Christian Leaders Break Ranks with Trump Over Video of the Obamas
ERLC and Evangelical Leaders Condemn Trump Repost Depicting Obamas as Apes
President Donald Trump reposted a video late Thursday that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama with the bodies of apes. The video was removed Friday after bipartisan backlash.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention declared: "Calling someone an ape is intentionally derogatory and dehumanizing," adding that "the depiction of the Obamas was inexcusable."
Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church stated: "Every form of racism is sinful and despicable. Loving Jesus means loving people."
Senator Tim Scott (R SC) called it "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House." Trump claimed he only saw the first portion about voter fraud and did not watch the ending. The video was removed after Scott called the President directly.
Evangelical Leaders Stand on Biblical Principle That All People Are Made in God's Image
The incident forced a rare public confrontation between evangelical allies and the administration over the biblical principle that every human is made in the image of God.
Take Action
- Reflect: Examine whether your political loyalties ever override biblical convictions about human dignity.
- Share: Share the ERLC statement. Christians must be known for defending the image of God in every person.
- Pray: Pray for our leaders, that they would reflect the dignity and decency that their offices demand.
- Act: When you see dehumanizing content, speak up. Silence from Christians is complicity with sin.
