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Charles Stanley Turns Down 'Tree of Life' Award Honor From Jewish Group After Its Members Accuse Him of Being 'Against LGBT People'

Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, speaks about preaching better sermons during a webcast, Thursday, March 15, 2012.
Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, speaks about preaching better sermons during a webcast, Thursday, March 15, 2012. | (Photo: Preaching Rocket via The Christian Post)

Pastor Charles Stanley withdrew his name from an award he was slated to receive Thursday at the Jewish National Fund's Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast after some of its members accused him of being "against LGBT people," and threatened to skip the event if the Christian pastor was in attendance.

Adam H. Brill, spokesman for the JNF, told The Christian Post that Stanley "was invited to receive the Tree of Life award" for his continued support for Israel.

"[The award was] to recognize the many years of support he and his congregants at First Baptist Church Atlanta have shown toward the Jewish people and Israel," Brill said.

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Stanley, however, also received criticism from the Atlanta Jewish community due to his publicly expressed biblical opposition to homosexuality.

"JNF had faced increasing criticism from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its supporters over the decision to honor Stanley, known as much for his strong statements against LGBT people as for his strong support for Israel," reported the Atlanta Jewish Times.

"Rabbis from several congregations, including the breakfast host, decided to skip the event while maintaining support for JNF."

On Tuesday, JNF announced that Stanley had decided to withdraw his invitation so that the focus of the event could be on Israel rather than the controversy.

"… because of his deep love for Israel, and his reluctance to be a point of controversy and conflict within the Jewish community, he has declined to be recognized at the Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast in Atlanta, on Thursday," read a statement by JNF.

"JNF looks forward to uniting all of Israel's supporters on the country's 67th anniversary with the JNF spirit, drive and accomplishments that gives all generations of Jews everywhere a unique voice in building the future of the modern state."

The breakfast still honored Yedidya Haroush, a representative of Halutza (Israel) with the Cantor Isaac and Betty Goodfriend Community Service award.

When asked by CP if other invitees and award recipients had publicly expessed their views on homosexuality, Brill of JNF replied that he's "unaware of other honorees who've expressed their views publically on others' sexual orientation and lifestyle choices."

"While our honorees come from diverse backgrounds, Jewish National Fund remains committed to the values that are part of its core: giving all generations a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people," continued Brill.

"We welcome all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation to participate in our sacred endeavors."

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