The Christian community has reacted strongly to popular Pastor John Gray’s decision to meet with the president last week.
While social media is filled with countless comments both criticizing and defending the lead pastor of Relentless Church in Greenville, S.C., Ambo TV is sharing three strong opinions from high profile preachers speaking out on the matter.
Travis Greene Calls For Unity Among Christians
Travis Greene, the pastor of Forward City Church in Columbia, S.C. who is also a Grammy nominated gospel music singer, defended Gray on Instagram Wednesday while calling Christians to come together.
“You can’t hate @realjohngray and love me,” he wrote. “If it wasn’t for this man believing in me over the past 10 years, I would’ve given up.”
Last year, Greene received his own share of criticism for performing at Trump’s inaugural ball. As someone who knows what it is like to be on the receiving end of the public’s anger, the singer and pastor called for the body of Christ to unite in spite of differences.
“I know what it’s like to be misunderstood for living a fearless & faith-filled life. Family, the Body of Christ is stronger together,” he wrote. “So let’s stand united. The one thing I know for a fact is that this man Hears God. His record of integrity, humility & selflessness speaks for itself. #FamilyFirst #EngageCulture.”
Carl Lentz Encourages John Gray Amid Criticism
Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong NYC revealed his insight about Gray receiving criticism on Instagram Tuesday. Lentz , who welcomed Gray at his conference in New York City last week, said he did not respect those “that would disparage another” for doing what he believed in.
Instead of dedicating an entire post to those criticizing his friend, Lentz offered Gray some encouraging words.
“Trust me John, I’ve heard so many people say ‘Let’s go reach the world!’ And then when you start doing it? ‘You have changed,’” Lentz wrote. “‘How could you be associated with such a person.” The idea, is always easier than the reality. I love the reality of who you are. Keep on shinin’ my man..#occupyallstreets #allofem”
Over 50 Preachers Challenge Pastors Meeting With Trump
In an open letter published on The Grio last week over fifty Christian leaders revealed why they were upset that preachers met with Trump. Among those preachers is Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Bishop Rudy McKissick, Bishop W. Darrin Moore, Bishop Talbert Swan, Dr. Wendell Anthony, Dr. Traci Blackmon, Dr. Amos C. Brown, Pastor Corey Brown, Bishop John R. Bryant, Dr. Iva Carruthers, Dr. Delmon Coates, Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin, Dr. Marcus Cosby, Dr. Wayne Croft, Dr. William H. Curtis, Rev. Leah Daughtery, Dr. Marcus Davidson, Bishop James Davis, Rev. Jacques D. Denkins, Dr. James W.E. Dixon, II, Dr. John Faison, Sr., Drs. Elaine and Floyd Flake, Rev. Willie D. Francois, III, Bishop Sam Green, Dr. Neichelle Guidry, Dr. Cynthia Hale, Pastor Victor T. Hall, Rev. J.C. Howard, Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson, Dr. Jeffrey Allen Johnson, Sr., Dr. Marcus D. King, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Pastor Breonus Mitchell, Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Dr. Otis Moss, III, Dr. James Perkins, Dr. Zina Pierre, President Welton Pleasant, II, Bishop Dennis Proctor, Dr. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Drs. J. Alfred Smith Sr. and Jr., Dr. Gina Stewart, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Dr. Alyn Waller, Dr. Lance Watson, Dr. Maurice Watson, Dr. Howard John Wesley and Dr. Ralph Douglas West, Sr.
While Gray was not individually mentioned, the letter addressed all of the pastors who took a “seat at the table” with Trump and insisted Jesus Christ and John the Baptist would have handled things differently.
“Given your proximity to power and your ‘seat at the table’ in this toxic, political climate, it’s painfully disappointing that instead of being prophetic clergy persons you became presidential cheerleaders. We could never imagine the eighth century prophets cheering the kings of Judah and Israel who were in similar political climates,” the letter stated. “We know John the Baptist wasn’t content to cheer Herod on and express his gratitude and honor for a seat at the table, declaring that Herod was the most ‘pro-Jewish king in our lifetime.’ We need not remind you of the posture of the Prince of Peace, our Savior from the streets, when He stood before Herod and Pilate.”
The letter reminded people of the comments and actions taken by the this administration that were deemed offensive to the black community. However, it also challenged the pastors who attended the meeting with the president to engage with their critics in “dialogue that will prophetically challenge the poison of Trump’s politics, while we work to develop our under served communities.”
According to a tweet from political correspondent April Ryan, pastors are preparing to protest outside of the White House next month.