Vice President Mike Pence challenges LU graduates to stand firm against religious intolerance

Calling 2019 a "great time to graduate," Vice President Mike Pence told graduates of Liberty University Saturday they would have no trouble finding work off campus, thanks to the economic policies of President Donald Trump.

"Jobs are coming back and America is back," Pence told a crowd of 40,000 at Williams Stadium. "You are entering a growing American economy."

In addition to finding a career in the world outside their university, Pence warned students they would also encounter hostility to their Christian faith.

"We live in a time when the freedom of religion is under assault," Pence said, telling his Evangelical audience that Christians suffer more persecution around the world than any other religion. He mentioned attacks on Jewish synagogues in the United States and the recent Mosque attack in New Zealand.

"No one should ever fear for their safety in a place of worship and these attacks on people of faith must stop," said Pence.

Aside from physical violence, the Vice President told LU graduates that Christians are being attacked by popular culture. As an example he cited his wife, who faced criticism for teaching art at a private school that bans gay students and parents.

"These attacks on Christian education are un-American," Pence said, challenging his audience to stand firm in their beliefs and resist those who might try to change their viewpoint.

"You're going to be asked not just to tolerate things that violate your faith, you're going to be asked to endorse them," Pence cautioned. "So you need to prepare your minds for action, men and women. You need to show that we can love God and love our neighbor at the same time through love and deeds."