Demi Lovato apologises after Jordan baptism

Singer Demi Lovato arrives at the 58th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 15, 2016. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

Demi Lovato has apologised after being baptised in the Jordan River in case her actions "hurt or offended anyone".  

The pop star shared pictures of her baptism on Instagram after travelling to Israel and said that being in the country had been "absolutely magical". 

She talked about her Christian upbringing and said she had "never felt more renewed" than when she was baptised in the same place as Jesus. 

"I am an American singer. I was raised Christian and have Jewish ancestors. When I was offered an amazing opportunity to visit the places I'd read about in the Bible growing up, I said yes," she said. 

"There is something absolutely magical about Israel. I've never felt such a sense of spirituality or connection to God...something I've been missing for a few years now. Spirituality is so important to me...to be baptized in the Jordan river – the same place Jesus was baptized – I've never felt more renewed in my life.

"This trip has been so important for my well-being, my heart, and my soul. I'm grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to be able to fill the God-sized hole in my heart. Thank you for having me, Israel." 

The 27-year-old former Disney Channel star unwittingly landed herself in controversy with the post because of ongoing criticism towards Israel over its relations with Palestine. 

Responding to the controversy, the "Sorry Not Sorry" singer said that she was "extremely frustrated" by the backlash and that she had gone to the country for a spiritual experience, not to make a political statement. 

"I accepted a free trip to Israel in exchange for a few posts. No one told me there would be anything wrong with going or that I could possibly be offending anyone," Lovato said on Instagram.

"With that being said, I'm sorry if I've hurt or offended anyone, that was not my intention."

She added: "This was meant to be a spiritual experience for me, NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT

"Now I realise it hurt people and for that I'm sorry."

News
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology

Some people think that you have to choose between science and religion, but that is not the case. This is the story …

US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”