A senior pastor at Rock Church International and an early supporter of former President Donald Trump – John Blanchard – has found himself under intense scrutiny. An online petition demanding his removal from his position, started by an online Christian community called Faithful America, has amassed over 10,000 signatures.
Multiple Hearing Delays
The petition stems from Blanchard’s arrest in 2021 related to an underage prostitution sting operation. Despite legal proceedings clearing him after multiple hearing delays, the controversy continues to divide the Christian community.
Blanchard’s Questionable Past
Faithful America’s petition, which has garnered significant support, argues for his removal due to his 2021 arrest. Chesterfield County police arrested Blanchard for allegedly attempting to meet with a 17-year-old girl who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover detective.
The Charges Were Dismissed
After the charges were dismissed, a special prosecutor reviewed the case and found insufficient evidence to support re-filing charges against the pastor. In another development, a judge approved the expungement of Blanchard’s record, further complicating the situation. Nevertheless, Faithful America insists on his immediate termination.
Faithful America’s Stance
Faithful America contends that the legal system’s exoneration does not absolve Blanchard of his moral responsibility within the church. They assert that religious leaders must adhere to higher ethical standards and ensure the safety of their congregation, particularly when minors are involved.
Accountability Among Clergy
Karli Wallace Thompson, a digital campaigner at Faithful America, highlighted the need for accountability among the clergy. She said: “As Christians, we look to our religious leaders as an example of moral leadership. John Blanchard’s alleged actions are not only illegal but demonstrate a distressing breach of trust. Clergy must be held to a higher standard, especially when there are vulnerable children and youth involved. Blanchard’s presence in the pulpit poses a threat to young women and minors in his community. He must be removed from his post.”
Support for Trump
During the 2016 presidential race, Trump went to a meeting attended by approximately 1,000 evangelical leaders. Blanchard was among them. At the event, the former president received glowing praise from the pastor, who later penned an enthusiastic piece about Trump’s support for the faith community.
A Modern-Day Cyrus
Blanchard went as far as likening Trump to a “potential modern-day Cyrus” for his unwavering stance. This steadfast support for the former president has further divided opinions within the Christian community regarding Blanchard’s fitness for leadership.
Previous Controversy and Protests
The debate surrounding Blanchard is not isolated. Last summer, Faithful America protested Rock Church’s decision to host a ReAwaken America Tour event featuring Eric Trump and former Trump adviser Michael Flynn. These events have faced criticism for promoting QAnon conspiracy theories and spreading COVID-19 misinformation.
A Polarized Christian Community
The petition demanding Blanchard’s removal has polarized the Christian community, shining a spotlight on the intricate challenges faced by religious organizations when addressing allegations of misconduct by their leaders. Moreover, it highlights the intersection of faith and politics. As the debate rages on, it’s unclear how – or if – Rock Church International will respond to the mounting pressure.
Republicans vs. Christians
News of the petition was shared across the internet and, for the most part, people supported it. One person said: “It’s pretty hard to believe in Christian values when your church supports the Republicans. The Republicans have never really been the party of Christian values but they have sold that lie very successfully to their base.”
Republicans and Family Values
The commenter continued: “For at least the past two generations, Republicans have depended on the religious right types, who make up a huge part of their base, to send money and volunteer. For them, it didn’t have anything to do with economics or social welfare because they were brainwashed into believing that the Republicans believed in the family values agenda.”
Trump’s No Christian
The commenter had more to say and went on to discuss the hypocrisy of Christians who support Trump. They wrote: “It is amazing to see how many of these people who are, in their own minds at least, a moral shining light actually not ashamed of the fact they are avidly supporting a person who is reliably dishonest in his business dealings and has the family values credentials of an extremely active tomcat.”
Real Christianity vs. Trumpie Christianity
Others echoed the aforementioned commenter, albeit in a far more concise way. One person said: “Nothing wrong with Christians trying to protect the good name of Christianity – real Christianity, not the little Trumpie kind.”
A False Profit
Others discussed the Bible and the way it might have predicted the behavior of Trump fans. “Is this what the Bible meant when it [said], ‘The people will worship a false profit and wear his name on their forehead?’” one person asked. “Pretty sure,” another replied.
Others Felt Differently
Some commenters felt differently from the aforementioned few. One individual said: “Innocent until proven guilty. It’s supposed to be the American way but the leftist social media mob usually acts as an arresting officer, judge, jury, and executioner.”
Trump and Christian Values
Despite the occasional Blanchard supporter, most people discussed the way Trump contradicts Christian values in almost every way. “Supporting Trump contradicts everything it means to be a Christian. Anyone who supports Trump is a false believer and has obviously sold their soul,” one person said.
The Failure to Prosecute
Others doubted Blanchard’s innocence and claimed the only reason he wasn’t found guilty was his high position. One person said: “I think the failure to prosecute had nothing to do with evidence and everything to do with being a ‘Christian pastor’ and money.”
The Spirit of Love, Compassion, and Tolerance
Others said that Blanchard should lose his position for supporting the former president alone, crimes aside. “Just being pro-Trump should be enough to lose his credentials and credibility. It would be impossible to find, in one person, someone that is more contrary to the spirit of love, compassion, and tolerance,” one person wrote.
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