It took quite a bit of cajoling, but Joy Behar, co-host of “The View,” finally made a brief public apology to Christians for slandering them as having a”mental illness” if they pray to Jesus.
Behar insulted millions and millions of Americans who believe strongly in their faith and their God whilst discussing claims that Vice President Mike Pence talks with Jesus.
“It’s one thing to talk to Jesus,” Behar quipped. “It’s another thing when Jesus talks to you. That’s called mental illness, if I’m not correct, hearing voices.”
The uproar lasted weeks, with Behar finally issuing a private apology to Pence but refusing to make a public statement to any other Christians she may have offended.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Pence said, “My Christian faith is the most important thing in my life … I felt it was important that I defend the faith of tens of millions of Americans against that kind of slander, and I did so.”
On #Hannity, @VP Mike Pence said he had to stand firm against Joy Behar’s disparaging remarks she made about him and his Christian faith to defend the faith of millions of Americans. https://t.co/1xO5Yxq1gU pic.twitter.com/TPtrIljx1H
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 13, 2018
He gave Behar credit for apologizing to him but expressed his desire that she apologize to all who pray to Jesus.
“I give Joy Behar a lot of credit,” Pence pronounced. “She picked up the phone. She called me. She was very sincere. And she apologized. One of the things my faith teaches me is grace. Forgive as you have been forgiven.”
However, he added, “I’m still encouraging her to use the forum of that program or some other public forum to apologize to tens of millions of Americans who were equally offended.”
Behar finally relented in responding to the Pence interview.
“So — Yeah. So, I think Vice President Pence is right,” she said. “I was raised to respect everyone’s religious faith. I fell short of that. I sincerely apologize for what I said.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UlLa9f3jXA
With the terse apology and the nearly full month it took to publicly say anything, many on social media expressed skepticism of Behar’s comments.
Others followed Pence’s lead and forgave her.
It was probably very hard for you to apologize & I as a woman of faith appreciate your apology🙏🏼
— Jenna P (@Gram247) March 13, 2018
I’m glad to hear that @JoyVBehar apologized publicly on @TheView this morning. She said, “I think Vice President Pence is right. I was raised to respect everyone’s religious faith & I fell short of that. I sincerely apologize for what I said.” https://t.co/OUYR1tZsjy
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 13, 2018
We’re not certain what kind of pressure she was under to issue the apology, but it’s a welcome sight regardless. Millions of Christians deserve better than to be described as ‘mentally ill’ because of their beliefs.
What did you think of Joy’s apology? Sincere or forced? Share your thoughts below!
