Pastor’s Inaugural Prayer Sparks Backlash
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit sparked controversy after delivering a passionate prayer at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, referencing Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Sewell, who had previously hosted Trump at his church, was one of four religious leaders chosen to give a benediction during the event. However, his invocation of King’s speech, along with his animated prayer thanking God for protecting Trump from assassination attempts, drew criticism, including from Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. King expressed concern that her father’s message had been misused to downplay the fight against racism, police brutality, and economic inequality.
Sewell’s prayer also received backlash from other notable figures. Former NFL player Benjamin Watson called Sewell’s prayer a “disgrace,” while activist Sean Feucht praised it, leading to an exchange between the two. Watson also criticized Sewell for promoting a meme coin named after himself, $Lorenzo, shortly after the prayer, accusing him of being opportunistic. Sewell promoted the cryptocurrency on social media, encouraging followers to buy it to support his ministry, sparking further criticism from those who felt it was inappropriate for a pastor to be involved in such ventures.
Critics, including Democrat Christopher Hale, accused Sewell of exploiting the poor through his promotion of the meme coin. Others who had supported Sewell’s prayer expressed disappointment in his involvement with cryptocurrency, arguing that it contradicted Christian values. Meme coins, which are often based on internet trends, are known for being highly volatile, and some worried that Sewell’s promotion of $Lorenzo could lead to financial harm for those involved.
Despite the controversy, some supporters defended Sewell. Conservative preacher Rev. Damien Jones highlighted Sewell’s personal story of overcoming hardship, noting his transformation from gang life to becoming a prominent community leader. Jones urged people to focus on Sewell’s positive influence rather than the criticisms surrounding his style or actions, celebrating the pastor’s journey of faith and leadership.