A New Right-Wing Hero?

The New York Times reports on the unveiling of The Statue of Liberation Through Christ outside World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church in Memphis, TN

As the congregation … looked on and its pastor, Apostle Alton R. Williams, presided, a brown shroud much like a burqa was pulled away to reveal a giant statue of the Lady, but with the Ten Commandments under one arm and "Jehovah" inscribed on her crown.

And in place of a torch, she held aloft a large gold cross, as if to ward off the pawnshops, the car dealerships and the discount furniture outlets at the busy corner of Kirby Parkway and Winchester that is her home. A single tear graced her cheek.

According to the official website

THE TEAR represents Lady Liberation’s despair over America’s rapid decline from its Judeo-Christian values. She weeps for our nation’s self-destruction as the protective hand of God is removed. Yet, she realizes that there is still hope for America if we return to God through Jesus Christ.

The Times reports

The pastor is not shy. His church has bought full-page advertisements in The Commercial Appeal, the Memphis daily, condemning homosexuality. At the World Overcomers' previous location, neighbors complained that trees were felled unnecessarily; Mr. Williams said it had to be done so that people could see the church from the road.

…

Mr. Williams said his statue's essential point was that Christianity should be the guiding ethos of the nation. But because the church he leads is predominantly black, as is he, there is an added dimension to the message.

In "From Slavery to Lady Liberty: Lady Liberty's African Connection: The Key to Black America's Liberation," he pointed out that the real Statue of Liberty wears a broken shackle around one ankle, and revisited evidence that the statue, a gift from France, was originally intended not to welcome immigrants but to celebrate the emancipation of slaves.

Williams recently appeared on “Hannity and Colmes” where he defended the statue, saying [watch the video: Broadband or Dial-Up]

And as much as people may not want to hear that this was intended to be a Christian nation by the intent of our Christian -- whether our Founding Fathers. And just watching the condition of our nation and seeing so many people moved from their moral values and just looking at the condition of the nation as a whole, I was just concerned and wanted something that would symbolize America coming back to its Judeo-Christian values.

No one ought to be surprised when Williams soon finds himself courted by The Patriot Pastors or speaking at the Right’s next “War on Christians” conference.