Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, says he is "uncertain of A&E's true intent" in its re-instatement of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson.
Stone, creator of the IStandWithPhil.com website, also wonders whether the network's pledge to conduct a massive PSA campaign on unity and tolerance will include those with "biblically based values."
As the network has stated, it plans to renew the show with Papa Phil, but will require the Robertson family to work with LGBT and African-American groups as part of A&E's effort to impart core values of "creativity, inclusion, and mutual respect." Stone, head of a community of Christians who support businesses that respect their values, asks whether the network "considers us to be part of America's rich rainbow of diversity."
Here is Stone's full statement from Friday:
Today’s decision by A&E to reinstate Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty is in direct response to the powerful and engaged voices of millions of Faith Driven Consumers, as highlighted by more than 260,000 signers of the IStandWithPhil.com petition.
However, the question remains, has the Faith Driven Consumer community truly been heard?
Despite our celebration, we remain uncertain of A&E's true intent. Today, in the network’s statement of their core values – centered on ‘creativity, inclusion, and mutual respect’ - Faith Driven Consumers are left wondering whether A&E considers us to be a part of America's rich rainbow of diversity.
Do they also now embrace the biblically based values and worldview held by the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?
Did the network’s engagement and consultation with 'numerous advocacy groups’ include Faith Driven Consumers? We eagerly anticipate A&E’s naming of those groups to ensure that our community was included.
Faith Driven Consumers will remain vigilant as we measure whether A&E’s actions reflect true tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect – including their equal embrace of our biblically based values and deeply held beliefs.
