Top Evangelical Steps Down After Supporting Gay Unions

With evangelical church money second only to Mormon Church donations in helping to pass California’s Prop. 8, the resignation of an outspoken and polarizing voice from the National Association of Evangelicals Thursday after outwardly supporting same-sex unions made ripples in the divide between church and gay rights.

Rev. Richard Cizik spoke in support of gay civil unions during a Dec. 2 “Fresh Air” radio broadcast on National Public Radio – he said his attitude toward the LGBT community is shifting.

NAE was quick to distance itself from Cizik. He has become an increasingly outspoken opponent of some of NAE’s positions in recent years – in particular, the organizations stand on the environment and global warming.

Rev. Leith Anderson, a Minneapolis-area pastor who serves as NAE president, said Cizik’s resignation was necessary.

"Any organizations that speak to controversial issues are going to have critics," Anderson told the Associated Press. "What was different this time was our individuals and organizations felt there was a loss of credibility for him clearly espousing our positions and values. When you lose that, it's very difficult to re-establish."