Listen to These Former Evangelical Republicans Explain Why They Left the GOP

At this time in 2019, Amy Sullivan, who works with the progressive Christian group “Vote Common Good,” asked her Twitter followers to describe why they used to be Republicans, if they were formerly in the GOP, particularly those who were also evangelical:

Many of you are evangelical or exvangelical former Republicans. (Note: that doesn't necessarily mean you've become Democrats.) If you're willing to share, what was the breaking point for you?

— sullivanamy (@sullivanamy) July 23, 2019

Sullivan posed the question again this week and the responses are still illuminating.

In the end, it was the blind support and almost worship of Trump. I can respect a difference of opinion on policy, not the mass defense of every single horrible thing he's said and done, proclaiming him as "God's candidate," the falling in line and demanding we all do the same.

— Emily (@theostoria) May 21, 2020

The Iraq war was when I first began to part ways. Watching the gross hatred of the Clintons & Obamas thru the years soured me, & the 2016 election sealed the deal. I will not be voting for a single Republican as long as DJT is their champion.

— DebraCooperART (@DebraCooperart) May 21, 2020

2) spiritual goals politically. However, behind closed doors, I heard how GOP leadership mocked believers. These people were amoral. They were not conservative for the reasons that I was. They knew that they had the Christian vote no matter what.

— John Kelsey (@KelsNav) May 21, 2020

The Republican platform that I valued for the longest was the pro-life stuff. When I learned what actually brings abortion rates down (contraceptive access, sex ed, strong social safety net) it was all over.

— Ana Sharp Williamson (@velocirational) May 20, 2020

The experiences may vary, but one theme was still prevalent: People were turned off by the clear disconnect between the values conservatives preached and their own actions behind closed doors. The hypocrisy of the Christian Right has never been more clear than it is under the Trump presidency.

That character flaw goes beyond religious or political persuasion, but if conservatives and evangelical Christians don’t listen, they can expect to shed even more longtime followers.

(Featured image via Shutterstock)