As President Trump stood beside former presidents Obama, Clinton, Carter and their wives Wednesday during George H.W. Bush’s funeral, all but he and first lady Melania were seen reciting The Apostles’ Creed.
Trump is now receiving criticism for failing to recite one of Christianity’s most core statements, as video shows the front row of presidents and first ladies saying the creed in unison while glancing at their programs where the prayer was printed.
Trump, however, remained stoned-face with his program in hand and arms crossed, refusing to look down once for assistance as Melania stood at his side – both silent.
Social media users were quick to point out the scene at the Washington National Cathedral, critical of Trump as he ran on the base of being devout evangelical Christian, appealing to many conservatives.
Donald and Melania Trump failed to recite The Apostles’ Creed during George H.W. Bush’s funeral Wednesday, while former presidents Obama, Clinton and Carter did so alongside the first ladies
Social Media users pointed out the scene, with some calling Trump a hypocrite for portraying himself as a devout evangelical Christian
The Apostles’ Creed contains a brief summary of Christian teachings and the life of Jesus, with a note of hope for ‘forgiveness of sins, the resurrections of the body, and the life everlasting’.
It outlines the core Christian beliefs with worshipers repeating ‘I believe’ in God, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The funeral program had the creed printed in full, with a note: ‘Said by all in unison’.
The Trumps’ decision to opt out of the reciting the creed and singing religious hymns has left many questioning the president’s beliefs, or if he knows the creed at all.
Trump has identified as Presbyterian in recent years and claims to have attended a church of the same denomination growing up.
The Apostles’ Creed is said by Presbyterians, shutting down some claims that it is outside of his beliefs.
‘This is your ”Christian” evangelical president,’ one wrote in a sarcastic tone.
The president’s daughter Ivanka Trump even recited the creed, despite having converted to Judaism.
‘Striking that all the former Presidents and First Ladies recited the Apostles Creed, but Trump and Melania stood silently and did not,’ another Twitter user wrote. ‘The creeds are at the heart of historic orthodox Christianity.’
Another pointed out that Barack Obama, who has been said to be of Muslim-faith ( a movement started by Donald Trump) was even reciting the Christian creed.
‘Are you telling me the so-called ”Muslim” president knew all the words to the Apostles’ Creed, but the ”Christian Conservative” President, did not?’, another wrote on Twitter
Others seemed unsure of what to make of the scene, calling Trump’s behavior ‘curious’, ‘weird’, and ‘striking’.
Video and photos show the first couple standing silent alongside three former presidents and first ladies as they all recited the creed
Social Media users pointed out the scene, with some calling Trump a hypocrite for portraying himself as a devout evangelical Christian
One man pointed out that Trump started the ‘birther’ movement, labeling President Obama a Muslim
Another Twitter referred to Trump as the ‘evangelical hero’
Trump has said he is a Presbyterian and grew up going to a Presbyterian church
One woman noted that the Apostles’ Creed is recited throughout all Christian denominations
The version of the creed used at the service was that of the Episcopal Church. The Bush family are members of the Episcopal Church.
Seated in order of presidential precedence at the funeral, Trump sat in the first seat in the first row with the first lady beside him.
Next to her was former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and then Bill Clinton with Hillary Clinton beside him and Jimmy Carter with wife Rosalynn.
The Trumps slipped out of cathedral after the casket carrying the remains of the late Bush was carried up the aisle of the grand church.
The 41st president’s casket arrived at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Texas Wednesday night where he will lie in repose overnight.
The Apostles’ Creed is considered Christianity’s most core statemtn, at the heart of the Christian doctrine
The Apostles’ Creed contains a brief summary of Christian teachings and the life of Jesus, with worshipers repeatedly saying ‘I believe’