Best-selling Christian author and speaker Josh McDowell has announced he is stepping back from ministry after earlier apologising for comments in which he denounced the idea of systemic racism at a national gathering of Christian counsellors, saying Black Americans and other minorities were not raised to value hard work or education.
McDowell, whose books include Evidence that Demands a Verdict, made the comments in a speech on Saturday at a meeting of the American Association of Christian Counselors. They were later verified by Religion News Service.
PREVIOUSLY: US Christian author Josh McDowell apologises for comments about Black, minority families
He later issued a statement on social media apologising for his remarks, saying they do not reflect his own beliefs.
On Thursday, McDowell announced he was stepping back from ministry.
“At a recent conference, I made comments about race, the black family and minorities that were wrong and hurt many people,” he said in a statement published on his Twitter account.
“It breaks my heart to know what deep pain I have caused. It has become clear to me, along with Cru Leadership, that I need to step back from my ministry and speaking engagements to enter a season of listening and addressing the growth areas that I have become aware of through this. During this time of meeting with others and learning, I hope to personally grow and better understand how I can help contribute to the reconciliation and unity that God desires for us all.”
McDowell’s ministry is affiliated with Cru, a national campus ministry founded by the late Bill Bright.
– With BOB SMIETANA, RNS
