Evangelical pastor apologizes for "wounds" caused by Trump's prayer during his unplanned visit

The pastor of McLean Bible Church apologized for hurting some members of his congregation by praying for President Trump during an unplanned visit.

Trump visited the North Virginia Church Sunday on his return to the White House for a golf outing. His appearance at the church was held the same day that evangelist Franklin Graham called for a special day of prayer for Trump.

Pastor David Platt said that Trump's visit was unexpected and he did not have time to think about his actions.

"My goal was in no way to approve the president, his policies or his party, but to obey God's command to pray for our president and other rulers to govern in the manner described. in this passage, "Platt said in a statement to members on the church website.

"I know that some members of our church, for various valid reasons, are hurt to have made this decision," said the pastor. "It weighs on my heart. I love every member of this church and I only want to guide us with the Word of God in a way that transcends political parties and positions, heals the wrongs caused by racial division and injustice. , and honor every man and woman created in the image of God. "

(Jacquelyn Martin / AP)

White House spokesman Judd Deere said Sunday that Trump had gone to the church to pray for the victims of the shooting in Virginia Beach. The shot, however, was not specifically mentioned in the pastor's comments while Trump was on stage.

After his sermon, Platt said that he had been called backstage and had told Trump that he would arrive in a few minutes. He wanted the congregation to pray for him.

"I guess we will all face other decisions this week when we will not have time to deliberate on what to do," he said. "I pray now for grace and wisdom that we do exactly what we are talking about in the Word today: aiming for the glory of God, aligning with God's plan and yielding to the sovereignty of God. God."