On Turkey Playing Politics With Andrew Brunson

The politicization of the Christian faith in the U.S. has nothing on what is happening in Turkey:

In September, Mr. Erdogan held out the possibility of releasing an American pastor, Andrew Brunson, who was detained almost a year ago in the wake of the coup attempt, if the U.S. extradites Mr. Gulen.

Mr. Brunson has been charged with terrorism-related activity and espionage, and Turkish authorities said he has links to Mr. Gulen’s network. The U.S. said it believes that Mr. Brunson was wrongfully imprisoned. He has denied the charges, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency and his lawyers.

Mr. Erdogan and President Donald Trump have discussed the issue of Mr. Brunson’s detention, and senior U.S. administration officials have taken an interest in the case. But President Trump’s administration has cast doubt on Mr. Erdogan’s offer of a swap and said the U.S. was continuing to evaluate Turkey’s request to extradite Mr. Gulen.

Erdogan’s government is still holding a minister hostage as a political tool. This Saturday marks the one year anniversary of Andrew Brunson’s unjust imprisonment, and the EPC is calling upon all of its congregations to fast and pray for Andrew’s release. Christianity may be in the midst of being co-opted by political opportunists in America, but that is far better than the evil of imprisoning Christians to score political points and gain international leverage.

Jesus is Lord, and Erdogan is not. Come quickly Lord.