U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black is responding to questions and critiques after he offered a prayer this week for those mourning the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
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“Lord, we pray for the Iranian people who mourn the death of their president,” Black said during an invocation on the Senate floor Monday.
Raisi, the 63-year-old Iranian leader known for extensive human rights abuses, died Sunday in a helicopter crash along with others.
Critics immediately responded to Black’s invocation with frustration and outrage, with some arguing Raisi “shouldn’t be mourned or prayed for.”
Black told CBN News Thursday he wrestled with the decision but felt compelled by compassion to seek God on behalf of those mourning. The chaplain appealed to Jesus’ own words on the cross to justify his controversial move.
The Senate Chaplain just offered a prayer for the Butcher of Tehran: “Lord, we pray for the Iranian people who mourn the death of their president.” pic.twitter.com/FDjzJKFXCJ
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 20, 2024
“That same Christ, when crucified, the first words from His lips were words that said, ‘Forgive them. They know not what they do,’” Black said. “He was praying for His
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