A group of 20 local pastors signed a letter to Gov. Tim Walz written by Marshall, Minn., Pastor John Tramm, who called on the governor to “repent” for actions he took during the 2023 legislative session.
“God has also declared judgment upon those ‘who call evil good and good evil’ (Isaiah 5:20). Three bills that you recently signed into law illustrate that this is exactly what is happening in our state currently,” the letter to Gov. Walz reads. “Repent, change your ways before it is too late!”
The letter begins by referencing Minnesota’s “trans refuge” bill, which “not only promotes the mutilation of bodies, including minor children and teens, [but] also subverts a fundamental right of parents to make decisions on behalf of their children according to their beliefs and conscience.”
The pastors also object to the governor’s support for a “conversion therapy” ban, which has been criticized as being an overly broad and ambiguous violation of First Amendment speech.
They conclude by condemning Walz’s position on abortion. “Governor, you have blood on your hands!” the letter says.
Pastor Tramm told Alpha News that he felt “compelled to do something” after reading an article about Minnesota’s trans refuge law.
“The article by Pastor Levi Secord was talking about the trans refuge act passed by the Minnesota Legislature and potentially how that act could allow the state to take possession of children from parents who don’t agree to gender-affirming care,” Tramm said.
He said his letter was “just pointing out the evil that has been done and how it’s in opposition to God’s word.” Tramm was encouraged to deliver the letter to Gov. Walz in person, which he did along with Pastor Eric Anderson.
“He was very cordial,” Tramm said. “I’m very grateful that he was willing to meet with us. Obviously, he didn’t agree with our position.”
He said he is praying for Gov. Walz’s repentance and that he will have a change of heart on these issues.
“I encourage other pastors and Christians to stand up and speak boldly. It’s my belief that if we don’t speak up, we can expect things to get worse, not better,” Tramm said. “The time has come for God’s people to speak the truth, in love, but based upon the authority of God’s word.”
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
