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During his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy made it known to everyone how important his faith was to him and his family. Now President Obama has officially asked Dungy to join the Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. According to the White House, the council will work on behalf of Americans committed to improving their communities, no matter their religious or political beliefs.
"Over the past few days and weeks, there has been much talk about what our government's role should be during this period of economic emergency. That is as it should be – because there is much that government can and must do to help people in need," Obama said when he formed the council. "But no matter how much money we invest or how sensibly we design our policies, the change that Americans are looking for will not come from government alone. There is a force for good greater than government. It is an expression of faith, this yearning to give back, this hungering for a purpose larger than our own, that reveals itself not simply in places of worship, but in senior centers and shelters, schools and hospitals, and any place an American decides."
Dungy has yet to decide on whether or not to join the council, but there's already been some controversy behind the request. Dungy has been criticized for supporting a ban on same-sex marriage in Indiana back in 2007, and some gay rights activists feel that his beliefs would transfer over to the council.
"It is extremely important for the advisory council to uphold civil rights and civil liberties, and I am concerned that Coach Dungy is far from the best person to do that," said Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Is Tony Dungy a good fit for the council?
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Comments: (14)
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By: T-Bird on 4/03/2009 10:54AM
Tony Dungy will be a great choice for the council. His stand on same-sex marriage is his personal belief and can be separated from policy. Mr. Dungy, I hope you do decide to accept if it is okay with your family and your time.
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By: Lanette on 4/03/2009 10:01PM
I agree.
I think Dungy is a great man and he has a lot to offer.
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By: Kim on 4/03/2009 11:16AM
I think Tony should go for it. Read his books. He can separate>
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By: sandy k. on 4/04/2009 3:00AM
Most people of Judeo/Christian or Islamic faiths are going to share his views on "same-sex marriage". And it's unrealistic to expect otherwise. (Even the President does.) So that should be a non-issue for the post.
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By: ALLEN on 4/03/2009 9:27PM
Why should this man be barred from doing this because of his Christian Beliefs??? Or are the only Christians acceptable to serve on boards, advisory councils or as elected officials are the ones who believe in gay marriage? abortion especially late term abortions?, where does the spiritual censorship begin or end???
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By: Lanette on 4/03/2009 10:04PM
i think it is getting out of hand. people almost being forced to say or act like they approve of Gay marriage.
I don't mean any harm but it's too much..
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By: Black Moses on 4/03/2009 10:21PM
Love Brotha Tony Dungy. But, I think he is wrong on gays getting married. There is nothing special about marriage. And Blacks need to stop being disingenous on this issue with our non marrying asses. If marriage is so special make it mandatory, outlaw divorce and castration for acts of adultery. Inviduals like Larry King and Elizabeth Taylor in and out of marriage that is real special. But like the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught that if two people always agree then one of them is useless. I would follow Brotha Tony Dungy anywhere.
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By: joanne on 4/05/2009 10:51AM
I think Tony seems to be a very good person. However, if he tries to bring that religious negativity about gays. Then he shouldn't be the choice. I am so tierd of religious people picking and choosing what sins others should be discriminated against. To discriminate in the name of religion is also a sin. We as individuals need to make sure we are doing what we need to do to get in those so called pearly gates. I respect everyone till they disrespect me. I try not to prejudge. I am not always successful. I do try. Each day I live is work in action when it comes to me doing things the way our creator want us to. So religious folks. Make sure you are about heping people spiritually and mentally on a positive note not negative. We all need to get our house in order ( do more of the right thing and less of the wrong).
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By: Gary on 4/06/2009 10:53AM
Most of Gay America is painfully aware of the suicide of Mr. Dungy's young son a few years back. Since suicides among young African American men is a very low percentage overall, one can has only to reach to see that it was most likely Tony Dungy's refusal to accept his young gay son into the family fold once the son's sexuality was revealed to him. Think about it. That kid wasn't in the ground a month good before Mr. Dungy "suddenly" jumped out into the media with his "support" for the ban on his state's gay marriage bill. Guilty conscience in action was exactly what THAT was. No. I would NOT like to see this man on the council.
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By: PAUL PAWLICKI on 4/10/2009 11:54AM
Tony Dungy would never "disown" his son nor condemn his lifestyle choices. He would accept his son the same way his Father accepted Tony-with all faults. Tony follows the teachings of Jesus Christ who demonstrated love and compassion for all and provided forgiveness to those of us deserving of death and not a kingdom. The choices we make have consequences whether it be in sexuality, drug/alcohol abuse, power, prestige, riches etc. In spite of the many bad choices I have made in my life, my Lord and Savior desires that I be set free and no longer a slave to my sinful nature thru my faith and direction of Jesus Christ. Tony is no different than I in that regard. Conviction is not to be confused with condemnation. We, as Christians, let the evil one condemn.
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