Tuesday, Sept. 30, 1997 | 11:04 a.m.
"I think this could be one of the most historic days of the century," Ensign said. He thinks Promise Keepers could be the vehicle for achieving racial reconciliation and family restoration in America.
So enthusiastic is Ensign about the rally that he plans to put up 10 visitors from southern Nevada at the Arlington, Va., home he shares with three other lawmakers.
"Ten was the limit on guests. There are going to be lots of sleeping bags and pillows," Ensign said.
Promise Keepers has its detractors. Patricia Ireland, president of the National Organization for Women, has charged the ministry portrays "women's equality as the source of society's ills."
While the ministry encourages men to recommit themselves to their families, Ireland said this means women should assume submissive roles and "take a back seat in this and every other area of our lives."
Ensign said Ireland's charges are unfounded.
"It isn't even about equality. Men and women are different, and they have different roles in a family," he said. "Marriage is a team, and it's up to the husband and wife to work out their own responsibilities. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with the husband staying home and being a Mr. Mom if the wife is a better provider."
Ensign also said he may have been drawn to Promise Keepers because of his own family history. His natural father abandoned the family. Ensign said he has forgiven him and recently became a local member of Big Brothers, an organization that pairs youngsters with mentors.
He added he doesn't expect Promise Keepers to be a factor in 1998 when he either challenges Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., or seeks re-election to the House.
But Reid has done homework on Promise Keepers and will be monitoring Ensign's involvement with the group.
He said through spokeswoman Jenny Backus that Bill McCartney, chief of the Promise Keepers, has supported "violent demonstrations outside abortion clinics," and Tony Evans, an organizer, has said women "should be submissive."
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