Benham brothers thank Christians for support but warn freedom of expression is being 'fractured'

The Benham brothers HGTV

The Benham brothers have thanked Christians for their support during the row over their conservative beliefs.

The traditional views of David and Jason Benham prompted HGTV to cancel a reality show the brothers had been due to star in.

The Benham real estate group was also initially dropped by SunTrust in the wake of strong criticism against their conservative stance on issues like marriage, homosexuality and abortion.

Last week, the brothers announced on their Facebook page that SunTrust had pulled all of its listed properties with them and several franchises across the US.

"This came without warning or explanation from SunTrust and took place over a 15 minute period on May 15, 2014," the announcement said.

"We were caught off-guard with this one. Keeping us off television wasn't enough, now this agenda to silence wants us out of the marketplace."

However, strong protest from conservatives prompted SunTrust to reverse their decision and reinstate Benham properties.

Now in a YouTube video, the brothers express their thanks to supporters, saying they were "overwhelmed" by what had taken place.

"We just wanted to say thank you," said David Benham.

"One thing that we want to encourage Americans is that it's so important right now.

"There is a fracture in our nation and religious liberty, and freedom to think and freedom to express our beliefs is fractured and our nation needs us."

Jason Benham pleaded with supporters to be gracious.

"So many folks have stood with us and we've seen a remnant of people that are saying, you know what? 'I'm gonna be bold. I'm not gonna back down,'" he said.

"But this is the one thing that we want to encourage you with — boldness apart from repentance makes a bully on both sides. That if you don't feel love and compassion for a fellow human being, then we would tell you just don't say anything. You stay seated."

News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.