Louis P. Sheldon

Louis P. Sheldon (June 11, 1934 – May 29, 2020) was an American Presbyterian pastor, and then Anglican priest, and chairman of the social conservative organization, the Traditional Values Coalition.

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He principally spoke and wrote about controversial social issues such as abortion, religious liberty, censorship, and public acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.[1][2][3][4][5] He appeared as a guest commentator on the Fox News Channel, on programs such as Cavuto on Business, Hannity & Colmes, and The O'Reilly Factor. He appeared on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, and PBS, and was featured in newspapers such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, as well as on numerous national radio talk shows.

Biography

Louis Philip Sheldon was born in 1934 in Washington, D.C., the son of Rex and Gertrude Sheldon. His father was raised in the English Protestant tradition, his mother as an Orthodox Jew.[6][7][8] He became a Christian in his teens. He earned a B.S. in history from Michigan State University in 1957.[9] Sheldon and his wife, Beverly, married on August 24, 1957 and had four children.[10][11]

He received a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1960, the year he was also ordained a Presbyterian minister. He served as a pastor for churches in North Dakota and California before striking out on his own as a lobbyist.[12]

Sheldon founded the Traditional Values Coalition (TVC) in 1980 as a non-denominational, grassroots movement. In the 1980s and 1990s he wielded influence first in California and then in Washington, DC as a lobbyist for conservative causes, once considered among the ten most influential figures in conservative evangelical politics.[7][6] TVC has been designated an anti-gay hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), citing TVC's use of "known falsehoods — claims about LGBT people that have been thoroughly discredited by scientific authorities — and repeated, groundless name-calling."[13]

Sheldon left the Presbyterian ministry after 52 years and was ordained an Anglican priest in March 2012 at St. James Anglican Church (Newport Beach) California, which is part of the Anglican Church in North America.[14] Sheldon was a 2013 delegate representing the Anglican Diocese of The Armed Forces and Chaplaincy to GAFCON II, the Global Anglican Futures Conference, in Nairobi, Kenya.[15]

He died May 29, 2020 in Orange County, California, aged 85.[16][7][6]

Bibliography

Sheldon authored one book:

  • The Agenda: The Homosexual Plan to Change America. Frontline. 2005. ISBN 1-59185-796-1.

See also

References
  1. Parachini, Allan (March 24, 1990). "Bush Says Let NEA Decide What's Art: Arts: President expresses position on 'filth' but supports bill. Orange County's Rev. Louis P. Sheldon said conservatives are outraged by the action". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  2. Weiner, Rebecca (October 12, 1995). "Coming Out Day Draws Proponents, Foes: Gays: Activist Candace Gingrich addresses one rally, which was countered by Rev. Louis P. Sheldon, of Traditional Values Coalition in Anaheim". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  3. Eng, Lily; Zonana, Victor (November 9, 1989). "O.C. Preacher Pledges New Anti-Gay Drives : Gay Rights: The Rev. Louis P. Sheldon says he will turn his energies to the public schools". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  4. Meyer, Josh (August 3, 1990). "Ministers Square Off Over Provocative Art Exhibit, Role of NEA : Censorship: They concur that a "struggle for the soul of America" is under way but disagree about where the "evil" lies". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  5. Martinez, Gebe (April 24, 1995). "Rev. Sheldon Basks in GOP's Successes: Politics: The Anaheim activist prepares for 'religious freedom' amendment to be submitted to the Congress". Los Angeles Times.
  6. Schudel, Matt (June 6, 2020). "Louis P. Sheldon, inflammatory anti-gay crusader of 'traditional values,' dies at 85". Washington Post. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  7. Genzlinger, Neil (June 5, 2020). "Louis Sheldon, Anti-Gay Minister With Political Clout, Dies at 85". New York Times. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  8. Needham, John (October 14, 1985). "Foe of Gay Rights, Abortion Takes Fight Beyond Pulpit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  9. Dunlap, David W (December 19, 1994). "Minister Brings Anti-Gay Message to the Spotlight". New York Times. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  10. "Rev. Louis P. Sheldon" (PDF). CBN.com. The Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  11. Lichtblau, Eric (November 26, 1989). "COLUMN ONE : A Savvy 'Free Agent for God' : The Rev. Louis Sheldon is part fiery preacher, part cool-headed lobbyist. Opponents question his religious support but don't deny his political clout". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  12. Needham, John (October 14, 1985). "Foe of Gay Rights, Abortion Takes Fight Beyond Pulpit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  13. Waddington, Lynda (November 23, 2010). "Groups that Helped Oust Iowa Judges Earn 'Hate Group' Designation; SPLC Adds American Family Association, Family Research Council to List". Iowa Independent. Archived from the original on 2010-12-02. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  14. "Anglican Chaplains" (PDF).
  15. "Anglican Chaplains to Staff GAFCON II". October 11, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  16. "Louis Sheldon, anti-gay Christian group founder, dies at 85". Orange County Register. 2020-05-30. Retrieved 2020-05-30.
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