Tim Tebow backs out of Church appearance amid 'new information'

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow cancelled an appearance with the First Baptist Church of Dallas amid "new information" that was brought to his attention. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow took to Twitter on Thusday morning to announce that he is cancelling a speaking engagement with the First Baptist Church of Dallas in light of "new information that has been brought to my attention."

It's unclear what the "new information" is that caused him to back out of the April 28 appearance. As the Dallas Morning News points out, the Church is led by Dr. Robert Jeffress who has been known for making controversial comments:

Jeffress has been outspoken against homosexuality, said Islam and Mormonism are “heresy from the pit of hell” and tied Catholicism to “a Babylonian mystery religion” that corrupted the early Christian church.

But Jeffress contends it is simply his job to preach what he believes the Bible says is the truth:

“I think as pastors we have a duty to preach ‘the whole counsel of God,’ and not just discuss those that are politically correct. It’s my role to speak clearly on the issues on which the Bible speaks clearly. It’s my role to preach what the Bible says, and that includes the controversial issues. [T]he reason for this firestorm is not because the word of God has changed. It’s because society has changed.”

A rep of the Church gave TMZ a little more color as to why they think Tebow cancelled on them:

"We are saddened that Mr. Tebow felt pressure to back out of his long-planned commitment from numerous New York and national sports and news media who grossly misrepresented past comments made by our pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress, specifically related to issues of homosexuality and AIDS, as well as Judaism."

https://twitter.com/TimTebow/status/304608457946959873

https://twitter.com/TimTebow/status/304608557205159936

https://twitter.com/TimTebow/status/304608682472255488