An Open Letter to Chick-Fil-A

Greetings from New York.  I am writing in response to the recent investigation of Chick-Fil-A's activities by Equality Matters.  I am a Chief in the New York City Fire Department, a writer of a blog, and an openly gay man. In addition, I am a long time fan of Chick-Fil-A and often travel 25 miles to my nearest Chick-Fil-A to indulge my passion.  I have written to you previously about my experiences in Chick-Fil-A and offered suggestions about how to improve your restaurants.

I am terribly saddened to read the extent to which your company has supported anti-gay groups and organizations-- people who spread intolerance in the name of God. I would like to point out that being Gay and a Christian are not incompatible. Further, just because you are a company that is somewhat Christian in nature, it does not demand you support these causes.  As a Christian, I am proud to point out to you that the largest LGBT organization in the world is the Metropolitan Community Church.  Many members of the LGBT community, such as myself, are proud Christians as well and live lives that would more than meet your company's expectations for your employees.  Further, many members of our community serve as parents--successfully raising children in their local communities.  Clearly, we are not a group that deserves a company we love working against us, or supporting those groups that do. 

You have a potential role to play as a Christian company, serving to lead in a country that has lost its way.  That is admirable.  However, Gay, lesbian, and transgendered citizens are not who you need to be alienating in this process.  My bible speaks of acceptance, love, tolerance and forgiveness.  Hopefully, your company will use the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to true Christian values and, in the process, provide an example for all people to follow, not those who live in a manner that fits a more simplified and unrealistic interpretation of the bible.  I would be happy to assist your company in addressing this issue and would welcome the chance to meet with company executives to express my sentiments and how you might move forward from this to serve both God and your consumers in a manner that does not demonize a large portion of the population. I eagerly await your reply and comments.