While New Hope was “showing devotion to our God, Jesus Christ the risen one,” Pittman said, critics were “showing devotion to their god…political victimhood. They made a victim where there was none. We never intended to attack immigrants.”
Near the end of his video, the pastor said his church is “against illegal immigration” because “we teach and we preach that we ought to obey the laws of the land.” He added, “I will not encourage members to be illegal and rob people.”
Pittman said he welcomes conversations about the church sign but doesn’t plan to change it anytime soon. He concluded by reminding Christians that persecution for Jesus’ sake is a blessing. “Don’t ever back down, don’t ever flinch,” he urged viewers. “Stand strong.”
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