Braves boot conservative group at "Faith Day"

[TestSubjekt]

Braves give the boot to conservative group at "Faith Day"

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves will mix baseball with the gospel when they hold another "Faith Day" this weekend. But one of the country's most prominent Christian organizations has been tossed out of the game. Focus on the Family, a group founded by James Dobson, was barred from participating in Sunday's postgame activities after sponsoring the first such event at Turner Field last month. While the team wouldn't provide a reason for its decision, several gay rights groups on the Web bristled with speculation that Focus on the Family was given the boot for promoting its belief that homosexuality is a social problem comparable to alcoholism, gambling or depression. The Braves were the first major league team to hold "Faith Day," teaming up with Tennessee-based promoter Third Coast Sports to put on the event after a July 27 game against Florida. Separate $10 tickets allowed fans to re-enter the left-field bleachers, where a stage was set up along the warning track. Pitcher John Smoltz gave a testimonial and a Christian rock band put on a show. The Braves plan the same sort of event after Sunday's game against Milwaukee, this time with former Atlanta first baseman Sid Bream as the featured speaker. However, Focus on the Family won't be one of the sponsors.

Just thought I'd give any Braves fans something to talk about...

[LTBF]

I don't have a problem with the Faith Day concept. But if a group like Dobson's is going to cause contraversy, then they don't need to be involved.