Pastor Chris Hodges, founder of Church of the Highlands, largest church in Alabama has responded to criticisms following recent social media controversy. He came under fire for “liking” and “following” some posts on the social media.

The posts were shared by the president of the conservative non-profit Turning Points USA, Charlie Kirk. Turning Points USA a right-wing student organisation based in Illinois has a mission to: “Identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.”

The organization headed by Kirk is popular for its regular controversial political stances.

In recent times, a Birmingham high school English teacher Jasmine Clisby shares a post on Facebook The post indicated that Pastor Hodges of Church of the Highlands continually “liked” posts shared by Kirk on social media.

Clisby who is a teacher of the English language at Carver High School said: “I do not attend church of the Highlands, I would be upset if it comes off as me judging him.”

She asserted that she found it noteworthy and objectionable that pastor Hodges followed Kirk on social media.

“One of the main things Kirk harps on is white privilege being a myth,” Clisby explained.

 “I found something troubling, I can’t see in Pastor Chris Hodges’ heart.”

In a meme posted by Kirk, Donald Trump featured in a photo standing with Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks. The photo had the caption: “The racist Donald Trump in the 1980s,” near the photo of Governor Ralph Northam, of Democratic Virginia in a photo of two men wearing a long black face with a KKK costume. This was in a 1984 year book for Eastern Virginia Medical School. The caption for the second picture read: “Progressive Leftist Ralph Northam in the 1980.”

Subsequently, Clisby shared a screenshot of this post showing Hodges as one of the users who “liked” the post on social media. 

In addition, she posted another screenshot depicting Hodges liking a post with regards to Barack Obama playing golf below a quote from Michelle Obama. The quote was imploring people to remain at home besides for essential activities.

In yet another screenshot, Hodges liked a photo of Kirk donating his blood. The photo was above the remark “We all must do our part to defeat China virus.”

Pastor Hodges who has been functional in the Evangelicals for Trump Coalison addressed the issue of racism in his online Sunday sermons. In the course of the sermon, he acknowledged the social media posts saying: 

” White supremacy or any supremacy other than Christ, is of the devil,” Hodges said. “Some have even brought our church or even me into question. They’re wondering, where do you really stand? I think some saw something on social media that questioned my character. And, I’ll own it, by the way, but that is not what I believe.”White supremacy or any supremacy other than Christ, is of the devil,” Hodges said. “Some have even brought our church or even me into question. They’re wondering, where do you really stand? I think some saw something on social media that questioned my character. And, I’ll own it, by the way, but that is not what I believe.”

Hodges went further to devote a larger part of his Sunday morning sermon and Saturday prayer service to discuss racism.

“It has been an incredibly tough season for our nation,” Hodges remarked on Sunday. “Not only the coronavirus, which has tensions at their highest, but of course the racial injustices we’re experiencing,” he said.

Clisby stated that she listened to the sermon preached by Hodges on Sunday. With regards to Chris Hodges’ reference to the social media post, Clisby said: “He admitted to it; he owns up to it. He says he doesn’t believe that,”

Clisby explained that she was analyzing a point about cultural sensitivity.

“With the racial unrest going on in our country, awareness is important in things that spark up tough conversations.

 “He more than likely is a great man. When we come from different backgrounds, it’s hard for those worlds to intertwine. We don’t talk about things that are hard to discuss.” she said

Nevertheless, on 2nd of June, Pastor Chris Hodges issued out an apology saying: 

“I want to talk to you from my heart.

The first thing that I want to do is apologize. I’m sorry. As a pastor and, more importantly, as a follower of Jesus, I work to consider every action carefully, weigh every word, and be respectful of every person and opinion, as Christ taught.

I realize that I have hurt people that I love deeply because I “liked” multiple insensitive social media posts. Each one was a mistake. I own it. I’m sorry. I’ve learned so much in the past few days about racial disparities in America. I wish I could sit down and have a conversation with everyone impacted or hurt by my actions.

I have realized I can’t thoughtlessly scroll through social media and click “like” on a post while not fully understanding all that post represents. After taking the time to review and reflect, I can tell you those social media posts that I “liked” do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings or beliefs. I now realize they were hurtful and divisive, and I sincerely apologize.

I own my mistakes and ask forgiveness from those I have offended. Please know that I have learned, and will continue to learn, so much from this.”

He went further to say he has realized it is his obligation to have more conversations and become better mindful of the hurt and pain and to understand all people in a better way.