National Religious Broadcasters' spokesman, a pastor, supported COVID-19 vaccinations on MSNBC.
Daniel Darling stated on "Morning Joe” that he believes in the vaccine and doesn't want to see people die.
NRB fired him because he refused to admit that his comments violated the policy of remaining neutral regarding vaccines.
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NBC News reported that a pastor and spokesperson for National Religious Broadcasters was fired Friday after he advocated COVID-19 vaccinations.
Daniel Darling stated that he was driven by his evangelical faith and wanted to get vaccinated in an interview with MSNBC's "Morning Joe", August 18.
Darling explained to Joe Scarborough on MSNBC that the vaccine promotes the idea of loving "our neighbor", since people who have been vaccinated are less likely spread the virus.
"I believe in the vaccine because I don’t want anyone else to die from COVID. Darling explained to Scarborough that our family has lost too many dear friends and relatives to COVID. This included an uncle, who was a beloved member of the church and our piano teacher.
Darling published an August 1 column in USA Today entitled "Why as a Christian and an American, did I get the COVID vaccine?"
Religious News Services reported Darling's firing because he refused admit that his statement was wrong. NBC News reported that the NRB has an intern policy that requires members to remain neutral regarding vaccines.
Dan is a great communicator and friend. RNS spoke with Troy Miller, CEO, NRB.
Darling stated to NBC News that he was sorry to leave the NRB.
"I am grieved that the same issues that divide our nation are also dividing Christians. Darling stated in a statement to NBC News that his desire was to create bridges and bring Christians together for the common mission of loving Jesus Christ and loving our neighbor. However, Darling admitted that he is sometimes tempted to do the same thing as the rest of the world.
Insider did not receive a response from Darling and NRB to our request for comment at the time this article was published.
