Act of God (Reverend KoKoMo the Clown)

Washington Times ^ | December 27, 2007 | Matt Sedensky

[Between the Lines]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The clown walked into church like he owned the place. KoKoMo stood proudly in the sanctuary of Carrollwood Baptist, his huge white shoes planted firmly, his head-to-toe sequins glimmering, his nose and wig as red as a Christmas bow.

It was no joke. KoKoMo was decked out for God.

The Rev. Tom Rives, 61, adopted his alter ego about 35 years ago and found it so successful that he has used it ever since. The message delivered in the high-pitched voice of a cartoon character is weighty for a clown. It is of love and salvation.

Clowning, he said, is a means to teach about Christ.

"People who wouldn't talk to a preacher," he said, "will talk to a clown."

KoKoMo and a troupe of clown friends have shown up in services here at Carrollwood Baptist Church and at prisons, hospitals, fairs and shopping malls. The King's Clowns, as the group calls itself, aims to proselytize while entertaining, disarming the hesitant with the silliness of their characters.

On this night at Carrollwood, the sanctuary is dotted with the red and white poinsettias expected of a church at Christmas, and the rows of green chairs filled with people in casual dress. Out of sight, Mr. Rives and 10 other clowns gather in a tight circle, and in his deep voice, with a slight Southern drawl, the pastor prays.

"Father, may the message get across," he said.

Within moments, Mr. Rives is before the congregation, face caked in white, tiny blue hat on crooked, a portrait of preposterousness. He is ready to speak.

"Hi," he squeals. "I'm KoKoMo the Clown."

[Between the Lines]

No, this is not satire.

[mnehring]

I don't even know what to say (that can be posted here.)

[Cagey]

"To be thankful. To honor Christ daily. To remember it is more blessed to give than receive."

I see no problem with his message and if can reach some that are unreachable in more traditional ways that can't be a bad thing.

[dangus]

This group tried to infiltrate Catholicism first. In the confusion of the 1970s, they gained a little foothold, but have largely been routed out since then as an abomination. Since then, they’ve invaded mainstream Protestant churches, where they have found great success. Now onto the Baptist churches. Where next? Let’s just say I don’t suppose Rick Warren is allergic to face paint.