Evangelical Clergy Condemn Trump’s Use of Derogatory Terms
The ministers state the President’s thoughts and comments on emerging countries don’t reflect the views of the American Christian community or the teachings of the Bible which stress loving and caring for our neighbors.
The white evangelical community, which voted 80% for President Trump, must stand with one voice against this unloving, insensitive and hurtful language and call for the President to apologize.
Kristopher Keating Director, Hillside Missions Organization, states;
“In the course of my work, I have spent time in many countries. I have yet to encounter a bad one. I have, however, encountered individuals who judged people and places harshly because they failed to choose a humble or loving perspective.
“There is no reasonable excuse for referring to our neighbors’ nations as s***-hole countries. Any attempt to justify such a statement should be dismissed as insufficient. A person who makes a statement like that should simply apologize.”
The Rev. Dr. Rob Scheck, President of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, adds;
“It is a tragedy whenever vulnerable people are dehumanized and used as political footballs. Whatever precise language the President used showed contempt and extreme disrespect for individuals created in the image of God. This is reprehensible, reprobate and sinful.
“The President must admit his error, beg forgiveness from and those he’s offended, apologize to the American people, whom he has embarrassed, and do his best to make amends and restore his own dignity by loving his neighbor. This is a command from the One to whom he is ultimately accountable.”
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and Pastor of Church on the Hill, goes on to state;
“The harsh, unloving and hurtful language the President used regarding ‘s***hole countries’ and their people must be unequivocally condemned by people of faith and good will everywhere. These comments by Mr. Trump stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Christianity which center of principles of loving and embracing your neighbor. This would also include the nations that the President has shown contempt for.
“President Trump’s words also diametrically oppose the lofty principles of America that have openly embraced the poor, needy, marginalized and struggling from across the world. It is difficult to believe that an American President would create a ‘caste system’ of welcoming one group of people and cultures and rejecting others.
“Also in this discussion, the racially insensitive tone of the President’s words cannot be ignored or swept under the carpet. It is deeply troubling that all the ‘s***hole countries’ the President referred to are almost entirely nation’s of color. While the kind of people Mr. Trump would openly welcome to America, are from exclusively white nations.
“It is my hope that President Trump will issue a swift and heartfelt apology and begin the task of building bridges to the nations of the world and work to heal the wounds caused by his thoughtless comments.”
(Source: Christian Newswire)
