Earlier this month, I mentioned that practically every major religious right group in the country was planning to attend the annual World Congress of Families summit with several kindred organizations from around the globe. It was due to be held this September at the Kremlin--a tribute to Vladimir Putin turning Russia into perhaps the most rabidly homophobic country in the developed world. Amazingly, they were STILL planning on holding it even when Moscow made noises about dining on the Crimea. Well, yesterday, WCF organizers announced that the summit is off--at least for now.
Planning on World Congress of Families VIII - the Moscow Congress (scheduled for September 10-12, 2014) -- has been suspended for the time being. The situation in the Ukraine and Crimea (and the resulting U.S. and European sanctions) has raised questions about the travel, logistics, and other matters necessary to plan WCF VIII.
The foregoing is not meant to reflect negatively on the Russian people, churches or individuals who have taken a leadership role in the fight to preserve life, marriage, and the natural family at home and as part of the international pro-family movement.
Among those logistical problems--two of the Russian pointpeople for the event were slapped with sanctions for their roles in the Ukraine affair last week. Namely, Yelena Mizulina, the author of the "gay propaganda" bill that stirred up such a ruckus, and Vladimir Yakunin, the chairman of the Russian state railway company and a main financier of the summit. They both had had their American assets frozen and are barred from obtaining American visas, and will not be able to to business in the United States or with Americans.
And just when you wondered if the WCF is at all worried about how it will look if it stands with Putin even now, it gave the written equivalent of a standing ovation for Putin's rabidly homophobic stance.
The World Congress of Families takes no position on foreign affairs, except as they affect the natural family. The family is above national concerns and should unite all people of good will who recognize the centrality of the family as the foundation of civilization. Our Russian Partners and others we have worked with in the Russian Federation have our prayers and encouragement in their pro-family work.
Apparently in their eyes, "the family' is above basic standards of international law as well.
Thus far, only one American group has had the decency to back out of the summit. Two weeks ago, Concerned Women for America announced it wouldn't attend. Its CEO, Penny Nance, told Buzzfeed in no uncertain terms that she does not want to be seen as "giving aid and comfort to Vladimir Putin." But nearly every other major religious right group in this country is still planning to go. Let's not beat around the bush--any group that goes to this conference, if and when it is held, is explicitly condoning the invasion and seizure of Crimea.