Statement from Transform Minnesota on US Capitol Riots

As an evangelical network, Transform Minnesota’s purpose is to enhance our witness for Jesus Christ. It grieves our heart that our life’s work to represent the abundant life offered by Jesus was so contradicted by words and behaviors exhibited by no small number of Christians who participated in, and aligned themselves with, the mob violence that took place at the US Capitol building on Wednesday (January 6th 2021). 

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Getty Images

Among the many riot images, banners and flags can be seen proclaiming “Jesus Saves” and invoking the cause of Christ for the sake of an earthly kingdom. As Christians we are loyal to one king and one ruler only; his name is Jesus.  

While we pray for peace and stability in our beloved democracy, we likewise denounce this taking of the Lord’s name in vain and refute the claims of some to align the cause of Christ with the cause of a political leader. Their actions and witness are contrary to what we as evangelical Christians value and affirm. 

Instead we call for a faithful witness to the transforming, life-giving abundant love of Jesus Christ. Joining the National Association of Evangelicals, we call for public evangelical witness that engages with “humility, civility, intellectual rigor and honesty in the complex and contentious social issues that face our nation.”  

Please join us in confessing our complicity in tarnishing the name of Jesus, praying for the peace of our democracy, and in civility, seeking the health of our nation. 

January 7, 2021
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