Jerry Falwell Ministries Exploits Controversial Statements

Jerry Falwell Ministries mailed fundraising letters to its donors claiming that Falwell, who asserted that feminists, homosexuals, and the ACLU among others were responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks, was the victim of a “vicious smear campaign to discredit him.” The letter, signed by Falwell’s son, compares Falwell to biblical prophets and asks that donors send money to show their support of Falwell who was merely trying to call for “spiritual revival in America.”

The Reverend Barry W. Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, called the letter “truly outrageous. Falwell has gone from apologizing for his hateful remarks to trying to cash in on them.” Falwell, on Pat Robertson’s 700 Club television show, blamed the terrorist attacks on groups “trying to secularize America.” He later apologized for his remarks after being heavily criticized by several national figures, though his apology was then criticized for reiterating his original comments.

Media Resources: Americans United for Separation of Church and State Press Release, 10/22/01; Feminist Majority Foundation

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