This weekend, players and team owners across the NFL demonstrated during the National Anthem in nearly every game played.
Though for more than a year, some players have been kneeling during the anthem before games as a way to raise awareness about racial injustice, yesterday marked widespread protests in the form of players kneeling, linking arms and holding fists in the air. It also sparked the hashtag #TakeAKnee.
The demonstrations come after President Trump called the demonstrators “sons of b******” and suggested that they should be fired. He also called on citizens to boycott the league.
Here’s a look at what Christian leaders have said in response. (Note: This list may be updated throughout the day.)
Joshua Dubois
Writer, consultant, former head of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
These fellas are kneeling for a 12yr old boy named Tamir shot dead in a Cleveland park. They're kneeling for a better country. #TakeTheKnee
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) September 24, 2017
Kneeling with joy. Kneeling for peace. Kneeling in righteous indignation. Kneeling for justice. In prayer. Kneeling in love. #TakeAKnee
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) September 24, 2017
Carl Lentz
Writer, pastor of Hillsong New York
I still/always will pray for/respect office of President. Glad men like @Jentezen have not abandoned their post/try to bring logic 2 him..
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) September 24, 2017
I'm excited on a larger scale, that things like this will bring more unity, not hate. That's my prayer! And I'm sticking to it…
— carl lentz (@carllentzNYC) September 24, 2017
Brene Brown
Speaker, author, scholar
The fullest measure of respect that we can show our country is activism – our courage to take a stand or a knee to fight injustice.
— Brené Brown (@BreneBrown) September 23, 2017
John Gray
Writer, associate pastor at Lakewood Church
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/911628376359743488
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/911627575272857601
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/911626390457417728
Austin Channing
Writer, speaker
Standing (or kneeling) for racial justice is not a distraction from "real politics". Its connected to policing, healthcare, immigration, etc
— Austin Channing Brown (@austinchanning) September 24, 2017
Brian Johnson
Pastor, artist, co-founder of Bethel Music
Judah Smith
Writer, pastor of The City Church
I pray for & respect the office of PRESIDENT. I would like to state I love the "SOB's" you speak of Mr.President. @mosesbread72 is my friend
— Judah Smith (@judahsmith) September 24, 2017
Rachel Held Evans
Writer, speaker
Members of the early church would be completely baffled at modern Christians criticizing other Christians for not bowing before the Empire.
— Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) September 23, 2017
Erwin McManus
Writer, Pastor of Mosaic Church.
Alex Medina
Producer, designer.
forever mood pic.twitter.com/POXjqRYH6C
— alex medina (@mrmedina) September 23, 2017
Ashlee Eiland
The kneelers are mourning with those who mourn. They're drinking of a bitter cup while hoping for a resurrection of human dignity and love.
— Ashlee Eiland (@Ashlee_Eiland) September 24, 2017
