Yesterday’s events in Washington D.C. came as a surprise to many, but not to others. Evangelical leaders, both those who supported President Donald Trump in his bid for reelection and those who did not reacted to the violence that broke out inside and surrounding the U.S. Capitol building. The Capitol Riot, as it is increasingly being referred to, represents a dark and sad day in recent history.
Those with a track record of supporting the president, whether it was endorsing his reelection campaign or his effort to have the results of the election overturned, focused on condemning the actions of some of the president’s supporters yesterday. On the other hand, evangelical leaders who have gone on record warning fellow Christians about the problems they’ve observed with the President’s behavior and particularly his rhetoric, were more pointed in their comments.
Evangelical Leaders React to Capitol Riot
Franklin Graham: President of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
I am deeply saddened by what took place in our nation’s capital today. Our country is in trouble. We need God’s healing and we need God’s help. Pray for peace and the protection of our nation. Let’s come together—on our knees.
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 7, 2021
Ronnie Floyd: President of Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee
I am deeply grieved over the destruction and violence at the US Capitol. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American democracy, and today we saw the opposite of peace. (1of2)
— Ronnie Floyd (@ronniefloyd) January 6, 2021
Thabiti Anyabwile: Pastor at Anacostia River Church
When people marched in the streets this summer, they marched to make laws more just and equitable.
When folks stormed the Capitol in insurrection, they trampled over the very citadel of law in a “revolution” that would destroy it.
Do not equate these aims.
— Thabiti Anyabwile (@ThabitiAnyabwil) January 7, 2021
Johnnie Moore: CEO of The KAIROS Company and President of The Congress of Christian Leaders and Samuel Rodriguez: President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Senior Pastor of New Season Christian Worship Center
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez & Rev. Johnnie Moore condemn violent/anarchist activity at U.S. Capitol (issued earlier):
"There is no conceivable situation where what happened within the U.S. Capitol today is acceptable activity. Violent, anarchist behavior emanating from the far (1/4)
— Rev. Johnnie Moore ن (@JohnnieM) January 6, 2021
Dr. Robert Jeffress: Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church and adjunct at Dallas Theological Seminary
Disobeying and assaulting police is a sin whether it’s done by Antifa or angry Republicans.
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) January 6, 2021
John Hagee: Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church
The events we are witnessing at the Capitol today are an un-American abomination and a disgrace to our democracy.
There is absolutely no justification for the violence that is transpiring. There is nothing patriotic about storming our Capitol. There is nothing honorable about— Pastor John Hagee (@PastorJohnHagee) January 6, 2021
Tony Evans: Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and President of The Urban Alternative
Today’s political violence was a tragic illustration of what happens to a nation when it abandons God’s person, principles and policies. America is undergoing the passive wrath of God which takes place when His standards are compromised (Romans 1:18-32.) The result is chaos(cont)
— Tony Evans (@drtonyevans) January 7, 2021
J.D. Greear: Pastor of Summit Church and President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Peaceable transitions of power have marked our Republic since the beginning. It is part of honoring and submitting to God’s ordained leaders whether they were our choice or not. We need you, @POTUS to condemn this mob. Let’s move forward together. Praying for safety.
— J.D. Greear (@jdgreear) January 6, 2021
Rick Warren: Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church
Armed breaching of capitol security behind a confederate flag is anarchy, unAmerican, criminal treason and domestic terrorism. President Trump must clearly tell his supporters
"We lost. Go home now."— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) January 6, 2021
Russell Moore: President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
This mob attack on our Capitol and our Constitution is immoral, unjust, dangerous, and inexcusable. What has happened to our country is tragic, and could have been avoided.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) January 6, 2021
Daniel Darling: Senior Vice President for Communications at NRB
What we can do in this moment:
1) Pray for everyone in DC, for safety and restoration of order
2) Repent, reflect, mourn
3) Pray for our country and our next President, Joe Biden
4) Work to bridge and heal divides. Dunking is cathartic but ineffective
5) Speak truth, not lies— Daniel Darling (@dandarling) January 6, 2021
Albert Mohler: President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
What we are seeing in Washington now is the refutation of our American commitment, a form of unleashed anarchy which is the enemy of ordered liberty, and President Trump is responsible now for unleashing mayhem. Pray that God will rescue is from this.
— Albert Mohler (@albertmohler) January 6, 2021
Beth Moore: Author, speaker, teacher, and founder of Living Proof Ministries
I don't know the Jesus some have paraded and waved around in the middle of this treachery today. They may be acting in the name of some other Jesus but that's not Jesus of the Gospels.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) January 6, 2021
Jack Graham: Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church
Violence at our nation’s capital is to be condemned and law and order must prevail. Pray for our country. This is heartbreaking.
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) January 6, 2021
Lecrae: Recording artist, author, and President of Reach Records
The devil has a plot but God has a plan.
— Lecrae (@lecrae) January 7, 2021
Kirk Franklin: Gospel musician, Grammy Award winner, and choir director
My stomach hurts every time I see someone with a “Jesus” sign today.😓💔
— Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) January 6, 2021
Dr. Eric Mason: Lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship and founder and president of Thriving.
What is going on right now is the opposite of what we are called to do. People with Jesus signs etc. idk folks, we are living in very strange days. Jesus will judges the leaders of nations when he returns (Matt 25:31-46). We must be of sober mind now (Titus 2:11-13) 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Dr. Eric Mason (@pastoremase) January 6, 2021
Greg Laurie: Senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship
Alarmed by images from our nation’s Capitol. Vibrant protest is American. Violence & anarchy is not. I condemn it. Will you join me – Democrat & Republican – in praying for America? Pray for peace on our streets, for protection & wisdom for our leaders.
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) January 6, 2021
Costi Hinn: Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church
During times like these, I am so thankful that Christ is a sure and steady anchor!
— Costi W. Hinn (@costiwhinn) January 6, 2021
Carey Nieuwhof: The founding pastor of Connexus Church
Praying for friends and leaders in the US.
The church is at its best when we pray, confess, love and hope. 🙏🙏🙏
The culture needs an alternative to itself, not an echo of itself. pic.twitter.com/UOblYrFpIZ
— Carey Nieuwhof (@cnieuwhof) January 6, 2021
Jentezen Franklin: Senior pastor of Free Chapel and Director of JFM Media.
Violent protests and breaking the law is always the wrong choice no matter who does it…liberals or conservatives.
— Jentezen Franklin (@Jentezen) January 6, 2021
Ray Ortlund, Pastor of Immanuel Church and President of Renewal Ministries.
“One sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). pic.twitter.com/lu5OZ7YyMs
— Ray Ortlund (@rayortlund) January 6, 2021
Mika Edmondson, Pastor Christ Presbyterian Church.
When racism, misogyny, & xenophobia go unchallenged in the church, people believe violence is justified.
When we align ourselves with partisan agendas without critique, people believe violence is justified.
When we vilify empathy & justice people believe violence is justified. https://t.co/nx8GarBZ68
— Mika Edmondson (@mika_edmondson) January 7, 2021
Further Reading:
Violence at the Capitol Overshadows Jericho March’s Agenda
Pat Robertson: It’s Time to Tell Trump He’s Had His Day
Beth Moore: Trumpism Is the Most ‘Seductive & Dangerous’ Thing I’ve Seen
Trump Evangelical Advisers Back Voting Challenges But Stop Short of Alleging Fraud
Russell Moore Calls for Evangelicals to Dump Trump
