Like many others in the church and the world, bishops of The United Methodist Church have expressed outrage at the most recent offensive comments of U.S. President Donald Trump. While voicing preference for immigrants from majority-white, European nations like Norway, he reportedly used profanity to disparage Haiti and African nations, along with their majority-black citizens who wish to emigrate to the United States.

"We will not stand by and allow our brothers and sisters to be maligned in such a crude manner," wrote Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President of the UMC Council of Bishops. "We call on all United Methodists, all people of faith, and the political leadership of the United States to speak up and speak against such demeaning and racist comments."

The timing of President Trump's egregious insult may be especially offensive, Ough suggests, to those Christians who recently celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and are about to celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--both of whom urged followers to love and welcome all people equally.

"Christ reminds us that it is by love that they will know that we are Christians," writes the council president. "Let's demonstrate that love for all of God's people by saying no to racism; no to discrimination and no to bigotry."

Read Bishop Bruce Ough's full statement.