LE PEOPLE FILE
- Mike Leake - Marcus Leathers - Brent Leatherwood - Lecrae -- Alyssia Lee - Jack Lee - Jeff Lee - Justin Lee - Richard G Lee - Stephen Lee - Tim Lee - Trevor Lee - Charles Lehardy - Jean-Yves Leloup - Don Lemon - Steve Lenk - Carl Lentz - Bill Leonard - Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Josh LeSage - Autumn Leva - Russell Levenson - Tia Levings - Jacqui Lewis - Michael Ray Lewis - Sharma Lewis -
==mike leake======
July 25, 2023: Sight: Church and politics: Some critics see Trump's behaviour as un-Christian. His conservative Christian backers see a hero
In rural south-west Missouri, pastor Mike Leake of Calvary of Neosho – a Southern Baptist church – says support for Trump within the mostly conservative congregation seems to strengthen the more he is criticised and investigated.
“It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation,” Leake said. “So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something.”
In rural south-west Missouri, pastor Mike Leake of Calvary of Neosho – a Southern Baptist church – says support for Trump within the mostly conservative congregation seems to strengthen the more he is criticised and investigated.
“It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation,” Leake said. “So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something.”
Mike Leake
"It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation.
So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something. Many of his congregation members who strongly support Trump “are not our most dedicated members. Anytime we’ve seen someone go full on MAGA, we lose them. Attendance and involvement drops. Giving drops. It’s all consuming - just as with any other idol.” --Mike Leake; Calvary of Neosho 7.25.23
==brent leatherwood======
Brent Leatherwood, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention's (SBC) Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), identifies as a Baptist and his work has been rooted in Christian principles and Baptist beliefs according to The Christian Index. The ERLC's advocacy work is "rooted in Scripture" and guided by Baptist beliefs, notes The Christian Index. He cites 1 Peter 3:15-16 as an example of the principles guiding their ministry.
Balance of Conviction and Kindness: Leatherwood believes in "standing for truth, without equivocation, yet never failing to honor the God-given dignity of each person we engage," according to WPLN News. Leatherwood stated that his "greatest hope is anchored in the salvation offered by Jesus" and that this hope "has powered our work these last several years, and has shaped my own conscience," says The Christian Index. He has encouraged Christians to prioritize their identity as "exiles" and "sojourners," with ultimate loyalty to the kingdom of God, while also being deeply invested in their communities and serving their neighbors, reports Baptist Press.
Conservative Social Stances: Like other ERLC leaders, Leatherwood is a vocal critic of abortion and same-sex marriage, notes RNS | Covering the world of religion.. The ERLC also advocates against transgender rights and promotes a strong pro-Israel stance, according to The Washington Post. The ERLC under Leatherwood supported immigration reform and refugee resettlement, aligning with positions previously adopted by the SBC, but sometimes differing from the "MAGA movement," says RNS | Covering the world of religion.. He advocated for the defunding of Planned Parenthood and opposed efforts to abolish the ERLC, reports Baptist Standard. While against abortion, he resisted calls for criminal penalties against women seeking abortions. He also supported a proposal for temporary gun removal from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, a stance that drew criticism from some within the SBC. Brent Leatherwood recently resigned as president of the ERLC after facing internal criticism regarding the agency's direction and alignment with the conservative wing of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Balance of Conviction and Kindness: Leatherwood believes in "standing for truth, without equivocation, yet never failing to honor the God-given dignity of each person we engage," according to WPLN News. Leatherwood stated that his "greatest hope is anchored in the salvation offered by Jesus" and that this hope "has powered our work these last several years, and has shaped my own conscience," says The Christian Index. He has encouraged Christians to prioritize their identity as "exiles" and "sojourners," with ultimate loyalty to the kingdom of God, while also being deeply invested in their communities and serving their neighbors, reports Baptist Press.
Conservative Social Stances: Like other ERLC leaders, Leatherwood is a vocal critic of abortion and same-sex marriage, notes RNS | Covering the world of religion.. The ERLC also advocates against transgender rights and promotes a strong pro-Israel stance, according to The Washington Post. The ERLC under Leatherwood supported immigration reform and refugee resettlement, aligning with positions previously adopted by the SBC, but sometimes differing from the "MAGA movement," says RNS | Covering the world of religion.. He advocated for the defunding of Planned Parenthood and opposed efforts to abolish the ERLC, reports Baptist Standard. While against abortion, he resisted calls for criminal penalties against women seeking abortions. He also supported a proposal for temporary gun removal from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, a stance that drew criticism from some within the SBC. Brent Leatherwood recently resigned as president of the ERLC after facing internal criticism regarding the agency's direction and alignment with the conservative wing of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Brent Leatherwood
Both the United States and Israel are shaped by a recognition of the importance of biblical principles that guide us toward flourishing and effective governance. George Washington, America’s first president, spoke of “religion and morality” as “indispensable supports” in his farewell address, cornerstones that are vital for both a nation’s prosperity and its cultivation of an ethical citizenry. This sentiment is echoed in the Declaration of Israel’s Independence, which explicitly bases its governing philosophy “on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets.” Despite differences, both of us share a common foundation.
-Brent Leatherwood; 5.8.25
-Brent Leatherwood; 5.8.25
July 31, 2025: Christian Post reported: Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has stepped down from office, four years after he was tasked with leading the convention's political advocacy arm. The ERLC announced Leatherwood's departure on Thursday, saying the ERLC Board of Trustees accepted the resignation. ERLC Vice President and Chief of Staff Miles Mullin will serve as acting president. In a statement, Leatherwood said he is stepping down because he believes that it is "time to close this chapter of my life." "It has been an honor to guide this Baptist organization in a way that has honored the Lord, served the churches of our Convention, and made this fallen world a little better," said Leatherwood.
September 18, 2025: Religion News Service reported: The Evangelical Immigration Table, however, has come under increasing criticism during the Trump era, with critics claiming that liberal groups are using it to infiltrate churches. At the SBC’s annual meeting earlier this year, supporters of President Donald Trump called for the ERLC to be shut down, in part because of its ties to the Evangelical Immigration Table. The agency survived but the ERLC’s most recent president, Brent Leatherwood, resigned this fall, after more than a year of controversy. Mullin, who was not available for comment, told the ERLC’s trustees that the agency has been involved in immigration reform because the issue matters to Southern Baptists, according to Baptist Press.
Brent Leatherwood
“Our mission calls us to assist our churches and it is from the service we render that we speak to the important issues of the day. I can think of no one better than Miles Mullin, and the deep well of experience serving churches he draws from, to help us accomplish this vital work. His strengths in leadership and administration will enhance an already strong team at the ERLC. Moreover, he has a deep appreciation for the role of healthy institutions in SBC life and the broader culture. From his time supporting local churches, to the guidance he provided in academia, to his passion for developing leaders, Miles’ knowledge and expertise will help ensure this Commission continues to bring a distinctively Baptist voice into the public square as it has for over a century.”
-Brent Leatherwood; ERLC President recommending Miles Mullin for Vice President of ERLC 1.26.23
-Brent Leatherwood; ERLC President recommending Miles Mullin for Vice President of ERLC 1.26.23
March 3, 2023: The Pathway reported: In the video, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood converses with Nelson about “the important issue of racial unity in the Southern Baptist Convention,” according to an email announcement from the ERLC..
November 12, 2023: The Times of Israel reported: “In keeping with Christian Just War tradition, we also affirm the legitimacy of Israel’s right to respond against those who have initiated these attacks as Romans 13 grants governments the power to bear the sword against those who commit such evil acts against innocent life,” says the statement. Because of that belief, “calls for a ceasefire are tantamount to forcing Israel to live with these heinous violations,” said ERLC president Brent Leatherwood.
==marcus leathers======
'Keep off our property' | DC area Christian leaders ask ICE to stop parking in church lots
Here are the 19 clergy that signed onto Saturday's letter:
- Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler; Plymouth United Church of Christ; senior advisor Fellowship of Reconciliation Pastor Christopher Zacharias; John Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Rev. Rubin Tendai; United Church of Christ , Rev. Patricia Fears; Fellowship Baptist Church , Rev. Jamall Calloway; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ , Rev. Lewis T. Tait; The Village, Rev. William H. Lamar IV; Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Marcus Leathers; Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Rev. Wanda Thompson; The Ambassador Baptist Church, Rev. Keith W. Byrd Sr.; Zion Baptist Church, Rev. George C. Gilbert Jr.; Baptist Convention of DC and Vicinity, Rev. Daryl Washington; DM Washington Ministries, Rev. Kenneth King; New Hope Baptist United Church of Christ, Rev. Kendrick Curry; Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Clarence Cross, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Rev. Howard Finley; at-large, Bill Mefford; The Festival Center, Rev., Abhi Janamanchi; Cedar Lane Unitarian-Universalist Church (Bethesda, Md.), Rev. Darrryl LC Moch; United Church of Christ of Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg, Va.)
(WUSA9 8/23/25) READMORE>>>>>
Here are the 19 clergy that signed onto Saturday's letter:
- Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler; Plymouth United Church of Christ; senior advisor Fellowship of Reconciliation Pastor Christopher Zacharias; John Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Rev. Rubin Tendai; United Church of Christ , Rev. Patricia Fears; Fellowship Baptist Church , Rev. Jamall Calloway; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ , Rev. Lewis T. Tait; The Village, Rev. William H. Lamar IV; Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Marcus Leathers; Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Rev. Wanda Thompson; The Ambassador Baptist Church, Rev. Keith W. Byrd Sr.; Zion Baptist Church, Rev. George C. Gilbert Jr.; Baptist Convention of DC and Vicinity, Rev. Daryl Washington; DM Washington Ministries, Rev. Kenneth King; New Hope Baptist United Church of Christ, Rev. Kendrick Curry; Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Clarence Cross, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Rev. Howard Finley; at-large, Bill Mefford; The Festival Center, Rev., Abhi Janamanchi; Cedar Lane Unitarian-Universalist Church (Bethesda, Md.), Rev. Darrryl LC Moch; United Church of Christ of Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg, Va.)
(WUSA9 8/23/25) READMORE>>>>>
==lecrae======
Jan 25, 2023: Catholic News Agency: Alabama governor adds another layer of protection to religious freedom
Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae took to his Facebook page to give his condolences over the death of Keller, saying that the notable pastor was there in times of spiritual pain and “he changed my life.”
Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae took to his Facebook page to give his condolences over the death of Keller, saying that the notable pastor was there in times of spiritual pain and “he changed my life.”
==alyssia lee======
Alyssia Lee
Fasting is ultimately a multifaceted spiritual discipline that benefits Christians greatly in many ways. Fasting denies the flesh: it denies the desires of the flesh and pushes us to live by the Spirit Fasting disciplines the mind: it teaches us that we can push through difficult circumstances when our minds and bodies scream that we are in desperate need, it teaches us that we can handle more than we thought. Fasting draws us closer to God: Fasting fixes our eyes on God and helps to focus on Him and pray every time we have the pain of hunger.
- Fasting teaches us to depend on God: our natural instincts are to satisfy anything uncomfortable in us and remove the discomfort, fasting teaches us to run to God rather than earthly comforts. All in all, fasting will benefit you spiritually, mentally, and physically and though it is somewhat difficult it is a wonderful time of drawing near to God and it is absolutely worth it.
- -Alyssia Lee; Just Disciple; Fasting: Biblical, Historical, & Modern Examples
==jack lee======
Jack Lee
A person’s worth, value, and identity do not come from sexuality. Rather, our value comes from being made in the image of God. If we boil the human experience down to sexual experience or identity, we debase it; we cheapen it. What is the value of a human soul? Consider the words of the late, R.C. Sproul. In his commentary on The Gospel of Mark, he writes, “We can see the true value of souls by noting how much Jesus was willing to pay for the souls of His people”. God died on the cross to ransom human souls and restore what had previously been broken. We must find our value, our worth, our purpose, and our entire identity here. To live God-glorifying, wholesome life, this cross-centric perspective must shape our worldview. One of the defining elements of being a Christian is that our complete individuality is in the eternity of Christ and His kingdom. In Richard Niebuhr’s classic, Christ & Culture, he elaborates on the “enduring problem” this eternal perspective has given civilizations and cultures. While Christians are called to live in the world, Christian ideals transcend all earthly cultures and values. This is because Christ “enables men to regard this current disaster with a certain equanimity, directs their hopes toward another world, and so seems to deprive them of the motivation to engage in the ceaseless labor of conserving a massive but insecure social heritage”
--Jack Lee; Chorus in the Chaos;How Progressive Christians Are Denying The Eternality of the Human Soul 7.27.23
--Jack Lee; Chorus in the Chaos;How Progressive Christians Are Denying The Eternality of the Human Soul 7.27.23
==jeff lee======
Nov 22, 2023: ENS: Wisconsin Dioceses Launch Cooperative Ministry
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
==justin lee======
Jan 31, 2023: Christian Post: Andy Stanley to host conference for Christian parents of LGBT-identified kids
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
==richard g lee======
Richard G Lee
“Finally, an Evangelical Christian becomes speaker of the house. In spite of all the complaining it seems that the wait for a new speaker was a wise thing to do. When Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson stepped to the podium of the U.S. House of Representatives with the Bible cradled in his hand, and spoke boldly about how ‘the best days of America’ could be ahead, it seemed not to be an empty campaign promise, but a word of hope for the future of all Americans.”
--Richard G. Lee, President and speaker for There’s Hope America broadcasting media.
--Richard G. Lee, President and speaker for There’s Hope America broadcasting media.
==stephen lee======
Thousands of Christians Call to Expel Pastor Indicted With Trump
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition for a Lutheran pastor indicted on criminal charges concerning the 2020 presidential election in Georgia to be expelled from his denomination. Illinois pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee, a former police chaplain, was among 18 co-defendants indicted alongside former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, last week. Lee, accused of participating in a plot to coerce election worker Ruby Freeman into falsely confessing election fraud, is facing felony charges that include racketeering, influencing a witness and conspiracy to solicit false statements and writings.
(Newsweek 8/21/23) Read More >>>>>
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition for a Lutheran pastor indicted on criminal charges concerning the 2020 presidential election in Georgia to be expelled from his denomination. Illinois pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee, a former police chaplain, was among 18 co-defendants indicted alongside former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, last week. Lee, accused of participating in a plot to coerce election worker Ruby Freeman into falsely confessing election fraud, is facing felony charges that include racketeering, influencing a witness and conspiracy to solicit false statements and writings.
(Newsweek 8/21/23) Read More >>>>>
Stephen Lee
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.”
--Rev Stephen Lee; an emeritus Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor from his church pulpit; 8.27.23 Lee was indicted with 18 other people in Fulton County, Georgia, for trying to interfere with the 2020 election.
--Rev Stephen Lee; an emeritus Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor from his church pulpit; 8.27.23 Lee was indicted with 18 other people in Fulton County, Georgia, for trying to interfere with the 2020 election.
==tim lee======
Evangelist Tim Lee has a passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since 1979, he has traveled extensively, covering over six million miles, to deliver powerful messages of revival, address pressing moral and social issues, and challenge families to live according to Biblical principles. MCRD Parris Island, the legendary Marine Corps Recruit Depot, knows him as the “Legendary Speaker.” Tim Lee has addressed tens of thousands of Marines and Marine recruits at Parris Island. His impact on military personnel extends beyond the pulpit, leaving a lasting impression on those who serve our nation. Tim Lee has a heart for Vietnam and its people. He has organized trips to Vietnam, including one in 2008, where he visited places of historical significance. In August 2024, he plans to lead a mission/sightseeing trip to Vietnam, accompanied by other veterans and evangelists. The trip aims to combine worship, testimony, healing, and revival while exploring the country.
May 5, 2023: Baptist News Global reported: Paige Patterson’s May 3 post on his personal website tells of him attending an anniversary celebration for evangelist Tim Lee. That event was held at Southfork Ranch north of Dallas — famous for its role in the 1980s TV series “Dallas” — and featured two icons of the religio-political right: Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Col. Oliver North.
==trevor lee======
Letter: It’s ironic when non-Christians have to tell ‘Christians’ what Jesus actually taught
Trevor Lee is pushing to rename our neighborhood after a nonwoke misogynist who paraded behind a banner of free speech to spread a gospel of intolerance and Christian nationalism. Trevor Lee may or may not hold those beliefs personally, he’s just trying to appeal to the shrinking, right-wing base of Utah Republicans — the tail that wags the dog in Utah politics — fighting to keep their stranglehold on power. (Salt Lake Tribune; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
Trevor Lee is pushing to rename our neighborhood after a nonwoke misogynist who paraded behind a banner of free speech to spread a gospel of intolerance and Christian nationalism. Trevor Lee may or may not hold those beliefs personally, he’s just trying to appeal to the shrinking, right-wing base of Utah Republicans — the tail that wags the dog in Utah politics — fighting to keep their stranglehold on power. (Salt Lake Tribune; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
==charles lehardy======
==Jean-Yves Leloup======
Jean-Yves Leloup is a French theologian, writer, translator of Greek and Coptic language texts, born in 1950 in Angers. He is the author of over ninety books in French, some translated into other languages, including English, German, Spanish and Portuguese.The primary subject of his writings is Christian spirituality.
Jean-Yves LeLoup
“Sometimes we must undergo hardships, breakups, and narcissistic wounds, which shatter the flattering image that we had of ourselves, in order to discover two truths: that we are not who we thought we were; and that the loss of a cherished pleasure is not necessarily the loss of true happiness and well-being.”
― Jean-Yves Leloup, Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic between Buddhism and Christianity
― Jean-Yves Leloup, Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic between Buddhism and Christianity
Jean-Yves LeLoup
“The canonical Gospels offer no information as to the specific nature of the seven demons or spirits that initially possess Miriam—that is to say, alienate her from her freedom. However, we might make some surmises about them by referring to other texts that were current in those times. According to Evagrius Ponticus, who made a thorough study of such matters, these logismoï (his term for“negative or destructive thoughts”) act to destroy a person’s orientation toward the nous, and then the orientation of the nous toward the Pneuma. In other words, they act to obstruct peace, contemplation, and the Presence of the Son seeking to establish itself in the person. Lists of such demonic spirits vary. In the West they later become known as the seven deadly orcardinal sins: gluttony, fornication, covetousness, sadness, anger, vainglory, pride. Evagrius adds accidie to the list, meaning a kind of despondency or apathetic rejection of spiritual realities.”
― Jean-Yves Leloup, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
― Jean-Yves Leloup, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
==don lemon======
Evangelicals divided over what faith demands as immigration tensions deepen
Several organizers of a protest at the church were arrested for disrupting the worship service earlier this month. On Friday (Jan. 30), journalist Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, and another independent journalist, who livestreamed the protest, were arrested in connection with it. Youth from Cities Church have volunteered with Arrive, and some church members signed on to a 2017 EIT letter promoting immigration reform. Last year, a pastor at Cities Church used the idea of refugee resettlement to talk about the way that Christians will be welcomed by Jesus into heaven. (Julie Roys; 1.30.26) READMORE>>>>>
Several organizers of a protest at the church were arrested for disrupting the worship service earlier this month. On Friday (Jan. 30), journalist Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, and another independent journalist, who livestreamed the protest, were arrested in connection with it. Youth from Cities Church have volunteered with Arrive, and some church members signed on to a 2017 EIT letter promoting immigration reform. Last year, a pastor at Cities Church used the idea of refugee resettlement to talk about the way that Christians will be welcomed by Jesus into heaven. (Julie Roys; 1.30.26) READMORE>>>>>
Don Lemon Got Arrested Over a Church Protest. It’s Not Just Any Church.
Why is the Trump administration arresting journalists and activists over a protest inside a Minnesota church? The official reason the government cited Friday—when it arrested independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, as well as two others—was that they were part of a “coordinated attack” on Cities Church in St. Paul. It’s a strange claim: Videos from the incident, which occurred Jan. 18, showed protesters being loud in interrupting a worship service, but not physically touching anyone or damaging any property. The protest may have been unpleasant for those in the pews—videos showed at least one man haranguing people for their complicity in supporting ICE—but it’s hardly an “attack.” (Slate; 1.30.26) READMORE>>>>>
Why is the Trump administration arresting journalists and activists over a protest inside a Minnesota church? The official reason the government cited Friday—when it arrested independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, as well as two others—was that they were part of a “coordinated attack” on Cities Church in St. Paul. It’s a strange claim: Videos from the incident, which occurred Jan. 18, showed protesters being loud in interrupting a worship service, but not physically touching anyone or damaging any property. The protest may have been unpleasant for those in the pews—videos showed at least one man haranguing people for their complicity in supporting ICE—but it’s hardly an “attack.” (Slate; 1.30.26) READMORE>>>>>
==steve lenk======
As a man thinks, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. What we think about is crucial to who we are. Scientists don’t agree on how many thoughts we have each day, but all agree there are thousands of them. Who we are is shaped moment by moment by the thoughts we choose to let into our mind and heart. But how can we control the thousands of thoughts that enter our mind each day? What do we do with the thoughts that are not pleasing to God? How can we, in reality, take every thought captive? Often, our thoughts have to be focused on the regular tasks we must accomplish that day. However, as we go through the day, we can catch thoughts and attitudes that are contrary to God’s will and keep them from gaining control of our mind and heart. Paul explains how this is possible: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.’’ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. It is written that we need to battle to keep our thoughts pure, but it is also written that we have weapons to fight with!
--Steve Lenk: Active Christianity: How do I take every thought captive?
--Steve Lenk: Active Christianity: How do I take every thought captive?
==carl lentz======
Carl Lentz
“I failed miserably...I should have called someone and said I have disqualified myself from ministry.....I let down a lot of good people. I can only apologize and change.....It’s a pretty humbling road to be on every day......My actions are my fault. What I’ve done is my fault. But where this thing started I had no control over. I was a kid."
--Carl Lentz; after being exposed for cheating on his wife 8.1.23
"Often.....megachurches are forced to battle a negative stereotype among a slice of the public that views them as giant moneymaking operations tainted by scandals, such as the one at Hillsong Church, where pastor Carl Lentz admitted to marital infidelity and was fired in 2020 for "moral failures." Because the churches are outsized, their scandals "are broadcast on a larger stage," (Scott) Thumma says. --Scott Neuman; NPR; Megachurches are getting even bigger as churches close across the country 7.14.23
Carl Lentz
"My actions are my fault. What I've done is my fault, but where that thing started, I have no control over. I was a kid.........I am responsible for allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop in my house with someone that worked for us..........Any notion of abuse is categorically false. There were mutual decisions made by two people who lied profusely, mainly to my wife........Typically, the way that Hillsong has handled scandal ... was (by doing) what looks best for the church. Most of the time, it serves everybody to push everything down. You just push it as far under the rug as you can. We choose narrative over truth and that leads to absolute disaster, because the truth doesn't go anywhere just because you cover it up.........Part of the healing from that heartache led us to the decision to be a part of a documentary that we do not control, that we don't have any say in and that we haven't even seen yet," he wrote. "We'll see it when the world does." -Carl Lentz; 5.3023
May 9, 2023:
👉From the "I wonder what else is going on at Hillsong" File: Carl Lentz is facing up to the scandal that brought down his leadership at Hillsong New York City. A newly released teaser trailer for the upcoming FX Networks docuseries, The Secrets of Hillsong, includes clips of the disgraced pastor admitting to "some major lies" in his life. Lentz was fired from Hillsong NYC in November 2020 because of "moral failures" and he admitted at the time to marital unfaithfulness. Despite his adultery, his wife Laura Lentz has stuck by him and she will also appear in the docuseries.
👉From the "I wonder what else is going on at Hillsong" File: Carl Lentz is facing up to the scandal that brought down his leadership at Hillsong New York City. A newly released teaser trailer for the upcoming FX Networks docuseries, The Secrets of Hillsong, includes clips of the disgraced pastor admitting to "some major lies" in his life. Lentz was fired from Hillsong NYC in November 2020 because of "moral failures" and he admitted at the time to marital unfaithfulness. Despite his adultery, his wife Laura Lentz has stuck by him and she will also appear in the docuseries.
From Hillsong's disgraced Carl Lentz, who had multiple affairs with women, to an Indiana pastor who was confronted in front of his entire congregation about his sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl, these are the biggest falls from grace. Carl Lentz, the star pastor who brought the global megachurch Hillsong from Australia to the United States, and once ministered to Justin Bieber and a bevy of other celebrities and sports stars, was exposed in 2020 for cheating on his wife. He was fired from the church in November 2020 after his five-month affair with Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Ranin Karim emerged. Lentz and his wife Laura were also the subject of abuse accusations from another Hillsong pastor. Leona Kimes, co-pastor of Hillsong Boston with her husband Josh, announced in a bombshell Medium post in May 2021 that she had been 'subjected to manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse' by the Lentzes while working at their home as a nanny. The Lentzes strongly denied Kimes's allegations. The Christian Post published excerpts of an internal investigation into the Lentzes' behavior, which found that Laura had punched Leona Kimes when she found her snuggled on the sofa with her husband Carl. The investigation into the Lentzes also alleges that while Lentz was seeing Ranin Karim, he also engaged in another 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman he called Germany, who he met in Brooklyn. Lentz was accused of causing workers to suffer mental health problems by belittling and bullying them. Other former church members have compared the church to a cult and detailed incidents of sexual assault. --Andrea Cavallier; Daily Mail; When good pastors go bad: From disgraced Carl Lentz's multiple affairs in Hillsong scandal to NYC's 'bling bishop', these are the biggest falls from grace 3.12.23
==bill leonard=====
==tasha cobbs leonard======
Trump’s Kennedy Center hosted a right-wing pep rally for Gen Z evangelicals
The Christian Broadcasting Network posted images on social media that show the worship session, featuring gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, that it hosted after the screening. (MSNBC 9/3/25) READMORE>>>>>
The Christian Broadcasting Network posted images on social media that show the worship session, featuring gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, that it hosted after the screening. (MSNBC 9/3/25) READMORE>>>>>
==Josh lesage======
Josh LeSage was appointed as the Valley Chrsitian High School Principal beginning in August 2020. Josh came from Louisiana and replaced Dan Kuiper as the school’s high school principal.
Jan 10, 2023: World Magazine: Arizona Christian school sued for firing pro-LGBT teacher
According to McDorman, Valley Christian High School Principal Josh LeSage found out about the student’s post and met with her along with Chizzy Anderson, the school’s coordinator of student health and wellness.
McDorman objected to the meeting, arguing that LeSage should be more accepting of the LGBT population, especially Valley Christian students, and suggested that a gay pastor from the area be invited to the meeting. LeSage declined. In the meeting, which the student recorded, LeSage was sympathetic toward the student, yet he explained that a homosexual lifestyle was counter to the Bible’s teaching.
LeSage told the female student that God might or might not take away her sexual desire for other girls. “But I believe that in either circumstance, you can honor God with what you choose to do with your body because the Word of God says the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you,” he told her.
According to McDorman, Valley Christian High School Principal Josh LeSage found out about the student’s post and met with her along with Chizzy Anderson, the school’s coordinator of student health and wellness.
McDorman objected to the meeting, arguing that LeSage should be more accepting of the LGBT population, especially Valley Christian students, and suggested that a gay pastor from the area be invited to the meeting. LeSage declined. In the meeting, which the student recorded, LeSage was sympathetic toward the student, yet he explained that a homosexual lifestyle was counter to the Bible’s teaching.
LeSage told the female student that God might or might not take away her sexual desire for other girls. “But I believe that in either circumstance, you can honor God with what you choose to do with your body because the Word of God says the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you,” he told her.
==autumn leva======
Autumn Leva is an attorney who came to Family Policy Alliance from the state family policy organization Minnesota Family Council, where she served as MFC’s Director of Policy and Communications. She was the spokesperson for a statewide ballot measure in Minnesota, and she has developed policy from within government as a Legislative and Executive Assistant to a U.S. Congressman from Colorado.
Autumn has also served as a summer associate in the Heritage Foundation’s legal center, studied international human rights law in Strasbourg, France, and led a research team in developing a 50-state textbook on civil procedure. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia.
Autumn has also served as a summer associate in the Heritage Foundation’s legal center, studied international human rights law in Strasbourg, France, and led a research team in developing a 50-state textbook on civil procedure. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia.
Autumn Leva
“A political agenda has taken over what would normally be in the realm of parents and medical professionals. We’ve completely turned that (weaponization) around, and now elected leaders are lining up to make sure they show that they do not stand for children being transitioned.” -Autumn Leva on transgender rights; Baptist News Global; 5.30.23
May 30, 2023: Baptist News Global: Focus on the Family affiliate is the unifying force behind campaign to restrict transgender rights
Autumn Leva, FPA’s senior vice president for strategy, said while the “woke left” and their collaborators in the medical establishment have “weaponized” transgender identity, FPA has set up a “shield of defense” protecting children from treatments that do no good and cause great harm.
Autumn Leva, FPA’s senior vice president for strategy, said while the “woke left” and their collaborators in the medical establishment have “weaponized” transgender identity, FPA has set up a “shield of defense” protecting children from treatments that do no good and cause great harm.
==russell j levenson======
The Reverend Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. is Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, and the author of “Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H. W. and Barbara Bush.”
Russell Levenson
“What’s needed now is full-throated condemnation of the former president from members of his party. By failing to hold Trump to account, they are allowing the party to sink into an abyss and it will pay a high price for ignoring the moral high ground…It may take a generation or more for the party to recover from the looming disaster”. --Rev Dr Russell J Levenson; Opinion: GOP leaders backing Trump are in a moral abyss; 8.1.23
“What’s needed now is full-throated condemnation of the former president from members of his party. By failing to hold Trump to account, they are allowing the party to sink into an abyss and it will pay a high price for ignoring the moral high ground…It may take a generation or more for the party to recover from the looming disaster”. --Rev Dr Russell J Levenson; Opinion: GOP leaders backing Trump are in a moral abyss; 8.1.23
==tia levings======
‘Vertical Morality’ Might Describe Why MAGA Christians Seem So Unchristian
“Vertical morality teaches that authority, power and a moral code of right and wrong, or acceptable and unacceptable, come from ‘above’ ― an external superior who designates rules, systems and tenets that must be obeyed by those beneath,” said Tia Levings, a former Christian fundamentalist and author of “A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.” In the context of religion, the superior is God. In politics, it might be an authoritarian dictator. In a cult, it would be the controlling leader. Whatever the circumstances, the idea is that behaviors are only right or wrong based on what the figure in power says.
(HuffPost 11/15/25) READMORE>>>>
“Vertical morality teaches that authority, power and a moral code of right and wrong, or acceptable and unacceptable, come from ‘above’ ― an external superior who designates rules, systems and tenets that must be obeyed by those beneath,” said Tia Levings, a former Christian fundamentalist and author of “A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.” In the context of religion, the superior is God. In politics, it might be an authoritarian dictator. In a cult, it would be the controlling leader. Whatever the circumstances, the idea is that behaviors are only right or wrong based on what the figure in power says.
(HuffPost 11/15/25) READMORE>>>>
==jacqui Lewis======
Dec 21, 2025: Young conservative Christians are staying loyal to President Trump, who is earning stinging rebuke for his recent 'un-Christian'-like behavior. Middle Collegiate Church Senior Minister and Public Theologian, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis joins The Weekend to discuss.
==michael ray lewis======
Former atheist who made horror movies releases Christian doc exploring evidence for God
As Christmas approaches, a former atheist-turned-Christian has released a new documentary for both believers and skeptics, emphasizing that science and reason do not undermine belief in God but instead point toward Him. “Universe Designed,” releasing Dec. 13 across all major digital platforms including Apple, Amazon, Google and Fandango via Collide Media Group, explores the relationship between science, philosophy and Christian faith, arguing that the universe itself bears the marks of intentional design. The film is directed by Michael Ray Lewis, a former atheist whose personal search for evidence became the foundation of the project, and features appearances from leading Christian thinkers, including Frank Turek, Sean McDowell, Alisa Childers, Stephen Meyer, Hugh Ross and Allen Parr. (Christian Post; 12/12/25) READMORE>>>>>
As Christmas approaches, a former atheist-turned-Christian has released a new documentary for both believers and skeptics, emphasizing that science and reason do not undermine belief in God but instead point toward Him. “Universe Designed,” releasing Dec. 13 across all major digital platforms including Apple, Amazon, Google and Fandango via Collide Media Group, explores the relationship between science, philosophy and Christian faith, arguing that the universe itself bears the marks of intentional design. The film is directed by Michael Ray Lewis, a former atheist whose personal search for evidence became the foundation of the project, and features appearances from leading Christian thinkers, including Frank Turek, Sean McDowell, Alisa Childers, Stephen Meyer, Hugh Ross and Allen Parr. (Christian Post; 12/12/25) READMORE>>>>>
==sharma lewis======
Sharma D. Lewis (born 1963) is an American bishop in the United Methodist Church. She was consecrated in 2016 and is the resident bishop of the Mississippi episcopal area. She is the first African American woman to be elected as bishop in the UMC's Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi elects its first woman, Black person as bishop
In a historical election, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi chose Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells as its new bishop Saturday, making her the first woman and first Black person elected to lead the church. The selection continues a trend in Mississippi as Sharma Lewis was elected as the first Black woman to become the Mississippi United Methodist Church bishop in November 2022. Wells will become bishop-elect on May 1 and work alongside Seage before being ordained on July 20.
(USA Today 2/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In a historical election, the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi chose Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells as its new bishop Saturday, making her the first woman and first Black person elected to lead the church. The selection continues a trend in Mississippi as Sharma Lewis was elected as the first Black woman to become the Mississippi United Methodist Church bishop in November 2022. Wells will become bishop-elect on May 1 and work alongside Seage before being ordained on July 20.
(USA Today 2/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
‘Turning a corner today’: 142 Mississippi churches leave UMC over homosexuality debate
Following a performance by the Anderson UMC choir, Mississippi Bishop Sharma Lewis said the disaffiliation votes had been approved, and that the vote tallies for the individual churches would be made available later. “I don’t want you to clap,” said Lewis after announcing the result, with those gathered remaining silent. “This is still sensitive and painful. But we are turning a corner today.
(Mike Gryboski/Christian Post/12/9.23) READ MORE>>>>>
Following a performance by the Anderson UMC choir, Mississippi Bishop Sharma Lewis said the disaffiliation votes had been approved, and that the vote tallies for the individual churches would be made available later. “I don’t want you to clap,” said Lewis after announcing the result, with those gathered remaining silent. “This is still sensitive and painful. But we are turning a corner today.
(Mike Gryboski/Christian Post/12/9.23) READ MORE>>>>>
