A host of Christian music artists and pastors are supporting Kirk Franklin as he boycotts the Dove Awards.
Franklin said Monday that he will no longer be participating in the Dove Awards because they edited out his comments on racial injustice during his acceptance speeches two years in a row.
“I made my disappointment and frustration known to the Dove Awards committee and to the Trinity Broadcasting Network,” he said in videos he posted on Twitter. “I never heard from TBN, and the Dove Awards committee promised to rectify the mistake so that it wouldn’t happen again.
“… I have made the decision after prayer, consultation with my team and my pastor, Dr. Tony Evans, to not attend any events affiliated with or for the Dove Awards, Gospel Music Association or TBN until tangible plans are put in place to protect and champion diversity, especially where people of color have contributed their gifts, talents and finances to help build the viability of these institutions.”
Now, other prominent Christians are joining Franklin in his boycott.
“I only came cause you came. You know I’m out,” Lecrae said in a response to Franklin’s post.
Pastor John Gray said: “You’ve been my brother since I was 22. I know exactly what you feel. I not only support you-I agree. The selective editing of your content-especially right now-cannot be overlooked. Change MUST HAPPEN NOW. I stand with you.”
Natalie Grant wrote: “Love and respect you so much. Thank you for using your platform to speak truth in love, and always with a spirit of humility. You’re consistently calling us towards unity.”
Jeremy Camp also joined in: “Love this and your humility Kirk. Appreciate you! I’m with you!”
“Brother,” Jamie Grace said. “This breaks my heart and hits home more than you know. Your music blessed my childhood, your humility blessed me as an artist upon meeting you, and your words continue to bless me. This may not have been an easy video to make but it is much needed. Praying for you and your family and team today.”
Other renowned worship leaders praised Franklin’s gracious stance, including Tauren Wells, who said: “Love and respect your stance, respect, and character evidenced again by this. Reconciliation is possible.”
John Mark McMillan, who wrote “How He Loves,” said: “I’m so sorry this happened. It’s not OK. It’s not OK. And, Mr. Franklin, I’m blown away by your grace and humility with which you’ve handled these issues. It speaks volumes.”
GMA released a response to Franklin’s complaint, explaining that they had to “significantly edit the Dove telecast to two hours” and that “many were disappointed because there were so many memorable moments and noteworthy portions of acceptance speeches absent.”
GMA President Jackie Patillo apologized “for the missteps that happened relating to the editing of Kirk Franklin’s Dove Awards acceptance speech. … We accept the responsibility of our error. Although completely unintentional, we understand it caused great harm and deeply wounded many in the African American and Gospel community.”
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