Amid ongoing protests—some peaceful, others marred by violence—addressing the death of George Floyd and the long-standing injustices faced by people of color, President Donald Trump has largely encouraged unrest through his rhetoric and actions. Recently, he escalated tensions by threatening demonstrators with “vicious dogs,” military force, and “ominous weapons.” Most controversially, he authorized police to disperse protesters with tear gas so he could stage a photo opportunity in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, located directly across from the White House.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, a historic site where numerous presidents have worshipped since James Madison’s era, had recently faced damage when its basement was set ablaze during the protests. On the day of his visit, Trump posed outside the church holding a Bible, with witnesses noting that he did not offer a prayer. The Right Rev. Sara Mitchell, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, expressed her outrage, stating, “I am appalled. As the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, I was not even informed that the area would be cleared with tear gas for a photo opportunity at our church.”
Bishop Mitchell criticized Trump’s choice to use the church for a photo op during such a tumultuous time. “His actions have only served to incite violence,” she remarked. “We need moral leadership, and he has only deepened divisions among us.” She continued by saying that had he come to provide comfort and healing, it would have been a fitting use of the sacred space. Instead, she noted, “He did none of those things.”
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Jennings, also condemned Trump’s actions, stating that he was using “a church and the Holy Bible for political gain.” He emphasized that this occurred during a period of significant pain in the nation, and such actions did little to promote healing. “As the prophet Micah said, we are called to ‘do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.’ For the sake of George Floyd and all who have suffered unjustly, we need leaders who unite us as ‘one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all,’” Jennings wrote.
During Trump’s visit, he did not enter the church but merely posed outside, with no church representatives present. “No one was aware this was happening,” said Bishop Mitchell. “I do not want President Trump to represent St. John’s.”
In summary, President Trump’s actions amidst the protests have sparked significant backlash, particularly his photo op outside St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was made possible by dispersing protesters with tear gas. The bishops’ criticisms highlight a call for moral leadership and unity during a time of national strife.
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