Members of an armed militia initiated a standoff with authorities in Burns, Oregon Monday, protesting the recent incarceration of two ranchers convicted of arson.
Having occupied a wildlife refuge near Burns, the leader of the dozen or so gun-toting protestors, Ammon Bundy, has alluded to his faith as justification for his actions. Bundy, who is Mormon, said God had told him to take a stand for the ranchers in a video posted Friday.
On his radio program Tuesday, Glenn shared why he believes Bundy and his clan are in the wrong.
"They are claiming that their faith and their scriptures are telling them that armed insurrection is the answer," Glenn said. "And I believe they are gravely misguided."
Glenn shared a statement from the Mormon church condemning the actions of Bundy and his clan.
While the disagreement occurring in Oregon about the use of federal lands is not a Church matter, Church leaders strongly condemn the armed seizure of the facility and are deeply troubled by the reports that those who have seized the facility suggest that they are doing so based on scriptural principles. This armed occupation can in no way be justified on a scriptural basis. We are privileged to live in a nation where conflicts with government or private groups can — and should — be settled using peaceful means, according to the laws of the land.
He went on to speak directly to any Mormons involved in the standoff, challenging them to listen to the statement from church leaders and pack their bags.
"The last thing we need to be is a church of armed revolutionaries," Glenn said. "Because that's not who we are."