Evangelicals have been 'sent to the time out chair' over Trump support

Joel Hunter, an evangelical pastor who backed Joe Biden for president, says white evangelicals have been "sent to the time out chair" over their vocal support for Trump.

The retired megachurch pastor, who has counselled presidents including Barack Obama, made the comments after white evangelicals were noticeably absent from the list of special guests at Thursday's presidential inaugural prayer service. 

The service is a tradition for new presidents and dates back to the first inauguration of President George Washington in 1789.

The interfaith service, livestreamed online, was hosted by the Washington National Cathedral with other contributors joining virtually.

It was the first service to be attended by President Biden following his inauguration on Wednesday. 

The homily was delivered by Bishop William J Barber II, with musical performances from Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle and The Clark Sisters. 

Other guest contributors included the Most Rev Michael Curry, Primate of the liberal US Episcopal Church, Sojourners founder Jim Wallis, Obama's former pastor the Rev Dr Otis Moss III, and liberal Christian author and speaker Jen Hatmaker. 

Organiser Dr Tony Allen said the service would "honour the role of faith in our country, and provide a moment to reflect on the unprecedented challenges we face, as we enter this new American chapter of healing to beat the pandemic, build back our economy better, and unify our country."

Commenting on the absence of white evangelical leaders from the guest list, Hunter suggested they had been snubbed because of their support for Trump.

"This morning's Interfaith Prayer Service was beautiful," he said on Twitter.

"So many religions represented...except for conservative white evangelicals, who it seems have been sent to the Time Out chair.

"I get it. When we fail to speak up for inclusion, we reap what we've sown." 

News
Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system
Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system

Despite the rise in deaths, the watering down of safeguards has been proposed.

Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’
Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’

Welby was supportive of Project Spire during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury.

South Sudanese churches work for peace as tensions mount
South Sudanese churches work for peace as tensions mount

South Sudan is the world's youngest sovereign nation.

Alister McGrath: New Atheism has ‘tanked’
Alister McGrath: New Atheism has ‘tanked’

“I am seeing a growth in young people wanting to talk about Christianity."