They have no control of the article headline, no control over how their comments are edited, and no way to gauge the political or religious bias of the reporter.
However, I am surprised that national church leaders have not anticipated these questions and prepared carefully written responses for their individual ministers.
[[They have no control of the article headline, no control over how their comments are edited, and no way to gauge the political or religious bias of the reporter.]]
That’s precisely the reason they didn’t- they were smart enough NOT to fall into the trap- No matter what htey said- there was a VERY good chance it owudl be twisted to make Christians look hateful- I will bet that had they been approached by a Christian research center or magazine or news agency, they woudl have gladly answered knowign that the ENTIRETY o f their response woudl be ACCURATELY quoted- Thesse pastors are problably VERY sued to peopel trying to trip them up- catch tthem unawares, and make htem look like fools-