Clarification Regarding False Media Reports About Pastor Dave Brackenridge

Some reports stated that Dave Brackenridge described Humza Yousaf's election as First Minister of Scotland as a "scheme of Satan."

That is false.

Other published statements claimed that Dave Brackenridge believed Satan was literally behind democratic appointments in the United Kingdom because political leaders were not Christians.

That is also false.

Neither statement accurately represents what was said in the sermon.

What Dave Brackenridge Actually Said

The sermon was preached from Mark 13 and dealt with Jesus' teaching that His followers would face opposition and persecution and would have opportunities to stand before governors and authorities as witnesses for Christ.

While speaking about Christian influence in public life, Dave said:

"How do we get to the place where we've got a Sikh prime minister and a Muslim first minister, but a Christian can't get anywhere near the table in politics? How did we get there? Satan."

Dave immediately explained what he meant:

"Christians are hated. Christians are despised. How on earth did we become the group of folk that's not trusted when actually, like, all we actually do is love people? I don't understand it. It can only be a scheme of Satan, can't it?"

The subject of the "scheme of Satan" statement was therefore the perceived marginalisation, distrust and exclusion of Christians from public and political influence.

• It was not a statement that Satan appointed Humza Yousaf.
• It was not a statement that Satan caused Humza Yousaf to become First Minister.
• It was not a statement that Satan was responsible for democratic appointments of Muslim, Hindu or other non-Christian political leaders.

Those claims were not made in the sermon.

What Was Actually Said About Humza Yousaf

Dave Brackenridge did not describe Humza Yousaf's appointment as satanic.

Immediately following the disputed comments, Dave spoke about the responsibility Christians have towards political leaders and said:

"That's why we're called to pray for our leaders."

He then said:

"Rishi Sunak needs Jesus."

and:

"Humza Yousaf needs Jesus."

These statements reflect Dave's evangelical Christian belief that every person, irrespective of position, background or religion, needs Jesus Christ.

The sermon did not argue that Muslims, Hindus or people of other faiths should be prohibited from holding political office.

The Phrase "Godless Leader"

Some reports also stated that Dave Brackenridge called Humza Yousaf a "godless leader."

That quotation was not used about Humza Yousaf in the sermon.

Dave's actual statement was:

"We've got a godless parliament. We've got godless leadership in our nation, and it needs to change."

He then separately stated that Rishi Sunak and Humza Yousaf needed Jesus.

The sermon expressed a Christian theological criticism of the spiritual direction of national leadership. It did not contain the quoted statement that Humza Yousaf personally was "a godless leader."

Dave Brackenridge's Position

Dave Brackenridge believes Christians should pray for political leaders, respect legitimate authorities and seek opportunities to positively influence public life.

He also believes, in accordance with his evangelical Christian faith, that spiritual opposition exists and that Satan seeks to oppose the influence and proclamation of the Christian gospel.

That was the point being made in the sermon.

The claim that Dave Brackenridge said Satan appointed Humza Yousaf, caused his election, or was literally behind democratic appointments of non-Christian politicians is factually false.

Criticism of Dave's theological or political views is entirely legitimate.

Attributing statements or beliefs to him that he did not express is not.

This clarification is published so that the original words and their context are publicly available and the factual record is clear.