Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) is shocked and saddened to have learnt of the horrific tragedy in Minnesota this weekend with regard to the heinous shootings that led to the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, and the attempted assassination of State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the broader Minnesota community during this traumatic period. 

Within a few hours of the tragedy on Saturday, it was brought to our attention that different online sources and reports have communicated that Mr. Vance Luther Boelter, the identified shooting suspect, attended CFNI as a student. Having promptly researched our student database, we are now able to confirm that Mr. Vance Luther Boelter was indeed enrolled as a student at CFNI from 1988 until 1990, when he graduated with a Diploma in Practical Theology in Leadership and Pastoral. We are absolutely aghast and horrified that a CFNI alumnus is the suspect. This is not who we are. This is not what we teach. This is not what we model. We have been training Christian servant leaders for 55 years and they have been agents of good, not evil.

CFNI unequivocally rejects, denounces, and condemns any and all forms of violence and extremism, be it politically, racially, religiously or otherwise motivated. Our organization’s mission is to educate and equip students to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassion, love, prayer, service, worship, and value for human life. These core Christian values and principles, which we highly esteem and embrace, are in stark contrast to the hateful beliefs, behavior and actions now being attributed to Mr. Boelter. 

Due to queries and different online sources misinterpreting and misrepresenting Christ For The Nations’ founder’s “every Christian should pray at least one violent prayer a day” slogan, we thought it important to clarify this issue. Known for a devoted life of prayer, Gordon Lindsay, who passed away in 1973, often shared this slogan privately and at public Christian gatherings. By “violent prayer” he meant that a Christian’s prayer-life should be intense, fervent, and passionate, not passive and lukewarm, considering that spiritual forces of darkness are focused on attacking life, identity in God, purpose, peace, love, joy, truth, health, and other good things.

As a Christian institution that deeply values prayer and worship unto God, Christ For The Nations Institute continues Gordon Lindsay’s slogan of encouraging our students to incorporate passion in their prayers as they contend for what God has for them and push back against evil spiritual forces in our world. Ephesians 6:12 is a central Bible verse, which explains our position, “For we do not fight against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Christ For The Nations does not believe in, defend or support violence against human beings in any form.

We therefore strongly disavow any attempt to align Mr. Boelter’s ungodly thoughts and actions with our biblical teachings. We do not wish for our good name, transformative programs, teachers, students, alumni, staff, and global Christian impact of 77 years to be intentionally or unintentionally contextualized, and consequently misinterpreted as a contributing factor to this kind of evil behavior. CFNI has had no contact with Mr. Boelter since his time as a student 35 years ago. We are completely unaware of what led to this kind of mental, emotional, social, and spiritual bankruptcy since he left CFNI. 

We extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the immediate families, friends, coworkers and acquaintances who have been affected by this tragedy. We continue to lift up Democratic State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette who were both wounded, and are undergoing medical care. This should have never happened! 

As a Christian institution, CFNI is committed to continue cultivating and promoting peace and love in the training of our students, including how they interact within their communities. In light of this tragedy, CFNI is ready to cooperate fully with authorities in any ongoing investigation. We wish for a speedy resolution under the law.

For further inquiries, please contact our Public Relations Office at publicrelations@cfni.org or (214) 302-6525. To learn about CFNI and our Judeo-Christian values and beliefs, please visit cfni.org 

Sincerely,

CFNI Public Relations Department