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News: US News
COVID-19 field hospital falls victim to LGBT activists
NEW YORK (ChurchMilitant.com) - A Wuhan virus field hospital has been booted from New York's Central Park after complaints by LGBT activists over its organizers' biblical views on sexuality.
The makeshift treatment center was established April 1 by evangelical leader Franklin Graham at the invitation of Manhattan's Mount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI) hospital. Administered by Graham's humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse, the effort was aimed at helping city hospitals cope with the skyrocketing number of COVID-19 infections.
Targeted From the Get-Go
But instead of being welcomed, the hospital was greeted by protests. From the start, LGBT activists and their allies railed against the Christian-run center. Now, after providing "high-quality medical care for 315 patients infected with the virus," Samaritan's Purse is shutting down its Central Park operation.
Graham said at the close of the venture: "We praise God that our team got to see many patients recover and return home to their loved ones after being critically ill. Not only that, we are thankful for the times we had to share the reason for the hope that is in us," referencing the words of St. Peter.
"I want to thank all of you for everything you've done. We give God the glory for it," Graham said addressing the hospital's frontline medical workers. "We are here to give and to give in the name of Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for us. We want the world to know God loves them."
"This hospital has been a beacon of life and a beacon of hope. You've been able to touch lives," he added.
One life touched by the hospital's care is a small business owner from Queens who was hit hard by and then treated for the virus at the Central Park facility. His wife couldn't visit him, but he could see her waving from Fifth Avenue. "She kept screaming, 'I love you! Keep fighting!' It was an amazing experience," the patient said.
On the road to recovery, he expresses his thanks to Samaritan's Purse: "The people are excellent, professional and they have a great heart."
Lifesaving 'Bigots' and 'Hate-Spewers'
Regular protests have surrounded the facility with activists chanting "Health not hate" and carrying signs reading "Homophobia kills."
New York City Council member and Democrat Corey Johnson railed against Samaritan's Purse, pushing for the dismantling of the field hospital in an angry Tweet: "It is time for Samaritan's Purse to leave New York City," Johnson said. "This group, which is led by the notoriously bigoted, hate-spewing Franklin Graham, came at a time when our city couldn't in good conscience turn away any offer of help. That time has passed."
"As a city that values diversity and compassion for all, we cannot continue to allow a group with the track record of Samaritan's Purse to remain here when we are past the point they are needed," Johnson continued, referring to Franklin Graham's adherence to orthodox Christian values, particularly his opposition to same-sex "marriage."
New York's Democrat Sen. Brad Hoylman said, "I remain baffled by the ongoing relationship between Mt. Sinai and the hateful Franklin Graham and his Samaritan's Purse. ... It's good that Mt. Sinai is taking steps ... for Franklin Graham's exit from a city where LGBTQ people are respected and valued."
Hoylman added: "I'm afraid the consequences of this poisonous relationship will linger."
Jay W. Walker, member of Reclaim Pride Coalition, called the cooperation between Samaritan's Purse and MSBI an "unholy alliance," seeing it as cooperation between "a medical institution of national standing" and "a far-right vehicle for bigotry and opportunistic fundraising and proselytizing in the form of Samaritan's Purse."
It is not clear whether Samaritan's Purse will relocate some of its services to another location in New York City, as there has been such discussion. Some say it's unlikely given the intense criticism it has received.
Several other field hospitals in New York City that were assembled to treat Wuhan virus patients will remain in place, according to WABC-TV. Only the Samaritan's Purse field hospital is being permanently shut down.
What's In a Name?
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries and responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations, especially in locations where few others are working. It specializes in helping victims of disaster, poverty, famine, war and persecution, according to its website.
The name of the organization is derived from the New Testament Parable of the Good Samaritan about a Jewish traveler who is robbed, beaten and stripped of clothing, and left nearly dead alongside a road. Passersby ignored the man until a Samaritan stopped to help him, opening his purse for his healing and care.
Samaritans and Jews were to have despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the Jewish injured man. Samaritan's Purse is an interdenominational Christian organization.
"We provide our services to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation," Graham often says. "We don't discriminate, period."
