DENVER – The evangelical men’s organization Promise Keepers waived conference admission fees and brought in standup comics trying to recapture its mid-1990s influence. The unprecedented move it’s trying now: opening an event to women.
After 20 years of men-only events, Denver-based Promise Keepers is urging men to bring “the women in their lives” to a July 31-Aug. 1 conference marking the group’s anniversary.
“It’s time for Promise Keepers men to step up and honor women,” Raleigh Washington, the group’s president, said Monday. “We’re going to heal the gender divide that exists in America.
“What better way to challenge a man than nose to nose with his wife, his mother, his sister?” he said.
Promise Keepers filled football stadiums and boasted a $117 million budget in the mid-1990s, but has struggled to find an identity since. Revenues declined for several years to about $10.9 million in 2007, according to its tax forms. This year’s budget is $7.5 million, Washington said.
Apr 29 2009
April 29th, 2009 7:00 pm
Yeah, Mr. Ichthus. This befuddled me too. But of course, you noted that already.
Thanks for the link love, brother.
Peace.
April 29th, 2009 9:28 pm
PK members I’ve known were a little scary, self-righteous. I always figured that if you need a stadium to provide the reinforcement/group dynamic needed to openly state your beliefs, they can’t be all that strong to begin with. It’s what we do silently, privately that proves who we are.
April 29th, 2009 7:18 pm
Ichthus! Ha!
I have never really appreciated PK. Not now. Not then. Oh well – not my cup of tea. I did like your comments, though!