USA Today reported on a prayer rally taking place at Ford Field in Detroit that drew 150 protestors. Hosted by the New Apostolic Reformation from Kansas City, Missouri, the rally drew thousands of people and its leader, Lou Engle, called for “Jesus’ face to appear all across America.” Engle’s message included statements that Detroit is under “demonic control” because of the size of the local Muslim population, and African Americans are cursed because they vote Democratic. New Apostolic Reformation has been criticized in the past for its position on homosexuality, Catholics, and abortion, even though they believe their message is “key to reviving the world.”
Protestors held signs that said “All are people” and “Standing on the side of love,” saying that the organization “promotes division and intolerance.” One protestor said, “Their message is…one of hate,” and a local pastor who was protesting commented, “God did not call us to hate.” Other Detroit church leaders said the event was patronizing and racist.
