Religious leaders outraged over Trump’s church photo op

[Marilyn MonHoe 11,011]

Lawmakers and religious leaders — including the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington — voiced outrage after police used tear gas against peaceful protesters outside the White House before President Donald Trump's photo-op at nearby St. John's Episcopal Church on Monday evening.

The Rev. Mariann Budde, bishop of the Washington diocese, said Tuesday that Trump held up the Bible in front of St. John's "as if it were a prop or an extension of his military and authoritarian position."

Budde, in an interview with Craig Melvin on NBC's "TODAY" show, said that what Trump did in front of the church she oversees "was an abuse of the spiritual tools and symbols of our traditions and of our sacred space."

"He didn't come to church to pray, he didn't come to church to offer condolences to those who are grieving," she said. "He didn't come to commit to healing our nation, all the things that we would expect and long for from the highest leader in the land."

Budde said Trump didn't inform the diocese about his visit to the church. Asked if he is a frequent worshipper at the church, Budde responded: "No, never. The only time that President Trump has been at St. John's church as president was on the morning of his inauguration."

The Rev. James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest and author, said in a statement, "Using the Bible as a prop while talking about sending in the military, bragging about how your country is the greatest in the world, and publicly mocking people on a daily basis, is pretty much the opposite of all Jesus stood for."

He added: "Let me be clear. This is revolting. The Bible is not a prop. A church is not a photo op. Religion is not a political tool. And God is not a plaything."

Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, said in a statement Monday, "Seeing President Trump stand in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church while holding a Bible in response to calls for racial justice — right after using military force to clear peaceful protesters out of the area — is one of the most flagrant misuses of religion I have ever seen. This only underscores the president's complete lack of compassion for Black Americans and the lethal consequences of racism."

"Tear-gassing peaceful protesters without provocation just so that the president could pose for photos outside a church dishonors every value that faith teaches us. We call upon the president, law enforcement and all entrusted with responsibility to respect the dignity and rights of all Americans,” Pelosi and Schumer said.

The two Democratic leaders said the nation needs "real leadership" during this challenging time and added, "The president’s continued fanning of the flames of discord, bigotry and violence is cowardly, weak and dangerous."

The fierce reaction came after U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops around 6:30 p.m. ET began using tear gas and flash bangs against protesters demonstrating peacefully around Lafayette Square next to the White House, sending the crowd running in all directions. Trump delivered brief remarks in the White House Rose Garden as this unfolded just steps away, and said that he will fight to protect the rights of peaceful protesters.

After the president made his statement, it became clear that the crowd was dispersed because he and other White House officials walked over to St. John’s church across the street and Trump took photos outside of it, holding a Bible.

Addressing Trump directly about the police tear-gassing peaceful demonstrators, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., tweeted, "The Bible can’t help you if you don’t open it."

"He handled the Bible like the ape handled the bone in '2001:A Space Odyssey.'"

Republicans, meanwhile, rallied behind Trump.

"Historic moment as @POTUS Trump reclaims St. John’s Church for America! God Bless America!!" tweeted Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.

"Incredibly powerful moment as @realDonaldTrump walked to St. John's Church, where every past president since Madison has prayed for the wellbeing of our country. We must come together as a country, and I thank @POTUS for leading the effort to protect law and order," tweeted Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo.

Sources told NBC News that Trump's unannounced walk to the church "was his idea" because he "wanted the visual." The president was frustrated by news reports that Secret Service officers ushered him to the White House bunker during Friday night's unrest.

One source told NBC that the church visit was meant to make Trump look strong and in charge — in that it had all the elements of “pushing protesters out of his space, sending in the troops, leaving the White House, and visiting a church." 

Sources told NBC the White House thinks the photo-op was successful and "went great."

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/religious-leaders-lawmakers-outraged-over-trump-church-visit-n1221876

[ShtoopidLahv 710]

It’s really despicable. Gonna see how the Bible thumping Trump supporters defend that. 

The peaceful protestors were brutalized yesterday in DC (and around the country). It was very authoritarian. US democracy is a myth 

[AlwaysLoveGaga 4,297]

Guys before you overreact, Jesus actually said violence is okay. It's mentioned in the bible right next to rich people are #1. Which part? That doesn't matter, I love all of it

Spoiler

Just in case anyone is thinking otherwise, that was sarcasm

[REALITY 80,162]

Can someone like Pope Francis denounce this sh*t too?

The Catholic Church is the biggest demonination of Christianity. We need his voice to speak out about this. People like my parents still don't understand the severity of this situation and it's so ****ing infuriating hearing them talk about it. They act like all these protests are filled with rioters and think it's stupid that people are protesting in the first place. Christians...right? Some of them of pray and go to church and act like they're all good and holy, but then when it comes to actually putting that faith into practice, they all of a sudden can't do it because it doesn't align with values that Republicans hold

[Guest]

His supporters will find some kind of convoluted way to justify this.

I'm sick and tired of this pompous, irrational, man-child. 

[Guest Adarsh]

2 minutes ago, ModernXTC said:

His supporters will find some kind of convoluted way to justify this.

I'm sick and tired of this pompous, irrational, man-child. 

They’re already attacking the bishop on twitter lol apparently they love Trumpet even more than Jesus?

[KORG 4,756]

I'm going to watch each and everyone one of his campaign rallies later in the year. I've never seen an assassination before.

[Economy 52,844]

13 minutes ago, AlwaysLoveGaga said:

Guys before you overreact, Jesus actually said violence is okay. It's mentioned in the bible right next to rich people are #1. Which part? That doesn't matter, I love all of it

  Reveal hidden contents

Just in case anyone is thinking otherwise, that was sarcasm

 

Not me thinking for a quick sec you were serious

 

OT: of course Trump would use anything to his gain even a religion he never practiced or a Bible he no doubt never actually read

 

I'd like to ask him what he thinks about the parts of the Bible that talks about respect and kindness

[AlwaysLoveGaga 4,297]

Just now, Economy said:

I'd like to ask him what he thinks about the parts of the Bible that talks about respect and kindness

"Fake news"

[flyaway 15,350]

This photo is literally the figure of corrupt Christianity and other religious beliefs. Someone who preaches and tells others what is right, and right after does the exact opposite and manipulates the information to have some gain.

Absolutely disgusting.