Here’s one for you. All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California is so horrified by the very name of our new President that they have decided to hit the delete button in their prayers.
A story in Pasadena Now discussed a change in policy at All Saints Episcopal Church. The church has decided not to pray for President Donald Trump by name during their corporate prayers. Also, because of the results of the election, they have chosen to exclude the names of people of authority in their corporate prayers.
Professing Christians are commanded in scripture to pray for their leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1 – 4, the Apostle Paul writes:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This verse is one of several where Christians are exhorted to pray for those that are in positions of authority regardless of their personal feelings.
It appears that All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena has decided to politicize their prayer time. To appease the leftist crowd, they are altering the way their church will handle the Bible’s command. This is a prime example of how political correctness is infiltrating the church.
And it’s disgusting.
According to one of the leaders of the church, this decision was made because of concerns about “health and safety.” Rector Mike Kinman believes that the name Donald Trump is somehow harmful to members of the church’s congregation.
He made the following statement:
“We are in a unique situation in my lifetime where we have a president-elect whose name is literally a trauma trigger to some people – particularly women and people who, because of his words and actions, he represents an active danger to health and safety.”
So, we now have a President whose very name causes so much mental pain and anguish that it cannot be uttered while praying. For them, Donald Trump has become their very own Lord Voldemort, aka “He Who Shall Not Be Named.”
Yes, I did just make a Harry Potter reference.
Of course, I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise that the church had no problem praying for President Barack Obama by name. A fact which is confirmed on the church’s blog. In their blog, Kinman said that he would listen and pray with the Church community about this issue. To maintain consistency, they will also remove the name of the Church’s leaders in their prayers as well. Well, that’s just great. Now this church can’t even pray for their own leaders by name.
Thanks, Trump.
So, how is this going to work? I suppose, they will have to say things like “Father, please bless that guy who teaches us stuff on Sundays. Give that dude the wisdom and strength to teach the parts of your Word that make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” Amen.
The All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena also decided to hold a “Weekend of Prayer and Sacred Resistance” on the day of He Who Shall Not Be Named’s inauguration.
Here’s a quote from the post:
“We will stand in resistance to the systemic evils that oppress and marginalize any member of our human family – including but not limited to racism, sexism, nativism, homophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.”
These things are evil and should be prayed against, but what about prayers for God to touch the heart of the President? What about praying that God would give him the wisdom he needs to lead this country the right way? What about protecting him?
I’m not a preacher. But it does seem like an opportune time for a brief homily.
The Bible tells us to pray for all who hold positions of authority. This command includes all levels of government, not just the President. And not just people we like. Let’s face it. “He Who Shall Not Be Named” is not everyone’s first choice for President. I can understand that. He wasn’t my first choice either. But he is our President, whether Hollywood celebrities like it or not. And I’m willing to give him a chance. I will pray for him. By name.
There have been many world leaders who have done things that are far more atrocious than anything Donald Trump would ever do. Just look at the Old Testament. The prophet Daniel served several wicked kings. He prayed for them. He even loved them. God used Daniel to reach the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. And Daniel worked hard to bless him.Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Daniel’s homeland, killed members of his family, and forcibly moved him and his fellow countrymen to Babylon. And Daniel still served him faithfully when it wasn’t required of him. Daniel chose to have a relationship with Nebuchadnezzar. Why? Because he was obedient to God. He would later go on to serve wicked kings in the Persian empire as well. God used him as well as others to influence these kings for His purposes.
The President is far from perfect. But I’m pretty sure that Donald Trump hasn’t killed anyone. I’m pretty sure he hasn’t uprooted people from their homes. He hasn’t enslaved a single person. If Daniel can pray for and honor Nebuchadnezzar, Christians can pray for President Trump by name. They don’t have to avoid it in the misguided pursuit of political correctness.
As believers, Christians are called to pray for our leaders. They are called to ask God to intercede on their behalf. Why? Because Christians don’t serve our leaders. They serve God because they believe he is higher than any human leader.
Political correctness is a dangerous idea that is designed to stifle our voices. It is prevalent throughout our society. Unfortunately, it seems that political correctness has also infiltrated the Church. If Christians are going to engage in “sacred resistance,” they should start with resisting attempts to transform their teachings into a religion of political correctness.
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