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What Does Trump Need to Say to Unite the Evangelical Vote?

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will face hundreds of conservative Christian leaders behind closed doors Tuesday, answering questions on key issues, including the Supreme Court, sanctity of life, and religious freedom.

The event, billed as a "conversation" with the candidate, will be led by former presidential candidate Ben Carson. 

"It is neither a confrontation, nor a coronation; it is a(n) open and honest conversation; it's an amicable conversation," Johnnie Moore, the national spokesperson for My Faith Votes, told CBN News. "Leaders all around the world that are very interested in knowing Donald Trump more, and Donald Trump, apparently, is very interested in knowing them more."

My Faith Votes and United in Purpose, both non-partisan organizations, coordinated the event. 

"These 900 people that will be here will represent many, many millions, and one of the things we wanted to do was democratize the question process," Moore said. "And so we solicited questions from 2 million people; we received over 50,000 questions."

"The goal is that coming out of this meaningful 'conversation,' the faith leaders and Mr. Trump will be more informed about each other and would know one another better, and that he would see their unity in seeking God's direction for the future of America," Carson, honorary chair of My Faith Votes, said.

Several pundits say Trump has a long way to go to fully win over the evangelical crowd.

"He would have to win my vote. He would have to earn my vote," Jerry Johnson, president of National Religious Broadcasters, told The Washington Post. "There's not one thing. It's a full spectrum."

Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church in Maryland, told The Washington Post he wants Trump to discuss three topics that he believes are significant to African-American Christians: inner city economic development plans, the reform of criminal justice, and education.

"I don't think that he has burned too many bridges. I don't think it's too late at all, but we know there are going to need to be some specifics put on the table," Jackson said.

Event organizers say those in attendance will not be making any group endorsements, statements, or resolutions.

"Most important to most of these leaders, most important to My Faith Votes, is that Jesus is honored at the event, and we are really, really going to appreciate the opportunity to pray for Donald Trump as part of this event," Moore told CBN News.

"One of two people is going to run this country; it's going to be Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, and we are praying for the future leader of America," he continued. "My Faith Votes would be more than happy to facilitate a similar conversation with Hillary Clinton if she'd be willing to do it."

Moore told CBN News that they reached out to Clinton, but the organization has yet to hear back from her campaign.

"Donald Trump deserves a lot of credit," Moore said. "When Ben Carson approached Donald Trump on behalf of My Faith Votes and United in Purpose and the other organizers of the event, Donald Trump responded immediately. He was more than willing to do it."

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About The Author

Mark
Martin

Mark Martin currently serves as a reporter and anchor at CBN News, reporting on all kinds of issues, from military matters to alternative fuels. Mark has reported internationally in the Middle East. He traveled to Bahrain and covered stories on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mark also anchors CBN News Midday on the CBN Newschannel and fills in on the anchor desk for CBN News' Newswatch and The 700 Club. Prior to CBN News, Mark worked at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There he served as a weekend morning producer, before being promoted to general