“Although he has subsequently expressed regret, apologized, and affirmed our values, there is a loss of trust in his credibility as a spokesperson among leaders and constituencies,” Leith Anderson, president of the NAE, wrote to members of the organization’s board, according to the Christianity Today Web site.
In a Dec. 2 interview with Terry Gross on the Fresh Air show, aired on National Public Radio, Cizik was asked if his opposition to gay marriage was changing.
His answer: “I’m shifting, I have to admit. In other words, I would willingly say that I believe in civil unions. I don’t officially support redefining marriage from its traditional definition, I don’t think.”
Cizik also has drawn criticism from some evangelicals for his strong support for efforts to combat global warming. He had served as vice-president of the NAE for 28 years.
