As an observer from beyond the United States' borders, I am deeply troubled by the concerning alliance between many Christians and Mr. Trump. I believe the unsettling turmoil unfolding in the USA has profound global consequences. No one, and certainly, no Christians, can escape being drawn into this vortex. I'm surprised by the numerous conversations I have with Christians who dismiss my concerns as unfounded and view me as part of the "radical left" due to the questions I have raised about Mr. Trump's words and deeds. Out of respect for them and as a spiritual exercise, I've spent time distilling my thoughts and feelings, seeking to identify the core of my dark disquiet. I offer these reflections, inviting you to consider this issue with the care and nuance it so desperately deserves.

1. Moral Hypocrisy in Political Allegiance: As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in consistency, upholding the same moral standards for all, regardless of political affiliation. Yet, many of my fellow Christians have been all too willing to overlook or excuse the deeply troubling behaviour of Donald Trump - his adultery, vulgar language, and boastful objectification of women. Meanwhile, they have been quick to condemn similar actions in others, such as Bill Clinton. This selective, politically-motivated application of morality inevitably undermines the credibility of Christian ethics. If we truly believe that character and integrity matter, then we must grapple with how our support for a leader whose actions so blatantly contradict the teachings of Jesus reflects upon our witness to the world.

2. Erosion of Christian Witness: In embracing an alliance with the ways of Donald Trump, some of us risk diminishing the transcendent, world-transforming essence of our faith to a mere political instrument. For the rhetoric and conduct of Mr Trump often stand in direct contradiction to the life-giving teachings of Jesus - his words and deeds marked by division, self-aggrandisement, and a disregard for the humble, self-giving love that Jesus modelled for us. And in tying the fortunes of the Gospel to such a figure as Mr Trump, I fear we have given the world the impression that our Christian witness is more about political expediency and allegiance than the radical, world-altering vision of the Kingdom of God. We must resist this temptation, and instead keep our eyes…..

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