Vatican Takes Climate Activists to Court on Laudato Si’ Anniversary

May 25, 2023

vatican museums — Last Generation climate activists demonstrate near Vatican City on May 24, 2023, in Rome. RNS photo by Claire Giangravè

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Climate change activists faced trial at the Vatican on Wednesday (May 24) on vandalism charges for gluing themselves to the statue of “Laocoön and His Sons” in the Vatican Museums last summer.

The trial of Ester Goffi, a 25-year-old art history student, and Guido Viero, a 61-year-old health worker, took place on the eighth anniversary of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical promoting the care of creation and the environment.

The activists belong to a group called Ultima Generazione, which translates to “Last Generation” in English and brings together many young people throughout Italy to raise awareness about climate change through public gestures and social media.

Last Generation activists specifically target artistic sites such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

“Today is a special day because it’s the anniversary of the publication of the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’,’ the wake-up call issued by the Holy Father regarding the condition of the environment and the planet,” Tommaso Juhasz, 30, a member of the Last Generation, told Religion News Service in an interview. “Let’s hope this coincidence will be beneficial for whatever will take place in that tribunal.”

Juhasz joined other climate activists on Wednesday for a protest near St. Peter’s Square in support of Goffi and Viero. The two were offered a defense lawyer who is an expert in canon law by the Vatican since they claimed they could not afford their own. They risk paying over 30,000 euros in fines.

Juhasz told RNS that he “absolutely” views Pope Francis as an ally in this battle against climate change.

“He is more radical than we are,” he said. “If one reads ‘Laudato Si” and what it says and what it demands, it’s much more radical than we are.”

A priest who supports Last Generation gifted members of the group a copy of the “green-encyclical” and the activists said that they often read it when they are taken back for questioning by the police after their public protests.

Carlotta Muston, 33, said the encyclical “has a very powerful and clear message that can summarize in 60 pages all the complexity that we are living through.”

“It also sheds light on the real problem of the crisis, which is that we will live in a society even more polarized between the poor and the rich,” she said.

Members of Last Generation said that they asked a priest to help them write a letter to Pope Francis seeking his support for the defendants in the trial.

Meet the Activists Who Spearheaded the Texas Chaplains Bill

Jack Jenkins

May 25, 2023

unlicensed chaplains — The Texas state Capitol in Austin. Photo by Charles Fair/Unsplash/Creative Commons

(RNS) — On Wednesday afternoon (May 24), Texas state Rep. James Talarico approached the microphone on the House floor with a stack of papers in hand. It was time for the final vote on a bill that would allow public schools in the state to hire their own unlicensed chaplains. It was largely ceremonial, but Talarico, a vocal critic of the bill, still had a few questions.

Looking down at his notes, he asked Rep. Cole Hefner, the chief champion of the bill in the House, if the head of the National School Chaplains Association had worked on the proposal that has drawn controversy and national attention.

“They provided some input,” Hefner offered.

It was an understated acknowledgment of a coalition that shepherded the chaplains bill through the Texas Legislature. Whereas two other bills introduced this session that involved religion and public schools — one that dealt with school prayer and another requiring classrooms to hang donated Ten Commandments signs — never made it across the finish line, the chaplains bill was carried by an alliance of right-wing activists, Christian groups and conservative lawmakers who have aided each other’s rise while championing forms of Christian nationalism.

Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on May 24, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Submitted photo

Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on May 24, 2021, in Austin. Submitted photo

Their victory points to the ascendant power of the ideology in red states, where legislators are lining up behind bills involving religion, including opposition to LGBTQ rights, that critics say only reflect a specific Christian vision for society.

The lawmaker most associated with the Texas chaplains bill is Sen. Mayes Middleton, a former Texas House member serving his first term in the state Senate in a district that includes Galveston. As head of the Freedom Caucus during his time in the Texas House, Middleton was a vocal supporter of U.S. lawmakers from Texas who attempted to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021.

He has also articulated support for Christian nationalist ideas, such as insisting that the separation of church and state is “not a real doctrine” during debate over the chaplains bill. And in a recent interview with The Washington Post, he declared “there is absolutely no separation of God and government, and that’s what these bills are about,” referring to the chaplains bill as well as the Ten Commandments bill, which he also authored.

Sen. Mayes Middleton speaks about his proposed bill to allow administrators to furnish public schools with chaplains, Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas. Video screen grab

Sen. Mayes Middleton speaks about his proposed bill to allow administrators to furnish public schools with chaplains, April 24, 2023, at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Video screen grab

As head of his own oil company, Middleton has been an influential political donor in Texas, including providing a $5,000 donation to Julie Pickren, who successfully ran for the State Board of Education last year in a district that includes Galveston.

Pickren was a controversial choice: An ardent supporter of Donald Trump, she sparked outcry in March 2021 when it was revealed she was in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 to attend the Trump rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Although Pickren, then a local school board member, did not appear to enter the Capitol herself, her presence nearby was criticized by area NAACP representatives, as were her false claims that the Capitol attack was led by “antifa” members instead of Trump supporters.

Pickren lost her local school board seat two months later but remained a rising star in the Texas Republican Party. She appeared on an education-focused panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2022 and has also developed connections with the prominent state-level activist group Texas Values, which champions “faith, family and freedom” and played a role in authoring the state’s controversial heartbeat bill. During a September 2021 appearance on the Right Side Broadcasting Network, a host asked Pickren about the Texas heartbeat bill. Instead of responding herself, Pickren simply turned her camera slightly as Jonathan M. Saenz, the head of Texas Values, leaned in to speak next to her.

Julie Pickren. Photo via Facebook

The following year, the political arm of Saenz’s group, Texas Values Action, formally endorsed Pickren’s campaign for the State Board of Education.

Also among Pickren’s supporters: activist and self-declared prophet Lance Wallnau, who identifies as a Christian nationalist. Wallnau promoted Pickren during CPAC in 2021, seeking her out on the conference floor and recording a video with her while encouraging viewers to support her.

ChatGPT in Church – The Pros and Cons

Duke Taber

May 25, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has made significant advancements in recent years, leading to the creation of language models such as ChatGPT. While AI technology can provide many benefits to the church, it can also raise several ethical and moral concerns. This article aims to introduce ChatGPT to church leaders and help them think through the ramifications of using ChatGPT in church.

The Pros and Cons of using Chat GPT in Church

Using ChatGPT and other AI software in a local church setting can provide several benefits. One major advantage is that ChatGPT can be used to respond to basic queries from the congregation, such as service times, event schedules, and general information about the church. Additionally, ChatGPT can provide initial support and guidance for congregants who are experiencing spiritual or emotional distress. The technology can direct individuals to appropriate resources or connect them with church leaders for further assistance. ChatGPT can also supplement discipleship and education efforts by providing resources, study guides, and other learning materials to the congregation.

However, the use of ChatGPT in church must be approached with caution. One major concern is the potential displacement of human jobs. Additionally, there is concern about the possible effect of AI technology on the quality of education and learning skills. Finally, there are questions of privacy and transparency. Church leaders must be careful to ensure that the use of ChatGPT in church complies with legal and regulatory requirements, is transparent, and considers privacy concerns.

Ethical Considerations for Pastors and Church Leaders

When it comes to using ChatGPT or other AI software for sermon preparation, pastors and ministry leaders must consider the ethical and moral implications. While ChatGPT can provide ideas and inspiration for sermons, pastors should not rely solely on technology for preparing their messages. Sermons are a critical part of the spiritual development of the congregation and should be rooted in personal study, prayer, and reflection.

Pastors who use AI technology for sermon preparation should ensure that their sermons remain in line with the church’s mission and values. While AI can provide new ideas and perspectives, pastors must be mindful of the limitations of the technology and ensure that their messages are grounded in scripture and biblical teachings. Additionally, pastors and ministry leaders must be transparent about their use of AI technology in sermon preparation and be prepared to answer questions from congregants who may have concerns about the use of such technology.

Furthermore, pastors and ministry leaders who use ChatGPT or other AI software must consider the ethical implications of using the technology in their ministries. It is important to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, maintain transparency, and avoid confusion or deception. Additionally, it is crucial to protect user data and privacy. Church leaders must also consider the possible effect on human jobs and the quality of education and learning skills when using AI technology in the church.

Using AI in Spiritual Settings: Addressing Concerns about the Use of Something Without a Soul

One of the primary concerns that some church leaders may have about using AI in spiritual settings is the idea that the technology lacks a soul or spirit. The concern is that the use of AI technology may be seen as substituting something lifeless and artificial for the presence of God in the Holy Spirit. While this is a valid concern, it is important to recognize that the use of technology in the church is not a new concept. Churches have long used technology to enhance their services and communication with congregants. From sound systems and projectors to online streaming and social media, technology has become a part of the modern church landscape.

Youth Ministry Is Crucial for the Church’s Future: 10 Reasons Why

Greg Stier

May 24, 2023

Throughout decades of youth ministry, I’ve noticed many trends. Lately, an increasing number of churches are eliminating the youth leader position. Instead, they’re appointing the catch-all position of family pastor to oversee children through college age.

Although I’m totally for family ministry (I’m a parent, after all), I recommend against eliminating the youth pastor position in a church. With that as a backdrop, I’d like to plug the many benefits of youth ministry.

Here are 10 reasons youth ministry (and, therefore, youth leaders) are more crucial than ever for the future of the church.

Why Youth Ministry Matters

1. Youth ministry is the best bellwether (or predictor) for the future of the church.

2. Youth ministry done well is the best “farm club” for future world-changers.

3. Disciple-multiplying youth leaders often turn into disciple-multiplying church planters and pastors.

4. Well-led teenagers can set the pace for prayer and evangelistic excitement church-wide.

5. Teenagers keep the pain reverberating in our society close to the surface. That way, adults can know how to minister to their culture.

6. Godly, loving youth leaders are like parents to an increasingly un-parented generation of teens.

7. Teenagers have a built in “bologna barometer” that keeps hypocrites in churches on their toes.

Emotional Concussions: Helping Children Cope With Life’s Traumas

Linda Jacobs

May 24, 2023

In today’s world, many children experience emotional concussions. These crises and traumas can be just as lethal, and sometimes even more so, than physical concussions.

Emotional concussions occur when young children:

Live in homes controlled by alcohol, drugs, explosive tempers
Have homes characterized by stress
Live with dysfunctional adults
Are exposed to people who are physically, emotionally, and/or sexually abusive
Experience the divorce of parents

The ACEs Too High website states: “The life-in-dysfunction emotional concussion is a day-in-day-out brain bludgeoning by stress-induced hormones of adrenaline and cortisol. It wires developing brains for flight, fight or freeze. It can set people up to pass on the family legacy of dysfunction.”

Few people pay attention to the emotional concussions kids face daily. That means most of their cries for help go unheard. But your children’s ministry and church can help.

Checking for Emotional Concussions

Unlike with a physical concussion, no one evaluates kids with emotional concussions. For physical trauma, a coach checks for dilated pupils, holds up fingers to assess vision, and asks questions to make sure the child is cognizant.

With an emotional concussion, there’s no concern that the child has another new father figure at home. No one checks to see if the child is alone late at night because mom works two jobs to make ends meet. No one notices that the same kid is in trouble all the time.

Also, unlike a physical concussion where a kid is benched and needs a doctor’s permission to return, an emotionally concussed child returns right into the emotional mayhem. These kids get no do-overs or timeouts. Most have no coach or outside adult who oversees their wounds. Mostly, they just receive a head-pat and are told to straighten up and get back in the game.

Emotional concussions cause lots of damage to kids. Many become dysfunctional early on and carry that dysfunction into adulthood. As teens they may:

Contemplate or commit suicide
Abuse drugs
Become alcoholics
Become active sexually early and get pregnant as teens
Self-harm
Bully other kids
Drop out of school

Many children of divorce have emotional concussions. And, as physical concussions run the gamut from light or severe, so do emotional concussions. A child of divorce who has a support system and concerned adults outside the home may be spared from a severe emotional concussion.

Miami Pastor Convicted of PPP Loan Fraud and Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison

Janna Firestone

May 24, 2023

Elie Floradin, self-described pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, was tried and convicted of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud after seeking more than $1 million in loans for fraudulent companies. Now he has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.

Through a mediator, Floradin repeatedly applied for PPP loans for fake companies, often described as employment agencies.

Elie Floradin Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison

According to a press release from the Southern District of Florida Attorney’s Office, “Floradin caused an intermediary to repeatedly file false and fraudulent PPP applications, which sought federal COVID-19 assistance funds for companies that did not exist.”

One of the fake companies was described as an employment agency, which Floradin said had dozens of employees and an annual payroll of $960,000.

Floradin received a $200,000 PPP loan and then caused a third party to submit three additional fraudulent PPP applications based on non-existent companies, totaling another $600,000. The last three applications were denied.

At trial, Floradin pled guilty to the charges of PPP loan fraud. He admitted to applying for more than $1 million in aid and was sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison.

This isn’t the first case of PPP loan fraud from a church leader. Pastor Frank Jacobs of North Carolina pled guilty to fraud charges after he submitted inaccurate information.

In another example from Florida, a pastor and his son named Evan Edwards and Josh Edwards, respectively, were convicted in a PPP loan fraud case of more than $8 million. “More than $8.4 million of PPP funds were then deposited into an Edwards family bank account that, until then, had a balance of $25, according to the federal complaint. Afterward, say prosecutors, the family spread out the loan money in various accounts “’in an attempt to hide and conceal their whereabouts,’” reports Stephanie Martin of ChurchLeaders.

Pastor Rudolph Brooks Jr. was charged with PPP loan fraud in Maryland. Brooks “allegedly used PPP money to purchase 39 cars, one of which was a 2018 Model 3 Tesla that cost $60k.”

Floradin Ordered To Pay Back More than $500,000

After Floradin pled guilty, the government learned of yet another fraudulent PPP loan application connected to him that was approved. Floradin received around $336,000 in the form of a PPP loan for a fake company.

With the two fraudulently obtained loans dispensing $200,000 and around $336,000, respectively, Floradin was ordered to pay back the full $535,996 to the United States government. This amount was in addition to his prison sentence.

Christian Women Urged To Boycott Target for the Month of June

Jessica Mouser

May 24, 2023

As the backlash against the Target Pride Collection continues, some influencers are exhorting Christian women to boycott Target—and a boycott could prove effective in getting the company’s attention. Since generating outrage for promoting Pride merchandise with satanic imagery, as well as offering women’s swimsuits that accommodate male genitalia, Target has announced it is removing some of its Pride items.

“Christian women: maybe you feel that an all-out Target boycott is infeasible,” said conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey. “But I encourage you to at least do it for the month of June. I promise it’s possible!!”

Christian women: maybe you feel that an all-out Target boycott is infeasible. But I encourage you to at least do it for the month of June. I promise it’s possible!!

— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) May 22, 2023

Stuckey called on Chip and Joanna Gaines, who have collaborated with Target on their Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia line, to pull their products from the company’s shelves. “I like Chip & Joanna Gaines,” said Stuckey. “But I would respect them SO much if they issued a statement about the satanic insanity being pushed by target and used their huge influence to try to keep target’s madness in check.” She added, “If they pulled their products, I would go buy all go [sic] them!! It would be the best and smartest thing they ever did.”

Target Pride Collection Generates Controversy

Earlier in May, Target released its Pride Collection ahead of Pride Month, which is observed in June. The Target Pride Collection has since received backlash for various items, including Pride merchandise marketed to toddlers, a “Pride Adult Drag Queen ‘Bible Girl 666’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt,” and women’s swimsuits designed to accommodate male bodies. The company has since removed the words “Bible Girl 666” from the title of the drag queen t-shirt.

Fox News reported Tuesday that Target leadership made “emergency” calls Friday in response to the fallout from the Pride displays and that some Target locations were scrambling to move Pride merchandise to less prominent areas of their stores. A Target insider who spoke to Fox speculated the company was trying to avoid “a Bud Light situation.”

Target announced today that it is removing some items from the Pride Collection in the interest of the safety of its employees. “For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month,” said the company in a May 24 statement, which continued:

Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work. Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior. Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year.

Twitter influencers called on people in general to boycott the company, with some singling out Christian and conservative women. “Conservative women should be embarrassed to shop at @Target,” said activist Scarlett Johnson.

“One month, minimum,” said Daily Wire reporter Megan Basham, retweeting author and political commentator Matt Walsh. “No @target through June. Moms, we can do this for our kids.”

Dodgers Apologize, Reinvite Queer ‘Nun’ Group To Annual Pride Night

Dale Chamberlain

May 24, 2023

Dodgers and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — San Francisco, California, USA. 8th Apr, 2023. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence take part during the demonstration. Pro drag rights protestors marching to Union Square for drag rights across the country. (Credit Image: © Pat Mazzera/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have publicly apologized to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group that satirically refers to itself as “a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns,” and reinvited them to the team’s annual Pride Night on June 16.

The group had previously been removed from the evening’s lineup following backlash from conservative Catholics groups, as well as other public figures.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence came into existence in San Francisco on Easter in 1979 when three men dressed as nuns during a protest and has since grown into a larger movement with chapters around the world engaging in LGBTQ+ activism.

Operating under the motto of “go forth and sin some more,” the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence reappropriates Catholic language and iconography in a self-described effort to use “humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.”

However, what the Sisters describe as humor and wit, Florida Senator Marco Rubio lambasted as “lewd imitation” in a letter to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Similarly, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said in a statement that the group “clearly mocks the Catholic faith and makes light of the sincere and holy vocations of our women religious who are an integral part of our Church.”

“The Archdiocese stands against any actions that would disparage and diminish our Christian faith and those who dedicate their lives to Christ,” the statement went on to say.

While the group maintains that it is not anti-Catholic, the events it has hosted—such as a “Hunky Jesus Contest,” which was held on Easter this year and featured sparsely dressed contestants, including a pro-choice Mary of Nazareth—have led many Christians and conservatives to disagree in the strongest terms.

Amid pressure, the Dodgers rescinded their invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence last week, as well as the honor of the team’s Community Hero Award, which had previously been promised to the group.

In a statement on May 17, the Dodgers said, “Given the strong feelings of people who have been offended by the sisters’ inclusion in our evening, and in an effort not to distract from the great benefits that we have seen over the years of Pride Night, we are deciding to remove them from this year’s group of honorees.”

‘Every Demon in Hell Has Been Turned Loose’—Franklin Graham Warns NRB 2023 To Prepare

Jesse T. Jackson

May 24, 2023

During his keynote address at the opening session of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference on May 22, evangelist Franklin Graham warned Christian communicators that he believes there is a “coming storm that we’ve all got to be ready for.”

While charging attendees to remain faithful to the gospel, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse reminded them that God has the power of “waves” and “wind” in this predicted storm—a storm that Graham claims Satan is behind.

“The world is deteriorating so quickly. It seems like every demon in hell has been turned loose,” Graham said. “And we cannot be deceived and we can’t be fooled. We need to get ready and be prepared.”

Graham gave three areas where ministries can prepare themselves for when the storm hits: data companies, banks, and insurance companies.

Graham believes that large companies that provide services in these important areas, such as Amazon, which is a leading provider for storing information, will stop doing business with Christians. Graham shared that his team has started its own data center in Denver, Colorado. He intends to use the data center not only as a resource for the organizations he leads but also for others being “canceled” for their views on marriage and sexuality.

“If Amazon shuts us off, maybe we could continue for another few years,” Graham said. “The whole purpose is because we’re living in a cancel culture, and they want to destroy Christian organizations. They want us to shut our mouths, and they don’t want to hear from us.”

Franklin Graham: ‘Don’t Apologize for the Gospel’

“If you don’t preach the gospel, you don’t have anything to worry about,” Graham said. “If you’re not going to talk about sin, you don’t have anything to worry about.”

“But if you’re going to try to preach and proclaim the gospel, they’re gonna try to shut you up,” said Graham.

Graham concluded his time by exhorting Christian communicators to “preach. Don’t back up. Don’t make excuses…We cannot back up. We can’t retreat. Don’t apologize for the gospel.”

“Just declare it. Just preach it. Give an invitation. See what happens,” said Graham. “Oh my goodness gracious, it works. I promise you that it works.”

Uvalde, One Year Later

Lydia Kaiser

May 24, 2023

The media has descended on Uvalde, Texas, marking one year since the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School. Poking and prodding the townspeople with questions to get an emotional rise out of them, they are doing more harm in the opinion of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) local ministry director, Angela Carillo. “They are stirring the pot and poking wounds” she states.

On that fateful day, May 26, 2022, East Texas State Director for CEF, Mimi Sellers, instantly had flashbacks to the 2018 high school shooting in Santa Fe. Now comparing the two tragedies she says, “The best thing we did was keep the media out. Churches were strong, we were able to heal. When the media comes back to Uvalde on the anniversary of the shooting, we can expect protesting and possibly riots.”

The town already had a lot of challenges. Extreme poverty not only plagues the townspeople but prevents gathering enough taxes to help with civil government infrastructure. People who couldn’t afford to lose their jobs suffered such grief and turmoil that they didn’t go to work and lost employment. The ripple effect has caused the economy to suffer even more. People have spiraled down with grief, guilt, regret, and blame. The media goads people into venting about what hasn’t happened by way of improvements since the shooting. People wonder what happened to the donated money and the promises for better school security.

The atmosphere in the town is one of volatility. Loud people are approaching others, even people in their cars, and intimidating them. People feel vulnerable and afraid—when they’re not feeling angry.

Sellers summarizes the complexity and hopelessness. “There has been an economic, emotional, and spiritual collapse. There is a need for someone to rise up and take the town and turn it around. We know that Jesus is the answer.” Sellers and her ministry colleagues are strategizing on two levels.

The first part of the strategy is a partnership with churches to reach children and their families through various community outreaches. The second part has to do with long-term sustainability for ministry.

After the shooting, CEF volunteers from around Texas and even from headquarters in Missouri came to Uvalde and did street ministry. They started by connecting with pastors who themselves were traumatized. They were with families as they went to the hospital and morgue, viewed unspeakable things, and some were touched even more personally. At one point, CEF workers and pastors met for a strategy meeting. “You are the first people to ask us how we are doing” they said.

CEF volunteers brought thousands of a gospel-centered trauma healing booklet by the title, “Do You Wonder Why?,” for distribution. They walked the streets offering to pray with people and distributing both English and Spanish booklets. Representatives from the schools and library took over a thousand copies of the booklet between them. Churches used the booklet that very Sunday.

One of the CEF staff who came to the town was Angela Carillo, the CEF Local Director for San Antonio. After seeing the spiritual openness of the Uvalde townspeople, she just couldn’t leave. God provided for her to stay in town for eight months. She was able to hold several trainings and establish a local CEF ministry, coordinated by Silvia Alvear, a woman with administrative and teaching skills. Alvear leads the children’s ministry at her church and has made inroads with a few others.

Most churches in town have not recovered. Families with children or families who lost children have seemingly lost faith and are not attending church. Most churches are aging, and the pastors are demoralized. However, there are two bright spots.

Templo Christiano, which holds services in both English and Spanish hosted a volunteer training by Carillo and Alvear. Ten volunteers from the church help at the library’s Good News Club and the church held a CEF Party Club booth at a recent Dia Los Ninos fair. In the past, the church passed out candy, toys, and did games. But with Alvear’s direction, they had multiple programs with a Bible story and led over a thousand children and parents in prayer to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church pastor loved the improved format.

Gary McIntosh: The Surprising Roles All Pastors Take and the ‘Number One Challenge’ Facing the Solo Pastor

Jessica Mouser

May 24, 2023

The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast · Gary McIntosh: The Surprising Roles All Pastors Take and the ‘Number One Challenge’ Facing the Solo Pastor

Dr. Gary McIntosh is president of the Church Growth Network and Distinguished Affiliate Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology. He is a former pastor and an internationally known speaker and church consultant who has written numerous books, including “Growing God’s Church” and “The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor.” His latest is, “The Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone.”

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Key Questions for Gary McIntosh

-How do pastors and church staff members understand the roles that God has given them?

-How would you recommend that pastors shore up and build up the skills that they need for the various roles they have to take?

-What advice would you give to pastors about leading well in this time in society?

-What does it mean to be a “solo pastor,” and what are some of the benefits and challenges of that role?

Key Quotes From Gary McIntosh

“Not surprisingly, the number one place that pastors tend to put their time is in preparation for speaking and teaching, because that’s a lot of what the pastors do, leading Bible studies, preaching on Sundays and that sort of thing…the thing that came in last, which was really surprising to me, was engagement in the community.”

“The big challenge is to lead yourself as a pastor.”

“Pastors have a lot of demands upon their time. They have a lot of expectations on them, whether a megachurch or a little church…and effectiveness and fruitfulness comes down to pastors being able to manage themselves.”

“If you don’t control your time and lead yourself, other people will lead you.”

“If you find yourself in an area where you’re not gifted, you limit yourself to what you do in that area, and you also engage with other people. I believe that God…brings around us enough people with other gifts and that if we’re willing to involve those other people, we can get the job done.”

“Frankly, a lot of pastors still find it difficult to delegate and to give ministry away, particularly in the smaller churches.”

Pope Francis Taps Italian Cardinal Zuppi To Lead Peace Mission in Ukraine

Claire Giangrave

May 24, 2023

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis appointed Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to head his mission to foster peace in the Russian-Ukrainian war as the Vatican renews its efforts to mediate the conflict in the heart of Europe.

Zuppi, who is the head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, or CEI, “was charged with conducting a mission in accordance with the Secretary of State that contributes to easing tensions in the conflict in Ukraine with the hope, never lost by the Holy Father, that this might open paths toward peace,” read a statement by the Vatican on Saturday.

The timing and execution of the mission is currently under study, the statement added.

Pope Francis and the Vatican have attempted to mediate a peace between Russia and Ukraine ever since the conflict began 15 months ago. The pope has sent trusted advisers to Ukraine, including Papal Almoner Konrad Krajewski and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Mons. Paul Gallagher.

Zuppi’s closeness to the Movement of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic lay organization focused on mediating peace and helping the poor, is considered among the main reasons why Francis selected him for the mission. The cardinal worked alongside the movement and its founder, Andrea Riccardi, to promote peace and diplomacy in Mozambique in the 1990s and more recently in the secessionist Basque territories.

In previous interviews with Italian media, Zuppi has taken a position that seeks peace by any means necessary and has been skeptical that Western governments sending weapons to Ukraine is the best and only solution to the conflict.

Ukrainian soldiers fire a Pion artillery system at Russian positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/LIBKOS)

“War is a pandemic. It involves us all,” he told Italian bishops gathered in Rome for their General Assembly on Tuesday (May 23).

“What happened to creative peace efforts?” Zuppi asked. “Peace will never come from pursuing our own strategic interests, but from policies that are capable of looking at the whole, to the development of all.”

The appointment signifies an important papal recognition for Zuppi, who already faces many challenges in Italy. The cardinal is currently overseeing the general assembly of Italian bishops in Rome, which has been under pressure to provide transparency and accountability in the fight against clerical sexual abuse in the country. His diocese, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, has recently experienced floods that have killed 14 people.

In Rare Move, Vatican Official Chastised Texas Bishop Strickland at Conference

Jack Jenkins

May 24, 2023

(RNS) — If Texas Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is known outside of his diocese for anything, it’s for controversy.

The conservative firebrand, who oversees the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, has sparked backlash from critics for everything from voicing support for priests who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to offering a prayer at a “Jericho March” event in the weeks leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. More recently, Strickland challenged Pope Francis, announcing on his Twitter feed that he believes the pontiff is “undermining the Deposit of Faith.” His efforts have inspired some detractors to call for Strickland’s resignation, while others have urged Vatican intervention.

But according to multiple sources, Strickland has already been on the receiving end of the Vatican’s ire for more than a year: He was chastised by a representative of the Holy See in 2021, they say — a move that simultaneously signals the potential for formal Vatican disciplinary action and exemplifies the difficulty of reining in a controversial cleric.

The revelation came last week during a broadcast of the Terry and Jesse Show, a program that regularly features Strickland as a guest and airs on Virgin Most Powerful Radio, a conservative-leaning Catholic outlet. While discussing blowback to Strickland’s recent tweets, co-host Terry Barber described an occasion where Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s U.S. ambassador, allegedly approached Strickland at a gathering of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. According to Barber, Pierre, known as the papal nuncio, “wagged his finger” at Strickland while saying “Bishop Strickland, we’re watching you — stop talking about the deposit of faith.”

“(Strickland) doesn’t really care,” Barber said of the alleged encounter. “It’s the truth that sets us free. If he goes down because he’s speaking the truth, oh well.”

A separate source who is familiar with the meeting but who chose to remain anonymous, as they have not been given permission to discuss the matter publicly, told Religion News Service the incident took place in November 2021 at the annual USCCB meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The source said the nuncio specifically confronted Strickland about his Twitter feed, which had garnered controversy at the time for, among other things, posts that opposed the three major COVID-19 vaccines distributed in the U.S. at the time.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, delivers remarks at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual fall meeting in Baltimore, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, delivers remarks at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual fall meeting in Baltimore, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Asked about the encounter via email this week, Strickland said he would “prefer not to comment.”

The nuncio’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

For his part, Barber told RNS he did not wish to speak further about the incident and would not name the source of his information. Instead, he criticized Pope Francis, accusing him of being ambiguous about important moral questions and calling the pontiff a “disaster for the Catholic Church.”

Strickland would hardly be the first cleric in U.S. history to be reprimanded by the Holy See. In the 1980s, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — headed by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who went on to become Pope Benedict XVI — launched an investigation into Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen, an outspoken liberal cleric and critic of nuclear power, who oversaw the Archdiocese of Seattle at the time. The Holy See ultimately appointed an auxiliary bishop to the region who shared authority with Hunthausen.

But it’s highly unusual for the public to learn about less formal admonishments doled out to bishops by Vatican officials behind closed doors. What’s more, Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University and an expert on U.S. Catholicism, said a nuncio privately dressing-down a U.S. bishop at a conference is particularly rare, and showcases the delicate situation facing modern popes when it comes to cowing outspoken, media-savvy clerics who buck the party line.

Strickland has become a popular figure in right-wing Catholic circles for his criticism of President Joe Biden and oppositional stance against COVID-19 vaccines, which includes expressing support for priests who have challenged their own bishops by refusing to get vaccinated. (Strickland’s position contrasts sharply with that of Pope Francis, who has advocated repeatedly for the use of vaccines, even calling them an “act of love.”) In addition to the Terry and Jesse Show, Strickland has appeared on a number of conservative and far-right Catholic websites, ranging from EWTN to Church Militant.

Emotional Rule of Life

Full Strength Network

May 24, 2023

You may have heard of a Rule of Life, but have you ever considered creating an Emotional Rule of Life? Your typical Rule of Life represents spiritual growth commitments that you make after a season of prayer and consultation with your trusted accountability partners. An emotional rule of life is an adaptation that focuses on an intentional commitment to develop healthier, more Christ-like emotional habits so that you can be more present to God, others, and of course, yourself.

If you take up this challenge for emotional growth, be sure to set rules that take into account where you are presently so you are not discouraged by the usual “one step forward and two steps back” process of meaningful change.

Consider inviting others to be your Emotional Rule of Life covenant partners. Below you’ll find five areas for your consideration in creating an Emotional Rule of Life:

Cultivate a habit of daily gratitude. It is so easy to forget to be grateful. Make it an early entry into your Emotional Rule of Life. Scripture is full of verses that exhort (and command) us to “give thanks to God.” But don’t stop there! Try keeping a daily gratitude journal and at the end of each day make a list of specific things that you saw, felt, or experienced for which you can be grateful. What can you be thankful for right now?
Cultivate a habit of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a characteristic of God, which should be reflected in the relationships of God’s people – but too often it isn’t. Forgiving another doesn’t mean that you become a doormat for another’s bad behavior. Forgiveness of specific offenses takes spiritual fortitude, especially when you have been wounded deeply by someone you trusted. Nevertheless, forgiveness is an emotional state and a spiritual trait that you can develop with daily practice. Colossians 3:5-17 contrasts characteristics of an unforgiving heart with those of a forgiving heart. Do you have a forgiving heart? Is there someone God is asking you to forgive?

Why Church Staff Alignment Is Essential

Church Fuel

May 24, 2023

Life in your church is complicated. You’re continuously coordinating multiple moving parts. From your weekly worship service, small group ministry and everything in between, there is a variety of activity taking place in your church. To make sure everything (and everyone) works well together, here’s what you need to know: Every ministry in your church will naturally drift toward misalignment. In other words, your staff and ministries will eventually pursue their own purposes—not the mission of the church. That’s why church staff alignment is essential.

Church Staff Alignment

Often, misalignment doesn’t happen on purpose. The vast majority of ministries or events are rooted in good intentions. However, over time, everything tends to drift away from its original purpose. Things change. New ideas emerge. People pursue different directions.

Then, perhaps without even knowing it, what started as one thing turns out to be something entirely different, and it becomes misaligned with the church.

When people or ministries become misaligned, you’ll run into many problems, including:

- Internal conflict
- Confusion
- Lack of clarity
- Fights over money
- Scheduling conflicts
- Lack of volunteers
- Poor morale

Not convinced? Think about it this way. Let’s say the wheels of your vehicle become misaligned. At first, your vehicle will slightly pull to the left or right. But if you let this problem persist, then you will damage the wheels of your car, and maybe even experience a tire blowout while you’re driving, which can quickly lead to an accident.

Thankfully, no one will get physically injured or potentially die when your church staff becomes misaligned. But the problems it causes are real and they can negatively impact your church and thwart your ministry efforts.

To help you assess your ministry, fight for alignment and achieve greater ministry success, we’re going to cover the following topics:

- What is church staff alignment?
- Four reasons why staff alignment is important
- Nine warning signs of misalignment
- Six practical tips for aligning your church staff

Let’s get started!

What Is Alignment?

Alignment isn’t a complicated concept to grasp. It simply means to agree with a person or idea. For example, when it comes to politics, to be in alignment is to be on the same side of a political party or to support a specific cause. To practically apply this definition to your church, Carey Nieuwhof writes:

“Alignment happens when you have a team of people—from the top leadership right through to the newest volunteer—pulling in the same direction not only around the same goals, but using the same strategy.”

For your church to be in alignment, you and your staff need to be on the same side in three core areas:

- Beliefs
- Mission
- Philosophy

Regarding your beliefs, I’m not suggesting that everyone on your staff needs to agree with you on every single point of doctrine. But I am suggesting that your team needs to agree with your church’s essential beliefs.

For your church, there are many Christian creeds, confessions and statements of faith you may or may not adhere to. That’s OK. Whatever creed or passages of the Bible inform your beliefs, it’s essential for your staff to be in agreement with them, too.

One last point about your beliefs:

Provide your staff with the opportunity to share their disagreements.

For example, many creeds contain a variety of essential, secondary and even tertiary doctrinal issues. Whether it’s during the interview process or a pastoral transition, provide interviewees and members of your staff an opportunity to discuss where they diverge.

This simple act will not only help your entire church staff to become aligned. But it will also help to create an environment for your team to feel safe in sharing their opinions.

When it comes to creating alignment in your mission, your church staff should be moving toward accomplishing the same goal—to be on the same page. Think about it this way.

If you’re on a road trip and there’s a disagreement about your final destination, you’ll end up nowhere fast. In the same way, if there’s disagreement over the direction of your church, then your staff will go in different directions, which will negatively influence the team’s productivity and your church’s fruitfulness.

If your mission is what you want to accomplish, then staff alignment of your philosophy of ministry is how you will achieve your mission.

How your church fulfills its mission is just as important to people as the mission itself. For example, you can agree on the same destination (mission), but you can have different opinions on how you should reach your destination (philosophy of ministry). From your style of worship music to your dress code, your philosophy of ministry will have a variety of practical implications.

In sum, it’s important to remember there are a few things alignment doesn’t mean:

- Everyone has to be in 100 percent agreement
- Staff members have to forfeit their perspective
- No one can voice an opinion

This isn’t the case at all. In general, your staff needs to be on the same side as you in your beliefs, mission and philosophy of ministry. But you can allow your staff to share concerns, voice opinions, and even adhere to secondary or tertiary differences of opinion.

4 Daily Prayer Practices for Pastors and Church Leaders

Rick Warren

May 24, 2023

We’re looking for better methods, machinery and motivations, which are all OK, but God is looking for people to use. He is looking for leaders. And for God to use the leaders, they must be men and women of God. You can learn a lot about people by the kinds of prayers they pray. We have a sample of a leader’s prayer practices in the book of Nehemiah.

Remember that Nehemiah, when he first heard about the downfall of Jerusalem, prayed for four months before taking action. This is not just a casual prayer. The prayer we’re going to look at this week is just a sample prayer he prayed. It gives us a pattern for successful praying. If you want to know how to pray as a leader, study the book of Nehemiah, and particularly examine the prayer Nehemiah prays in the first chapter.

4 Secret Prayer Practices From the Life of Nehemiah

1. Base your requests on God’s character.

Pray like you know God will answer you…

I’m expecting you to answer this prayer because of who you are. You are a faithful God. You are a great God. You are a loving God. You are a wonderful God. You can handle this problem, God!

Nehemiah went to God and said in chapter 1, verse 5, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands” (NIV).

Nehemiah said three things about God:

You’re great—that’s God’s position.
You’re awesome—that shows his power.
You keep your promises—God’s covenant.

The first thing Nehemiah did was to acknowledge who God is. That’s what praise is. And the beginning of seeing prayer answered is believing that God answers prayer and asking him, based on his character and his promises, to listen and to act.

2. Confess the sin in your life.

After Nehemiah based his prayer on God’s character, he confessed his sins. Repeatedly in his prayer, Nehemiah said the words “I” and “we.” He says, “I confess…myself…my father’s house…we have acted very wickedly…we have not obeyed,” and so on throughout this passage.

It wasn’t Nehemiah’s fault they went into captivity. He wasn’t even born when this happened 70 years earlier. He was most likely born in captivity. Yet he was including himself in the national sins. Our society has taught us we’re only responsible for ourselves. And that’s just not true! You are your brother’s keeper. We are all in this together.

Leaders accept the blame, others pass the buck. If you want to be a leader, you accept the blame and share the credit.

How To Tell a Jesus Story

Michael Adam Beck

May 23, 2023

Even before the Gospels were written down, the early Christians gathered in homes and public spaces to tell stories about Jesus and his teachings. In Fresh Expressions and other innovative forms of Christian community focused on people who aren’t already part of the church, the simple practice of sharing Jesus stories brings this tradition alive today.

“Jesus Stories” are simple, short retellings about something Jesus said or did in five minutes or less. They can be told by any disciple (not just clergy). Jesus stories are accompanied by open-ended questions that spark discussion. Gathering around Jesus stories provides opportunities for open and honest conversations about the joys and struggles in our lives that people from any or no religious background can enter into.

Here are some simple instructions for how to tell a Jesus story. As with anything in Fresh Expressions or mission, don’t go alone! At least two people should partner together to lead these kinds of conversations (Lk 10:1). They happen best in neighborhood spaces or homes where people are comfortable gathering and have already begun to form relationships characterized by listening, loving, and building community.

Crafting the Jesus Story

Step 1: Prayerfully Choose a Jesus story.

Prayerfully search the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you as you read. What is something Jesus said or did that resonates with you? Read the passage multiple times, consult commentaries to see what others have said about this passage.

Step 2: Locate Yourself in the Jesus Story.

Prayerfully ask yourself why this Jesus story is so meaningful to you. Why does this story touch your soul? Where do you see yourself in what Jesus said or did? How has this changed you? If the story or teaching doesn’t move you personally, you should find another one that does.

Step 3: Prepare the Jesus Story.

How will you share this Jesus story with others? If it helps you to write it down, feel free to do so. However, it’s better if you can tell the story without notes. Perhaps read the passage aloud, then rehearse how you will communicate to the group.

Step 4: Deliver the Jesus Story in 3-5 Minutes.

Tell the Jesus story to your community. It doesn’t need to be long. Three to five minutes is a good rule. You could simply read a couple verses of the story out loud, then summarize. Try thinking of the narrative form you are using like the one offered below in section II.

Step 5: Ask Questions To Spark the Conversation.

Here are some questions you might consider: What would this story look like today? What if this Jesus story is true? If it is true, how would it make a difference in my life? What is this Jesus story saying to me? What is one small thing I can change in my daily life as a result of this Jesus story? What is one thing I might do differently?

These questions give access for non-Christians to join in the conversation. They are intentionally designed not to be “right or wrong” answer questions, but to invite curiosity and reflection.

Delivering the Jesus Story

Telling a story is an art form that you can improve upon with practice. Remember the four movements of a good Jesus story:

Set the Tension: invite your hearers on a narrative journey with something provocative or curious that upsets the equilibrium (ex. “Jesus ate good food with bad people” “Have you ever felt unclean?” “Jesus was guilty of shepherd malpractice; he left 99 in the wilderness to pursue a lost wild one” “Here’s a story Jesus told about a reckless sower, he cast good seed wastefully all over the place,” etc.).
Paint the Picture: tell the group exactly what the story says. Look for details in the text that color the story for your hearers.
Personal Experience: why is this Jesus story meaningful to you personally, how has it healed, challenged, or changed you? Give personal testimony about Jesus in your own life
Resolve the Tension: close with answering the question you asked or restoring equilibrium to the quandary you raised. Better yet, invite your hearers to resolve the tension by using the kinds of questions suggested above!

Ron DeSantis Tells Christian Communicators at NRB 2023 He’s ‘Waging a War on Woke’

Jesse T. Jackson

May 23, 2023

On Monday (May 22), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received loud applause and standing ovations while giving a welcome address at National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) 2023.

According to their website, the NRB is a “nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent hundreds of millions of listeners, viewers, and readers.”

The 46th governor of Florida, who is believed will announce his 2024 run for United States president this week, told a room filled with a few thousand Christians in media about how he’s helped lead Florida against the “woke agenda.”

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that the state of Florida stands unequivocally in defense of the family and in defense of our children,” DeSantis said. “And we have done more to protect children than any state in the country. Of course, just a short few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to sign the heartbeat bill, which is the strongest pro-life bill Florida has seen in its modern history.”

“When we are acting to protect an unborn child that has a detectable heartbeat, that is humane; that is not harsh,” DeSantis continued. “That is the right thing to do.”

DeSantis explained that he understands that being pro-life means being pro-life through the life of the child. Therefore, he said, Florida has “provided unprecedented support” for mothers in this bill. “We’ve increased by $25 million our Pregnancy Support Services program to meet physical and emotional needs of would-be mothers, and that’s whether they decide to keep the child or put it up for adoption.”

He said his administration is taking a stand for families by making sure that the Florida school system is providing “kids with an education not with an indoctrination.”

While telling the crowd that “parents have a right to know what curriculum is being used in their kids’ classrooms or being used in their library,” DeSantis shared about a recent press conference, which he titled “Exposing the Book Ban Hoax,” wherein he showed graphic images of the content to which Florida parents have objected.

The governor said, “The news stations that were carrying the press conference cut their feed because they said it was too graphic. Well, if it’s too graphic for the 6 o’clock news, how is it okay for a 10-year-old school child?”

‘Read the Bible,’ AOC Tells DeSantis After His Good Samaritan Reference

Stephanie Martin

May 23, 2023

The chokehold death of a man on a New York City subway has sparked a debate about a biblical parable. On May 1, 30-year-old Jordan Neely, a man experiencing homelessness, was screaming at and threatening other passengers. That’s when Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old ex-marine, put Neely in a chokehold, restraining him until he stopped breathing.

The death was ruled a homicide, and Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who’s expected to announce his presidential bid soon, has praised Penny as “a good Samaritan” for protecting people. But U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who attended Neely’s funeral on Saturday, told a reporter that DeSantis “should read the Bible.”

Ron DeSantis: We Can’t Have ‘Inmates Running the Asylum’

During a May 16 news conference, Ron DeSantis said Penny did the “right thing” by stepping in because Neely was “very dangerous” and “putting people in harm’s way.” The governor (and fellow veteran) said, “Vets look out for vets,” and “What we can’t have in our society is inmates running the asylum.”

Calling Penny a good Samaritan, DeSantis said he doesn’t think the 24-year-old should be prosecuted. Criticizing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the governor added, “When people have the temerity to fight back against the criminal element, he goes after them.”

DeSantis also defended his retweet of a fundraising page for Penny. “We must…stop the Left’s pro-criminal agenda, and take back the streets for law abiding citizens,” DeSantis wrote. “We stand with Good Samaritans like Daniel Penny.”

By contrast, the Rev. Al Sharpton characterized Penny as a killer. In his eulogy for Neely, Sharpton said, “A good Samaritan helps those in trouble; they don’t choke them out.” He criticized the criminalization of mental illness and New York City’s neglect of people experiencing homelessness.

“He’s been choked his whole life,” Sharpton said of Neely, who had an extensive arrest record. Neely’s family said he “experienced a mental health episode” on the subway.

AOC: DeSantis Should Read Luke 15

As she left Neely’s funeral, Ocasio-Cortez was asked what she thought about DeSantis calling Penny a good Samaritan. “I think he should read a Bible,” she told the reporter. In the parable, found in Luke 10:25-37, a Samaritan stops to aid a robbery victim after religious figures had passed by without helping.

After February’s Super Bowl, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Christian-themed “He Gets Us” ads, saying they “make fascism look benign.”

Fundamentalist Preacher Under Fire for Suggesting Public Executions for Parents Who Affirm Trans Children

Dale Chamberlain

May 23, 2023

A clip taken from a recent sermon delivered by fundamentalist Baptist preacher Jason Graber has gone viral on social media for Graber’s violent language toward parents who would allow their children to receive gender reassignment surgery.

Graber is pastor of Sure Foundation Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington, a congregation that is loosely affiliated with a movement of Independent Fundamentalist Baptists led by Arizona pastor Steven Anderson, who is known nationally for espousing violent rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community.

While the full video of Graber’s sermon has since been taken down from YouTube, a clip featuring key moments of the message continues to circulate on Twitter.

“To any parents who would have their child have a transgender surgery done on them, any parent that would do that, they just need to be shot in the back of the head,” Graber said in the sermon. “They need to be convicted in trial and immediately shot in the back of the head, okay? And then we can string them up above a bridge, so that the public can see the consequences of that kind of wickedness.”

Graber later said, “And so there should be no excuse to not put these people to death—no excuse whatsoever.”

“There are very few people out there who are actually fighting the spiritual fight,” Graber said, challenging his congregation to find another preacher in the Spokane area who preaches “the message where they said that these child molesters, that these child butchers, that these f****ts, all these LGBTQ people, people that desire strange flesh, that they should all be put to death in a public execution by the government.”

“Find me the preacher that says that,” Graber reiterated. “I wanna see him.”

This is not the only time in recent months that Graber has offered harsh words to parents with regard to LGBTQ+ issues. In a sermon delivered on Mother’s Day, Graber urged mothers to instruct their children with spiritual wisdom. However, he offered a very specific vision for that instruction.

Should mothers fail in their duties, Graber argued, any number of “pitfalls” could beset their children. Included among these pitfalls were the possibility of daughters becoming “whores,” as well as of young men who sleep with “one of these whorish women” contracting AIDS.

“At some point, she slept with somebody who’s a homo, okay, that’s how AIDS—basically, you’re in contact with somebody who’s a homo if you have AIDS,” Graber said. “Because that’s where AIDS comes from: it’s from homos. And so that’s the only way it gets around.”

Graber added, “If you look at somebody who has AIDS, this is the type of thing that’s happened to them, okay, or they are that person…You’re worthless at that point.”

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4 Secret Prayer Practices From the Life of Nehemiah

1. Base your requests on God’s character.

2. Confess the sin in your life.

Crafting the Jesus Story

Step 1: Prayerfully Choose a Jesus story.

Step 2: Locate Yourself in the Jesus Story.

Step 3: Prepare the Jesus Story.

Step 4: Deliver the Jesus Story in 3-5 Minutes.

Step 5: Ask Questions To Spark the Conversation.

Delivering the Jesus Story

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