The "crude, insensitive, and paternalistic" comments made by Franklin Graham, chief executive of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, about police shootings, have been condemned by Evangelical leaders.
On 12 March, Mr Graham, who is Billy Graham's son, wrote on Facebook: "Listen up - Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and everybody else. Most police shootings can be avoided. It comes down to respect for authority and obedience. If a police officer tells you to stop, you stop. . . It's as simple as that. Even if you think the police officer is wrong - YOU OBEY. Parents, teach your children to respect and obey those in authority"
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An open letter to Mr Graham, signed by more than 30 Evangelical theologians, church leaders, and writers said that his comments had "betrayed the confidence that your brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those of color, have afforded your father's ministry for decades. Your instructions oversimplified a complex and critical problem facing the nation and minimized the testimonies and wisdom of people of color and experts of every hue."
The letter accuses him of a "lack of empathy and understanding of the depth of sin that some in the body have suffered under the weight of our broken justice system". It also says that he has "misappropriated" scripture, and calls on him to "seek wise counsel and guidance first from those who bear the weight of the injustice and second from other experts in the field".
Signatories include the President of Sojourners, Jim Wallis, and the co-chair of the National African American Clergy Network, Dr Barbara Williams-Skinner.