Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Dallas, told the “Todd Starnes Show” on Thursday that the government’s overreach during the coronavirus pandemic and its targeting of churches have been nothing short of an “abomination.”
Jeffress pointed to California in particular and its threats directed at Grace Community Church and its pastor, John MacArthur.
“There is no constitutional right to allow a person to go to a movie, a mall, a restaurant or to a casino in Reno, Nev.—there’s no constitutional guarantee to that…but there is a constitutional guarantee for the ability to go to church. It is called the First Amendment,” Jeffress said.
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Churches and state governments have been clashing since the start of the pandemic and the subsequent swift actions taken by elected officials.
Many churches complied, at times begrudgingly, but now have voice full-throated objections. These faith leaders point to what they see as hypocrisy when Democrats cheer on anti-police protesters while putting guidelines in place that hurt church services.
“You can’t allow one activity and disallow another activity,” Jeffress said.
Jeffress, the author of the book, “Praying for America: 40 Inspiring Stories and Prayers for Our Nation,” looked at the larger picture for our country and in a pivotal election year.
Jeffress said Joe Biden “has bought the entire Democrat platform on abortion” up until the baby is in the birth canal of the mother.
“For most faith-holders, Todd, that’s not only wrong, that’s barbaric,” he said, addressing Todd Starnes, the radio show’s host. Jeffress said that he was criticized when he offered Biden some advice on how to win over some evangelicals. He said if Biden altered his view and came out against abortions in the final month, that could help his appeal. But he said Biden refused.
“He can’t afford to take it [the advice],” Jeffress said. “He has been bought and sold and paid for by Planned Parenthood, and Planned Parenthood will not allow any restrictions—by its candidates that it bought—for any abortion for any reason.”
He said it is vital that Americans who believe in religious liberty vote for President Trump.
“If you love life; if you love religious liberty, you cannot vote for Joe Biden,” he said.
And he also called out churches that have decided to shut down and not hold services during the pandemic.
“We are not failing to meet – that’s an abomination for churches not to meet,” he said.