On Easter, one of the holiest days of the year for Christians, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility. Let me be clear. I do not have anything against people who identify as LGBTQ+. They should be treated equally without discrimination. However, Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this day should be kept sacred.
International Transgender Day of Visibility has occurred on March 31 since 2009. Biden is the first president to issue a formal proclamation recognizing this day. I suspect Biden’s progressive staff encouraged him to issue the proclamation in an effort to pander to the LGBTQ+ communities for votes. As a Christian, I am offended, disappointed and insulted by Biden’s lack of sensitivity toward Easter and willingness to genuflect at the altar of political expediency.
Easter is not about bunny rabbits, chocolate, decorated eggs or new clothes. It is a solemn day in the life of a Christian that shouldn’t be compromised. Commitment to Christianity has eroded over the past 50 years. In 1973, 87% of U.S. adults identified as Christian, the Gallup Poll reported recently. Today, that number has declined to 68%, with 22% of American adults saying they have no religious preference. In addition, Gallup reported a significant decline in the number of people attending church regularly.
Biden has a bully pulpit, and if he uses it to undercut Christianity, it could give citizens a license to move away from God. Any proclamation issued on Easter should be focused on strengthening the bond of our Judeo-Christian nation to God.
The White House response to criticism of Biden for issuing the proclamation on Easter is cloaked in politics: Republicans “are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric.” It is dishonest to suggest this is a Republican or Democrat issue. It is a matter of right and wrong. Jesus did not identify as either a Democrat or Republican; he met the needs of the people through his ministry.
President Abraham Lincoln, after receiving a Bible as a gift, wrote: “In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.” Lincoln realized the importance of God’s guiding principles. Our nation has lost its way, and we have turned our back on God.
Biden should be focused on addressing issues that are hurting families and our nation. Unfortunately, he seems to be content with being the divider in chief. For example, a caravan of approximately 2,000 migrants is headed to the U.S. border. Biden should work with foreign leaders to turn that caravan around. Our cities and states cannot absorb this population. We lack the resources to provide basic services for our own citizens.
Biden should work to make all neighborhoods safe and affordable. In Chicago, which will host the Democratic National Convention in August, gun violence, robberies, and carjackings remain issues of concern for too many residents. The cost of living is still a challenge for far too many Chicagoans. There are plenty of issues for Biden and other progressive leaders to focus on — undermining Christianity should not be one.
The following are suggestions to unify America:
• Biden and other elected leaders should not enact legislation to diminish any person’s religion.
• Biden should ask for forgiveness and apologize to Christians for enacting a proclamation that distracted from Easter Sunday.
• Biden and other elected leaders should consider leading with godly values.
As a Christian, I am taught to forgive and love my enemies. Biden did not have to issue a proclamation celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility or anything else on Easter Sunday.
Mark 8:36 in the Bible declares: “For what shall it profit a man if he gain the world and lose his own soul?”
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with making a mockery of Jesus Christ uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
Submit a letter to the editor, of no more than 400 words, by emailing letters@chicagotribune.com. To review our criteria, click here.
