t.d. jakes

Via CBN's David Brody we learn that a group of Christian leaders have signed on to a letter decrying those who have been questioning the legitimacy of President Obama's faith and urging the media to ignore those who are doing so: 

As Christian leaders— whose primary responsibility is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with our congregations, our communities, and our world— we are deeply troubled by the recent questioning of President Obama’s faith. We understand that these are contentious times, but the personal faith of our leaders should not be up for public debate.

President Obama has been unwavering in confessing Christ as Lord and has spoken often about the importance of his Christian faith. Many of the signees on this letter have prayed and worshiped with this President. We believe that questioning, and especially misrepresenting, the faith of a confessing believer goes too far.

This is not a political issue. The signers of this letter come from different political and ideological backgrounds, but we are unified in our belief in Jesus Christ. As Christian pastors and leaders, we believe that fellow Christians need to be an encouragement to those who call Christ their savior, not question the veracity of their faith.

Therefore, we urge public officials, faith leaders, and the media to offer no further support or airtime to those who misrepresent and call into question the President’s Christian faith. And we join with the President in praying that God will continue to bless the United States of America.

It is no surprise to see names like Joel Hunter, Jim Wallis, and Kirbyjon Caldwell among the signers, but it is a bit surprising too see that Bishop T.D. Jakes and Rev. Sam Rodriguez signed on as well.

For his part, Rick Warren is taking a bold "no comment" stance regarding the legitimacy of Obama's Christian faith, with his spokeperson issuing this statement to Brody:

Dr. Warren has not made any comment, nor has he signed any group letters or statements.