Protests on Twitter about lack of Rebuke by Religious Leaders
A new Twitter hashtag #EmptyThePews has become the rallying cry against inaction by church officials against President Trump. This comes in combination with Alumni at the Liberty University returning their diplomas because of the connection between university president Jerry Falwell Jr. and President Trump.
#EmptyThePews Advocates Quitting Church to Protest Trump[/tweetthis]
The attention on the issue has increased with President Trump’s comments finding moral equivalence between white supremacists and counter-protestors. Reverand RA Barnard, a member of the president’s Evangelical Council, quit over “a line that was crossed.” At a town hall meeting, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was criticized by a nun for a lack of social services policies that go against his Catholic faith.
https://twitter.com/JasonJMurdoch/status/781723256600559616
The hashtags objective is to create awareness about the lack of public statements condemning racism and xenophobia by Donald Trump. It advocates reciprocity by church members. Namely, if you do not support the people you are supposed to protect, we cannot show support for you by attending your services.
Is your church complicit in white supremacy? If so, don't go. #EmptyThePews https://t.co/DjjALcqRDz
— Chrissy Stroop (@C_Stroop) August 20, 2017
Liking and sharing this shows how far our churches have fallen. If you go to a church that agrees with Trump supporters then #EmptyThePews
— Lori (@Lorisadventure) August 20, 2017
"we need to pray about it" is not enough. Christians need to stand up for equality for the oppressed. #emptythepews
— Katharine Strange (@realstrangekaty) August 17, 2017
While it remains to be seen if this trend will lead to widespread movement, it does demonstrate a lack of patience by some about the political involvement of religious leaders in America.