There is definitely a time and a place for everything, and many argue that this church in Tennessee just might have picked the worst time and place to swap out their usual worship to sing anti-ICE chants. This incident brings into sharp focus the intersection of faith, politics, and community activism, and how lines might have blurred just a little too much.
A viral clip on Instagram showed the rhythmic chant that the Edgehill United Methodist Church had swapped for their usual worship session. “Say it once, say it twice: we will not put up with ICE.” The entire congregation participated in the chorus, with some members appearing more enthusiastic than others. While some just clapped, a few of them even danced along to the political rhythm.
Netizens were largely appalled by the sight. Many capitalized on the fact that it was happening in a supposed place of worship. The backlash was swift and focused on the displacement of divinity for the political discourse.
“Anything, but worshipping the Lord,” one critic noted. “So instead of singing to God, you’re singing about something political,” another pointed out the shift in focus. The tone of the comments grew increasingly grave. “Rest assured, God will remember you using his place of worship like this when you meet him. Repent!” a user stated bluntly. “Jesus is not in that church,” another concluded after watching the clip.
Some people even questioned the authenticity of the church itself. “Chanting political slogans in the middle of a worship service isn’t a church; it’s performing arts gone wrong. If your ‘sanctuary’ needs ICE protesters to feel holy, maybe it’s time to admit you’re running a rally venue with extra pews,” a user joked. “I guess anything can be called a church now with the right paperwork, forgetting a church is The Lord’s house,” another wrote.
The backlash kept rolling in. “This is not a church or religious gathering,” someone noted. “If the songs are not songs of praise, why are they being sung in church? Short answer, this is not a real church,” another said. One user joked, “I’m still surprised they don’t just replace their communion wine with blue Kool-Aid already.” Another wrote bluntly, “What a bunch of lost sheep with the wrong shepherd.”
A last user said, “How would they handle a member of their congregation saying they disagree? I’m sure it would go exactly how you imagine it would go.” While the church in Tennessee might have had the right intentions, they seem to have stepped on the toes of religious observers.
