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

Bishop Michael Curry, who wed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, delivered the benediction.

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
World Evangelical Alliance general assembly concludes with installation of new Secretary General and Seoul Declaration upholding biblical sexuality 
World Evangelical Alliance general assembly concludes with installation of new Secretary General and Seoul Declaration upholding biblical sexuality 

The World Evangelical Alliance general assembly concluded in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday evening after four days of discussion and deliberation about key issues affecting evangelicalism and the task of fulfilling the Great Commission.  

‘My conscience is clear,’ says Päivi Räsänen after Finland’s Supreme Court hears Bible tweet case 
‘My conscience is clear,’ says Päivi Räsänen after Finland’s Supreme Court hears Bible tweet case 

Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen is praying that she will finally be exonerated of hate speech charges over her biblical views on marriage and sexuality after the case against her was heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday. 

Go out to the world but don’t dilute the Gospel, says evangelist
Go out to the world but don’t dilute the Gospel, says evangelist

The Church must be willing to go into some “very dark places” to share the Good News of Jesus Christ while being careful not to compromise the Gospel, says evangelist Ben Jack. 

King Charles shown table made from 5,000-year-old wood during visit to Lichfield Cathedral
King Charles shown table made from 5,000-year-old wood during visit to Lichfield Cathedral

The Table of the Nation is built from 5,000 year old Black Oak