Hollywood stars and evangelical leaders rarely manage to agree on much. They have, however, united behind Jussie Smollett after the “Empire” star was hospitalized on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. According to police reports, two unidentified attackers shouted homophobic and racial slurs at the actor, physically attacked him, put a rope around his neck and poured an “unknown chemical substance” on him. Evidence indicates it may have been bleach. Smollett managed to get himself to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago after the attack. He is supposedly in good condition, but his representatives have not yet responded to the news.

After the attack on Smollett, there was an outpouring of support from Hollywood stars, Christian celebrities and evangelical leaders. Smollett’s costar Taraji P. Henson said, “I wish what happened to [Smollett] was just one big bad joke, but it wasn’t…We all feel his pain right now.” Sherri Shepherd tweeted, “Shocked and horrified at the brutal beating of Jessie Smollett…We’ve never met Jussie, but I am praying for [him] and [his] family, and praying these evil men are brought to justice.”

Christian celebrities also added their voices to the deluge of social media posts hoping for Smollett’s recovery. Actress Candace Cemeron Bure wrote, “Jussie Smollett we love you and are praying for complete and total healing. This breaks my heart.” Worship leader Israel Houghton asked for people to pray for Smollett. “Prayers up for Jussie Smollett and his family,” Houghton wrote on Instagram. “Praying for Justice. Praying for America. Praying that love triumphs over hate and fear.” Reverend Samuel Rodriquez, President Trump’s evangelical adviser, also spoke out in support of Smollett and against his attackers. “Unacceptable! We are all created in God’s image. All vestiges of hatred must be confronted and as Christians, we must lead the way,” Rodriquez said. “Let us push back the darkness of hatred and intolerance…Silence is not an option. Join me and pray for Jussie Smollett and his family.”

In a time when some people see those that disagree with them on political issues as evil enemies, it is heartening to see such different groups of people coming together in support of a single cause. It is saddening that it took an unprovoked attack on an innocent man to achieve that unity, but at least there is a silver lining in this tragedy. One can only hope that the clouds clear entirely with Smollett recovering and his attackers being brought to justice.