removal of certification; fees from poor spent on leaders (The Dallas Morning News)
Soldiers of the Lord, spreading the Gospel on stage | Carl and Hollie Ruthberg, majors in the Salvation Army, have a mission to bring wholesome Christian entertainment to their worship space. But they face a huge problem (The New York Times)
Christian answers brew at Starbucks | Sebastian Traeger, president of Christianity.com and the speaker at “Resolution: Answering Questions of Faith,” is inviting the public to the second floor of the Capitol Hill Starbucks to discuss whether following Jesus means the end of freedom or fun (The Washington Times)

Persecution and violence:

Vietnam tightens grip on religion | Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan says it is the first time the party central committee has passed a resolution on religious activities (BBC)
New Castle man attacked by Hindu mob expelled by India, on his way home (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Clergy sex abuse:

Lay panel sets wide review of church | Keating board to examine sexuality, role of celibacy (The Boston Globe)
Abuse specialists challenge church defense tactic | Assert depositions will betray victims (The Boston Globe)

Church and state:

School’s handling of memorial tiles adds sadness to Columbine tragedy | Legal fight ends as Supreme Court refuses to consider parents’ appeal, chance to bring healing to wounded community also is lost (Charles Haynes, Freedom Forum)
Judge lets 10 commandments display stay | U.S. District Judge Karl Forester said the Mercer County courthouse display has a legitimate secular purpose in acknowledging the historical influence of the Ten Commandments on the development of law in the United States (Associated Press)
Attorney: Virginia Military Institute prayer serves secular purpose | State asks 4th Circuit panel to overturn ruling barring college’s daily dinner prayer, but ACLU argues practice is unconstitutional endorsement of religion (Associated Press)
Honor guard fired for blessings may file suit to get his job back | Meeting with Rutherford Institute (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

War:

War and worship | How do military chaplains square war with their religious beliefs (Nightline/ABCNews.com)
Looming war raises anxiety, as religious leaders assemble | Tensions may deluge interfaith gathering (Detroit Free Press)

Sexual ethics:

Lutherans to take stand on gay issues | Local congregations to consider petition (Lincoln [Ill.] Courier)
Evangelical Christian who attacks ‘gay deathstyle’ appointed to U.S. Presidential panel on HIV | AIDS and gay activists oppose Jerry Thacker (Aidsmap)
60 Valley clerics to affirm support for rights of gays | Scheduled to be unveiled at a clergy luncheon featuring Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong, a liberal theologian, the Phoenix Declaration calls for “full acceptance and inclusion” of gay people. (The Arizona Republic)
Suit charges seminary with pro-gay teachings | A former seminary student has filed a $2 million lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, Bishop William Murphy and top officials of its seminary, charging they promoted what he called “pro-homosexual” teachings in contradiction to authentic Roman Catholic doctrine (Newsday)
Four B.C. parishes propose to bless same-sex unions | Eight others withdraw from Anglican diocese (The National Post)

Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen tours England:

Jensen’s preaching. England’s listening | The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen, is on an ashes tour of the Church of England (Chris McGillion, The Sydney Morning Herald)
Archbishop tongue-lashed for tilt at the London boss | Sydney’s Anglican Archbishop, Peter Jensen, has come under fire from the head of the Australian Church, who has accused him of arrogance and divisiveness (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Rowan Williams criticized by Australian archbishop (The Guardian, London)
Archbishop playing with brimstone | Anglicans face a testing time (Christopher Bantick, The Age, Melbourne, Australia)
Archbishop moves to defuse unholy row over criticism of London head office | Jensen said yesterday that although he was openly opposed to the liberal views on homosexuality of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the comments he made were directed at the office, not the man (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Anglican church split over Jensen comments | Jensen, who’s now on a controversial preaching tour of England, claims his comments have been taken out of context (The World Today, Australian Broadcasting Corp.)

Other Anglican stories:

Anglicans resent dissidents’ tactics | Mainstream Anglicans feel angry that dissident parishes are using money in a “destructive and un-Christian way” to oppose the blessing of same-sex unions, says Vancouver-area Bishop Michael Ingham (Vancouver Sun)
Episcopalians may turn to Anglicans | The Anglican Mission in America expects a wave of defectors if the Episcopal Church finalizes its blessing of same-sex unions this summer (Associated Press)
Anglican Church lawyer attacks deal with Ottawa | Memo calls deal on native abuse claims ‘dishonorable’ (The National Post)

Interfaith relations:

Florida churches denounce anti-Islam sign | First Conservative Baptist Church marquee reads: “Jesus Forbade Murder. Matthew 26:52. Muhammad Approved Murder. Surah 8:65.” (Associated Press)
Troops of all faiths have a place at the Fort Dix Chapel | Leave it to the Army, a melting pot of many groups, to find a way of bringing diverse faiths together in one place – and do it with military precision (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Religions of peace | Jerusalem is the very crucible of God-sponsored violence. If religiously grounded hatred can yield here to shared humility in the presence of the holy one, however defined—then equally profound transformations can happen anywhere. (James Carroll, The Boston Globe)

Other religions:

Congo’s unhappy child ‘witches’ | At a church in Kinshasa the children sat glassy eyed and nervous as they waited to be exorcised by the priest (BBC)
Values survey finds odd bedfellows | Atheists, Muslims, and Mormons led the list of groups viewed by Americans as the least like themselves in terms of basic beliefs and values (The Washington Post)

Prayer and spirituality:

Leaders discuss why people pray | What are they expecting and how do they know if their prayers are heard or answered? (Erie [Penn.] Times-News)
Restoring trust in religion | A panel at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting will discuss the topic (Peter Steinfels, The New York Times)
There is only ‘one way to God,’ reader responds to pastor | Our faith is under attack. It behooves all Christians to defend the faith, draw the line at the cross of Christ and call out those within our ranks who want to muddy the true Gospel with heresy (Terry J. Modory, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland)
Life of Jesus Christ guide for decisions | The goal of the incarnation is identification: We are to become fully human as Jesus was fully human (Kenneth Dorsch, The Oregonian)
Spiritual search leads some to customize their journey | Some people, unsatisfied with traditional teachings but needing to express their spirituality, pick elements from different faiths or their own experiences until they have essentially made a customized religion (The Repository, Canton, Ohio)
A prayer for the dying | When hope fails, what is left? (The Washington Post)

Environmentalism:

Churches go green | Churches, mosques, and synagogues look for ways to make their buildings more energy efficient, both to heed ethical imperatives against waste, and also to save money (The Christian Science Monitor)
Land trust explores beliefs about nature | Organizers hope environmental awareness can grow out of the church, as civil rights did (The Bellingham [Wash.] Herald)

Church life:

Christian-nuptial fad calls on fake pastors | Nonclergy foreigners with Caucasian faces fill well-paid weekend niche (The Japan Times)
Churches vow to put up new signs | In response to a crackdown on illegally posted signs throughout the city, a few local churches are asking their congregations to put up at least 1,000 “Jesus Saves” signs on their property (News & Record, Greensboro, N.C.)
Holy, Holy, Holistic | Why are Germany’s convents and monasteries marketing themselves as New Age spiritual retreats for paying customers? (Time Europe)
Churches don’t stand a prayer | Houses of worship shouldn’t be zoned out of the neighborhood (Patrick Korten, The Wall Street Journal)
House of God just gets bigger | Southeast Christian is one of God’s success stories. They call them Mega-Churches. (BBC)
Sedona chapel in traffic furor | Neighborhood is upset over noise, tourists (The Arizona Republic, link via HolyWeblog.com)
Baxter plans to step down as dean of National Cathedral | Announcement comes as surprise (The Washington Post)
Archbishop of Newark bans eulogies at masses | In a decree delivered last week to pastors, the archbishop said that priests presiding at funerals could still talk about the deceased. (The New York Times)
Hispanics’ numbers in clergy seen as low | Hispanics trail other ethnic groups in training clergy for religious institutions, a process or career path that in the past has usually helped immigrants assimilate and gain social mobility (The Washington Times)
Orthodox church leaders reject American Greeks’ bid for more independence | An eight-year campaign within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to gain more independence from the faith’s leaders overseas has been rejected in a new charter governing the U.S. church (Associated Press)

Science and Health:

In God we trust to live healthier and longer | Heathenism is apparently a health hazard, with research pointing to a link between religious conviction and longevity (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Is there a place for ‘scientific’ studies of religion? | I’d like to be counted among those who see a place for a scientific approach toward the study of religion. However, in that context, I think we need to interpret the word “scientific” broadly (Robert Wuthnow, The Chronicle of Higher Education, subscription required)

Politics and law:

How one clone leads to another | The failure of the last Congress to enact a ban on human cloning casts grave doubt on our ability to govern the unethical uses of biotechnology, even when it threatens things we hold dear (Leon R. Kass, The New York Times)
Alaska rape law flouted, group says | Anti-abortionists say Planned Parenthood nurse was taped urging fake minor to lie (Anchorage Daily News)
Pope wants EU to call itself Christian | But diplomatic sources say secular opposition is likely to block his efforts. (UPI)
Catholic communion a no-no for Governor-General | With a few narrow exceptions, the church’s practice is to refuse communion to non-Roman Catholics, yet the governor- general’s spokesman, Stewart Wheeler, said she does take communion in Roman Catholic services (The Toronto Star)

Technology:

Honey, it’s the pope | How would you like a daily telephone call from the Pope, ensuring a spiritual start to your day? (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Highway to Heaven – how to make faith virtually international | The internet is seemingly fulfilling its promise to bring the world closer together but it has also brought the Churches under greater scrutiny (Greg Watts, The Times, London)

Other stories of interest:

Clarification | President of the Unitarian Universalist Association didn’t for including the word God in the Principles (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram)
Small Bible college in Kentucky shuns beastly 666 phone number | “No one wants to be part of the mark of the beast,” says Kentucky Mountain Bible College (Associated Press)
Britain is a pagan society, says Cardinal | In a rare and wide-ranging interview, Roman Catholic Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor says that he believes the church can survive its crisis (The Daily Telegraph, London)
Church choir video turns out to be porn | About 100 parishioners received the video as a free gift from the parish council in the Dutch village of Hengelo (Ananova)
Religion News in Brief | Lesbian pastor, Billy to Oklahoma City, and other stories (Associated Press)