Donald Trump continues to divide American Christians; religious leaders speak up

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks about the results of the Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri primary elections during a news conference held at his Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 15, 2016.Reuters

Even as Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump continues to enjoy the support of some sectors of Evangelicals, there are still Christian leaders who continue to question his positions on key issues.

"Mr. Trump's character is antithetical to many of the qualities evangelicals should prize in a political leader: integrity, compassion and reasoned convictions, wisdom and prudence, trustworthiness, a commitment to the moral good," Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center said in The New York Post after the last three Republican contests showing Trump leading among evangelicals.

As the primaries shape up to become an eventual Clinton vs Trump contest, more Christian leaders are sounding off against the tycoon, using not only reputed media sites to air their opposition to his campaign but also social media.

"As evangelicals face the inevitable "Trump v. Clinton" question, let's remember Trump is not "less than ideal." He's "opposite of ideal," Christian blogger Justin Taylor posted on his Twitter account @between2worlds.

While generally remaining non partisan for the presidential race, megachurch pastor Joel Osteen has been dragged into the issue when he was accused of endorsing Trump after the pastor called him a friend of his church and a good man during a promotion event for his book "The Power of I Am" several months ago. 

The Lakewood Church immediately issued a clarification that Osteen's statement should not be intended as an endorsement of any particular candidate.

"Contrary to the misinformation making the rounds on social media, Pastor Joel Osteen has not endorsed any candidate for President of the United States," the statement read.

While some churches have a problem associating themselves with the polarizing political candidate, others like Gloria and Kenneth Copeland, Trinity Broadcasting Network co-founder Jan Crouch, The Wisdom Center televangelist Mike Murdock, and Paula White of The Word Network added their voices to those supporting Trump's presidential bid, reports The Christian Post.