Focus on the Family's Growing Influence—in Canada
By Dan Gilgoff, God & Country
The evangelical ministry Focus on the Family has long hired its executives from the power corridors of Washington. When Focus sought to ramp up its Washington consulate, the Family Research Council, in the late 1980s, it brought in Ronald Reagan's domestic policy adviser, Gary Bauer. Former Secretary of Interior Don Hodel recently served as president of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based organization after founder James Dobson stepped down. The new Washington lobbyist for Focus on the Family Action—Focus's sister political group—was deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison under George W. Bush.
But Focus has had less luck sending its own people into government. That's apparently not the case in Canada, where President Obama landed today on his first foreign trip as president. The former president of Focus on the Family Canada—a sister group to Dobson's U.S. ministry—has just been promoted to the post of deputy chief of staff in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office. The Focus alum, Darrel Reid, was formerly serving as Harper's policy director. The promotion has some gay and liberal interests griping about growing evangelical political power in the Harper administration.
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Tags: Canada | religion | evangelicals
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Reader Comments
Dobson's pawn has the PM's ear
It's a sad day when the loons and Dobsonian stooges are so close to the seats of actual power. What is Canada thinking? Here in the US we toy with letting these guys get close to power every election cycle. But then we wake up and realize that a President who does not believe in evolution is just plain stupid and then we don't elect them to anything beyond the school board or Senator from Kansas.
But "Chief Of Staff"? Hmm, a non-elected post? Way to go! Influence without accountability!
It's the future, just like Old Pat Robertson said..."stealth" is in.
We should give equal rights to GLBT.
We should give equal rights to GLBT. They really need more support and concern in daily life. I know some hidden bisexuals choose the online service **BiLoves dotcom** to come out, enjoy their lives as bi, explore their sexuality, etc. It's very hard for them to be open bi.
Christian influence through political office
While everyone's views and affiliations should have an equal place at the table in a democracy, I think too much hope in the influence of Christian politicians is misguided.
Governments make laws, they cannot change hearts. The essence of Christianty is transformation through belief. Sure, vote your beliefs. But much more importantly, live your believes in a humble and winsome way.
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