The president’s eldest son on Tuesday weighed in after the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) board of commissioners the previous day voted to stop receiving assistance from the Church of the Highlands, Alabama’s largest church.
The Church of the Highlands has reportedly since 2017 had a memorandum of understanding with HABD for resident outreach programs and social services.
The church has provided these outreach programs and social services free of charge. The offerings “included mentoring, community support groups and faith and social service activities that promote volunteerism,” according to Alabama Media Group. These services were provided at nine of the authority’s public housing communities. Monday’s vote also terminated HABD’s relationship with the Dream Center and Christ Health Center, both ran by the church.
While the nation has recently seen prominent individuals “canceled” online for controversial things they themselves said, Church of the Highlands Pastor Chris Hodges has received backlash for simply following and liking social media posts by Turning Point USA founder and prominent conservative media figure Charlie Kirk.
Hodges apologized to his congregation over the matter and in his May 31 sermon emphasized his staunch support for racial justice in America.
Yet, the HABD commissioners reportedly cited Hodges’ social media activity in ending their relationship with the church on Monday.
In a tweet, Donald Trump, Jr., lamented, “They’re canceling the pastor of the largest (and most racially diverse) church in Alabama just because he liked some of [Charlie Kirk]’s posts. Absolutely insane.”
Kirk also chimed in.
The Birmingham Housing Authority is cutting ties with Alabama’s largest church—why?
Because the pastor ‘liked’ some of my posts.
This is liberal logic at work: harm minorities to end “racism”
Cancel culture is a cancer, now poor people will suffer.
NEVER GIVE THE MOB A INCH!
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 9, 2020
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.