A recent protest at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, has ignited fierce debate after civil rights attorney Levy Armstrong confronted the congregation during a Sunday service. Armstrong criticized pastor David Easterwood—who also serves as director of the St. Paul ICE Field Office—for overseeing immigration enforcement actions she calls violent and inhumane. The presence of a high-ranking ICE official in church leadership, she argued, contradicts Christian teachings. The protest came amid outrage over the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents and other alleged harms linked to ICE in Minnesota communities.
Conservatives Decry Protest as Religious Persecution
Conservative leaders responded swiftly to the protest, framing it as an attack on religious freedom. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, labeled it a “desecration of Christian worship” and urged federal action. Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin described the protesters’ actions as “shameful” and praised lead pastor Jonathan Parnell as a steadfast leader. However, critics argue these defenses ignore deeper issues within Cities Church and its leadership’s alignment with far-right ideologies.
Allegations of Sexism and Racism Within Church Leadership
Critics have highlighted longstanding issues within the church’s leadership. Cities Church pastors, including Parnell and former leaders Joe Rigney and Andy Naselli, are closely tied to John Piper’s Desiring God network. Their teachings promote strict gender roles, encouraging male authority and female submission. Former member Rachel Curtiss shared how this ideology led to spiritual abuse during her marriage crisis. Despite her husband’s damaging behavior, she was pressured to stay and submit. Eventually, church leaders excommunicated her when she sought support elsewhere.
Building a Political and Theological Hierarchy
Naselli, Rigney, and their allies advocate for a religious-political movement rooted in white male leadership and MAGA conservatism. They downplay the suffering of marginalized communities while elevating figures like the ICE officer who killed Renee Good. Their vision for “building a civilization” includes supporting immigration crackdowns and marginalizing progressive voices. Critics argue that this vision fuels systemic injustice under the guise of religion.
Calls for Accountability Amid Growing Backlash
As scrutiny intensifies, Armstrong’s challenge to Cities Church has amplified calls for accountability. Detractors view the pastors as power-driven and spiritually abusive, especially toward women and people of color. Supporters, however, continue to defend them as bold leaders under siege. The clash reflects deeper divisions over race, gender, and authority in American evangelicalism.
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Let’s talk about how Cities Church treats women
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