Kirk Franklin is part of the community who is torn on how to handle R. Kelly’s 30-year sentence with his catalog of hits and has now begun to offer his thoughts.

TMZ caught up with the gospel singer-songwriter when spotted in New York City, and Franklin, who recently performed his social justice reform-themed album, Kingdom Book One, with Maverick City Music, had some interesting comments to share.

“It can be difficult to separate an artist from the art,” the Grammy-winner told TMZ. He would go on to loosely quote Luke 12:48, telling the  publication, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

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As reported earlier this week, the convicted singer-songwriter is currently off suicide watch and is scheduled to stand trial in Illinois in August on federal child pornography and obstruction charges.

If found guilty, he will then be transferred to the custody of the Northern District of Illinois.