As NewsBusters reported Friday, A&E withdrew its suspension of Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson allowing him to return to the show next year.
Yet Chris Stone, the founder of Faith Driven Consumer as well as the creator of the Robertson-supporting website IStandWithPhil.com, said in a statement Friday that he "remains deeply concerned over unanswered questions" regarding the matter:
“Today’s decision by A&E to reinstate Phil Robertson to Duck Dynasty is in direct response to the powerful and engaged voices of millions of Faith Driven Consumers, as highlighted by more than 260,000 signers of the IStandWithPhil.com petition.
“However, the question remains, has the Faith Driven Consumer community truly been heard?
“Despite our celebration, we remain uncertain of A&E's true intent. Today, in the network’s statement of their core values – centered on ‘creativity, inclusion, and mutual respect’ - Faith Driven Consumers are left wondering whether A&E considers us to be a part of America's rich rainbow of diversity.
“Do they also now embrace the biblically based values and worldview held by the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?
“Did the network’s engagement and consultation with 'numerous advocacy groups’ include Faith Driven Consumers? We eagerly anticipate A&E’s naming of those groups to ensure that our community was included.
“Faith Driven Consumers will remain vigilant as we measure whether A&E’s actions reflect true tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect – including their equal embrace of our biblically based values and deeply held beliefs.”
For those not familiar with Faith Driven Consumer, here's how it's described at its website:
Faith Driven Consumers are Christians who choose to live out our faith in every arena of life – including the marketplace. We make daily decisions based on our biblical worldview and see everything we do in the context of stewardship. Our heartbeat is to give honor to God with every choice we make.
Like other groups, Faith Driven Consumers are a minority in the rich tapestry of American diversity. As a rapidly emerging and economically powerful movement with a legitimate voice in the public square, Faith Driven Consumers comprise 15 percent of the population – 46 million Americans – and spend $1.75 trillion annually.
While many companies routinely target other consumer segments, Faith Driven Consumers have been largely overlooked. However, we’re actively seeking to do business with companies that welcome us and respect our values – and we’re ready, willing and able to switch our loyalties to brands that include us.
As Faith Driven Consumers, we choose to match our wallets to our worldview and support companies whose corporate actions are compatible with biblical faith. This is action every one of us can take, every day. And we can advocate for and grow faith-compatible businesses all over America.
Faith Driven Consumers are creating space in the American marketplace for those who hold to a biblical worldview.
