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Before the convention, Tony Evans, president of the Urban Alternative, wrote a pro-Pederson letter to the board. "NRB is perceived as an arm of the Christian Right, and in fact, to a great extent this is more than a perception," he wrote. "Most African Americans believe NRB to be a politically right, Republican organization. Most feel unwelcome and marginalized by the politics of NRB."

During his keynote address in Nashville, Dobson referred indirectly to the controversy. Dobson choked up slightly as he described a partial-birth abortion. "I'm only speaking for myself, [but] to call that kind of outrage 'political' is itself an outrage," he said to applause. "Since when have we become timid about addressing the moral issues of our day?"

Executive committee members say the decision to accept Pederson's resignation was based on his inability to lead a unified organization.

"During this controversy," Plummer said, "many on this executive committee—many, not all—felt that Wayne alienated a substantial portion of the NRB."

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Related Christianity Today coverage includes:

Broadcasters Aim to Cool NRB ControversyDobson, Neff make gestures to mend wounds. (March 8, 2002)

Christian History Corner: Don't Touch That DialCould a bitter debate among religious broadcasters really cause a "full-scale split in evangelicalism"? (March 8, 2002)

Weblog: Battle for NRB Heats Up as Dobson, Moody Square OffRobert Neff calls Focus on the Family head's actions "ungodly," Dobson says he's victim of "smear campaign." (March 5, 2002)

New NRB President ResignsChristian broadcasters divided over politics-religion controversy. (Feb. 18, 2002)

Politics May Splinter NRBChristian broadcasters may sack incoming president or bolt the organization. (Feb. 15, 2002)

Weblog: Saying Christian Radio is Too Political May Get Head of Religious Broadcasters FiredThe battle for Christian radio. (Feb. 22, 2002)

Daring to Discipline AmericaJames Dobson's influence, already huge, is growing. Can he keep his focus? (March 1, 1999)

Other news coverage includes:

Silence isn't golden — World (March 9, 2002)

Dobson fires back in NRB fracas — World Net Daily (March 9, 2002)

The NRB controversy began following Pederson's comments in a January 5 article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

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April 1 2002, Vol. 46, No. 4