The founder of the organization that sponsored the July 4th traditional marriage rally in Texas wanted to approach homosexuality in a different way than how he feels most Christians have responding to the issue.
"We structured it in a very unique way," Rob Hurlburt, founder of Takeup.org, a new online Christian advocacy group, told the Christian Post. "Rather than protesters seeing our anger and hate speech, we really wanted to glorify God and ... get our act with those in the homosexual lifestyle."
Around 800 supporters showed up on the steps of the Texas State Capital building to call on God and depend on Him. They were joined by about 150 members participating in a non-violent counter-rally organized by The Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas and Soulforce Austin. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins also spoke at the event.
The organizers of the rally wanted it to be different. Hurlburt said often times Christians take a very offensive approach to protesting homosexuality through messages on signs and their comments.
"We wanted to be the opposite of that," he said.
There was a time for prayer, repentance, and renewal for the Church at the beginning of the rally and at the end, the prayer leader offered a time for reconcilation, according to Hurlburt.
Despite the attempt to make the event a peaceful time of praise and prayer and taking a stand against homosexuality, Hurlburt said that around 40 protesters from a third pro-homosexual party disrupted the rally near the end with crude remarks and actions. For example, two homosexual men jumped on stage and began kissing.
"We kept saying to them, the reason we are coming on this issue is that we are coming out in love," he said. "As hard as it may be and unpopular politically it may be, we stuck unequivocally to what the Bible says that marriage is between one man and one woman."
Takeup.org is now turning its focus to developing television commercials in support of the Federal Marriage Amendement, said Hurlburt, but the organization is "hoping that other rallies and other events would follow the same approach that we took."
Hurlburt referred to 2 Chronicles 7:14 when asked in more detail what the approach of his organization was.
"We must humbled ourselves," said Hurlburt. "The church has been negligent. The church has sinned. We have to admit that first, then we can stand and fight this battle and fight it with God's righteousness."
Although Hurlburt said they made everything with prayer, he urged Christians to take action by getting "out of the walls and stand publicly like we did. To stand against the opposition and say, 'We are going to be seen and heard.'"
