Skillet frontman John Cooper is calling on the Christian music industry to take a firm stand in the wake of sexual assault allegations against Michael Tait, urging believers not to hide behind platitudes of grace while ignoring justice for victims.

On a recent episode of his “Cooper Stuff” podcast, Cooper described the scandal as a “shame and a tragedy for the Church,” emphasizing that the Christian community must issue a “full-throated condemnation” of Tait’s actions.

“I feel a burden from the Lord,” Cooper shared. “The Lord would not let me rest. I was so conflicted. I don’t want to do this, but the Lord would not leave me alone about it.”

Tait, the former frontman of DC Talk and Newsboys, admitted to living a “double life” and confessed to “unwanted sensual” contact with men, as well as years of drug and alcohol abuse. Multiple men have accused him of sexual assault, alleging they were touched without consent while intoxicated or drugged.

While many in the Christian community have responded with calls for grace, Cooper argued that this is not where the conversation should begin.

“We need a full-throated condemnation of these acts, not a condemnation of people,” Cooper clarified. “We’re not condemning people. We’re condemning the actions of people. Full-throatedly, unapologetically, we do not shrink back.”

Cooper stressed that the Church’s witness to the world is at stake, noting that survivors of Tait’s alleged abuse must be prioritized over institutional protection or public relations concerns.

“My focus is those who have been victimized, allegedly abused, and sexually assaulted by Michael Tait,” Cooper said. “We cannot turn a blind eye to this level of alleged injustice.”

Cooper, who also serves on the board of Ascent Church in Nashville, challenged the tendency within Christian circles to downplay abuse under the banner of unity and forgiveness.

“Yes, we’re all sinners,” he said. “There’s a time for that, but there are categories on the front of this that we cannot skip.”

He acknowledged Tait’s public confession, saying, “I appreciate that Michael gave the confession with all my heart,” but added that the confession came only after the allegations became public. He asked listeners to consider the damage that could have been prevented if Tait had confessed earlier.

“It makes it feel like our Gospel is not real,” Cooper reflected, noting that such hypocrisy within Christian leadership can cause believers and non-believers alike to question the faith.

While emphasizing the Christian faith’s call to forgiveness, Cooper made it clear that grace should not eclipse accountability.

“This stuff is so egregious, and it shames the Gospel to such a huge level,” he said. “The Gospel also demands that you stand up for justice.”

Cooper called on fellow Christian artists and leaders to confront systemic issues within the Christian music industry that allow abuse to continue unchallenged.

“Am I capable of doing absolutely outlandish, wretched things if I do not continue day by day to walk in the fear of the Lord? Yeah, you bet,” he said. “Are you capable? Yeah, you bet we are. We are a people of radical grace, not cheap grace.”

He concluded with a clear call to believers everywhere: “Stay salty, stay bold, walk in the light, even if it costs you everything.”