Jerry Falwell Jr. endorses Donald Trump; evangelical schism in the works
Major implications for the GOP presidential contest here, especially in the South. From the Washington Post:
In a statement, Falwell called Trump "a successful executive and entrepreneur, a wonderful father and a man who I believe can lead our country to greatness again."
The endorsement wasn't unexpected, given Falwell's remarks when Trump appeared at the evangelical university last week, bumbling a reference to "Second Corinthians" in the process.
Even so, Falwell’s choice is certain to split conservative Christians even further.
The Rev. Russell Moore, president of the public policy wing of the Southern Baptist Convention, immediately sent out a link, via Twitter, to the 1998 resolution passed by the convention in the wake of President Bill Clinton's scandal and impeachment, titled: "On Moral Character and Public Officials." In part:
WHEREAS, Serious allegations continue to be made about moral and legal misconduct by certain public officials; and
WHEREAS, The Bible calls upon all citizens to submit themselves to their governing authorities as ministers of the Lord (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13)…
Be it finally RESOLVED, That we urge all Americans to embrace and act on the conviction that character does count in public office, and to elect those officials and candidates who, although imperfect, demonstrate consistent honesty, moral purity and the highest character.
About the Author
Jim Galloway, the newspaper’s former political columnist, was a writer and editor at the AJC for four decades.
