The Episcopal Church Welcomes Chick-fil-A

The Daily Episcopalian is not owned or operated by Episcopal Church USA , but its fair to say that this is the news portal on the Internet where a good many Episcopalians get their news.

Further I think its fair to say that Jim Naughton is a prime mover and shaker in how that news is often presented and framed. I also think it is fair to say he pretty much fairly represents the people that run the show often in the faith community that has ancient American origins .

Which brings us to the subject of the week. That is the evil  Chick-fil-A corporation.

Now one would think that just days after the rather alarming and thuggish remarks of the Boston mayor all Christians would have a vested interested in going COME ON MAN to the good mayor.

So I have been sort of monitoring different Faiths to see their reaction. Well Jim Naughton talked about Chick -Fil -A but it had little to do with the probable heavy handed and illegal tactics of the Boston Mayor. See  his post Another reason to love The Muppets.

Now the Episcopal Church folks have been upset at some press treatment of their recent convention. In fact they had cause with one rather fact challenged opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal. As a Catholic that has to deal with the Maureen Dowds of the world I feel their pain.  Thus one hopes they might actually look at what the CEO of the Chicken place actually said vs what the media actually said he said.

Now here is my gripe. The folks that run this corporation are attempting to run their corporation in a Christian way. People can disagree with their stance on gay marriage but their intent should be commended. This got me thinking about a remarkable document from the Vatican.That document is slightly remarkable because they have produced something that is actually a good and accessible read. See “Vocation of the Business Leader”.

Now no doubt Jim Naughton is a sincere believer and no doubt we would disagree with each other onsome topics. But my point to Naughton is should Christians be cheerleading the boycott of this company. If we do what are the consequences? It seems that it affects us talking about other Christian principles talked about in the above link. That is paying folks a just wage, just working conditions, the use and role of profits etc. Again see the above Vatican document.

I keep hearing there is open conversation in the Episcopal Church on these issues. It seems going RAH RAH on boycotting companies that are attempting to to put their Christianity into business practice seems counter to that. If we view the  Chick-fil-A CEO remarks as so out of out bounds it means war then why in heavens name will people listen to us on other other Christian Social Justice issues in the work place.

Is this really the future of this debate and of ecumenical affairs?