Tebow Cancels Church Appearance After Media Firestorm

Photo Credit: Jeffrey BeallTim Tebow announced on Twitter that he will no longer appear at First Baptist Church of Dallas after it caused a national uproar among journalists and gay marriage supporters. The announcement blindsided church officials and led some Christian leaders to wonder if Tebow was appeasing those who don’t support the biblical definition of marriage.

“While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ’s unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance,” Tebow wrote in a series of tweets Thursday morning. “I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!”

Tebow did not elaborate on what that “new information” might have been. But sources close to First Baptist Church tell Fox News the NFL quarterback cancelled his appearance in part over the uproar surrounding the church’s position on traditional marriage.

Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Church, has been an outspoken leader in the nation’s culture wars – affirming from the pulpit traditional marriage and salvation through Jesus Christ.

The national media labeled Jeffress as anti-gay and anti-Semitic – charges that were vehemently denied by the pastor, the church and many national religious leaders. Tebow’s decision has been met with praise among the nation’s gay and lesbian community.

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