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at Hate-Mongering Church |
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Compiled by GayToday
Murphy's first vigil took place in October, 1998, the day after the death of Matthew Sheppard, who was murdered in Laramie,Wyoming. Coral Ridge Ministries actively opposes gay civil rights and sponsors programs designed to "convert homosexuals to heterosexuality" through what it calls "reparative therapy" and conversion to Christianity.
Last year's vigil was respectfully terminated "in good faith" after Reverend and Mrs. Kennedy pulled their car up along side Murphy outside Coral Ridge Church and invited him to lunch. The meeting culminated with Dr. Kennedy's promise to seek willing Coral Ridge participants to serve on a joint blue ribbon bridge-building panel. "Unfortunately, everything fell apart last year after Dr. Kennedy became furious with me for publicly relating our encounter and the reason for my vigil's unexpected termination," said Murphy. "I innocently believed that a public announcement of the meeting was not only necessary to explain the sudden end of my vigil, but also to celebrate a joyous occasion and divinely inspired symbol of our mutual Christian faith, hope and love." After the meeting, repeated follow-up phone calls and a letter went unanswered for months, according to Murphy. "Imagine my shock when I finally received a letter from Dr. Kennedy that accused me of distorting our conversation to fit my agenda, violating every canon of friendship, and calling me the worst kind of gossip according to Scripture and a person not to be believed or trusted," continued Murphy. "Needless to say I was stunned. At this point I don't know what to do or where to turn except to God and prayer in hopes of mutual healing, forgiveness and reconciliation." Coral Ridge Church is located at 5555 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. |
Homophobic minister the Rev. D. James Kennedy will have an unexpected Easter guest: Gay Christian activist Richard Murphy 