GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel, releases the following statement responding to bomb threats, harassment and intimidation of U.S. politicians:
“Waking up this morning to the news of bombs being sent to our nation’s leaders, past and present, I am compelled to condemn these recent acts as well as any and every act of incivility that has been taking place against public figures. Harmful substances have been sent to the Pentagon, legislators have had their homes attacked and family members threatened, and the list of violence and attempted violence seems endless these days. While there are sharp ideological divides on critical issues in our nation, we must never lose our respect for the offices that lead our nation and the people who hold those offices. I am disgusted at any hint of violence against anyone, regardless of their political affiliation.
While there have been many political leaders in my lifetime who have supported legislation or who have made decisions that were in direct oppositions to my values, I have always prayed for them and their families and have strived to give respect to each office and the officeholder. I do this out of my responsibility to love my neighbor as myself, and because of the biblical mandate to pray for those who are in authority, so that we might live peaceful lives. Any differences we have with one another must be dealt with in a civil way.
Please join me in committing to pray for our nation’s leaders, past and present—for their safety, their families, their influence, and that they would hear God’s voice. I would also ask that every political leader consider speaking into these critical moments we are facing today.”
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Pastor Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi campus church. Each week his television program Kingdom Connection is broadcast on major networks all over the world. A New York Times best-selling author, Jentezen has written eight books including his latest, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt.
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