Christian Leaders React to This Weekend’s NFL Protests
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
