Hi Pastor Bern.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain.

First, my open letter is to Christians in America. By having the Bible and the American flag together, I was reinforcing that Christians in America are my audience.

Second, the photo was picked because many Christians have wrapped Christianity in the American flag. And this influences how they conduct themselves in American politics. While I do love the United States, I don't consider this country in any way synonymous with the kingdom of God, nor do I see it as "God's chosen nation." But many others do. And they are often the ones who need the reminder of the letter I wrote.

Thank you!