The pastor of a Northern Virginia church where President Donald Trump stopped over the weekend has apologized to his congregation after praying for the president during the unscheduled visit.
to church members titled “Prayer for the President.” “Today, I found myself in one of those situations.”Hours earlier, Trump’s motorcade made an unannounced detour to the church while returning to the White House from Trump National Golf Club in nearby Sterling, Va.Sign Up “President Donald J. Trump is visiting McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA, to visit with the Pastor and pray for the victims and community of Virginia Beach,” Judd Deere, a spokesman for the White House, said in a statement on Sunday, referring to the mass shooting at a municipal complex that left 13 people dead, including the gunman.
Platt went on to explain that he had no intention of endorsing the president, his policies or the Republican Party, and said he was sharing details “because I know that some within our church, for a variety of valid reasons, are hurt that I made this decision.”
Platt needs to resign now. What a weak man.
Wow!! How very Christian of you!! Why would you have to apologize for praying for our President or anyone else for that matter! Please God forgive us!
Lie Lie Lie
What a weak pastor apologizing for praying for our leaders. Pathetic!
The President must be a great actor because he seemed very somber and respectful about the whole encounter. What happened to looking for the good in people? Those that see no soul have no soul. I don’t like Obama but I don’t hate him. I just don’t agree with his methods.
WTF
Fake news. Particularly disgusting since it is smearing a Pastor for praying for the President of the United States. TDS
Why do you need to explain to the congregation why you prayed for the President? . Your a Church that's what you do regardless of who it is.
Sounds like the pastor needs a new congregation! Our church prays for all the leaders - National, State & Local. What the heck is wrong with this church?
He did not apologize. And any church member who thinks they are above praying for the President (or for anyone) needs to read their Bible.
Fake news👎 I read his letter and it was not an apology. You just keep on lying but remember this, your lies will be used to judge you.
Just read the pastor's statement
Fake News Spin Club. No apology was given, only a polite explanation of his duty as a pastor.
Just a left propaganda
ALLprayers are delivered to the Father. Every spoken word out of our mouth are carried up.good or bad.its written down.
fakenews
Apologizing for offering up a prayer. WTH
Yeah. That church is going under!!!
Why are so many leaders willing to tolerate this and not just say no, I am not going to do that.
I would never step foot into his church... fake pastor? He’s as bad as the pope... apologizing for doing his job and what he’s supposed to welcome anyone who walks in!
Since the headline is fake, are you yet another libtardian fake news source?
For crying out loud, he’s a pastor and the POTUS entered his church. The Bible already instructs praying for those in leadership; he had the chance to do it in person. Anyone who has an issue with it are themselves acting out of political bias. This pastor did his job. Period.
So much for him teaching the word of God! You actually apologize to your congregation for doing what Jesus I told you to do! I suggest you consider getting some extra strong suntan lotion for where you're going!
Ok that photo looks like an execution
You're lying..but kudos you still attracted some STILL asshurt ppl on here..it's been 2 damned yrs how about you grow your sorryasses up.
He’s a pastor ?
There was no apology, jackass. And never should be one.
Oh. He shouldn’t have caved.
fakenews
No need to apologize to anyone or to explain to anyone why you prayed to the Lord Jesus for our President. The only reason that Donald Trump is President is because the Lord has ordered it to be so. Same with any President, including Obama. Nixon. Clinton. Carter. Name one.
People were upset because Trump is a fake Christan!
Congrats! You've reached the CNN level of fakery with this headline!
You guys are just pathetic...
Fake news. Pathetic!
Trump looks terrible.
Never happened, do you know what slander is politico? You need to retract your story or face a lawsuit.
No even the pastor could stand you Donald.
He didn’t apologize to his entire congregation, only to those who may have not been supporters of Mr. Trump. You should have included a link to his statement to his congregation, and you should make your headline fit the event instead if taking your usual swing at our President!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Can we have a source for this? Unless I hear this Pastor actually saying this, I will believe it is the usual fake msm drivel.
Trump isn’t Christian. He can’t speak with any humility to Christians. He can’t express a single Bible verse. The only value Christians give him is a voting demographic who blindly support him, like his other mindless base supporters. He will burn in Hell. Bible tells me so.
Why? Ridiculous
Not at all what the statement says. Didn’t apologize for praying. Suckered again by fakenews
A pastor shouldn’t have to explain to his congregation why he prayed for the president. It’s sad that some in his church are hurt because of this. Prayer is for everyone, especially those we disagree with.
Another mega church only looking out for money.
Then he’s not a pastor.
Man of the cloth... wow!
Are you freaking kidding me?
Why?
Apologizing for prayer... he’s no pastor.
The pastor was “told that the President of the United States was on his way to the church, and would like for us to pray for him.” I thought the story was that Trump was going there to pray for the Virginia Beach shootings victims. Seems like that’s the headline.
Politico used to employ la Haberman IIRC
Unless you have several unedited videos I'll give David the benefit of doubt and say fake news. After all he's not the Pope.
Not at all true. Get the story straight.
What a sad excuse for a man of God. How pathetic that you feel the need to apologize for praying for absolutely anyone. If you’re attending this church you’re wasting your time find another one.
It’s . No one believes they’re actually journalist?
Politico is at it again for its FakeNews. It was an explanation on how the event happen. You don't take prayers back.
Wow, just more fake news. It was an explanation, not an apology.
coward. I demand every pastor who prayed over Obama apologize.
False
At face value, as a conservative & grandson of a preacher & a deacon, this wreaks of using the lord to pander to your congregation.
mcleanbible “I ... only want to lead us with God’s Word in a way that transcends political party and position, ... and honors every man and woman made in the image of God.” Yet, you apologize for praying for POTUS, a man made in the image of God. Despicable and un-Christian.
Politico is an American embarrassment. Gone in six years. fakenews
He should apologize for his apology. platt
lauracgilleslil Fake news. He didn’t apologize 🙄
WTF?
With today's brand of American christianity, it's all about the money. And every money-changer preacher has his own Temple, where fools flock for sunday feel-good therapy.
Is this what they call fake news? Sure seems like it to me.
Apologizing for praying? huh?
More fake news
Haha what a joke. He's probably as Christian as the pope
Apologize for what? God. You seriously went there - why? Pathetic prigs.
Seemed like he explained how this came about to his congregation. He did not apologize. I do wish men of God would stop catering to the SJW crowd but there seems to be few real men among the current crop of men of God. No boldness or fire, just apologies and acquiescence...
If you read your own article you'll see that wasn't an apology.
apologizing for praying..?
“Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul to waste”
Someone didn’t want the offering plate to come back lighter next Sunday. OMG I better apologize now because half the congregation gets paid next week and Pastor needs to make his boat payment
My church had almost NO Obama supporters, but guess what? Yep, the pastor led the entire church in prayer for him and our leaders regularly. If prayer for anyone offends you, stay home because you’re wasting your time.
Why apologize? Sounds fishy of you to report that.
It’s all about the $$$$
Lol that’s a misleading “headline” You guys don’t even try to not be fakenews anymore
He apologized for a prayer? So stupid. Remind me not to go to that church if he did this.
This is how fake news is made.
If you call yourself a Christian,the Bible instructs you to pray for those in authority,your nation's leaders.
Trump. The consummate opportunist.
FakeNews. Does anyone ever fact check? Did you read the transcript? JournalismIsDead
Is this another TheOnion burner account ?
Watch out for these so called 'Christian' pastors. Theres a high probability this guy works against God's plan. Ask him how he feels about Billy Graham. That wilI be the tell all. Pretty evident if you ask me.
Lies more 💩💩💩💩💩MEDIA lies.
And politico spreads more fake news.
Say goodbye to your church bro.
I do believe that this headline deserves a ratio. Perhaps the author thought the readers would be too lazy to actually read plattdavid 's explanation? An 'apology' it surely wasn't.
Fake news.
An apology? Fake news. 😂
That man is no pastor. He obviously has not read his Bible.
Never bend to the will of the mob
What? Apologized for praying for our President? As proud as I was of that pastor, I am now disgusted.
This is a joke right
Now he needs to apologize to America for apologizing.
Reconciling differences is not an apology. Platt told the truth to his congregation. Why don't you tell the truth here as well?
The guy was taken by surprise and had little time to react. This is on trump for using this church for political gain.
don't feed politico. click, click, gone.
Tds is strong here..
bigvox BillBubbaBussey
How do you apologize for a prayer🤷♀️a pastor no less.. not a very good pastor if he is apologizing for praying for someone
Fake pastor.
Strange article title to say the least?
Turns out he didn't actually apologize. He explained. Leftist propaganda. Even if you hate Trump, have higher standards for yourselves.
Why apologize if you are a Trump follower?
How unlike Jesus ....faux Pastor Platt. Jesus sat and ate dinner with the sinners. Matthew was a sinner Jesus converted. What a lousy example you are. Turn in your Bible. Trump
David Platt you sir are a coward of the first order. Do you apologize to your congregation when you pray for anyone else in whom you disagree with their politics, their sports team, or their ideologies? It's not an endorsement to pray for the president of United States.
tato_kay Hé should also apologize for being a closeted homosexual who preaches the sins of homosexuality...anyone else’s gaydar go off watching this video?
Why the public spectacle? Who lead trump to his mark center stage? Who assured that the camera with the best angle got the shot? Who modulated the sound? Shame on these people! They’ve allowed The Passion to be employed as just another cheap act in trump’s Roman Circus!
President Trump has many people praying for him Worldwide,one pastor that backs down makes no difference.Thanks to President Trump the whole World is a better place.Some are just to weak to admit it.realDonaldTrump foxandfriends
Hmmm- any prayers for children left in a van for 39 hours while ICE left them? Or the 6 children who have died in our custody? Or the thousands seperated from their mothers and fathers; never to be the same again!!!
Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you love your brother love your neighbor as yourself
That man didn’t say a thing! And had his people actually make that statement!! There is no length this man won’t go to make things about him.....
That really wasn’t an apology; it was an explanation of the biblical foundation for praying for leaders. Cc: KrystalPCampos
I'm confused. You're a Pastor and its your job to pray for our country and our President. I don't think I would like going to your church if you find it necessary to apologize for praying for anything you thought necessary at the time. Makes me question your calling.
Hahahahahaha.....
Either that or pay taxes. It's about the benjamins. Nothing to do with religion.
He comes as an after thought; “oh!! If it’s a day of prayer for me then I better hit the closest church!! Damn!! Driver..... hit the nearest church so they can pray for me!”
So disrespectful💩😤⚡👊😱😫
You Ms. Campos either have no clue as to what an apology is or blatantly attempted to mislead the public (somewhat successfully by all the people buying your version). He didn’t apologize at all. He prayed as he felt he was commanded.
When you must offer an apology for a prayer, that's when you know you've crossed a line. Secondly, why would the president take the spotlight off of the deceased and ask anyone at the church to pray for him?!! Damn shame. But isn't that what narcissists do?
I will unfollow, tired of the garbage on here. Divide and Conquer is they're strategy and I hope you fail miserably!
All the negative comments I’ll bet are coming from people that live by “don’t judge me”... as they rush to judge someone else... before they even find out this didn’t even happen.
Shame on you and the writer of that headline. That’s some clickbait BS. Platt didn’t apologize and doesn’t need to.
Love all these people slamming Platt before they read to find out it was a false headline. My guess by reading them, non-believers wanting to tear down a Christian pastor. So typical.
Fix your headline, it is grossly misleading.
Sensationalistic, inaccurate headline; completely misrepresents the intent of Platt’s statement. Poor journalistic decision that should be retracted.
What I saw he prayed for Trump to have wisdom. I thought it was awesome - dig or not, it’s definitely something Trump needs.
I’m sure he’ll be apologizing again when it happens the next time.
Why d apology? D Bible says we should pray for our leaders irrespective of who they are. So you've not done anything wrong.
No way he didn’t know.
This makes me sick to my stomach. Pastor literally APOLOGIZES for praying for Trump? “Some” parishioners were “upset”? Do you think Jesus would have apologized for praying for anyone? WWJD? Jesus DIED on the cross for EVERYONE! FakeChristians FakePastor
This tweet feels deceptive and irresponsible
No. He didn’t apologize. proving you’re just a bunch of bloggers pretending to be journalists.
More fake news
Do better,
Bonhoeffer stood by the word and teachings of Jesus and was imprisoned and killed for it, he prayed to God. Platt, who I’ve read and thought better of, prayed to Trump, not God. Another con-man anti-Christ. Disgusted.
It wasn't an apology, nor is one expected.
This pastor looks like a jerk
If this is true, I am embarrassed by this Pastor David Platt. So sad. So fake. So unChristian. Sorry. waterswave
FakeNews - no apology was given.
Pastor David Platt, if you have to apologize to members of congregation for praying for POTUS, then maybe you should pray that they learn to do some self reflecting. And that you all learn to put faith over politics. We aren’t supposed to just pray for people that we agree with.
Why wouldn’t a church support the only pro life candidate? If they support the abortion happy left, their souls are in jeopardy.
FAKE NEWS!
No apology, read what the Pastor said
Trump needed a quick photo op after golfing.
It looks like a scene from There Will Be Blood.
It's good that he was prayed over bc he really needs prayer. Let's be open to such grace. God will touch him in his own way.
Politico=blatant lies=blocked for life
Politico is officially FakeNews - did you read what he said or view his prayer. Apology? For doing what God says - Platt known for being fiercely Biblical and taking the narrow gate. You would not understand.
Oh for Pete sake. . . Praying for the President is a fine thing to do. If parishioners are upset and unhappy, they don't have much of a Christian prayer life going for them. They should have joined in a the prayer for Donald Trump~~Christians are called to pray for others.
Mmmm
Why?
....and you went merrily along with dial up a quickie...ooops, meant dial up a quick prayer!
He looks like an old man
Please, get a religion reporter. Hire a copy editor and reporters who understand nuance. That was an explanation, not an apology.
Click bait
Coward. What a weak leader. We pray for our leaders every week. No political discrimination. What a Christian concept!
Complete lie.
Fake news - no apology, just a letter to the congregation.
Why would anyone apologize for praying, God does not care your political views, etc. It appears in my opinion that we should only pray for people we like or we think God does not care/love them. I don’t know the story behind the reason. Just questioning
I did love that he prayed for Trump to gain wisdom, since I’ve never heard of someone praying for something someone already had.
This is a misleading Politico headline. The pastor did the right thing praying for a U.S. president but now has to have the guts not to back-peddle.
The Bible tells you to pray for your leaders. That would be my understanding, maybe not theirs?
No apology was given, only an explanation of an unplanned event.
I read the transcript of the prayer in a different article. I am not a Trump fan by any stretch of the imagination. I thought it was a fine prayer that in no way endorsed Trump or his actions while asking for God to work on Trump’s heart and spirit.
He should step down.
Didn’t somebody check this idiot out?
Just another day in bizzaro world.
Does the person writing the headlines on this Twitter feed I have the reading comprehension skills needed to have the job think as if you read the article that doesn't quite match ... Maybe the person running this needs a little direction
they were 'hurt' because you prayed for the man leading their country how Christian of them .. and you apologizing for doing the christian act ? how much of a Christian are you that you later feel regret and an apology is in order for being Christian and doing what is Christian
Dear Lord, please bless us all as we endeavor to feed the hungry, have compassion for the homeless, provide aid for the refugee, asylum for the persecuted and respect for our fellow humans. Amen. That would have been the appropriate prayer. NOT Bless 45.
He was Put in a Very difficult Situation.
Weak fake pastor. He's not man enough for the cloth.
Couldn’t be further from with they did. This headline is not just misleading but false. He sent out an explanation for why he decided to pray for the President to his church members. This needs to be fixed ASAP politico.
This is not what happened.
Well the pastor has some serious problems. praying for somebody can't be tolerated? Jesus prayed to forgive those who had nailed him to the cross.
More fake news from the feeble 'resistance'. You must be so proud of yourself.
'No do-overs, you prayed for me, I'm going to heaven, case closed'
Not a Christian if you can’t pray for someone. Shameful
He did not! Why are you lieing?
He's no 'pastor' then. Glad i don't attend his church, or any church like that.
I'm not really understanding with the scope of social media why do these sites continue to headline false claims and give Trump more ammo for fake news... I keep hearing he does bad stuff all the time.. CNN did this with markle comments, within 3 days of each other
This is FakeNews, the letter was an explanation of an extraordinary situation. There was no apology in it, neither was an apology needed. What a terrible attempt at a hit job! This is not journalism.
This headline is terribly misleading. Did you even read his letter?
Prayers to the families. .
idiot
Horrible headline writing. Platt did not apologize. Please correct this.
L. I. A. R
Our religious leaders need to stay out of politics. They talk prayer but they run their mouth ignoring Christs teachings. We need change in this country and it is not all in government. Jesus tells the rich man to keep the commandments sell his possessions give it to the poor.
Sad to this this kind of weakness. Why should he apologize for praying for the POTUS. The Bible instructs us to pray for our leaders.
Worried about his bread and butter no doubt
what kind of megalomaniac has this man become 'Find me a church on the route, so a minister can pray for me.' What in the actual hell is going on?
I’d quit that church!
These Evangelicals are America’s Taliban.
He did not apologize, he explained and clarified what he did and why. You really need to clarify your headline. You're journalists. Do better.
This is NOT what happened!
Fake Headline
So there's take backs?
Not true.
Why apologizing for praying, Hod accepts all
Where in the actual article did he apologize to his flock? Also when do we worship the flock and not God in all things God?
I’m pretty sure you didn’t actually read what he wrote if that’s the title you’re using.
I believe plattdavid wrote an explanation so that those of us who attend mcleanbible would understand the thinking behind his actions in unusual circumstances. He did not express regret for those actions, nor should he.
Still very disappointed
Trump was there for a photo op. He’s no Christian. Don’t blame the congregation, wouldn’t step foot back in that church, it’s been contaminated.
No, no he didn't. ActualFakeNews
Why? How stupid.
This is either lazy or intentionally misleading. Either way, do better.
The pastor did the right thing in letting trump come, but also for explaining and apologizing to those that were offended. It was a no win situation and he handled appropriately.
Read his statement. He explained. He did not apologize.
Pinhead is sound asleep.
Glad you are covering this important story, but KrystalPCampos, this is not an 'apology.' In an apology you need to apologize (admit an error), not just explain why you did something.
The Intrusive, Narcissistic invader to God's house. I'm sure he told the driver to pull up to ANY church to get a photo, because he wanted to divert the sadness of the shooter killing 12 people and injuring 4 others back to himself. This is Trumps Modus Operandi. GodSeesBadTrump
Yea, I wonder how much the church gave to Trump to buy influence?
This is ridiculous. Who apologizes for praying for someone? Especially a pastor! That’s literally in their job description! I don’t like Trump, or agree with a lot of what he does, but I pray for him, as I do for all our leaders.
I didn’t see an apology in his comments. And why should he?No Christian should ever apologize for praying for someone who asked for prayer!
Too late
Ok, prayer whatever. My question is the president of the United States doesn’t roll with a spare set of street shoes? He shows up at a church wearing his freaking soft spike golf shoes? *tells the guys in the car, keep it running this won’t take long.
🙄
If you have to apologize for praying, you are not Christian.
If the pastor apologized he is Not A Man Of God.
This is not an apology. Pastor Platt was very gracious, during an unusual circumstance. He did what the Bible teaches; pray for our leaders.
I hate Trump but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with praying for him. Christians are commanded to pray for their enemies. However, I didn’t see a transcript of the prayer included so if it was exultant, well then that’s a freaking problem.
Haha pretty rare to have to apologize for a prayer. Loser only showed up to have some church--any church--carry out Franklin's instruction to pray for him. On tv. On the way home from golf. And left without a word about the shooting. Asshole.
You just showed the world how much religion is a scam. Thanks buddy
Soooo, did one of Trump's flunkies look up churches on their phone, saw that McLean Bible Church was in the area, contact someone at the church and announce Trump would show up? Doesn't that seem weird?
So, as we thought, just another cheap photo op at the Pastor’s and congregation’s expense. They see it for what it was. And so do we!
He must have felt guilty. Some of his people didn't like him praying for this evil man.
Further evidence that everything the ManchurianPresident touches, dies. Up until this incident, this church probably didn't have controversy.
I like this guy.
Anyone. I mean anyone. Should be able to enter a church and ask and receive prayer. PERIOD. If you have problem with that... All I can or will say is maybe you should also be asking for prayer.
This headline is misleading. He was sorry that it may have hurt some in his congregation, but did what he felt led to do.
This is another authoritarian like move, show up, give orders, see if they follow them. A prayer for Trump has nothing to do with the victims of a gun massacre.
You Sinned by being a False Prophet, suckling up to Power to tell the 'King' whatever he wants to hear, & your apology is a cover. Be a real Christian, follow Jesus, & have the Courage to turn over the tables of the False Prophets, like you.
Euw
So he's taking back the prayer?.... Not sure GOD will accept that... Comments?
Apologies to God!!
Lol. He didn’t apologize nor does he owe you one. You guys are a fraud.
How very Christian of them...
PhilipinDC How are these people and their churches not taxed?
Why would he do that? Is this illegal now too?
The President didn't ask for a prayer, he was offered one. Wishy washy of the Pastor to put out a statement like he did. We all pray for the countries success and for the President to lead it, whether we voted for him or not. Do we all agree 100% of the time with a given sermon?
Too late, you’ve bless the man!!😱😱😱
The pastor was in a tough position with little warning. In all he handled it in the best Christian way but still made his and his congregation's opinions about Trump's unchristian values very clear.
PhilipinDC This is a joke, right? A pastor can’t pray for our leader? I’m pretty sure scripture tells us to pray for all of our leaders whether we like em or not. Look at it this way - fake Christians are getting rooted out. That is a good thing. :)
Why? Isn’t it pray for Trump week? We’re all praying for him to gain sanity
SHAME on that Pastor for apologizing. He's NO Man of God! Disgraceful!
“David Campbell, a University of Notre Dame political science professor who studies religion's role in U.S. civic life: 'Increasingly, Americans associate religion with the Republican Party—and if they are not Republicans themselves, they turn away from religion”
He should pray for all of us!
fire him
These preachers who dabble in politics are no longer faith leaders. They are partisan operatives equivalent to lobbyists, and deserve about as much respect.
Was it the gold shoes? They’re tragic.
Well, that’s a nice surprise.
Apologies for prayer.. fake pastor.
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