Donald Trump had a word of encouragement on Monday when he addressed the inaugural meeting of The Danbury Institute, a new organization dedicated to protecting life and religious liberty through political involvement:
Trump: "Hello to everyone at The Danbury Institute and to all of the wonderful pastors and faith leaders, very respected people, gathered for the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. It's a big deal."
The Danbury Institute gathering took place in Indianapolis on the opening day of the annual Southern Baptist Convention.
Trump was likely preaching to the choir when he gave his virtual remarks to several hundred people packed into a dining area in downtown Indianapolis. If there were any "undecideds" in the crowd, he had this advice for them:
Trump: "And you just can't vote Democrat. They're against religion; they're against your religion, in particular. You cannot vote for Democrats – and you have to get out and vote."
Sharayah Colter is chief communications officer for The Danbury Institute. She said the former president's endorsement should bring some positive attention to the new venture.
"We were really grateful that President Trump gave his virtual remarks," Colter told AFN. "We are incredibly grateful for the president's role in nominating Supreme Court justices that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade."
Trump arguably has been through eight years of intense political and personal persecution since he first ran in 2016 – and some think he may run a more angry and vindictive administration if he gains a second term. But Colter says everything should be fine if he surrounds himself with the right advisors.
"In his first term, he did a remarkable job at listening to the advisors around him. The Danbury Institute would be praying that good solid leaders would come along by them again if he is elected," she added.
Other speakers yesterday at the Institute's "Life & Liberty Forum" included Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; former U.S. Ambassador and GOP Senator Sam Brownback; and representatives of faith-based groups such as Promise Keepers, Founders Ministries, and Family Research Council.
