Prominent evangelist Billy Graham's publication, Christianity Today, on Thursday penned an editorial explaining why they believe President Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from office.
According to the publication, they typically try to "stay above the fray" and allow Christians to come to their own determination about politics so all are welcome. Their goal is to make sure Christians on both sides of the political spectrum feel welcomed but "we do feel it necessary from time to time to make our own opinions on political matters clear—always, as Graham encouraged us, doing so with both conviction and love."
The editorial board admits Democrats have had it out for President Donald Trump since day one and "nearly everything they do is under a cloud of partisan suspicion," but they see his actions as "a violation of the Constitution" and "profoundly immoral."
From the editorial (emphasis mine):
But the facts in this instance are unambiguous: The president of the United States attempted to use his political power to coerce a foreign leader to harass and discredit one of the president’s political opponents. That is not only a violation of the Constitution; more importantly, it is profoundly immoral.
The reason many are not shocked about this is that this president has dumbed down the idea of morality in his administration. He has hired and fired a number of people who are now convicted criminals. He himself has admitted to immoral actions in business and his relationship with women, about which he remains proud. His Twitter feed alone—with its habitual string of mischaracterizations, lies, and slanders—is a near perfect example of a human being who is morally lost and confused.
Trump’s evangelical supporters have pointed to his Supreme Court nominees, his defense of religious liberty, and his stewardship of the economy, among other things, as achievements that justify their support of the president. We believe the impeachment hearings have made it absolutely clear, in a way the Mueller investigation did not, that President Trump has abused his authority for personal gain and betrayed his constitutional oath. The impeachment hearings have illuminated the president’s moral deficiencies for all to see. This damages the institution of the presidency, damages the reputation of our country, and damages both the spirit and the future of our people. None of the president’s positives can balance the moral and political danger we face under a leader of such grossly immoral character.
When people voted for Trump in 2016, his character was known. People knew he wasn't the typical politician with a polished background and a family that had been on the political scene for multiple generations. They knew he called things like they saw them. He was crass. He was unpolished. He said what everyone was thinking but was too scared to say. We knew that going in. But people decided a change was exactly what America needed.
Christianity Today's editorial sure sounds like they're using the Ukraine saga and Democrats' impeachment shenanigans to take aim at Trump because of his lack of morality? They have an issue with him because he's brash. But, again, Americans knew that when they voted for him. And it's hard to argue against a booming economy, record low unemployment (especially for Hispanics and Blacks), a new trade deal with China, his defense of religious liberty and his impressive judicial appointments.
It's chicken for Christianity Today to use the Ukraine saga to attack Trump's personal characteristics. If they have an issue with his "lack of morality" then they should say that and not hide behind this farce.
Update: Franklin Graham has issued a response to CT's editorial: