He is making a controversial statement.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, California, recently urged Christians through social media not to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming election. He referred to the Democratic Party as a “death cult” due to its strong stance on abortion rights, including the legalization of abortion with few, if any, restrictions. In a video shared on his X account, Hibbs emphasized his dissatisfaction with both major political parties but singled out the Democratic Party as being “100% pro-death” in his view.
Hibbs further stated that for Christians, voting should be straightforward, especially on issues like abortion, where he sees a clear moral divide between the parties. He declared that the Democratic platform’s support for abortion, even late into pregnancy, makes it impossible for Christians to vote for the party. He also highlighted that Christians should not support policies that conflict with their faith, particularly on issues concerning the sanctity of life.
Additionally, Hibbs expressed optimism about a potential return of former President Donald Trump to office, praising Trump’s role in appointing Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Hibbs believes that voting for Republicans would bring about more positive changes, while criticizing Trump’s mixed messages on abortion bans, such as his comments regarding Florida’s six-week abortion law.
Hibbs has previously sparked controversy for his political advocacy. Earlier this year, he endorsed Republican candidate Steve Garvey for the U.S. Senate, which led to complaints from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). The FFRF argued that this endorsement violated the church’s tax-exempt status by engaging in political campaigning. Despite the backlash, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills remains active in encouraging its members to vote and engage politically through its Real Impact ministry.
Hibbs is not alone in his political activism from the pulpit. Other pastors, like Jamal Bryant in Atlanta and Landon Schott in Texas, have also made political statements, often criticizing specific candidates or parties based on their views and policies. These instances have fueled ongoing debates about the role of religion in politics and whether churches should maintain neutrality to preserve their tax-exempt status under U.S. law.