Church targeted by homosexual activists

Tommy Green preaches in the pulpit while people outside scream obscenities, call church members bigots and accuse him of being the Antichrist, but he is unfazed.

The longtime Hillsborough County, Fla., pastor and former president of the Florida Baptist State Convention said he believes “when righteousness raises its head, there’s going to be a battle,” and whether its homosexual activists or proponents of the adult-entertainment industry, churches should not be surprised when they become a target because they stand for biblical principles.

Green, pastor of First Baptist Church, Brandon, knows what it’s like to take water out to men holding signs declaring Christians to be narrow-minded bigots. He knows what it’s like to hear a self-avowed atheist on public access television ridicule his church and its members – which include elected public officials and a county commissioner.

The present controversy has been brewing awhile. A few years ago, Ronda Storms, a member of the church and an attorney who was elected as a Hillsborough County commissioner, fought against funding for a public access television station that allowed shows containing nudity. Most recently, Storms took on homosexual activists when she led the commission in a measure June 15 to prohibit the promotion of “gay pride.”

Green, whose service is televised to nearly 35 million households a week, including those up and down Florida’s west coast and panhandle, said he has publicly thanked Storms for her stand and regularly speaks on cultural and moral issues.

In a volatile and public response to Storms’ leadership, an adult entertainment promoter who airs a weekly show on public access television and homosexual activists in the area lashed out by launching an attack on Storms and picketing in front of First, Brandon, on Sundays for several weeks since the vote.

Green said the demonstrations have galvanized church members into responding lovingly to the criticism and judgment heaped on them and have not deterred him from preaching the truth. “Our church realizes we have got to stand firm in the truth and we don’t compromise and back down. And at the same time we have the responsibility to love people,” he said.

(BP)