By Fred Jackson
November 1, 2001

(AgapePress) - A well-known Christian rock band is under fire from pro-family groups over a contract they have just signed with a controversial clothing company.

Abercrombie & Fitch has been a major target of pro-family groups in recent years, mainly for the highly sexual content of their clothing catalog. Now comes word that the Christian rock band, Relient K, has signed a contract with Abercrombie & Fitch to do a massive multimedia campaign.

A press release from the groups record company, Gotee Records, quotes Gotee president Joey Elwood, who says he is excited about the deal and the exclusive exposure it will give the band. He believes it is another way for the group to be salt and light in the world.

The president of American Decency Association says Relient K is making a mistake. Bill Johnson says he is deeply troubled that a Christian band that names the name of Christ would feel comfortable aligning themselves with a company that targets youth through sexually erotic images.

Meanwhile, Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America tells Baptist Press that Gotee Records must shoulder some of the blame. She says the firm has done a tremendous disservice to this band by not considering how they are mixing the Christian message with pornographic images. And as to Elwood's comments about being salt and light, Wright says they need to use a little wisdom and discernment, too.

At least one major Christian radio network, American Family Radio, is reported to be considering removing Relient K from its play list as a result of the band's affiliation with A&F. AFR is the broadcast arm of the American Family Association, which has been strongly critical of the clothier's use of sexually-explicit images in its catalog.

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