James Dobson, who stepped down as president and CEO of the Colorado Springs-based anti-gay group Focus on the Family six years ago, has resigned as chairman, the AP reports:
"Dobson notified the board of his decision Wednesday, and the 950
employees of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry were informed
Friday morning at a monthly worship service, said Jim Daly, the group's
president and chief executive officer. Dobson, 72, will
continue to host Focus on the Family's flagship radio program, write a
monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues, Daly said.
Dobson's resignation as board chairman 'lessens his administrative
burden' and is the latest step in a succession plan, the group said."
Said Dobson: "One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins
of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from
being prepared for executive authority, though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive
labor, it is the wise thing to do."
GLAAD President Neil Giuliano released a statement in response to the news: "For more than 20 years, James Dobson has used his expansive, well-funded media platform to promote defamatory and false information about the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. As Dobson resigns from his role as chairman, it is important to remember his history of false and defamatory claims about our community. GLAAD urges the media to not allow Dobson to turn today's news into yet another media platform for him to advance his intolerant divisive attacks on gay and lesbian Americans and their families."
