With more than a week to campaign for the upcoming Republican presidential primary in South Carolina, 100 faith leaders expressed support for former President Donald Trump on Monday, February 12.
According to Pastor Brad Atkins of Spartanburg Count, President Trump is the only candidate with a proven record of fighting for our religious freedoms.
Pastor Atkins further said, “He is gifted with the abilities to once again strengthen the American economy while protecting the security and freedom of American families.”
Among those who endorsed the GOP leader from the Lowcountry were:
Pastor Frank Bailey (Berkeley County)
Pastor David Coleman (Berkeley County)
Pastor Jimmy Fuller (Dorchester County)
Ministry leader Debra Haynes (Berkeley County)
Ministry leader Heidi Haynes (Berkeley County)
Pastor Michael Haynes (Berkeley County)
Ministry leader Michael Haynes Jr. (Berkeley County)
Pastor Don Johnson (Berkeley County)
Pastor Wayland Owens (Williamsburg County)
Elder Jim Roberts (Charleston County)
Pastor Rod West (Charleston County)
Pastor Alfred Willis (Colleton County)
For many, no president had fought for Christians and the gospel as hard as the former President.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has proven his faith-based track record.
During his term in the White House, he moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump also appointed three justices to the Supreme Court to uphold the right to life, ultimately criminalizing abortion, and expanding as well as strengthening religious freedom protections.
Trump was raised as a Presbyterian but told Religion News Service in 2020 that he had shifted to identifying as a nondenominational Christian.
When in Florida, Trump has sometimes attended an Episcopal church in Palm Beach for Easter and Christmas Eve services. On the campaign trail, he has visited churches of various denominations, including some new-age churches with music and dancing.
The Republican leading nominee, despite leaving the office in 2021, maintained strong ties with many evangelical and conservative Christians.
A pastor of an evangelical megachurch in Dallas expressed his strong support with Trump last year.
Pastor Robert Jeffress said, “Conservative Christians continue to overwhelmingly support Donald Trump because of his biblical policies, not his personal piety.”
“In many ways, Christians feel like they are in an existential cultural war between good and evil, and they want a warrior like Donald Trump who can win.”
Jeffress, added, “I have seen a side to him that many people never see. I’ve watched him interact with strangers, as well as his own family, with warmth and kindness.”
