Tim Tebow Cancels Dallas Church Appearance Due to 'New Information'

In a surprising about-face, NFL star Tim Tebow decided Thursday to cancel his appearance to speak at the controversial First Baptist Church of Dallas.

Tebow, in a somewhat cryptic message, announced his decision to cancel his slated April 28 visit to the church  via his Twitter page.

"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention, I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!," he tweeted.

The church is known for its pastor, The Rev. Robert Jeffress, who, according to various accounts, has taken an ultra-strict adaptation of Christianity, including views that gay sex is sinful, Mormonism is a cult, Islam promotes violence and pedophilia and anyone who does not follow his views is destined to go to Hell.

Tebow is a well-documented Christian whose touchdown celebration involves a prayer to God--which helped boost his popularity while he led the Denver Broncos to the 2011 AFC West title and a playoff win before being traded to the Jets last season, where he scarcely played. Apparently, Tebow does not appear to adhere to Jeffress' views.

In a phone interview with ESPN Wednesday, Jeffress said that Tebow's visit wasn't supposed to touch on anything controversial.

"We had planned for him to speak very positively about the difference Jesus Christ had made in his life," Jeffress said.

However, as he told the New York Daily News, Jeffress made no apolgies regarding his past remarks.

"I think as pastors we have a duty to preach 'the whole counsel of God,' and not just discuss those that are politically correct," Jeffress said. "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.

Others praised Tebow for his decision not to speak at the church of the controversial pastor.

"I applaud Tim Tebow's decision to cancel his appearance," Hudson Taylor, the founder of the non-profit Athlete Ally, said in a statement. "Regardless of his reasoning, his absence serves as a reminder that the discrimination of gay and lesbian athletes and individuals has no place in sports or society. I hope Tim will take this opportunity to speak out for respect and acceptance of all people, regardless of a persons sexual orientation."

Brian Ellner, who led the Campaign for New York Marriage and who serves on the Athlete Ally Board of Directors, added: "Tim Tebow's decision underscores the major cultural change we are seeing in sports.  We are at a cultural tipping point with more and more athletes standing on the right side of history."