He is facing backlash.
Conservative media figure Todd Starnes has sparked controversy among several pastors by suggesting that Christians should leave their churches if their pastors did not address the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Starnes made this assertion on X, criticizing pastors who did not speak on the matter as “limp-wristed wokevangelicals.”
James White, pastor and elder at Apologia Church in Tempe, Arizona, responded by stating that while mentioning or praying about the incident might be appropriate, it was not necessary to dictate sermon topics. He emphasized that his teachings were focused on Jesus’ teachings and not current political events, and urged Starnes to focus on his own realm and apologize for his remarks.
Rev. Johannon Tate, senior pastor at New Era Baptist Church in Middletown, Ohio, also disagreed with Starnes, noting that the assassination attempt was not related to spiritual warfare and that his congregation would not leave over such an issue. He implied that Starnes’ comment was misdirected and that pastors should concentrate on spiritual matters.
Pastor Clifford Mayes joined the dissent, emphasizing his focus on preaching about Jesus Christ and the core tenets of Christianity rather than political events. He asserted that the central message of salvation through Christ should remain paramount over addressing specific incidents like the assassination attempt.
Taylor Combs, a pastor at King’s Cross Church in Nashville, Tennessee, offered a more balanced perspective. He acknowledged that while it might have been wise for pastors to address the incident given its impact on their congregations, it was not a valid reason for members to leave their churches. Combs stressed the importance of preaching the Gospel in the context of current events without resorting to partisanship or political opinions, urging pastors to deliver a message of hope and faith rooted in the Gospel.