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.
Faith Facts
- The independence of Churches of Christ congregations makes counting membership challenging.
- Past membership figures were widely overestimated until research efforts sought accuracy.
- New surveys in 2024 are revitalizing efforts to track church data after pandemic disruptions.
Tracking the number of Churches of Christ in the U.S. is a complex mission for researchers due to each congregation’s autonomy. This autonomous spirit, highly valued for upholding Biblical unity and faithful doctrine, results in records that are often incomplete or outdated.
“So autonomous we’re anonymous.”
Efforts to gather accurate data began decades ago, revealing that previous estimations of rapid growth were exaggerated. Faithful scholars like Mac Lynn and Carl Royster have worked tirelessly to provide the Christian community with reliable figures, though their progress has faced obstacles and changing congregational responses.
“I want to know who we are,” said Suzie Macaluso, survey designer and sociologist.
Different beliefs about church practices contribute to diversity among Churches of Christ, further complicating record-keeping. Various codes in directories reflect doctrinal differences, from support for institutions to worship styles and language, all within a united goal of restoring New Testament Christianity.
The pandemic halted data collection entirely, underscoring how unpredictable circumstances can disrupt vital ministry work. In 2024, a coalition of Christian organizations renewed the effort, collaborating and employing detailed surveys to understand the fellowship’s true scope once more.
Stan Granberg, Church Research Council president, travels region by region, verifying every church address and personally reaching out to congregations. This labor reflects a deep commitment to unity, stewardship, and the Great Commission, honoring Christ’s call to know and shepherd His flock.
As believers, standing together to accurately represent our fellowship strengthens our witness and encourages faithfulness for generations to come. Stay informed and pray for those laboring to unite and serve Christ’s church in truth.
Faith Facts
- 2026 is expected to be the most spiritually open year in recent memory, marked by declining atheism and renewed interest in Christianity.
- Spiritual experiences and unexplained events are drawing many to explore faith, with 28% of new adult Christians citing such moments as their turning point.
- Churches connecting compassion ministries to faith sharing are seeing rapid growth, as more people attend church activities and engage with the gospel.
Across the UK, churches are witnessing rising attendance and a newfound openness to the gospel. Both statistics and testimony highlight that God is at work, inspiring a season of hope and renewal.
Bible engagement is booming as seekers look for truth in a confusing world, leading to soaring Bible sales and deeper spiritual interest.
“It finally feels like we are playing for a team that are winning every week. May we rejoice that the winter has passed and learn how to be a church in the spring.”
Discipleship is crucial as newcomers need to be nurtured and connected within the church family, ensuring lasting spiritual growth and community.
Every believer can play a role by inviting others and sharing faith, as personal relationships remain the greatest influence on someone’s journey to Christ.
Faith Facts
- GiveSendGo fundraiser for Cities Church nears $20,000 within hours, aiming for $100,000.
- The drive supports church security and legal defense after disruptions by protesters.
- The DOJ is investigating protestors for possible federal law violations.
After a disruptive protest targeted Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, the community united to support the Southern Baptist congregation with generosity and prayer.
The GiveSendGo campaign, initiated by Benny Johnson, received direct authorization from Pastor Jonathan Parnell to bolster security and cover legal costs in defense of faith and worship.
“100% of all proceeds go to the Church for stronger security, reinforcement of their House of Worship and legal fees to fight back against these vicious attacks,” the fundraiser stated.
The campaign urged believers to take a stand: “Help protect Cities Church and send a message that people of faith will NOT back down against the forces of darkness and evil.”
As protesters stormed the sanctuary during Pastor Parnell’s message, he responded with calm and courage, later reconvening his flock for worship that evening.
“The pastor of Cities Church, Jonathan Parnell, stood strong as a Man of God and defended his flock in the face of evil. The church even reconvened later that evening and held a worship service,” shared the GiveSendGo statement.
Former host Don Lemon participated in the demonstration, confronting Pastor Parnell at the pulpit, while social media amplified public outcry at the disturbance.
The Justice Department is reviewing potential infractions under the FACE Act, defending worship and the sanctity of religious assembly as guaranteed by law.
Following the incident, Alveda King underscored the Christian commitment to peaceful protest and nonviolence, referencing her family’s biblical legacy.
President Trump offered praise for Pastor Parnell’s composure, calling the protest at the church “horrible” and commending his leadership.
“I have such respect for that pastor,” Trump said. “He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible [on Sunday].”
Church elders denounced the intimidation, reaffirming that “Jesus is real” and condemning any interference with worship as both unlawful and unchristian.
“Such conduct is shameful, unlawful, and will not be tolerated. Invading a church service to disrupt the worship of Jesus — or any other act of worship — is protected by neither the Christian Scriptures nor the laws of this nation,” their statement read.
Cities Church encouraged believers to “Love One Another,” holding steadfast to the teachings of Jesus in moments of unrest.
Faith, family, and freedom stand strong when believers uplift their church and pray for the restoration of peace and Christian witness. Stay informed and keep Cities Church in your prayers as they bravely continue their ministry.
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