Chick-fil-A Head Cathy Denies Company Anti-Gay: “We’re Not Anti-Anybody. Our Mission Is To Create Raving Fans”

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy denies (or dismisses) criticism that Atlanta, Georgia-based company is anti-gay, telling the Atlanta Journal Constitution “We’re not anti-anybody. Our mission is to create raving fans.” Cathy’s counter comes after it was disclosed that a Chick-fil-A outlet in Pennsylvania to supply food for an event in February sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a profoundly anti-gay group that works to defeat same sex marriages initiatives. Earlier in January, Cathy appeared on the company’s Facebook page via video to argue that the Chick-fil-A sandwiches and brownies to be provided at a marriage-training event exclusively heterosexual promoted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute did not constitute an endorsement of the organization’s politics. Saturday, Cathy issued a statement saying “While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees.” He added that Chick-fil-A would not champion any political agendas on marriage and family, stressing that is not a change from previous practice, simply a “confirmation.” Sunday, a New York Times story wrote that “Chick-fil-A is among only a handful of large American companies with conservative religion built into its corporate ethos,” the “company’s corporate purpose is, in part, ‘to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us.’” Cathy tells the AJC operates its business on Biblical principles but that it “is not a Christian company.” Cathy does concede that hymns play above the walkways at corporate headquarters, and that contemporary Christian songs are played over the sound systems in many of its restaurants. Coupled with a longstanding tradition of closing Sundays, the portrait of a Christian company seems complete. However, he says that reports the company requires potential franchisees to discuss their church involvement are false, saying “We do not require this in our franchisee selection process nor do we require a pledge to follow Christian values for the college scholarships we provide.” He also said that the company’s charitable arm – WinShape Foundation – which has trained hundreds of wedded couples, does not specifically ban same sex couples from its marriage retreats or training, but added that the curriculum is designed for heterosexual couples. Asked by the AJC if he would like the company to be news for other things, Cathy said “It’s been a really great thing for us. We intend to stay the course. It’s served us well. We don’t mind being in the news for this.”