[Infowarrior] - NFL Reverses Call On Church Parties

[Richard Forno]

...in related news, as pastor and Grand Plenipotentary of the First Church
of Rick, I will host a viewing public viewing party next year in an
abandoned warehouse.  Bigscreens all around, and BYOB!  :)   --rf


NFL Reverses Call On Church Parties

Thursday, February 21, 2008; E02

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/20/AR2008022002
772_pf.html

The NFL, which found itself on the receiving end of protests and controversy
after it objected to churches showing the Super Bowl on big-screen
televisions, has reversed course and will now permit the viewings.

In a letter to Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
said the league would not object to "live showings -- regardless of screen
size -- of the Super Bowl" by religious organizations.

In response to questions from Hatch, Goodell said in the letter, dated Feb.
19, the NFL will implement the policy starting with next year's Super Bowl.

A story in The Washington Post about churches -- most of them evangelical --
canceling their Super Bowl parties because they were afraid of lawsuits from
the NFL if they showed the game on their jumbo screens kicked up a storm of
protest on Capitol Hill and among some conservative leaders.

The league has said that organizations that host public viewings of its
games on television screens larger than 55 inches violate its copyright.
Sports bars are exempted. Last year, the league sent letters to two churches
advising them of the policy.

In response, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) proposed legislation that would
allow houses of worship to show football games on big-screen televisions and
raised the issue with Goodell at a meeting last week. Other congressional
representatives threatened similar bills.

In its letter, the NFL said it would not object to big-screen viewings in
the churches as long as the showings are free and are on premises that the
church uses on a "routine and customary" basis.

Yesterday, public officials and church leaders praised the NFL's action.

In a statement, Hatch said he was grateful that the NFL was making the
accommodation. "Many families want to enjoy the Super Bowl in a group
atmosphere -- but obviously aren't going to take their kids to a sports
bar."

Steve Holley, executive pastor of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield,
which canceled its big-screen Super Bowl party this year because it feared a
lawsuit, said he is thrilled at the new policy.

"It's decided to set aside profit for community spirit," Holley said. "I'm
encouraged by that."

-- Jacqueline L. Salmon