Faith
Don Lemon Sparks Outrage with Temple Comparison
Faith Facts
- Don Lemon compared disrupting a Minnesota church to Christ cleansing the temple.
- He accused the church community of “entitlement” and suggested racial motives.
- The Department of Justice is reviewing whether federal laws were violated.
Don Lemon’s defense of storming Cities Church in St. Paul has drawn sharp criticism from Christian and conservative circles. Equating such actions to Jesus driving out moneychangers undermines biblical reverence for worship and religious order.
During a podcast, Lemon stated that the agitators entered the church “to talk,” blaming the pastor for asking them to leave while dismissing the distress caused to families worshipping in peace. He claimed the protest was intended to make worshipers uncomfortable, implying discomfort is a part of American constitutional rights.
“Jesus turned the tables over in the temple, right? He flipped the tables because He was tired of them not doing what they’re supposed to do in His Father’s house, and not living up to the tenets of Christianity,” Lemon said.
Many believers hold that the cleansing of the temple was a unique, God-ordained act, not an example for public protest. Lemon targeted Pastor Jonathan Parnell for leading both in ministry and law enforcement, questioning if the dual roles fit Christian faith. Pastor Parnell responded firmly, defending the sanctity of worship and calling the protest “shameful.”
“This is unacceptable. It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship…” Pastor Parnell told Lemon after services were disrupted.
Lemon countered, referring to the Constitution and the rights of protest, but families fleeing the church revealed deeper concerns about safety and reverence in God’s house. The Department of Justice is now investigating whether protesters violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which protects religious gatherings from interference and intimidation.
Lemon suggested the church attendees represented “white supremacy” and claimed America’s foundation favors only Christians and white males, further escalating tensions. Pastor Parnell, however, quoted from the Heidelberg Catechism, affirming his trust in God’s providence in the face of adversity.
Our communities must stand for faith, freedom, and the constitutional right to worship without fear or disturbance. Let us pray for healing and cling to biblical truth in all circumstances.