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Christain activists protest casting

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Hollywood, CA — The independent flick End of the Spear, which tells the story of an Ecuadorian tribesman who leaves his homeland after his people murder a group of American missionaries, is a hit at the box office – but not everyone is cheering the success of the film. 

Spear is arguably the most visible project out gay actor Chad Allen has been involved with since his six-season run on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman came to an end in 1998. 

But a group of Christian activists are complaining that an openly gay actor known for his activism in the LGBT community is portraying real life Christian missionary Nate Saint, as well as his son, Steve Saint. 

In an editorial titled "What Were They Thinking?" Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler said it was a "very reckless decision" to cast Allen in the two roles, according to the Fort Wayne News Sentinel. 

“Given the publicity of Chad Allen's activism and the intensity of his mission to normalize homosexuality... it is hard, if not impossible, to suspend belief and see him as a missionary martyr for the Gospel,” Mohler’s article said. Mohler’s article goes on to say that Christians should be culturally mature enough to know that some of the famous producers of literature, art and entertainment are gay. 

"This does not mean that we cannot enjoy their music, art or performances," he said. 

But Steve Saint had the final say in allowing to Allen continue in the role. Saint says neither he nor the producers were aware of Allen’s sexuality when they offered him the part, but that Allen came out to them before an official contract was signed. 

Saint admits that when he first found out a gay actor would be playing both himself and his father, he was concerned. But he says both he and the producers felt a duty to honor the contract as it was offered, signed or not. 

“My dad was my hero, and the thought of someone playing him that advocates that lifestyle made me very uncomfortable,” says Saint, according to Christianity Today. “But I realized it wasn't for me to condone or to condemn what Chad does or doesn't do.That is God's prerogative. And I feel that God had his hand in setting up this complex scenario for Chad to play this part.”

Allen, who attends a Christian ministry in Pasadena, has since admitted to Christianity Today that he didn’t tell producers he was gay until he was offered a contract. But Christianity Today also reports that Allen offered to walk away from the project when they found out, even if it meant he was found in violation of the terms. 

Beliefnet.com columnist Ellen Leventry points out that some simple research by Every Tribe Entertainment, Spear’s production company, would have revealed very quickly that Allen is openly gay. 

Allen is involved in some way with all three of the gay networks (Logo, here! TV and Q Television), has a production company with Queer as Folk actor Robert Gant and has been featured on multiple covers of The Advocate. 

“Allen is probably the least-closeted celebrity this side of Elton John,” Leventry writes. 

Saint chalks all of this up to the fact that God works in mysterious ways, according to his interview with Christianity Today. 

“Perhaps God knows that one good story of forgiveness and acceptance should beget another,” Leventry continues. “Or maybe he just knows there's no such thing as bad publicity.”

For more information on the film, visit www.endofthespear.com.
Article provided in partnership with GayWebMonkey.com.

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