John Cooper Stands With Forrest Frank and Chris Tomlin After Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Remarks

John Cooper, lead singer of the multi-platinum Christian rock band Skillet, has spoken out in defense of worship leaders Forrest Frank and Chris Tomlin after both artists faced backlash for their public reflections involving Charlie Kirk.

Forrest Frank, who commands more than 6 million followers on Instagram, recently shared a message about how he saw "Jesus move" through the public forgiveness offered by Kirk's widow, Erika, toward her husband's assassin. The post came after Frank had already lost over 30,000 followers when he reacted positively to a video of Kirk acknowledging his influence on Gen Z. Despite the drop in followers, Frank's engagement has only continued to grow as he leans more boldly into proclaiming his faith.

Chris Tomlin also came under fire for his comments regarding Kirk, though his music has long been rooted in pointing people to hope and worship even amid controversy.

In response, Cooper defended both men for their willingness to speak with conviction, even in the face of criticism. "I stand with Forrest Frank and Chris Tomlin in the calling we all share as Christian artists: to use our voices-even when it draws criticism-to point others toward Christ," Cooper said. "Speaking faith, compassion, and truth in moments of grief is not a liability, but a responsibility. Our aim must always be to honor God, not to appease public opinion."

Cooper, whose own career has been marked by outspoken faith in both music and public discourse, emphasized the importance of artists standing firm in their convictions when the world is watching. "The backlash is temporary," he added, "but the testimony of faith can last forever."

 

 

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