Last Sunday Richard Cizik was interviewed by Terry Gross on the National Public Radio program “Fresh Air: ”UPDATE RICHARD CIZIK RESIGNED

We have received inquiries to our Washington office about NAE’s positions regarding abortion and same gender marriage as a result of Richard’s comments.

The purpose of this message is to address Richard Cizik's wording about civil unions and related topics on the November 30, 2008 interview. His statements did not appropriately reflect the positions of the National Association of Evangelicals and its constituencies. Our NAE stand on marriage, abortion and other biblical values is long, clear and unchanged. Richard has strongly assured to me of his own support and agreement with our NAE values and positions. This was not understood by listeners from what he said. He has expressed to me his deep regret and apology. I will work with him and with our staff to more appropriately speak on behalf of NAE and our values in the future.

Todd Bassett, our Executive Director, is managing the NAE response to inquiries. To those who request background documents he is sending electronic copies of our pro-life position opposing abortion-on-demand, our stand opposing same sex marriage and our larger document “For the Health of the Nation.” These all clearly state our values and the biblical stance we advocate.

Leith Anderson
President
National Association of Evangelicals
Washington, DC

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This just came to me from a member of the NAE and As I understand it Cizik is staying on in his position.

I don't know how you can listen to what he said and not realize that he believes what he said, this is not a matter that he might have misspoke. I don't think so ... No, I know.

Pastor Anne Gimenez in a recent sermon titled "Being Spiritually Minded" said this, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7 .

I have to believe that when you know the truth the truth will set you free, Cizik spoke what was in his heart and it is a lie and he misled many by his remarks to NPR a liberal PBS radio network.

"His statements did not appropriately reflect the positions of the National Association of Evangelicals" ... Period! That is exactly as I understood it fully, no doubt at all.

Tony DiGirolamo

UPDATE: This just in from Leith Anderson, Pres. of NAE, RICHARD CIZIK RESIGNS