How Major Christian Leaders Are Responding to Trump’s Controversial Remarks
President Donald Trump allegedly said immigrants are coming to the United States from countries he described with an expletive.
According to The Washington Post, the incident occurred this way:
President Trump grew frustrated with lawmakers Thursday in the Oval Office when they discussed protecting immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as part of a bipartisan immigration deal, according to several people briefed on the meeting.
“Why are we having all these people from [expletive] countries come here?” Trump said, according to these people, referring to countries mentioned by the lawmakers.
Trump then suggested that the United States should instead bring more people from countries such as Norway, whose prime minister he met with Wednesday. The president, according to a White House official, also suggested he would be open to more immigrants from Asian countries because he felt that they help the United States economically.
Trump denies the remarks.
Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Jan. 12, 2018
Here’s how Christian leaders are responding:
Mr. President, I love you, I pray for you, & I appreciate all the good you’ve done in this last year. But I plead with you to be more careful with your words (assuming the report about your statement on certain immigrant countries is true). Surely, sir, you can do better. @POTUS
— Dr. Michael L. Brown (@DrMichaelLBrown) Jan. 12, 2018
UPDATE: JUST IN: Pastor Jeffress clarifies wording on immigration statement. Says statement should read, “Right on target with his policy” not “”Right on target in his sentiment.” @robertjeffress @WhiteHouse @CBNNews pic.twitter.com/gfjgFLxmko
— David Brody (@TheBrodyFile) Jan. 12, 2018
I’ve traveled to the fabulous continent of Africa multiple times – visited South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. I’ve been welcomed into the homes and churches of some of the finest people on earth. All are welcome here.
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) Jan. 12, 2018
Potus hits homerun with televised Immigration meeting. Potus hits another homerun with Prison Reform meeting. Media counters with race card ie bogus [expletive] comment from another “anonymous source”. Media loaes again.
— Dr.Darrell Scott (@PastorDScott) Jan. 11, 2018
indefensible, incomprehensible, reprehensible & completely unacceptable
to profanely disdain countries of People of Color,
but entertain welcoming people of blonde hair.
Demonizing people is the 1st step to justifying anything— Ann Voskamp (@AnnVoskamp) Jan. 12, 2018
The church of Jesus Christ is led by, among others, our brothers and sisters from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They are us.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) Jan. 12, 2018
Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council:
Every single person is created in the image of God. Without exception. Therefore, as it pertains to immigration, we must provide a legal avenue, with rigorous vetting, that enables individuals from both Norway and Nigeria, from Holland and Haiti, to come to our nation if they embrace our values, commit to self-reliance and to enriching our collective American experience. In addition, and with great due deference, I believe that the comments attributed to our president can best be described as wrong, inappropriate and hurtful. Why? Because when God looks at these nations, He sees His children.