Thousands of those converging on Washington will be North Carolinians.Some Promise Keepers members departed Friday afternoon from a Raleighchurch. At Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, 180 members departed atabout 6 p.m. Friday. Those headed north for the rally say the gatheringpromises to be an historic event.
Even members of the Christian Motorcycle Association made a trek toWashington. One member, Dr. David Williamson, said there would likely beas many as 10,000 motorcylists participating in the event.
Regardless of their mode of transportation, most members say they sharethe same goals about the Promise Keepers organization and rally. MemberJoel McDaniel says it's all about commitment.
Those who can't attend the rally can watch it on a satellite feed atseveral area churches. Grey Stone Baptist in Durham is among thoseoffering the feed. Many of those watching will be members' wives.
Some have criticized the Promise Keepers for not allowing women tojoin, but most of the wives WRAL-TV5'sAmanda Lambtalked to said they supportthe group's mission. Elaine Williamson says she feels her life is betterbecause of her husband's involvement with the group.
Local members say the real challenge can be finding a way to bring whatthey learn home to their communities. Promise Keeper Wade Bowick says hewill pray about that.
Talking to members of the Promise Keepers, Lamb says one gets theimpression the weekend gathering will be a very positive event. But therehave been some controversies surrounding it. The National Organization forWomen, in particular, has expressed concern over women's exclusion fromthe group. There is also some concern that the Promise Keepers will becomea political organization. The group has, in the past, taken a very publicstand on several social issues such as abortions and gay rights.
Photographer:Joe Frieda
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