Kirk Cameron: Why He Won't Meet With LGBT Teens

Kirk Cameron has declined an invitation to meet with LGBT teenagers, suggesting they "

listen online to the interviews and comments" where the actor has communicated

his "heart and thoughts."

Cameron, who gained notoriety earlier this year for publicly calling homosexuality "unnatural, detrimental, and destructive" is speaking today at the "Love Worth Fighting For" event in Ocean Grove, whose LGBT community is reportedly largely responsible for the town's revitalization. Corey Bernstein, the co-chair for Garden State Equality'sYouth Caucus, sent an invitation to Mark Craig, Cameron's manager, last Friday, asking the actor to meet the group for lunch tomorrow to hopefully open the actor's mind to the struggle of LGBT people and the hurt generated by his remarks.

Craig reposnded that Cameron would be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but conveys the actor's gratitude for the invitation.  "I would like to suggest if you really are interested in Kirk's thoughts on the matter, you can listen online to the interviews and comments Kirk has shared where he was given ample time to communicate his heart and thoughts, he writes.

Read Craig's full response below.

Hi Corey,

My name is Mark Craig and I am Kirk's manager.  His schedule is quite hectic with his movie "Monumental" and working on a new one at the same time, as well as his Love Worth Fighting For events.

He usually flies in the day of the event and after the event is actually traveling to the next one.  Because of this intense schedule, there is not time to set up extra meetings like you are suggesting.  That being said I would normally just write a simple reply, "Thanks for your invitation, however Kirk's schedule will not permit," but because you have taken some time to share some of your feelings, Kirk asked me to personally thank you on his behalf for your kind invitation and is very sorry he can not attend because of the schedule that weekend.  I also want to thank you for taking the time to write and share your heart in your letter.

For this reason, I want to share this thought with you, from someone who sees and works with Kirk almost everyday of the year - I promise you his goal is not one of trying to hurt people in any way, in fact it is just the opposite. He has a concern for their well being - not only now, but eternally.  He goes out to share a positive message through events like this weekend and I assure you he will only be presenting a positive/ inspiring message. 

I would like to suggest if you really are interested in Kirk's thoughts on the matter, you can listen online to the interviews and comments Kirk has shared where he was given ample time to communicate his heart and thoughts. I hope you can attend the event and see for yourself.  

We wish you the best, Mark Craig

Manager for Kirk Cameron