Conservative Christians face backlash for speaking out against Trump

On Friday, we reported that several conservative denominations were pushing back against Trump. However, some individual Christian conservatives who have done the same have faced backlash, some even losing their jobs for refusing to “keep quiet.” The Atlantic has gathered a number of stories from people who have had these experiences, including Joy Beth Smith, who was fired from Focus on Family for posts she had made on her social media. Among other things, she had written in support of Evan McMullin, whom she was supporting in the presidential election, and other posts criticizing Trump for his derogatory comments about women. She was told to abide by a “spokesperson policy,” stating that no political opinions could be voiced by employees without prior authorization. Shannon Dingle, who faced a similar situation at Key Ministry, a Christian disability-advocacy organization, said, “It seems like there is this silencing of evangelical women if we don’t stick with approved talking points,” She added that staying silent in this kind of political environment “is more damaging to our witness and more damaging to those who don’t know Christ,” she added. “We don’t say the gospel is only for you if you don’t have disabilities, or only for you if you are part of the religious right.” Others have had funds pulled from their missionary work, been denied gigs as Christian musicians, or faced other ramifications for speaking out against the unchristian actions of the current administration.