Tear Gas for a Few Photos: Reactions to Trump’s Photo in Front of Church
In order for Trump to take a photo in front of a church in Washington, police dispersed protesters by firing tear gas. Prominent figures in American churches are outraged. However, religious Americans are considered among Trump’s staunch supporters.
A scene that Americans will not soon forget; Donald Trump, President of the United States, allows a sidewalk that ends at a church near the White House to be cleared by tear gas. Police violently remove protesters who had gathered in a largely peaceful manner. All of this so that Trump and his companions could stand symbolically in front of the church for a photo; holding a Bible but without prayer or even a word of reconciliation.
The publication of this photo met with widespread resonance and drew harsh criticism, particularly from Joe Biden, Trump’s electoral rival who is a devout Catholic. Biden says: “All of this for a photo op! In front of the oldest church in Washington! It appears that the President cares more about power and satisfying his supporters (his base) than the welfare of the people.”
However, what was apparently intended as a display of power and an expression of solidarity with Christians in the country, faced criticism from many church representatives.
Misuse of Sacred Symbols
Bishop Michael Curry, chairman of the board of the Episcopal Church of America (Episcopal Protestant Church), wrote on Twitter, “Trump has used the sacred Bible and the church for his own partisan political purposes.”
Another bishop named Marian Edgar also, in an interview with CNN, considered Trump’s message “completely contrary to the teachings of the church”: “The use of the Bible and his staging in front of the church is a misuse of sacred symbols. Trump has appropriated God and the church for his own purposes. His words and actions are contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
Another priest who himself was present at peaceful demonstrations in Washington, in an interview with CNN, says: “Trump turned a sacred place into a battlefield.”
Archbishop Wilton Gregory has also strongly criticized the President of the United States.
Praise for Donald Trump by Priest Robert Jeffress
In contrast, Robert Jeffress, a pastor from Dallas, Texas, has praised the President of the United States and the church’s choice to have him take a photo. He, who is an evangelical Christian and has made very harsh statements about other religions, is considered among Trump’s staunch supporters.
In defense of the President of the United States and his action in front of the church, he said: “The President’s behavior was completely correct. By standing in front of the church, he not only showed his solidarity with this church but with all churches in the country and made clear his determination to protect the church against those who are trying to destroy it.”
Republicans, including Trump’s evangelical supporters, have continued to stand united behind the President of the United States, and many experts believe they will not abandon their support for Trump anytime soon.
Source: DW
