Did Kenneth Copeland Really Endorse Donald Trump for President?
Last week, we obtained a video from Don Nori Sr., co-founder of Destiny Image, showing a group of Pentecostals and conservative Christians in a private meeting Paula White set up with Donald Trump.
Beyond Paula White, also present were Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Jentezen Franklin, David Jeremiah, Jan Crouch, Steve Munsey, Rabbi Kirt Schneider, Bishop George Bloomer, Bishop Darrell Scott and Clarence McClendon.
You can watch the video here: Kenneth Copeland Lays Hands and Prays Over Donald Trump.
Some Christians took the prayer meeting as Copeland (and the many others who were present) endorsing Trump for the Republican nomination and ultimately as the next president of the United States. Some of the comments on my Facebook page expressed concern. Some were downright nasty.
“I wonder why they are only laying hands and praying for Donald Trump, but not trying to lay hands on Ben Carson. Who is a born again spirit filled Christian? Hmmm… ?” asked Ashlee Green.
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“Kenneth Copeland, I think you need to take a step back. Before you pray for God’s blessings on Donald, I think you better be praying for God’s conviction to come on him. Why are you counting him as a ‘brother’ when he hasn’t accepted God yet? Donald has stated, ‘Why do I need to repent? I haven’t done anything wrong.’ He’s very proudful,” wrote Melody Nivens.
“This is a trick to get the Christian vote just like Obama!” argued Chira Johnson.
I’ll stop there. The question is: Is Copeland endorsing Trump?
“Kenneth and Gloria were invited to meet with presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday to give Mr. Trump a spiritual perspective about the most critical issues facing our nation. … You can hear Kenneth specifically praying that God would give Mr. Trump wisdom according to James 1 and that God would reveal Himself to him. Praise the Lord!” reads a statement on Copeland’s website.
“Note: The Copeland’s attendance at this meeting does not mean that they are endorsing Trump. Brother Copeland is willing to pray with any candidate that asks for prayer, no matter what the party affiliation. This is according to 1 Timothy 2:1 & 2.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 reads, “Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty.”
