Tree Flap

Including a Salvation Army angel tree in a holiday event sponsored by LGBT groups is raising questions.

By Megan Wadding

Salvation Army "angel tree" at LGBT event raises questions

A plan to include a Salvation Army "angel tree" in an event sponsored by local LGBT groups has generated questions by people who consider the international Christian organization to be anti-gay.

Joe Gesullo, who is organizing the Festival of Trees for the third year, said that the idea of including the angel tree came up as "kind of an afterthought" during a planning meeting for the event.

Angel trees, which also can be found in Valley shopping malls, are covered with the names and gift wishes of needy children. Olin O. Hogan, the Salvation Army's Phoenix coordinator, said more than 47,000 children registered for gifts. He said the Festival of Trees will help promote the program.

The Festival of Trees features about 40 decorated trees, many sponsored by LGBT groups, that will be raffled off during the holiday party on Dec. 10 at the Wyndham Phoenix. The event benefits Gabriel's Angels and Phoenix Children's Hospital.

The event was created by the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This year, it's also sponsored by Equality Arizona, the statewide LGBT civil rights organization, and presented by Sway Events.

Salvation Army policy opposes same-sex unions. Its policy calls on Christians with same-sex orientations to "embrace celibacy as a way of life."

When it was announced on the chamber's Facebook page that the angel tree would be part of the event, a couple of people left comments noting that the Salvation Army has not been supportive of LGBT equality.

The Facebook page administrator responded: "We are trying to OPEN doors ... This is about the kids ... maybe 2012 will bring more awareness to our neighbors? We can only pray."

In a telephone interview, Gesullo said that 40 percent of the chamber's membership is straight allies and that the group is working for the entire community.

"You're never going to make everyone happy," Gesullo said. "We've done a lot for the gay community," he said, noting that the chamber has supported groups like 1n10 youth services.

The Salvation Army tree is "not a big part of the Festival of Trees," Gesullo said. "We're not going to not include it. We're not going to punish the kids," he said.

Founded in 1865 in England, the Salvation Army grew to an international movement. Olin said the Salvation Army's mission statement "calls on us to meet the needs of all who come to us: ‘...to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.'"

During the holidays, the organization is known for collecting funds in red kettles. Unrelated to the Festival of Trees flap, a November email of the Phoenix chapter of Parents, Families & Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) suggests thinking before donating to the Salvation Army's holiday drive. -E