The Southern Truth: The Episcopal Bishop Was Out of Order During the National Prayer Service
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
As I was scrolling through my feed, I happened to listen to a segment in which a bishop spoke during the National Prayer Service. In her address, the bishop took it upon herself to admonish the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. I couldn’t help but feel the sting of her words—unnecessary and, frankly, unbecoming of a minister of God. As a minister of the Gospel, anointed by God, I believe that truth is meant to set one free, not to ridicule or put others down.
The manner in which this bishop ridiculed the president while speaking from the pulpit was out of line. It was disrespectful, and it should never have happened that way. Whether or not one voted for President Trump is irrelevant. The fact remains that he was chosen by the majority of voters to represent them. The way this episcopal preacher conducted herself—intentional in her mockery—was neither holy nor righteous. It was, instead, indecent and out of order. Peter defined this behavior in his Epistle when he was warning about false teachers and how they will deny redemption by the blood. He said in 2 Peter 2:1-2, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
The Bible, in the book of Romans, clearly states, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” If this truth is accepted, then it follows that this bishop’s actions were misguided. I firmly believe she was out of order and out of line, and this should concern anyone who calls themselves a Christian. What that bishop did was not just uncalled for—it was unjust. Her actions were a disservice, not only to the President but to the Church and to the Word of God itself.
She crossed a boundary when she singled out President Trump in such a manner. It was obvious to all that her behavior was not rooted in righteousness, but in disdain. Whether one supports Mr. Trump or not, we are all called to respect the office and the authority given to him by God. To publicly mock him in the house of God was to invite division where unity should prevail.
Romans further teaches us that “whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” By defying the authority God has allowed, this bishop has placed herself in a dangerous position. Right is right, and wrong is wrong—no matter who is involved. In this case, the bishop’s actions were not only inappropriate, they were a violation of the principles she is sworn to uphold.
In the end, we must remember that God is sovereign. If God has allowed President Trump to return to office, we must trust that with God, all things are possible. As believers, we are called to recognize God’s will in all circumstances and to stand united, not divided. It is my belief that in the midst of His sovereignty, we will always triumph. But when ministers, in their arrogance, choose to mock and disrespect the chosen leader of our nation, they not only dishonor him—they dishonor God’s authority.
The Southern Truth
I totally disagree . She spoke from the heart. She spoke softly and directly concise and to the point with great compassion unlike your newly sworn in President who in my view does NOT warrant the utmost “Respect”. Somebody has to put him in check since there aren’t many men with a spine in this country who are brave enough to challenge him publicly He is known to do these same type of “abnormal moves” in public right before our eyes so I thought it was very befitting for the gander to give the goose what he needed to hear on the world stage while speaking from the heart through prayer. There are a lot of things that we all can agree and disagree on but I will stand on principle that we are all GOD’S CHILDREN and we should treat everyone with respect and dignity as if God made them…..Because He DID . Trump is the epitomy of the Devil. He has Already ratcheted up on the demise of the Black man. God forbid our black sons and Grandsons who innocently encounter the police during these Trump years. They know they can kill our sons and daughters with no question now. Not even a trial will be in our forecast.
They know now that they are judge jury and executioner ever now even through Jim Crow when we as Blacks had no rights not even voting rights . Unfortunately now we will soon see how this will play out. Trump sent a stern message two days ago that if a white cop(s) kill a Black man, So what, it’s Ok. Don’t worry, I got you. I He cleared them of all charges. So Im thinking ….In Trumps head, what is he thinking? well he shouldn’t have been Black so he deserves it ….Any excuse will do. He needs no excuse Now with his absolute power. Complete immunity from any and everything he or they do to innocent folks. No more peaceful protesting unless you’re willing to go to jail or die on the streets. Some iof us are willing to die in order to SAVE others. This is what you gave us when you made the choice to put this disrespectful tyrant in office that will make decisions based on ignorance hate and selfish greed. Blood is on the hands of the folks Especially Black folk who voted for this man who in my opinion deserves.NO RESPECT. In due time, we all will see and feel the stench of his criminality.as he controls every branch of government including our most corrupt US Supreme Court. I will end my passionate comment with the words of that very brave and gracious bishop by saying “May God have Mercy on the people in our country who are scared now “. Couldn’t have been better words spoken. Respectfully, Activist Linda Jay