A pastor for XXX Church says the purpose is to discuss how pornography affects
today's society. The name itself is catching people's attention, but it is also
opening up the lines of communication about the affects of pornography on
America.
JR Mahon is a self-described Porn Pastor with the XXX Church, but he is not
promoting the industry. He says he is trying to get people with a porn habit to
take accountability for themselves. "The only way to deal with this is to
confront it head on. So if we do that tongue in cheek or very seriously that's
what we do," explained Mahon.
The XXX Church is expecting around 150 people to attend, but the attention the
program is getting has spread nationwide. The program has gotten attention from
NBC News and the comedy show, Saturday Night Live. "Its been great attention
because everyone is starting to talk about porn, what does it mean, what does
it mean if your struggling, what does it mean if you know someone who's
struggling," said Mahon.
Friday night at the church, preparations for the breakfast were underway. The
refrigerator is stocked and the pancake mix is ready to go.
Parishioners say they hope to come out of Saturday's event with a better
awareness of the porn industry and its possible effects on our society.
"They're giving men resources to not only get free of porn if they're
struggling with it but for families to protect themselves," said Paul Forget, a
parishioner of Living Word.
Those at the church said they have experienced some backlash from people
outside the congregation, but they say it is more important they get the topic
out on the table for discussion. "I hate to use the term, but I kind of call it
Christian friendly fire because there is some Christians out there who are
sitting in the pews and they're firing at the Christians at the front trenches
who are actually getting things done," explained Forget.
Along with a discussion about the porn industry, a former porn producer will be
there. He recently left the industry and joined the XXX Church to help spread
their message.
There are still tickets available for the breakfast. Tickets are $8.00. It is a
men's event that starts bright and early at 8 a.m. at the Living Word Assembly
of God Church in the Town of Ontario.