Candace Cameron Bure defends Christian Christmas movies amid backlash
“To everyone reading this, regardless of race, creed, sexuality or political party, including those who have tried to abuse me, I love you,” Bure said. “We need Christmas more than ever.”
Candace Cameron Bure has clarified her comments on the need for “traditional” Christmas movies.
The Great American Family network’s chief creative officer said that unlike Hallmark’s recent roster of films, as she claimed, her network will “keep traditional marriage at its core” or, in other words, not feature LGBTQ+ couples. Bure’s former “Full House” co-star Jodie Sweetin and fellow actress Hilarie Burton have spoken out against Bure’s comments, while GLAAD called them “not in tune with a growing majority of people of the faith.”
Now Bure blames the media for the backlash.
“I would like to address my comments on the Great American Family program as reported in The Wall Street Journal. All who know me know without question that I have great love and affection for all people. It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I was intentionally trying to offend and hurt anyone,” Bure said in a statement (via Variety). “It saddens me that the media often try to divide us, even when it comes to something as comforting and joyful as Christmas movies. But given the toxic climate in our culture right now, I shouldn’t be surprised. We need Christmas more than ever.”
Bure continued, “I’m a devoted Christian. This means that I believe that every human being is made in the image of God. For this reason I am called to love all people and I do that. If you know me, you know that I am a person who loves fiercely and indiscriminately. My heart longs to build bridges and bring people one step closer to God, to love others well and just be a reflection of God’s great love for us all. To those members of the media responsible for using this opportunity to stir up conflict and hatred, I have a simple message: I love you anyway. To those who hate what I love and who attack me online: I love you. To those who tried to murder my character: I love you. To everyone reading this, regardless of race, creed, sexuality, or political party, including those who have tried to abuse me, I love you.
Referring to her involvement with the Great American Family channel, Bure added, “I have long wanted to find a home for more faith-based programming. I am grateful to be part of a young and growing network. I had also expressed in my interview, which was not included, that people of all ethnicities and identities both on and off camera have contributed and will continue to contribute in great ways to the network, which I encourage and fully support. I have never been interested in proselytizing through my storytelling, but in celebrating God’s greatness in our lives through the stories I tell.”
She concluded, “The God we serve is an incredibly creative and loving God. He didn’t just capture a small part of my heart, He captured my whole heart. It will be reflected in everything I do and say; God’s love and compassion are central to my family, my work, and my interactions with people from all walks of life. All of this comes from the LOVE that God Himself poured out upon mankind when He gave the gift of joy and forgiveness on Christmas morning 2000 years ago. That’s why I love Christmas stories and share true joy and peace with millions of people around the world. And in the sole motivation of pure love, I hope you will join me in sharing God’s hope for the whole world this Christmas season. Call that my Christmas wish.”
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https://www.indiewire.com/2022/11/candace-cameron-bure-defends-christmas-movies-backlash-1234783278/ Candace Cameron Bure defends Christian Christmas movies amid backlash
