Dallas church issues statement after reports it showed Cowboys game during service

A Dallas church had to issue a multi-paragraph news release after people online believed it showed Sunday’s Cowboys game during services.

A tweet with a video attached showed the game being projected in a sanctuary with people inside. But Friendship-West officials said Monday that a business outreach event was being held in the sanctuary, not a church service.

Sunday’s game vs the Ravens had an early 12 p.m. kickoff in Dallas.

“I decided that it would be a good and fun idea to show the Dallas Cowboys game after our second worship service so that attendees could enjoy the game, cheer for the Cowboys and support our businesses,” said Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Senior Pastor of Friendship-West. “I am admittedly a Dallas Cowboys fan, but first and foremost, a follower of Jesus Christ.”

Video shot inside the church went viral on Sunday and Monday, with some TV outlets reporting the church had shown the game in lieu of a regular service.

The Cowboys improved to 9-1, the best record in the NFL, with Sunday’s 27-17 win over Baltimore.