Over 700 Female Christian leaders denounce Trump for lewd comments

More than 700 female Christian leaders signed a letter to condemn Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for the inappropriate remarks that he made towards women.

The candidate was heard bragging about groping and kissing women in a 2005 video that was leaked earlier this month. At least nine women have come out to accuse Trump of sexual assault since the clip was released. Trump downplayed the recording as "locker room talk" and denied the allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a statement issued last week, the women criticized the candidate for trying to make light of the lewd remarks.

"As Christian women, we are appalled by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's recorded remarks that disparage women and condone sexual assault," the letter began.

"Such language cannot be dismissed as 'locker room talk.' Mr. Trump must offer public contrition that fully acknowledges the seriousness and depravity of his actions," it added.

The women also called out other Christian leaders who continued to support the business magnate even after the release of the recordings.

"Christian leaders cannot condone such violent speech about women as a minor mistake or an innocent attempt to be 'macho,'" it continued. "These excuses teach our young people that such language is acceptable and do further harm to those who have been abused," the letter read.

Last week, Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson suggested that Trump was just "trying to look like he's macho" when he made the remarks. He went on to compliment Trump for recovering from the backlash against him at the second presidential debate.

The letter urged other religious leaders to preach against misogyny and sexual violence and teach the children to speak out against vulgar language.

Some of the signatories of the letter include Faith in Public Life CEO Rev. Jennifer Butler, Union Theological Seminary President Dr. Serene Jones, Wesleyan Church Ambassador Jo Anne Lyon, Chicago Theological Seminary President Alice Hunt and Auburn Seminary President Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson.