The homophobes are concerned about the lack of new leaders to step forward to continue the fight against such terrible ailments as pro-choice for women and equal rights for gays and lesbians.

The founder of the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family, James Dobson, spoke to a group of Christian broadcasters Tuesday night about the passing of Jerry Falwell, the Rev. D. James Kennedy and Ruth Bell Graham.

Dobson is concerned that the passing of those notorious homophobes, and other wingnut leaders such as Billy Graham, Chuck Colson, Pat Robertson and Chuck Swindoll soon to follow, may represent the end of an era.

"It causes me to wonder who will be left to carry the banner when this generation of leaders is gone," Dobson told an audience of nearly 1,400 at the National Religious Broadcasters conference. "The question is, will the younger generation heed the call? Who will defend the unborn child in the years to come? Who will plead for the Terri Schiavos of the world? Who's going to fight for the institution of marriage, which is on the ropes today."

Dobson's comments come as national groups like the Christian Coalition are struggling, and the organizational muscle of the movement now rests with local pastors, not national figures, AP reports.

Christian activists and other observers of the movement say that the next generation of leaders isn't as interested in polarizing debates and wants to broaden the evangelical agenda beyond divisive issues like abortion and gay marriage.

"Who in the next generation will be willing to take the heat, when it's so much safer and more comfortable to avoid controversial subjects," Dobson said. "What will be the impact on the conservative Christian church when the patriarchs have passed?"

President Bush spoke to convention attendees earlier Tuesday, saying he would not let the 2008 presidential race affect how he will run the Iraq war. He also asked the audience to send their "love and prayers" to Billy Graham, who is recovering from surgery in North Carolina.

Last update: 03-13-2008 23:19