Laura Washington Highlights De Jesus Controversy
The Sun-Times' Laura Washington has a column up today on the growing controversy over Rev. Wilfredo De Jesus, whom former Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th Ward) is recommending as his replacement on the Chicago City Council. Last month, we highlighted Ocasio's decision to join Gov. ...
The Sun-Times' Laura Washington has a column up today on the growing controversy over Rev. Wilfredo De Jesus, whom former Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th Ward) is recommending as his replacement on the Chicago City Council. Last month, we highlighted Ocasio's decision to join Gov. Quinn's administration, noting that reporter Jessica Pupovac had brought up concerns about his views on homosexuality. On her blog, she pointed out that De Jesus told Christianity Today last October that “opposing abortion and homosexuality have been the paramount moral issues for him." Pupovac also cited this De Jesus quote from an article she wrote on his opposition to a proposed GLBT-friendly public school:
“What about that girl who is a virgin, who is being harassed by lesbians and guys to have sex, and yet you’re going to build a gay school? It’s not fair.”
More from Washington:
As the city's only openly gay alderman, [Tom] Tunney said, it is his "responsibility to make sure that the mayor knows about the concerns," which he has shared with Daley's staff.
"I think some of his rhetoric is pretty hateful," Tunney said, adding, "Our community feels pretty strongly about it." [...]
On Friday Rick Garcia, Equality Illinois' director of public policy, wrote that "we have serious concerns" about De Jesus. In an interview, Garcia told me, "We are very inclined to oppose his appointment because of his public statements about gay people, our civil rights and our relationships."
De Jesus denies that he is a homophobe and says his personal and religious beliefs won't impact his public service.
Appearing on WFLD's Good Day Chicago this morning, Washington shared this nugget as well:
"Another interesting little tidbit about him is that he was quoted in Christianity Today a few months ago -- or last year -- saying that Barack Obama was the first Democrat he had ever supported. So we're talking about a City Council that has only one Republican. So he may be the next non-Democrat in the City Council."
Here's the passage from the Christianity Today article in question:
Wilfredo De Jesús, 44-year-old senior pastor of New Life Covenant, an Assemblies of God church in Chicago with an attendance of 4,000, says Obama is the first Democratic candidate he has ever supported. Until now, De Jesús says, opposing abortion and homosexuality have been the paramount moral issues for him. But De Jesús says Obama's comments about the mistreatment of illegal immigrants have led him to put more emphasis on immigration in terms of advocacy and ministry.
Mayor Daley rarely rejects an outgoing alderman's preferred replacement, so this is something to keep a close eye on.
Comments
As a resident of the 26th ward I am keeping a very close eye on this matter. If Daley tries to install De Jesus there needs be a concerted effort at the City Council to prevent him from being seated.
The entire thing is bizarre. Ocasio gave up a secure position as Alderman to serve Gov. Pat Quinn who most certainly will be defeated in the 2010 election. It simply does not make sense. And, why DeJesus he has never been involved much in the community except as a religious purpose. Ocasio made a dumb move leaving the Alderman seat and made a bizarre move asking for DeJesus. It is all totally puzzling.........
Perhaps research should be done before assuming that Rev. DeJesus has never been involved in the community. Follow this website and take a look at the number of outreaches this pastor has placed in the Humboldt Park Community. www.mynewlife.org
Shelters, Adopt-a block, Food Pantries, Elderly visits, Hopefest, etc...And ALL of these "community based" outreaches are for members and non-church members alike.
He used to be a Principal of Humboldt Communtiy Christian school. I told him that my stepd dad was sexual and physically abusing me and he said ok. He didn't care to belive me. He was to concerned about brain washing people. I don't think he should be a alderm of chicago. He dosne't like Gay people and dosen't like abortions. He tries to act like he is God and that he is perfect. He is a hyporcrite and he loves to brain wash people. He belives that parents should physcially and sexually abuse there kids. He didn't care about me and what makes you think he is going to care about the city of Chicago. God always said in the bible love everyone. Love Gay people they are still people too. I have two gay aunts and I love them. Chicago dosent need this crazy man as a alderman and to brain wash people. Mayor Daley please don't have this mand be a alderman of Chicago.
Everyone has there own belief and isuues. And yet are able to do there job. We have elected child molestors and adulter thiefs. Liars why not a man that so far and seems to be honest about his beliefs. I have seen first hand the good the pastor and the church have done for the community. Anyway isn't that what's voting is for if you are not please with someone. When its time
.Pastor De Jesus might be the best person to serve the humbolt park community as alderman of the 26th ward.If you do your homework on his past achievements to improve the quality of life for the humbolt park residence like woman shelters, adopt-a block, food Pantries and Hopefest.It's easy to see Pastor De Jesus has a genuine passion to help the people in the community.
We shouldn't judge De Jesus based on his religious beliefs, that's his personal life.We all have a personal belief of some kind and just because someone has a disagreement on your God given right to choose what you believe in,it doesn't make it wrong.
What matters is the people in the 26th ward should have a strong voice in city hall to do whats best for the residence as a whole and many believe Pastor De Jesus is that person based on his past and current accomplishments as a active member of the 26th ward
I have to fall to the seperation of church and state. Pastor De Jesus's personal views are clear - his voting record will follow his personal views. I sure he is a great man for his church, but not an open minded enough public servent. If what "female (not verified) on Fri, 06/19/2009 - 17:56" said is true - Pastor De Jesus does not belong in any public office! Kids should be protected not pushed along. Pastor or no pastor it should have been reported and looked into.
Leave Pasto DeJesus alone. That man has a halo aroung his head. He does so much good for our community. Check your resources before you speak. We will pray for you
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