Bishop T.D. Jakes 'Shocked' to Read 'Manipulation' of His 'Gay Marriage' Comments

Leaders from across the body of Christ were contacting me all weekend about T.D. Jakes’ interview on HuffPo TV‘s Marc Hill.

The megachurch pastor was accused of coming out in favor of gay marriage. One headline proclaimed his position on LGBT churches is “evolving.”

I reached out to bishop’s office this weekend by phone and email. I wanted to ask him personally what he meant, because we know all too well that the secular media—and the heresy hunters—like to twist the word of godly men and women to support an agenda.

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Late last night, Jakes issued a statement on Facebook, which is reprinted below in its entirety.

My comment on HuffPo TV drifted into issues of the Supreme Court ruling and changing the world through public policy verses personal witness. Further, I have come to respect that I can’t force my beliefs on others by controlling public policy for taxpayers and other U.S. citizens.

Jesus never sought to change the world through public policy but rather through personal transformation. All people didn’t embrace Him either. That’s what I said and what I meant … Nothing more and nothing less.

Just because a so-called Christian publication chooses to misconstrue my words using lazy journalistic tactics to further their own agenda and draw attention to their site does not make their statements an accurate depiction of what I said or meant.

Investigate.

Do not take everything you read online or hear repeated as truth. When asked about the “black church” and its role in ministering to gay people, I briefly mentioned (we were running out of time) the word “evolved and evolving” regarding my approach over the 39 years of my ministry to gay people who choose to come to our services.

I simply meant that my method is evolving—not my message. I was shocked to read that this was manipulated in a subsequent article to say I endorsed same-sex marriage! My position on the subject has been steadfast and rooted in Scripture.

For the record, I do not endorse same-sex marriage, but I respect the rights that this country affords those that disagree with me.

Michael Brown, though, still wants Jakes to offer more clarification. What’s your take? Are you relieved? Does Jakes need to be clearer or is it now crystal to you where he stands?

Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening; Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God; The Making of a Prophet and Satan’s Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. She is the co-founder of AwakeningTV.com and a leader in the New Breed Revival Network. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and on Periscope @propheticbooks.