Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
An interview Bishop TD Jakes did with Huffington Post’s Marc Hill has done viral. Headlines all over the net have proclaimed that Bishop Jakes ‘has an evolved his view of homosexual marriage’. Jakes also reaffirmed that members of the LGBT community, like all American citizens, deserve equal protection under the law.
“Once you begin to understand that democracy, that a republic actually, is designed to be an overarching system to protect our unique nuances then we no longer look to public policy to reflect biblical ethics,” Jakes said.
Watch the actual interview below:
Well, when the story hit the air, headlines screamed that he was complicit and accepting if homosexuality. Bishop TD Jakes was greatly alarmed by the interview’s interpretation. He was so concerned with how he was being portrayed he released the following statement:
My comment on HuffPo TV drifted into issues of the Supreme Court ruling and changing the world through public policy verses personal witness. Further, I have come to respect that I can’t force my beliefs on others by controlling public policy for taxpayers and other U.S. citizens.
Jesus never sought to change the world through public policy but rather through personal transformation. All people didn’t embrace Him either. That’s what I said and what I meant … Nothing more and nothing less.
Just because a so-called Christian publication chooses to misconstrue my words using lazy journalistic tactics to further their own agenda and draw attention to their site does not make their statements an accurate depiction of what I said or meant.
Investigate.
Do not take everything you read online or hear repeated as truth. When asked about the “black church” and its role in ministering to gay people, I briefly mentioned (we were running out of time) the word “evolved and evolving” regarding my approach over the 39 years of my ministry to gay people who choose to come to our services.
I simply meant that my method is evolving—not my message. I was shocked to read that this was manipulated in a subsequent article to say I endorsed same-sex marriage! My position on the subject has been steadfast and rooted in Scripture.
For the record, I do not endorse same-sex marriage, but I respect the rights that this country affords those that disagree with me.
What do you think? Is he clear? What should faith leaders say? Want more on this hot topic? Read the below stories:
- Is the Black Community Less Accepting of Gay Marriage?
- Family Research Council Says New Gay Marriage Law Is Moral Failure
- Faith Leaders And Legal Faith Squad Respond To Supreme Court Same Sex Marriage Ruling
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